West September 27, 2015

27.09.15

INSIDE: + HELEN MIRREN

WIN: + A SOPHIE

ALLPORT TEAPOT

PLUS:

Back to the future Victorian style reigns supreme

+ ROGER TAYLOR

IN CORNWALL

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ANOTHER JEWEL IN CATHEDRAL GREEN’S CROWN

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MICHAEL SPIERS T R U R O

P L Y M O U T H

E X E T E R

T A U N T O N

2 2 C AT H E D R A L YA R D, E X E T E R E X 1 1 H B T E L : 0 1 3 9 2 6 6 6 5 9 0

www.michaelspiers.co.uk T H E S O U T H W E S T ’ S L E A D I N G R E TA I L E R O F F I N E J E W E L L E RY A N D WAT C H E S , I N C L U D I N G :

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‘Needless to say, this phone is not up to scratch when it comes to the requirements of the modern pre-teen’

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ROUGH AND READY Cornish beach style gets a manly makeover

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GREEN GODDESS How to steal Helen Mirren’s style

Gillian Molesworth has an IT crisis, p8

[contents[ Inside this week...

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

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GREEN GODDESS How to steal Helen Mirren’s style

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JUST BETWEEN US...

Sh! We have the latest gossip!

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OCEAN ADVENTURES Meet Springwatch’s Maya Plass

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ROUGH AND READY Cornish beach style with an edge

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VICTORIAN VALUES This autumn’s latest looks

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TAKE A BREAK Healthy holidays to enjoy

IT TAKES TWO...

The heart-warming befriending scheme

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ANNE SWITHINBANK

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THE ITALIAN JOB Eat well in the Westcountry

For the very best garden advice

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VICTORIAN VALUES Fashion’s latest look, sorted

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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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FEELING CHILLI? Top chef Tim Maddams knows how

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THE ITALIAN JOB We pick the tastiest places to eat out

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MAN AND BOY Parenting challenges for Phil Goodwin

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HOW TO WEAR IT

Luxury textures for autumn

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BEST OF FRIENDS

The brand new scheme bringing joy in Plymouth

[ welcome [ From Mining to Mystery

Interview

Cornish actor Tristan Sturrock combines Poldark with du Maurier this month Words: Vicki Wilson

Tristan Sturrock is on stage and screen in Cornwall

Sharing the love... hat’s what it’s all about this week in West magazine. First up, do turn to page 16 for a truly heart-warming feature by Catherine Barnes, all about a wonderful new project called Gig Buddies based in Plymouth.

It’s a befriending scheme which teams up volunteers with people who need that extra little bit of help to have a social life.

We meet the most perfect ambassadors for the scheme, Sarah and Becky (pictured above), who now love going out dancing together. What a brilliant idea this is from the organisers at the Plymouth Theatre Royal - we approve. Elsewhere in the magazine, we have a

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of a busy eptember promises to be something Sturrock. Not time for Cornish actor Tristan Winter in Kneeonly will he star as Maxim De Rebecca at the high Theatre’s production of filming the second series Hall for Cornwall, but he is also in which he plays of the new BBC Poldark adaptation, right-hand man at Wheal Zaccy Martin, Ross Poldark’s Leisure. as an actor, and I’ll “Kneehigh is where I grew up this proand – them to loyalty always feel an incredibly it is a real pleasure duction of Rebecca is so well crafted, the role in Poldark is imto be a part of it. But equally, concerned about how the portant to me too, so I was very At one point, it seemed two were going to marry together. clash and a very diffithere would be an irreconcilable admits. cult decision to be made,” Tristan eld a few months ago, “I met with writer Debbie Horsfi me touring around the and discussed the dilemma of fact that Zaccy Martin country with Rebecca and the of the second plays quite a key part in the developments were able to work somePoldark series. Thankfully, we involve Tristan working thing out.” The solution will Poldark sets by day, and on the various locations of the Cornwall each evening. being driven out to the Hall for a transformation from Playing both roles will involve Zaccy to the mysterious salt-of-the-earth mining man to be hectic and demandestate owner Maxim. “It’s going it is a wonderful chaling,” says Tristan, “but equally different roles, both in the lenge as an actor to play such same time period. is a very loyal and “They are so very different. Zaccy mining family who has hardworking man from a poor having learned to read managed to improve his situation

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Tweet

of the week @PenleeTheatre One of our best!

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fabulous look at the new trend for Victoriana in this autumn’s fashion, with some (genuinely) very wearable examples showcased on page 30.

Another source of Westcountry inspiration in this week’s edition is Maya Plass, who you may well have spotted promoting what she describes as “ocean literacy” on the BBC’s Autumnwatch and Springwatch TV shows. When she’s not in front of the camera, you’ll find Maya in, on and even under the water in her day job as marine biologist. We find out more on page 12 today. Finally, don’t forget to enter our lovely competition to win a Sophie Allport teapot (opposite).

You may well have spotted her on the BBC’s Springwatch

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Becky Sheaves, Editor

COVER IMAGE: Pretty Eccentric

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

MEET THE TEAM Becky Sheaves, Editor

Sarah Pitt

Kathryn Clarke-McLeod

Catherine Barnes

Phil Goodwin

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If you do one thing this week...

Pop along to the fabulous Spillers of Chard Open Day, taking place next Saturday, October 3.

The top-notch Somerset kitchen firm will have 15 chefs in action cooking on their state-of-theart kit, with beautiful kitchens, fabulous cookware and amazing appliances to discover.

There will also be a Westcountry food market and hundreds of gadgets for you to try. Best of all, if you visit on the day, you could win a ÂŁ3,000 Aga Masterchef cooker.

For details, visit the website www.cookercentre.com or call 01460 67878. Spillers of Chard, Chard Business Park, Somerset, TA20 1FA

Win a cute teapot!

To celebrate their fabulous Open Day, Spillers of Chard have kindly donated a beautiful Sophie Allport teapot and milk jug set to win, worth ÂŁ43. To be in with a chance of winning, send your name and contact details to: Spillers of Chard competition, westmag@westernmorningnews.co.uk, to arrive by October 9. West magazine will not share your details. Normal terms apply.

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Fine eyes Sparkling eyes palette, £14, Accessorize

the

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

Star look Star chandelier earrings, £12, Accessorize

STREET STYLE STAR

Lisa’s outfit was a bargain of £18 from Matalan and Primark.

Lauren says: “My favourite style icon is Vivienne Westwood, I love all her style. I absolutely love Cath Kidston. I do most of my shopping online but I am so pleased that there is a shop in Exeter. It is really nice to go in there and it is so local.”

Flowery trousers: Matalan £6 Top: Primark £9 Shoes: Primark £3

SPOTTED BY: ABBIE BRAY AND CONNIE CHAMPAIN

Lisa Langford Lisa, who is pictured with daughter Ruby, is a 38-year- old housewife who lives in Exeter.

Pretty pitcher Handmade blue Portuguese glass jug, £44, www. jasmineway.co.uk.

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Wishlist

fave!

Barts Alexia hat with feather band, £44.99, Ann’s Cottage stores around the Cornwall coast and www.

Sweet home House magazine rack, £18.50, www. redcandy.co.uk

annscottage.com

Night flyers Midnight Bloom plate, £4, Sainsbury’s

Store we adore Kiln, Port Isaac

Jewel Orchid nail polish, £5, Accessorize

This little shop down a side street sells elegant bone china crockery hand-painted by shop owner Sue Pullin with polka dots, hearts and other contemporary designs and fired in kilns in her workshop behind to the shop. Other gifts include elegant Scandinavian glassware and spools of pretty thread and ribbon.

Kiln is at 3 Middle Street, Port Isaac, see www.kilnstudio.com or call 01208 880578.

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talking points Gillian Molesworth

Story of my life...

Pass the tissues, we have IT issues ere is my most recent dilemma: at what point did the job requirement for parenting include being an IT consultant? No one told me it was on the syllabus.

We have many IT dilemmas in our house. One is the dire quality of our broadband. James and I can eke out what we need to do on our trickle of download speed.

The kids are now spending But it is not (to the children’s distheir hard-earned allowance on gust) up to streaming music and gadgets that prompt a plague playing games on Xbox live. of peeves. It’s endless: “Mum, We’ve been nagging our prowhat’s the admin password on the vider, and after lots of engineer router?” “Mum, can you override visits it’s now come down to the parental controls, it’s for my permission slips to landowners to homework!” “Mum, my Xbox Live put new poles across a field, and membership won’t let me downquestionnaires about connectivload anything and it’s supposed ity. We’ve got enough trouble just to, I spent all my money on the trying to manage a complicated Gold version!” “Mum, I had to do schedule of work, ‘restore factory setschool runs and tings’ on the tablet clubs pickups, and now I can’t find while in the backMinecraft.” “Mum, Needless to say, ground managI did my school ing a few home presentation on my this phone is not improvements.

Chromebook and it up to scratch When do we won’t print!” when it comes to have the time (or Those are all real indeed, the inclistatements, by the the requirements nation) to brush way, not random of the modern up our electrical examples. engineering?

I remember when pre-teen Our 12-yeardigital watches old has one of came out, do you? my old phones.

My father was right Needless to say, this is not up on the crest of the wave with his. to scratch when it comes to the He never could set his watch, requirements of a modern prethough. I could, easily, aged 11, teen. I fired up my old laptop to and it made me laugh to watch get the old connection software my parents’ slow, baffled faces as going: but after all the Windows I bleeped through the menu with upgrades (or something) it ease. doesn’t work. That discovery took Now I feel my face settling about an hour and a half of slow, into that same pained, sluggish painstaking research on a Sunday expression, as my children blink night. The fact that it is still through the screens, chattering performing the basic function of nineteen to the dozen. Not sure sending and receiving calls did I’m rising to the challenge of not seem to count. parenting in the digital age…

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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

GREEN

goddess Dame Helen Mirren looked a million dollars in this Dolce & Gabbana green lace dress at the Berlin Film Festival. At £10,000, her stunning dress is a touch on the pricey side for most of us, but you can find this pretty shade in more affordable places. Team yours, like Dame Helen, with a vibrant red lipstick and you too will be looking fabulous.

Lace dress £179 Pretty Eccentric

steal her

style

OR MAKE IT YOUR OWN

OPTION B Relaxed Embellished top £79 East

OPTION A Pretty Drape front dress £50 JD Williams

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27.09.15

Just

‘I’M STAYING NORMAL’ She’s gone from cult teen series Skins to stepping into KEIRA KNIGHTLEY’s shoes in the latest Pirates of the Caribbean movie.

But down-to-earth young British actress KAYA SCODELARIO (who also stars in another new movie, Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials) says she’s readying her-

self for the fame that the Pirates movie will no doubt bring when it’s released in 2017: “You’ve just got to keep yourself grounded. Do the little things that make you feel normal and happy, even if that’s just getting in your pyjamas and watching X Factor at the weekend.”

West says: So it’s not just us, then!

[[ I felt very awkward, but privileged

DOCTOR’S ORDERS Trust her, she’s not a doctor. But actress Suranne Jones doesn’t do things by halves: preparing for her new role as a GP in BBC1’s gripping drama Doctor Foster, the Scott and Bailey star spent time observing a real working GP practice.

She reveals: “[I]sat in a corner like some mad actress writing stuff down, as people were opening up and having blood tests and doing pee samples. I felt very awkward, but privileged to be in there as well.” And the results have been nothing short of brilliant, we’re sure you’ll agree.

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

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REDRUTH CALLING! Everyone’s talking about Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood’s new book How Can It Be? It’s his own teenage diary charting life on the road with band The Birds. Ron wrote the diary as a 17-year-old in 1965, before joining Rod Stewart in The Small Faces.

Fame didn’t exactly happen overnight: He told Sabotage Times: “It was hard travelling in the early days, going to Redruth in Cornwall for a tenner to split between the band. We used to write in lipstick on the side of the van so it would look like we were popular and it started a craze.”

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High five: The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery enjoyed their annual beach holiday at Watergate Bay, Newquay

in pictures Doing good: Elburton Methodist church held a table top sale

Cream on top: Emily, Charlotte and Ruby from St Teath went to an MS fundraiser garden party

Huggable: Honickknowle YMCA held a Pugfest fancy dress event

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talking points Clever

Iron

ONE OF US Famous faces with links to the Westcountry

The mothers of invention, and the ten things they pioneered:

This week:

Roger Taylor

1 Letitia Geer medical syringe

2 Florence Parpart electric fridge

3 Ada Lovelace the computer algorithm

4 Josephine Cochrane the dishwasher

5 Caresse Crosby the bra 6 Stephanie Kwolek bullet-proof synthetics

7 Alice Parker central heating

...and ten ways to eat it:

1 Pumpkin seeds 2 Quinoa 3 Liver 4 Sweet potatoes 5 Figs 6 Tofu 7 Tuna 8 Molasses 9 Oysters 10 Broccoli

8 Tabitha Babbit circular saw

9 Bessie Nesmith liquid paper

The happy list

10 Anna Connelly fire escape

Magic Famous fairies:

1 Tinkerbell (Peter Pan) 2 Fairy Godmother (Cinderella)

3 Silky (Magic Faraway Tree) 4 Maleficent (Sleeping Beauty, the movie)

5 Titania (A Midsummer Night’s Dream)

6 Queen Mab (Romeo and Juliet)

7 Holly Short (Artemis Fowl) 8 The Psammead (Five Children and It)

9 Morgan le Fay (Le Morte D’Arthur)

10 The Flower Fairies (by Cicely Mary Barker)

10 things to make you smile this week 1 Celeriac grated with apple for autumn salads

2 Foraging for mushrooms 3 Birmingham Royal Ballet Theatre Royal, Plymouth 4 Downton hooray, it’s back 5 Cyclamen in flower now 6 The Full Monty at Hall For Cornwall - yes!

7 Comedy Andy Parsons in Tiverton, November 8

8 Rowan berries beautiful 9 New tights for cosy calves 10 Dog walking on the beach after the summer ban

Roger Taylor, the drummer in Queen, grew up in Truro, Cornwall

Beginnings: Roger Taylor, 66, was born in King’s Lynn and moved to Truro in early childhood with his mother Winifred, father Michael and younger sister Clare.

with Freddie Mercury at Kensington Market. Freddie was a fan of Smile and came to gigs with them in Cornwall.

Genesis: Roger turned down the First: When he was seven years old, chance to become drummer for Roger and some friends formed his Genesis - Phil Collins joined instead. first band, the Bubblingover Boys, Instead, Freddie Mercury persuaded in which he played him to start a new the ukulele. He went band, called Queen. to Truro Cathedral Their first gig was in DID YOU KNOW? School, then, at 13, Truro.

Truro School.

Queen’s first Summer: Queen ever live gig Band: At the age of returned to Cornwall 15, Roger became in the summer of 1971 was in Truro a member of The and played at venues City Hall back Reaction, a semi-pro such as The Driftwood in 1970 rock band. Taylor Spars pub in St Agnes became the drummer, and the Tregye Club in inspired by Keith Carnon Downs.

Moon of the Who. Writer: Roger wrote many of the Beach: In the summer of 1968 Roger Queen songs, including Radio Ga Ga helped to organise a huge live music and A Kind of Magic. event on Perranporth beach.

Singing: Roger sings the high-falsetto Study: Roger went to London to vocals on Bohemian Rhapsody, such university. He joined a band called as the “let me go” lines and the final Smile, alongside guitarist Brian May, “for me ...”. and the band often played back home in Cornwall.

Family: Roger has five children, and married his third wife, Sarina Freddie: In 1969 Roger was working Potgieter, in 2010.

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Interview

Marine ecologist Maya Plass

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Maya plass

Making waves

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BBC marine biologist Maya Plass tells Anna Turns about her latest seaside exploits and why she wants to make us all more ‘ocean literate’

hat better place to interview a marine ecologist than on a beach, looking out to sea as the waves ebb and flow? Marine ecologist Maya Plass is a woman whose heart belongs in, on or even under the sea – and to her there’s nowhere more special than the South Devon coastline she calls home. Here, you will find her kayaking, wild swimming, scuba diving, freediving, snorkelling or teaching on the beach.

You may well have seen her in action, conveying her passion on the BBC’s Autumnwatch and Springwatch shows.

“I have got a physical and emotional relationship with the sea,” she says. “To be away from the ocean for a few days makes me feel a little bit heartbroken – it feels like being away from a lover. It makes me uneasy.” Maya, 37, moved to

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the coast on the Wirral when she was nine and ever since then she has lived by the sea and enjoyed a regular connection with it. She now lives with her husband Paul and daughter Niamh close to Bantham in the South Hams.

“If I am ever stressed out I head to the coast to watch the waves. This simplicity helps me make sense of the world and puts my troubles into perspective.”

She was drawn to study at Plymouth University, partly because the city is a hub for marine centres and also because she wanted Devon to become home – and since 1998 it has been just

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that. “One of the first things I did when I arrived at university was buy a wetsuit to go snorkelling off Wembury.” Coming from the slightly murkier waters of the River Dee and River Mersey, she was blown away by the diversity along this stretch of coastline: “Seeing the kelp forests and the colour of marine life here made me realise it is as lovely here, if not lovelier, than any coral reef I have ever visited abroad.”

And with bluefin tuna recently spotted off Penzance and humpack whales passing Dartmouth, there’s always something exciting happening

‘The marine life is lovelier here than any coral reef I have visited abroad’

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Interview

Maya’s business specialises in marine education for all

along this coast, she says.

Just as her own mother has always been a huge inspiration to her (she bought up Maya and her four brothers single-handedly while juggling a career as a science teacher), so Maya enjoys passing on her enthusiasm for the sea to her own daughter, Niamh, 10. “She took part in a sea swim event in Cornwall with me this summer and she loves snorkelling, too. She has got a little weight belt and she can duck-dive down. The first time I took her snorkelling, I could hear her through her snorkel saying ‘beautiful beautiful’ as she looked at everything underwater. That memory will last with me forever.”

Leading by example, Maya provides an impressively strong role model, doing what she loves the most. “I want to show Niamh that there’s nothing she can’t do. The best advice I can give is that life is short, so do what you love.”

As a teenager, Maya’s careers advisor told her that her dream to be a marine biologist was “crazy” and she should study something more mainstream: “I looked at doing other subjects but I came back to marine biology because I needed to do what I was most passionate about

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and to work hard to make damn sure I was going to get a job in that field.”

Maya doesn’t want to force Niamh to follow in her footsteps, but believes the ocean has definitely influenced her daughter. “The sea has been her third parent in some ways. It is constantly teaching us about safety, vulnerability, and all sorts of different things that you don’t necessarily learn in other areas. She doesn’t have to be a marine biologist to be influenced by the sea.”

In 2008, Maya set up her marine education business, Learn to Sea. Her work is varied but she thrives on this flexibility. “My whole remit is marine science communication – from presenting Springwatch on TV to writing the RSPB Handbook of the Seashore. Then there are school workshops, rockpool rambles and talks about marine science. I love the fact I can reach lots of different audiences through these channels.”

Maya’s career really has been a voyage of discovery: “I’m going with the tides week by week.

One day I am out to sea diving, the next day I’m washing back to shore doing rockpooling workshops,” she says.

“I never know where the sea will take me next.

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‘It’s all about communication - from appearing on Springwatch to school workshops’

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Secret shores Near yet far

Maya’s daughter Niamh is following in the family tradition

Late September is one of Maya’s favourite times of the year: “The sea is at its warmest, the beaches are empty and quiet,” she says. “I love the invigorating feeling of the sea on my skin.”

She often goes by by boat or kayak to access local beaches inaccessible by foot. “I tend to go around the headlands in either direction from Bantham, in south Devon,” she says. “I love seeing everyone else enjoy the ocean too but I want to spend time with it in peace.”

My work constantly teaches me the ebbs and flows of life – when I tune into the ocean, I can find my own pace of life and rhythm.”

Rather than preach, she endeavours to persuade us to fall in love with the oceans and become inspired to conserve them. “What really struck me from doing my Learn to Sea workshops with children, then communicating to an audience of two million on Springwatch and Autumnwatch, was how I could suddenly engage with so many more people at once,” says Maya. “And it’s so exciting for me when I get feedback via social media and find out that I inspired someone to take their child to the beach that weekend.”

Maya explains that research shows that presence in or near sea water has direct physiological benefits. In hospitals patients recover more quickly from operations if there is a body of water in the ward, and aggression is reduced if there is water flowing in hospital waiting rooms.

Indeed, she adds, half the oxygen we breathe is actually produced by marine plankton.

Every watersport she loves, including her recent venture into freediving, is another way to engage with the sea. “For me, it’s about being able to spend a little more time in the water and be totally mindful of this environment. It allows me to observe marine creatures more, take photos and tell the story more.”

It’s a story that Maya hopes future generations will find just as compelling as she does. visit www.learntosea.co.uk 15

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People Becky, left and Sarah are looking forward to their next girlie night out

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Gig Buddies

Friends like these An innovative social project is opening doors in Plymouth.

And you’ll never know who you could meet behind them, as Catherine Barnes found out

t’s difficult to tell who loves each other the most: 26-year old Sarah Hetherington or West photographer Penny Cross’s camera, but it’s very definitely a relationship that works.

We’re snapping pictures at the Theatre Royal in Plymouth, while a couple of stage hands are at work nearby. And boy, does it bring out Sarah’s infectious sense of humour. She pouts, preens, looks adorably wistful and vulnerable, then gives a saucy shimmy.

“She’s always liked the cameras, ever since she was little,” says her mum Lesley looking on laughing and not in the least surprised. “Sarah, will you stop looking at those men?”

“But I like men!” shoots back her feisty daughter. It’s impossible not to have fun in her company.

With gorgeous Australian model Madeline Stuart,18, and 30-year old American Horror Story actress Jamie Brewer burning up the catwalk at this year’s New York Fashion Weeks, at last people with Down’s Syndrome are being given a mainstream platform upon which to say Hello, World. And about time, too.

“It’s because we are putting them out there,” says Lesley, 59. “I’m not one to shut Sarah in a box. Not,” she adds, “that she’d let me.”

In slightly lower key, but no less significant way, Sarah, who was also born with Down’s, is out and about within the Plymouth social scene, thanks to a brilliant scheme called Gig Buddies. Launched by the city’s Theatre Royal this year and inspired by The Stay Up Late campaign that’s been a huge success in Brighton, it pairs people with similar outlooks and interests up for nights out together.

Just imagine being in your mid twenties, raring to go, but

photography: penny cross

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shut in, because you’re cared for on shift p shut in, because there’s a set time to put you to bed. Gig Buddies gives people with learning difficulties, brain injuries, or other conditions that need a little support, the chance to get out there with the rest of us and party.

That’s how Sarah met teacher Becky Gibbons, 30, for fun nights out involving music (loud), dancing (nonstop) and Vimtos (cheeky).

“We’ve got fairly similar tastes,” says Becky, after Sarah dashes over and envelops her in a giant bear hug. “We like rock’n’roll and cheesy things to dance to.”

“I like anything: going out, shopping and I like dancing all the time,” agrees Sarah. “I like Michael Jackson, rock ‘n’ roll, Abba and Frozen.”

They say that opposites attract and Becky’s

laid back and relaxed, while Sarah is effervescent and outgoing.

“With Sarah and Becky, there’s a four year age gap, but clearly to look at them, the clothes, the hair and their love of a night out and a drink, it makes them a great match,” says Gig Buddies founder Sara Baldwin.

The pair’s first girly night out was at the Theatre Royal’s Funky Llama music and arts festival on Plymouth Hoe this summer.

Next up is a club night at city venue Varsity on October 19.

“If I want to go out, I just go out. You don’t even think about the people that are sat at home and can’t” adds Becky, who’s single.

“I enjoy a good night out and I’d never done

‘I like anything: going out, shopping, and I like

dancing all the time’

anything like Gig Buddies before. It gives people the chance to stay up late beyond their carers’ hours. Everyone deserves to go out and enjoy themselves. At Varsity,” she laughs, looking conspiratorially at Sarah, “we can stay up all night, can’t we?”

“I think it’s nice she has her independence and goes out and enjoys herself and makes new friends instead of being tied to her mum’s apron strings,” says mum Lesley, who works as a classroom assistant.

“Yet when she was born, the midwife said she’d never walk, never have a life and that we might as well leave her at the hospital.”

“They said,” adds Sarah’s dad Geoff, a chef, 58, “enjoy her while you’ve got her. Well, here we are 26 years later. And she’s wonderful.”

Indeed, Sarah has packed more into her 26 years than many of us do in a lifetime. She’s learned to rock climb, ride, gone outward-bounding and midnight walking on Dartmoor and helped crew a Tall Ship on a week-long voyage.

You’ve heard people claim that they were danc-

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People

On the town: Sarah Hetherington, centre, with mum Lesley, dad Geoff and her new friend Becky Gibbons

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People

Laid-back Becky’s a great match for effervescent Sarah

ing before they could walk, but in Sarah’s case it really is true: “She had physio when she was small, but I found dancing was better for her. It was just her and her mum, messing about,” says Lesley. And it worked.

Although chilled-out Becky’s open to giving anything a try, dancing on stage at the Funky Llama fest was a first for her and, she admits, not strictly within her usual comfort zone. Needless to say, it wasn’t her idea.

“It was... fine,” she laughs.

“You can’t be shy with Sarah,” says Lesley. “We’ll be at a party and she’ll have you up on the dance floor in ten minutes flat.”

Despite what her Still Looking for My Disney Prince T-shirt proclaims, Sarah’s already met the chap of her dreams. She just has to convince him of her plans.

So who is this mystery man?

“Darren Miller,” she blushingly reveals, spluttering with laughter. They’ve been an item for

the past 18 months and as far she she’s concerned, he’s a keeper.

“They want to get married,” reveals Lesley, “but we haven’t got that far yet. She keeps mentioning a wedding and he just looks stunned. I’d like to see her get married and settle down, but we’ve told her she’s got to go out and have a good time in the meantime.”

“Yeah,” agrees Becky. “You’ve got years – there’s plenty of time for all that.”

“If I get married, Becky will be the bridesmaid,” says Sarah, all pink again when grilled about the eye-candy at Funky Llama.

“There was a very nice young man dressed up as Jack Sparrow...” volunteers Becky.

There’s plenty of room chez Sarah if she does ever decided to marry. She is the first resident in a new assisted living property. Although there is a carer on site round the clock, her time is her own: “I go to bed when I like and do what I like,” she says firmly. And with a pal like Becky to paint the town red with, that’s exactly what she’s determined to do.

‘You can’t be shy with Sarahshe’ll have you dancing in ten minutes flat’

Paint the town Become a Gig Buddy Plymouth Theatre Royal is seeking two additional new Gig Buddies to join the fun at its Funky Llama club night at Varsity in Plymouth on October 19.

Could it be you? If you feel you could be a great match for someone like-minded who finds it difficult to socialise, contact Sara.Baldwin@theatreroyal.com or call 01752 230494.

There’ll be a meet and greet for successful candidates prior to the event and you’ll also have two awareness sessions, just to make sure that everyone will be safe and happy. Hopefuls need to already have had their credentials checked and cleared on the DBS website. All are welcome at the Funky Llama club night - if you become a Gig Buddy, it could be just the start of some amazing nights out – it’s up to you!

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fashion

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The yellow an d grey scheme works brilliantly beside the sea

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Interiors

Roughing it by the sea Sarah Pitt discovers a clifftop retreat which has been given a makeover after many years as a family home or Tina Peters, home for the past 30-odd years has been a clifftop chalet which is so exposed that a storm once took her roof clean off. Tina was feeding her second son at the time – “I just heard a loud bang,” she says – but she took it in her stride. That dramatic event, back in 1990 when her three sons were small, was an opportunity for Tina and her partner to realign the roof rafters, now sheltering a cosy bedroom in the house’s latest incarnation as a smart holiday let.

The house, aptly named Tempest, overlooks the sea near Rame Head in south east Cornwall, an area often known as “the forgotten corner of Cornwall” in guidebooks. It’s a view Tina has enjoyed many an evening from the bath in her bedroom, watching the sun set over the sea. And when she worked with interior designer Paul Hervey in an intensive seven-week revamp of the property this summer, she decided the bath must stay where it was – in the bedroom – so guests could also have a soak with a view.

F

With their three sons now grown up and flown the nest, Tina and her partner have moved to a terraced house in Millbrook, a few miles inland.

It has, she admits, been a bit of a wrench to move out of her home which she originally bought when she was just 22, on her own, with a high interest personal loan, because she couldn’t get a mortgage on a house on the edge of a cliff.

“I have lived here for 30 years, so it has been a big change for me,” she says. “There is total freedom up there, it is a totally different way of life– sleeping with the window open and the sea air on your face – here, everything you do, even just getting dressed in the morning, you have to draw your curtains.”

The silver lining, though, has been working with an interior designer to transform Tempest ready for paying guests. “I absolutely adore doing interiors,” she says. She was in the process of redecorating Tempest when Paul Hervey and Unique Home Stays got involved – and admits that his ideas completely turned hers on their head.

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Interiors

Whitewashed wood cladding gives a cosy feel to the loft bedroom

“I was painting the walls in a greeny-blue from [upmarket paint company] Little Green for £60 a tin!

The Scaffa furniture on – but then Paul came along and wanted to paint it the deck is owner Tina’s in ordinary white emulsion!” she says. “I considered favourite purchase white in the beginning, but I was afraid of it being too cold in the winter. Actually, though, it really works. It is so much nicer now. I’m really pleased with it.”

Paul also suggested using a grey and yellow colour scheme to complement the seascape and wildflowers on the cliffs outside the window. Again, Tina was pleasantly surprised at how well it worked.

“Paul suggested grey and yellow would be really good beside the sea, and I thought ‘oh no, I don’t want that!’ but in fact, it is absolutely lovely, I love it,” she says.

The colours are complemented by the sea holly and other foliage and flowers she picks to fill vases ‘They are the for her guests, and by the use of most expensive reclaimed wood to give what Paul thing we bought, calls “a rough luxe” to the interior. but they have He reused wood from a table been worth battered by the elements outside top from one the Peters already on the deck to look like slate tiles had. “Tina had a table that, amazevery penny’ around the bath. “We were reingly, was exactly the same size placing the tiles around the bath, as the old elm one, so we screwed and were thinking of replacing the glass top to it,” says Paul. “It the marble ones with slate ones,” obviously gives you a flat surface says Tina. “Then Paul called us and said ‘whatever when you are eating your dinner, and the glass reyou do, don’t get rid of the table! It is grey and it flects the surface of the wood. I think it looks fanhas been roughed up by the weather, so it is just tastic.” perfect. It has worked a treat.”

Paul describes the look as “a soft industrial look, The dining table, meanwhile, has been put toquite utilitarian”. In the second bedroom, under gether from an old elm table which Paul had in the roof, the walls have been clad in whitewashed his storeroom at home on Dartmoor and a glass reclaimed timber, while vintage packing cases have

[[

been pressed into service as bedside tables. Another quirky touch are the slatted fruit boxes turned on their sides and used as shelving. “I just think it is nice to reuse things,” he adds.

Reclaimed wood – scaffolding planks – has also been used to make the table and chairs on the deck, “They are from a company called Scaffa and are absolutely gorgeous and so tactile and comfortable,” says Tina. “They are the most expensive thing we have bought, but they have been worth every penny.”

‘Tempest’ is available for holidays, visit www. uniquehomestays.com or call 01637 881183.

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Shopping

GET THE

LOOK

Partner reclaimed wood and burnished metal with splashes of yellow and grey

Reclaimed wood six drawer chest £548, www. hampshirefurniture. co.uk

Retro seedhead cushion cover £13.50, www. andshine.co.uk

Industrial-style French wall clock £195, www. alexanderandpearl. co.uk

Industrial desk lamp £50, www. sweetpeaandwillow. com

Tolix metal chair in gunmetal with mango wood seat £175, www. theorchardhomeandgifts. com

Wood and tubular metal armchair £235, furnish.co.uk

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22/09/2015 12:20:25

Gardens

ANNE SWITHINBANK

Autumn blues Devon’s Anne Swithinbank, panellist on Radio 4’s Gardeners’ Question Time, admires the late season hydrangeas in an iconic Cornish garden

lants whose flowers fade gracefully are an asset to gardens because their display extends into months rather than days or weeks. Into this category I would put alliums, sedums and, most certainly, hydrangeas. These moisture-loving plants positively thrive in the South West and we should make the most of them. The commonest sorts are cultivars of Hydrangea macrophylla, also known as mop-heads,

P

though some are lace-caps. The colour of their blooms will vary according to the acidity or alkalinity of soil, how much sunlight they receive and also age. In many ways I almost prefer the fading petals as they turn interesting shades of mauve, turquoise and jade. By winter, they take on ethereal silvery, skeletal outlines.

The place to admire these gorgeous late flowers is Trebah, the fabulous 25 acre ravine garden running down to the Helford River near Fal-

mouth. There are two acres of mainly blue and white hydrangeas, many of which were planted in the 1950’s. In those days, blooms were cut and sent to Covent Garden where blue hydrangeas were particularly prized. I asked head gardener Darren Dickey whether any particular variety dominates in the planting. Apparently, the display is created by a mass of different sorts, although originally there was a lot of ‘Sir Joseph Banks’ used, whose blooms are a true blue on the

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rich, acidic soil found at Trebah. Over the years, this has crossed with pinkish ‘Ayesha’ to form attractive, open-headed plants. Quite a lot of ‘Generale Vicomtesse de Vibraye’ was added for pale blue notes, while an interesting recent addition would be ‘Zorro’ whose blue flowers held in a lace-cap pattern contrast with black stems.

Most gardeners know that dead flower heads are removed in spring by trimming them just above the topmost pair of fat buds on the stem.

Less is said about thinning out one third of the older stems each year to keep plants rejuvenated. These are generally cut out low down in the plant, or back to healthy side shoots from which the plant will put up replacement stems. Failure to do this can lead to tall, floppy plants or a thicket of old stems producing small flower heads.

The biggest requirement for hydrangeas is a moist, humus-rich soil and in this, they’ll thrive in sun or shade. If soil is on the dry side, I would opt for shade and, although they love moisture, hydrangeas are not fond of bogs, so avoid waterlogging. Should plants lack zest, by all means treat them to a slow-release tree and shrub fertilizer in spring but at Trebah Darren says his hydrangeas grow so well he daren’t.

We can’t let feeding pass without the mention of rusty nails, as it is erroneously believed

that iron will help hydrangeas turn blue. In fact it is aluminium sulphate (often sold as a blueing formula) watered onto the roots that will do this, though an iron-rich feed can help yellowing plants green up again on alkaline soils.

There are many other sorts of hydrangea and one of Darren’s favourites is H.aspera Villosa Group. These make impressive shrubs to 3m/10ft with large, softly hairy leaves. Generous 20cm/8in wide heads are packed with small mauve fertile flowers and decorated by large white sterile florets. There are big banks of these at Trebah and insects love them.

Hydrangea paniculata makes a good woodland shrub and though it can grow tall, there is a secret to controlling height at the same time as ensuring the biggest tapering flower heads. All you do is prune all of the previous year’s stems hard back to within a few buds of the woody framework every spring, much as you would stool back a dogwood. Don’t forget to compensate by watering, feeding and a mulch of well-rotted compost spread over the roots. H.arborescens ‘Annabelle’ packs a pretty big punch, by opening domed creamy flower heads 20cm/8in across in summer.

Trebah (01326 252200 www.trebahgarden.co.uk) is open every day, all year round.

Question time with Anne West reader queries answered by Anne Swithinbank

Q

I bought a lovely purple-flowered shrubby Salvia called ‘Amstad’ for my containers. It has grown and flowered well but how hardy is it?

I nearly bought one of these too, as this newish salvia is spectacular with large purple flowers protruding from dark purple calyces on plants capable of reaching 1.2m/4ft high. Anyone who visited a show around the country this summer will have seen plenty of it. Information on hardiness is scanty but I suspect it could be left out in well-draining soils where temperatures were not expected to dip below -5C/23F. On heavy soil I doubt it would be more than half hardy (tolerating temperatures down to 0C/32F).

I would strike some cuttings and leave them together in their pot in a frost-free place until spring, then pot them up. Prune back, lift and pot the original and keep that frost-free too. Then you could chance some next winter!

Q

During the last growing season, did you discover any really good veg that were new to you?

Two. Climbing French bean ‘Jimenez’ was amazing. Generous, stringless red-flecked pods remained tender and succulent even when left to grow quite large on the plants. I’ve blanched and frozen loads but don’t know how these will turn out yet. Potato ‘Sarpo Kifli’ is a good early maincrop to use as a salad potato. This proved to be blight resistant and tasty, with good texture.

I’d love to hang on to some tubers next season and try planting them in July for a late crop.

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

• Slide a tile or a wooden board under your precious pumpkins to raise them slightly off the soil. This helps them ripen and saves damage from stones.

• Continue to plant spring flowering bulbs, from small crocus corms and chionodoxa bulbs up to massive Fritillaria imperialis into prepared soil in beds and borders.

Remember to

cover the bulbs by twice their own depth.

• Start a new strawberry bed as soon as you can, otherwise there will not be time for plants to settle and put down new roots.

Come spring, you’ll have to decide whether they are big enough to carry a crop or whether they’d be better deflowered to push energy into growth and a bumper crop the year after.

Continue to dead-head dahlias because if we have good autumn weather, they’ll bloom on until the first frosts.

Look around for, or order young plants of hardy winter salads (rocket, land cress, winter purslane, hardy lettuce, mizuna, chard etc) and spring cabbage. It is too late to sow now but not too late to plant.

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

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Beauty

Tried

& tested

We present the beauty treats and cheats of the week, picked by West magazine’s Catherine Barnes, with help from daughter Tilly, 18

EYES RIGHT Be seen: Burberry’s limited edition Runway Palette (£50) of moody hues works particularly well with brown and hazel eyes. www.burberry.com

GLOW Preserve your summer tan. Give yourself an autumn glow with this cute bronzer (£7) from Accessorize

GOLDEN GIRL

METAL GURU

Create some drama with this Illamasqua Broken Gold liner (£18.50) for dazzle with staying power. Available to buy from October 15: www.illamasqua.com.

This Models Own chrome eyeshadow palette (£5.99) takes the metallic trend to new heights, with six molten cream colours. www.modelsownit.com

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the review

SO CUTE

How to look purrfect: this kitty makeup purse from Primark’s adorable and only £3

This week we try:

Mascara magic Are expensive mascaras always better? Katie Wright tries the latest premium picks Softly softly The soft, spiky teeth of this clever mascara wand do exactly what they promise, gently pulling my lashes skyward, opening up my eyes and providing excellent separation and delivering just the right amount of mascara - no second coat and no lash comb required.

Nars Audacious Mascara, £24 (www.narscosmetics.co.uk)

SCRUMMY Just yum. Bee Good’s new autumn lip balm (£4.75) is white chocolate and raspberry flavoured - a sweet fix without the calories. http://beegood.co.uk

5/5 This mascara promises volume, length and curl within seconds - and it doesn’t Spectacular disappoint. The tiny wand makes it easy to reach every lash incredibly quickly, and although I didn’t notice a curl, they definitely looked longer. It lasts all day without too much panda eye - I’d definitely buy it again.

MAC Upward Lash Mascara, £19 (www.maccosmetics.co.uk)

4/5

Subtle

REVITALISE Recharge your skin while you sleep: this M&S serum (£15) has been formulated to revitalise dull skin.

Initially, I thought this applicator was too big for my fine lashes, but once I’d mastered the brush first, comb second technique, using the two sides of the wand, I had much better results. The dark brown shade is more subtle than my usual black and my lashes were nicely separated.

Perricone MD No Mascara Mascara, £25 (www.perriconemd.co.uk)

3.5/5 Want a review? Send your request to westmag@westernmorningnews.co.uk 29

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22/09/2015 12:31:13

Fashion

Mini top hat with veil £145 by Pretty Eccentric, Lana dress in forest green lace £179 by Pretty Eccentric

Star brooch £10 Accessorize

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Samode print dress, £129 East

Navy cape £79 Kaliko

Blouse £10 Primark

Bracelet £10 M&Co

1850 style f you want to be totally a la mode this autumn, you need to get back to the 50s. The 1850s. Yes, Victorian values are very much on trend right now. Think pie frill collars, ornate lace detailing, elaborate jewellery and - if you want to go the whole hog - how about this adorable little hat, complete with a veil, from Pretty Eccentric? Keen to channel Queen Vic? Remember: skirt lengths are long, patterns are intricate and if you get the chance to wear a little (faux) fur stole, grab it!

I

Ring £15 Accessorize

Blouse £70 Wallis

Velvet shoes £89 Pretty Eccentric

Lace top £35 M&Co 31

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Trend

HOW TO WEAR IT:

MAIN PHOTO HAIR: ADAM AT SAKS, EXETER MAKEUP: CLARINS, DEBENHAMS (BOTH PRINCESSHAY) PHOTOGRAPHY: STEVE HAYWOOD STILL-LIFE PHOTOGRAPHS: PR SHOTS

Fluff & faux fur Kathryn Clarke-Mcleod takes a walk on the wild side

Jeans, Next, Princesshay, £20 T-shirt, Next, Princesshay, £8.50

ho doesn’t love a warm, fuzzy feelNecklace, Next, ing? AW15 fashion has an obsesPrincesshay, £10 sion with all things fluffy and furry.

From luxe shearling at Lanvin to Gillet, Next, oversized fake furs at Stella McCaPrincesshay, £30 rtney, there is no shortage of texture on offer.

Stella’s inclusion of luxurious texture in her Boots, Next, collection is especially telling. The vegetarian Princesshay, £52 designer has, up until now, stood firm in the face of pressure to use furs or leather in her work, but Bag, Next, found herself an artistic loophole by using what Princesshay, £34 she has dubbed ‘fur-free-fur’. Apparently McCartney’s version is indiscernible from the real thing, to the point that she has had to label the inner cuffs to prevent wearers being pelted with paint.

Anything that is cruelty-free and adds glamorous softness Not only is gets the thumbs up in my book.

This trend is warm, ideal for it perfectly layering, and can add a new diacceptable mension to the most familiar to wear it of favourite outfits. The good news is twofold. You only need every day, it a single piece to get the look, and is actually the not only is it perfectly acceptable to wear it every day, it is actually epitome of cool the epitome of cool to do just to do just that that. Especially if we are talking a classic shearling lined jacket.

This fabulous shaggy gilet is another example of something you can wear from Monday to Monday again, with no fear of addition of this waterfall waistcoat. reprisal from the fashion police.

Wear it with a hat. But, beware, people may Here are my top ways to wear your choice stop you and ask for an autograph. A fluffy of fleecy number, without looking like a style cropped coat, with a button-up blouse and a sheep. Add it to your go-to outfit, you know, the dashing fedora is very, very Fashion Week. one you grab when you miss your alarm and Your nod to wilder textures doesn’t need to have no time to agonise over the day’s ensembe a garment. I have spotted clutches that could ble. In my case this is black skinnies, a simple be mistaken for a lustrous Persian cat, and the tee in a neutral colour and my favourite camel cutest of ankle boots with a wee shearling trim. ankle boots. Classic and timeless gets an inBelt it. This particular gilet will look fanstant upgrade to seventies bombshell with the tastic cinched in with a belt. I’ll wear it over

W

a navy roll neck jumper with a leather midlength skirt and black ankle boots.

To the shops! You can max out your credit card on a McCartney Fur Free Fur (a mere £2,580) or snag this beauty from Next for a sweet £30 with change left over for a new bag perhaps. Now that’s my kind of warm and fuzzy feeling.

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

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DOROTHY PERKINS bag £65

GET THE

look

NEW LOOK shearling gloves £7.99

MISS SELFRIDGE suede shearling gilet £175

NEW LOOK suede high knee boots with wool lining £49.99

PHASE EIGHT, DEBENHAMS Zola faux fur jacket £140

DEBENHAMS Preen Edition jacket £120

NEW LOOK cropped fur gilet £24.99 MONSOON Chilcott ankle boots £69 33

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Fashion

The edit Your straight line to style: sweater chic for the new season

£15 BHS

+

£65 Marks & Spencer

+

£28 Next

+

£22 New Look

£75 Dune

£27 M&Co

+

£32 Look Again

+ £40 Next

+ £89.95 Moda in Pelle

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22/09/2015 12:58:03

Stars

Your stars

by Cassandra Nye This week’s sign:

Happy birthday to...

The people born under the Sign Libra are kind, gentle and lovers of beauty and harmony. However, in their effort to keep everyone happy, they find it difficult to say ‘no’ to anyone, and as a result, they can end up getting stressed. Their ruling planet is Venus, and they are extremely romantic by nature. Whatever they do in life is driven by feelings of love.

Lauren Pope born September 29, 1983 She found fame as an Only Way Is Essex girl, but reality star, DJ and beauty brand entrepreneur Lauren grew up in Devon and attended Torquay Community College. Lauren, who’s also a fashion designer, was a lads’ mag pinup in her teens and early twenties, but admits to being a tomboy growing up. Lauren’s a Libra and those born under this sign are romantics at heart, who make a big effort to keep everyone happy, although they can find being the peacemaker stressful at times!

LIBRA (September 24 - October 23) This week you will be finding the usual, but look out for the unusual too. What will come along and stimulate your imagination? Keep an open mind to make the most of an intriguing situation. Make this a week when you ask a lot of questions - and expect some direct answers. An old friend lightens the atmosphere at the weekend. Being a little bit cheeky and entirely charming will get you everywhere!

SCORPIO (October 24 - November 22) There seems to be some confusion over what you want and what you really need. A swift decision is possible when you check out your finances. Tempted to cut your losses and run? Maybe, but that isn’t really you, is it? The ideal answer could easily come at the weekend. Bide your time and stay sharp.

SAGITTARIUS (November 23 - December 21) What you consider to be adequate quality time may not be enough for a loved one. Something you don’t understand about your partner could become clear this weekend. Be flexible in your mind. Realise that what you have already might not need changing.

CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 20) Ask the right questions this week and get some straight answers. Take what you hear, and work with what you have.

There are situations and people who would distract you from what is most important. Cash flow seems to be like an ever-running stream. Is it time to build a dam?

AQUARIUS (January 21 - February 19) Romantic promises sometimes come to nothing. Even so, don’t give up. Where others have problems making decisions now, their attitudes will change. In the meantime, get out and about and keep your mind busy. Your work may not be the most important priority to you overall. However, it can be the

steadying influence you need.

PISCES (February 20 - March 20) Have you at last found the thing you have been looking for? Possibly. However, are you still looking for perfection? To avoid being disappointed this weekend, be practical. If your ideal hero or heroine really did ride into your life today, where would they keep their horse?

ARIES (March 21 - April 20) A dynamic aspect to this week finds you making changes. These may be subtle but have a big impact. Has it been some time since you decided to change your hair or style?

There is plenty of choice around, so have fun mixing things up. Eating habits may be under the spotlight but there’s no need to stop having everything you enjoy.

TAURUS (April 21 - May 21) Where others see a situation that is stressful, you see another challenge.

There is a great deal of satisfaction to be had this week by solving a puzzle. Clearly someone sees you as their hero. Do they see you as more than that? Sometimes friendship can turn to something quite different. Are you ready for a declaration?

GEMINI (May 22 - June 21) In a busy week you need to be choosy about who you spend time with. Some social calls can be dealt with at the

weekend rather than taking time out of your daily schedule. Someone important to your career is paying attention. Be at your best, but avoid exaggeration.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22) Are you still trying to get the attention of someone who attracts you? Why are they not responding? Finding out more about them could give you a clue. Perhaps this is a good situation to use a go-between?

Finances need your attention to keep them balanced. Cutting back now can make up for extra summer spending.

LEO (July 23 - August 23) Sit back this week and take a good hard look over your future plans. The chances are that some small matters are out of step. Either cut them out or rearrange them. A close link between work and home could mean you are trying to please everyone.

This is not possible in the longer term without compromise.

VIRGO (August 24 - September 23) Stay sharp right through to mid-week.

It is then that an opportunity will come your way. Be sure to see it. By having more confidence in yourself you will realise you are the best person for this challenge. Put lots of energy into everything now. There will be plenty of time to relax next weekend.

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22/09/2015 12:58:27

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

PERFECT SKIN When it comes to A-list beauty role models, Scarlett Johansson has the most perfect complexion according to a new survey.

Emma Watson was voted the second most flawless, with Megan Fox coming third in the poll conducted by skincare brand Artistry.

Refreshingly it found that most of us believe that natural healthy skin is a key to feeling more attractive and confident, as opposed to artificial fixes!

CLEAN IT UP! HEALTH FOOD Fresh fish is a tremendous source of vitamin D, protein,B vitamins, selenium and omega-3 fatty acids.

Get inspiration for adding more fish to your diet at the Plymouth Seafood Festival today - head for the city’s harbourside and join the celebrations.

as it cky e u Y to th tion? infec an cling could t s a c a ye and asts y have s and ye nd rugs sts led b t e p a r e d t a l s p t c u o le e to your teria, mo in carp cording uum-pe o what d l u d c c n nt ac ac Co ds, b ebris fou lnesses, ey for va mpariso vice? n u rl il so d o ad and Her tory by Acke s in c dust r respira Dr Lisa hat pale er’s bed! y’s lead t t n e r g trigg ne expe arently e teena low gran airing. p g l e hygi . And ap he avera ! And fo shioned e t h r c h ld fa itu Bos beneat furn for an o e s h k t g ws lur ovin indo Get m ng the w i open

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22/09/2015 13:03:20

Feel good ET IT’S TIM

O

A TAKE A BRE

K

Take a holiday! A survey

by Bideford based Holidaycottages.co.uk suggests that 44% of us return from a break with lifestyle boost plans that we stick to - and the effects leave us still feeling peppy up to a month later. Those post-break good vibes run deep in many of us, leaving us feeling more motivated to begin a fresh start than we do come January 1.

Did you know the way you commute could enhance your wellbeing?

Over half of people who cycle to work say they arrive feeling positive, while walking was also cited as a mood enhancer in a study into the nation’s journeys by Aviva. Those who journey in by bus, car or train feel significantly less upbeat or motivated, according to the report. A brisk half hour walk can burn around 90 calories so it’s a great way to incorporate regularfitness into your daily routine.

FRESH AIR... & EXERCISE!

BRUSH

up

Haircare brand Paul Mitchell’s supporting breast cancer charity CoppaFeel with the sale of three Pink Out Loud grooming products; a detangling sculpting brush, paddle brush and super skinny hair serum. And £2 from the sale of every Blow Out Cancer gift set (£40) will make its way to the awareness charity - www.paul-mitchell.co.uk

and entertaining ay that looks awesome nd Su xt ne for te da ry A dia rt Struggle. This s Rotary Club’s River Da tne To e: ur as me l ua eq in adow and teams are Buckfastleigh’s Dart Me as s gin be e rac raft m 14k ing their rides. Well e when it comes to build tiv en inv be to ed ag ur enco onsored team. Visit you can’t muster up a sp if en ev , tch wa a rth wo k for full details. www.totnesraftrace.co.u

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

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

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22/09/2015 13:04:15

Wellbeing

I seem to sweat a lot and find it terribly embarrassing - I can’t wear certain tops because of it, and it gets worse in winter when I wear warmer clothes. Is there anything I can do? YD, Barnstaple

Q

No sweat!

Here’s how to tackle an embarrassing but all-too-common problem

Medical aesthetician Dr Pradnya Apte says: Excessive sweating is medically known as Hyperhidrosis, and is a surprisingly common condition.

The sweating may affect the whole of your spirants containing aluminium chloride, as they body or only certain areas. Commonly affected work by plugging the sweat glands. areas are armpits, palms of your hands, soles Lifestyle changes include wearing loose and of feet and your face. Both sides light clothes, avoiding trigof the body are usually affected gers like spicy foods and alcoand it can be both embarrassing hol that could make sweating and distressing. worse. Wearing white or black Don’t despair Causes for this condition are clothing can also help minithought to be a result of a probmise the signs of sweating.

- you are lem with a part of the nervous There are other treatments not alone. system that controls sweating. that are available to treat this This is known as primary hycondition. These include anHyperhidrosis perhidrosis. ticholinergics, which work by affects 1-3 Hyperhidrosis that does have blocking the affects of a chemipeople in every an identifiable cause is known cal called acetylcholine, which as secondary hyperhidrosis. the nervous system uses to ac100 in the UK This can have many different tivate the sweat glands. triggers including pregnancy, A treatment called Iontoanxiety, certain medications, phoresis may help if you have low blood sugar and an overacexcessive sweating that affects tive thyroid gland. your hands and feet. It can also be used to treat It can be treated in a number of different ways. the armpits (although this is usually less effecPowerful antiperspirants can help. Try antipertive). It involves treating affected areas of skin

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with a weak electric current, to help block the sweat glands.

Another solution is a course of botulinum toxin (Botox) injections into the armpits, which I have found very effective for clients at my clinic in Exeter and I offer at a cost of £400. Perspiration normally diminishes within 48 hours and effects last for approximately six months.

The treatment is then repeated at this stage.

It is also possible to sever/clip the nerves that control sweating. This is normally performed under general anaesthetic and carries a higher risk of complications.

Above all, don’t despair - you are not alone.

Hyperhidrosis is estimated to affect between 1-3 people every 100 in the UK. It is embarrassing, but the good news is that there are a number of treatments available to help sufferers of this condition.

Dr Pradnya Apte runs Revitalise-Rejuvenate Mediclinic in Exeter’s Southernhay, www. revitalise-rejuvenate.co.uk 01392 426285.

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Eat

ally mac’s

Super Food Green Soup Ally says: This is one amazing soup. The celery alone reduces acidity, which is beneficial in cases of arthritis, gout and stomach acidity. It’s also a natural diuretic, helping to reduce fluid retention as well as balancing pH levels. And once you add the onion, broccoli, courgette, garlic, green beans, peas, asparagus and spinach, you have the ultimate power soup, which helps feed every cell in the body and flush out the waste. How good is that! Get cooking, Popeyes!

You will need:

Method:

60ml (2 fl oz) olive oil 1 onion, finely chopped 2 garlic cloves, crushed 1 celery stick, chopped 1 courgette, chopped 1 head of broccoli, chopped 1.5 litres vegetable stock (I use Kallo veg stock) 150g (5 1/2 oz) green beans, trimmed and chopped 150g (5 1/2 oz) asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1cm (1/2 inch) pieces 85g (3oz) baby spinach leaves, torn into pieces A handful of mint leaves

Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan and cook the onion, garlic and celery until lightly browned.

Add the courgette and broccoli and cook for five minutes.

Pour in the stock and bring to a boil. Simmer for five minutes then add the green beans, peas, asparagus, spinach and mint. Continue to simmer for a further five minutes or so, until the vegetables are tender. Season well with coarsely ground black pepper For an extra zingy taste, serve with a little sprinkling of sprouted seeds.

This is an amazingly healthy soup which will leave you feeling really full and good about yourself after you’ve eaten it all up!

@allyskitchenstories

@AKitchenStories

Natural food expert Ally Mac lives and cooks in South Devon. Ally specialises in devising good-for-you recipes that are easy to prepare at home. She also sells several of her own delicious healthy products online at www.allyskitchenstories.co.uk 39

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22/09/2015 13:09:31

Eat

Ingredient of the Week

Chillies

with Tim Maddams o you like chilli? The popularity challenge the diners. We know now that chilli of this little capsicum has grown con carne is supposed to be hot, balanced immensely in recent years. When with flavour and richness and set up against I was lad (if I wasn’t busy up a a background of aromatics, like cinnamon, chimney or down a coal mine) cumin and star anise. Honestly, what were we then I was likely to be found thinking? examining the spice rack.

To dry fresh chillies, try This is a very grand term for stringing them together and It works very what amounted to six very hanging them up above the stove. old, very dry Schwartz jars They will dry quickly and be to well with on a dusty shelf. One of the hand when you need them. It’s chocolate. Sticky delights within was a bottle of not just in more exotic dishes that chilli powder. My mum would chilli finds a home in my kitchen. toffee pudding carefully (I’m surprised there It is to be found in everything is improved by weren’t gloves and goggles from stews and pastas to soups a little judicial involved) take it down from the (at this time of year a roasted shelf and rigorously measure pumpkin and chilli soup works a chilli, too out a nano-teaspoonful for the treat). Even the odd dessert gets latest addition to the household the chilli effect. It works very well repeater menu, chilli con carne. with chocolate, and sticky toffee These days however if you pudding is improved by a little know your con carne then nothing but smoked judicial chilli along with the allspice, lifting the or sweet chipotle chilli paste will do, maybe a spicy notes up on the palate and lessening the little of both to get a good flavour balance and sweetness to make the pudding sing.

D

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Home made harissa Some of my fresh chillies will make it to heaven in the form of home made harissa paste. I roast red peppers and chillies in the same way as ever. The garlic gets a longer roast, wrapped in foil to caramelise it. I then skin and seed the peppers and chillies and pop them in a blender. Squeeze all the good stuff out of the garlic and add this. Blend with olive oil, plenty of salt and I often add smoked paprika too. @TimGreenSauce

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

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22/09/2015 13:48:27

Drink

Beer of the week Hanlons Brewery, just outside Exeter, is celebrating a class bronze medal for its Port Stout (4.7% ABV) in the champion beer of Britain competition. As I write, autumnal storms are rattling the windows, which makes it very much Port Stout weather. Coffee, chocolate and warming port are the dominant flavours in a brew that is one those I’ve recommended to wine drinkers who “don’t like beer”.

cover story

Look very closely at the new Good Beer Guide and you may think that hostelry looks familiar. Yes, this year’s GBG cover star is the Blisand Inn on Bodmin Moor, home to thousands of guest beers over the years and CAMRA national pub of the year, in 2001.

Darren Norbury

talks beer ontrary to the picture that adorns gredients. It is bottle-conditioned, unpasteurised this page, I currently have a beard. and unfiltered, with a strong, “uncompromising” I draw back from using the phrase flavour. David Hildrew, managing director and hipster beard, founder of The Bluebeards Reit’s more Jeremy venge, says: “It would have been Corbyn really. Whether it’s easy to get a white-label brewer here to stay or not, well, the to smack a few Bluebeards labels It apiendaeped jury’s out, but if one firm I’ve onto an existing brew, but that quam que come across in the course of is not our style. We wanted our beery enquiries this week had very own, unique beer, made by molupid iantiis anything to do with it, it would a brewery with excellent credenvelecepe nesti be coming off (unless, possibly, tials and with a route to market, quam restrum I cared to wax my moustache). so that our beer could be on sale The Bluebeards Revenge is in pubs and supermarkets across hitatec torrovid a shaving and grooming comthe land. pany aimed squarely at “manly “We have struck gold with men”. Its products are “not for Hunter’s Brewery here in deepgirls”, although use of them est Devon. They’ve done an exmay see you fighting the ladies cellent job at making our vision off, apparently. To raise their profile even fura reality, and the result is very pleasing indeed.” ther they’ve taken the step of teaming up with Paul Walker, of Hunter’s, adds: “I must admit, Devon’s Hunter’s Brewery to create a new beer, I was a little thrown when The Bluebeards ReThe Ultimate Pale Ale. venge first came to me with their idea, but it Set to arrive in local pubs and bars about now, quickly became apparent that it was a golden opthe beer is made with Citra and East Kent Goldportunity.” ings hops combined with other fine British in@beertoday

C

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SALCOMBE AWARD WINNER The Victoria Inn, Salcombe, a St Austell pub, has been named partnership pub of the year at the Sky Great British Pub Awards. The pub offers regular guest beers and its own St Austell house brew, Salcombe Best.

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Eat/Drink Restaurant review

The Curator Kitchen

By Keith Rossiter

he best restaurants do so much more than just give you excellent food. At The Curator Kitchen in Totnes, owner Matteo Lamara has hit on a winning formula – and there isn’t a celebrity chef in sight.

Matteo, 41, has created a little bit of his native Italy – and then improved on it. He and head chef Jimmy Stewart have unpicked and re-woven the flavours of rural Italy for today’s more streamlined palate.

The restaurant sits above Matteo’s original Curator Café on the Plains in the centre of Totnes in Devon. It is tiny – just 24 covers – but the tables are just far enough apart to ignore your neighbour. More importantly, they are just close enough to chat. We got along so well with our neighbours that they joined us later for a nightcap in a riverside bar across the road.

T

Our waiter, John, talked knowledgeably about Sarah then had a rotolo with spinach ricotta every dish on the menu, and advised about wine and mushrooms, and a simple butter and sage with the confidence of a seasoned sommelier. sauce, crisped in a frying pan and poured over In the Italian style, the menu the top – as much a feast for the has four courses: antipasti, eyes as for the tastebuds. There primi, secondi (contorni are vegare not many main course vegetable side dishes), and dolce, etarian options in Italy, but The ‘In Italian style, which needs no introduction.

Curator Kitchen has to bend to the menu has Dishes are individually priced, the veggie-loving Totnes will. or £29.50 for the full board.

On the night we were there, four courses and The Curator menu offers little the vegetarian main option was just two options choice, which I find is a good roast beetroot with goats curd sign – just two options for all but and hazelnuts, and deserves a for all but the the starter. mention, even though we only starter a good Sarah’s antipasti was delisaw it bringing colour to a neighsign’ cious pigeon agrodolce, a sweet bouring table. Next, we both and sour dish with the sweetopted for tagliata with rocket and ness provided by raisins. My parmesan – thinly sliced beef, seabass crudo – slices of cured lightly cooked. The meat melted seabass – had a gentle acidity on the tongue. which set me up nicely for the primi: duck ragu The beef comes from a farm at nearby Lodfettucini. diswell, via local butcher Christopher McCabe.

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4 of the best Italian restaurants

1 Fresco, Teignmouth

Jimmy says the secret is to cook it at a high temperature, and leave it to rest for ten minutes afterwards.

John, our waiter, recommended the simplest vegetable side dishes on the menu: crushed potatoes with thyme and caramelised onions, along with peas, green beans and prosciutto and honey.

We could have opted instead for courgette and aubergine fritto, or fennel, orange and pangrattato.

Our wine, Rosso Conero primo di Tre 2012, an intense and fruity ruby red, with a luxurious bouquet, comes from the Camerano district of central Italy.

There was a certain tristesse in finishing the beef, but the pudding provided some consolation.

Mine was semifreddo affogato, a chilled pudding made with ice cream “drowned” in coffee. Sarah went for bitter-sweet prosecco jelly with blueberries and strawberries.

Matteo grew up in Ancona, a small town in the Marche region of central Italy. His tastes – and recipes – are also influenced by the Puglia region in southern Italy, where his father was born.

“It’s part of my family and in our blood, he says. “We love anything that comes out of the sea.

I grew up eating raw mussels, sea urchins and so on.” He met his English wife, Sarah, in Romania, where they were both working as volunteers.

Three years ago he was approached by Nick Clements, fashion photographer and founder of Men’s File magazine, to start The Curator café.

Nick, who owns the building, designed the look of the café. Eight months ago, encouraged by his landlord (who again did the design work), Matteo added The Curator Kitchen restaurant.

“The concept has developed quite a lot with the influence of the slow food movement. It’s all about seasonal, local, good quality,” says Matteo.

All the team here are encouraged to be passionate about food. When I visited, one of the kitchen porters had scrubbed up and was helping to prepare a duck carcass.

“It’s not a very easy industry to work in, but we all care,” head chef Jimmy says. “Matteo looks after us and we are all friends.” And, after my visit, I’d say that goes for the customers, too.

The Curator Kitchen, Totnes. 01803 865570 www.facebook.com/TheCuratorCafe

How they scored...

Food



Atmosphere



Service



Price

Dinner for two £83

Marco and Cherry Tavoso run this charming restaurant, with Italian Marco cooking and Teignmouth local Cherry front-of-house. Choose from a classic Italian menu or go for pizza.

Dish of the day: Risotto alla Milanese, risotto cooked with saffron and a rich vegetable stock, finished with parmesan Prices: Four course dinner from £40 Contact: 01626 777181

2 The Italian Kitchen, Bideford A new pizzeria getting good reviews for its wood-fired pizzas and fresh ingredients.

Dish of the day: Penne Calabrese spicy special Price: Mains around £8-£9 Contact: 01237 478623

3 Mangia, Falmouth

Informal Italian bistro on The Moor serving homemade produce using local ingredients.

Dish of the day: Beef Saltimbocca thin slices of beef, topped with parma ham and marsala wine sauce Price: Starters around £6.25. Mains £11-£14 Contact: 01326 312320

4 Il Capriccio, Plymouth

A hidden gem in the less than glamorous setting of Plymouth’s Frankfort Gate.

Dish of the day: Italian sausage pizza bianca Price: Mains around £10 Contact: 01752 941502

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22/09/2015 12:36:56

Roundwood Quay

My Secret Westcountry Pat Smith Pat Smith owns Bosinver Farm Cottages, a collection of 20 unique award-winning cottages in a valley near St Austell. She lives nearby and has four grandchildren, who she entertains as the adventureloving @ActionNan

My favourite...

Walk: I never tire of the National Trust woodland walks at Trelissick, all year round. The view from down Carrick Roads to Falmouth and the open sea is one of the finest in the county and ever-changing. I sometimes take my grandchildren on the walk from there to Roundwood Quay to play and climb trees in the woods.

Beach: Porthluney, on the south coast of Cornwall, below Caerhays Castle. For families it has all the essential requirements for beach fun. There’s good sand for building sandcastles, rock pools to investigate, a nicely shelving beach which is safe for little people to venture in gently and lovely clean water for swimming.

Perfect!

Arts event: I really enjoy the Port Eliot Festival and take my three grandchildren there in my campervan. It is friendly, safe and quite beautiful. I’m also a great fan of the amazing Kneehigh Theatre and have hardly missed a show since they started performing in 1980.

Rogue Theatre also create special magic down in Tehidy woods near Camborne – both theatre companies tap into all I love about Cornwall, with its wildness and free spirit.

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People

Porthluney Beach

Polgooth Inn

Illustrated Living

Activity: Nordic walking. This is a fairly new hobby for me but I must admit to being hooked.

It beats being in a gym and you can chat as you walk and do it anywhere. I belong to a group called Walk Kernow.

Food: It has to be Rodda’s clotted cream. A cream tea is always a special treat and we are lucky to have some marvellous quirky places near me, often with views to die for – like Halwyn Tea Rooms on the River Fal.

Tipple: Apple juice from Kerenza Aval (www. applevalley.co.uk). Frankie and Tony Lister produce a range of apple juices and cider vinegar on their organic farm in the Lynher valley. The apples are all old Cornish varieties

and the orchards are grazed with sheep, hens and cows. The juice is pure, with nothing added and no sprays used. Just lovely.

Pub: The Polgooth Inn is my local pub. It dates back to the 16th century and was a count house in the mining heyday of the mid 1800s, when Polgooth was one of the largest mining communities in Cornwall. The pub is sat the heart of our community, popular with visitors and locals alike. It serves excellent food and local ales with occasional live music. There’s always

a warm welcome.

Restaurant: Hidden Hut - I love this quirky little place on the coast path at Porthcurnick beach near Portscatho.

Weekend away: Treloan Coastal Holiday’s camp site. I have been many times with my grandchildren in the campervan. It’s in a spectacular location with views over Gerrans Bay. We are made to feel like part of the family.

Shop: Illustrated Living in Truro’s Lemon Street Market is one of my favourite shops for buying special gifts for friends, as well as unusual items for decorating and furnishing my holiday cottages. It is always service with a smile and a friendly chat, so I look forward to popping in even if I don’t buy anything (which doesn’t happen often!).

The Scarlet spa

Treat: A Spa Day at The Scarlet hotel on Cornwall’s north coast is the ultimate in spoiling yourself alone or with a group of friends.

A lovely thing to do is try their clifftop hot tub – soaking in a wooden tub of warm bubbling water, gazing out over the Atlantic – then returning to the relaxation room for some idle contemplation in one of their hammock pods.

Bliss.

Follow Pat on Twitter @ActionNan www.bosinver.co.uk 45

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My life

[

man and boy

Broken sleep

[

Phil Goodwin and son James, five, have an exhausting night recently aired my grumbles about returning to work at the end of the summer, after weeks of blissful holiday, much of it spent in warmer climes. Conscious that, for the most part, people tend not to pick up a Sunday magazine in search of tales of woe, I had intended to strike a more optimistic note this week.

But, as Harold Macmillan once said of his greatest fear: “Events, dear boy, events”. Yes, events went and got in the way.

First my beloved Liverpool FC crashed to another appalling defeat. And then this happened the following day: I was on the way to the pick up a pizza with James when I detected the powerful aroma of sulphur. They do say the appearance of demons is associated with this infernal reek – something to do with Satan being cast into a lake of the stuff, I recall – so I checked over my shoulder, just to be sure Old Nick hadn’t materialised in the back of the car.

Seeing the coast was clear, I guessed the source was more earthly. “Have you let one go?” I inquired of my only passenger, who was playing with a Lego man in his booster seat.

He vehemently denied polluting the atmosphere – believably, actually, and it stands out a mile when he tries to fib – but then, after a long pause, he admitted he had quietly burped.

Uh-oh, I thought. That usually meant only one thing – the dreaded stomach bug.

Still, he swore he felt absolutely fine so when

I

[

He swore he felt absolutely fine so I let him have two slices of pepperoni feast and a glass of juice

[

we got home I had no choice but to let him gobble up two slices of pepperoni feast and guzzle down a glass of juice. Later, we both fell asleep during story time but before I could put him to bed I was awoken by a small splutter. Realising what was going on I jumped up, picked him up and made off towards the bathroom, him half-conscious with a sleepy head on my shoulder. You know what’s coming, right? Oh yes. Before we got half way across the room, he went all Exorcist on me. Projectile-like. Down my back and all over the floor boards.

My dear wife, who was still awake but working on the thesis downstairs, dashed upstairs to find the pair of us in a right state. We had to strip down and shower, then set up the sofa bed in the lounge. The sleepy boy insisted on a second story to get him off to sleep and finally he drifted off. I lay there for a while, fearful of another eruption – his grandfather was staying in the spare room and we had run out of beds. An hour passed peacefully. Nothing.

All the time I heard scrubbing upstairs as my wife tried to clean up. She is not what you might call strong of stomach. Eventually I fell asleep. The next day, the lad was right as rain but school regulations forbid attendance within 24 hours of any vomiting. So he got a day off. He was elated. The two of us were just knackered. Things can only get better, right?

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23/09/2015 13:18:55

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THE ANTI CORROSION HARDWARE

23/09/2015 15:15:06