West November 28 2015

28.11.15

Glitz spirit Your essential guide to seasonal sparkle

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Feel-good festive solutions

PLUS: + ‘MY CHRISTMAS

WISH? TO LIVE’ + HOMEMADE

DECORATIONS INSIDE:

WIN: + £50 SHOPPING VOUCHER

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+ SIMON

REEVE ON DARTMOOR

24/11/2015 14:37:21

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‘And of course, my dearest wish is to see my sister well again’ Why Jemima Rowe is asking for a very special Christmas present, p 12

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SECRET PLACES A shopper’s paradise in north Cornwall

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THE ULTIMATE GIFT Could you save a life this Christmas?

[contents[ Inside this week...

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THE WISHLIST This week’s pick of lovely things to buy

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TIME TO GIVE THANKS Gillian Molesworth on family traditions

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ON LOCATION IN DEVON Why Claire Goose’s phone won’t work

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ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS Could you offer the gift of life?

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DECK THE HALLS

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PUTTING ON THE GLITZ How to sparkle at Christmas parties

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WHY WEST IS BEST Reasons to be cheerful this week

Create your own gorgeous decorations

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A CORNISH CONVERSION Mine buildings get a new lease of life

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ANNE SWITHINBANK

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GREAT GET-AWAYS Where to go, what to do

Our garden guru’s advice for your plot

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PUTTING ON THE GLITZ Sparkle your way into the festive season

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YOUR WEEK AHEAD Cassandra Nye looks into the stars

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BOOST YOUR WELLBEING Great ways to feel your best this week

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INGREDIENT OF THE WEEK Tim Maddams on smart ways with ginger

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THE BEER GURU The latest Westcountry ale news

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HISTORY IN THE MAKING Phil Goodwin on the joys of school tests

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HOW TO WEAR IT

Cosy cover-ups for winter

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reasons to love singer Ben Howard

FASHION: + PICK THE SIREN HUE FOR YOU

+ DESIGNER KNIT + STYLISH SPIRITS

Festive decorations and how to make them

[ welcome [

21.11.15

WIN:

RING A ROSES

Feeling festive? We’re definitely getting there...

Believe in maobegic as

t does seem that Christmas gets earlier and earlier each year, and here at West we have steadfastly held off going all tinsel-crazy too soon. But the festive season is definitely upon us and, you know what?

We’re ready for it now.

You’ll find some simply gorgeous decorations that you can make yourself at home on page 12 today, with minimal outlay and lots of creative satisfaction, thanks to the talented floristry students at Bicton College in east Devon. They have dreamed up some beautiful wreaths and garlands that - they promise absolutely anyone can have a go at. Do send us

wardr A peek through the ton Narnia comes to Killer

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Tweet

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of the week Claire Bolitho @cabolitho @WMNWest everyone thrilled with the coverage you gave @NTKillerton this weekend, thank you so much

pictures of your versions, we’d love to see them.

On a more serious note, sisters Naomi Tregoning and Jemima Rowe in Redruth are longing for just one, very special, Christmas gift this year. Could you be the person to donate Naomi a desperatelyneeded kidney and give, quite literally, the gift of life? See page 16 for her deeply-moving story.

Finally, if, like me, you have a few orchids on your kitchen windowsill and are confidently expecting to acquire even more over the Christmas season, do read Anne Swithinbank’s expert advice on keeping them in full bloom, year-round, on page 26 today.

They are longing for just one, very special, Christmas gift

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

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Becky Sheaves, Editor

COVER IMAGE: M&Co

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 buy one thing this week...

Go for some festive cheer for your little one with these cosy reversible Leo dungarees made from organic cotton by Frugi in Cornwall. They are currently on sale at £20.40 from £24 at www.naturalbabyshower.co.uk, which specialises in gorgeous ethical and eco-friendly baby clothes and other products.

Win

We have a £50 voucher to spend on anything you like at naturalbabyshower.co.uk. For your chance to win email your name, address and phone number, to Natural Baby Shower, westmag@westernmorningnews.co.uk, by December 21. Normal terms apply. West magazine will not share your details.

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Bounce Kangaroo cushion £12.95 www. dotcomgiftshop.com

Waterford Rebel pink martini glass £30 www.amara.com

This spaniel clock has a tail which wags on the second £44.99 www.annabeljames. co.uk

the

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

Chaos Jewellery baroque bangle, silver with a gold detail £235 www.

STREET STYLE STAR

annabeljames.co.uk

Madeleine Everington

Madeleine says: “My style inspiration is Audrey Hepburn, I love the classics. Right now I really love the long winter coat look and I love clothes from Hush.”

Top: bought in Madrid £80 Shoes: bought in Madrid £80 Scarf: “This is from Madrid too… I just had a gap year there.”

INTERVIEW: HANNAH MATTOCKS

Madeleine Everington, 21, is a student at Exeter University and comes from Colchester. Her denim dungaree dress is casual but cute and makes great daywear.

TICK Karlsson book clock, £25 www.redcandy. co.uk

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Wishlist

GLAMOUR Versailles gold-look console table £765-£930 www. frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk

Store we adore SLVR Box, Truro

A new independent jewellers devoted to designs made from silver, SLVR Box is run by husband and wife Marc and Rachel Rebeiro. The couple buy jewellery direct from small businesses all over the world, including Bali, Thailand, India and Mexico. They aim to stock something for everyone, with classic designs as well as more unusual pieces.

SLVR Box, 23 New Bridge Street, Truro 01872 857280 www.slvrbox.co.uk

WRAP Asymmetric wrap skirt £50 Marks & Spencer

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talking points Gillian Molesworth

Story of my life...

Time for a little Thanksgiving t’s Thanksgiving weekend: happy Thanksgiving! We are celebrating with a big feast for 15 people. It seems a bit weird to be celebrating Thanksgiving on a Sunday: really it should be a Thursday. It throws your timing off a bit.

Here is a Thanksgiving week schedule for the majority of turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, America. If you’re able to, you cranberry sauce, peas, pumpkin take Wednesday off: some compie and mince pie. This year in panies give you a half day. Then Cornwall it’s looking a bit more ensues travel mayhem akin only gourmet: turkey, Nigella bacon to Christmas week. Airports and gingerbread stuffing, mashed are jam-packed with people of potato, sweet potato, green beans, all ages flying to visit relatives: and a hot relish with apple, with 50 states in four time zones, ginger and pineapple. Pumpkin chances are you’re going to put in pie and apple pie. That’s what some mileage. happens when you get other If you’re not flying, you’re people to contribute instead of driving long one person trying to distances. I say do the lot. driving – usually Friday is about it’s inching along sports, either taking a crowded road part or watching We learned heaving deep them on TV. We’d to keep our sighs for hours go to an annual on end. “turkey trot” and a turkey in the Finally evepaddle tennis tourcar overnight, ryone arrives, nament. There’s lots so the raccoons for happy times of American footcelebrating ball going on, and wouldn’t get it togetherness. also a parade going We used to order through New York a turkey from City that you can a local farmer, watch on TV. Except and loved going to pick it up. The if you’re in your 20s, at which farmer’s wife baked cookies and point your cruel bosses make you made mulled apple juice. As our work – nightmare. On Saturday friends got their turkey from we would meet up with family the same place, there was lots of friends for chili con carne with standing around chatting before a cornbread crust, followed by you staggered to your car with charades. Sunday, it’s the reverse the mother lode of poultry. of the travel chaos you endured We learned to keep our turkey on Wednesday. in the car overnight as there was How nice it will be sitting down no place big enough to store it to our Cornish feast in our new inside – if you leave it outside it extension. After the shopping’s attracts raccoons. done, I won’t have to go anywhere Thursday is all about the food: at all…

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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

GOING FOR

the max...

Rachel Weisz has looked sensational at a host of red carpet events this autumn.

She’s been promoting her own film, Youth, co-starring Michael Caine and also supporting husband Daniel Craig at premieres of his new Bond movie, Spectre. We love the way she makes easy-to-wear boho look so special in this floor-length strapless dress by Lanvin.

Mint Velvet captures the look at just £69 on the high street, while East’s long-sleeved midi (£129) is a winning look for winter.

Maxi dress £69 Mint Velvet

steal her

style

OR MAKE IT YOUR OWN

OPTION B Beautiful Floral print £149 Monsoon

OPTION A Boho Print dress £129 East

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28.11.15

Just

DEVON ON FILM We’re gripped by Monday afternoon BBC drama The Coroner - not least because it’s set in Devon.

Claire Goose, who plays justiceseeking Jane Kennedy, said that her four-month stint filming in locations such as Totnes and Dartmouth was “pretty intense” for her family life.

“It’s the different timings,” explains the 40-year-old, who left husband Craig at home in London with their two young daughters. “We’d be on the beach all day with no signal. By the time I’d get home, my kids were in bed. I’d try and speak to them in the morning while I was sat in the make-up truck.”

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

!

[[ ‘Mum and Dad like films with me in them’

UP CLOSE!

PROUD PARENTS Rising British star John Boyega’s confessed that his parents are looking forward to the release of the latest Star Wars movie – but only because they’re his number one fans! John plays a stormtrooper in the muchanticipated film and is a massive fan of the franchise, but “my parents are not interested in Star Wars whatsoever,” he confesses. “They’re only interested in The Force Awakens. In terms of the rest, they’re like, ‘OK, cool, but you’re not in it.’”

Well, it’s one way to get to know your work colleagues: Playing baddie Kilgrave in new Marvel comics series Jessica Jones, David Tennant had to lick co-star Krysten Ritter’s face!

“You read it in the script and you go, Well, it’s got to be done, it’s there, it’s in black and white,” says the former Doctor Who star. “I think I’d only met Krysten once before I had to lick the side of her face, but she was very understanding. I did apologise!”

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To the rescue: Alex Williams spotted RNLI lifeguards at Bantham rescuing a bodyboarder

in pictures In memory: Plymouth held a vigil in memory of the victims of the Paris terrorist attacks

Dancer: wheelchair dancer Hannah Raynor performs with Plymouth company Far Flung Giant racers: Clydesdale heavy horses went racing at Exeter Racecourse for Devon Day

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talking points It’s West!

Waiting game

ONE OF US Famous faces with links to the Westcountry

This week:

Simon Reeve

Pregnancy in the animal kingdom

Around the world, we’d be called:

1 Ouest (France) 2 Westen (Germany) 3 Vest (Romania) 4 Siar (Ireland) 5 Orllewin (Wales) 6 Länsi (Finland) 7 Zapad (Bosnia)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Javan rhino 16-19 months Sperm whale 14-16 months Sea lion 11-12 months Walrus 15 months Elephant 22 months Gorilla 9 months Zebra 12 months Giraffe 15 months Frilled shark three and a

When he’s not travelling the world TV travel expert Simon, 42, lives on Dartmoor with his camerawoman wife Anya and their son Jake, four.

half years

10 Gerbil 26 days

8 Nyugatra (Hungary) 9 Rietumi (Latvia) 10 Kanluran (Philippines)

The happy list

Thanksgiving

Early days: The London-born son of a maths teacher, Simon started out as a post boy in a national newspaper office, before working his way up to becoming a reporter.

Ireland: He’s currently exploring Ireland on Sunday evenings on BBC2

that’s what we’re trying to give him.”

Devon: He has come to love the Westcountry, describing Devon as the finest county in the DID YOU KNOW? entire country. He says: “There are hundreds of Simon boasts things to do for the day he can ‘swear there, for kids and for adults able to feed off like a native’ their enjoyment.”

in Italian

10 things to make you smile this week Traditionally on the American menu for November 26:

1 Turkey 2 Cranberry sauce 3 Sweet potatoes

1 Proper cold gloves, the lot 2 Winter beaches for walks 3 #whatdidadelesboyfrienddo funny on Twitter 4 Christmas market Exeter Custom House Nov 28-29

4 Hominy

5 Fatstock show Truro,

5 Pumpkin pie

6 Lantern parade Liskeard’s

6 Green beans

festive lights, December 5

7 Buttermilk mashed potato 8 Squash soup 9 Hot rolls 10 Collard greens

Lemon Quay, December 2

7 Window displays festive 8 The Lakeland catalogue gifts galore 9 Nativity plays so cute 10 The Apprentice savagely moreish

Fame: Simon made his name in travel documentaries exploring the natural and human world. Souvenirs from his far-flung travels include a sword from the Dayak tribe in Borneo, which was previously used to behead people.

City: Simon’s a self-confessed city boy and said the family’s move to Devon was prompted by his wife Anya, who wanted their son to have a country childhood: “The big reason is to have a good start in life, and I think

Days out: One of his favourite local attractions for a family visit is the House of Marbles in Bovey Tracey.

Food: Simon’s sense of adventure extends to his palate: “When I’m on holiday, I do try to think, what is the craziest thing on this menu?” he says. “ It’s not usually eyeballs or penis soup, I grant you, but I still try the funny foreign food, whether I’m in Ireland or an island off Indonesia.”

Competition winners: Congratulations to… winners of the competitions in West magazine on October 10 • Celtic & Co sheepskin boots – Gilly Evans • Five Taste of the West cookbooks – Miss M Garland, Wadebridge; Myra Ellicott, Exford; Ursula Myers, Plymouth; Patricia Edwards, St Austell; and Angela Burrett, Bere Alston • Two pamper packages at Saks, Plymouth – Teresa Pipe, Tavistock; and Tressa LaphamGreen, Penzance

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Naomi, left, is supported by her sister Jemima, right

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Interview

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NAOMI TREGONING

The gift of life

All Naomi Tregoning wants for Christmas is a new kidney. Her sister selflessly donated one to her six years ago, but now Naomi urgently needs another. We hear their heart-breaking story...

By Sarah Pitt

here’s a bright fire in Naomi Tregoning’s sitting room in Redruth, Cornwall as she and her sister Jemima Rowe chat to me over a cup of tea. As the sisters recount the long ordeal they have been through together, their bravery shines through. There are smiles and even the odd laugh.

There’s a special bond between the sisters - who live just yards apart - that runs deeper than many siblings because of all they have been through together. Six years ago, Jemima, now 42, went through an operation to donate her younger sister a kidney. The transplant, at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth, was carried out because chronic kidney disease had left Naomi, now 36, with her kidneys close to failing.

The tragedy for the sisters is that, despite Jemima being a perfect match for her sister in both blood type and tissue type, the transplant ultimately failed. As a result, Naomi has for the past four years spent 12 hours a week hooked up to a dialysis machine at the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro.

The situation, says Naomi, has a big impact on her husband Andrew, a builder, and her two children Abe, 14, and Tegen, 13. “They have to live the life of a chronically ill person too,” she says. “For about two and a half years I was having really bad seizures, and the children had to deal with so many of them themselves.”

The dialysis sessions, in which the machine takes the place of Naomi’s kidneys in filtering waste products from her blood, are physically very draining. When we meet, Naomi looks visibly unwell. She talks slowly, and has very little energy. She can’t drive, because her seizures have been so violent she’d knock pictures off the walls and be found with blood pouring from her nose. On one occasion Abe had to rescue her from drowning in the

PHOTOGRAPHY: EMILY WHITFIELD-WICKS

T

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Interview

Jemima, left, and Naomi are ‘especially close’

bath. Another time, she blacked out at the wheel on the way to driving herself to hospital.

“The stress on the rest of the family is extreme, you are constantly on high alert,” adds Jemima.

“Her seizures are just so scary. At one point I bought Naomi a cricket helmet to walk around the house in, because we were just so scared she was going to have one and knock herself out.”

While the fits have eased over the past two years, Naomi is still debilitated by the three sessions of dialysis she endures each week, which leave her feeling weak and groggy.

“I can’t work, and I really mind that, I feel quite useless,” she says. “We can’t just go away on holiday as a family, because I have to be near a hospital to have dialysis.

I just wish I could live a normal life. I was really fit before I fell ill, I’d think nothing of a three-mile walk, I had enough energy to do anything I wanted. Now I can hardly walk down the road.”

For Naomi hopes of transforming her life are pinned on one thing – getting another kidney transplant. “It would be a whole new life, not just for me but for the whole family.”

It is, sadly, a slim hope, for there are 5,000 people across the country currently waiting for one too. And Naomi’s chances are further narrowed because doctors have ruled out her receiving a donation from a dead person, for reasons to do with the numbers of antibodies she produces.

And, while sister Jemima was a close match, their mother was ruled out earlier this year as not a close enough match.

With no further family to ask, this means Naomi’s only hope is another live kidney donation from a stranger with a big heart, as well as the necessary blood group and tissue match.

With the waiting getting her down – along with the slim odds of finding someone – she recently took matters into her own hands, and set up a Facebook page, ‘A kidney for Naomi’, asking donors to come forward.

‘And, of course, my dearest wish is to see my sister well again’ “I was having a really bleak day that day, I was planning to delete it the next morning,” says Naomi. She didn’t though, because her Facebook page came to the attention of the local media and attracted many messages of support. So far, 20 people have offered to be considered as kidney donors as a result of her appeal.

That said, finding a donor is easier said than done. As well as blood group and tissue type matching, there is the consideration of whether someone is mentally and physically strong enough to go through with a transplant. That they should also have the backing of their family is, Naomi and Jemima agree, crucial.

Jemima, though, says that the decision to give up a kidney for her sister was not one that she agonised over – and she has no regrets.

“You don’t even need to think about it when it is your sister, so it wasn’t a difficult decision for me,” she says. “Naomi was scared of the procedure, and I thought that if we did it together then it would be better. I wasn’t too nervous, I just wanted to help her.”

She says they are especially close because tragedy has struck this family before: their parents lost their two brothers when they were young – one to cot death and the other in a road accident. “It made them very protective of us, and us of each other,” says Jemima.

The body needs only one functioning kidney, which is why so-called ‘altruistic donation’ is possible. And Jemima, the energetic picture of health, five years after giving up a kidney for her sister, is proof that you can make such a brave move for somebody else.

“I was out of hospital in two days and walking my dog along a hilly route within five days,” she says. “I get an annual check up every year, too, so if anything else is wrong with me that would come up - I’m very well looked after.

“I want to encourage altruistic kidney donation – not just for Naomi but for others up and down the country who are in need of a kidney.

It could change their lives. And, of course, my dearest wish is to see my sister well again.”

See Facebook/akidneyfornaomi

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Bicton floristry student Lucy Cooper shows off her festive creation

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Christmas

[

BICTON COLLEGE FLORISTRY

Decking the halls

[

hristmas has come early to a classroom at Bicton College in east Devon, where a floristry class is in full swing. There’s a wonderful fragrant scent of pine in the air, and students Lucy Cooper and Megan Pearn are hard at work.

Ably advised by their lecturers Denise Cross and Lucy Somerville, the students get busy with florist’s wire, baubles and piles of greenery. And in what seems no time at all, they have created wreaths, garlands and a fabulous sparkly Christmas table centrepiece.

It might sound daunting to make your own Christmas flower arrangements, but Denise insists it is perfectly do-able. “You’ll find you really enjoy making the wreaths and there’s that real sense of achievement when you hang it on the front door,” says Denise.

“The great thing, too, about making your own decorations, is that you can make them individual and add your own personal touches.”

When it comes to making your wreath shape,

C

Denise says florist’s oasis is the best choice for beginners, because the shape is already created there for you.

Oasis is also better if you want to use fresh flowers like roses in your creation, because it retains moisture better than moss. It can be fun, though, says Denise, to try your hand at making your own traditional moss ring. “You shouldn’t gather the sphagnum moss from the wild, as it is against the law, but it is on sale in florist shops.”

The florist’s other essential tool turns out to be a drill, which Denise uses to make the holes in conkers and walnuts ready to weave into her greenery. “I’m never without my drill!” she laughs. Add in Christmas tree offcuts, handfuls of greenery from your garden and a few basic bits of equipment and you’re good to go. “And then you can say to your visitors: ‘I made that’,” says Denise.

For floristry courses see www.bicton.ac.uk.

There is a fun one-day Christmas workshop on December 12, £60

PHOTOGRAPHY: STEVE HAYWOOD

Fancy trying your hand at making a Christmas wreath or garland? The florists at Bicton College share crafty ideas with Sarah Pitt for giving your home that festive feeling

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Christmas

Opulent Wreath

Bicton floristry student Lucy Cooper used Grand Prix roses in this wreath to give a really glamorous feel.

You will need: Florist’s wire Oasis ring, soaked in water Blue spruce or other conifer branches Sprays of garden foliage (Lucy used red oak leaves, you could use holly with berries) Red roses A wide length of ribbon for a bow Birch twigs, sprayed with gold paint (you can buy these ready-made from garden centres) Walnuts, each with a hole drilled in the side, sprayed with gold paint, and impaled and glued onto wire Baubles of different sizes, in red and gold

How to: 1 Start by covering your ring with conifer branches, impaling them firmly into the oasis. Work pieces in on the outside, then the inside and then the top to create a rounded shape.

2 Weave in some other pieces of foliage to add texture At this stage, tie on a string loop at the top to hang up your wreath.

3 Tie on your decorative bow, which can be either at the top or the bottom.

4 Push the roses into the oasis at intervals.

5 Add gold-sprayed walnuts and other decorations, stepping back and having a look at intervals to make sure they are evenly distributed.

6 Hang your splendid wreath on the front door!

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Christmas

Natural Wreath This wreath is ideal for those who prefer to leave the bling to the Christmas tree.

It makes a feature of what colour is to be found in nature at this time of year. The first stage is to make your own moss ring.

You will need: Wire ring (from florists) Florist’s wire Sphagnum moss, soaked in water before use (enough to cover your ring tightly packed) Blue spruce or other conifer branches Greenery from your garden, some with berries and flowers. Our mixture included

viburnum; eucalyptus, hellebores, often called ‘Christmas roses’; and tillansia, also known as ‘Spanish moss’, to add a wavy texture.

Conkers mounted on wire, to decorate

How to: 1 Take a handful of moss and bind it onto the ring with florist’s wire. Repeat, until you have covered the whole ring, ensuring you have an even shape.

2 Start assembling your wreath, using florist’s wire or garden twine to bind in the conifer branches, alternated with leaves and berries in bunches.

3 Tie your string loop to the back of your wreath at the back.

4 Decorate with your conkers, pushing the wire firmly into the moss.

5 That’s it!

Alternative: Try a Nordic Wreath.

Using the same moss and evergreen base as the Natural Wreath, floristry student Megan Pearn created this tribute to a Scandinavian Christmas, decorated on a white and red theme with candy canes, bells and reindeer ornaments and finished with a big red bow.

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Christmas

Christmas garland This looks great on a mantelpiece or over a doorway.

You will need: Two large branches of blue spruce or other conifer branches Florist’s wire Red or gold ribbon Pine cones, with a twist of wire around

the bottom layer Several large baubles

How to: 1 Put your two conifer branches stems together and bind them with florist’s wire 2 Cover the join with your bow 3 Fix on your pine cones and the baubles 4 Now put up your garland, and pour yourself a drink to toast the season.

You’ve earned it!

Megan Pearn, floristry student, admires her Christmas garland

Christmas Table Decoration This decoration uses an oasis ring mounted on a base, to be filled with baubles or fruit as a table centrepiece.

Try gold baubles which go with the cream roses and candles. Or you could use crab apples, lemons or limes - whatever goes with your colour scheme.

You will need: Oasis ring with base, pre-soaked in water Branches of blue spruce or another conifer Foliage from the garden, leaves and berries. We used ivy berries, griselinia, eucalyptus, bouvardia (an evergreen shrub with white flowers), ivy with berries, and sprays of Viburnum with berries. If you have some, add holly with berries for some colour.

Six candles Six roses Walnuts sprayed with gold paint, mounted on wire

How to: 1 Cover your oasis ring in spruce and other greenery, in the same way as for the Opulent Wreath, above.

2 Impale a pair of candles at three even intervals in the oasis 3 Decorate with the roses and gold walnuts 4 Fill in your decoration with sparkly baubles.

5 Place in the centre of your festive table, and admire!

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Home is where the hearth is.

Green Credentials.

Gone are the days when a Range Cooker could be seen as inefficient.

The Esse EL 13Amp is one of the most innovative, eco-friendly cookers on the market with exceptional cooking capabilities. It simply requires two 13Amp plug sockets, so it couldn’t be easier to fit. With no flue or external vents to consider, it can be positioned virtually anywhere.

To see this and other inspiring Esse products, many of which are live and working, visit our showroom in Exeter, website, or call us to find out more.

Call 01392 797679 â—? www.hearthandcook.com

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24/11/2015 14:31:52

A Cornish conversion These buildings once hummed with the sounds of Cornish manufacturing but have now been transformed into swish apartments. Alexandra Pratt pays a visit had a largish bungalow with a big garden and I thought ‘I’m getting too old for this,’” says Audrey Loomes.

“Emptying gutters - do I really need this anymore?” So, four months ago, she decided to sell her home in Mawnan Smith near Falmouth and move into a new, two-bedroom apartment completed as part of Phase 1 in the redevelopment of the Grade II listed Perran Foundry.

Situated on five acres beside the River Kennall between Falmouth and Truro, the foundry has been designated a World Heritage Site in recognition of its history as one of the most

I

important industrial sites in southern Britain.

It dates back to 1791 and was built by the wellknown Fox family of Falmouth, now famous as much for establishing Trebah and Glendurgan Gardens as for their success as industrialists. In its day, Perran Foundry manufactured all forms of mining equipment. It employed more than 400 people at its peak in 1860, but within 20 years the decline in mining led to the closure of the foundry and eventual dereliction.

“I drove past for 20 years, then I saw things happening,” says Audrey, who came to see the show home and was won over immediately. “I was so impressed: no maintenance, a very convenient lo-

cation... I couldn’t wait to move in.”

The Foundry is a mix of many buildings, all now named for their original purpose, such as the Hammer Mill and the Patterns Cutting House. At the heart of the development is a huge waterwheel, once driven by water from the preserved leat. All the buildings have been restored sympathetically by developer William Pears Group, working with Cornish firm David Ball Construction.

Each home is entirely individual, but all incorporate aspects of their former lives, including exposed stone walls, chunky beams and huge roof trusses. Adaptability is key to the design, with

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Interiors whether it is a private terrace or a sunny balcony. “I’m very fortunate to have double doors and a balcony,” says Audrey. “September was a beautiful month and the evening sun coming in was so lovely.”

Working with the buildings and maintaining the integrity of the whole site is at the heart of the project for the William Pears Group. The historic leat is now restored, and bat boxes around the site provide a replacement roost for the oncederelict buildings. No fewer than three flood defences protect the homes, even though it has never flooded and these were not required by the Environment Agency. Despite this, buildings and flood insurance is already in place for all pur-

[[ ‘I had driven past for 20 years, then I saw things happening. I was so impressed, I couldn’t wait to move in’

several of the larger properties having a second living space that could also work as a study, den or even a bedroom. Many, such as the chic and luxurious Wharfside Lofts, are open-plan and contemporary in style, while others, such as the cottages in the old Brass Bolt shop, have a more traditional feel, with oak lintels and log-burning stoves.

The quality of the interior finish for all the properties is of the highest standard, with integrated Bosch appliances, oak or granite kitchen worktops, hardwood windows and engineered oak floors. Add in energy-saving LED lighting and the luxury (in Cornwall!) of mains gas, and these homes really do offer the best of both worlds: period charm and a sense of history, combined with all the convenience and style of cutting edge design. “I was so impressed with the finish, I reserved the apartment there and then,” says Audrey.

Despite low maintenance being part of the appeal of the development, all the homes do nonetheless have some form of outside space,

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[[ ‘September was a beautiful month and the evening sun coming in was so lovely’

chasers.

Perran Foundry is situated next to a beautiful piece of woodland owned by the National “Sepbeautiful month and the evening sun coming in was so lovely.”

The historic water leat is now restored, and bat boxes around the site provide replacement roosts for the once-derelict buildings.

Perran Foundry is situated next to a beautiful piece of woodland owned by the National Trust and this is part of its lifestyle appeal With no gardens to maintain, Audrey and the other homeowners here take the attitude that Cornwall itself is their garden. “I walk in the woods a great deal,” she says. “And we are very near to the National Trust gardens at Trelissick, which is lovely.”

Convenient to both Truro and Falmouth by road, she also loves that the village of Perranwell Station and its local amenities are close by. It makes the development part of the wider community, and those links have proven very strong, with more than 70 per cent of new residents moving from elsewhere in Cornwall.

Later phases will include the building of larger, family homes. Audrey says she is thrilled with her decision to downsize here, and is now enjoying this new stage in life - one in which she no longer has to clear out the gutters. “This is exactly what I was looking for,” she says. “It’s been such a success.”

Call 01872 870802 or visit www.perranfoundry. co.uk

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Interiors

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Candlestick £75 wood-knit-bee.com

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Gardens

ANNE SWITHINBANK

Orchid appeal Devon’s Anne Swithinbank, panellist on Radio 4’s Gardeners’ Question Time, has all the answers to keeping orchids alive and blooming in your home hen I started out in gardening, orchids were expensive and exclusive.

There were mainly stately cymbidiums with long, strappy leaves and tricky paphiopedilums whose crowns would rot for fun if watered carelessly.

Back in the seventies, most of my house plants came to me as half dead cast-offs to be nursed patiently back into health but none of our friends ever threw a mouldering slipper orchid or browning cymbidium my way.

Last week, a trolley of cellophane-wrapped moth orchids caught my eye at a supermarket, selling for just a fiver apiece. Who would have thought these once almost unobtainable tropical orchids would be mass produced, dominate the house plant market and cost so little? These test tube babies (they start life in a laboratory rather than a greenhouse) are I have one easy to keep alive in an averwhose several age sitting room or kitchen branching and will flower for months at a time. I have one of the slightly spikes have more costly smaller-flowered been producing varieties whose several branching spikes have been producing flowers non-stop flowers non-stop for well over a for well over a year. nology www.focus-on-plants. year The key to success lies in findcom). This pleasantly scented ing your phalaenopsis a posimister contains nutrients and is a tion where they’ll receive good convenient way of keeping plants but not direct light and even healthy. If you are buying somewarmth. Don’t site them near the hot, dry air of one a moth orchid, add some orchid food to the a radiator and learn to perfect their watering by gift. gauging the weight of the pot when the compost Learning to manage the flowering spikes is is wet, versus dry. When dry give half a teacup important, because after the first lot of flowers of water and add some orchid feed maybe once a have faded, the spike will persist, branch and demonth. I rather like OrchidMyst (Growth Techvelop more buds. This happens naturally but you

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[[

can help things along by cutting back just above a slightly lower node. When the spike has completely finished, it will tell you by turning brown and dry, after which it can be trimmed right back to the base from where a new one will soon grow.

Like most other cultivated orchids, moth orchids are epiphytic, which means they grow not in the ground but in the branches of trees, clinging with their aerial roots which also hang down absorbing water and nutrients. This is so they can be nearer the light and air in a forest

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situation. For convenience, we grow them in pots indoors but they will only tolerate this in coarse, bark based compost and when they are not overwatered or left to stand in water. I like the seethrough pots, because you can check whether the root system is healthy or not.

I expect commercial growers, having managed to produce plants so cheaply, would like us to throw our old moth orchids out after a few years and buy replacements. They clearly don’t understand the mindset of most British house plant growers, who tend to regard their plants as green pets and want to keep them. Orchids can flower for a long time in the same pot but eventually the compost breaks down and turns sour.

Buy some potting grade bark or a good orchid

compost, turn the plant out and then then replant either into the same (washed) or a slightly bigger one The roots that were inside stay in and those that hung outside stay out. The inside ones might be way too long, in which case trim them to size rather than folding them back in. Water very carefully after potting.

Having cut your teeth on moth orchids, you could find a slightly cooler windowsill, facing north or east, and move on to experiment with fabulous cymbidiums, oncidiums, miltonias and a range of hybrids created from odontoglossums.

Individually, these won’t flower for as long as moth orchids but collectively they’ll give you a fascinating range of flower size, shape, colour and, in some cases, perfume.

Question time with Anne I’m planning next year’s crops and wondering whether to try the perennial nine star broccoli.

As well as sticking with old favourites, it is great to ring the changes, so give it a go.

This perennial brassica will crop for about three years, producing heads that taste like purple sprouting broccoli but look more like a cauliflower. You need to sow in spring and allocate each plant a 90cm/3ft space in which to grow. The main head is cut the following spring and nine to twelve smaller spikes then develop. A rich soil is necessary for good results, so feed in spring with pelleted chicken manure and a good mulch of well rotted compost. Cabbage white caterpillars can be a problem, so you may need to place mesh over plants in summer and protect them from pigeons in winter.

Q

Anne’s advice for your garden

• Begin thinning out branches of congested apple trees as soon as leaves have fallen if you have a lot to get through. Start with damaged and dying branches and then remove a few from the worst congested areas, taking them back to the centre of the tree or a healthy side stem using a nifty folding saw.

• Fill out seed order forms. Ordering

West reader queries answered by Anne Swithinbank

Q

This week’s gardening tips

straight from the seed merchants means they’ll have been well stored and when you are ready to sow, the packets will be to hand.

• Clear pathways by collecting leaves, cutting back encroaching turf edges (an old kitchen knife is great for this) and trimming back plants draping over the edges.

I have tried several times to introduce the flame creeper to our garden without success.

What is the secret of persuading these tricky climbers to take?

This is the Chilean Tropaeolum speciosum, responsible for lighting up many a yew hedge in the gardens of stately homes with orangered flowers opening during late summer and autumn. Providing the plants with plenty of root space is important and too many are planted into poor soil close to the base of greedy hedges and other shrubs. Think woodland conditions, as these creepers need cool, shaded roots and a good soil rich in humus and well-draining in winter. They dislike lime and should be given a neutral to acidic soil. Mature flame creepers can reach 4m/12ft so plants will eventually clamber up shrubs and hedges, giving you the effect you want.

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

There’s still time to sow broad beans and peas direct to the soil but make raised or mounded beds if soil lies wet in winter. I favour broad bean ‘Aquadulce Claudia’ (though I’m trying ‘Valenciana’ for a change) and pea ‘Meteor’.

Long double rows work well because in colder areas they are easy to protect with tunnel cloches. During vicious weather close the end of tunnel cloches to prevent cold winds from blowing in.

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Shop Suzie ring Accessorize £15

Black embellished heels New Look £34.99

Flower necklace Accessorize £25

Watch Oasis £40

Collection dress M&S £79

Black lace contrast dress New Look £22.99

[

Tamara lingerie set Boux Avenue £17.30

Chandelier earrings Next £10

DRAKE CIRCUS SHOPPING CENTRE

[

Look sparkling this Christmas Snap up a fabulous festive outfit at Drake Circus in Plymouth

hristmas means parties - which means it’s time to pop into Drake Circus to give your wardrobe a festive makeover. With over 70 top high street brands under one roof - most offering Click and Collect - you can be sure to find something that will make you glitter, in just the right way.

Accessorize should be first stop on any party girl’s shopping list. Their Flower statement necklace and Suzie cocktail ring will add instant style to any outfit.

Or if new party shoes and a clutch bag is what you need, try New Look for a stunning range of party accessories.

C

Next has lovely looks this year, all with a festive edge: you could try their chandelier earrings, teamed up with a fugure-flattering LBD from Marks and Spencer to ensure you are bang on (Christmas) trend. In fact, for classic grown-up party wear M&S really does have it all this year - their dresses and clutches are high on style and easy to wear. And don’t forget to look in Cath Kidston, Top Shop and H&M...

Or here’s an idea: Why not ask for a Drake Circus Gift Card as an ‘early present’? Then you can swish around Drake Circus and pick whatever you wish.

It’s Christmas jumper day!

Plymouth is holding its annual Christmas Jumper day today. It’s a city-wide event with all of the Drake Circus retailers involved as well as Plymouth city centre retailers such as Co-op, Santander and Barclays. This year the event will be raising money for St Luke’s Hospice, Cancer Research UK, Devon Freewheelers and Children’s Hospice South West.

Why not dress up and get yourself down to Drake Circus - as you can see from this picture of last year’s event, it is really popular, great fun and raises money for some fantastic local causes.

For details visit www.drakecircus.com

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Glitz spirit ell, party time is upon us and it’s time to shake off the cosy jumpers and thick tights. We’ll soon be off to cut a dash at the works party, the school shindig or just the fun family night out.

If you are in need of a little style inspiration for your Christmas do, then help is at hand. We have picked out some gorgeous items to ensure you look your very best. In the dead of winter, the key to looking fabulous is to add shimmer and shine to your outfit. You could go the whole hog with a sparkly dress or just add a spangled clutch bag and glittery shoes. Wherever you are headed, you’ll be sure to razzle dazzle ‘em...

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Pleated bubblehem top £26 bead drop earrings £4 M&Co

Belt £14.99 New Look

Handbag £26 Very

Embellished dress £119 Monsoon

Metallic clutch £65 Dune

Jewelled cuff £15 Very

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Fashion

Glittery heels £45 Wallis

Silver dress £545 Oxygen Boutique

Floor-length dress £120 stylistpick. com

Ring £10 Miss Selfridge

Party frock £139 Monsoon

Beaded skirt £89 Phase Eight

Sequinned wrap dress £120 stylistpick.com 31

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Trend

HOW TO WEAR IT:

MAIN PHOTO HAIR: LILY AT SAKS, EXETER MAKEUP: URBAN DECCAY, DEBENHAMS (BOTH PRINCESSHAY) PHOTOGRAPHY: STEVE HAYWOOD STILL-LIFE PHOTOGRAPHS: PR SHOTS. SHOOT ASSISTED BY: HANNAH MATTOCKS

Fur accents Kathryn Clarke-Mcleod cosies up with a touch of luxury ith the launch of the new Star Wars film in mind, I have shied away from my larger fur items. Too much risk of evoking the iconic Wooky. But I can’t leave this glorious texture completely out of the mix, especially with the temperature dropping steadily lower. Few items allow one to be both warm and glamorous like a bit of (faux) fur, and its presence in my weekly rotation must be preserved at all costs.

So, how to walk the fine line. Simple. Fur accents do what they say on the box, they are artful touches added to already good ensembles. They can elevate the good to the sublime.

Start with good basics. These leather look leggings from Karen Millen are perennially stylish and look effortlessly chic paired with a soft grey knit from Next.

On its own, this pairing is a very Fur collars, respectable seven out of 10. But clutches, ear when you throw in this gorgeous ombre gilet, we get dangerously muffs and even close to a nine. key rings are Fur adds layers, personality and all-important texture all valuable to a look. Remember: curating additions to a an outfit is an exercise in good cool (but warm) design and these principles are universal when it comes to crewinter look ating something that is aesthetically pleasing.

Gilets like this one I nabbed from Next, accessory collars, clutches, ear muffs and even key rings are all valuable additions to a road. cool (but warm) winter look.

A pair of black suit trousers, a soft leather I love a collar or stole, too. I think that there are jacket and a jewel-toned fur draped around your endless ways to wear them and they add a dash of shoulders is the perfect ensemble for this exact unapologetic drama to any outfit. They don’t need scenario. The same fur will also look fabulous to be black or fawn either - we all know now this over a long-sleeved black dress and will take a fur isn’t real. There are some beautiful midnight chunky knit cardigan into boho luxe heaven. blue and oxblood incarnations out there. It is fast Fur accents are still making an appearance in becoming the festive season, the time when your headwear this season, but in a less obvious way day outfit needs to work twice as hard, and take than Russian-style hats. Look for bobble hats you to last call at a tinsel-draped bar down the where the bobble is a bundle of soft wispy fur and

W

Grey funnel neck sweater, Next, Princesshay, £22 Ombre faux fur gilet, Next, Princesshay, £48 Leather look legging, Karen Millen, Princesshay, £115 Elastic peeptoe shoe boot, Karen Millen, Princesshay, £135 Black double sided tote handbag, River Island, Princesshay, £45

deer stalkers lined with the soft stuff.

Footwear weighs in too, although a word of caution. Fur trimmed boots are temptingly vogue, but they come with a serious disclaimer. They make everyone, yes everyone, look shorter and wider.

To be safe, ensure the fur takes up no more than 30% of the boot and has a heel to give you a muchneeded boost. Because the only thing I fear being mistaken for more than a Wooky, is an Ewok.

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

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Lola clutch £49 HOBBS

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Faux fur gilet £85 MISS SELFRIDGE Faux fur coat £75 NEXT

Red Herring gilet £45 DEBENHAMS

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culture vulture Our superb new guide to what’s on in the South West by arts expert Sarah Pitt

Experience the joy of Julian Comedian Julian Clary, is, in his own words, a national trinket, a much-loved panellist on Radio 4’s Just a Minute and master of the double-entendre.

He’s been making us laugh since he first appeared on TV with Fanny the Wonder Dog 30 years ago, but he’s got a lot more to give as he’ll be revealing on his UK tour, The Joy of Mincing, in 2016. He’s got dates at Yeovil’s Octagon Theatre and Exeter Corn Exchange on April 14 and 15. Our advice?

Book now!

Tickets £23 www.octagon-theatre.co.uk Exchange) 01392 665938

and £24 (Corn

Open studios

Don’t miss Boots at the Door, which premieres at Plymouth’s Theatre Royal on Thursday. It’s being performed by a 19-strong cast made up of members of Plymouth’s Armed Forces community and explores what it means to be a hero – both in the field and at home. Based on a play by Jonathan Lewis, it’s

funny and poignant. The cast have also played a big role in developing the play with Theatre Royal Plymouth, in partnership with Bravo 22 Company – The Royal British Legion’s Recovery through Theatre Programme.

Thursday 3 to Saturday 5 December, tickets are priced from £10 to £20, 01752 267222 www.theatreroyal.com

Cornwall’s largest creative hub, Krowji, will be holding its annual Open Studios event in Redruth next weekend. There’ll be the chance to buy direct from the people who work from there, as well as taking part in a number of hands-on workshops.

Try your hand at book binding, children’s lantern-making or printing a tote bag. Don’t miss the opportunity to see aerial arts company Yskynna perform their amazing vertical dance manoeuvres in Krowji’s courtyard. The Ingleheart Singers will kick off the celebrations at 5pm on Friday December 4, when free mince pies and mulled wine will be served in the Melting Pot Café.

From Friday-Sunday, December 4-6. Booking for some activities is essential. To book, or for more information visit: www.krowji.org.uk

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Enjoy

Your stars

by Cassandra Nye

Happy birthday to...

Richard Osman

This week’s sign: Sagittarius, the archer and centaur, is the great adventurer of the zodiac and is active and highly optimistic in all pursuits. As great travellers, people born under this gregarious zodiac sign will always find themselves in the middle of new endeavours.

born November 28, 1970 TV producer Richard’s the man with all the answers on BBC quiz show Pointless, which he co-presents with old Cambridge university pal Alexander Armstrong. Voted the nation’s ‘weirdest crush’ by readers of Heat magazine, earlier this year it was revealed he’s dating journalist and Absolute Radio DJ Emily Dean.

Discussing his unlikely heart-throb status in the Radio Times, Richard, who has two teenage children from a previous relationship, joked: “My daughter is appalled by it at all times, but you know you have to appal your 14-year-old daughter otherwise you’re not doing your job as a father.”

SAGITTARIUS (November 23 - December 21) Although someone may have upset you in the past this could be the time to forgive and try to forget. Give them a helping hand as necessary. Don’t expect instant gratitude as their pride is involved! Get on with plans for the holidays even if it does seem a bit early. You could be too busy enjoying yourself later! Look after yourself and your own needs now. Stop running around after others as the weekend arrives and consider your own needs first. Your Luck: If someone needs you they will be right there.

CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 20) Give a loved one some space if they need it and get on with your own plans.

Being organised now will save a lot of time and money in the run-up to the holidays.

Romance at work with someone high up is a possibility. Even so, be sure of what you want and don’t get too tied up.

AQUARIUS (January 21 - February 19) It is entirely up to you to make any changes this week and, indeed, this month. Negative people and situations need to be out and new and interested faces in.

It is the ideal time to get out and get involved in things that you love (or think that you will.)

Sometimes it is too easy to get stuck in one situation.

PISCES (February 20 - March 20) A period of learning comes along, beginning in this week. The more you speak to others, the more knowledge you will have. There are more interesting things in life than you currently experience. Using your brain in any situation becomes more of an advantage. Your mind is sharp and way ahead of others.

ARIES (March 21 - April 20) Any ambitions that you have or changes that you want to make may suffer delays this week. Realising that it is only temporary may help. Even so, planning ahead stops any feeling of frustration and it’s never a bad

thing to be organised! Whatever your romantic intentions, keep chatting and keeping your options open.

TAURUS (April 21 - May 21) Keep communications open and flowing, be it at work or home. This will avoid any misunderstandings, which are very likely at the moment. A lot of chat about money could see you dealing with legal issues or making decisions on the work front. Give a little leeway or even a helping hand to a work colleague. It makes sense.

GEMINI (May 22 - June 21) Love is there for you. However, remember that relationships are a two-sided coin. Yes, a bit of extra effort is needed to bring you in line with the expectations of a loved one. There are no deals to be struck here.

Just decide if you are going into it with your whole heart.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22) Not feeling very positive about your working life? Don’t let it show. You don’t need to draw attention to yourself for someone to notice you and what you are doing. Showing a bit more enthusiasm this week could make all the difference to the way that you are regarded. Help love to grow by doing something really new together.

LEO (July 23 - August 23) Use a social occasion to wield your charm and remind yourself of all the good things in your life. Realising that not everyone can be as perfect as you is initially frustrating, but surely you like to be superior? Nothing wrong with that as it instils confidence in others. Just don’t get pompous.

VIRGO (August 24 - September 23) With such a busy brain it may be hard to stop those thoughts buzzing around all day. Try. Get some quiet time to think clearly and, incidentally, listen to what others are saying! An older person, in particular, can give good advice about a current problem.

LIBRA (September 24 - October 23) Romantically you could be spoilt for choice. Having made efforts to meet more people the benefits are there to be enjoyed. Be kind, however, with those who you do not consider to be ‘up to scratch’. Self-satisfaction can lead to contentment this week. It is a good feeling even if it never lasts for long.

SCORPIO (October 24 - November 22) This is the time of year when your cash can simply roll out of your pockets! Be super-efficient and even frugal to deal with bills later on. Communication is everything, so keep talking! This is also the case for your love life where you need to be clear. Don’t let a misunderstanding mess up a romance.

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Wellbeing

the boost

Life just got better. We’ve handpicked the latest wellness trends, best-body secrets and expert advice to help you be your best self, everyday

TAKE A BREAK Is your office job to blame for you piling on the pounds?

Weightloss surgeon and expert Dr Sally Norton of vavista.com says take a break and, if possible, a walk around the block, saying: “This will give you an energy boost and mean you actually get more done when you ARE at your desk. Ditto eating a balanced meal at midday. We know from research that stress can encourage us to reach for high-fat and high-sugar foods, but making sure you eat a healthy lunch will keep that mid-afternoon slump at bay.”

NOW THEN, OPEN WIDE If you’ve found it hard to register with an NHS dentist, then you’re not alone: according to whatclinic.com, the number of us enquiring about private dental appointments has doubled in the past year. According to its statistics, the cost of a checkup at a private Westcountry clinic costs £46 - exactly the national average.

Plymouth offers the best value teeth whitening procedures in the UK (£209), although it seems the best value place to say ‘Ah’ is in Birmingham, where a basic checkup can cost just £15.

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How to be

BULLETPROOF Singer Ed Sheeran and actress Shailene Woodley (from The Fault in our Stars, pictured right) are both fans of Bulletproof Coffee, pioneered in the US and now available over here. The drink is said to help you burn fat and place you in a ‘state of high performance’, helping your body, mind and nervous system work together.

You combine coffee beans with an Omega-3 Octane oil that also contains butter from grass-fed cows. Inventor Dave Asprey claims to have lost 100 pounds and even added 20 points to his IQ, through his applying two decades of DIY biological research to create his wellbeing hacks. Do you believe it? The jury’s out, but you can buy the ingredients (from £8.95) at uk.bulletproof.com

Ouch!

Pulled a muscle or overdone it at the gym? In the first instance, applying ice, rather than taking a hot bath, helps reduce swelling and inflammation and speed up the healing process. There’s no need to rummage in the freezer for the frozen peas, either, because Biofreeze has come up with these handy gel, roll-on and spray applications - keep one handy in your gym bag! Prices from £9.99 at Boots.

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

Festive fun runs Buckle up and get running - a Santa suit’s included when you sign up for Exeter’s Santa Dash which takes place next Sunday in aid of charities MIND and City Football in the Community. You can opt to do a 1.5 mile fun run, or take part in a 5k race. There are also charity Santa runs next Sunday in Bideford and St Austell, too and at Falmouth on Saturday December 12. Find out more at www.santadash.co.uk. @WMNWest or email westmag@westernmorningnews.co.uk 37

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Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra    ⁄ 

Christmas and New Year   

Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra    ⁄ 

Last Night of the Christmas Proms      Winter Wonderland, Chestnuts Roasting and many more Christmas songs plus pieces from the best musicals

Pete Harrison



Shona Lindsay, Stephen Weller



Johann Strauss Gala                See in the New Year in style with a sparkling selection of waltzes, polkas and arias by the King of Waltz!

Aleksandar Markovic´



Rebecca Bottone



The BSO also plays Plymouth Ho!    

 : 

  

Tickets from Exeter Northcott Theatre

01392 726363

  

01823 283244

  

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Haydn Cello Concerto, Beethoven Second Symphony Frank Zielhorst, Jean-Guihen Queyras 01752 267222 tickets from Theatre Royal

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24/11/2015 12:11:49

Eat

Ingredient of the Week

Ginger

with Tim Maddams

ay I extol the virtues of ginger? culinary use. I love to cook rabbit with fresh Right now, it is the season of gingerchillies and coconut milk, finishing the dish bread and cake. But I love to throw with ginger leaf. it in here, there and everywhere Ginger and beetroot brownies are excellent in the kitchen. and one instance where it’s better And it keeps so well, that I’m to use powdered ginger than seldom without an inch or two fresh. There are good drinks to for the pot. Coupled with garlic be made from ginger, too. Both Both the root and chilli and a good glug of the root and the leaves are high and leaves are soy sauce, ginger root (or powin Vitamin B and D, which is very high in Vitamin dered, if you don’t have fresh), reassuring as you chuck them will transform a humble stew into a nice Martini.

B and D, which is to the greatest of oriental-style The King’s Ginger is another very reassuring dishes. It’s delicious served up boozy option that I’m fond of. with some noodles and chopped Basically, you infuse honey as you chuck spring onions. and ginger root with vodka (or them in a nice If you buy a large rhizome of better still, whisky). Leave it for Martini ginger, try cutting off a little a month, then strain it and leave knobble. Pop it in some water it to settle before re-bottling. and stick it on the window sill.

Yum. It’s made even better by the Before long, it should begin addition of a drop of apple juice to sprout. Pot it in compost mixed with a little upon serving over ice. I like to call these little sand. Once it really gets growing, it will develop whistle-whetters “Ginger and apple crumbles” tasty leaves, milder than the root, suitable for because if you have too many...

M

[[

Ginger and coconut ice cream Chop an inch or so of ginger root, plus a little chilli if you wish.

Mix with raw cane sugar to taste and add to a tin of warmed coconut milk. Add a little cornflour to thicken.

Once cooled, the mixture can be churned, then freeze.

This is an excellent dairy and gluten-free treat which, I hasten to add, goes rather well with Christmas pudding. @TimGreenSauce

Tim Maddams is a Devon chef and author of Game: River Cottage Handbook no. 15 (Bloomsbury £14.99) 39

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23/11/2015 12:41:51

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24/11/2015 11:14:43

Drink

RUGBY AND BEER...

Beer sales in the third quarter of the year were boosted by the Rugby World Cup, the British Beer and Pub Association reports. What’s not clear is if it was the majority of fans over here for the tournament enjoying the brilliant British brews, or the English drowning their sorrows…

Beer of the week I was reminded while talking about smoked beers the other day what a cracking brew Aecht Shlenkerla Rachbier Marzen, from Bamberg, Germany, is.

Widely available, it’s a great introduction to smoked beers and ideal for this time of year.

For the first few mouthfuls of smokey, earthy, peaty pungent flavour you might be tempted to give up on it, but persevere – it’s a great style and this is a great example.

Darren Norbury

talks beer s a Westcountry beer writer, the which is a shame, as St Austell has a talented news that St Austell Brewery has brewery team who could probably each stand launched a Small Batch Brewery alone as fine brewers in their own right. For is grounds for great joy. I like St the festival the team members are allowed to let Austell a lot, I make no secret of that. The troutheir imaginations run riot, with styles such as ble is they make a lot of great kriek (Belgian style cherry beer), beers which turn out to be rihopped lager (head brewer Roger diculously difficult to find. The Ryman had spotted a looming Small Batch Brewery project trend there) and aged sour beer.

For the beer will, hopefully, remedy this.

If I have a criticism of St Austell festival the In other such businesses, pubs, it is that all too often there such a piece of kit would be are just two or three draught brewery team called a pilot plant. Regional beers of their own available: pick members breweries, such as Brains, in from Tribute, HSD, Trelawny or are allowed Cardiff, have taken to them Cornish Best. They’re all fine because their regular brewery beers, but today’s beer fan deto let their is very big and not suited to mands more variety, which will imaginations making small runs of limited bring them back to St Austell run riot appeal or short-run beers. One pubs. In London, Fuller’s pubs could argue, of course, that the do seem to be able to successfully ulterior motive is to present vary their offer – even with guest themselves as craft brewers, beers from other breweries – in the same way that artisan microbrewers do, while still continuing to sell shedloads of regular but then, as I’ve said before, I think all brewers flagship London Pride. think they’re craft brewers. Possibly even the The new Mena Dhu stout a few weeks back guys on the touchscreen panels at Budweiser. completed St Austell’s regular portfolio, said Up to now St Austell’s major outlet for its Roger Ryman. Now my appetite is whetted for small-run beers has been its own Celtic Beer the new Small Batch brews. I think 2016 is going Festival, being staged today in the cellars of the to be a memorable year for this Cornish brewery. brewery. Spare casks have been known to make Darren Norbury is editor of beertoday.co.uk it to a few pubs, but the brews are rarely seen, @beertoday

A

Talent spotting

Sharp’s in Rock, north Cornwall - makers of Doom Bar - say they undertook a global talent search to recruit their new head brewer, Andrew Madden. Andrew was shortlisted for international young brewer of the year by the Institute of Brewing & Distilling in 2011, which is a fine pedigree. I wish him well in his new role.

[[

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24/11/2015 13:15:49

Enjoy A WEEKEND IN...

South Molton

f you’re heading Exmoor way, South Molton is worth a visit, especially if you have a sweet tooth. The pannier market town boasts its own honey farm, open to the public and is also home to a chocolate factory producing luxury treats.

century Devon longhouse, Partridge Arms Farm.

Dogs are welcome and this working family farm can even put your horse up for the night, if you’re trekking Exmoor. B&B is £35 per person per night and dinner’s available upon request.

Non-residents can also book dinner parties here, for which she charges around £22.50 a head for three courses (including choice of three homemade puds), plus cheese and coffee, www. partridgearmsfarm.co.uk

I

Stay: In one of www.whitechapelcottages. com’s cluster of snug rural retreats at nearby Whitechapel Barton. Its pretty 18th century Cartwheel Cottage sleeps up to five people and has a log burning stove, while guests have the free use of the retreat’s spa and sauna room and games barn. Prices start at around £275 for a two night stay. Alison Milton, known by most people locally as Banger, runs an utterly marvellous B&B from her rambling pink 14th

The view at Whitechapel Barton

Eat: The food on the menu at the George Hotel in the centre of town is sourced from local farms and producers including jams and chutneys by Waterhouse Fayre of Burlescombe and cheese sold by West Country Cheese at the Pannier market. What’s for dinner? Try slow roasted

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23/11/2015 12:52:45

Carlo Melchior

The George Hotel

The Pannier Market

pork belly, cider jus, spring onion mash and seasonal vegetables (£11.95).

Taste: Chocolatier Carlo Melchior makes the luxury confectionary that he’s been supplying to Fortnum & Mason for over 20 years in South Molton. You’re unlikely to leave his Station Road shop empty handed - and can even try your hand-making your own, if you book in advance for one of Melchior’s chocolate workshops. You can see Quince Honey Farm’s bees hard at work and take part in courses during summer months, but there’s plenty more to see and do at this time of year. There’s a wealth of beeswax and honey produce on sale in the shop, while youngsters will love its exciting indoor and outdoor play zones.

Do:

Winter Wonderland

Visit the indoor Pannier Market on Thursdays and Saturday (8.30am until 1pm).

Next weekend, the town will become festive for its annual Winter Wonderland event. This begins on Friday with a lantern parade, mulled wine and music, hog roast, craft and Christmas

markets, a Santa’s Grotto and fun fair. There’ll be a host of marvellous decorated Christmas Trees to see at St Mary Magdalene’s Church and the fun rounds off with the Fatstock agricultural show in the Pannier Market next Sunday, with demonstrations, livestock, poultry and a vintage tractor display.

Try:

Explore Exmoor with www.northdevonhawkwalks.co.uk. An hour’s hands-on introduction to falconry costs £40 for a group of up to four people.

Buy:

Children and adults alike will love the wonderful die-cast toy tractors, traditional model farms and accessories from Brushwood Toys. They are happy for callers to pop into their working warehouse on the edge of town and you can also see and buy the whole delightful range online. Also check out ceramics and prints from potter Roger Cockram’s studio in nearby Chittlehampton, open Monday to Friday and to weekend visitors upon request, www.rogercockramceramics.co.uk.

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24/11/2015 13:19:56

Golf at Trevose

My Secret Westcountry Will Ashworth Will Ashworth is MD of Watergate Bay Hotel near Newquay and is nonexecutive director of Visit Cornwall and Cornwall Airport. He lives near St Columb with his wife Pix and their three children.

My favourite...

[[

Walk:: I love walking to the very north end of Watergate beach where there’s a goat track that takes you up to the cliff path above – it’s a beautiful circular walk. The walk around Stepper Point to Harbour Cove beach (near Padstow) is also a favourite.

Beach: We’re pretty spoilt

Kneehigh Theatre

that appear in the middle. We often have it all to ourselves, exploring.

The Ship Inn in Wadebridge is a great spot on a dark stormy winter’s night with a backgammon board

for choice on the north coast of Cornwall. The north end of Watergate with its amazing rock pools reminds me of my childhood; Porthcothan is a must with kids - the perfect combination of sand dunes, streams and ice cream. I love the Camel Estuary because at low tide you can go out on a boat to the sand banks

Arts venue: Hall for Cornwall has consistently good and interesting stuff on. This summer I really enjoyed going to Kneehigh’s Asylum tent at Heligan – it’s a very special venue. And of course the Minack Theatre is awe-inspiring.

Activity: It has to be golf at Trevose or St Enodoc. It’s the best get-together with friends, always with a little wager to make things interesting. As a family, we love going to St Michael’s Mount too.

What a spectacular place.

Westcountry food: A Malcolm Barnecutt pasty followed by toasted saffron cake with plenty of butter. Oh and Cornish Hog’s Pud-

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23/11/2015 13:22:57

People

The Ship Inn, Wadebridge

Hog’s pudding

Watergate Bay

ding – you can’t go wrong pairing it with a little bubble and squeak.

Westcountry tipple: Cider - Cornish Orchards Vintage is really good.

Pub: The Ship Inn on Gonvena Hill in Wadebridge is a great spot on a dark stormy winter’s night with a backgammon board.

Restaurant: Fifteen Cornwall, Watergate Bay. It offers fabulous food with amazing views and great service but the cocktails are particularly brilliant. Another favorite is dinner in the Pullman carriage on the GWR service from Padding-

ton. If I’m not flying back to Cornwall Airport, then this is a special treat. I love watching the world go by as I tuck into a steak.

Way to relax: Lying on Porthcothan beach in the summer, tucked in behind the sand dunes with my family after being in the sea. I always fall asleep.

Shop: Roo’s Beach at Porth with its contemporary beach clothing always gets me out of trouble when it’s my wife Pix’s birthday!

Treat: A proper Cornish vanilla ice cream with a flake on a sunny beach.

Roo’s Beach

‘Secret’ place: The north end of Watergate Bay. I spent my childhood playing and floating in the rock pools. So few people go there, you have to walk a mile but then you’ll find complete isolation.

For details on staying at The Watergate Bay Hotel visit www.watergatebay.co.uk 45

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23/11/2015 13:23:33

My life

man and boy

History boys Phil Goodwin and James, five, consider the olden days

D

[

to Mr Higgins’ feared weekly tests – 20 questions, all of the answers dates as I recall – that I know that Chancellor Otto Von Bismarck unified the German Empire in 1871. Such pearls of wisdom have served me well in life. Skip back a century and a half and I will gladly place in time those pretenders to the Tudor crown Lambert Simnelland Perkin Warbeck, the latter of whom (incidentally) was executed in 1499 at notorious Tyburn, if memory serves.

The rigour of Higgins’ weekly quiz kept us kids in line.

There was a forfeit, which I now forget, but it would have been unpleasant. The bespectacled sadist was also my volleyball master (a curious term when laid down in print) and once ‘slippered’ me in the gym. Six of the best… on the backside… each one preceded by a run-up. I am not kidding.

God forbid, James and the class of 2015 are not treated so harshly. That would bring a team of lawyers down to the school. And he seems quite excited about the Great Fire, anyway. The inclusion of 666 in the date is a help – nothing like a whiff of brimstone to jog the memory.

I just wonder what difference the dates make to an understanding of our cultural history.

What about how people lived? Then, as the boy told me all about his

‘In those days, Daddy, the rich ate meat and the poor only had cheese’

lesson in school – a rare occurrence in itself – he added a further gem from the dark days of Olde London. “In those days, Daddy, the rich ate meat and the poor only had cheese,’ he declared. Now that was more like it. Of course.

Some things never change.

[

main picture: Steve Haywood

o you remember the Great Fire of London? Not personally of course – not unless you have suffered a night-time bite to the neck now sleep daytimes in a coffin – but I imagine you are aware of the basic facts: that it destroyed the old city, started in Pudding Lane and took place in 1666. It occurs to me, given the insane property market, that a modern day repeat might crash the economy. It would certainly be followed by the Great Insurance Claim of London.

The reason for my meandering thoughts on a topic so ‘random’, as the kids say, is my son and his Year One class are currently learning how the old capital went up in smoke. That a class of five-year-olds was engaged in scrutinising this catastrophe left me musing on History teaching in school.

I am not criticising the local education authority. A recent press release stated that Devon’s educational results are above average in the Key Stage 1 tests, which my lad will take at seven years old. The county’s results for reading are up to 92 per cent compared to 90 per cent nationally, writing at 90 per cent, compared to 88 per cent and so on. I am yet to experience this much-criticised testing of such young minds – I mention in passing that kids only start school at six or seven in Russia – but now I wonder whether there will be a question in the exam about London’s fire.

Things were probably very different when I was at infant school. I don’t remember much now apart from the blue whale painted in the playground and the Griffin books which I happily devoured. A lion with an eagle’s head?

What’s not to love? But by the time I was at high school we were plunged into the merry world of dating England’s history. It is thanks 46

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24/11/2015 13:47:31

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24/11/2015 11:24:45

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