Exeter Living - issue 198 by MediaClash

Food/Arts/Entertainment/Shopping/Homes ISSUE 198 / SEPTEMBER 2016 / £3

ISSUE 198 / SEPTEMBER 2016 / TIP TOPSHAM

TOTALLY TOPSHAM AN

EXETER & BEYOND

A TO Z OF THE BOOMING ESTUARY TOWN

BOOK YOUR XMAS PARTIES NOW (YEP, SORRY!)

POWDERHAM FOOD FESTIVAL

SPEAKING TERMS

IT’S BACK TO SCHOOL TIME!

PIG & PALLET ART AND SOUL AT EXETER CONTEMPORARY OPEN

EDITOR’S LETTER / ISSUE 198 / SEPTEMBER 2016

ON TOPSHAM FORM An A-Z of one of the UK’s most sought-after spots

Down by the river You don’t need us to tell you how great Topsham is. You already know. As, indeed, do a great many others outside the region, judging by the number of people we’ve met who have made the move to the estuary town from other parts of the country. Quaint and cute Topsham may be, with its Dutch gabled houses, lapping waters and wildlife, but it’s no Toytown – creators of world-class cuisine, and a dynamic business and creative scene, including some of our very favourite independent shops and designer-makers, also call this place home. It’s hard to think of another UK city besides Exeter that has anything as great as Topsham administratively attached to it and so, in this issue, we pay gushing tribute across several pages. Where better to spend time as summer draws to a close? We’ll see you on the ferry to the Turf Locks. . . Anna Britten, Editor Follow us on Twitter: @ExeterLiving

Bang & Olufsen of Exeter 30/31 Gandy Street | EX4 3LS 01392 424600 | exeter@bang-olufsen.co.uk

52 Southside St, The Barbican, Plymouth PL1 2LB | 01752 228 451 | www.samcoxbridalwear.co.uk

CONTENTS / ISSUE 198 / SEPTEMBER 2016 M EET T H E T EAM

NEWS

Editor Anna Britten anna.britten@mediaclash.co.uk

8 Spotlight

All hail the rock bands of Exeter! Plus Where Am I? et al

Managing editor Deri Robins deri.robins@mediaclash.co.uk Senior art editor Andrew Richmond Graphic design Megan Allison Cover design Trevor Gilham Editor’s photo Emma Solley Contributors Fran McElhone, Roxanne Duris, Rosie Hurley, Pamela Duke, Chris Bentley

15 Lucy Hounsom

New pens, BHS skirts – our columnist misses that back to school buzz. . .

Advertising manager Joss Phillips joss.phillips@mediaclash.co.uk Account manager Paula Miller paula.miller@mediaclash.co.uk Account manager Jason Coward jason.coward@mediaclash.co.uk Commercial director Steve Hawkins steve.hawkins@mediaclash.co.uk

MAIN FEATURES 18 Totally Topsham From ‘Arty’ to ‘Zummer’ – our take on Topsham’s best bits

64 New Term? No Stress! Schools special: tips for parents, plus all the essential Open Days

ARTS 29 Arts Intro Look who’s coming to Budleigh Lit Fest!

30 What’s On There’s rich pickings in and around the city for you culture vultures

SHOPPING

38 The Today Show

55 Shopping Intro

Why Exeter Contemporary Open 2016 must be in your calendar

We may just have found your new ‘going out’ coat. . .

FOOD & DRINK 42 Munch Time Everything you need to know about Powderham Food Festival

46 Restaurant Pulled pork and kitchen roll at The Pig & Pallet in Topsham

58 Ed’s Choice We splash out (see what we did there?) in Topsham’s shops

60 Special Shops St Thomas’s friendly ‘community fibre arts space’ Wool on the Exe

BUSINESS

50 It’s Christmas Time

79 Business Insider

OK, it’s not. Of course it’s not. But it will be. And you will thank us for making you book ahead

Fore Street, Nuffield Health and more good news from the commercial sector

82 One To Watch Seabrook Clark’s Matthew Clark

REGUL ARS 71 Tom Brown Sarah Dunn, new head of Maynard

75 Seen! Glam gatherings in Exeter and Honiton

98 Exeter Lives

Chef Tom from Topsham’s Salutation Inn

Production and distribution manager Sarah Kingston sarah.kingston@mediaclash.co.uk Deputy production manager Christina West christina.west@mediaclash.co.uk Production designer Kirstie Howe kirstie.howe@mediaclash.co.uk Chief executive Jane Ingham jane.ingham@mediaclash.co.uk Chief executive Greg Ingham greg.ingham@mediaclash.co.uk Exeter Living, MediaClash, Circus Mews House, Circus Mews, Bath BA1 2PW 01225 475800 www.mediaclash.co.uk @The MediaClash © All rights reserved. May not be reproduced without written permission of MediaClash.

About MediaClash We’re a Bath-based publisher, creative agency and event organiser Magazines Our portfolio of regional magazines celebrates the best of local living: Bath, Bristol, Cardiff, Exeter and Salisbury. We also publish foodie mag Crumbs. (www.crumbsmag.com, @CrumbsMag) and wedding title Vow (@VowMag). Agency From the design and build of websites to digital marketing and creating company magazines, we can help. Events We create, market, promote and operate a wide variety of events both for MediaClash and our clients Contact: info@mediaclash.co.uk

On the cover Emma Solley took this gorgeous photo of Topsham: emmasolley.com

WHAT’S MAKING THE NEWS IN EXETER

The band weren’t happy when Hubbox ran out of chilli dogs

EVERYBODY’S TALKING ABOUT…

EXETER ROCK BANDS It’s not all about Muse and Coldplay… two other Exeter guitar bands have new albums out – and the critics have gone crazy It’s been a while since Exeter dispatched a new band to shake up the global pop/rock scene – and Messrs Chris Martin and Matt Bellamy and their gangs will always enjoy godfather status round these parts – but two younger combos from the city are enjoying a very busy September indeed. Exeter grunge-pop band Black Foxxes dropped debut album I’m Not Well (right) on Spinefarm/Universal on 19 August, whizzing to the top end of the iTunes rock charts and prompting a slew of rave reviews from the rock press. “One of the most exciting debut albums of the year,” quoth industry bible Music Week; while esteemed music website Drowned In Sound reached for a 10-out-of-10 score and these words: “This is rock music – pure and unfiltered, shameless and fresh as the driven snow and it’s f***ing glorious.” Following packed performances at this summer’s festivals, including Radio 1 Big Weekend, Download Festival and Reading & 8 I EXETER LIVING I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Leeds, the three-piece of Mark Holley, Tris Jane and Ant Thornton will now be touring the US from New York to LA – including a festival appearance in Chicago and a set at

the famous Viper Room, West Hollywood. You can catch them at their homecoming gig at Exeter Cavern on 29 October. Which, coincidentally, is the very venue where another – longer-established – Exeter outfit, smart blues-rockers The Computers (above), played live for the first time. The band – whose highly-rated repertoire includes songs called Bring Me The Head Of A Hipster and Disco Sucks – release their third album Birth/Death (One Little Indian), recorded in Devon and promising a feast of “garage-soul, punk ’n’ roll” cuts, on 30 September. The five-piece of Al Kershaw (vocals), Aidan Sinclair (drums), Fred Ansell (keyboards), James Mattock (guitar) and Tom McMahon (bass) are promoting the album with a UK and European tour this autumn. No Exeter date, lads? Sort it out. blackfoxxes.com thisisthecomputers.com

SPOTLIGHT

Well, that’s us sorted – but what are you having?

Local folk share their photos This issue: Quickes Cheese instagram.com/quickescheese

PHOTO BY FAYDIT PHOTOGRAPHY

First concrete down for our new milking parlour

FESTIVAL Let’s get ready to rumble! Joe Vs. Cheese but who’s going to win? #quickesolympics

ONE FOR THE ROAD

Moove over Rooney! Our girls have this! #football

The team behind the Exeter Living Awardwinning Exeter Street Food are launching a new festival of drinks in Exeter on 24 September. The Cockt-Ale Festival will gather distillers and brewers from across the South West at Exeter’s Piazza Terracina for a free festival of cocktails and real ales, live entertainment, ‘street food village’ and food and drink pairing demonstrations courtesy of Exeter Cookery School, and shopping opportunities. Karen Skerratt, managing director of

the Hubb Group, the company behind Exeter Street Food and the Cockt-Ale Festival, said: “Our Cockt-Ale Festival aims to give a platform to local distillers and brewers who are rarely given this kind of exposure. We are blessed with some great independent businesses emerging from the South West which play a large part in our local economy, creating new jobs and encouraging innovation and collaboration in the sector.” streetfoodexeter.co.uk

ARTS

HAND IN HAND

Table tennis – Quicke’s style! Fun in packing! #quickesolympics

The cows really weren’t impressed with our athletic abilities! #quickesolympics

In the first event of its kind, Exeter’s cultural venues are getting together to celebrate a new season of arts events across the city. Organisers and hosts the Bike Shed Theatre will be joined by Exeter Cathedral, The Cygnet Theatre, Devon Libraries, Exeter Northcott Theatre, Exeter Phoenix, RAMM and members of the public on 5 September, to officially announce their events taking place between September and December, from plays to exhibitions and family events. Highlights include A Pacifist’s Guide To The War On Cancer by renowned theatre company Complicité at Exeter Northcott Theatre; the exhibition Kurt Jackson: Revisiting Turner’s Tourism at

“Let’s be having you!”

RAMM and The Bike Shed’s Christmas show Beneath The Blizzard (pictured). Tickets are free but are subject to availability and must be booked in advance. bikeshedtheatre.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I EXETER LIVING I 9

SPOTLIGHT

Perfect nails are no barrier to craft

CRAFTS

MAKING IT BIG

Exeter will ring with the clack of crochet hooks and knitting needles from 22-25 September as the annual crafting fayre that is the Stitching, Sewing & Hobbycrafts show rolls into Westpoint Exeter again. Over 180 exhibitors will be showcasing their products and creations, with craft lovers ranging from complete beginners to seasoned experts invited to indulge their passion with other likeminded individuals and meet the experts. Highlights include the mammoth A Cardigan For Cardigan – a five-metre-wide piece of knitwear created over nine months by the people of Cardigan to celebrate the Welsh town’s 900-year heritage; and a touring exhibition of floral quilts by the Quilters’ Guild of the British Isles. A free programme of demonstrations, workshops and talks will also run during each day. ichfevents.co.uk.

SEVEN DEADLY SINS In our regular mini Q&A with visiting and local performers, Metta Theatre’s POPPY BURTON-MORGAN bares her wicked soul LUST: Who or what do you find yourself lusting after today? I’m not a circus performer myself so when I see our circus performers in Blown Away I do rather lust after their bodies, in an entirely non-sexual but rather I-wish-Iwas-that-strong/bendy way. GREED: What should you be cutting down on (non-food and drink!)? Our bookshelves are overflowing so I think we need to cut down on books or maybe introduce a one-in-one-out policy.

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GLUTTONY: What one thing could you happily eat or drink until you burst? Chips. I just love chips. I’ll never be a circus performer with my love of chips, but hey ho. SLOTH: What should you be really putting your back into right now? When I’m rehearsing a new show I like to train alongside the performers – when it’s an opera I’ll sing with them, when it’s Shakespeare I’ll improvise speaking in iambic pentameter. So when we’re making a circus show, I try to join in the warm ups and learn some tricks. But it’s so hot at the moment, I’m not really pulling my weight. Oh, and I need to finish off all the knitting I’m doing for the show – all the puppets and props are knitted and I’ve got a backlog of icicles still to knit. WRATH: What/who makes you angry? People who dismiss family theatre or work for younger audiences as somehow less important/interesting/relevant/ ground-breaking.

PRIDE: What’s your proudest achievement? Keeping our company Metta Theatre afloat for over a decade – in such an economically unstable climate and with no regular funding.

ENVY: Who are you jealous of? My amazing performers. Fearless, beautiful and a wonder to watch.

Metta Theatre’s Blown Away, for ages 3+, is at Exeter Northcott from 3-4 September; 01392 726363; exeternorthcott.co.uk

Local laughmonger Jennifer Saunders

film

JEN PARTY Glamorous, ambitious and well-connected, Chagford Film Festival is back for another year – and this year a famous local face will be among those showing off their latest movies. None other than comedy A-lister and Chagford resident Jennifer Saunders is to introduce her recent project Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie and answer audience questions afterwards. Running from 26 September to 1 October, Chagford Film Festival offers a mix of films, events and workshops, presented by top industry professionals. Events this year include an animation day with special guests Aardman Animations, chocolate-making with star chocolatier Grant Mather, and the cute Sol Cinema, the country’s smallest solar-powered picturehouse. With a theme of ‘Las Vegas comes to Chagford’ running throughout the week, we reckon tickets will be hotter than the Nevada desert, sweetie. visitchagford.com chagfordfilmfestival.com

Where am i?

Test your knowledge of Exeter’s hidden corners... We don’t know who Captain Harry was, but someone loved him enough to do this. Where, though? We’ll tell you on page 98. . .

OPINION

LUCY HOUNSOM

ROLL UP, ROLL UP Shorten your skirt and decorate your homework book! Lucy hails the new school term

ave you noticed how often an Indian summer heralds the autumn term? Just as the schools reopen, the temperature soars, skies are almost painfully blue and you spend the entirety of maths class staring out the window, longing for an ice cream. As a kid, I generally found the start of a new school year exciting, at least until I was three weeks into it. A new year meant new uniform, new shoes and – particularly alluring for a literature geek such as myself – new stationery. Gel pens, fountain pens, rubbers that looked so smooth and delicious you could just eat them. . . I’ll stop. My situation was unusual in the fact that I attended theatre school. I’d have to buy new ballet shoes and leotards alongside the traditional school uniform. In winter, we wore tracksuits, but the summer meant sailor blouses and black pleated skirts. I’m sure I’m not the only one who recalls BHS as the ancestral home of said skirts. No matter how sneakily I slid a smaller size off the rail, Mum would see and make me exchange it for a larger. Like most of my female school friends, the aim of the game was to roll up our skirts as high as possible without getting told off. Since the skirts at BHS came halfway down my vertically-challenged legs, I had to do a lot of rolling. On reflection, it must have looked very silly indeed. But the height of cool meant short skirts and high heels, and the latter proved challenging when you bought your shoes from Clarks (do you remember those weird devices they used to measure kids’ feet)? Heels, however, were where Mum relented – perhaps because she’s short herself. I started a trend among the younger students, including my sister, who all wanted to follow in my blocky-heeled footsteps.

It’s funny how little changes when you move from school to work. Granted there’s more choice, but you still have to wear a uniform of sorts and arrive on time lest you provoke the boss’s ire. School is an excellent preparation for the 9 to 5 office job. Proving that no one really grows up, my parents used to run an events company and one of their more popular theme days was called ‘School Dinners.’ Grown adults from companies like Dell and Hitachi would arrive on a school bus, the women dressed like girls from St Trinian’s, the men in little boy shorts. They’d be high on fizzy pink champagne and ready to take part in the murder mystery game: Who Killed The Head? (That has to be every child’s secret wish.) There was even a naughty corner for adults who became too silly, water pistols at playtime, sausages and spotted dick for lunch and prizes for the top House. It resembled something from Carry On Teacher. What these clichés tell us is that people prefer to remember the best bits of school and that doesn’t always involve joking around; the autumn term meant new challenges, new lessons. It meant catching up with friends, swapping holiday stories and knuckling down to some serious work after the long, surprisingly aimless break. For me, there were rubbers to nibble*, shoes to show off, skirts to roll, and homework diaries to decorate obsessively with as many gel pen colours as possible (that’s one of mine, on the left). And when ennui inevitably began to set in, there was the fun of Halloween ahead. . . but that’s a story for another time. *No rubbers were eaten in the writing of this article.

NEW

STATIONERY, GEL PENS,

FOUNTAIN

PENS, RUBBERS THAT SO SMOOTH AND

LOOKED DELICIOUS

YOU COULD EAT THEM… I’LL

STOP

Lucy Hounsom is a fantasy fiction author and bookseller from Sidmouth. Her debut novel Starborn is out now on Pan Macmillan. Follow her on Twitter: @silvanhistorian

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BROWSE 3 FLOORS OF FURNITURE

TOTALLY TOPSHAM From art to yachts via Dick Pym and Vivien Leigh, ANNA BRITTEN celebrates this enchanting spot on the River Exe Photo s by E M M A SOL L E Y

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TOPSHAM

THERE ARE

FEW BETTER PLACES TO LIVE

hether you’re native enough to pronounce it ‘Topsum’, or a newcomer thrilled to have washed up in paradise, living in this ancient port south of Exeter means you’ve pretty much won the lifestyle lottery. Topsham crops up regularly in ‘best places to live in the UK’ polls, and for good reason. “Topsham remains as popular as ever,” says Joel Moore, manager of estate agent Wilkinson Grant in Topsham, main agent in the town for many years. “With its fantastic range of shops, popular restaurants and pubs as well as fascinating and beautiful historic buildings, there are few better places to live whilst having excellent access into Exeter, onto the M5 and Exeter Airport.” And while this does make Topsham pricey, you’d be wrong to think it’s beyond the reach of all but millionaires: “Topsham is definitely a property

bubble, with prices being very different to Exeter and surrounding towns. Prices can range from a retirement flat for £100,000 up to a Dutch house for £2million. In some streets, prices have risen by as much as 20% in the last few years, whereas other streets have seen very little change, depending on supply and demand. “Despite being known as an expensive area, there are a huge variety of houses in Topsham including ex-council houses and small apartments. There really is something for everyone, but unless you have a very large budget in order to live in the town, compromise is definitely a key word when it comes to choosing a property.” As well as being a great place to live, Topsham is also a sought-after place to do business. “The community has a lovely feel, people are warm and welcoming,” says Grant McAree at The Whyte House Dental Practice. “I will always appreciate Topsham and the people that make it what it is today.” Oh, and trust us – the parking’s never as bad as people say. w

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TOPSHAM

IS FOR ARTY

Great light, a surfeit of beautiful vistas… Artists, illustrators and photographers love Topsham, and the Topsham Art Group provides many of them with a support network and platform. Bargainarts keeps them in supplies, and art lovers can pick up original pieces at shops like Art@96, Fleming & Sell and Artenax. ALSO: Arthurs Butchers – long-running family business purveying fine local meat.

IS FOR BRIDGE INN

The 900-year-old Bridge Inn, run by the same family since 1897, was famously visited by the Queen in 1998 – her first official pub visit. After all that, she declined a drink! ALSO: Bookshop, namely antiquarian and second-hand trader Topsham Books.

IS FOR CHARCUTERIE

The first time we clocked Topsham chorizo we took a photo of it. The first time we tasted it we fell in love forever. Good Game was dreamed up by three mates in the 90s – now Jim, Steve and Pete are responsible for cured meats and sausages using only salt and Exe estuary air, and one of Devon’s biggest artisan food success stories. ALSO: Cheese – namely cheesemonger Country Cheeses; and the town’s Chamber Music Society, bringing high quality classical concerts to St Margaret’s Church.

IS FOR DUTCH

Those eye-catching Dutch-style, merchant’s houses in Topsham date from the early 18th century when the town was an important cotton port. Many of the bricks were actually shipped over from Holland. ALSO: Darts Farm.

IS FOR ESTUARY

Topsham sits on the east shore, just where the River Exe widens and starts to spill out into the sea. “An estuary of untrammelled, quintessential nautical British loveliness,” said The Guardian last summer when exhorting its readers to move there (many of them did). ALSO: Mighty fine French restaurant L’Estuaire, authentic French cooking in a stylish converted boathouse on the Quay.

IS FOR FESTIVALS

The Topsham Food Festival brings together all the town’s best eating and drinking experiences. A reliable highlight is Nello’s Longest Table, a communal feast that raises funds for local worthy causes and was started by friends of popular, local restaurateur Nello Ghezzo who died in 1999 and dreamed of such an event. The two events are usually held every two years. Look out, too, for the Topsham Music Festival, and Beer and Bacon Festival. ALSO: Film Society, one of the town’s most active societies, with over 200 members, screening about two films a year at Matthews Hall.

IS FOR THE GAP

A geographical and spiritual border between Exeter and Topsham, the Topsham Gap is a strip of green land between the two places that’s fiercely defended by local campaigners. Developers, be warned: one does not simply build on the Topsham Gap. ALSO: Well-regarded fish and seafood restaurant The Galley; and Goat Walk, a raised path along the riverside. w

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Fisherman’s cottages and merchant’s houses sit cheek-by-jowl, and vessels of myriad shapes, sizes and vintages dot the water

TOPSHAM

GREAT LIGHT, A SURFEIT OF BEAUTIFUL VISTAS. . . ARTISTS,

ILLUSTRATORS AND PHOTOGRAPHERS LOVE TOPSHAM

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TOPSHAM

IS FOR HENSHER

The Booker-shortlisted novelist Philip Hensher used to live in Topsham, and appropriated it (renamed ‘Hanmouth’) as the well-heeled, bohemian backdrop to his darkly comic 2011 novel King Of The Badgers. It wasn’t exactly a loveletter, but still. . .

IS FOR INTERIORS

If you’re jeujing up a house, chances are you’ve spent some time at Topsham’s design hotspot, Dart Business Park, where you’ll find high-end kitchen and bathroom supremos Sapphire Spaces, Amos Lighting’s new showroom, and Dusk Lighting, as well as Fired Earth and the AGA Shop showroom at Darts Farm across the road. In Topsham itself you’ve got, to name but a few, furniture store Casa, Carter-Derrick Carpets, French- and New England-style goods at the ultra-tasteful Nest Interiors, and ethical mattress-makers Natural Mat, who supply Harrods!

Lose yourself in the quirky shops of meandering Fore Street 22 I EXETER LIVING I www.mediaclash.co.uk

JIS FOR JEWELLERY

Creative types love Topsham, and it seems to be a particularly fertile spot for jewellers. Check out Topsham-based online trader By Tory for elegantly simple pieces, and Anna Bowen’s Birdie Num Num which is available online and also in her bricks and mortar shop Bird Cage. Quirky costume pieces can be found at Violette and more classic fare at Topsham Jewellers.

IS FOR KNIGHTLEY

That’s Steve Knightley. One of the country’s greatest folk musicians (and PJ Harvey’s former guitar teacher) is a proud Topsham resident who gets involved in plenty of local events and good causes. He formed Show Of Hands with Phil Beer in 1986 and the pair tour regularly (with Miranda Sykes on double bass).

IS FOR LIBRARY

Story time and reading groups are among the events on at this volunteer-run community resource run by the local charity Estuary League of Friends. ALSO: Popular gastro-boozer The Lighter Inn; and gorgeous gift shop Lark.

TOPSHAM

MUSEUM HOUSES THE SILK

NIGHTIE

VIVIEN LEIGH WORE IN

GONE WITH THE WIND

TOPSHAM

IS FOR MUSEUM

Among many other fascinating things, Topsham Museum houses the silk nightie Vivien Leigh wore in Gone With The Wind. (How so? Her sister-in-law from her first marriage lived in Topsham) and other Leigh memorabilia. ALSO: Matthews Hall, which hosts a great Saturday morning market, plus other community events and classes, and has a nice little café; and Maine, USA, where another, not as good, Topsham is located.

IS FOR NATURE

Topsham is a birdwatcher’s paradise. Gaze across the reed beds to see avocets, oystercatchers, dunlins, little ringed plovers, little egrets and other water birds, especially at one of the two RSPB nature reserves: Exminster Marshes and Bowling Green Marsh. Or join one of their nature walks every Saturday at Darts Farm at 2pm.

IS FOR THE ORANGE TREE

Cruise to the Turf pub: be sure to say hello to charismatic ferry man Mike Stevens

Stocking prestigious brands like Mulberry, Michael Kors, Caudalie, Dr Sebagh and Emma Bridgwater, owner Li Case has made The Orange Tree – in Darts Farm – one of the very best places in Devon for a quality shopping trip with your mum, with the girls, or just your own sense of self-worth. ALSO: Outdoor pool – this (heated) community gem next to the Fire Station, is open April to September. w

A stroll along Goat Walk will help to work off all Topsham’s gastro delights

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TOPSHAM

IS FOR PRONUNCIATION

Top-shum is the most common pronunciation; though older locals say Top-sum – which is actually more etymologically correct, when you think about it. ALSO: The Passage House Inn; the 193-year-old Topsham Pharmacy, the oldest in the south west; Pig and Pallet (see review on page 46), and legendary Exeter City footballer Dick Pym, goalie for Bolton Wanderers in the first FA Cup Final at Wembley in 1923, born here in 1893.

IS FOR THE QUAY

Small but atmospheric, with the sound of masts jangling in the breeze, and notable for the highly browsable Quay Antiques Centre in the former Customs House – three floors of curios and collectables from around 70 dealers.

IS FOR RUGBY

“We are more than just sport,” states Topsham Rugby Club, which has not only 16 teams ranging from Topsham Old Boys to Under 7s, but also a programme of community events. On 11 September it is staging a concert by Show Of Hands (see also ‘K’) in memory of Lily Partridge, the Topsham Ladies player who died last year – see What’s On (page 30) for details. ALSO: The cosy Route 2 Café, gifted and witty papercut artists Rhombus and Pineapple, and Richard’s Greengrocer & Florist.

IS FOR SAILING

Topsham sailing club members regularly set sail from the Channel Islands, France and beyond, as well as taking part in a busy schedule of racing at weekends and on weekday evenings, and social events. Especially popular are the Devon yawls – quite a spectacle. ALSO: Salutation Inn (see Lives, page 98), fashion boutique Siena, and the annual Secret Gardens weekend.

produces close to 50,000 bottles of organic, award-winning sparkling, white, rosé and red wine a year, and supplies some of the region’s best hotels, pubs and restaurants. The vineyards cover a total area of 23 acres at Ebford and at West Hill near Ottery St Mary, and the Frenchstyle tasting cellar (where you can eat, drink, and buy the wine to take home) is on Ferry Road in the centre of Topsham.

IS FOR THE WARDROBE

Thrifty Topsham women’s best-kept secret, stocking pre-loved clothes, shoes and accessories by the likes of Mulberry, Ted Baker, Karen Millen, Ghost, Gina, Betty Barclay, Jaques Vert, Olsen and others.

IS FOR TOPPA

If names determine your future, we have an Anglo Saxon bigshot to thank for Topsham’s apt first syllable. His name was Toppa, and the town he sparked into life is now synonymous with the Devon good life. ALSO: The much-loved Turf Pub across the water, an old lock-keeper’s cottage that you can only reach by boat, bike, or on foot. Or take the ferry from Trout’s Boatyard on Ferry Road.

IS FOR URBAN DISTRICT

Suburb or not? The official Exeter urban district swallowed Topsham up at the end of the 19th century, but the town was once quite distinct from the city. To many, it still is. See also ‘G’.

IS FOR VINEYARD

Started in 1999 as a community venture, Topsham’s Pebblebed Wines now

24 I EXETER LIVING I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Community resources like the pool, museum, library and Matthews Hall supplement Topsham’s natural wonders and make life here an all-weather pleasure

IS FOR EXE SAILS AND COVERS

Salcombe may have spawned boatie faves Quba Sails, but Topsham has this outfit which not only makes and repairs sails and boat covers for proper sailors but also sells cool stuff for landlubbers. We’ve never unrolled a jib in our lives but we still yearn for one of their recycled sailcloth kitbags.

IS FOR YACHTIES

If you would like to pass as a Topsham yachtie, you must never actually call your vessel a ‘yacht’ – it is a ‘boat’. You must wear ancient deck shoes spattered with antifouling paint, and be permanently slightly damp. Pronounce ‘starboard’ as ‘stuh-bud’ and remember the loo is the ‘head’.

IS FOR ZUMMER

Best time to be yer. Though spring, autumn and winter not zackly bad neither.

THE

TOWN

WAS ONCE QUITE

DISTINCT FROM THE CITY. TO MANY, IT STILL IS

a splash of colour from bristish designers Topshamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s destination for unusual, exciting, one-off items by British designers

Investment pieces, affordable cool, and original, contemporary paintings come to

for a splash of colour and support local makers

visit us online: www.artenax.co.uk 32 fore street, topsham tel: 01392 874172 email: info@artenax.co.uk b artenaxdesigns a @artenaxnikki x artenax

mention you have seen artenax in Exeter Living to receive a

FREE artistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s card with any purchase in September and October

SIENA Boutique

53 Fore Street, Topsham 01392 873386 Stockist of: Part Two In Wear Odd Molly James Jeans

FINE DINING RESTAURANT WITH ROOMS

Christmas Parties The Salutation Christmas Party Menu can be enjoyed in Assembly room or Glass House for 8 to 35 people. A pre order will then be required from each member of the party. 3 courses £29.50 or £34.50 with canapé

Christmas Luncheon 7 Courses - £95pp

New Years Eve 7 Courses - £90pp

Please call Amelia to book or discuss a larger booking.

Christmas at L’estuaire

festive and christmas menus now available. Booking essential. L’estuaire Bistro and Bar is the perfect place for casual and relaxed dining in Topsham. We have a lovely outside seating area for fabulous food and drinks! Open: Tuesday to Saturday, 9.30 till late. Sunday, 10-4pm.

68 Fore Street, Topsham, EX3 0HL | 01392 873060

www.salutationtopsham.co.uk bfind us on facebook a @salutation1

6 The Quay,The Strand Topsham,Exeter EX3 0JB Phone: 01392 876 801 | Email: info@lestuaire.couk

www.lestuaire.co.uk

EXETER ’ S AWARD - WINNING SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

‘ THE

BEST OF DEVON ON A PLATE ’

THE GALLEY T

- FISH & SEAFOOD RESTAURANT -

Set Lunch & À La Carte Fresh Locally Sourced Fish & Seafood Overlooking The River Exe - Day Boat Fish Pipers Farm Meat - Creative Vegetarian Dishes Open Tuesday to Saturday 12 - 2.30pm & 6.30 - 9pm Closed Sundays & Mondays 41 Fore Street, Topsham, Exeter EX3 0HU fish@galleyrestaurant.co.uk 01392 876078

w w w. g a l l e y r e s t a u r a n t . c o . u k

Exeter Living

is available to download. www.mediaclash.co.uk

S O L I C I T O R S “Efficient and prompt service. Good value for money.”

“Best service we have ever had from a solicitor!”

“Very good service”

“Really professional and friendly”

“High quality, sought to protect our interests, got on with the job”

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Visit us online at: www.fordsimey.co.uk Exeter: 01392 274126 - Exmouth: 01395 272241 - Sidmouth: 01395 577061 - Honiton: 01404 540020

Art/craft/music/theatre/more

SNAPSHOTS OF EXETER’S CULTURAL LIFE

THINK UP Shami Chakrabarti is the public face of human rights in Britain. As such, she’s never far from the media spotlight, whether it’s as director of Liberty – she stepped down in January this year – chair of the Chakrabarti Enquiry into antisemitism in the Labour Party or offering up her ardent, agile thoughts on TV, radio or in the press. The 47 year-old former lawyer’s 2014 book On Liberty covers issues such as anti-terrorism measures, phone hacking and surveillance, and brings her to Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival this month where she’ll be in conversation with biographer and historian Rachel Holmes. Don’t miss this chance to listen to one of the country’s most distinguished and articulate campaigners. Shami Chakrabarti appears at Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival on 17 September; the festival runs from 15-18 September, at various venues throughout Budleigh Salterton; 01395 445275; budlitfest.org.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I EXETER LIVING I 29

2 September – 2 October

Isy Suttie visits Exeter Phoenix on 19 September; see works by Peter Goodhall in Sidmouth from 28 September; Ginny Baily appears at Budleigh Lit Fest on 16 September

Art UNTIL 4 SEPTEMBER

THE SUMMER SHOW Devon Guild of Craftsmen members show off their new work. Devon Guild, Riverside Mill, Bovey Tracey; crafts.org.uk UNTIL 25 SEPTEMBER

ILLUSTRATING HARRY POTTER Jim Kay’s original illustrations, sketches, models and prints from the new edition of JK Rowling’s Harry Potter And The Philosopher’s Stone. Accompanying events include stargazing (19 Aug) and quidditch lessons (until 29 Aug). Hannahs at Seale-Hayne, Newton Abbot; discoverhannahs.org

2-15 SEPTEMBER UNTIL 9 OCTOBER

THE GREAT BIG RHINO PROJECT 42 life-sized, painted rhinos, sponsored by local organisations, have invaded the streets of Exeter, to raise awareness of their plight. Various locations, Exeter and the English Riviera; greatbigrhinos.org.uk UNTIL 20 OCTOBER

EXETER’S FINE ART COLLECTION: SUMMER AND AUTUMN Works from the collection, inspired by summer and autumn. RAMM, Queen Street, Exeter; exeter.gov.uk/ramm

30 I EXETER LIVING I www.mediaclash.co.uk

YVONNE TAYLOR: A JOURNEY IN COLOUR Paintings of India. Glorious Art House, 20 Fore Street, Exeter; theglorious.co.uk 10-25 SEPTEMBER

DEVON OPEN STUDIOS Enjoy and buy art at its origin – in artists’ studios – in Exeter and across the rest of the county. Various venues, Exeter; devonartistnetwork.co.uk 10-25 SEPTEMBER

GESTURE AND COLOUR Exhibition featuring the work of artists Joanne Brown, Trish Browne, Judith Lakeman Fraser and Zee Jones. Woodhayes Gallery, Luppitt,

Honiton; woodhayes.co.uk 10 SEPTEMBER-8 OCTOBER

EDUARDO PAOLOZZI: GENERAL DYNAMIC F.U.N. 50 dazzling screenprints and photolithographs by the Scottish-born pop artist. A Hayward Touring exhibition. Thelma Hulbert Gallery, Dowell St, Honiton; thelmahulbert.com 10 SEPTEMBER-4 DECEMBER

KURT JACKSON: REVISITING TURNER’S TOURISM Works by the contemporary British landscape artist (and Glastonbury Festival artist-inresidence) Jackson and Romantic painter JMW Turner. RAMM, Queen Street, Exeter; exeter.gov.uk/ramm

W H AT ’ S O N

ARTS

Independent Princesshay shop Insideout hosts a Meet The Maker event on 10 September 12 SEPTEMBER-12 NOVEMBER

BETH EMILY RICHARDS Installation exploring pop legend Michael Jackson’s bizarre appearance at Exeter City’s football ground, St James’ Park, in 2002. Phoenix, Gandy Street, Exeter; exeterphoenix.org.uk 16 SEPTEMBER-5 NOVEMBER

EXETER CONTEMPORARY OPEN 2016 See feature, page 38. Phoenix, Gandy Street, Exeter; exeterphoenix.org.uk

Sidmouth EX10 8NG; kennawayhouse.org.uk

Phoenix, Gandy Street, Exeter; exeterphoenix.org.uk

Theatre, Comedy & Dance

23 SEPTEMBER

3-4 SEPTEMBER

BLOWN AWAY Adaptation of Rob Biddulph’s award-winning children’s book, for ages 3+ (and babies). Northcott Theatre, Stocker Road, Exeter; exeternorthcott.co.uk 8-11 SEPTEMBER

17 SEPTEMBER-1 OCTOBER

TOYING WITH ART ‘Pop-up shop’ from artists Paul Russell Cooper and Cliff Gorman and many others, inspired by toys and featuring a ‘Donald Trump Wall’. Rolle Centre, Douglas Avenue, Exmouth EX8 2AU

THE TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA The Shakespeare comedy, delivered by none other than Shakespeare’s Globe on tour. Northcott Theatre, Stocker Road, Exeter; exeternorthcott.co.uk 19 SEPTEMBER

28 SEPTEMBER-9 OCTOBER

PETER GOODHALL: SEE THE SEA Large oil paintings of water by the Devon artist. Kennaway House Gallery,

ISY SUTTIE: THE ACTUAL ONE Endearing, hilarious account of finding Mr Right from the Peep Show star and BBC Radio 4 regular.

PETE FIRMAN Magician/comedian, often seen on the telly. Exeter Corn Exchange, Market Street, Exeter; 01392 665938; exeter.gov.uk/cornexchange 25 SEPTEMBER

JOHN HEGLEY: NEW AND SELECTED POTATOES The wonderful performance poet, comedian and musician, and his mandolin, deliver “meditations upon family, celery and happier Daleks”. Phoenix, Gandy Street, Exeter; exeterphoenix.org.uk 29 SEPTEMBER

ETCH New production of inclusive and multi-sensory dance from Plymouth’s Exim Dance Company. Cygnet Theatre, Friars Gate, Exeter; cygnettheatre.co.uk 30 SEPTEMBER

THE TEMPEST Radical revamp of the

Shakespeare classic, from Untold Theatre and Yellowbelly Theatre, combining news footage, digital projections and live action. Cygnet Theatre, Friars Gate, Exeter; cygnettheatre.co.uk

Music & Opera 9-11 SEPTEMBER

LOCKDOWN FESTIVAL The South West’s biggest dance music festival, with Chase & Status, Katy B and Tinie Tempah. Powderham Castle, Kenton; lockdownfestival.com 11 SEPTEMBER

SHOW OF HANDS: CONCERT IN MEMORY OF LILY PARTRIDGE Show of Hands & Friends pay musical tribute to the local rugby player who died in 2015. The concert will raise funds for her team, Topsham RFC, and the Exeter Foundation. Exeter Corn Exchange, Market Street, Exeter; exeter.gov.uk/cornexchange w

www.mediaclash.co.uk I EXETER LIVING I 31

ARTS

W H AT ’ S O N

18 SEPTEMBER

GUADALUPE PLATA Riotous Hispanic delta blues. Phoenix, Gandy Street, Exeter; exeterphoenix.org.uk 24 SEPTEMBER

10CC The band – led by original cofounder Graham Gouldman, celebrates the 40th anniversary of their album Sheet Music which they play in its entirety along with hits like I’m Not In Love. The Great Hall, University of Exeter, Streatham Drive, Exeter; exeternorthcott.co.uk 24 SEPTEMBER

PIANO RECITAL: STEPHEN BEVILLE The acclaimed pianist performs Beethoven’s Sonata in D, Op 28 ‘Pastoral’, his own composition Scenes From Dreams (5 Pieces for Piano) and Kriesleriana, Op 16 by Schumann. Exeter Cathedral, 1 The Cloisters, Exeter; exeter-cathedral.org.uk 1 OCTOBER

THE BLOCKHEADS English punk institution, famous for songs such as Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick, with Derek Hussey fronting the band in lieu of the late, great Ian Dury. RAMM, Queen Street, Exeter; exeter.gov.uk/ramm

Other Events 7 SEPTEMBER

TRADITIONAL INDIAN MEDICINE Exeter-based herbal expert Simon Mills shares his insights into Ayurvedic medicine. RAMM, Queen Street, Exeter; exeter.gov.uk/ramm

Shakespeare’s Globe present The Two Gentleman of Verona at Exeter Northcott on 8-11 September

Market Street, Exeter; exeter.gov.uk/cornexchange 10 SEPTEMBER

CITY FORAGING WALK Three-hour course led by renowned ethnobotanist and professional forager Robin Harford. Discover all manner of wild food in the hidden foraging haunts of Exeter. RAMM, Queen Street, Exeter; exeter.gov.uk/ramm

10-11 SEPTEMBER

2016 TOUR OF BRITAIN Cheer on Bradley Wiggins and co on the Sidmouth to Haytor leg, taking in Ottery St Mary, Honiton, Tiverton, Crediton and Ide. devontourofbritain.co.uk 9 SEPTEMBER

12 SEPTEMBER

OCEAN FILM FESTIVAL TOUR The world’s best, new oceanthemed short films, totalling over two hours of breathtaking footage taken above and below the waterline. Exeter Corn Exchange,

BUDLEIGH SALTERTON LITERARY FESTIVAL Festival president Hilary Mantel presents top book world names such as Shami Chakrabarti (see also page 29), Devon-based authors Virginia Baily and Jenny Balfour-Paul, and more. Various venues, Budleigh Salterton; budlitfest.org.uk

STARFISH BY STARLIGHT Amazing opportunity to join the Rangers for a torch-lit rockpool safari. 8-9.30pm. Exmouth Beach (left of the lifeboat station), Queens Drive, Exmouth; eastdevoncountryside.co.uk

32 I EXETER LIVING I www.mediaclash.co.uk

to make juice. Free, with no booking required. Meet Younghayes Community Centre, Cranbrook, Exeter; eastdevoncountryside.co.uk 24 SEPTEMBER

COCKT-ALE FESTIVAL See Spotlight, page 9. Piazza Terracina, Exeter; streetfoodexeter.co.uk 26 SEPTEMBER-1 OCTOBER

18 SEPTEMBER

SELF-BUILD AND DESIGN SHOW The South West’s most informative and hands-on show for anyone interested in converting, extending, renovating or self-building. Westpoint Centre, Devon Showground, Clyst St Mary; westpointexeter.co.uk

9 SEPTEMBER

15-18 SEPTEMBER

FAMILY FORAGE A walk in the woods looking for wild food, followed by a cook-up. Booking required. Holyford Woods Local Nature Reserve (parking at Seaton Down picnic site); eastdevoncountryside.co.uk 22-25 SEPTEMBER

STITCHING, SEWING & HOBBYCRAFTS SHOW See Spotlight, page 10. Westpoint Centre, Devon Showground, Clyst St Mary; westpointexeter.co.uk 24 SEPTEMBER

APPLE DAY AT ELBURY FARM Gather, chop and press apples

CHAGFORD FILM FESTIVAL See Spotlight, page 11. Various venues, Chagford; chagfordfilmfestival.com 10 SEPTEMBER

MEET THE MAKER Independent retailer Insideout hosts a showcase of local craft and design talent. 10.30am4.30pm, outside the store. Insideout, Bampfylde Lane, Princesshay, Exeter; gottohaveit.co.uk 1-2 OCTOBER

POWDERHAM FOOD FESTIVAL See feature, page 42. Powderham Castle, Kenton; powderhamfoodfestival.com

Photo: Jon Craig

advertisi n g feat u re T R AV E L

New leaves

During the summer, Bristol turns into one big, outdoor party. But as the nights draw in, the city becomes arguably even more alluring…

ities are always at their best in autumn. The streets and cafés are less crowded, the temperatures less hot and sticky. Refreshed from their summer holidays, everyone returns to work with renewed vim and vigour, and there’s a back-to-school buzz about the place; everything brims with new possibility. In Bristol, a city that scores year-round for its culture, innovation and sheer liveability, theatres and concert halls bring out their big shows and plays; independent boutiques unveil their new-season stock. Bristol also has an ever-improving restaurant and cafe scene, that even the locals struggle to keep up with. You can expect to dine on the cream of the autumn harvest: ‘seasonal, sustainable and local’ being the mantra here, both at local independents and brand-new openings up from London, such as The Ivy Clifton Brasserie and Polpo. Every neighbourhood has its star diner; Wallfish in Clifton, Casamia on Harbourside, Wilks in Redland, Bulrush in Cotham, Bell’s Diner in Montpelier, Birch in Southville and Adelina Yard on Welshback all have a national reputation for excellence. It’s a family-friendly city, and within easy walking distance of the centre are two award-winning visitor attractions: kids can get hands-on at renowned science centre At-Bristol, and see history come to life aboard the ss Great Britain; Bristol Zoo Gardens will easily occupy them for most of a day – look out for its newest star, baby lowland gorilla Afia. Don’t miss Clifton Village, with its elegant

Georgian squares, independent shops and spectacular views over the Avon Gorge; this is also the home of Bristol’s most iconic building, Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s Suspension Bridge. On an autumn evening, lit up by fairylights, it’s one of the most intoxicating sights of the city. For a comprehensive line-up of what’s on offer, see the excellent www.visitbristol.co.uk. Falcon coaches run 24/7 and drop you right in the heart of the city so you can take in the sights, a meal and a show and never worry about missing the last train home. And if you're planning to make a weekend of it, Falcon return fares are valid for up to 28 days from the date of issue.

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The TODAY show Exeter Contemporary Open 2016 brings a feast of fresh and exciting art to the city Wor ds by ROXANNE DURIS

E X E T E R C O N T E M P O R A RY O P E N 2 0 1 6

TREAT YOUR EYES TO

SOMETHING COMPLETELY

NEW

Clockwise from opposite: Ankle Grab by Devlin Shea; Susie Green’s Monster Tongue; Matt Burrows launches last year’s Open; we adore the tension and melancholy of Michelle Conway’s Little League 2

ARTS

e live in fast times, and today’s art reflects that – with the rush to produce works that are immediate and, perhaps, controversial, often pushing complexity or seriousness aside. Not so the works by emerging contemporary artists from across the world that will be showcased at Exeter Contemporary Open 2016 – an exciting spread of pieces from drawings to performance art, from which contemporary art mavens and casual viewers alike are sure to pick something they love. The annual art exhibition at Exeter Phoenix, now in its 11th year, is open to submissions from visual artists based across the world. This year’s eight finalists have been chosen from hundreds of entries by a top drawer trio of judges – Phoenix curator Matt Burrows, Cheryl Jones of Birmingham’s Grand Union gallery and George Vasey of the Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art in Sunderland. As well as a space in the exhibition, the artists will also compete for a £1,000 Overall Award and a £500 Additional Award, which will be presented at a VIP preview hosted by longtime main sponsors, Southernhaybased chartered accountants Haines Watts. A £200 Audience Choice Award, voted for by visitors, will be announced at the end of the show. US-born, Irish-based painter Michelle Conway captures spaces recently vacated by people, such as the wistful Little League 2 [pictured], a grainy depiction of an empty baseball field viewed through fencing. The drawings of fellow American

artist Devlin Shea explore human intimacy and vulnerability – the title of her recent collection says it all: Emotional Giants. Bristol’s Brendan Lancaster, meanwhile, uses a muted palette to play with mark making, in the process creating layered abstract paintings that leave you intrigued and in contemplative mood. At the more avant-garde end of the artistic scale, Londoner Jamie Fitzpatrick messes with historical statues to upset notions of authority, patriarchy and imperialism; James Parkinson of Bristol fills hollow objects with liquid plaster; and Newcastle performance artist Susie Green poses nude as a life model, and invites her audience to draw her directly onto the gallery walls. New this year is the involvement of the Phoenix’s independent cinema space, Studio 74, screening the exhibition’s two moving image works: Naomi Frears from St Ives works in tandem with her daughter, the poet Ella Frears, to present short films and spoken word exploring their relationship; while Netherlands-born Dorine van Meel, who now works in Berlin, Amsterdam and London, explore themes of power and resistance in her video work Disobedient Children. They are joined by three further artists drawn from the entries – Anne-Marie Creamer, Nick Jordan and Thomas Yeomans – one of whom will win the Moving Image Award and a screening at the Two Short Nights Film Festival at the venue in November. Make a note in your calendar; and treat your eyes to something completely new. Exeter Living is a media partner for the Exeter Contemporary Open, which runs from 16 September to 5 November at Exeter Phoenix, Gandy Street, Exeter; 01392 667080; exeterphoenix.org.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I EXETER LIVING I 39

A D V E R T I S I N G F E AT U R E L AW

CARTRIDGES LAW The city firm with a local heart has been established in Exeter for more than 40 years

t Cartridges Law we pride ourselves on the quality of work we consistently produce for our clients and on our leading role in the community. We have recently redeveloped our Private Client team at our St Thomas offices. This is the team which deals with everything to do with wills, probate, estate planning and management, and we are delighted to use this opportunity to introduce our lead member of this team, Associate Legal Executive Karyna Squibb. Karyna, who joined Cartridges Law with 15 years’ private client experience, specialises in wills, probate and estate administration. If you’ve got a question about a will, need to know what to do if someone close to you has died or you are the executor of an estate – then get in touch with Karyna, as she’ll know the answer. She also specialises in intestacies - when a

person dies without leaving a valid will - estates involving Deeds of Variation and foreign assets. Karyna also provides legal advice in estate planning, wealth management and asset protection. She has extensive knowledge in the areas of Lasting Powers of Attorney, Deputyship Applications and the Registration of Enduring Powers of Attorney, working with the Office of the Public Guardian and the Court of Protection. Cartridges Law were the first solicitors to join the Exeter Dementia Action Alliance which aims to raise awareness and reduce misconceptions about dementia. It also holds training sessions for local organisations and the public. On joining Cartridges Law, Karyna trained to become a Dementia Champion. She also has a keen interest in the charity sector and charity law. She is a trustee for a south Devon charity, Children and Families in Grief – a cause that Karyna’s legal experience can be particularly valuable in supporting.

For information about wills and probate or any other legal matter please contact us on: Tel: 01392 256854 Email: enquiries@cartridgeslaw.co.uk Online: www.cartridgeslaw.co.uk

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MUNCH TIME Skip breakfast! Powderham Food Festival returns this autumn for its mouthwatering fifth year. ROXANNE DURIS reveals all

owderham will be throwing open its gates for a fifth time to foodies from across the South West in the first weekend of October. Powderham Food Festival is an extravaganza of fabulous food and drink that will once again be awash with culinary wizardry from the region’s top producers and chefs. Taking place at the end of British Food Fortnight, the magical setting and convenient location within an ancient deer park beside the Exe estuary make Powderham – the family home of the Earl and Countess of Devon, and one of Devon’s oldest family homes – the perfect venue for an autumn day out for all ages. Among the amazing local producers to watch out for at Powderham Food Festival this year will be foodie champs Riverford, Veg in a Box, 42 I EXETER LIVING I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Chunk of Devon, Fancy-That Caribbean street food, Pig & Pallet, Two Coast Country, Soviet Kitchen, Bell & Loxton and Hunters Brewery. Fancy yourself as a tough guy/gal? Know your nagas from your New Mex XX, your Poblanos from your Pasillas? Then you’ll not want to miss out on the ever-popular Great Devon Chilli Challenge, which, as part of the sizzling line-up for the Theatre of Smoke & Fire, pits devoted chilli fans against each other with a rising scale of fiery peppers. And don’t forget to peep into the Victorian kitchen to learn about historical production and use of salt, making harvest loaves, old tea traditions at the Castle, fruit vinegars and food fermentation.

YES, CHEF!

For the second year running, the cookery demo tent will be sponsored by Exeter Cookery School, an exciting new venue just launched on Exeter Quayside, whose Jim Fisher will join

Attractions at this year’s Powderham Food Festival will include cooking demonstrations from the Royal Marines (below) and top BBQ chefs (far right)

P O W D E R H A M F O O D F E S T I VA L

FOOD

WIN TICKETS WITH EXETER LIVING Exeter Living is delighted to offer our readers the chance to win a family weekend ticket to Powderham Food Festival 2016. All you have to do is answer the following question: In which year did Powderham Food Festival first launch? a) 2011 b) 2012 c) 2013 Please email your answers to info@mediaclash. co.uk by Friday 23 September. Subject heading: Powderham A family weekend ticket admits 2 adults and up to 3 children. No cash alternative is available.

TOP 5 THINGS TO DO AT POWDERHAM FOOD FESTIVAL 2016

1 2 3

Sample treats from one of the many delicious street food stalls Let the kids get messy in Fun Kitchen

Head on over to the Theatre of Fire ’n’ Smoke for top BBQ chefs and a spicy chilli challenge!

Get inspired to cook delicious dishes in Exeter Cookery School marquee

Step back in time in Powderham Castle’s Victorian Kitchen

other talented chefs such as Tim Maddams, who rose to fame following his role as part of the the River Cottage team for Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s hugely popular TV series; Richard Hunt of the Devon Scone Company; Richard Valder of @Angela’s in Exeter’s West Quarter; ex-food magazine editor and writer for Crumbs Devon Orlando Murrin; and Peter Gorton, formerly of The Horn of Plenty in Tavistock. Look out too for an exciting line-up of specialist BBQ chefs who will be barbecuing, smoking and broiling meat, fish and River Exe mussels from the Powderham Estate, including Marcus Bawdon of BBQ enthusiasts website Country Woodsmoke; Simon Dyer, a Somerset farm owner and winner of ITV’s BBQ Champ

2015; and farmer and charcutier John Gower. Oh, and ever wondered what the Royal Marines eat? Find out from Sergeant Mike Beaton, who will be showing visitors just how the Royal Marines cook and eat on the move from the Royal Marines field kitchen. And Fun Kitchen is back again to encourage children to create food from scratch.

NEW FOR 2016

It’s not just about stuffing yourself to the gills, of course. New for Powderham Food Festival 2016 will be a special ‘Eat Well, Live Well’ focus, with vegetable experts from Riverford promoting healthy eating and natural produce, and health experts advising on how to cut down on sugar and salt without losing the flavour of your food. Another fantastic innovation this year is a series of woodcraft sessions, teaching the younger generation traditional skills ranging from charcoal-making to wood-carving, and from building a shelter to cooking over the camp fire. Exeter Living is a media partner for Powderham Food Festival which takes place at Powderham Castle from 1-2 October; powderhamfoodfestival.com

www.mediaclash.co.uk I EXETER LIVING I 43

EAT. DRINK. TOGETHER.

M OUL ES ET F R I T ES FOR 2 PLU S A BOT T L E OF W I NE ONLY Â£ 2 5 * The Point Bar & Grill, Pilot Wharf, 14 Pierhead, Exmouth, Devon 1XA t: 01395 227145 | e: info@thepointbg.com | b ThePointbg

www.thepointbarandgrill.com T&Cs apply: Monday-Thursday until 31st October. Booking only. Subject to availability.

46 I EXETER LIVING I www.mediaclash.co.uk

R E S TA U R A N T

FOOD

The Pig & Pallet This charcuterie-deli-restaurant on Topsham Quay is all about top quality fare served with compassion, in cool, laid-back surroundings, writes FRAN MCELHONE

‘‘A

nimal welfare is important for two reasons,” Steve Williams, who co-owns the Pig & Pallet with Pete Woodham-Kay, tells us. “If we’re going to eat animals then we need to do right by them; for example, our pigs – we use every single part of them. And,” he adds, “animals that have been treated well taste better, too.” When Steve and Pete created the business, plotted on Topsham’s picturesque quayside, three years ago, it was a butchers. For about a year now, it’s been a restaurant, too. They make virtually everything themselves, from pastrami and dry-cured bacon to frankfurters, using pork from their own pigs, as well as those owned by two nearby farmers. And they get their beef from the Darts Farm herd a mile up the road. They even used to catch their own game, but now that they don’t, they still know exactly where all the meat they prepare and serve has come from. These high ethical standards are right at the core of what Steve and Pete do. So, too, is delivering high quality and delicious food. You pay a couple of quid more than some other burger restaurants, they admit, but all this is why, and it is totally worth it. Their space is cosy and warming, with a rustic, woody interior that has trestle tables and tables made out of recycled pallets. There’s also a big bag of toys and games for kids – and big kids (thoughtful touch). And you can gaze at the sun sinking into the estuary through the window while you wait. There’s also a bookshelf labelled ‘Read and be filled with meat knowledge’, and definitely go to the loo while you’re there – one of the coolest ever! The Pig & Pallet take their booze pretty seriously too: all around us, friends were sharing bottles of wine. There’s also an extensive choice of beers and ciders, which is definitely pretty unique, and welcome, for such a foodie place. The rundown of cask or draught beers even details the number of miles covered from brewer to server – another extremely thoughtful touch. The whole menu is inviting. The starter line-up offers things like tomato and bresaola (air-dried and salted meat from the leg muscle of a cow, or deer) salad, paté, rillettes or terrine and smoked pork ribs, as well as nibbly things.

EVERYONE LOOKED HAPPY (ESPECIALLY THE MAN WITH THE SMOKED PORK RIBS)

We went for the sharing meat platter to start, which included pancetta, bresaola, rabbit pepperami sausage, chorizo, a pork terrine, and a scotch chorizo egg with toasted bread and a scattering of mini pickled veg. It was delicious. This board really shows off the butchery side of what they do here, and every bite was savoured. Their burger roll call includes a wild Dartmoor venison burger, served with their dry-cured bacon, a smoked mutton burger, and a herbivore option (smoked halloumi and portobello mushroom). Mains include a smoked barbecue meat platter, smoked frankfurter, smoked pork ribs with pulled pork –seriously, wow, I could not believe my eyes when they brought this out for a guy on the next table – mac and cheese with chorizo and bacon (or without, if you’re veggie) and ham, egg and chips. And the evening we visited, the specials included a falafel burger, and chargrilled tomahawk steak served with celeriac and mustard remoulade, as well as a few other delicious-sounding trimmings. Keeping it real, their burgers contain only meat, salt and pepper. So with this in mind, I went for an unadulterated one and pimped it up with some Swiss cheese. Mr McElhone, meanwhile, went for the pulled pork (smoked for 11 hours, no less) sandwich. Both came with homemade slaw and a mound of crispy fries. “These are so good, I could come here just for them,” said Mr M. Our meals were, quite simply, all you could wish for when going out for a burger: excellent quality, natural, wholesome, tasty with crunchy, not too mayonnaisey slaw, and those fries. It couldn’t have been any better. But there’s another thing that I just loved (in addition to the waitress – she was so fab) and it’s got nothing to do with ethics or quality. As soon as our meals arrived, a roll of kitchen roll was plonked on the table, too. No need to re-use a sticky napkin, steal your other half’s while they’re not looking, or get up and search for more in the middle of your grub. No – napkins on tap, just the way they should be. We visited mid-week, and every table in the house was taken when we walked in – and when we walked out. And everyone looked happy (especially the man with the ribs!). This is standard – it’s best to book. Seems like there are a fair few people on board with Steve and Pete’s ethos of high ethics and high quality – and who love a good bit of kitchen roll – which is heartening to see. So we departed, not before using the cool loo, wishing that all restaurateurs and publicans who don’t share the Pig and Pallet’s core values would pay this place a visit. Because they could learn a thing or two, for sure.

DINING DETAILS The Pig & Pallet, The Quay, The Strand, Topsham EX3 0JB; facebook.com/pigandpallet; 01392 668129 Prices Starters from £3, mains from £7.50, puds from £3 Vegetarian choice Loads Disabled access Good – alert them and they’ll get the ramp ready for your arrival Wine list Being updated as we type; everything available by the glass; plenty of local beers, too Service/atmosphere Relaxed, friendly, happy

www.mediaclash.co.uk I EXETER LIVING I 47

Gastro Pub & Speakeasy Cocktail Bar

Christmas Menu 2016 ÂŁ25 per head TO START... Seasonal soup of the day, bread (v can be gf) Game rillette, red onion marmalade, toast (can be gf) House peppered smoked salmon, lemon, dill & caper dressing (gf) Warm salad of artichoke heart, caramelised shallots, pumpkin seed praline, salsa verde dressing (ve & gf) THE BIT IN THE MIDDLE... Turkey Ballotine: pan roasted turkey breast with a forcemeat stuffing wrapped in streaky bacon served with roast potatoes, rich gravy (can be gf) Baked turbot with a lemon & thyme butter, shellfish boulangere and courgette ribbons (gf) Confit duck leg, creamy mash potato and a blackberry sauce (gf) Roasted squash and celeriac filo wellington, Charlotte hassleback potatoes, fire roasted pepper sauce (ve) All served with seasonal vegetables (gf& can be ve) TO FINISH... Christmas sticky toffee pudding, brandy cream, festive spice Chocolate & Raspberry pot with shortbread (gf) Avocado lime cheesecake, candied citrus (ve) Savoury plate - Blue cheese, brie, toasts, marmalade (gf available) All of our food is produced and cooked at The Oddfellows. (gf = gluten free, ve = vegan, v=vegetarian)

Christmas bookings now being taken!

High Street | Exmouth | EX8 1NP Tel: 01395 27 70 30 exmouth@theoddfellowsbar.co.uk 60 New North Road | Exeter Devon | EX4 4EP Tel: 01392 20 90 50 exeter@theoddfellowsbar.co.uk

www.theoddfellowsbar.co.uk

The Lamb Inn Sandford Crediton

Superb food and luxury rooms in a real pub THE TIMES 2016 ‘BRITAIN’S 30 BEST SUMMER PUBS’ Live music events in September and October. Please ring for details.

01363 773676 thelambinn@gmail.com www.thelambinnsandford.co.uk

it’s christmas time . . . in about three months, and your works Christmas do won’t book itself. Get ready to party the night away at the region’s best restaurants, pubs and hotels By PA M E L A DU K E

Woodbury Park Hotel & Golf Club all dressed up in its Christmas finery

CHRISTMAS PA R T I E S Tipi or not tipi? (Tipi, obviously)

Fa-la-la-la-la the night away at Lloyds Kitchen

NOW BOOKING Bickleigh Mill Bickleigh, Tiverton; bickleighmill.com L’Estuaire The Quay, Topsham; lestuaire.co.uk Lamb Inn Sandford, Crediton; lambinnsandford.co.uk Lloyds Kitchen 16 Catherine St, Exeter; lloydskitchen.co.uk Oddfellows 60 New North Rd, Exeter & High St, Exmouth; theoddfellowsbar.co.uk Phoenix 25 Fore St, Chudleigh; phoenixchudleigh.co.uk Pizza Stein 10 Quay Hill; pizzastein.co.uk Salutation Inn 68 Fore St, Topsham; salutationtopsham.co.uk Sidmouth Harbour Hotel Manor Rd, Sidmouth; sidmouth-harbour-hotel.co.uk Tipi Christmas Parties 01647 440878; tipichristmasparties@gmail.com Urban Burger 44 Queen St, Exeter; urbanburger.co.uk Woodbury Park Hotel & Golf Club Woodbury Castle, nr Exeter; woodburypark.co.uk

h yes, the Christmas party – as much a part of the festive season as the John Lewis advert, eggnog and Clive from HR doing the Single Ladies routine. Yes, it’s somewhat grotesque to be thinking about Christmas before summer’s even officially out, but this is the optimal time to get that works party in the diary. Imagine how smug you’ll feel as December approaches, with everyone else leaving it too late and having to order takeout. As always, the many restaurants, gastropubs and hotels of Exeter and surrounding area are offering an embarrassment of merry riches. Take Woodbury Park, hosting various joint party nights, with party menus from £19.95 per person – or you and your team can have the place to yourselves. Expect full-on festive glitz, music and cocktails. There’s plenty of Christmas party scope at Salutation Inn, too, where groups of 8-35 can choose from the Assembly Room or Glass House, both enchanting spaces. Army of you? Call them and they’ll sort you out. Still in Topsham, but down the road at chic French restaurant L’Estuaire, we can’t wait to sample Noël á la français. Slightly less formal, both the Exeter and Exmouth branches of glorious gastropub The

Sparkle, sizzle and slick mixology at Urban Burger

Oddfellows have a Christmas menu (£25 for three courses) which, as well as trad fare, offers alternatives such as baked turbot and avocado lime cheesecake. City centre celebrations can also be had at the reliable Lloyds Kitchen, ideally placed, and fully primed, for all manner of corporate events, as Exeter Living has discovered on many occasions. Do your co-workers prefer street food? Then they’ll appreciate Urban Burger’s offering this December, where Christmas specials join the usual faves on the main menu. Large parties (up to 25 for a sit-down meal) are welcome, and you can book your own, decorated private room then continue the party downstairs, in your own reserved area of the Urban Underground bar. Preparing for a busy first Christmas, Pizza Stein, meanwhile, will stun your pizza lovers with its pure, simple, delicious wood-fired Naples pizza and excellent choice of beer. Out in the countryside, Bickleigh Mill near Tivvy, The Phoenix in Chudleigh and The Lamb Inn at Sandford are also now taking bookings for Christmas, as is the Upper Deck Restaurant at the splendid Sidmouth Harbour Hotel (look out for a full review in our next issue). Last but not least, if you fancy something completely different, do take a peek at Exeterbased Tipi Christmas Parties. With live entertainment, food, drink, roaring fire and silent disco inside a giant, lantern-lit tipi, they promise lashings of what the Swedish call hygge. All sorted? Now all you have to do is buy a new outfit and book the taxis. . . www.mediaclash.co.uk I EXETER LIVING I 51

s e i t r a P s a Christm

Reach the best in the west Aﬄuent, active and inﬂuential and just a call away For colleagues, family and friends, book tables for 10 to 200 guests.

*Festive Feasting* *Christmas Cocktails* *Licensed Pay Bar* *Entertainment* *Silent Disco* *Music* *Dancing* *Santa Selﬁe Sleigh* Email: tipichristmasparties@gmail.com. Call: 01647 440878. For info, menus, prices & bookings please visit:

Facebook - TIPI CHRISTMAS PARTIES EXETER Exeter Cricket Ground, Prince of Wales Road, Exeter EX4 4PR

Paula Miller 07563 529772

Elizabeth Ann of Exeter

FABULOUS NEW STOCK

NEW CTION COLLE ! NOW IN

Large selection of HB loafers and court shoes. Lisa Kay occasion shoes and boots. La Ross and Franco Russo handmade Italian evening and day boots. Van Dal. Cefalu colourful Spanish shoes and much much more.

Sizes 2 (35) to 8 (41) available and various fittings SALE u

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www.exivboutique.co.uk 3 Cathedral Close, Exeter EX1 1EZ Telephone: 01392 252876

Tel: 01392 213111 Exiv Boutique, 2 Upper Paul Street, Gandy Street, Exeter, EX4 3NB

Fashion/gifts/stores/more

LIFE’S RICH TAPESTRY Seen on the catwalk at AW16 shows for Miu Miu, Chloé and Gucci, tapestry is set to be big news as the days grow shorter. Fans of designer Caroline Charles, whose Exeter store is one of only six nationally, have been onto it for aeons, however, the technique being a favourite for the understatedly elegant brand. This new season tapestry coat (there’s a jacket and dress in the same fabric, too) offers a very chic, very high-end take on boho. Stick your arms in your sleeves though, love, that wind can really whistle round Princesshay. . .

Tapestry coat, £795, Caroline Charles, Roman Walk, Princesshay, Exeter; www.carolinecharles.co.uk

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Casa Magnolia CHAGFORD

Exciting New Collections for Autumn including: Come and Browse our new Showroom!

OSKA SANDWICH SAHARA MCVERDI QUERNSTONE CUT LOOSE YACCO MARICARD Plus LILY&ME g or geous GINGER TOBY accessorie ROBELL s! CAPRI WARM&CO CASHMERE

38 The Square, Chagford, Devon, TQ13 8AB 01647 433905 / info@casamagnolia.co.uk ITS ALL ON OUR WEBSITE:

WWW.CASAMAGNOLIA.CO.UK

Open Monday to Friday 9am-5pm Saturday 9am-4.30pm

Find us opposite

DARTS FARM

Come visit us at: 5 Topsham Units, Dart Business Park, EX3 0QH T: 01392 873085 E: sales@dusklighting.com

www.dusklights.co.uk

TOPSHAM ME UP

ENJOY A SHOPPING SPREE ON THE STREETS OF THIS ISSUE’S COVER STAR

1. CARRY ME HOME

2. SHELLING OUT

3. BIG SIPPER

4. LIGHTBULB MOMENT

5. BIT ON THE SIDE

‘Claremont’ bag in teal, £120 Europe in total harmony – in accessory form, anyway. Italian, French and English leather combine in this seductive little satchel From Rare Pear, Topsham; rarepear.co.uk

‘From Topsham With Love’ giclee print, £20 (mounted)/£40 (framed) From a watercolour by Topsham artist and keen beachcomber Willow From Willow Paterson; willowpaterson.co.uk

New York-London-ParisTopsham mug, £9.50 Who’s up for a Topsham Fashion Week, then? From Lark, 48 Fore Street, Topsham; larktopsham. myshopify.com

Jefferson cloche table lamp, £160 (reduced from £192) Because we know how much you love that whole mid-century, industrialminimalist thing From Dusk Lighting, 5 Topsham Units, Dart Business Park, Exeter; dusklights.co.uk

‘Jaipur’ sideboard, £649 There’s a touch of the subcontinent about this handsome piece – it’s got wheels, too, if you can’t be parted from it. . . From Casa, The Old Gaol, Strand, Topsham; casa-furniture.co.uk

58 I EXETER LIVING I www.mediaclash.co.uk

ED’S CHOICE 6

SHOPPING

6. LINE OF DUTY

7. COME SHINE WITH ME

8. MAKING THE CUT

9. BEAK LIKE ME

10. CASE STUDY

Sorrento ‘Molini’ tile, £8.83 each Monochrome, trompe l’oeil geometry, hardy enough for wet rooms From Fired Earth, Darts Farm, Topsham; firedearth.com

‘Stargazer’ necklace, £58 for silver, £65 for gold vermeil finish Topsham jeweller Tory has struck gold with this simple charm on a long chain From By Tory; bytoryjewellery.com

Topsham papercut, £24 (unframed) A labour of love from the ace papercut shop – they do amazing cards, prints etc too From Rhombus & Pineapple, 6-7 Fore Street, Topsham; rhombusandpineapple.net

Herons apron, £20 Topsham designer Karen Walshe’s fabric goods celebrate the local birdlife – avocets and oystercatchers also available! From Panorama, 66 Fore St, Topsham; karenwalshe.co.uk

Tipplesworth Bramble cocktail case, £230 How dapper is this? Make Bramble cocktails on-the-go, from a retro suitcase. Ding dong! From Darts Farm, Topsham; dartsfarm.co.uk

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WOOL on the EXE A new community craft hub in St Thomas is bringing city residents together to create beautiful things – and beautiful friendships. ANNA BRITTEN finds out more Photo s by E M M A SOL L E Y

‘‘O

ne of my earliest memories is blanketing the hallway with a roll of paper and making fantastical scenes with cotton balls, fabric, yarn and paint,” recalls Americanborn Debbie Judd of Wool on the Exe. “As I grew older, sewing was my first love – fashioning new clothing from old jeans in the 70s! Then came quilting, and English hand smocking – my best friend had a little girl and I went a bit over the top with Southern-style dresses. In between, there was always knitting, but not a serious focus until I came to the UK nine years ago and joined a local knitting group.” Wool on the Exe grew from two community initiatives, Neighbourworks and The Knit-Stop. After a few false starts with potential spaces, Debbie and business partner Mary Ann Jennings – they also have a crack board of directors – found their current spot in St Thomas and named the shop after its glorious view of the river. They stock a wide range of luxury British yarns, as well as running a packed schedule of workshops and drop-in sessions. From the autumn, they will be running a teen crafting group for 13 to 16 year-olds. 60 I EXETER LIVING I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Craft is undeniably fashionable at the moment – why do the pair think that is, and will it last? “Being creative is one of the best serotonin boosters I know!” says Debbie. “Seriously, our world is manic; craft is an antidote to our craziness. We all need places that nourish our creative spirit and where we can meet other people and share our stories.” Adds Mary Ann: “Craft groups such as Wool on the Exe’s two regular drop-in sessions serve an important function in that they bring together people who share a common interest who might otherwise never meet. It’s why we think of ourselves as a community fibre arts space, not just a shop. “The rhythm of spinning, weaving, knitting and crochet is very soothing, with your focus being on the look and feel of your creation. If you’re working with a wonderful, pure wool yarn there’s the scent of the wool as well, so crafting can involve several of the senses, making it more of a holistic experience.” What are your bestselling items? “Believe it or not, our greatest selling item in revenue, since we opened on 31 May, is our membership scheme,” says Debbie. “People want to belong to our tribe. After that, it’s Fyberspates Gleem Lace

You’ll find not only beautiful yarns and handmade items, but also, most days, a friendly drop-in session in full flow Below: Mary Ann Jennings

SPECIAL SHOPS

SHOPPING

BEING CREATIVE IS ONE OF THE BEST SEROTONIN,

BOOSTERS I KNOW

yarn – it’s absolutely gorgeous.” And the most rewarding part of the whole experience? For Debbie it’s “when people come in and share what they’ve made, or when strangers take a seat at our table and find a common bond, or when someone shares a story about how our little shop has changed them for the better. I love all these things the most.” Mary Ann adds: “Without a doubt, our biggest reward is all the wonderful people we’ve met through Wool on the Exe. Everyone who has visited us has been very welcoming, from customers to neighbouring businesses.” And as to the future? It’s fair to say it looks brighter than a reel of neon knicker elastic. “We’ve just been awarded a Big Lottery Fund grant to support our outreach work in Exeter,” says Mary Ann. “We plan to start more KnitStop groups in other areas, as well as begin a programme at the RD&E for patients and staff. We aim to take advantage of opportunities to connect with the community. For example, we are about to announce a project with Theatre Alibi that will involved a lot of knitted and crocheted fish – that will hopefully increase awareness and support for Knit for Peace (knitforpeace.org) and create opportunities for people to take part in something bigger than themselves.” Wool on the Exe, 2 Okehampton St, Exeter EX4 1DW; 01392 669015; woolontheexe.com

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Xxxxxx

New term? No stress Recent school leaver Rosie Hurley has some back-to-school advice for parents

64 I EXETER LIVING I www.mediaclash.co.uk

E D U C AT I O N SPECIAL

YOUR CHILD MAY ACTUALLY – SHOCK, HORROR! – BE LOOKING

FORWARD TO GOING BACK TO SCHOOL

ype ‘back to school tips’ into Google and the advice you’ll find will, more often than not, will be written by adults and aimed at parents. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with this — mums and dads need to be supported as the school year rolls around again — but perhaps amidst the jitters and pre-term butterflies, a perspective from the kids would be useful. Often the bubbling apprehension is palpable in shops like Clark’s and WH Smith as the new school term grows ever closer. As pencil cases and folders fly off the shelves, sometimes this nervous anticipation can emanate more from the parents than their children. Take uniform shopping. ‘Back to school’ has long been a commercial buzzword, with all the major supermarkets and department stores cashing in on the need for pleated skirts which iron themselves and trousers resistant to all manner of weird stains. Shoe shopping can be the most stressful of all uniform hunting expeditions. Of course, the school regulations must be adhered to, but when Clark’s is filled with parent-child teams all looking for the same sensible, plain black shoes which are often not, let’s be honest, the most fashionable of footwear, fuses shorten and wills are tested. I remember one particular late-August, trudging around to all of the shoe shops in town because of my peculiarly high arch. No shoes would fit, and no shoes would do for me, being a fussy pre-teen. Although shoes were bought in the end, it was not an experience either of us wished to repeat anytime soon! To despairing parents: accept your child’s fussiness. Letting your child have some free rein with their choices early on will lead to more give and take in that area later. For some, the new school year means hitting the ground running if there are big exams coming up. For me, as for many, my last year of school, and

the last year of the dreaded A-levels, was a stressful time. Although, as parents, you may be worried about your child’s final year at school, and about what lies ahead, try not to put too much pressure on them. They may be putting just as much on themselves, especially if they’re dealing with the behemoth that is UCAS. High expectations, though well-meaning, may turn into second-hand stress and do more harm than good. My final year was also defined by an ‘end of an era’ feeling. Keep in mind that the year will pass in the blink of an eye – encouraging your child to enjoy as much of it as they can is so important. Finally, do consider the fact your child may – shock, horror! – actually be looking forward to going back to school. Though this may be hard to believe, the long summer holidays are a little too long (I’m sure you don’t need me to tell you that) and, though they may not admit it, your child can’t wait to see all their friends again. Getting stuck into a new year is a great thing, so let them go crazy with the new pencil case and rainbow highlighter set — after all, when will the month of September ever hold this much w significance again?

Clockwise from above: pupils at Queens College Taunton gear up for the autumn term; making new friends at Exeter School; Maynard girls celebrate this year’s A-level results

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E D U C AT I O N SPECIAL YEAR 6 PARENT? YOU’RE GOING TO NEED THIS. . . OPEN DAY ROUND-UP STATE SCHOOLS CO LY T O N GRAM MA R

Whitwell Lane, Colyford, Colyton, Devon EX24 6HN 01297 552327; colytongrammar.devon.sch.uk Open morning: Tue 6 September, 10am until approx 11.30am Please call to confirm attendance or email admin@colytongrammar.devon.sch.uk Deadline for test registration: Weds 7 September Selection test: Sat 17 September 2016 C LY S T VAL E C O MMUNIT Y CO LLEG E

Station Road, Broadclyst, Exeter EX5 3AJ 01392 463936; clystvale.org Open Evening: Tue 13 Sept, 6pm T H E KI N G ’ S S C H O O L

Cadhay Lane, Ottery St Mary EX11 1RA 01404 812982; thekings.devon.sch.uk Open Evening: Thurs 22 September Open Day: Fri 23 September Phone to reserve a place S T P E T E R’ S

Quarry Lane, Heavitree, Exeter EX2 5AP 01392 204764; spexe.org Open Day: Tue 20 September Q UE E N E L I Z AB E T H ’ S

Western Road Campus, Crediton EX17 3LU; 01363 773401 Barnfield Campus, Crediton EX17 3HX; 01363 775871 qe.devon.sch.uk Open Days: Mon 26-Tue 27 September, 10.30am-12noon and 1.30-3pm Open Evening: Tue 27 September, 6-8pm I S C A AC AD E M Y

Earl Richard’s Road South, Exeter EX2 6AP 01392 204082; iscaexeter.co.uk Open Mornings: Mon 3 – Fri 7 October, 9.30am Open Evening: Thur 29 September, 6.30pm S T LUKE S

Hart’s Lane, Exeter EX1 3RD 01392 204600; st-lukes.devon.sch.uk Open Day: Weds 21 September PRIVATE SCHOOLS B LUN D E L L S

Blundell’s School, Tiverton EX16 4DN 01884 252543; blundells.org Senior School Open Day: Sat 17 September, 9.45am Prep School Open day: Sat 17 September, 1.30pm Phone to reserve your place E XE T E R C AT H E DR A L SCH O O L

The Chantry Palace Gate, Exeter EX1 1HX

66 I EXETER LIVING I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Best days of their lives? Queen Elizabeth’s students think so

01392 255298; exetercs.org Phone to arrange initial visit either with or without child(ren)

contact registrar@queenscollege.org.uk or call 01823 340830 SHEBBEAR COLLEGE

EX ETER S CHOOL

Victoria Park Road, Exeter EX2 4NS 01392 258712; exeterschool.org.uk Autumn Open Evening: Wed 28 September, 6-8.30pm Junior School Open Afternoons: Weds 14 & Mon 17 October, Weds 9 November Junior School Taster Days for 7+ and 8+: Thurs 10 & Thurs 17 November Junior School Taster Day for 9+: Mon 21 November Senior School 11+ Familiarisation Morning: Sat 12 November Senior School 13+ Taster Day: Mon 14 November Sixth Form Taster Day: Weds 16 November

Shebbear, Beaworthy, Devon EX21 5HJ 01409 282000; shebbearcollege.co.uk Open Week: Mon 3 – Fri 7 October. Please call 01409 282001 or email registrar@ shebbearcollege.co.uk to make an appointment ST J OHNS INTERNATI ONAL

Broadway, Sidmouth EX10 8RG 01395 513984; stjohnsdevon.co.uk Phone or email admission.stjohns@iesmail. com to make an appointment ST P ETER’S SCHOOL

Harefield, Lympstone EX8 5AU; 01395 272148; stpetersprep.co.uk Open Day: Sat 8 October, 10am-1pm

K ING’S COLLEGE TAUNTON

ST WILF RID’S SCHOOL

South Road, Taunton TA1 3LA 01823 328204; kings-taunton.co.uk Open Day: Sat 1 October, 10am

25-29 St David’s Hill, Exeter EX4 4DA 01392 276171; stwilfrids.devon.sch.uk Please call to arrange a visit

K ING’S HALL TAUNTON

STOVER S CHOOL

Kingston Rd, Taunton TA2 8AA 01823 285921; kingshalltaunton.co.uk Open Day: Fri 30 September, 10am Phone to reserve a place

Stover, Newton Abbot TQ12 6QG 01626 354505; stover.co.uk Open Morning: Sat 1 October, 10am Please call to book your place

MAYNARD SCHOOL

TAUNTON SCHOOL

Denmark Road, Exeter EX1 1SJ; 01392 273417; maynard.co.uk Whole School Open Morning: Sat 24 September, 10am Sixth Form Open Evening: Thurs 10 November, 6pm Junior Discovery Morning: Sat 19 November, 10am

Staplegrove Rd, Taunton TA2 6AD 01823 703303 (ages 0-13), 01823 703700 (ages 13-18); tauntonschool.co.uk Nursery, pre-prep, prep and senior school open mornings (0-18 years): Sat 1 October, 9.30am-12.30pm 6th form open evening: Fri 30 September, 6.30-9pm IB information evening: Thurs 13 October, 6.30-8.30pm

MOUNT KELLY

Parkwood Road, Tavistock PL19 0HZ 01822 813100; mountkelly.com To arrange a visit, contact the admissions department on 01822 813193 or email admissions@mountkelly.com

Buckeridge Road, Teignmouth TQ14 8LY 01626 774138; trinityschool.co.uk Open Day: Sat 15 October

Q UEENS COLLEGE TAUNTON

WELLINGTON SCHOOL

Trull Road, Taunton, Somerset TA1 4QS 01823 272559; queenscollege.org.uk Junior School Open Morning: Fri 7 October (9.30am-12noon); Senior School Open Morning: Sat 8 October (9.30am-12noon). For further information,

South Street, Wellington TA21 8NT 01823 668800; wellington-school.org.uk Open Day: Sat 24 September, 9am-12noon Please confirm your place by contacting admissions@wellington-school.org.uk or (for pre-prep) prep@wellington-school.org.uk

TRINITY SCHOOL

S C H O O L D AY S

Sarah Dunn – try not to sit by her in physics. . .

What attracted you to the job as head at Maynard? Having lived and taught in Devon for many years, you cannot fail to know about The Maynard School. Its ethos and educational philosophy is right on point for me. The Maynard allows the girls to be who they truly are in a relaxed, caring and fun environment yet, at the same time, encourages them to be very aspirational and reach for the stars.

IT MATTERS THAT STAFF FEEL VALUED AND INSPIRED

STARTER FOR TEN SARAH DUNN starts work as the new head teacher at Maynard School this month. But what was she like at school? Tell us about your own school days – were you a well-behaved student? I had the most wonderful childhood growing up in the Bahamas and attending a very progressive and caring international school. I was a reasonably well-behaved student but, as my father was the headmaster for most of my schooling, I had very little wriggle room! That said, I did manage to get a good, oldfashioned caning in Year 9 for accidentally electrocuting a classmate in physics! Favourite/least favourite subjects at school, and why? I have always had a leaning towards science since a little girl, and took maths, chemistry and biology at A-level. I never got the knack of languages. I can manage to order a meal in most places in Europe but then the conversation dwindles. What made you decide to be a teacher? Actually, I always intended to be a vet! Sadly, I missed my chemistry A grade by 2% and, in those days, retakes were not really an option. I went to Exeter University

to read biological sciences and my father persuaded me to do my extra year’s teaching qualification at Oxford University, “just in case”. However, once I started teaching I absolutely loved it. The irony is that two of my friends are vets and they constantly tell me how hard life is, especially at 2am when they have to go out in the dark, wet and cold! Tell us a little about your career before you joined Maynard... I started my teaching career at Torquay Boy’s Grammar School and had nine fabulous years there. One January morning, the deputy head came to my office, placed the TES and a £20 note on my desk and said: “I bet you £20 you can get that deputy headship at Plymouth College that has just come up!” I have now done 21 wonderful years at Plymouth College and guided it through some exciting transitions. But it was time for a new challenge and my dream job of leading The Maynard came up just at the right moment! How lucky am I?

How would you describe your education philosophy? I believe in allowing staff to be creative and innovative. The Maynard has bright, able students and it is important that they maintain a deep love of learning throughout their time at school, and beyond. This can only be achieved if the lessons and enrichment activities are consistently exciting and thought-provoking, and give enough independence and challenge to nurture this passion. It also matters that the staff feel equally as valued and inspired, as everyone should be given the right springboard to reach their full potential. What’s the most memorable excuse for missing homework you’ve ever heard? “My hamster made a nest out of my maths book!” And it turned out to be true, as her mother sent me a photo of ‘Ginger’ the Syrian hamster curled up amongst a set of quadratic equations. The girl had left the book on top of the cage overnight! If you could send your pupils forth with one bit of advice lodged in their hearts, what would it be? Be brave, be idealistic and don’t be afraid of a challenge. maynard.co.uk

For more features like this, visit: tom-brown.com

www.mediaclash.co.uk I EXETER LIVING I 71

‘Has all the elements to become a modern classic of the genre . . .’ Independent on Sunday

Game of Thrones withdrawal?

Shortliste d for the Gemmell Morningst ar award!

THE DEBUT NOVEL FROM LUCY HOUNSOM, AND FIRST INSTALMENT IN THE WORLDMAKER TRILOGY. A tale of heroism and lost powers, for fans of George R R Martin and Trudi Canavan

www.lucyhounsom.com

H E A LT H & B E A U T Y a d v e r t i s i n g f e at u r e

How much do you really know about Chiropractic? If you think chiropractic care is just about relieving back pain, you're missing the whole point!

e're here to introduce you to a much wider view of caring for your whole body and mind that's gentle yet highly effective.

How does the body know when it's sick? Your body is amazing! But when you're sick, it doesn't really feel that way. However, thanks to your central nervous system, your body knows when it's sick, and takes steps to heal itself. The spinal cord is an essential part of this process â&#x20AC;&#x201C; it's your

body's information superhighway. Responsible for carrying important messages from each part of your body to the brain, this highway needs regular maintenance to avoid damage and obstruction. The spine is a flexible skull Your brain has the best protection of any organ in the body: the skull. But the spinal cord isn't so lucky. While the skull will never deteriorate, and is actually pretty difficult to damage, the spine is much more fragile. To start with, it has to support a 10lb head, as well as providing ease of movement, and protection to the spinal cord. It's just much easier to damage, and suffers from natural deterioration as you age. A damaged spine causes interruptions in the communication between your organs and your brain, which can lead to illness if left untreated. Fulfil your health potential with preventative care Here's where chiropractic comes into its own. By keeping the spine healthy, and paying attention

to lifestyle choices, you can go much further than simple pain relief. Proper care of your nervous system infrastructure can mean avoiding a huge range of health complaints altogether. Chiropractic doesn't use drugs or surgery to achieve this â&#x20AC;&#x201C; instead we gently adjust your vertebrae, leading to greater ease of movement, feeling of wellbeing, and, we believe, improved immune functions.

If you like the sound of that, why not drop into our quayside Centre for a no-obligation chat. 45 The Quay, Exeter, Devon, EX2 4AN 01392 790499 info@rockchiropractic.co.uk www.rockchiropractic.co.uk

Were you there?

SEEN!

AC ROS S E X E T ER , O N E S H I N D I G AT A T I M E

MIXING IT UP

Suzie Mountain, Rebecca Thomson and Lauren Heath

Exeter’s thriving PA Network – dedicated to supporting executive assistants, personal assistants, secretaries and administrators – held their latest meet-up at city centre coffee and wine bar Artigiano, where they partook in a fun DIY cocktail evening with pizzas and – of course – vital networking, on the table. Photos by Attention Media

Kirsty Richards, Rebecca Wood and Julia Iddon

Christopher Pearse, Lewis Bell and Sophie Bevan

Liz Harris, Lynn Gillard and Maria Martin

Matt Williamson, Georgie Hale and Polly Willis

Alison Lee, Susie Jones and Will Dunn

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SOCIETY

GAVEL GAZING Honiton auctioneers Whittons held an evening reception to launch their Fine Art and Antiques summer auction, and to welcome Hospiscare who now share their premises. A signed Exeter Chiefs shirt raised vital funds for the latter. Photos by Matt Round Edward, Maria and Archie Whitton with Richard Cousins and Helen Hutter

Jonathan Baker and Matthew Baker

Stephen Kocek and Caroline Kocek Paul Heath and Emma Matthews Clare Matthews, David Matthews and Angela Booth

Robert and Barbara Chalk

Dan Wilkinson

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Sharon Roberts, Ian Hamilton and Emma Hamilton

Advertising feature family law

To arrange a meeting call The Family Law Co on 01392 421 777

Don’t put it off... by Imran Khodabocus of the family law company We often use the summer months as an opportunity to get round to doing those things we’ve put off or maybe just haven’t had time to do. As a family law solicitor, clients often tell me ‘I wish I had done this!’ so I’d like to highlight a few things, in the context of a relationship, that you might want to think about. Making and altering your Will It’s amazing how many people don’t like to think about their Will. If you die without having a Will, what you own at the time of your death (known as your ‘estate’) will be distributed in accordance with the law rather than in line with your wishes. This can mean that those you wanted to help will be left with nothing. For example, if you are not married or are in a civil partnership when you die, your partner is not legally entitled to anything. In the same way, if your circumstances change and you haven’t altered your Will, your estate could benefit someone you didn’t intend it to. It’s important to remember that even if you have separated from your spouse or civil partner, they still may end up inheriting from your estate. This may, for example, be at the expense of your children from a previous relationship.

Formalising a separation You may have been separated from your spouse or civil partner for some time and simply haven’t got round to formalising things. It’s important to realise the process doesn’t have to be unpleasant. Providing the other person agrees in writing, it is possible to get to get divorced or dissolve a civil partnership if you have been living separately for a period of two years. This could be the case even if you have been living under the same roof. You do not need the other person’s permission if you have been apart for five years. For some people, getting divorced or dissolving a civil partnership can actually mark the beginning of a new chapter in their lives.

Cohabitation agreement If you are not married or in a civil partnership, what should you be thinking about? Unmarried couples have no automatic legal rights to a share in assets such as a home – even if you have been paying the mortgage. Apart from getting married or entering a civil partnership, you can also consider preparing a cohabitation agreement. This is a legal document that can be enforced, rather like a contract. It sets out who owns what and how any assets will be divided should you separate. A cohabitation agreement is a very important thing not to put off. It needs to be carefully prepared and each of you must be given the chance to seek legal advice about it.

Finances Getting divorced or dissolving a civil partnership has a bearing on your finances. This is because it is one way of ‘unlocking’ the possibility of resolving your finances through a court order. When a couple has separated, they may have agreed between them how to divide anything they owned together. However, usually an informal agreement like this is not legally binding. Unless such an agreement is ‘converted’ into a court order, even you are divorced or your civil partnership has been dissolved, your ex could still apply to the court for something out of your estate.

Declaration of Trust If you are thinking of buying somewhere together and are putting more money towards your home than your partner, please do not ignore a Declaration of Trust. This is a legal document which acknowledges how much more you have contributed and provides that you should be compensated in the event that your home should be sold. So don’t put it off for another day, give The Family Law Co a call on 01392 421 777

www.thefamilylawco.co.uk

Shake-ups/launches/initiatives/awards

E X E T ER A N D E AS T D E VO N G E T TO WO R K

QUOTE OF THE ISSUE

“I LIKE A TRADITIONAL FOUNTAIN PEN FOR SIGNING DOCUMENTS”

Life on the road

TOP OF THE AGENDA

STREET VIEW Fore Street’s summer dressing draws visitors into Exeter’s boho heart

s wonderfully eclectic and cool as it is, Fore Street/New Bridge Street’s location off the tourist track and on a steep gradient – meaning it’s literally below the sightline of High Street shoppers – has always posed a challenge for traders. This summer, however, Exeter Business Improvement District (BID) funding has paid for colourful bunting and hanging baskets to attract visitors – and it looks like it’s worked. The area stands apart from other quarters of the city, by dint of its wide range of independent shops selling everything from ethical fashion to musical instruments, creative businesses, and places to eat and drink from specialist coffee to Thai food – with a healthy injection of new arrivals in the past 12 months joining the more established names. The street’s decorations, framing the view of green fields and Haldon Forest in the distance, have been organised by Rivka Jacobs of Rivka Jacobs Millinery, with help from Hayley Maker of No Guts No Glory and Teresa of Teresa Green Shop, with the support of

Exeter BID. And it’s not just a summer initiative: the hanging baskets will remain until Christmas, when they will be replaced with festive lights. Says Exeter BID CEO Craig Bulley: “Fore Street and New Bridge Street are hidden gems in Exeter’s fantastic selection of areas to visit. We are delighted to support this quarter and help to highlight just how special it is.” Rivka Jacobs adds: “Fore Street is very creative. On this street you can choose from a huge range of fantastic, bespoke products. Where else in the city can you get hats, shoes, dresses, belts, a violin, jewellery and curtains beautifully made by hand, not to mention a picture framed and your hair cut? “There is also delicious homemade cake and food, fine vintage clothing, great cocktails. Visitors to our quarter have a lovely time. Fore Street is as unique as you are!” Twitter: @InExeter #InExeter Facebook: facebook.com/InExeter

Who just isn’t a Bic kinda guy? Find out on page 82. . .

THE BIG NUMBER

Number of seasons that Nuffield Health has been handling the bumps, bruises (and worse!) of Exeter Chiefs. . . Find out more on page 81

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BUSINESS INSIDER

FANTASTIC FOUR

New ‘Beach’ vases by Richard Glass for Teign Valley Glass

Our pick of the most exciting, intriguing or important local business stories right now Get those shoulders ready, people. . .

AWARDS RAMP UP

CLEAR THINKING

Exeter Living Awards 2017 planning continues apace with news of a new shoulder event: the Finalists’ Reception. The Awards will be held in the University of Exeter’s Great Hall on 6 April 2017. The value to finalists and sponsors is being extended via this new Reception. “We want to build on the wonderful success of the Awards this year by extending their reach,” explained event manager, Steph Dodd. “We know how much finalists enjoy the sense of anticipation of the great night and also how many business relationships were forged amongst them.

A recent £140,000 renovation at Teign Valley Glass has protected both the future and the past of the Bovey Tracey glassworks and studio gallery. The refurb came about when existing equipment reached the end of its working life, and new, cutting edge technology has resulted in a 47% reduction in site gas usage, as well as an increased workforce. The company, based on a historic pottery site on the premises of House of Marbles, was set up in 1981 with the aim of preserving Victorian glassmaking techniques. Today, it exports internationally and appears at trade fairs in New York and elsewhere.

“So we are creating this special additional event to bring together all our finalists and sponsors to congratulate them, and as a thank you.” The Exeter Living Awards Finalists’ Reception will be held in the city on 8 March (venue to be confirmed). First sponsors include Princesshay and Wilkinson Grant. For sponsorship enquiries, please contact joss.phillips@mediaclash.co.uk or to be involved on the night, it’s stephanie.dodd@mediaclash.co.uk. Full details are on the site exeterlivingawards.co.uk with updates on Twitter @ExeterLivingAwd

For more: teignvalleyglass.com

ESSENTIAL PROPS

Anna Pryce of Nuffield Health Exeter Hospital presents the new signed contract to Geoff Parling and Rob Baxter of Exeter Chiefs

One of the leading providers of healthcare in the region, Nuffield Health Exeter, is to continue its support of the Exeter Chiefs rugby team for the fifth consecutive season. As official Healthcare Partners, the Nuffield’s strong relationship with The Chiefs has granted the team access to the quality care in both treating and preventing injuries that can be caused by the physically demanding sport. Senior player Tom Johnson suffered from an achilles problem which was dealt with by the medics at The Nuffield in time for the beginning of pre-season training: “These days a lot of the treatment we receive is designed to prevent, as much as treat, injuries. The Nuffield has excellent equipment and facilities which enable the medics to assess any niggles we have quickly and accurately. That’s not only a benefit to us but also the coaching staff, because they can plan for who is likely to be fit or not well in advance of a game. “What happens on the field is very much related to what happens off the field and the Nuffield are key partners in that.” For more: nuffieldhealth.com

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BUSINESS INSIDER

BLOOMING HECK!

Things are looking rosy at St Leonard’s Flowers

St Leonard’s Flowers in Exeter has just celebrated its one year anniversary as an independent florist. Located on Magdalen Road, the shop spent 30 years as a franchise of a well-known internet florist but, under the new ownership of Steven Fox, the shop now offers personal, bespoke designs using fresh flowers, many of them British and locally grown, in unique arrangements. Over the last 12 months, St Leonard’s Flowers has built a strong reputation within the area for high quality, hand-tied bouquets, wedding flowers and funeral arrangements and a reliable in-house delivery service. Corporate clients include Nuffield Health in Exeter, and St Leonard’s Flowers was even chosen to design and supply flowers for Elton’s John recent Westpoint concert. Says Steven Fox: “We are proud to be part of the trendy and independent Magdalen Road, as there is a real buzz and sense of community in the area.” For more: stleonardsflowers.co.uk

EXETER CHIEFS NEWS The Chiefs 7s team were pipped at the very last moment of the Singha 7s final in agonising fashion. With time up on the clock, Exeter University student Pete Laverick was adjudged to have put his foot over a blade of grass in touch as he ran in the all-important winning try. With just one regular first teamer in their squad, the young Chiefs had already defeated Northampton and Sale en route to the final, and the marginal call was all that separated them from Wasps on their home track. Although there was initial disappointment, Ricky Pellow and his charges could take great solace from a very spirited showing – and it certainly proved a boost to the whole squad as focus changed to 15-a-side rugby. The pre-season programme proper commenced with the visits of Scarlets and Ulster to Sandy Park. Two wins is just the return the Chiefs would have wanted from the opening salvo of the 2016/17 season, and two wins is just what the team achieved. Minus 14 internationalists from their respective summer tours, the men in black still managed to easily brush aside the Scarlets 45-3. A sterner challenge came the following week with our European Champions Cup opponents Ulster, but the end result was still a win; a couple of late tries added some respect to Ulster’s efforts as they were 25-9 down with less than ten minutes to play.

PHOTO BY PINNACLE PHOTO AGENCY

Chris Bentley brings you the latest from inside Sandy Park Moray Low packs down versus Scarlets

With the season proper kicking off away to Wasps, followed by two home games against last season’s Champions – Saracens (11 Sept) and Harlequins (17 Sept) – the Chiefs couldn’t have a harder start, so the confidence gained in the pre-season will be of the utmost importance as the guys strive to go one better this term! This season, I am delighted to see that a player who has known life at the old County Ground as well as the 10 years of Sandy Park

is to be rewarded a testimonial. As the first Exeter Chief of the modern generation to achieve England recognition, Tom Johnson will celebrate his 10th season as a Chief with a sequence of events in and around the city. Having already had a quiz night, there is still the Great Gatsby-themed dinner, golfing day and a very special extravaganza planned to take place at Exeter Cathedral. For more: exeterchiefs.co.uk / tjtestimonial.co.uk

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BUSINESS INSIDER

ONE TO WATCH

MATTHEW CLARK Managing director and chartered financial planner at Seabrook Clark What was your first-ever paid job? First job was as a market data analyst at Reuters (now Thomson Reuters), based in their Tiverton office. This was my first job after graduation from Exeter University where I read Italian and German. Tell us about Seabrook Clark, and your role in it. I founded Seabrook Clark in 2013 and have had the pleasure of growing the business from scratch, employing talented people and being the managing director. My vision with Seabrook Clark is simple – to create a wealth management business focused on business excellence, tailored to individual people’s needs, and underpinned with a friendly and enjoyable business relationship based on trust and service.

Matthew Clark: can plan your finances and tell you whether to get wed or not. . .

Who have been your biggest influences and role models? My school, The Perse in Cambridge gave me an excellent start in life, teaching me valuable lessons regarding the pursuit of excellence and a determination to succeed. My father has inspired me in business, too. He set up an estate agency business in Suffolk and expanded successfully as I grew up. With regard to investment, I admire Warren Buffett – he also has a strong philanthropic desire, which I like as my business is firmly grounded with strong ethical principles.

What are some of the oddest matters you’ve ever had to resolve at work? As part of our personal concierge service, we have had clients ask for advice about how to deal with bats, whether to get married and if we would offer a fully escorted holiday service. What are Exeter’s strengths as a place to work? Small, friendly city, good for networking with fellow professionals. Good communication links and easy commute to some of the most beautiful places in the country on our doorstep.

What’s the best bit of career advice you’ve ever been given? Find what you enjoy and what you’re good at, have a clear vision where you want to get to and never give up. What do you enjoy most about your work? Meeting a wide range of people from all walks of life and helping clients make sound financial decisions. Money is an ‘enabler’ and it gives me great satisfaction to help clients make the most of their money so they can focus on other areas of their life. I enjoy discussing and explaining the impact of world events on investment markets with clients, as well as making sense of complex tax and pension legislation. Talk us through your average weekday... I am normally awake at 6am and listen to the Today programme whilst reading the Financial Times over breakfast. I tend to plan my day at home before leaving for the office arriving around 8.30am,. The mornings are focused on client meetings, which normally take place in our office. I will either have a working lunch in the office if there are more meetings scheduled for the afternoon, or go out for lunch with solicitors or accountants for networking. Afternoons are used either for more client meetings or for catching up in the office, as well as discussing client files with my team. After my team 82 I EXETER LIVING I www.mediaclash.co.uk

leave for the evening, I finish any outstanding issues and prepare for the following day. I aim to leave the office by 7.30pm for a run or gym session on the way home.

And its weaknesses, or things that could be better? Roll-out of broadband is a frustration for many businesses in Exeter and recruiting good financial advisers and paraplanners is difficult. Also, with continuing expansion, traffic in Exeter, especially around rush-hour, is becoming a problem.

WE HAVE HAD CLIENTS ASK FOR ADVICE ABOUT HOW TO DEAL WITH BATS

What’s the one item in your workplace you can’t live without (not including computer or phone)? My fountain pen – I like a traditional fountain pen for signing documents and clients appreciate such attention to detail. Moreover, I am told that it improves my handwriting. What’s the best bit of advice you could give a young person wondering what to do with their life? Surround yourself with positive people, seize every opportunity and don’t let anyone put you off your dreams or dent your ambitions. What’s your motto for life? ‘He who does things for others does things for himself’ (my old school motto). For more: seabrookclark.co.uk

Henry Rising, Senior Investment Manager

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• Divorce or Separation • Conveyancing • Personal Injury & Inquests • Dental & Clinical Negligence

• Personal Disputes • Debt Recovery • Children Issues • Wills & Probate • Court of Protection

Streatham Rise, Exeter

A spacious Edwardian villa located in Exeter City. A 7 bedroom detached period property on this sought-after, private no-through road on the edge of the Exeter University campus. Double garage, expansive lawns and sun terrace. Within walking distance of the city centre, Exeter St David’s station and a beautiful, protected valley park. EPC: F

Guide price £1,000,000 KnightFrank.co.uk/EXE160025

To find out how we can help you please contact us edward.khodabandehloo@ knightfrank.com 01392 976178

@KFExeter KnightFrank.co.uk

New Instruction

EXCEPTIONAL PROPERTIES IN EXETER To find out how we can help you please contact us 19 Southernhay East Exeter, Devon EX1 1QD Exeter@knightfrank.com 01392 976178

Guide price: £395,000 @KFExeter KnightFrank.co.uk

Pennsylvania, Exeter A very well situated and attractive 4 bedroom, detached property in a prominent position in this popular cul-de-sac. Garage, off street parking and charming rear garden. EPC:D.

New Instruction

Guide price: £695,000

Chudleigh, Devon Situated in this sought-after town on the edge of Dartmoor National Park is this unique spacious, period church conversion. 5 bedrooms, 2 reception rooms and kitchen/breakfast room. Enclosed private garden with lawn, terrace and ample off-street parking. EPC: F.

un O it nl re y m on ai e ni ng

East Devon

SLADE sPROPERTIES outh west

Exclusive development of only five units

including a farmhouse, cottage and 3 barn conversions set around a traditional courtyard.

The Shippon | 2 bedrooms | 772 Sq Ft Stags Honiton Office honiton@stags.co.uk 01404 45885

V5 Exeter Living FP 180716.indd 1

Orchard Barn | 1 bedroom | UNDER OFFER Prices from £195,000 to £595,000

Savills Exeter exeter@savills.com 01392 455 733

17/08/2016 12:29

THORVERTON OIRO £525,000

SIDFORD OIRO £300,000

A beautifully located and spacious village edge home surrounded by wonderful open countryside and superb rural views just a short walk to the village centre! Comfortable 5 bedroom accommodation with fantastic potential to improve or extend. A very rare opportunity. EPC=D. REF:DWE05057

A well located and rather handsome detached 3 bedroom 1930’s house of character and style in need of modernisation with enormous potential. Standing in a generous plot with good sized gardens and some sea “peeps” from the ﬁrst ﬂoor. Includes double garage and timber single garage too! - Early inspection is advised to avoid disappointment. EPC=E REF:DWE05464

MORCHARD BISHOP GUIDE PRICE £399,995

BUDLEIGH SALTERTON GUIDE PRICE £750,000

A charming and beautifully presented Grade II Listed period house offering light and spacious accommodation situated in the heart of the village with a wonderful farmhouse style kitchen/diner and superb dining hall. Beautifully landscaped enclosed gardens and plenty of off road parking. REF:DWE05455

A modern split-level detached bungalow situated in a ﬁne semirural location on the edge of Budleigh Salterton. The gardens and grounds of approximately one acre are particularly private as well as enjoying a ﬁne south westerly sunny aspect. EPC=D. REF:DJB00376

01392 259395

www.whittonandlaing.com Sales / Lettings / Block Management / Chartered Surveying / Auctions

20 Queen Street, Exeter, EX4 3SN

Residential Sales, Lettings & Property Management

Blackhorse, Nr Clyst Honiton - Guide Price ÂŁ365,000 3/4 Bed - 1 Bath A superb opportunity to purchase this spacious detached family home situated on a generous corner plot with beautifully maintained gardens and superb views across the surrounding area. Offering versatile living space on the ground floor, the property has 3 Reception Rooms which provide the option of a fourth bedroom on the ground floor. The accommodation comprises Entrance Porch, Hallway, Living Room with bay window, separate Dining Room, family Bathroom, Conservatory and modern fitted Kitchen. To the first floor are three good sized Bedrooms, family Bathroom and a separate WC. There is gas central heating and double glazing throughout the property. In addition to the single garage is a driveway providing further off road parking for several vehicles. There is superb scope for extension to the side and rear of the house (subject to the necessary consents).

For more information please call: 01392 215283 or visit www.naomijryan.co.uk

Residential Sales, Lettings & Property Management

Heavitree - Guide Price ÂŁ380,000 4 Bed â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2 Bath Presented in excellent decorative order throughout and located in a small cul-de-sac is this spacious 4 Bedroom semi detached family home. The property has been extended by the current owners to provide a superb kitchen/dining room which offers versatile living space. With gas central heating and double glazing throughout the accommodation comprises Entrance Hall, ground floor Cloakroom, Living Room with bay window, open plan modern fitted Kitchen/Dining Room, 3 first floor Bedrooms and family Bathroom. To the second floor is a spacious Master Bedroom with modern Ensuite Shower Room. Outside the property has a delightful decked seating area which leads on to the lawned area of garden which is well-maintained with well stocked borders. A garage is located immediately to the side of the house and a driveway immediately to the front of the house provides further off road parking. Early internal viewing is highly recommended of this beautiful family home.

Visit: 23 Southernhay West, Exeter EX1 1PR or email: enquiries@naomijryan.co.uk

Stand Out Service Sales, Letting & Property Management 01392 493113 | info@hometrust.co.uk | www.hometrust.co.uk

EXETER LIVES

Q&A

Answer to Where Am I? (page 11): The cliffs between Jacob’s Ladder and the Esplanade, Sidmouth

ame a famous chef and odds are you’ll pick one at whose elbow Tom here has learned his craft. The Exeter College graduate worked under Gordon Ramsay at Hospital Road and then at Petrus for Marcus Wareing. Returning to Devon, he worked under Michael Caines at Gidleigh Park before eventually becoming executive chef at ABode for three years. When his parents, veteran hoteliers, purchased the then-dilapidated The Salutation Inn on New Year’s Eve 2010, Tom was the obvious choice to put this fine spot on the foodie map. He’s also a powerboat world champion! Where do you call home and what makes it special? Topsham, The River Exe: the people and beautiful surroundings and the fact the water is on the doorstep. The seaside must be a fun place to work at this time of year… It’s great. Everyone is buzzing when the sun is shining. And the wonderful array of local fish that comes through the door is at its best at this time of year. What has been your proudest moment? I have many... Crossing the finish line second in class in a powerboat race around Britain in 2008, with my brother, in a boat we built; cooking for the Prime Minister with Michael Caines; winning a world championship in a Class 3b powerboat race in 2014; meeting Amelia [partner and The Salutation Inn’s hotel manager]; and, of course, opening the doors of The Salutation Inn. What’s the most embarrassing thing that’s ever happened to you? Drinking petrol thinking it was local cordial while out on the river, and ending up in hospital, is definitely up there. What’s your earliest childhood memory? Growing up in the grounds of The Imperial Hotel, Exeter, and the smell of my mum’s baking in the kitchen. If your nearest and dearest had to describe you, what would they say? Passionate, hard working, resilient and difficult – in a good way, of course.

TOM WILLIAMSHAWKES The head chef at The Salutation Inn in Topsham has too many proudest moments to choose from. . . When did you last cry? When I spent two hours in traffic last week in Marsh Barton. What issue, more than any other, makes you want to get up on a soapbox? Traffic lights. What’s your most treasured possession? My boats, my Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM) gold medal, and the kitchen, if that counts. Who would play you in a film about your life? George Clooney. Favourite places to eat, drink and shop in the area? Turf Locks and the River Exe Café are the best places to chill; El Olivo and The Galley for eating. I do like a cocktail on the rare nights we get out, so would head to The Bike Shed, and The Old Firehouse for late night pizza. If you had a time machine, which era would you return to and why? 1729 when The Salutation was built, to see the amazing job they did then.

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Who was your last text from and what was it about? My dad, Ed, about wild River Exe salmon, saying they landed some fish on the last day of the season. Do you have any hidden interests? Scrabble. What’s your favourite indulgence? Eating and drinking out in London. When we get the chance to have time up there, we try and cram in as many places as possible. If you had a superpower, what would it be? I would have gills so I could swim underwater. We’d better let you get on… What are you doing right after this? Grating a lot of beetroot for cured wild River Exe salmon gravadlax.

salutationtopsham.co.uk