West Magazine, September 10 2016

10.09.16

WIN!

VIP tickets to the races

AUTUMN BLUES Why denim is your new best friend

- pg 28

Exclusive:

Hilary Mantel: ‘Budleigh, the Booker and me’

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Foodie treats to enjoy today

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06/09/2016 14:02:22

‘I wouldn’t worry,’ my friend’s friend replied.

‘It’s not like they’ll ever put you and your pasty on the front cover.’

Chris McGuire hears some home truths, p46

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IN AT THE DEEP END The village home that’s got the lot

16 44

MEET DEVON’S STAR WRITER Exclusive interview with Hilary Mantel

SECRET WESTCOUNTRY Insider info on the best of the west

[contents[ Inside this week...

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THE WISHLIST Our pick of the best treats this week

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JUST BETWEEN US...

Sh! We have the latest gossip!

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THE SALTROCK STORY Why Westcountry surf style rules the waves

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BOOKER PRIZES AND MORE

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YOU HEARD IT HERE FIRST...

Sh! We have all the gossip!

Exclusive interview with Dame Hilary Mantel

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A HOME WITH EVERYTHING Building dreams in north Devon

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JUST ASK GRACIE Our fashion expert solves all your problems

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DELIGHTFUL DENIM The perfect look for autumn

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BOOST YOUR WELLBEING Great ways to feel your best this week

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HAPPY HOUR April Marks creates a strawberry cocktail

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MIDDLE-AGED MAN IN LYCRA ITV’s Ned Boulting heads to the Westcountry

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SECRET WESTCOUNTRY Where to go, what to do

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MALE GROOMING? MOI? Chris McGuire faces up to the facts

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ALE AND HEARTY Our beer guru picks his favourite pints

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LOCK UP YOUR LYCRA

The Tour de France’s man is here

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[

[

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IN THE PINK

New ways with cosmetics and colour

[ welcome [ Oh, we do like to be beside the seaside... his week in West, we meet two people who have been inspired, in very different ways, by the glorious coastline of the South West. First up, we have an interview with the two-time Booker prize winning writer author Dame Hilary Mantel, who explains why she so loves living in the pretty coastal town of Budleigh Salterton. She’s now the leading light of the town’s increasingly prestigious literary festival, which takes place next week - find out more on page 16 today.

Also in West today, we meet Ross Thompson (page 12), one of two brothers who set up the Saltrock

T

Tweet

[

of the week

surf fashion business back in the 1990s. From selling t-shirts out of the back of an Austin Allegro in Penzance to running 60-plus stores, it’s been quite the success. And it all started because Ross and brother Angus wanted to live in the Westcountry and fit their working life in around surfing! We’ve got a tasty Saltrock discount code for you to make the most of today (page 15). too.

We are also offering two readers the chance to win a trip to the races in Exeter, all for free, with food, and drink provided (page 5). I went to the races for the first time this year and thoroughly enjoyed myself do give it a whirl. Have a good weekend.

[

And it all started because they wanted to fit in their work around surfing

@AvalDorVodka A great mention of @AvalDorVodka in @WMNWest this morning #Cornish #Vodka

TO ADVERTISE: Contact Cathy Long: 01752 293017 or 07557 576668, clong@dc-media.co.uk

Becky Sheaves, Editor

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

COVER IMAGE: Denim dress,. £20, Matalan

MEET THE TEAM Becky Sheaves, Editor

Phil Goodwin

Kathryn Clarke-McLeod

Gillian Molesworth

Cathy Long

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If you do one thing this week...

Fancy a fun day out with plenty of glamour and excitement? The new season begins at Exeter Racecourse on Thursday, October 6. You can have a flutter, enjoy a drink and even a meal in the restaurant overlooking the racecourse. It’s a thoroughly enjoyable day out in a sociable and friendly atmosphere.

Tickets start at £13, with children under 17 free of charge. A free bus is available from Exeter St David’s station at 12.40pm and Exeter Bus Station 12.55pm, returning half an hour after the last race, which is at 5.10pm. This event is a fundraiser for the charity Hannah’s Willberry Wonder Pony, in aid of bone cancer research and granting equinerelated wishes to seriously ill children. www.exeter.thejockeyclub.co.uk

Win

We have a pair of Haldon packages to the races at Exeter on October 6 to win. They consist of a meal, drink, premier tickets and racecards, worth £25 each. To win, simply tell us which charity the race day is supporting. Send your answers, marked Exeter Races, to: westmag@westernmorningnews.co.uk to arrive by September 23. Alternatively, you can post your answer to: Exeter Races Competition, West magazine, Queen’s House, Little Queen Street, Exeter EX4 3LJ. Normal terms apply, West will not share your details.

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Floral insulated cup £8 Accessorize

CUTE Apple print apron £20 Cath Kidston

the

SHINE Sea crane lamp

wishlist

£85 Debenhams

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

STREET STYLE STAR

MICHELLE SYMMONS We spotted Michelle in Princesshay shopping centre, Exeter and we loved how her green coat and scarf contrast with her red hair. The effect is bold and striking. Top marks for her shoe and bag combo too.

Coat - Charity shop Jeans - Charity shop Boots - Timberland Handbag - Paris Vintage ring - Mortimers of Exeter

Parrot sketchbook £8 Paperchase

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Wishlist

fave!

Fragrance diffuser £12.50 Marks & Spencer

PRETTY Origami print dress £49 La Redoute

Decorative dining plate £3.99 HomeSense

Card holder £8 Oliver Bonas

FRUITY Pineapple candle £12.99 TK Maxx

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talking points Gillian Molesworth

Story of my life...

Playing on your own o I’ve got a new phone, and one of my first moves was to download my favourite pastimes: backgammon and spider solitaire.

This is what keeps me occupied in the doctor’s surgery waiting room and in the car waiting for kids to finish their clubs.

My mother was a tremendous cards player and she knew at until you get an empty space, least five versions of solitaire, then use that to shuffle your also called patience. (Klondike, board around until you can make clock solitaire, pyramid solitaire, up your runs. and one we called “travel soliI downloaded a free version taire” because you could play it in of it on my last phone. The the car.) The grandpappy of them animations were flashy: I was all was spider solitaire. in a casino. After my first win, It’s a great game, played with there was a masculine chorus of two decks. You deal out ten cards “Yeah!”, and a woman with glitin a row and add to them until tering jewellery and a plunging there are four face down and one neckline slid onto the screen to face up. You then give me a sultry start moving look from under her around so the hair.

I snorted with cards go in deI snorted with laughter. Surely scending order: laughter. Surely jack on a queen, only the saddest only the saddest ten on a jack and person in the world person in the so on. When you would play this slow world would play get an entire run, and cerebral game king down to ace, – by themselves - in this slow and of the same suit, a casino. And what cerebral game you can take it was up with boobie by themselves off – the object is girl? This was to remove all the clearly some fantasy in a casino? cards in this way. designed for lonely Here’s the Japanese men. trick though: you can only move On my new phone, I decided to runs of cards in the same suit. plump for a paid-for version of You can’t move a six and a five tospider solitaire from a respectgether if they are different suits. able gaming company. And I have When you run out of moves – to tell you, it’s boring. No one or choose not to make more - you shouts “Yeah!” when you win. deal out another ten cards on top There’s no slutty barfly to put her of the ones you’ve got showing, virtual hand on your shoulder. then move them around, until And all the blinking, agramyou’re all out of deck. matical ads are gone: “Get richer It’s a jolly difficult game and quick!” “Win friends fame!” my mother used to puzzle over “Happy happy time!!” her board for hours. The trick is Maybe I can find a trashy verto mine down through the stacks sion of backgammon?

S

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.

ADORABLE

in orange

Naomie Harris wore this stunning burnt orange jumpsuit to the Our Kind of Traitor premiere recently. With a frill running down one side, it is both fun and flattering and shows off the Bond girl’s long, lean shape perfectly. Naomie’s number comes from haute couture label Vionnet - but why not make the look your own by opting for one of these more affordable high street alternatives?

Belted maxi dress £150 Debenhams

steal her

style

OR MAKE IT YOUR OWN

OPTION A Casual Smocked Bardot dress £26 Glamorous

OPTION B Cool Russet print jumpsuit £39 La Redoute

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10.09.16

DENISE ‘SAVED FROM BOOZE’ Loose Women star DENISE WELCH says her new husband has helped her in her battle with alcohol.

Denise, who married artist Lincoln Townley in 2013, says he has been her “anchor”. When they met, she had been married to actor Tim Healy for 24 years.

“We were party animals, two people in a mess, when we first met.

“My marriage was in freefall and I was drinking too much. Being with Lincoln could have been the most explosive disaster, but it went the opposite way.

We’ve been each other’s anchor.”

Lincoln says: “We encouraged one another to pursue what matters most.

As a couple we have positive energy constantly flowing through us.”

[[ ‘I’m not sure if the Brits still like me, though...’

SHARON’S NERVOUS She’s back! SHARON OSBOURNE is a judge once more in the new series of The X Factor. Sharon, who appeared on the first four series of the contest in 2004 until 2007, and again in 2013, is bracing herself for a return not just to the show, but to the UK. “I didn’t have any reservations about doing the show but just

about coming back to England and whether people really wanted me here or not,” admits Sharon, who lives in California.

“It was like, is it right for me to come back because it’s been a long time since I have really spent any length of time here?”

West says: Oh come on Shaz, you know we love you!

Just

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

!

MIRANDA: NO MORE MIDWIFE MIRANDA HART will not be returning to Call The Midwife despite suggestions from producers that she would.

The actress – who was born in Torquay - had been due to reappear in the BBC period drama as loveable midwife Camilla “Chummy” Browne.

However, she tweeted just recently: “News: it’s with a heavy heart that having shared Chummy’s return to CTM, I’ve not been able to birth (pun) the schedule to make it work.”

She continued: “Truly sad not to be playing Chummy this year but fans are in for a treat with Dame HARRIET WALTER as a new cast member and more besides.”

The 43-year-old quit the show during series four due to work commitments, with Chummy being sent to a mother and baby unit to explain her absence.

But the show’s producers later said that she was returning to the show for series six. Alas, it is not to be. Chummy, we’ll miss you.

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Adorable: Penny Cross took this cute picture of canine fun on a sunny day in Plymouth

in pictures On the quay: Harriet and Leah went to the Newlyn Fish Festival in west Cornwall

Sense of humour: Jade Ware enjoyed the Cornwall Pride parade in Truro

Yee hah! Bear the stallion has won two world championships for horse agility with his owner Dawn Westcott, who lives on Exmoor 10

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talking points A HISTORY

of the

WEST in

100

objects 11: SKETCH BY J.M.W. TURNER

The best way to:

UPCYCLE FURNITURE Breathe new life into your homewares by attending a South West upcycling course.

•

Ball Hill Farm, Somerset: Give your old armchair, headboard or dining chairs a fresh new look with a day or weekend course near Taunton, with Laura Ashley-trained Nicky Gane. Food and accommodation also available, prices from £10 for an hour, www. ballhillfarm.org

•

•

Sweet Pea & Betty, Falmouth: Delve into dyeing and printing at this three-hour workshop in south Cornwall as you learn how to produce your own fabric for a cushion, small blind, lampshade or seat cover. £65, www. sweetpeabetty. co.uk

Schumacher College, southDevon: Head to Schumacher College’s Chicken Shed Studio at Dartington for this eightweek carpentry evening class. You’ll build your very own coffee table using locally-sourced ash and sweet chestnut, picking up fundamental woodworking techniques as you go. Wednesday evenings from September 28, £200 www.dartington.org • Rowan Tree Studio, Clovelly: Learn how to use Colourman and Annie Sloan paint at this friendly north Devon studio to freshen up an old table or chair. Create your own stylish shabby-chic design to take home at a fraction of the cost. 10am-4pm October 20, £50 www. rowantreestudiodevon.co.uk

Buckfast Abbey, Devon, about 1826

Julien Parsons is the Senior Collections Officer, The Royal Albert Memorial Museum in Exeter. He says: Turner first visited Cornwall and Devon in 1811. He soon returned, and in August 1814 stood on a hillside overlooking the Dart Valley. Armed with a sketchbook and pencil he recorded the view that lay before him: the sweeping curve of the river, the wooded hills and Buckfast Abbey’s buildings.

Twelve years later, he produced this watercolour sketch which brought detail and atmosphere to the scene – a plume of smoke rising from the valley floor and lads pilfering birds’ eggs in the foreground.

The watercolour, along with

JMW Turner sketched this view in Devon in 1814

drawings that survive in Turner’s sketchbooks at the Tate Gallery in London, served as the basis for an engraving by Robert Wallis, published in 1828. Turner was a demanding taskmaster who pushed engravers to new levels of technical excellence. The results were worth it though. The quality of prints produced from Turner’s drawings was astounding and there was a growing market for them.

By the early 19th century topographical prints were all the rage. The South West, in particular, attracted well-to-do tourists in search of rugged and romantic landscapes and ruins. Turner’s prints issued in batches captured the mood expertly. And if you were wealthy enough you could acquire your very own Turner.

#11

On display in Kurt Jackson: Revisiting Turner’s Tourism, Royal Albert Memorial Museum, Exeter, www.rammuseum.org.uk Competition winner: Congratulations to Kay Mason of Appledore who wins a night for two at luxury hotel Alverton in Truro plus dinner for two. With thanks to the Alverton Hotel, www.thealverton.co.uk

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People

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SURF STYLE Fran McElhone meets the two brothers who head up the clothing brand Saltrock, which started in Cornwall, grew in Devon and now sells surfwear all over the country oss and Angus Thomson are the two brothers who head up the Devon-based surf fashion brand Saltrock, with 42 stores open already and plans for 20 more in the pipeline.

Saltrock is thriving but its story started in a very humble way, with the brothers designing and printing T-shirts from the back of an Austin Allegro in Penzance, back in 1988. “We only did it as an alternative to jobs like daffodil picking and pot washing,” jokes Ross.

Next, they upped sticks to Croyde, north Devon (a place which, by no means coincidentally, is one of the region’s top surf spots) and opened a shop in nearby Braunton. The pair come from South Africa – Salt Rock is the name of their favourite surf spot back at home – but over the years they have put down deep

R

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roots here in the Westcountry. Ross and his wife Lisa have daughters Holly, 13, and Georgia, 11. Meanwhile, Angus met his other half, Claire, with whom he has daughter Elsa, 11.

The evolution of their brand hasn’t been altogether plain sailing, with the company nearly going under in the financial crisis six years ago - of which, more later. But today it is flourishing – and a far cry from the Austin Allegro. Indeed, it has prospered in tandem with the exponential growth of surfing in the UK, as Ross tells me.

“We have seen a huge change in surfing in the UK. When we first arrived in the early 80s, surfing was very embryonic in comparison to our home of South Africa and hotspots in Australia and America.

“Angus and I were not even sure whether the waves here would be any good, as there was very little information about surfing the UK. “However, over the years the sport has grown hugely here, partly because surfing globally has grown but also because the UK has a wealth of world class waves.”

With six collections every year, Saltrock is still rooted in surf culture, although its ethos has now evolved into a wider embrace of the outdoor lifestyle. “When we started off, we were a hard-core

‘We were just two guys who liked surfing and created

clothes for that lifestyle’ surf brand,” Ross explains.

“But as we grew up, even though our lives were still about surfing, we were also interested more generally in travelling and meeting people. So our focus isn’t just about the waves any more even though it’s still the sea which drives us.”

Angus is the company’s chief executive, running the show, and Ross is the creative director heading up the design team. The brand has found acclaim here in the UK as an affordable, surf-lifestyle brand, which also has its own line of body boards. It’s all come as a bit of a surprise to the brothers who, in Ross’s own words, had “no aspirations whatsoever to take over the world”.

“We started the business to fund our surfing and, if I’m honest, because the jobs we were doing at the time didn’t really suit us,” Ross explains. “My thing was design, I’ve always been an artist, and Angus was experienced in sales. So we thought, let’s start printing T-shirts to turn a buck and continue travelling.

“We were just two guys who liked surfing and created clothing that reflected our lifestyle.

“I remember the day we arrived in north Devon so well,” recalls Ross. “It was the middle of winter, we drove round the corner and saw these perfect waves, and we went, Hello!

“We got chatting to a few locals in the water and then arranged to meet up with them in the

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People

Saltrock’s style is inspired by the great Westcountry outdoors

pub later.

“We thought, there’s great surf here, it’s a beautiful part of the world, we’ve met some great people. Saltrock just grew, it was organic.”

Demand for their t-shirts saw the brothers printing and dyeing thousands of garments in the house they rented near Croyde. “We had big buckets of dye and washing lines for the t-shirts to dry going all around the house,” says Ross.

“Then we printed them in a rented garage across the road.” Soon more products were added to the line, more shops opened and the birth of their daughters inspired the brothers to grow their childrenswear lines.

But there have been some challenges along the way. Shortly after the global banking crisis, the

growing business was forced into administration in 2010. But a friend of a friend came to the rescue and bought the troubled company. From then on, Angus and Ross have continued in their roles and the business has survived and thrived.

Today, you’ll find Saltrock stores dotted around the coastline here in the Westcountry as well as along the south coast and in Wales.

To promote the Saltrock brand, the company has signed up four ambassadors who wear the clothes and sum up the ethos behind the style.

Climber Jenna Goddard, surfing longboarder Katie Clark, trials biker Andrei Burton and big wave surfer Andrew Cotton have all been chosen to personify the ideal Saltrock lifestyle.

So the brothers are now very settled here in

the South West and have been even joined by their parents, too, who have moved here from South Africa. Both their mother and father were born in England - their mother was evacuated from Plymouth to Cape Town during the Second World War. It all sounds like a recipe for very happy families but do the brothers ever clash at work? “Ah yeah!” admits Ross. “But I guess that’s healthy - if a debate gets heated, it gets heated. But at the end of the day, we’re brothers. Nothing affects our relationship in the long term.”

As a special offer, West readers can have a 15% discount off Saltrock products bought on its website until September 30 2016. Use the code WESTMAG15 when ordering from www.saltrock.com 15

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WRITE STUFF We meet the world-famous president of this year’s Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival

By Becky Sheaves

ne of the (many) good things winning the Booker Prize twice is that “no one can pester you to hurry up and finish your next book,” explains Dame Hilary Mantel. “Even though some people – especially the television people – really would like me to get on with it.”

I bet they would. The book in question is the third instalment in the life of the enigmatic Tudor fixer Thomas Cromwell. It will be called The Mirror and the Light and it won’t be in print this year, says Dame Hilary unapologetically.

“But I’m fairly sure – yes, really sure actually - it will be ready next year.”

Parts one and two of the trilogy, Wolf Hall and Bring Up The Bodies, won the Man Booker Prize in 2009 and 2012 respectively, making Hilary part of a very small, elite club - the only other writers to have won twice are Peter Carey and J M Coetzee. So, all of a sudden, this shy and, she says, “very private” writer from Budleigh Salterton became one of the most acclaimed novelists in the English-speaking world.

The two Thomas Cromwell books were also adapted for the theatre, wowing audiences in Stratford-upon-Avon and London’s West End, followed by a dazzling run stateside on Broadway, and Dame Hilary “thoroughly enjoyed” working on the script adaptations. Then the stories appeared on television with the superb stage actor Mark Rylance in the lead role. Small wonder that a lot of people would like The Mirror and the Light to be ready sooner rather than later.

But Hilary, 64, has one or two things taking up her time before she can finish the novel. First up, and most pressingly right now, she is the presi-

O

Dame Hilary Mantel is president of the Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival, which takes place next week

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Interview

PORTRAIT: ANITA CORBIN

Dame Hilary Mantel, who lives in east Devon

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Interview dent of the Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival, an event of which she is, rightly, extremely proud. She lives in the east Devon town and her A-list involvement with the festival, which takes place from September 15-18, has certainly helped it to become a national (and, increasingly, international) literary event.

“It all started when I was visiting Budleigh, as I often used to do back before I moved here,” remembers Hilary. “I spotted posters up in the town, advertising the festival, and I went into the Brook Gallery and volunteered to help. I remember thinking then: ‘This is me putting down a marker, making a commitment to this town’ and

in the end we moved here to make this our fulltime home. I’m away a lot, of course, but Budleigh is very much my home now.”

Hilary moved to Devon in 2010 with her husband Gerald McEwen, a geologist, and says she loves the seaside town for its beauty and peacefulness. Although during the literary festival it will be anything but tranquil. “I love it then,” she says. “The town is small enough for us to all walk from event to event and the streets are buzzing, the cafes full. It is so much fun. We are in our eighth year of the festival now and able to attract some really big names, competing on a national stage for people to take part.”

Damien Lewis as Henry VIII in Wolf Hall

She is too modest to say so but having a double Booker prize winner as its president has in no small part contributed to the willingness of renowned literary figures to come to Devon for the festival. “For me, it is just a way of giving something back to Budleigh and part of me putting down roots here, becoming part of the community,” she explains.

The speakers appearing at the festival include 18

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Festival favourites Jenny Balfour Paul

Author of Deeper Than Indigo

Mark Rylance played Thomas Cromwell in the TV adaptation of Dame Hilary Mantel’s Booker prize-winning novels

Mark Haddon, author of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, and Shami Chakrabarti, former head of Liberty. Hilary says she is particularly excited that Simon Garfield is appearing. “His book, A Notable Woman: The Romantic Journals of Jean Lucey Pratt, is one of my favourites,” she tells me. “He discovered the life-long diaries of a woman who was a wonderful writer and kept detailed and revealing accounts of her thoughts and feelings. You get completely obsessed with whether or not Jean will manage to lose her virginity in 1940. I have a friend who was unwell recently and I parcelled up a copy and posted it off to them, saying: ‘What you need is some Jean Lucey Pratt’.”

For many coming to the festival, however, it is the chance to see Dame Hilary herself that will prove the biggest draw. She will be reading a short story that she wrote earlier this year, one which she has never yet read in public before.

Last year, another of her short stories, The Assassination of Margaret Thatcher, was shortlisted for the prestigious BBC short story competition. “I have entered this new one for the 2016 competition and I’m hoping it will be successful – fingers crossed,” she says. She had, she tells me, a “stint” of short story writing in January and February this year, which meant The Mirror And The Light had to go on hold for a while. “I wrote three stories in a row, all in quick succession. Ideas just come to me. I am never short of them.”

But over the summer she says she made good progress with The Mirror and the Light, as her many fans will be glad to hear: “I can’t say for sure how near to completion it is, because I don’t write in a straight line from start to finish,” she

says. “But I had a really good, quiet, uninterrupted summer of writing and got a lot done.”

It will, she says “probably” be her last novel about Thomas Cromwell, the blacksmith’s son who became Henry VIII’s right hand man, one of the most powerful people in the land back in the 1500s. “This novel covers the last four years of his life, up to his execution in 1540,” she explains. “I’m not running out of inspiration by any means. I still find Cromwell endlessly fascinating. But as you go on with more books about the same person, it becomes more difficult to explain and weave in the back story of all that has gone on in his life before. So this will probably be the last one. I think…”

Once the new book is out, there will be the television adaptation and Hilary says she is keen to be involved in the scriptwriting process again. “I so enjoyed my time working collaboratively for Wolf Hall’s adaptation to the stage. I love theatre and I found working with a team of creative people, from the actors and directors to the costume-makers, a really nice experience. I’m very keen to work more in the theatre.”

To that end, once the new novel is finished and adapted, she has several other projects bubbling under that she is keen to get on with, too. She wants to adapt The Assassination of Margaret Thatcher into a stage play. This, no doubt, will be not without controversy, given that allies of Mrs Thatcher called for a police investigation into the affair, to which Hilary wryly responded: “bringing in the police for an investigation was beyond anything I could have planned or hoped for, because it immediately

Jenny Balfour Paul is one of the many writers appearing at the Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival next week.

She is a writer, artist, lecturer and intrepid traveller, as well as a research fellow at Exeter University and a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society. You can hearJenny speak at 10am on Friday September 16 at the festival.

Praised by historian A.N. Wilson as “one of the most remarkable books I have ever read”, Jenny’s book Deeper Than Indigo (Medina, £22.95) encompasses biography, memoir, history and travelogue. After discovering the illustrated journals of forgotten Victorian explorer Thomas Machell in the British Library, Jenny – who lives in Exeter retraced his footsteps through remote parts of the Middle East and Asia.

Beautifully documented with illustrations and stories, in Deeper Than Indigo Jenny follows Thomas Machell to the city of Calcutta, then indigo plantations in rural Bengal and Bangladesh, and coffee estates in Kerala’s Malabar hills. “It’s an extraordinary story and he really was a fascinating man,” says Jenny, who is also a practising artist.

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Festival favourites Virginia Baily

Author of Early One Morning Devon author Virginia Baily appears at the Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival on Friday September 16 at 10am. She is also holding a writing workshop from 1pm-3pm on the same day.

Virginia’s new novel, Early One Morning (Virage, £8.99) is a tale of unexpected love, loss and the impact of the Second World War on Italy’s inhabitants. It was inspired by the Devon author ’s love of Rome, which she first visited as a teenager.

Claire Foy and Damien Lewis in TV’s Wolf Hall

exposes them to ridicule”.

Beyond that, she has another novel part-finished that she wants to see through to completion, set in Africa “just before the Aids epidemic”, she tells me. Hilary and her husband lived in Botswana for five years from 1977, which was a difficult time for her. She had been beset with poor health, with problems that were wrongly diagnosed as mental illness. Shockingly, she was treated with anti-psychotic drugs that, in themselves, caused much distress and difficulty.

Eventually, she diagnosed herself with severe endometriosis, a reproductive problem, and the treatment entailed losing her fertility, preventing her having children and causing her lifelong health problems.

But she is feeling a lot better these days, she tells me. “When my husband and I were actually in the process of buying our home in Budleigh, I was in hospital having major surgery. It was so frustrating because I could not come down and move into our new home for several months.

Eventually, when I was well enough to move in, I was still very doddery. It took me about another 18 months to recuperate fully.

“It would be overly romantic, I fear, to attribute life by the sea in beautiful Budleigh Salterton to my improved state of health. But it certainly hasn’t hurt to be living here and the town has been a place where I have worked very creatively.

It’s a good place for me to write.”

She says she isn’t daunted by the idea that this next novel will have such high expectations attached to it. “As well as being personally grati-

fying, of course, [winning the Booker twice] has given me confidence,” she says. It has been financially liberating, too – each award comes with a £50,000 prize and opens doors in a way few other literary accolades can do: “In the past, I was trying to juggle my novel-writing with earning a living. As any freelance will tell you, the closest deadline is always the most compelling one. It meant that my novels had to fit in around the financial necessities of my working life, especially during a period when my husband was seriously unwell and was not able to work.

“It was at that time, when I was writing my novel Beyond Black [which was published in 2005 and shortlisted for the Orange Prize] and I did feel I rushed to finish it. I would have liked to do another draft but I didn’t have the luxury of time.”

Today, though, things are very different: “It was really only with Wolf Hall that I began to earn a living with my novel writing. So now I can focus more on my fiction work, which is really nice.”

And no publisher, no matter how keen, would have the nerve to hurry her these days. “No,” she laughs. “I just tell everyone, The Mirror and the Light will be finished soon. I just need a little more time.”

Fortunately for the Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival, the event continues to be a highlight of her year and dear to her heart. “I just can’t wait. It is a buzz like high summer again in the town, only better,” she says. “I’ll be there, walking around from event to event, taking it all in.

I do hope lots of people will come and join me.” www.budlitfest.org.uk

“The city is fascinating, and my first visit just happened to be a very formative moment for me, at the age of 16,” she says.

“Rome entered my heart and I knew that part of me would never have been awakened without that experience - I discovered a version of myself that wouldn’t have emerged otherwise.”

Teenage Virginia stayed with her aunt, who lived in the Roman Ghetto.

It is where, in the story of Early One Morning, her heroine Chiara witnesses the rounding up of the city’s Jewish population and makes a split-second decision that changes her life forever.

The book is described as being “as gripping as any thriller” by the Daily Mail.

Now living in Exeter, Virginia became an author after studying Creative Writing at Exeter University.

In her fifties, she says: “I’m living proof that you can make it as a novelist in later life. It’s been a dream come true for me.”

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events

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Made to measure This luxury home in north Devon was built to the unique standards of its first owner - who was also its builder. Charlotte Dear takes a look around uilt in the early 2000s by a builder as his own dream home, this spectacular property in the north Devon village of Beaford has been designed to combine contemporary convenience with some unique character quirks.

When the current owners decided to move to north Devon from Exeter back in 2007, the house immediately took centre stage in their property hunt, says the current owner. “My daughter said you can’t miss this; it’s so unusual. We had never seen anything like it before.”

With the original village pond as its focal point, the house, called Latchford, has been constructed with design elements of Kentish oast houses, fused with French chateau roofs. It was, however, sold on when it was not entirely finished: “There was still plastering and plasterboarding to be

B

done, the sunroom needed to be rebuilt from wood to aluminium and the kitchen had not yet been started.” Now complete with a super-useful boiling water tap, impressive range oven and a waste disposal unit, this state of the art kitchen is geared towards busy family life.

Beneath the solid oak floors, an under-floor heating system runs throughout the ground floor and is powered by a heat pump “large enough to run a small leisure centre,” says the owner. The grand scale extends to the granite slab that sits atop the kitchen island - it was the largest single cut of stone possible from its Newton Abbott supplier and took eight men to lift into place.

A dining table is illuminated by striking hanging ceiling pendants, while the sun room beyond offers a peaceful and serene space in which to unwind. “When you’re sitting in this room with

the water all around, it’s almost as if you’re on a boat!” says the owner. This waterside vibe flows into the sitting room, where curved walls are interspersed by French windows overlooking the pond. A bespoke Minster fireplace adds an element of comfort and warmth whatever the weather outside.

The impressive solid oak staircase leads up to the four main bedrooms and bathrooms. The master bedroom exudes luxury, with an en-suite bathroom with corner bath and large shower, concealed fridge and Juliet balcony overlooking the sunroom, pond and fields beyond.

The gardens were landscaped by St. John’s Garden Centre in Barnstaple and are both wheelchair and wheelbarrow friendly, complete with a heated African breeze house from which to admire the illuminated pond on both warm and

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Interiors

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Interiors

chilly evenings.

This is an ideal property for families with teenagers, as the owner explains. “Our daughters like to bake but I don’t like them in my kitchen making a mess, so it’s great that we have a whole second kitchen set up in the laundry room.

“When we were house hunting other properties would always fall down on the laundry room, which

[[

was effectively a corridor between the kitchen and back door, despite being a large family home.

“This one has cupboards lining one whole wall for towels ‘The granite and sheets and also makes a perfect hobby room.” Family worktop on the harmony is also maintained kitchen island by the fact that the younger generation can retreat to a is so huge and self-contained annexe, which heavy that it took has its own front door and eight men to lift it driveway, “We’ve always used it as a teenagers’ retreat; they into place’ can take friends up there and can’t be heard from the main house – it’s perfect!”

Latchford was built for purpose, rather than for re-sale, which is why every single detail and function has been so carefully considered, as the owner explains, “I’ve never seen a house that works so well for both family and business – from the large working office with separate entrance to the two double garages that lead straight into boot rooms so that you need never to get wet.” Even the heated indoor infinity pool has been fitted with de-humidifying windows to avoid any chance of steamed glass and topped with solar panels that, combined with the borehole, make for a very eco-friendly property.

This is taken one step further by Latchford’s location; sitting on the edge of Beaford village, owners are within walking distance of the local shop, pub, post office and even salsa class!

Latchford is for sale with Stags, Barnstaple at £1.35 million, www.stags.co.uk

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GET THE

LOOK

Pretty patterns and neutral tones give a fresh country feel

fave!

Chandelier £80 Next

Neutral rug £49.95 Cuckooland

Cath Kidston duvet cover £75 Amara

Hoxton bookcase £499 Furniture Village Three-seater Littie sofa £349 Modern

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05/09/2016 13:21:39

Ask Gracie...

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

I do, I do, I do!

[[ The words ‘cheap’ and ‘wedding dress’ are no longer enemies - there’s zero shame attached to spending less

I’m getting married next year and our wedding is on a very strict budget, which means I can’t spend much on my dress. Any suggestions as to where I can get an affordable gown?

HJ, Bude

Q

Gladys Sunray beaded dress £325 Phase Eight

The words “cheap” and “wedding dress” are no longer enemies. With a rise in the market for well-priced high street wedding dresses, there’s now zero shame attached to spending less on your gown. Needle & Thread’s bridal collection (www.needleandthread.com) is one I would highly recommend as it features all manner of modern, stylish bridal ensembles, from embellished tulle floor-sweeping gowns to beaded mini dresses priced from just £130.

Monsoon is also great if you’re looking for vintage-inspired gowns with delicate embellishments. On sale their dresses can go for under £100. Phase Eight, too, has some great wedding gowns which look a lot pricier than they really are.

Willow lace dress £199 Monsoon Princess dress £325 Debenhams

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Gracie’s shopping list

In the pink Q

How do I wear pink eyeshadow? GF, Hayle

While we’ve never been shy about adding a pop of pink on our lips, the thought of pink on our eyes is definitely a little more daunting. But it’s completely doable, I promise.

Using it as a light shimmer with smokey eyes or as a sheer blend of pale pink is the tame way to go. If you want to get a bit more adventurous, dive into some more vibrant shades. One way to wear a vivid pink is by wetting an angled liner brush before dipping it into the shadow pan and drawing a cateye. The colour gets the attention but the sleek line always makes your make-up look polished.

Bobbi Brown shimmer brick in Rose £34 House Of Fraser

M.A.C eyeshadow in Sushi Flower £13 M.A.C Cosmetics

Dyson Supersonic hairdryer, £299, John Lewis A complete re-think in the way hairdryers are designed, the Dyson Supersonic aims to change your beauty routine forever. Enlisting the help of some of the world’s top hair stylists and engineers, Dyson have created a product that is lightweight, efficient and easy to use, yet still delivers powerful drying and styling results.

The ins and outs Q

Wrap front midi dress, £22.99 New Look

Do you have any advice on how to dress a curvy figure?

NN, Holsworthy

As with all body types, the key to making the most of your figure is to dress to flatter your shape. Curvy figures should look for semi-fitted styles that softly follow your curves and show off your waistline. Flattering silhouettes include wrap dresses, belted shirtdresses and full skirts. You should avoid anything either too loose or too fitted (including styles that cinch the waist too tightly) and also avoid high necklines.

Try looking for mediumweight knits and soft fabrics that drape well. Opt for lower necklines, often found in wrap, offthe-shoulder or strapless styles.

For a slimming effect, show some skin by exposing your legs or cleavage.

Lace full skirt £45 Very

Belted shirt dress £14 George at Asda

Lorna tassel espadrille slider, £89, Jigsaw Combining slider styling with a loafer tassel, these espadrilles are made in Spain from the highest quality jute. They feature a calf leather front and a chunky handmade espadrille sole, with a rubber base for added durability and comfort.

Team with jeans for a cool alternative to ballet pumps.

Pozo Howlite Ring, £19, Oliver Bonas Refined and in style, this Pozo Howlite Open Shape Ring proves that rings needn’t be fussy.

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

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Aztec purse £7.99 TK Maxx

Peplum top £42.50 White Stuff

Polka dot ballerina pumps £7.99 Shoe Zone

Tiered tunic £69 Phase Eight

Raffia wedges £55.95 Moda in Pelle

Into the blue hen it comes to denim there’s genuinely something to suit every size, age and occasion, from office-smart to festival-chic.

As autumn creeps in and temperatures begin to fall, this is a fun and versatile fabric that can be dressed up and down in a flash.

For a smarter look, how about this pretty wrap skirt from Monsoon. Get office ready by coupling a crisp white shirt with these stylish denim culottes from Simply Be, while black jeans will pair perfectly with more casual denim shirts and tunics.

W

Button down shirt dress £20 Matalan

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Fashion

Embellished shirt £30 Very

Belted jumpsuit £110 House of Fraser

Denim culottes £35 Simply Be

Embellished wrap skirt £49 Monsoon 29

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01/09/2016 17:17:38

Wellbeing

the boost

Pedal power

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

On 14 September, we are being encouraged to swap four wheels for two, enjoy some morning and afternoon air and reduce our carbon footprint as part of national Cycle to Work Day. 741,000 of us regularly commute by bike, but the event is aiming to increase this number to one million by 2021 in a bid to clean up our physical, mental and environmental health as we pedal. www.cycletoworkdayorg

Walk this way

EXPLORE According to a study conducted by English Heritage, getting out and exploring our historic towns, industrial sites and places of worship can have a profound positive impact on life satisfaction and general wellbeing. This month, take part in Heritage Open Days, an exclusive event inviting you to unlock the secrets of the South West by stepping behind the scenes of buildings that are usually kept under lock and key, from Thomas Hardy’s Cottage in Dorset to the lighthouses of Cornwall. www.heritageopendays.org.uk

In an age when we can choose from seven different types of yoga classes along with some very scary-looking gym equipment, when it comes to picking the best form of exercise research still points towards walking. With the South East Cornwall Walking Festival taking place this week, the spectacular sights of the Tamar Valley, Bodmin Moor and historic fishing ports are bound to boost not only your physical health but your general wellbeing and mood too. www. southwestcoastpath.org.uk

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Strictly for you If you’re as thrilled as we are by the new Strictly Come Dancing series, why not join in the fun?

There’s a brand new eight week course in Ballroom and Latin dance for absolute beginners starting Sunday October 2 at Camborne Community Centre, run

by Charles Colman World of Dance. On Sundays from 6.30-7.30pm, the fee is £60 per person.

You’ll learn the basics of everything from Jive to Quickstep, Waltz and Salsa Call 07786 086315 to book.

Beach beauty Now that summer is drawing to a close, it’s time to head to our local coastline to ensure our marine friends are seen safely through the winter months ahead. Taking place from 16-19 September, the Great British Beach Clean is a fantastic excuse to fill your lungs with fresh sea air while giving something back to your local sea life. With events taking place all over the South West from Bossington Beach to Treknow Cove, find your nearest clean at www.mcsuk.org

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

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

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Wellbeing

Baby got back?

How to help your body heal

body prepares to fight or flee.

The continuing muscle tension can contribute to persistent pain, leading to muscle cramps, prompting more danger signals to be sent, ultimately resulting in a vicious cycle of pain.

Physiotherapist David Rogers says: For a long time, In addition, the endocrine system may release health professionals have believed persistent cortisol, diverting oxygen to the muscles so we back pain is due to a long-term injury that can flee if necessary. If cortisol levels are elevathasn’t healed. However, more recent evidence ed for a prolonged period, problems - including from neuroscience has helped poor sleep, fatigue, depresus to understand that persistsion and poorer physical ent pain has less to do with performance - can occur (all actual ongoing injury and of which, again, contribute to The body repairs more to do with the sensitivgreater perception of pain). ity of the nervous system.

The result of this is that your itself from injury Injured tissue naturally heals pain experience becomes in a few months within a fairly short time stronger and your back starts at most. But the skin within a few days, musto hurt even more. cles, ligaments and tendons Fear of causing further volume dial within weeks. damage to the back means for pain in the So it’s really important to people often avoid physical nervous system understand that the body activities they previously repairs itself from injury enjoyed too, and may even stays set high within a few months at most. stop working. This can be But for a variety of reasons, detrimental for their mood the volume dial for pain in and quality of life, makes it the nervous system remains more difficult to relax, and set at a high level. Although can actually delay recovery. it feels like the tissues in your back are still If you want to unlock your troublesome back injured, it’s highly likely they aren’t. An initial pain, try some of these top tips (see panel, right). back condition or injury prompts the nervous Back To Life: How To Unlock Your Pathway To Recovsystem to release adrenaline in response to the ery (When Back Pain Persists) by David Rogers and pain threat, leading to muscles tensing as the Dr Grahame Brown, Vermilion, £12.99 I have had back pain on and off for years ever since an accident and I just don’t seem to be able to resolve it. Is there anything I can do to overcome this? C B-N, Taunton

Q

[[

Your route to a better back: Start simple, low-level cardiovascular, strengthening and stretching exercises, building up gradually. Expect to feel worse initially - this is normal. Don’t overdo it, and review your plan weekly.

Family conflict, negative emotions and stress can cause flare-ups, affecting recovery. Resolve them if possible.

Staying in work is likely to help your back - research shows having a purposeful role leads to people having fewer problems with daily activities.

Always discuss changing medication with your doctor.

Prioritise sleep, take regular breaks during the day, and try breathing exercises, mindfulness or hobbies. Relaxing stimulates natural analgesics.

Be aware that painful flare-ups are very unlikely to be caused by damage to the spine. Don’t let a flare-up make you overly cautious, thus slowing overall recovery.

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Enjoy

SMALL BITES

Our pick of what’s on in the Westcountry food world right now

Relaxed dining

Seafood celebrations

It’s almost time for the grape harvest and if you’d like to try some truly delicious Westcountry wine, head to the Pebblebed Vineyard tasting cellar on the riverside in Topsham, east Devon. The cellar serves up Pebblebed wine from the nearby vineyard in Clyst St George, plus good English and international wines.

Also on offer are sharing boards of local tapas such as local cheeses, meats, smoked trout, or pate – and homemade thin crust pizzas, all priced at £8. You can also book the cellar for private wine tasting and tapas events: 01392 661810, geoff@pebblebed.co.uk

Next weekend sees the 14th Newquay Fish Festival, which attracts 20,000 visitors to the town’s quayside. Look out for cookery demos from BBC MasterChef winner James Nathan and Christopher Archambault of Newquay’s iconic Headland Hotel. There’s also lots of live music, including a Last Night of the Proms concert with the Mount Charles Band playing live at the harbour. September 16-18 at Newquay harbour, visit www. newquayfishfestival.co.uk

In praise of the pasty The Mining and Pasty Festival takes place this weekend in Redruth. It’s a fun event celebrating the local mineworkings here having Unesco World Heritage Site status alongside the Cornish pasty, which was traditionally miner’s food.

Events include cookery demonstrations and pastymaking workshops, plus exhibitions, displays, activities, story-telling, a fancy dress competition, live music and fairground rides. Free entry, today and tomorrow (September 10-11).www. visitredruth.co.uk

Tasty date Taste of the Teign is a food festival celebrating the produce and eateries of the Teign River estuary in south Devon. There will be plenty to eat, see and enjoy during the week of September 19-25.

Throughout the week restaurants and cafes will have special menus based on local produce. There will also be some fun events such as learning how to shell and dress crab or press your own apples to make juice or cider. Or how about the jam-making workshop at Bishopsteignton Community Centre on September 20, with Lori Reich of Shute Fruit Farm ? Visit www. tasteoftheteign.org.uk for details.

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

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PHOTOGRAPHY: MATT AUSTIN

Wellbeing

Naturally Bridie’s

Sweet Bee Salad Bridie Nicol says: Packed with colours and fresh flavours, this salad creates a healthy sweet sensation which is so pleasing to both the eye and the taste buds. The bright yellow bee pollen is always a favourite of mine and is believed to help your immune system, while the spinach is packed with vitamins and minerals and over a dozen antioxidant compounds. You can buy bee pollen in health food stores and online. You will definitely get a buzz from this salad!

You will need:

Method:

150g spinach 4 strawberries 20 blueberries 1 tsp black sesame seeds 1 tsp bee pollen

1.

Wash the spinach and place into your salad bowl

2.

Slice up the strawberries and evenly mix throughout the spinach.

3.

Scatter blueberries and sesame seeds throughout the salad.

4.

Leave the bee pollen until last to allow the vibrant yellow visually to capture your audience – just sprinkle over the top.

@naturally_bridie

Bridie Nicol runs the nutrition advice business Naturally Bridie in east Devon www.naturallybridie.co.uk 34

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Ads.indd 3

06/09/2016 14:04:23

Cook

Wild Alaska Salmon Korma Bake Recipe: Carol Bowen Ball, author of Esse’s The Four Seasons Cookbook

Ingredients

Method:

400g cooked fresh wild Alaska salmon or 2 x 213g cans red or pink wild Alaska salmon 500g butternut squash, peeled and cut into chunks 2 tbsp olive oil 1⁄2 tsp cumin seeds Salt and freshly ground black pepper 1 small cauliflower, broken into florets 150g fine green beans, trimmed and halved 300g low-fat natural yogurt 2 tbsp korma curry paste 2 tbsp mango chutney 2 tbsp chopped fresh coriander 4 poppadoms, lightly crushed

1.

Preheat the oven if necessary to 170ºC/Fan 150ºC/Esse Dial Guide MODERATE. (Aim for the dial reading to be in the middle of MODERATE).

2.

Skin the cooked fresh salmon and break into chunks or drain the canned salmon (discarding the liquid, skin and bones) and flake into large pieces.

Serves: 4

3.

Put the butternut squash in a large roasting tin, add the oil, cumin seeds and salt and pepper to taste, tossing to coat. Roast for 25-30 minutes until tender, turning once.

4.

Meanwhile, cook the cauliflower in lightly salted boiling water for 3-4 minutes. Add the green beans and cook for a further 3-4 minutes. Drain well and add to the cooked squash with the chunks of salmon.

5.

Mix the yogurt with the curry paste, mango chutney and coriander. Spoon over the vegetables and salmon, then sprinkle with the poppadoms. Bake for 10-15 minutes until piping hot. Serve at once.

This recipe uses mild strength korma paste but you could experiment with medium madras, tikka masala or passanda strengths or spicy and hot jalfrezi and vindaloo.

The Rangemoors Hearth & Cook showroom in Marsh Barton, Exeter supplies the full range of Esse cookers: www.hearthandcook.com 36

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Drink

Happy h ur with drinks expert April Marks

April says: Throughout the years of studying for wine exams the majority of my go-to reference books were written by Hugh Johnson. And of the many wine books I own I still find his the most compelling reading.

This week sees the release of two new books from Hugh - the first is Hugh Johnson’s 2017 Pocket Wine Book (40th anniversary edition), newly out this week. This compact pocket book consists of 337 pages (you wouldn’t think so to look at it) and is an essential reference book, with extensive information

on more than 6,000 wines and growers. My favourite sections in the book are the quick reference vintage charts (when to drink and when to cellar), the section entitled “If you like this, try this” and the food and wine pairing advice. Well worth the £11.99, a perfect Christmas stocking filler.

Also out now is Hugh Johnson On Wine (Good Bits From 55 Years of Scribbling). I found it absolutely fascinating. On moving house, Hugh discovered tea chests full of old papers and magazines with articles he’s written going back decades. He’s taken

He discovered tea

chests of old papers

going back decades

Cocktail creation: Strawberry Dew Collins Infuse a litre of water with 200g chopped strawberries, the zest of one lime and a split vanilla pod for four hours (or preferably overnight).

Pour 50ml of the strawberry, lime and vanilla water into 50ml of Distil No.9 vodka.

Add two drops of Bob’s Vanilla Bitters.

Top up with prosecco and garnish with sliced strawberries.

these forgotten articles and brought them back to life, starting with his first ever article, written in 1960. In it, he recommends various wines to accompany a Christmas turkey, including the 1950 Château Margaux at a mere £1.20 per bottle – if only! It’s £20, and both are published

by Mitchell Beazley.

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

WINE OF THE WEEK Chateau Ka, Cabernet Merlot Syrah, Bekaa Valley, Lebanon Château Ka is the only winery in Lebanon to use grapes entirely from its own vineyards. A delicate bouquet of red fruits and subtle spice, while red pepper and soft tannins add to the palate with hints of liquorice. Enjoy this wine with beef, venison and lamb.

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Drink Beer of the week From Huddersfield, Magic Rock Brewing’s High Wire Grapefruit IPA (5.5% ABV), fresh, well balanced despite its zingy, citrus hop notes, with a gentle bitter finish. In the Hub bar, St Ives, looking across out across the bay, amid a buzz of contented family diners and dusk drinkers. It doesn’t get better, believe me.

Darren Norbury

talks beer HERITAGE PUBS REVISITED CAMRA has published an updated version of its Britain’s Best Real Heritage Pubs, packed with fantastic pictures by specialist pubs photographer Geoff Brandwood. The book explores more than 260 UK pubs which have interiors of historic significance.

Family fun- with beer!

Abbfest kicks off next Friday (September 16) at Fermoy’s Garden Centre, Newton Abbot. As well as great beer, there are food demonstrations and live music, as well as family fun, craft, wine and Pimms, too! More details at www. abbfest.org

ou may have a romantic vision of curiosity. “I’d rather cook with it than drink it,” my beer-tasting activity, forever says Gill. in and out of pubs and breweries, Electric Bear Brewing, Bath, has former Rebel ticket to ride tucked in my wallet, (Penryn) brewer and yeast guru Guillermo Alnotebook and camera in the manbag varez in charge of the brewhouse and their slung over my shoulder.

Samurye (5.6%) is a beautiful, crystal clear, fraHere’s the reality. Like many breweries these grant golden beer of exceptional beauty. Made days, Beer Today is to be found with ingredients including lotus on an industrial estate. In fairflower and green tea, it is a perness, it’s in a unit with a botfect summer beer. Okay, late A savoury, er, tled beer shop and a ten-keg summer now. line, three-cask tap bar but it’s a Black Flag Brewery, at Goonpeppery aroma metal shed all the same. havern in Cornwall, has taken carries through to Every now and again the postto having some of its beers the palate, giving man will turn up with a box canned, which means excellent of beers for review. Here are freshness. The move makes the a spicy edge. ‘I’d some of my recommendations most of golden bitter Fang’s lusrather cook with it for your bottled beer shopping cious Citra and Mosaic-hopped list. From Stannary Brewery flavour – it’s like sniffing a pine than drink it,’ says in Tavistock comes Batch #8 forest. Hazy golden, with deGill.

Pale Ale (4.5%), with a glorilightful notes of pineapple and ous aroma reminiscent of Love mango. The body is slightly thin Hearts, according to Gill, from for 4.5% ABV but that doesn’t the coffee business across the detract too much. I also tried a way, tasting it with me. Hedgerow hops, apples can of their Saison Sorachi (6.1%) from a can, and lemon pith complete the refreshing picwhich takes the tart, fresh Belgian saison style ture. Among their other beers was a tart Blonde and adds the coconut and lemon grass notes of (4.5%), which might challenge a beer novice, the exotic Sorachi Ace hop for a challenging, but but was delicious and refreshing and a curious rewarding brew. Oh, I’ve run out of space and Peppercorn Porter (5.5%), which was very curiI’m only warming up. I’ll continue this round-up ous. A savoury, er, peppery aroma which carnext week. ries through to the palate, giving a spicy edge to Darren Norbury is editor of beertoday.co.uk a standard roasty porter taste. It’s a well-made @beertoday

Y

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06/09/2016 14:03:25

culture vulture Our guide to what’s on in the South West by woman-in-theknow Gracie Stewart

Namaste at the beach Just before sunset on September 17, the iconic Fistral Beach will once again welcome over 100 people to take part in a ‘Silent Disco Yoga’ class. Expect mats facing the waves and glowing wireless headphones through which you can listen to Balearic music as well as the instructor’s guidance.

Jen from Ocean Flow Yoga will guide the class through several Vinyasa movements throughout the 75 minute session. Ant Durkin, founder of Silent Disco Newquay adds: “This has brought a whole new twist to Silent Disco! Being able to run events like this really highlights that Newquay is an exceptional place to live or visit.”

The class starts at 5pm on Saturday September 17, £10. For more information and to book visit www.oceanflowyoga.co.uk

A festival of music Farming takes centre stage And Then Come The Nightjars, the critically-acclaimed play by Bea Roberts, will be playing at Theatre Royal Plymouth this month. This poignant play won Theatre503’s international Playwriting Award in 2014 and is a co-production with the Bristol Old Vic. Set in South Devon in 2001, the story follows Jeff, a dairy vet and Michael, a cattle farmer. The two men have a begrudging respect for one another but when foot and mouth disease sweeps across the countryside their friendship - and indeed their whole way of life - is thrown into question.

The Drum, Theatre Royal Plymouth Tuesday 20 – Saturday 24 September, tickets £15 www.theatreroyal.com, 01752 267222.

Started in 1978, the St Ives festival is fifteen days of music, arts and literature events. This year, rock legend Rick Wakeman is headlining, while other acts include Seth Lakeman (pictured), rock legends Hawkwind and jazz from Ronnie Scott’s All Stars. Ticketed gigs take place in The Guildhall and The Western Hotel, costing £20-£22.50 and there are lots of free events around the town too. September 10-24, visit www. stivesseptemberfestival.co.uk

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Decorated Celebration Cakes Gastro Pub & INN Open daily for lunch and dinner Reservations are recommended Wine, real-ales, premium draft lagers and ciders En-suite accommodation

Take the stress out of your wedding day with our decorated cakes, freshly made to order* Our decorated cakes are available as a 6, 8 & 10inch stack Both designs are round & covered with white fondant icing, presented on an iced board.

Just add ribbon and a decoration to match your theme!

Choose from two elegant designs : Elegant Dots The top & bottom tier are elegantly decorated with piped dots & each tier is finished with delicately piped beading Elegant Stripes The bottom tier is decorated with vertical stripes & piped with delicate beading. The middle tier is tied with an ivory bow & the top tier is delicately piped & wrapped with ivory ribbon.

You can choose from the following options: 3Tier Vanilla Sponge £179.00 • 3Tier Fruit Cake £199.00 3Tier Mixed £189.00 includes: 6 & 8”vanilla sponge & 10” fruit *A minimum of 3 weeks notice required

Decorate Your Own Celebration Cakes Whether you want to stack it, put it on a stand or serve as 3 separate cakes, our 3 tier cake deal is the perfect choice for brides on a budget~ Available in round or square our ‘decorate your own’ cake deals come with FREE* stand & knife hire You can choose from the following options: Vanilla Sponge cakes - £90.00 Filled with jam & faux cream, covered with white fondant icing. Each cake is presented on a silver drum board.

Rich Fruit Cakes - £155.00 Covered with marzipan & white fondant icing. Each cake is presented on a silver drum board

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Receive a FREE £5.00 Gift Voucher When Ordering Your 3 Tier Cake Deal In-store* *Minimum of 3 weeks’ notice required, offer ends 31st December 2016

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The Artists’ Garden Art Exhibition • 2 – 18 September Food, Arts & Crafts Weekends • 2 – 4, 10 – 11 & 17 – 18 September Real Ale & Cider Weekend • 23 – 25 September Delicious, locally farmed, carvery available every Sunday 12pm – 2pm Great Torrington, Devon. Tel: 01805 624067 Book tickets online at rhs.org.uk/rosemoor RHS Registered Charity No. 222879/SC038262

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On his bike...

Ned Boulting has been the face of ITV’s Tour de France coverage since 2003. Here he tells us about his live show Bikeology, coming soon to the South West What can audiences expect from your new show?

Bikeology will rip the inner tube of the rim of the Great British Cycling Boom, examine it for punctures, and put it back on, pumped up and ready to deflate all over again. It’s a journey into the confused and lonely soul of our love affair with the humble bicycle, from the eccentric rural German origins of the pushbike to the highest mountains of the Tour de France.

Do you have to be a cycling fanatic to enjoy the show?

We’re all cycling enthusiasts. Even if, like most of the population of the country, we might have forgotten what it’s all about. But not one of us has not experienced that childhood delight of pushing off, wobbling but triumphant, without the support of an adult.

When did you first get into cycling? Did you become interested by watching races or through riding as a hobby?

After a period of 20 years during which I neither owned, nor rode a bike, I was reaquainted with cycling when I was introduced to the Tour de France. Knowing nothing about cycling, I was sent by ITV to Paris to cover the race. I was hooked from the start. I did ride, as a kid, like we all did. I rode to school – the same one my dad taught at (he drove). But when I turned 18, I kind of stopped cycling. But I picked it up again in my mid thirties.

What is your favourite Tour de France moment of all time?

It’s hard to see past the sight of Bradley Wiggins in the yellow jersey, working for his teammate Mark Cavendish, on his way to a fourth consecutive win on the Champs Élysées.

What’s your favourite behind the scenes story?

Wiggins producing the ride of his life (to that

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02/09/2016 11:08:41

Enjoy

Ned Boulting at work as a sports journalist

point) in Andorra in 2009, only to find that, when he got to the finish line up the mountain, his team car was locked, and he had nowhere to even sit down. Then it started raining. That always struck me as a very Tour de France image. It’s a frighteningly amateur sport sometimes.

What is the most notable way the Tour de France has changed during your 14 summers of covering it?

It speaks English. When I started, there were very few English speaking riders, and the common language of cycling was French. But the economics and globalisation of the sport have changed all of that. It’s now a thoroughly anglophone environment, with even the French riders succumbing to English. It’s a shame, really.

What did you make of Laura Trott becoming Britain’s most successful female Olympian, winning her fourth gold medal at the Rio Olympics?

She’s a phenomenal talent. And the wonderful thing about Laura is that she still genuinely exudes a passion for the sport - that sense that she actually enjoys competing, enjoys racing her bike.

What do you enjoy the most about your job as a presenter?

Bringing across the comedy of an event that tries to take itself seriously but is always on the brink of collapsing into chaos and disarray. The dramas, and they are daily, speak for themselves.

But it is an astonishingly fast moving narrative, so complex, so

Ned Boulting (right) with cycking legend Chris Boardman detailed, so inviting. I enjoy reacting to the live events, and finding (on those rare occasions) the correct words to describe them.

Who have you most enjoyed interviewing over the years?

Almost every cyclist is a pleasure to interview.

They are self-selectingly thoughtful and articulate. A rare breed in the sports world. But, if I had to pick, it would probably be Bradley Wiggins. He was (normally) amazingly honest, often quietly emotional and funny as hell.

The British have recently enjoyed a golden period of influence within the Tour. How important has this been to the popularity of cycling in the UK? Yes, it seems so. Which is a wonderfully childish connection to make: “I want a bike so I can do what Wiggo does!” But then again, cycling is a childhood pursuit, which can endure into adulthood, and can become a tool in everyday life.

In that respect it’s so different to almost any other sport. When Jessica Ennis won the heptathlon gold in London, people didn’t suddenly start heptathloning to work.

What would you is say the most important lesson you have learned from cycling?

That being outdoors beats being indoors.

Ned Boulting’s Bikeology, Octagon Theatre Yeovil, October 23. Call 01935 422 884 or visit www.octagontheatre.co.uk 43

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02/09/2016 11:09:13

Elly Owen

My Secret Westcountry Elly Owen Elly Owen, 36, is head sommelier at Fifteen Cornwall near Newquay.

She lives in nearby Crantock with her husband Chris and their children Lani, four, and Tilly, two.

My favourite: Walk: I love walking from our house to Crantock beach and down through the dunes to the Gannel estuary. It’s so close to my home and so beautiful and also great for wildlife spotting.

Place to eat: I love a picnic but when you have children it’s lovely to dine out. One of my most favourite places is the Hidden Hut. Tucked away along the National Trust coastal path near Portscatho and St Mawes on the Roseland Peninsula, it’s a really special spot and has the best of everything: alfresco dining, simple and delicious food, and a beach so the little ones can run amok.

Weekend escape: As a family, we absolutely love camping on the Lizard. Henry’s Campsite is a small, family-run site, the most southerly in Great Britain, in a rural area with a spectacular sea views.

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People

Fifteen Cornwall

Crantock beach

The Ship Inn, Porthleven

Don’t miss: Sommelier Elly Owen has organised a special wine tasting event with Vinteloper winery at Fifteen Cornwall on September 21.

David Bowley from Vinteloper wines will be co-hosting this exclusive wine tasting experience. The wines will be accompanied by a special five course tasting menu designed by Fifteen Cornwall’s chefs. There are only 23 spaces available for this special event, with banquet-style seating.

Tickets are priced at £115 per person which includes the five course tasting menu and wine pairing package. To book, call Fifteen Cornwall on 01637 861000 ext 1 between 9am-5pm daily www.fifteencornwall.co.uk

coastline, just breathtaking. To be able to see all the way along the coast towards our home is just priceless.

Pub: Anyone who knows me, knows I have a few of these as favourites! But one that comes to mind is The Ship in Porthleven. When my husband Chris is surfing Porthleven I love an excuse to have a beer and some food in this pub.

I love our pub culture here in Britain, especially old-world places with loads of character - and characters. Lucky for us, the Westcountry has some absolute smashers.

Food: I love food, I love cooking (most of the time) but I equally love being treated and eating out. One of my favourite meals at home is when we have a buffet - we get cheese, hams and pickles and just feast. First made by a family on Bodmin Moor 30 years ago, Cornish Yarg is today produced at Lynher Dairies near Ponsanooth. It is now one of the most successful artisan cheeses in Britain – they produce more than 200 tonnes of cheese each year. I love it.

Drink: I’m a sommelier so it is, of course, wine,

PHOTO: PAM HILL

Festival or event: With children, I think it would be hard to beat Beautiful Days as a weekend music festival. It takes place at Escot House in east Devon. It’s founded and managed by The Levellers band and is really family-friendly, attended by people of all ages. The festival has music and entertainment across six stages plus a children’s area for toddlers through to teens.

There is comedy, theatre, food and craft stalls.

It has a special ambience and lots to keep kids entertained.

View: The view from the cliffs at Park Head, near Bedruthan Steps on the north Cornish coast is stunning. It’s a spectacular stretch of

wine, wine! At Fifteen Cornwall, where I work, we serve a wide range of superb wines. Recently, for English Wine Week, we featured fab wines from Knightor Winery near the Eden Project in St Austell and Camel Valley between Bodmin and Wadebridge. They’re terrific.

Special treat: Eating and drinking somewhere fabulous with my husband. I know I’m biased but Fifteen Cornwall is a truly special place to eat, with the most fabulous panoramic views over Watergate Bay. We have an Italianinspired menu which our chefs create using only the highest quality ingredients, many of them produced in Cornwall. And, of course, there’s an award-winning wine list, sourced by yours truly...

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01/09/2016 15:31:08

My life Chris Mcguire

Hey, goodlooking...

Chris McGuire faces up to the facts of modern male grooming is laughter was uncontrollable. In He tutted. fact, he snorted jets of lager from his “But you never dress fashionably…” nose. It wasn’t an attractive sight.

How he knew this was beyond me, it was, after Although, apparently, neither was I. all, the first time we’d met. He was correct, but “You?” he hissed. that wasn’t the point.

For a moment it seemed he might choke from “I’ve got fashionable trousers,” I insisted. laughing – at that point, not a totally unwelcome “Don’t tell me: chinos?” outcome.

I cursed under my breath.

“I don’t see what’s so funny,” I replied.

“What’s your regime?” he contin“You’re just not magazine cover material. I ued. “Do you moisturise?” mean, I’m not trying to be rude.”

“Do I look like I moisturise?” I He was, I could tell. growled.

“It’s just, you’re the type of guy even Columbo “Exactly. That’s why you’ll would call ‘a scruff’.” never get on the This week I learned that, alcover.”

‘I wouldn’t though I thought I was windIt’s amazing swept and interesting, others how being told I worry,’ my regard me as simply unkempt. was unsuitable friend’s friend It all began in the pub, talking for something to a friend of a friend. The type of I previously replied. ‘It’s not small talk that only occurs when had no desire like they’ll ever the mutual friend who brought to achieve put you and your you together has gone to the loo. wound me “So you’re the pasty guy from up. It ocpasty on the the magazine.” curred front cover.’

Not exactly how I’d choose to to me describe myself, but I couldn’t t h e deny the veracity of the stateheadment. I explained that I really dislike the photo line: “Magazine colof me and said pastry item. umnist murders total “I wouldn’t worry,” my friend’s friend restranger in uncharplied. “It’s not like they’ll ever put you and your acteristic moment of pasty on the front cover.” Now, I’m well aware a madness” might get me glimpse of my face on the cover was unlikely to that prized cover spot. cause a spike in sales for this venerable publicaI was still mulling over tion. I’m not, after all, a film star or celebrity. Yet this idea when my friend it seemed my friend’s friend was saying more returned from the loo. than this.

“Having fun?”

“It’s just,” he continued. “You’re not cool are “John,” I replied (not my you? I mean, what’s your look trying to say?” critic’s real name) “was telling “It says,” I replied: “These clothes fit me and me I’m too un-photogenic to get aren’t covered in baby sick, so I decided to wear on the cover of West magazine.” them.”

My friend laughed. “That’s rich,”

H

[[

he said, slapping his mate on the back. “As a kid, his mum used to cut him out of family photos, he was that ugly.” I finished my beer as my friend’s friend glowered. Although I may not be cover star material, my mother never removed me from her photo album with scissors.

I’m meeting my friend again soon, on the condition he doesn’t bring his pal. If he breaks this promise, trust me, it’ll be front page news.

Chris McGuire is a writer who recently moved to the Westcountry. If he ever makes the cover of this magazine, he won’t be holding a pasty. @McGuireski

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

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05/09/2016 13:38:26

Affordability

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