Exeter Living - issue 203

Food/Arts/Entertainment/Shopping/Homes ISSUE 203 / CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR 2016 / £3

Win

EXETER & BEYOND

Bird is the word

Walks to makreos your cheeks y

Exeter's new chicken jo int

What's springing up around Exeter

WAR

MERS

ISSUE 203 / CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR 2016 / WOOLLY LOADED

New year, new home?

ter

last minut pressi e es!

AND 2016 review / 2017 preview / health special

EXETER CARPET COMPANY LTD A world of flooring at your feet

92A Old Tiverton Road, Exeter, Devon EX4 6LQ | Open: Mon - Fri 9.00 - 5, Sat 9.00 - 1.00

01392 493084 | www.exetercarpet.co.uk

EDITOR’S LETTER / ISSUE 203 / CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR 2016

23

LET’S STROLL

The best local, wintry walks for blowing away the cobwebs in the New Year

New yeah!

Like everyone, we love to slob around indoors over Christmas. But soon we start to suffer what the Germans call ‘Fernweh’ – a kind of homesickness in reverse; an urge to reconnect with the outside world.

We suspect we’re not alone in this. Which is why, for this issue, we’ve been poring over maps and checking postcodes to bring you ideas for getting out and about with your relatives and friends, not just during the final days of 2016 but throughout winter. There are wondrous walks in the countryside, and nosy road trips around the countless new human colonies popping up in and around your city (new builds – love ’em or loathe ’em, they’re happening. . .).

And on the off chance you’re one of those scoundrels who leave all their Christmas shopping to the last minute (or even – *clutches pearls* – the New Year sales), we’ve sprinted around the streets to bring you a rather fine selection of foolproof, 11th hour presents and stocking fillers for all ages.

Thank you for sharing your precious spare time with us during 2016, Exeter. We couldn’t have wished for more uplifting company.

Here’s to a New Year in which every surprise makes us clap our hands and punch the air. Onwards!

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 Wires Removed. Inspiration Added.

Experience Beoplay H5 in store.

EDITOR’S LETTER / ISSUE 203 / CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR 2016

44

GOING, GOING, GONE

Time’s running out to get those last minute Christmas pressies! Allow us to help. . .

CONTENTS / ISSUE 203 / CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR 2016 M EET T H E T EAM Editor Anna Britten anna.britten@mediaclash.co.uk Managing editor Deri Robins deri.robins@mediaclash.co.uk Senior art editor Andrew Richmond Graphic design Megan Allison Cover illustration Jim Robins (jr-illustration.co.uk) Cover design Trevor Gilham Editor’s photo Emma Solley Contributors Roxanne Duris, Fran McElhone, Kitty Kane, Tess Read

UPFRONT 10 Spotlight

Review of the year, a look ahead to 2017, and sundry fun snippets

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

19 Tess Read

Our columnist reacquaints herself with a youthful passion

21 My Desk Exeter Library’s Emily Macaulay

MAIN FEATURES 23 Winter Days Out North, south, east, west – whichever way you turn, we’ve found a walk for you

82

ARTS 31 Arts Intro The hilarious middle-class musings of Miles Jupp

32 What’s On Cultural highlights, for Christmas, New Year and beyond

FOOD & DRINK 38 Restaurant What’s all this fuss about Absurd Bird? Fran McElhone finds out. . .

SHOPPING 43 Shopping Intro Booze-free cocktails that aren’t rubbish! Well done, Devon

44 Last Minute Gifts Who doesn’t love shortbread, mugs, soap and cartoon books?

HEALTH

PROPERT Y

51 Head, Shoulders, Knees ’N’ Toes

82 New Builds

Need a new hip, cataract op, feet that don’t hurt – and don’t want to wait? Meet Exeter’s most brilliant medical specialists

REGUL ARS

BUSINESS 75 Business Insider How to get free business support, plus great news from Exeter College, KOR Communications and elsewhere in the biz world

38

11

Check out our map of the major new developments being built in and around Exeter

63 Seen!

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

Party central! Did we spot you?

106 Exeter Lives

Exclusive interview with the little baby Jesus

On the cover Our jolly, bejumpered reindeer was drawn for us by Jim Robins jr-illustration.co.uk

FURNITURE

CLOCKS

BEAN BAGS

CHRISTMAS

MIRRORS

VASES

SCULPTURES

THROWS

LAMPS

CHRISTMAS TIME

CHURCH ROAD, ALPHINGTON, EXETER, EX2 8SW

01392 433292

WWW.QUEENSTREET.CO.UK

LUXURIOUS DUNLOPILLO BEDS WITH FREE UPGRADE

BARCELONA SOFA & CHAIR AVAILABLE IN A WIDE RANGE OF SOFT FABRICS

SALE

NOW ON SPECIALISTS IN CARPETS & FLOORING

WHAT’S MAKING THE NEWS IN EXETER

“Bye, Kenton!”

“Hi, Kenton!”

EVERYBODY’S TALKING ABOUT…

GOODBYE 2016, HELLO 2017 Our highlights of the past 12 months – and a glimpse of what’s to come throughout the next 12!

2016 The year began with an unforeseen jolt of sporting excitement, as Exeter City FC hosted no less than Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool at St James Park in the FA Cup – and impudently held them to a 2-2 draw!

Soon after, Exeter sent young bobsleigher Kelsea Purchall off to the Winter Youth Olympic games in Lillehammer, and then, in the summer, seven more Exonians jetted to the Rio Olympics: including long distance runner Jo Pavey of West Hill, and Broadclyst native and rugby referee Sara Cox. What’s more, England Rugby’s Six Nations squad featured Exeter Chiefs players who also did themselves, and the city, beyond proud.

Showbiz hit town, too. Firstly in the shape of pop extravaganza Radio 1’s Big Weekend in May; then Henry Cavill doing the Royal Marines Commando Challenge in October; and, bizarrely, an Exmouth pub popped up in 10 I EXETER LIVING I www.mediaclash.co.uk

the blockbuster Hollywood movie (based on a true story) The Big Short. Oh, and the first ever Exeter Living Awards were pretty darn glitzy and VIP-packed too, just in case we neglected to mention it at the time…

Business-wise, The Met Office started its £97million High Performance Computer building, the Exeter Pound went digital, the hugely impressive Queen St Dining zone opened in August and, on a smaller but no less morale-boosting scale, McCoys Arcade got a very chic makeover.

Arts-wise, we welcomed the Northcott’s first fully in-house production in six years – a stylish, starry revival of Harold Pinter’s Betrayal; the first ever Art Week Exeter in May; and local artist Rob Heard’s 19,240 Shrouds of the Somme installation in Northernhay Gardens, which made the national news not once but twice (because it later toured to Bristol).

As for the inferno that tore through buildings

on Cathedral Green, destroyed the Royal Clarence Hotel and at one point threatened to raze half the city centre? A bit like the Nazi officer who refused to burn Paris to the ground, it just couldn’t bring itself to go all the way.

2017

Predictions are a fool’s game, but we sense another vibrant year ahead for Exeter, certainly in entertainment terms. Powderham Castle will welcome big name musical stars once again, with visits scheduled for July from Bryan Adams and Olly Murs. Great news for everyone, except people living on the A379 near Kenton…

TEDx Exeter is back on 21 April, with the 14th Exeter Festival of South West Food & Drink shifting from April to the May Bank Holiday weekend (29 April-1 May).

What else? Well, if last year is anything to go by, anything could happen. Nowellsy as Prime Minister? Wouldn’t bet against it.

SPOTLIGHT

PEOPLE

Little Jack Nowell

THEY SAID WHAT? Our favourite answers from some of our favourite home-grown and visiting interviewees in 2016 Etiquette king Paul Tisdale

Who would play you in a film about your life?

I’m not sure the actor has been born yet that can adequately convey my unique blend of incisive wit and sexual charisma.

Paracyclist Tom Staniford, February What are you reading at the moment?

I have been reading Debretts Guide to Etiquette.

Exeter City FC manager Paul Tisdale She’s heard it all: Sarah Dunn

What/who makes you angry?

All people bar David Attenborough. With modern science, you’d think we could have sorted out a clone army of Davids by now.

Musician Mark ‘Black Foxxes’ Holley, June If your nearest and dearest had to describe you, what would they say?

She’s* standing right next to me, looking over my shoulder, and you wouldn’t want to see in print the words she has just used to describe me.

Cosmetic scientist Sam Farmer (*his nearest and dearest being actor Caroline Quentin), May

What a treat it is to come home to the most beautiful place in the world Chris ‘Coldplay’ Martin, Radio 1’s Big Weekend, May

Your proudest achievement?

The moment of my conception – the day I was up against literally millions, and swam for my life.

Musician Ed Kay, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, October 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!

Head teacher Sarah Dunn, Maynard School, September What’s the most embarrassing thing that’s ever happened to you?

I cringe at my time on

WHAT DO PEOPLE USUALLY SAY WHEN THEY RECOGNISE YOU?

I get a lot of “Oh, you look a lot bigger on TV” because I’m quite short. The tops are very skin-tight and the shorts are very small so, yeah, I tend to just smile politely at that Rugby player Jack Nowell, June

University Radio Exeter. My show was called ‘Cook on Acid’!

My maiden name is Cook and I played acid jazz. It was pretty awful...

Mattie Richardson of Bunyip Craft, June w

www.mediaclash.co.uk I EXETER LIVING I 11

SPOTLIGHT

What’s the most embarrassing thing that’s ever happened to you?

That would have to be me telling the nation on TV that the only complaint my husband had about my cooking was “his expanding trousers”.

Baker Sue Stoneman, April What’s your motto for life?

You’ve got to laugh.

Filmmaker Will Foxell, July

Mummy’s girl Hanora Kamen

Who are you jealous of?

My mum. Because she saw me writing this and told me to put her.

Actor Hanora Kamen, April Who or what do you find yourself lusting after today?

I saw this amazing hi-def picture of a hip-hop succubus demon woman on the internet and I can’t stop thinking about her.

Musician Dick ‘Electric Six’ Valentine, July What’s the most embarrassing thing that’s ever happened to you?

When I was in primary school, my Dad took me to school, and when we were lining up to go in he started serenading me with

Joe Cocker’s You Are So Beautiful.

Illustrator Elise Cook, March

What’s the one song that’ll get you up on the dancefloor?

Anything by David Guetta.

Every year I go on holiday with my friend Katherine and we always dance to Guetta at night on the beach. We always say we

WHAT SHOULD YOU REALLY BE PUTTING YOUR BACK INTO?

Sex. Haven’t been bothered for ages. Once I’ve sorted the garden, I’ll think about it Comedian Mark Thomas, January

won’t end up in the sea wearing our dresses and we always do.

Teacher and author Emma Cox, August

What’s the one item in your workplace you can’t live without?

We have a bar – need I say any more?

PR/marketing director Sarah Jepson, May

I need the sea.

It’s in my blood.

The sea is my second mistress Chef Olivier Guyard-Mulkerri Sarah ‘What’re you having?’ Jepson Sam ‘Unprintable’ Farmer

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.

Chef Tom Williams-Hawkes, Salutation Inn, September Who would play you in a film about your life?

I’d rather imagine who would play my leading man...

Pavla Henshaw, Crede Boutique, October

If you could send your pupils forth with one bit of advice lodged in their hearts, what would it be?

You don’t inspire your teammates by telling them how amazing you are. You inspire them by telling them how amazing they are.

Charlotte Johnston, head teacher, St Peter’s Prep, October

www.mediaclash.co.uk I EXETER LIVING I 13

SPOTLIGHT

Will 2017 be your year?

EXETER LIVING AWARDS

NOMINATIONS FLOW AS AWARDS BUILD Nominations for the prestigious Exeter Living Awards are now flowing in – and are running some way ahead of this year’s inaugural event.

As momentum builds behind the ultra-glam awards, there are still opportunities for sponsors and partners to get involved.

Nominations opened last month via the Awards website. Companies and organisations nominate themselves – for free – and all decisions are then made by a panel of independent expert judges.

“In our first year we had over 300 nominations, which was extraordinary,” said Steph Dodd, event manager at MediaClash, which publishes Exeter Living. “But we’re already tracking ahead of this. It’s promising to be an absolute cracker!”

“What’s great about Awards is that the more who join in – whether as sponsor, partner or nominating company – the more collective benefit there is for all. We are very proud to have created this superb showcase for Exeter’s finest. Nothing beats being there!”

There’s a new category this year: Technology & Innovation, added due to tech’s strategic importance to Exeter.

The other categories are: Arts, Bar, Café/ Coffee Shop, Charity, Education, Event, Gastropub, Hair & Beauty, Health, Interiors, Legal & Financial, Leisure & Tourism, New Business, Property and Restaurant. And there is a special crème de la crème Platinum Award for the single best category winner.

A limited number of Early Bird tickets are

Lee Holmes and Bobby Oljenik play Santa

Full details are at exeterlivingawards.co.uk, with regular updates on Twitter: @ExeterLivingAwd

SPORT

TOY STORY Exeter City Football Club’s first-team players brought some early Christmas magic to the children and teenagers on Bramble Ward at the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital recently.

Players Lee Holmes, Reuben Reid, Jordan Moore-Taylor, Ryan Harley, Troy Brown, Robbie Simpson, Bobby Olejnik and Joel Grant – joined by Grecian the Lion – delivered teddy bears, toys, calendars, footballs and other signed merchandise to the young patients, and chatted with the children and their families, with one youngster treating

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

currently available, although sales for these will be closing soon.

Finalists will be announced on the Grand Reveal Day of 14 February. All of them will then be invited to a new event, the Finalists’ and Sponsors’ Reception on 8 March.

The Exeter Living Awards are on 6 April at the Great Hall, University of Exeter. First sponsors include Wilkinson Grant, Princesshay, Otter Brewery, Energy Hair, and Cathedral Appointments.

For sponsorship enquiries, please contact joss.phillips@mediaclash.co.uk.

Or to be involved on the night, it’s stephanie.dodd@mediaclash.co.uk.

Austrian shot-stopper Bobby Olejnik to a flick through his football card collection.

Says Exeter City Chairman Julian Tagg: “I’d like to thank the Bramble Ward for allowing us to visit again this year. The bravery of the children, the love of their families, and the care and skills of the staff in Bramble Ward should inspire us all, especially at Christmas time. Special thanks goes out to Thrifty, Ashford Solicitors, Eagle One and the Supporters’ Trust for donating towards the presents.” exetercityfc.co.uk

Help Joanne conserve Exeter’s irreplaceable ancient books

HERITAGE

NEW CHAPTER FOR OLD BOOKS Ancient and rare books in Exeter Library’s archives are to get a new lease of life, thanks to a conservation programme launched by senior supervisor Joanne Cousins.

Thanks to funding from the Carnegie UK Trust, Joanne has launched an ‘Adopt a Book’ initiative, allowing book-lovers to fund the restoration of a favourite tome.

The special collections archive at Exeter Library consists of around 6,000 items dating from 1480 to 1900. The oldest is an ‘Incunable’ written by a Benedictine monk dating back to 1480 and one of only 80 copies in existence.

Another special edition in the archive is English Men of Letters: The Life Of Thomas Gray by Edmund Gosse, the only surviving book after Exeter Library was heavily bombed during the Blitz of 1942.

All of the items require varying levels of restoration, ranging from repairing damaged corners to lifting stains, with some also needing bespoke boxes to protect them from any further damage.

Says Joanne: “These books belong to the people of Exeter. They are rare and unique and make up part of this city’s heritage. They are totally irreplaceable, and without this vital conservation work they would be lost. By contributing a small amount, people can ensure these invaluable assets remain at Exeter Library to be enjoyed by people for years to come.” devon.gov.uk/ref-special-collections

Where am i?

Test your knowledge of Exeter’s hidden corners...

We encountered this while last-minute Christmas shopping; can you tell where?

Turn to page 15 to see if you’re right. . .

PIROUETTE Set in the historic west quarter, ‘the house that moved’ is home to our beautiful collection.

We are stockists of maggie sottero, sottero & midgley, rebecca ingram & lou lou bridal, and offer an intimate appointment and bespoke alteration service

01392 432 643 www.pirouettethecollection.com ‘the house that moved’ 24 west street exeter EX1 1BA

OPINION

TESS READ

HEAVEN ON WHEELS

S

Why Tess plans to pedal into 2017. . .

o, at the ripe old age of at least 21 (ahem!), I have finally, for the first time in my life, bought myself a new bicycle. It is British-built, it has a proper steel frame, it’s got a bell and gears and everything. I have in previous years owned many different and varied bikes after my first little red bike which I called Poppy. But none was like this.

In Cambridge as a student, I had a series of extremely bad second-hand bikes as everyone exchanged and lost bikes in equal measure. The only reason people used to like hanging onto their bike in the city was if it was one of the notorious pink paint brush saddle bikes – legend has it that one night a hardworking scholar, possibly after too many drinks of the very cheap,

IT’S GOT A BELL AND GEARS AND EVERYTHING

very hard stuff, took a tin of pink paint and a paintbrush out into the serried ranks of student bikes and daubed each saddle with a bright splash of pink. It didn’t seem to have any political intent, and the artist never revealed themselves, but it did make owning one of these bikes a local badge of honour.

Sadly, I arrived a year or so after the Bicycle Banksy and so was never the owner of a bike that proved that jolly student japes were still the stuff of life.

Later, in Oxford when also a student (it’s a long story), I found myself the proud owner of a bike I had brought back from India.

I called it Bessie and loved it to bits – it was purple and pink; I had clearly regressed. It didn’t have any gears, but as it got stolen after only two months that didn’t matter very much. I then had an appalling racing bike I bought from a friend (friend?) which nearly launched me over the handlebars twice. That also got stolen. I gave up cycling when I was reduced to a bike which was in such bad shape that every time you turned to the right, the wheel stayed in that direction, meaning that you then had to twist the handlebars to the left just to go in a straight line. You could only take two right turns before having to get off the bike and reposition everything.

The police actually got to the bottom of the bike theft situation in Oxford when I was there. Gangs were coming down from Birmingham and cutting bike locks wholesale and putting the bikes in the back of the vans in the dead of night – most ingenious!

They also pulled off a game-changer for the bicycle parking at the station. Here, instead of the short individual bike racks of today, there were 40 feet long poles to attach your bike to. The clever thieves came with some major metal-cutting equipment and cut through the entire pole and then just liberated hundreds of bikes at a stroke, bike locks and all. That was their undoing, though – such a masterstroke they got caught.

But now I live in Devon. I have a small bike lock, a shiny new bike, and hundreds of miles of cycle paths to enjoy. What undiluted pleasure! So, sorry, but I can’t stop. I’m off to cycle to the Double Locks and back – heaven on wheels.

Tess Read is an Exeter-based author. Her new book The Contented Little Husband is out now on Michael O’Mara books. Twitter: @TessRead

www.mediaclash.co.uk I EXETER LIVING I 19

“A hilarious guide to turning your slovenly spouse into the perfect partner”

OUT NOW

@TESSREAD #THECONTENTEDLITTLEHUSBAND

PEOPLE

I like to have a quote or word of the week.

This William Wallace one – “Your title gives you claim to the throne of the country, but men don’t follow titles they follow courage” – is a reminder that it is what we do, rather than our job title, that makes us leaders

MY DESK EMILY MACAULAY

I have pictures of having met Paula Radcliffe, Stella Duffy and with the Jane Tomlinson Appeal team who I do a lot of fundraising for

Nothing better than a Boston Tea Party hot chocolate. And, now, if you take in your own mug you get a discount – hurrah!

E-books are great, but for me I like to hold a good book

Library jobs are far more physical than people may think but, even so, I do spend quite a lot of time in front of my PC or sitting in meetings, so I try to eat healthily and exercise to compensate

Adopt A Book is a new and exciting project which gives people a chance to make a donation towards the preservation of our Special Collections (see page 15)

In our childish imagination, a library manager’s desk is surely like Professor Snape’s in the Harry Potter films: leather-bound volumes, scrolls of vellum, gas lamp.

But as the workspace of Exeter Library’s hard-working centre manager Emily Macaulay demonstrates, we are, in fact, living in 2016.

Emily’s desk, in a shared office gazing over the city rooftops, displays a combination of modern efficiency and passionate commitment – a fair reflection of the woman herself, who was in 2014 awarded an MBE for services to equality and diversity for her previous work as chair of the Devon and Cornwall Gay Police Association.

Bet she always returns her books on time, too. . . devon.gov.uk/libraries

www.mediaclash.co.uk I EXETER LIVING I 21

WINTER D AY S O U T

COME THE 27TH, WE ALL NEED SOME GENTLE EXERCISE AND DAYLIGHT

LET’S STROLL Nothing like a wintry walk in the nearby countryside to shake off the old year’s cobwebs. Even better if there’s a pint or a cake at the end of it. . . Allow ROXANNE DURIS to point you in the right direction

w

www.mediaclash.co.uk I EXETER LIVING I 23

WINTER D AY S O U T

W

hile it’s wonderful to pull up the drawbridge and sit around in your slippers for at least 48 hours over Christmas, come the 27th we all need some gentle exercise and daylight. Whichever direction you care to point your car, we’ve come up with some great suggestions for strolls, rambles and full-on hikes for all ages and levels of fitness – and we’ve even researched some great pubs for you to work into the itinerary. Now go get those cheeks rosy!

NORTH

Yes, we know heading north can induce nosebleeds and panic in diehard Devonians but relax, we’re going no further than Tivvy.

For a quick afternoon jaunt from Exeter, the 6,400 acres of landscaped garden and ancient parkland of NT Killerton offer rich pickings for those who found walking boots under the Christmas tree – there’s an extinct volcano, an Iron Age hill fort, and a particularly easy and pleasant 45-60 minute walk beginning and ending at the car park, plus eight more walks outlined on the website. Venture far enough and you’ll find yourself in the magical Ashclyst Forest, part of the Killerton estate, where you’re likely to spot deer. You can also access this East Devon arcadia via several car parks, the main ones being Ashclyst Forest car park and Caddihoe.

Cruise further up the A396 to Bickleigh Mill and you’ll find idyllic walks along the river and the Exe Valley Way, as far as Tiverton if you fancy it, on generally well-maintained paths. You can also meander round the 18th century watermill and pottery studio and shops, and revive yourself in the restaurant/café.

Finally, just past Tiverton you’ll find NT Knightshayes where you can walk through the garden (one of the finest in Devon and home to 1200 plant species), the walled kitchen garden, and the parkland and woodland of this glorious country estate. Refuel in the Stables Café after.

Pubs to end up at: The Lazy Toad in Brampford Speke, or The Cadeleigh Arms in Cadeleigh.

SOUTH

Ah, the beautiful south. Heading down towards, and beyond, the River Teign opens up yet more heavenly vistas and recreational nirvanas. Close to the city, you can explore 3,500 acres of woodland at the Forestry Commission’s Haldon Forest Park, whether you’re on foot, horseback or bike, and seeking a lengthy yomp or just a blast of oxygen between meals. NB: All you have to pay is the price of a parking ticket (£7 all day). Open all year round, except Christmas Day. Push on down the A38 a bit for House of Marbles & Teign Valley Glass which, as any holidaymaker (but not so many natives) knows, boasts the largest marble run in the United w 24 I EXETER LIVING I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Previous page: Get back to nature at Haldon Forest Park Clockwise from above: Frosted ferns at RHS Rosemoor; Buckfast Abbey Weir; see red squirrels at Wildwood Escot

VOLUNTEER Enjoy the local countryside and feel strongly about keeping it beautiful?

You can fill your lungs with fresh air and help the environment by joining in one (or both) of two working parties on Trinity Hill Nature Reserve, near Axminster, in January.

East Devon Conservation volunteers invite you to join them on Thursday 12 January, from 10am to 3pm, and Wednesday 18 January, 10am to 4pm, to help restore the heathland of Trinity Hill; on the second date you’ll be clearing scrub and rhododendrons to make way for ponies to finish the job.

Find out more: wildeastdevon.co.uk, countryside@ eastdevon.gov.uk, 01395 517557

HEADING

DOWN, AND BEYOND, THE RIVER TEIGN OPENS UP YET MORE HEAVENLY VISTAS AND RECREATIONAL

NIRVANAS

www.mediaclash.co.uk I EXETER LIVING I 25

WAI N B TH TER CH D AY AS P SO U T

WITH THE WINTER SUN AT YOUR BACK, EXPLORE THE WILD, WILD WEST

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

WINTER D AY S O U T

HORSING AROUND After all the parties, feasts and endless indulgences of Christmas, New Year’s Day at the races is a tradition to be welcomed, whether you’re a horseracing novice or know your Desert Orchid from your Dream Alliance (both horses have made guest appearances at Exeter!).

Exeter Racecourse on top of Haldon Hill always draws a crowd of hundreds for the first day’s racing of the year. Gates open at 10.40am, with the first race at 12.40pm, and last race at 4pm.

Find out more: exeter.thejockeyclub.co.uk

Kingdom, plus glass making, game and marble museums, and outdoor play stuff. Moreover, just around the corner, you’ve got Canonteign Falls, England’s highest waterfall and over 80 acres to run wild in, including a nature walk, assault course and play area.

A good outing for grandparents, or anyone with mobility issues, Buckfast Abbey offers gentle, level walks around its breathtaking, and perfectly maintained grounds containing spacious lawns, and lavender, physic and sensory gardens. The Grange Restaurant is good value and there’s the Benedictine abbey itself to take in, of course.

Drive further still towards the equator, and you’ll find a foolproof, all-ages day out at Dartington: more specifically, the stunning landscaped gardens of Dartington Hall (where there’s also upscale gastropub, the White Hart), and the Shops at Dartington, on the edge of the estate (older readers may remember when this was called the Cider Press Centre) where hours can easily be lost browsing for arty/crafty goodies.

Pubs to end up at: The Ley Arms in Kenn, or The Cridford Inn, Trusham.

EAST Opposite: RHS Rosemoor is great for people with mobility problems Below: The views at NT Killerton

Arguably the most reliably divine of all the compass points, since you’re essentially heading into the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Woodbury Common is a no-brainer for Exonians seeking fresh air and reviving panoramas across sea and river, along walkways covered in Triassic pebbles.

We’re also fond of Otterton Mill on the River Otter for riverside rambles in either direction (one links easily to the South West Coast Path) and glimpses of kingfishers, herons, swans, otters and beavers. While there you can also see fresh flour being made in the historic working watermill, shop for arts and crafts, and rest your legs in the café-restaurant.

Slightly further, near Sidmouth, is the Donkey Sanctuary, where, as well as 500 rescued donkeys, mules and hinnies you’ll find stunning walks into the countryside and towards the coast, as well as the intriguing-sounding Hermitage Woods, kids’ maze and Outdoor Play Area.

If planning a jaunt to the Jurassic Coast you could do a lot worse than build it around a visit to Seaton Jurassic, the Devon Wildlife Trust flagship visitor centre full of interactive exhibits telling the story of life on earth. It’s got a tranquil and relaxed wildlife garden and is about five minutes walk from the seafront.

Further inland, rare red squirrels, otters, wild boar and birds of prey (and soon, they promise, wolves!) await at Wildwood Escot, 220 acres of gardens, woodland and parkland criss-crossed by w

www.mediaclash.co.uk I EXETER LIVING I 27

WINTER D AY S O U T paths and trails and dotted with play areas and other diversions.

Pubs to end up at: Jack In The Green, Rockbeare, or The Diggers’ Rest, Woodbury Salterton.

WEST

With the winter sun at your back, head along the A30 to explore the wild, wild west – we find the more blustery the country walk, the greater our need for a cream tea at the end of it, so we believe the formidable-looking NT Castle Drogo is an excellent base from which to explore the northeast corner of Dartmoor. As well as its Lutyensdesigned terraced garden there are riverside trails leading into the ancient Teign Valley.

Keep heading towards America and, between Okehampton and Launceston, you’ll find the huge Roadford Lake which, despite its ‘organic’ looks, is a man-made reservoir around which spread masses of open spaces and woodlands, and tracks for bikes and walkers. The Lakeside Café offers crowd-pleasing family faves.

North-west, towards Westward Ho!, RHS Rosemoor truly comes into its own in winter, we think – the 65-acre garden is full of unexpected colour, fragrance, texture and shapes and you can see the multi-coloured stems of plants like dogwood or willow, the striking white bark of the ‘Himalayan Silver Birch’ and ornamental grasses looking silvery and feathery in the frost. Until 7 January there’s also the Winter Garden Illuminations, whereby the tress and

FIRE UP THE SAT NAV!

shrubs are lit up by hi-tech, constantly colourchanging lighting, and on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays the gardens will be open until 8.30pm to maximise the effect. Look out too for a special snowdrop celebration from 21 January – 10 February. There’s an award-winning restaurant, plant centre and gift shop, too.

Pubs to end up at: The Chagford Inn in Chagford, The Lamb Inn at Sandford.

If Haldon Forest doesn’t inspire you to make some New Year resolutions, nowhere will

HOW TO GET THERE

Canonteign Falls Lower Ashton, Exeter EX6 7RH; 01647 252434; canonteignfalls.co.uk

Wildwood Escot Escot Park, Ottery St Mary, Devon, EX11 1LU 01404 822188; wildwoodescot.org

NORTH NT Killerton & Ashclyst Forest Broadclyst, Exeter EX5 3LE; 01392 881345; nationaltrust.org.uk/killerton

Buckfast Abbey Buckfastleigh TQ11 0EE; 01364 645500; buckfast.org.uk

Jack In The Green Rockbeare, London Rd, Exeter EX5 2EE 01404 822240; jackinthegreen.uk.com

Bickleigh Mill Bickleigh, Tiverton; EX16 8RG; 01884 855 419; bickleighmill.com

Dartington Hall/The Shops At Dartington Dartington TQ9 6TQ; 01803 847500; dartington.org

Diggers Rest Woodbury Salterton, Exeter EX5 1PQ; 01395 232375; diggersrest.co.uk

NT Knightshayes Tiverton, Bolham EX16 7RQ; 01884 254665; nationaltrust.org.uk/knightshayes

The Ley Arms Kenn, Devon EX6 7UW; 01392 832341; theleyarmskenn.co.uk

The Lazy Toad Brampford Speke, Exeter EX5 5DP; 01392 841591; thelazytoad.co.uk

The Cridford Inn Trusham, Newton Abbot TQ13 0NR 01626 853694; thecridfordinn.co.uk

The Cadeleigh Arms Cadeleigh, Tiverton EX16 8HP; 01884 855238; cadeleigh.com SOUTH Haldon Forest Park Exeter, EX6 7XR; 0300 067 5826; forestry.gov.uk/haldonforestpark House of Marbles Pottery Rd, Bovey Tracey TQ13 9DS; 01626 835285; houseofmarbles.com; teignvalleyglass.com 28 I EXETER LIVING I www.mediaclash.co.uk

EAST Otterton Mill Fore St, Otterton, Budleigh Salterton EX9 7HG 01395 568521; ottertonmill.com Donkey Sanctuary Slade House Farm, Sidmouth EX10 0NU 01395 578222; thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk Seaton Jurassic The Underfleet, Seaton EX12 2WD 01297 300390; seatonjurassic.org

WEST NT Castle Drogo Drewsteignton, EX6 6PB; 01647 433306; nationaltrust.org.uk/castle-drogo Roadforde Lake Broadwoodwidger, Lifton PL16 0RL 01566 784859; lakesideroadford.org.uk RHS Garden Rosemoor Great Torrington EX38 8PH; 01805 626810 rhs.org.uk/rosemoor The Chagford Inn 7 Mill St, Chagford, Newton Abbot TQ13 8AW 01647 433109; thechagfordinn.com The Lamb Inn The Square, Sandford, Crediton EX17 4LW 01363 773676; lambinnsandford.co.uk

Reach the best in the west Auent, active and inuential and just a call away

Jason Coward 01225 475800

Art/craft/music/theatre/more

SNAPSHOTS OF EXETER’S CULTURAL LIFE

MILES AHEAD

Better known to parents of teenagers as Archie the inventor from Balamory, and to Radio 4 listeners as host of The News Quiz, Miles Jupp is also a seasoned stand-up with impeccable manners yet a surprisingly sharp edge at times. His current tour, the ironically-titled Songs Of Freedom – he confesses his problems are strictly of the ‘first-world’ variety – sees him tackle issues as diverse as hot tubs, WH Smith, touchscreens, Duchy Originals, and hipsters and their “cocktails in jars”.

Miles Jupp: Songs of Freedom is at the Northcott Theatre on Tue 10 & Wed 11 January; exeternorthcott.co.uk

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

16 December – 16 January

David Brooke is among the artists at the South West Art Academy WInter Exhibition from 14 Jan; soprano Soraya Mafi joins the BSO at the Great Hall on 2 Jan; Laura Prior plays Peter Pan at the Northcott Theatre this Christmas/New Year

Art UNTIL 3 DECEMBER

VALERIE WALL: THE REALITY OF NATURE Acrylics and watercolour, inspired by botanical and marine life.

Woodhayes Gallery, Luppitt, Honiton; woodhayes.co.uk UNTIL 21 DECEMBER

A DECEPTIVE CADENCE Three contemporary British artists – Phil Frankland, Vincent Hawkins and Peter Lamb – play with painterly marks, photocopying, photography and other fragments of imagery to create work that is deliberately disordered and unexpected.

Exeter Phoenix, Gandy Street, Exeter; exeterphoenix.org.uk UNTIL 23 DECEMBER

IT’S A WRAP Painting, sculpture and craft

from many familiar artists (including Richard Adams, Irene Jones) alongside a couple of new faces – much of it with a seasonal theme.

Hybrid Gallery, 51 High Street, Honiton; hybrid-devon.co.uk UNTIL 24 DECEMBER

PRESENT MAKERS 2016 See and shop for unique crafts from designer-makers across the South West.

Thelma Hulbert Gallery, Dowell Street, Honiton; thelmahulbert.com UNTIL 8 JANUARY

COMIC ART CLASSICS Screenprints by John Patrick Reynolds that reproduce images from classic comics The Beano, The Dandy etc.

Brook Gallery, 30 Fore Street, Budleigh Salterton; brookgallery.co.uk

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

UNTIL 16 APRIL

HIROSHIGE’S JAPAN: STATIONS OF THE TOKAIDO ROAD Utagawa Hiroshige’s woodblock prints of Japan were sold cheaply in their thousands to 19th century armchair travellers and have won fans and imitators in artists from Vincent Van Gogh to Julian Opie. These 21 landscape prints from the series that made his name have been selected from the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford, and capture a tranquility and beauty sure to trigger your own wanderlust.

RAMM, Queen Street, Exeter; exeter.gov.uk/ramm

after the Battle of Waterloo.

RAMM, Queen Street, Exeter; exeter.gov.uk/ramm 14 JANUARY-25 FEBRUARY

SOUTH WEST ART ACADEMY WINTER EXHIBITION New paintings, photographs, prints and ceramics from Academy artists, including established names such as David Brooke and Alan Cotton.

Thelma Hulbert Gallery, Dowell Street, Honiton; thelmahulbert.com

Theatre, Comedy & Dance UNTIL 1 JANUARY

17 DECEMBER-23 APRIL

QUEEN VICTORIA IN PARIS Never seen all together before, Queen Vic commissioned these 44 watercolours to document her highly significant 10-day Paris visit in 1855, just 40 years

PETER PAN Emphatically not a panto, here’s another glorious, seasonal in-house production from the Northcott following last year’s A Christmas Carol. Directed by Paul Jepson, this new stage adaptation of JM Barrie’s

Royal visit to Napoleon III – the Grand Vestibule at the Hôtel de Ville, 23 August by Max Vautier – Royal Collection © Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2016. Part of Queen Victoria in Paris at RAMM this winter

evergreen story for ages 6+ casts Laura Prior as Peter and Kerry ‘The Bill’ Peers as Hook.

Northcott Theatre, Stocker Road, Exeter; exeternorthcott.co.uk UNTIL 23 DECEMBER

ACCORDING TO ARTHUR Nationally acclaimed show for ages 3+ about a lonely old man called Arthur whose only friend is the moon. When the clouds cover the sky on Christmas night, he calls upon the audience’s help to find the moon in time for Christmas.

Barnfield Theatre, Barnfield Rd, Exeter; barnfieldtheatre.org.uk UNTIL 1 JANUARY

BEAUTY & THE BEAST Quintessential traditional panto experience, with big budget set, nudge-nudge-wink-wink gags for mums and dads, pop hits, sing-alongs and slapstick. Best of all? Producers Kickline favour skilled West End performers and homegrown talent over C-list celebrities.

Exeter Corn Exchange, Market Street, Exeter; exeter.gov.uk/cornexchange

UNTIL 3 JANUARY

ERNIE & THE SEA OF ICE An inventive take on Ernest Shackleton’s famous expedition across Antarctica 100 years ago.

From wildly original children’s theatre specialists Quirk Theatre and aimed at ages 5+.

Phoenix, Gandy Street, Exeter; exeterphoenix.org.uk UNTIL 7 JANUARY

BENEATH THE BLIZZARD Fast forward to the near-future and venture underground to meet a gang of singing, dancing rogues and rebels living in the cellars beneath Exeter. As snow and ice transform the city above, they face a perilous quest…

Bike Shed Theatre, Fore Street, Exeter; bikeshedtheatre.co.uk 24 DECEMBER-2 JANUARY

THE WIZARD OF OZ The tale of Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man and the Lion with all the usual panto trimmings, including a roll call of soap and reality names.

Exmouth Pavilion, Esplanade, Exmouth; ledleisure. co.uk/exmouth-pavilion

10 JANUARY

THE GHOST OF MR DICKENS World premiere of a new play set aboard the SS Cuba, bound for America in 1867, upon which Charles Dickens is plagued by visions and ghosts.

Cygnet Theatre, Friars Gate, Exeter; 01392 277189; cygnettheatre.co.uk 10-11 JANUARY

MILES JUPP: SONGS OF FREEDOM See page 31.

Northcott Theatre, Stocker Road, Exeter; exeternorthcott.co.uk

Music & Opera 21 DECEMBER

BSO: LAST NIGHT OF THE CHRISTMAS PROMS Family concert featuring seasonal classics old and new, from Baby, It’s Cold Outside and It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas to hits by Wizzard and Slade. Top jazz/big band singers Alison Jiear and Iain Mackenzie help out.

The Great Hall, University of Exeter, Streatham Drive, Exeter; bsolive.com

31 DECEMBER

NYE PICK ’N’ MIX “A madcap mix of the best shindigs” from Mardi Gras to Oktoberfest.

Phoenix, Gandy Street, Exeter; exeterphoenix.org.uk 2 JANUARY

BSO: NEW YEAR JOHANN STRAUSS GALA Welcome in the New Year, Vienna-style, with an afternoon of waltzes, marches and polkas (including, of course, The Blue Danube) conducted by Frank Zielhorst and starring soprano Soraya Mafi.

The Great Hall, University of Exeter, Streatham Drive, Exeter; bsolive.com

Other Events UNTIL 6 JANUARY

CHARITY CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL 35 Christmas trees donated by Princesshay and decorated by local charities.

Roman Walk, Princesshay, Exeter; princesshay.co.uk w

www.mediaclash.co.uk I EXETER LIVING I 33

ARTS

W H AT ’ S O N

A Deceptive Cadence, Exeter Phoenix, until 21 December

WANT MORE? Sign up now for the Exeter Living newsletter...

We have a little stocking filler for you, Exeter Living reader. Spoiler alert: it’s our new(ish), Friday email newsletter.

If you haven’t yet signed up, please do, so that I may gently foist upon you my personal choice of the weekend’s best happenings. You’ll also get some moneysaving special offers, the week’s most amusing Exeter-based tweets and a dollop of snoop-able local property. . .

And your data is safe: we won’t share it with third parties!

So if you’d like a friendly distraction

UNTIL 7 JANUARY

WINTER GARDEN Take a trip out of town to enjoy a magical festive trail through the garden which is illuminated by hi-tech, colour-changing LED lighting.

RHS Rosemoor, Great Torrington; rhs.org.uk/rosemoor 20 DECEMBER

REINDEER TRAIL Follow clues around the Wetlands to help track down Santa’s missing reindeer.

Plus crafts and hot drinks.

10.30am-3pm, no booking required.

Seaton Wetlands; wildeastdevon.co.uk in your inbox as the weekend beckons, simply sign up here: mediaclash.co.uk/eln

1 JANUARY

NEW YEAR’S DAY RACING Toast the first day of the year up at the racecourse – it’s traditional! First race 12.40pm.

Exeter Racecourse, Kennford, Exeter; exeter.thejockeyclub.co.uk 7 JANUARY

WASSAILING WALK 34 I EXETER LIVING I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Join in an ancient countryside tradition with a walk to bless the trees and encourage a new harvest. 10am.

Younghayes Centre, Cranbrook; wildeastdevon.co.uk 12 JANUARY

HELP THE HEATH See page 23.

Trinity Hill Nature Reserve, nr Axminster; wildeastdevon.co.uk 12 JANUARY

WHAT’S THAT BIRD? Learn how to identify birds with an experienced guide. 11am-1pm.

Seaton Wetlands; wildeastdevon.co.uk 20 DECEMBER

CODING FOR KIDS Ian and Simon of 2.Times Do offer the perfect way to keep young minds active over the Christmas holidays, using Raspberry Pi and Scratch to design and create digital Christmas games.

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

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

CARTRIDGES LAW This month we are focusing on divorce and its impact on pensions

A

common misconception is that following a divorce, if one partner has a pension and the other does not, that pension will be split 50/50. In fact, this is not necessarily always the case.

Cartridges Law partner Bridget Garrood specialises in this area of law and was one of the first legal professionals to be recognised as a specialist in ‘pension sharing’ when it was first introduced into the range of orders available on divorce.

Bridget is also mindful of the inferior pension survivor rights available to civil partners and people in same sex marriages, having played a part in the passage of the Civil Partnership Act 2004.

She explains how the law works: ‘It’s like all claims in divorce; if you and your partner cannot agree, our advice is always based on what a court would decide and the court will base its outcome on the particular circumstance of the marriage. For instance, if it was a very short marriage and the parties are

still young, there would probably be no sharing of the pensions.

‘However, the longer the marriage, and the older the parties are, the pension claims can build up towards equal sharing, and adjustment by means of one or more pension sharing orders.’

Pensions can be very valuable – in some cases the pension can be worth more than the couple’s other assets, making it the main asset in a divorce.

Pension Sharing is only available to couples after divorce or the dissolution of a civil partnership. It splits a pensions in two, equally or unequally, and produces a new pension for life for the recipient, often facilitating a clean financial break between the parties.

Bridget adds: ‘You are entitled to a free CEV (Cash Equivalent Value) from your pension provider once a year. One of the first things I would recommend people do is obtain this as early as possible when divorce proceedings are on the horizon, even if legal advice is not taken yet.

‘Pension complexities can be difficult to understand however, so we would also

recommend people seek specialist legal advice and that they do so sooner rather than later. The value of the pensions may be increasing every month as contributions are added, or decreasing if the pension is already in payment, so it can be very helpful indeed to know the value at or around the time of separation.’

Tel: 01392 256854 Email: bridget.garrood@cartridgeslaw.co.uk Online: www.cartridgeslaw.co.uk

Sweetlands Woodland Weddings “Enjoy your special day at Boveys Down Farm.

A beautiful retreat with far reaching views of the Coly Valley as the backdrop, you can enjoy your special day in the perfect countryside setting of our “Secret Garden” themed “Woodland Wedding Venue”

Liscensed and approved for Civil Ceremonies

Boveys Down Farm, Farway, Honiton EX24 6JD Telephone: 01404 871436 www.sweetlandscountryfare.co.uk www.boveysdownfarm.co.uk

Simply quality Solid and Engineered Oak Flooring Estd. 2005 we have now laid over 1000 floors in the Westcountry and beyond

Call Tim to discuss the supply fit or finish of your timeless oak floor

01392 834999 / 07901 563745 tim@homeoak.co.uk

www.homeoak.co.uk

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

R E S TA U R A N T

FOOD

Absurd Bird Yee-haw! FRAN MCELHONE and family sample authentic Deep South cuisine

I

t became obvious as soon as we walked in that this was not your average restaurant.

Because despite the menu revolving around one main ingredient, we were faced with the most intriguing (we had to have a fair few dishes explained), unexpectedly unusual, exciting and fun-sounding menu we’ve encountered in a very long time – and it really works.

Deep South-inspired Absurd Bird in Exeter’s new Queen Street Dining quarter is the third of its kind; its older siblings reside in London. Yet despite being down here in the sticks, in its first six weeks it out-did both London bases put together, in terms of turnover. “Twelve o’ clock lunchtime comes and it’s ‘boom!’, the place starts getting full,” says manager, Martin. “So we’re happy.” Happy and professional, and the staff squad überfriendly and attentive.

The interior is inspired by a traditional southern American veranda, with swing chairs and plenty of greenery.

Novel, and it adds to the fun element.

The company prides itself on its high ethical standards; chickens are free range and healthy, and grown for 14 weeks (this sounds terribly short, but it’s pretty much double the life span of an average chicken). But this is also so that they’re bigger, and give a more authentic American-sized portion!

What impressed us – apart from the quality, quantity and taste – was the integrity of the way the restaurant is run: it seems every effort is made to ensure the best for customers. All the chickens are brined for 12 hours so they’re super-moist and soft. And everything is locally sourced and homemade on the premises, from sauces to smoked dishes and desserts.

To start, we went for fried pickles (gherkin slices with a ranch dressing) – slightly tangy and lovely light crispy batter – and the most delicious spinach and artichoke dip

APPARENTLY, AMERICAN TOURISTS HAVE GIVEN A RESOUNDING THUMBS UP FOR AUTHENTICITY

with fried tortilla chips. OK, so, firstly, don’t be fooled – you may think you don’t like artichoke, but I guarantee you this concoction is just so yummy, you will leave a convert. And the tortilla chips are so far from Doritos, I can’t tell you; these are elongated, light and just lovely. We also had a nibble on some smoked wings – only a nibble, because that’s all our 18-month-old would let us.

We went for the house signature dish, fried chicken and waffles: the chicken so moist, and waffles savoury and so fluffy, with smoked sweet gravy (not really that sweet but wonderfully tasty), and maple syrup (this actually goes really well). Apparently, American tourists often go for this and have so far given a resounding thumbs up for authenticity. We also had the fried chicken sliders (three mini chicken burgers) with bacon jam (rich and smoky) and pimento cheese, in a potato bun. Absolutely packed with flavour, and uncompromising on attention to detail – fresh crispy shredded lettuce makes all the difference.

Let’s talk about the sweet potato bake with marshmallows – if you have a sweet tooth, or an adventurous spirit, or love cinnamon, you’ll be sure to love this medley accompanying your chicken. Mr McElhone and baby McElhone certainly did. I can’t deal with cinnamon, even in a bun, so this was not my fave, but cheers to another top quality dish.

Taste aside, portions were generous, and there was an excellent selection of drinks including tequilas (wahey!), whiskeys, bourbons, brandies, several American beers and a 5.2 per cent Absurd Bird lager brewed especially for the company.

There’s also a cocktail menu, exclusively designed for Absurd Bird, and including the Sauvignon Sling (Bombay Sapphire, fresh mint, fresh pomegranate seeds, lemon juice and Sauvignon Blanc) which I went for and was bang on the money, and the Moonshine Mary (Moonshine, SoulSauce, tomato juice and celery) – a Bloody Mary to Brits and a Caesar to my Canadian other half, who is usually very hard to impress on this score but this one reminded him of home, which is the best compliment.

For dessert (yeah, I know, we only just had room), we opted for the peanut butter cheesecake with Oreo cookie base and caramel and chocolate sauce. It was sweet, but not sickly – which just about sums up this whole rootin’ tootin’ venture.

DINING DETAILS Absurd Bird, Unit 22, Guildhall Shopping Centre, Exeter EX4 3HP; 01392 401000; absurdbird.com Opening hours Every day, 11am-10pm Prices Starters, aka ‘sharing stuff’, from £4.50; salads from £8; wings from £6 for four; mains from £7.50; sides from £3.50; desserts from £4.80 Vegetarian choice Surprisingly good – three salads, and a blackbean burger Disabled access Good Drinks Wine, beer, spirits, cocktails, plus their own moonshine and some US-style sodas on the soft drinks list Service/atmosphere Let the good times roll

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

20% OFF

A FREE

when purchasing a minimum of two courses

when purchasing 2 main meals

A FREE

A FREE

when purchasing a main meal costing over £12

when purchasing a main meal costing over £12

BUY TWO LARGE

A FREE

THE COST OF YOUR FOOD

No need to feel glum once Christmas is over...

bounce back with the help of The Passage House Inn, Topsham.

We’ll be treating all our diners during December to a Christmas card with a difference! We’re feeling festive and will be giving out a discount card with 8 fantastic vouchers that will be redeemable when you eat with us again in January and February.

It’s not too late to book now for December and our first 50 customers who mention this Exeter Living advert, whilst making their booking, will receive a complimentary glass of Prosecco on arrival.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Ferry Road, Topsham, Nr Exeter, Devon EX3 0JN www.passagehouseinntopsham.co.uk | Tel: 01392 873653

STARTER

GLASSES OF WINE AND GET THE REST OF THE

20cl BOTTLE OF PROSECCO

DESSERT

BOTTLE FREE

175ml GLASS OF WINE

when purchasing two main meals

when purchasing a main meal

A FREE PINT OF

A FREE

FOSTERS, THATCHERS OR TRIBUTE when purchasing a main meal

BOTTLE OF SANTANA WINE when purchasing four main meals

Christmas at L’estuaire

FESTIVE AND CHRISTMAS MENUS NOW AVAILABLE.

The freshest seafood in foodie Topsham In the little town with a big foodie reputation, The Galley is a fantastic find for the freshest fish and shellfish, crafted into beautiful dishes, and served with estuary views

BOOKING ESSENTIAL. www.galleyrestaurant.co.uk 01392 876078

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.

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

www.lestuaire.co.uk

Elizabeth Ann

WINTER SALE STARTS 28TH DECEMBER!

of Exeter

come to us for the

festive season

Pine & Oak Furniture Wardrobes Chests of Drawers Tables & Chairs Dressers Bookcases

...and much more, all available waxed, lacquered or painted finishes

Large Stocks

Mattresses ● Metal Beds Divans ● Guest Beds Pine Beds ● Futons Headboards Pocket Sprung & Memory Foam Mattresses

Free Delivery

69-71 Exeter Road, Exmouth, Devon, EX8 1QD Tel 01395 271920

www.exmouthbedandpine.co.uk

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

3 Cathedral Close, Exeter EX1 1EZ Telephone: 01392 252876

Fashion/gifts/stores/more

ICE PACK

Party season can be tough if you’re a non-drinker, or the designated driver. Coke or orange juice? Snore.

So hurrah for Devon’s award-winning Rocktails and their pouches of alcohol-free, ‘mocktail’ mix, designed to serve frozen or over ice at home (yours or someone else’s).

Choose from four imaginative botanical blends – The Mockito, The Thyme Collins, The Coco-Colada and, our favourite, The Sunset Sling (pictured) – each of them not just ‘virgin’ but also low-sugar and less than 90 calories per serving.

Tell the boozers to keep their mitts off…

Local stockists include Darts Farm, Froginwell Vineyard, Greendale Farm Shop and Topsham Wines; rocktails.co.uk

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

XMAS SHOPPING GUIDE

Jellycat Roxie Reindeer, £22 NB: a stuffed baby reindeer is not just for Christmas From Millstones, Bickleigh Mill, Tiverton; bickleigh.com

GOING, GOING

GONE!

Rush to the shops or the interweb for these lovely, last-minute pressies and stocking fillers – each one local!

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

XMAS SHOPPING GUIDE

Sarpaneva casserole, £169 Clever Finnish design from 1960 in cast iron and wood. So popular in its homeland it even had a stamp dedicated to it!

From Sapphire Spaces, Dart Business Park, Topsham; sapphirespaces.co.uk

Knotty Necklace gift kit, £6.50 Keep fidgets busy on Boxing Day. Choose from four colours From Bunyip Craft, 111-113 Fore St, Exeter; bunyipbeads.com

Neom ‘Perfect Night’s Sleep’ pillow mist, £8 Yawn! Goodnight everyone. . .

From The Orange Tree, Darts Farm Village, Topsham; theorangetreeshop.co.uk

Bike Watching: An Explorer’s Journal by David Sparshott, £12.95 Record your bike-y musings, with cool illustrations on the side From Bikelands, 46 The Strand, Exmouth; bikelands.co.uk

Luxury frangipani hand butter, £10.99 Make your mitts good enough to eat From Aromatika, 86 Queen Street, Exeter; aromatika.co.uk

Voyage Maison ‘Bramble Wood’ cushion, £59 For resting tired post-lunch heads From Millstones, Bickleigh Mill, Tiverton; bickleigh.com

Markberg gloves, £59 Luxury, super-soft leather gloves from the stylish Danish brand From Toot Garook, 19 Queen Street, Exeter; tootgarook.co.uk

Riverford Christmas gift hamper box, £49.95 Mince pies, double chocolate brownies, almond cantuccini biscuits, cheddar truckle, cranberry chutney with port, La Jara prosecco frizzante, and lashings more From Riverford Organic Farmers, Buckfastleigh TQ11 0JU; riverford.co.uk www.mediaclash.co.uk I EXETER LIVING I 45

XMAS SHOPPING GUIDE

Naughty or Nice soap, £5.99 Because whether you’re good or bad, you’ve got to be clean From The Orange Tree, Darts Farm Village, Topsham; theorangetreeshop.co.uk

Stoneware mug, £8 Morning, sunshine!

From Dotty Home, Market Place, Sidmouth; dottyhome.com

Dartington Crystal ‘Gintuition’ kit, £25 Contains a classic highball, on-trend copa stem and a martini cocktail glass From Dartington Crystal, Linden Close, Torrington; dartington.co.uk 46 I EXETER LIVING I www.mediaclash.co.uk

‘Aragon’ necklace, £79 Can your clavicles handle it?

From Caroline Charles, Roman Walk, Princesshay, Exeter; carolinecharles.co.uk

Cartoon Book iii, £10 Must-have hilarity from the Exmouth illustrator and Twitter wit From World of Moose; worldofmoose.com

Teoni’s chocolate pistachio shortbread, £4.59 Just one of many luscious, local delicacies at Exeter’s ethical food emporium From The Real Food Store, 11 Paris St, Exeter; realfoodexeter.co.uk

Origami star garland kit, £13.50 Make your own artisanal decorations!

From Maker Maker, 19 Magdalen Road, Exeter; makermaker.co.uk

Baby McBabyface & Daddy McDadface babygro and T-shirt set, £35 Irresistible cuteness outta Exmouth From Claire Close; claireclose.co.uk; notonthehighstreet.com/claireclose

XMAS SHOPPING GUIDE

Organic cotton bedding set, £175 (king-size) Made in Topsham using undyed, unbleached and chemical-free organic cotton From Naturalmat, Odhams Wharf, Ebford, Exeter; naturalmat.co.uk

The Natural World of Winnie-the-Pooh

by Kathryn Aalto, £15 The Exeter-based historian explores the real landscapes that inspired AA Milne From Waterstones, 48-49 High Street, Exeter; waterstones.com

Coffee gift set, £10 Cute enamel mug and Christmassyflavoured instant coffee from the Exeterbased caffeine peddlers From Darts Farm, Topsham; dartsfarm.co.uk

Parkminster candle, £10.50 Soy candle, handmade in Sussex and giving approx 40 hours burning time From Boka, 3 High St, Crediton; boka.org.uk

Copper leaves, £2.60 each The most original and tasteful tree decs ever, no?

From St Bridget Nurseries, Old Rydon Lane, Exeter & Sidmouth Road, Clyst St. Mary, Exeter; stbridgetnurseries.co.uk

Rare Pear ‘Bella Willow’ pumps, £95 Go outside? In these shoes? As if From Rare Pear, Topsham; rarepear.co.uk

Heathcote & Ivory ‘Atlas Silks’ bathing flowers, £10 Run yourself a deep, hot bath and relaaax From St Bridget Nurseries, Old Rydon Lane, Exeter & Sidmouth Road, Clyst St. Mary, Exeter; stbridgetnurseries.co.uk www.mediaclash.co.uk I EXETER LIVING I 47

YOUR FAVOURITE BRANDS AT UP TO 70% OFF

CLOSING

DOWN SALE NOW ON

Marion and Nichola are sad to announce the closure of Exiv Boutique in the Spring, due to Nichola expecting her second baby and Marion’s need to focus on other business commitments.

They would like to thank their customers for their continued support over the last 9 years.

Marion, Nichola and the Exiv Team would like to wish you all Season’s Greetings and a prosperous New Year.

www.exivboutique.co.uk Exiv Boutique, 2 Upper Paul Street, Gandy Street, Exeter, EX4 3NB. Tel: 01392 213111

Thursday Late night shopping until 7.30pm and Sunday opening until Christmas.

Get back to the life you love Skip the wait and get private hospital treatment with our option to pay for yourself Nuffield Health Exeter Hospital Wonford Road, Exeter, EX2 4UG exeter.enquiries@nuffieldhealth.com

SPECIALISTS IN: • Orthopaedics • Cosmetic treatments • Laser Eye & Cataract surgery • Varicose Veins surgery • Physiotherapy • Radiology including MRI • Cardiology • Urology • Dermatology • ENT • Gynaecology • Gastroenterology • Private GP service • Neurology • Rheumatology

01392 241 964 nuffieldhealth.com/hospitals/exeter

P R I VAT E H E A LT H

HEAD, SHOULDERS, KNEES AND TOES. . . ...and eyes and ears and mouth and guts. Make 2017 the year you carry out essential bodily repairs. From cataract surgery to hip replacement, ROXANNE DURIS looks at what local medical specialists have to offer

C

hristmas and New Year can be tough when a medical condition is cramping your style. Whether it’s joint problems keeping you off the dancefloor, or tummy troubles meaning you have to watch every mouthful, ongoing health issues have a major impact on your quality of life. And with long queues to get treatment on the NHS, more and more of us are buying our way to better health. So whether you’re in the market for a new hip, or straighter teeth, here’s our guide to getting a full body service from truly brilliant medical professionals right here in Exeter and the surrounding area. w

Disclaimer: reading this feature will not necessarily make you look like this...

www.mediaclash.co.uk I EXETER LIVING I 51

P R I VAT E H E A LT H EYE EYE

Cataract surgery is the most common treatment provided on the NHS, with nearly 400,000 operations carried out each year. But according to research by the charity RNIB released this autumn, patients in England are having to wait up to 15 months to have cataract surgery due to increasing NHS rationing.

If you’re able to bypass the queue, or can choose where you have your NHS operation, Exeter’s Medical Eye Clinic – sister company of Bill Opticians – offers the most advanced technology for cataract patients in the UK. It’s home to the first ZEISS Cataract Suite in the country, the latest technology from the industry leaders, which allows surgeons to perform fast and accurate intra ocular lens (IOL) implantation.

HEAR, HEAR

According to UK charity Action On Hearing Loss (formerly the Royal National Institute for Deaf People), one in six of us are affected by hearing loss. This is expected to rise to one in five by 2035. Despite not having the high profile of, say, high blood pressure or mobility issues, hearing loss is major public health issue that can have a serious impact on sufferers, leading to loneliness and even depression. Deafness can also be an early sign of dementia.

Exeter hearing experts Chime – a not-forprofit social enterprise – have a total of 15 clinics in Exeter and the surrounding area, from the RD&E to a state-of-the-art audiology centre in Exeter’s Harlequins Centre, recognised by both professionals and patients as a centre of excellence for hearing health and the best NHS service in the UK.

It offers patients some pretty impressive, stateof-the-art tech, too: such as the ‘Roger Pen’, a wireless microphone with Bluetooth connectivity and compatibility with all hearing aids or cochlears, which makes it easier to hear people in large groups where hearing may be even more challenging.

There’s more hi-tech magic at Audify in Marsh Barton, an independent hearing centre where a spaceship-like pod takes centre stage. This is the Audorama, a ‘real world acoustic simulator’, created by owner and world-renowned hearing expert Curtis Alcock who says: “Hearing is one of the most vital connections we have as humans to the world around us, and particularly to other people and the opportunities of life, yet so many of us simply take it for granted. We want to make it easy for people to get to know their incredible sense of hearing and discover how to keep it at its best.”

Better grab a free, 20-minute hearing advice session if you’ve ben saying “Pardon?” a lot lately…

TEETH…

Dentistry’s come a long way since Exeter Living was a nipper. It’s no longer just actors and Americans that are demanding straight, white teeth, but normal Brit civilians, too. What’s more, fear of the dentist is taken extremely seriously.

Private, independent dental practice Inspired Dental Care in Exeter city centre offers general, family, cosmetic and advanced dentistry – everything from orthodontics to wrinkle treatment. Patients who are anxious about their treatments can get sedation, or, rather ingeniously, just distract themselves with video goggles and iPods during their treatment.

SPREADING YOUR WINGS Ever wondered how the Planet Earth II production team ward off malaria, yellow fever and other nasties when they’re in far-flung places?

They turn to experts like Exeter’s very own James Moore, a travel and tropical medicine expert who travelled with the BBC TV crew to the uninhabited volcanic Zavodovski Island in the Southern Ocean, to film millions of chinstrap penguins, spending 16 days in sub-zero temperatures surrounded by tons of stinking guano.

When he’s not protecting the health of the makers of Britain’s most talked-about TV show, James runs the Travel Health Consultancy, Devon’s only independent travel clinic, where he advises and vaccinates everyone from school groups to gap year students to tourists to charity workers heading into the big, wide world.

Travel Health Consultancy; 22 Southernhay West, Exeter EX1 1PR; 01392 430590; travelhealthconsultancy.co.uk

This page: State-of-the-art audiology at Chime, available on the NHS Opposite: Chic surroundings come as standard at Inspired Dental Care 52 I EXETER LIVING I www.mediaclash.co.uk

xxxxxxxx

GOOD NEWS FOR BABY BOOMERS WHOSE FEMORAL HEADS AREN’T WHAT THEY USED TO BE

They offer local worker discounts and students discounts, while those seeking a megawatt smile can get a whopping 50% off teeth whitening during December.

Another ultra-modern and rather swish private practice is Exeter Dental Centre, a snazzy, almost ‘spa’-like modern space in the heart of the city which has the added bonus, conveniently for those bound by work/school, of being open seven days a week. They’ve been showered with industry awards since opening in 2012, and we aren’t a bit surprised.

HIP, HIP, HOORAY!

Good news for baby boomers whose femoral heads aren’t what they used to be. Did you know Exeter has its very own hip?

Yes, the ‘Exeter Hip’, developed by top orthopaedic surgeons from the Hip Unit at Exeter’s Nuffield Hospital, says one of them, John Timperley, “has arguably the best result of any type of hip replacement and for that reason it is the most widely implanted stem in many countries, including the UK.” Nuffield’s been specialising in orthopaedic surgery for over 50 years and last year helped improve the lives of 1,926 patients through orthopaedic interventions. “In Exeter we see patients with all sorts of conditions each year,” says John. “People with arthritis following sports injuries, those who have developed painful joints due to osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis and

those with congenital abnormalities. The types of treatments we’re able to provide today were merely pipe dreams a generation ago.

“The past 10 years have seen changes in the technology and techniques used for orthopaedic surgery which have reduced the need for lengthy hospital stays and improved recovery times.

“Incisions have become smaller, and there has been a reduction in the amount of trauma to the area around the joint by leaving tendons intact and sparing tissue.”

Mount Stuart Hospital in Torquay also offer private hip replacement, hip revision surgery and hip block injections which can avoid surgery.

No excuse not to book that salsa class now!

BACK TO LIFE

Each year, 10 million working days are lost due to backache, and one in 10 of us suffers anything from annoying niggles to full-on, long-term debilitating pain. The condition affects all ages, with over-50s the worst hit.

Physiotherapy can help to restore movement and function, but the current wait for non-urgent cases is 41 working days.

If anyone’s familiar with both ends of the back pain spectrum it’s Exeter physio Sarah Moore, who for 12 years served as the Royal Devon & Exeter NHS Trust’s clinical lead physiotherapist before setting up her own practice in leafy Southernhay, Cathedral Physiotherapy.

Here Sarah treats a wide range of problems w www.mediaclash.co.uk I EXETER LIVING I 53

P R I VAT E H E A LT H from sports injuires to osteoarthritis, and offers rehabilitation for people recovering from fractures or cancer.

We like her ultra-simple pricing system: new appointments are £45 for an hour; follow-ups last half an hour and cost £35; and hydrotherapy is £55 for half an hour.

STOMACH

post-operative care, both privately and on the NHS.

BEST FOOT FORWARD

Haemorrhoids? Incontinence? Rectal bleeding?

Stop sniggering at the back – yes, gastro-intestinal issues rate highly on the ‘yuk’ scale but we’re all going to face them at some point in our lives.

Exeter Specialists Clinic are a new provider of state-of-the-art surgical care for patients with general surgical and colorectal problems.

Based in the Health Care Commission-accredited Exeter Medical Clinic in the north-east of the city, it takes tummy and bowel complaints very seriously, its specialist gastroenterologists, urologists, upper gastrointestinal surgeons and radiologists providing a comprehensive lower gastro-intestinal surgical practice. In its ultra-modern facilities you can access everything from your first consultation to

If your feet and legs have taken a bit of a pounding – thanks to sport or just the passing of time – and are crying out for attention as a result, you could do a lot worse than turn to someone who has for 20 years tended to battered metatarsals, kneecaps and the rest at the HM Royal Marines Training Centre in Lympstone.

Specialist podiatrist Jonathan Palmer is that person and, with his experienced team at Northernhay Clinic, will treat foot, ankle heel and limb conditions, however complex.

The OptoGait system is used to analyse gait (i.e. your locomotion) among sportspeople but also anyone with posture-related or movement-related and Achilles tendon problems. Meanwhile, heel pain or plantar fasciitis are among the conditions treatable with Radial Shockwave Therapy.

They also offer bespoke orthotics, nail surgery and a routine chiropody service. Hard to think of a better place to put your feet up once the festivities are over for another year.

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT Medical Eye Clinic Glen House, Sigford Road, Matford Park, Exeter EX2 8N 01392 829436; medicaleyeclinic.co.uk Chime Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital, Barrack Rd, Exeter EX2 5DW 01392 402223; chimehealth.co.uk Audify Palatine House, Sigford Rd, Exeter EX2 8NL 01392 984015; audify.uk Inspired Dental Care 246 High St, Exeter EX4 3PZ 01392 272385; inspireddentalcare.co.uk Exeter Dental Centre 17 Castle St, Exeter EX4 3PT 01392 272350; exeterdentalcentre.co.uk

ONE IN 10 OF US SUFFERS ANYTHING FROM ANNOYING NIGGLES TO LONGTERM PAIN

Nuffield Health Wonford Rd, Exeter EX2 4UG 01392 262110; nuffieldhealth.com/hospitals/ exeter Mount Stuart Hospital St Vincent’s Rd, Torquay TQ1 4UP 01803 313881; mountstuarthospital.co.uk Cathedral Physiotherapy 22 Southernhay West, Exeter EX1 1PR 01392 434832; cathedralphysiotherapy.co.uk Exeter Specialists Clinic Exeter Medical, Admiral House, Grenadier Rd, Exeter Business Park, Exeter EX1 3QF 01392 363534; exeterspecialistclinics.com Northernhay Clinic 39 Northernhay St, Exeter EX4 3ER 01392 259101; northernhayclinic.com

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

H e a lt h advertising feature

Excellence, experience & enthusiasm Based in the leafy central location of Southernhay, Cathedral Physiotherapy prides itself on delivering the ‘three Es’. Clinic director Sarah Moore is absolutely passionate about providing you with the best possible care for your condition

A

range of post-graduate skills, including an MSc in Neuromusculoskeletal Physiotherapy from Cardiff University, membership of the Musculoskeletal Association of Physiotherapists (MACP) and also of the British Medical Acupuncture Society (BMAS) ensures EXCELLENCE is at the heart of your treatment. Excellence has been recognised by local GP practices, where Sarah has provided teaching sessions across the Exeter region, ensuring local doctors and nurses are up to date with musculoskeletal knowledge.

There is no shortcut to gaining EXPERIENCE, and 19 years working in both the NHS and private sectors, provides patients with great confidence. Sarah’s role as clinical lead physiotherapist at the Royal Devon & Exeter hospital for the past 12 years has lead her to specialise in complex conditions which may have previously failed to respnd to conventional treatment. However, she is equally at home treating any musculoskeletal problems.

Without doubt, Sarah is full of ENTHUSIASM and believes strongly that individuals should not allow difficulties such as pain, weakness, loss of function, to define them as individuals. She works with

her clients in a friendly and positive way to facilitate them achieving their potential, and goals previously believed to be unattainable.

What is Physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy helps to restore movement and function when someone has been affected by injury, illness or disease. It is a sciencebased profession and takes a ‘whole person’ approach to health and wellbeing, which includes the patient’s general lifestyle.

At the core is your involvement with your own care, through education, awareness, empowerment and participation in treatment.

In an initial assessment, your problems / concerns are listened to and discussed, followed by a physical assessment. Based on both of these factors your treatment and advice will be provided, specific to your personal presentation, and you will be given exercises designed to help you improve.

Developments

2016 has seen the clinic grow from strength to strength. As well as continuing to offer a first-rate service, we were excited to announce that we can now offer hydrotherapy treatment at the Spa Naturel Fitness pool, Exeter Mercure Southgate Hotel. Hydrotherapy (therapeutic exercise in water) is brilliant for people with severe joint pain

(e.g. backs, hips, knees, shoulders) and patients with problems like rheumatological disease, as the water supports the body’s weight, allowing joints to move more easily.

This reduces painful muscle spasm and consequently increases your range of painfree movement. Water pressure also reduces swelling, and its resistance properties assist strengthening.

Other Treatments

We offer a variety of other treatments to aid pain relief and improve your body’s function, including soft tissue massage, mobilisations, manipulations, electrotherapy, acupuncture and exercises.

We are thrilled to continue receiving amazingly positive feedback from our patients, resulting in many 5 star Google reviews. So if you would like the very best treatment and advice, Cathedral Physiotherapy is here for you.

Cathedral Physiotherapy Ltd, 22 Southernhay West, Exeter EX1 1PR Tel: 01392 434832 enquiries@cathedralphysiotherapy.co.uk www.cathedralphysiotherapy.co.uk

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

advertising feature T R AV E L

Travel and Expedition Medicine in the South west The Exeter Travel Clinic has enjoyed another busy year looking after the health of those venturing overseas, despite the best efforts of the Zika and Ebola viruses

T

he clinic continues to support a diverse range of travellers; from families searching for winter sun, adventurous back-packers ‘discovering themselves’, through to University or Met Office researchers working at the cutting-edge of science.

Excellent service is delivered through comprehensive knowledge and experience, a feature the Travel Clinic team are well known for. Coming from a wide range of disciplines and with post-graduate training, you can be confident the advice received from clinicians is up-to-date and supported by first-hand evidence from living and working abroad.

Expedition Medicine

Any keen-eyed individuals may have witnessed clinic director James Moore dodging penguins in the latest BBC Planet Earth 2 programme. Working on what David Attenborough described as “the most intrepid shoot of the series”, was a humbling experience but demonstrates the variety of skills and experience the team bring to your appointment. Based on his experiences, in June, James and a colleague, Dr Jon Dallimore, launched the first International Diploma in Expedition and Wilderness Medicine, educating medical professionals in providing remote healthcare. http://bit.ly/22IxHFu.

Children’s vaccinations

Following a social media post earlier this year, there was an increased demand for Meningitis B vaccination. Since July, the Exeter Travel Clinic has offered catch-up sessions for children who are not eligible for this on the

NHS. www.meningitisnow.org is a very helpful website for parents considering this vaccine for their children. The Exeter Travel Clinic also provides many other jabs, including chicken pox, shingles and Gardasil, the vaccine against cervical cancer. With a specialist children’s nurse on the team, you know you are in the very best of hands.

Tips for staying healthy when travelling this winter

and plan accordingly And when you return…

8) Complete the course of prescribed malaria tablets 9) If you are ill, tell your GP where you have been 10) Whatever your age or condition – get good advice and travel. Life is not a dress rehearsal!

So, if you are looking for some safe adventure travel this winter, here’s 10 top tips.

1) Get your vaccines early 2) Pack a small first-aid kit. Include painkillers, plasters, antiseptic cream and Loperamide 3) Keep hydrated. Your pee should be light straw or champagne-coloured (without the bubbles). But remember – avoid untreated water (even when cleaning your teeth) 4) If you can’t cook it, boil it or clean it, DON’T EAT IT! 5) If mosquitoes are about, 50% DEET repellent is perfectly strong enough. Apply it to any exposed skin 6) If bitten, Tiger-balm takes away the itch 7) Safety – remember the phrase ‘what if…?’

@ enquiries@exetertravelclinic.co.uk ☎ 01392 430590 ✎ 22 Southernhay West, Exeter, Ex1 1PR ⊲ www.exetertravelclinic.co.uk a @exetravelclinic

www.mediaclash.co.uk I EXETER LIVING I 57

advertising feat u re H e a lt h

Top Tips for a Top Bottom in 2017 With bowel cancer affecting over 35,000 of us every year, Ian Daniels (Consultant Surgeon) of EXETER MEDICAL wants us to stop blushing and start taking our behinds seriously. . .

W

e British are very sensitive about our bottoms. We laugh at the humour of piles and incontinence yet are very reserved about our own symptoms. We accept that itchy bottoms are the norm, bleeding may be from piles caused by sitting on too many cold walls, and many ladies know the route around their town so that when urgency strikes, the quickest route to M&S is. . ? (Have you ever noticed that the stores with the trusted, clean toilets always put them furthest from the door?

Dash in, shop on the way out!)

Yet bowel cancer affects over 35,000 of us each year and over 300,000 will be referred with symptoms of suspected cancer leading to invasive examinations. Perhaps 20 percent or more of women over 40 have problems opening their bowels, holding onto their bowel, difficulty passing stools completely or, combined with urinary symptoms, having to adjust life to manage. How many people out there change their dietary habits, travel habits, working life, social and sexual life to adapt to their misbehaving bottom?

In men, an itchy or bleeding bottom is OK – we accept it, we get on with it, because we are embarrassed by it, and often it is the partner that ultimately sends the man to the GP. We’ll bare our bodies on a beach, but not our bottoms to a doctor!

Fear drives us away, the British habit of ‘ignore it and it’ll go away’ leads us to have some very average results internationally for our management of bowel cancer, despite leading the world in areas of treatment. We British present late. We fear the treatment of haemorrhoids because of the stories that we are told, yet there have been many advances in areas that we don’t ask about. Colorectal surgeons are nice people. At least we will not recognise you in the supermarket!

“Come on Exeter, get off your bottoms” The key to treating bowel disease is not a new hi-tech device, nor a keyhole operation, nor expensive drug; it is about the age-old practice of taking a clinical history and examining the patient. Issues of bowel function, continence,

Ten Tips for a Top Bottom for 2017

There’s colorectal humour everywhere (even Danish road signs)

“It’s your bottom not mine that’s on the line!” pelvic floor function and concerns over serious disease, as well as the potential embarrassment of incontinence and sexual health, have to be approached sensitively.

Continued communication, re-enforcement, re-assurance, openness and clarity all need to be employed in this area.

Once a disorder is diagnosed, an explanation of the problem, and the management must be clear, so that the first hurdle has been crossed – the understanding of the problem. The fear of the unknown can be allayed through a careful explanation of the problem.

Confidence in the surgeon comes through communication; confidence in their ability to perform surgery comes through published results and patient testimony. Never be afraid to ask about a surgeon’s results nor ask for a second opinion – a good surgeon will welcome the interest and the opinion of colleagues, a poor surgeon will be defensive.

1. E at a healthy diet – five a day.

Be healthy inside and out.

2. E xercise regularly. Activity improves muscle tone and bowel function.

3. Report symptoms early – act early, and be re-assured or diagnosed early.

4. D on’t let embarrassment lead to later regret. Don’t be British, act NOW! 5. Exercise your pelvic floor. Use it or lose it. It is not normal to have urgency.

6. B e in control of your bottom. Don’t let it control you; don’t let it decide when you can go out.

7. See a specialist, not a generalist if you are concerned. Be prepared to travel.

8. I f you have any doubts, seek a second opinion from someone else.

It’s your right. Assess all the options.

9. Ask about outcomes from your specialist. Good doctors are open about their results.

10. Ask about the all the options.

Surgery should be a last resort.

Mr Ian Daniels FRCS (Consultant Surgeon) practices at the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital and runs a private practice from the Exeter Medical Clinic (www. exetermedical.co.uk) and Exeter Nuffield Hospital. He offers investigation and treatment of all bowel and bottom conditions, including cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, nutrition, hernia and functional bowel disease. His private practice manager, Tanya Davis can be contacted on 01392 350055.

www.mediaclash.co.uk I EXETER LIVING I 59

The Ultimate in Body Toning

Your session will take approximately one hour using 6 toning tables that each concentrate on a different area of the body: Circulator Rower | Stomach Hip Trimmer | Leg Toner Waist Trimmer | Leg Toner | Tummy Toner

Book now to get in shape for 2016 77 Fore Street | Heavitree | Exeter | Devon | EX1 2RN Telephone: 01392 428004

We, at Northernhay Clinic , Exeter foot, ankle and gait centre, have 21 years experience treating foot, ankle, knee, hip and back pain. We treat sports, overuse or age related injuries and monitor our patient’s progress with state of the art technology, such as video gait analysis.

You do not need a GP referral. Call us on

01392 259101

for your personal consultation.

TREATMENTS Treatment of Foot, Ankle & Limb Pain Specialist Centre for Heel Pain Custom Foot Orthotic Laboratory Computer/ Video Gait Analysis Sporting & Overuse Injuries Shockwave Therapy Chiropody/ General Podiatry Appointments Diabetic & High Risk Foot Care Surgical Nail Corrections Other Advanced Therapies

Call us or email northernhay@icloud.com FOOT, ANKLE OR HEEL PAIN? WE CAN HELP! Our team of podiatrists and clinicians is lead by specialist Mr Jonathan Palmer BSc (Pod) FFPM RCPS (Glasg.), Fellow of the Faculty of Podiatric Medicine, Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow.

Two decades of service to HM Royal Marines Training Centre make us one of the most experienced teams in UK.

39 Northernhay St, Exeter EX4 3ER | www.northernhayclinic.com

F 20%RIPOTF IONS

SUBSC

de use promo co S A M SX B M CRU on checkout

Maybe y catchmenou live outside t issues ge t area, perhaps he Crumbs’ perhaps jut snapped-up lickall the local issue brin st the thought o ety-split, or Happily, wgs you out in a f missing an up your C hatever the prob cold sweat. fun! Subs rumbs, you can st lem picking cribe toda ill join in t he y.

Free deliv Weekly emery direct to your door 10 issues ail newsletter for just £3 0

Get yours: £30 for UK subscription (10 issues)

Were you there?

David Lockwood addresses the crowd

SEEN!

Tony Orchard, Deborah Clark and Rob Mulholland

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

MEETING OF MINDS The specially-created ‘Cartridges Cocktail’ served as the perfect icebreaker when local businesses and arts organisations gathered for the first ‘Cocktails and Culture’ networking event at The Bike Shed Theatre.

Initiated by The Bike Shed Theatre, the inaugural event was hosted by Cartridges Law, based in St Thomas – and future events will be hosted by a different business every two months. In his speech, David Lockwood, director of The Bike Shed Theatre, called the evening “a celebration of being in the same place together, so that we might understand how we can have impact on our local society.”

Penny Scott, managing partner of Cartridges Law added: “Cartridges Law is deeply rooted in its local community and we believe that relationships between the corporate and cutural sector can be hugely beneficial to both parties.”

The next Cocktails and Culture event will take place in January 2017. Contact kelly@ bikeshedtheatre.co.uk for more info.

Bridget Garrood, Penny Scott, Maggie Cartridge and Nicky Mein Anna Britten, Sandra Sampson, Emily Souter Johnson and Stuart Crewes

Photos by Gareth Williams

Tim Wadsworth, Simon Bowkett, Nicky Mein and Hannah Packham

Steve Marson, Dawn Crockett and Martin Crockett

www.mediaclash.co.uk I EXETER LIVING I 63

SOCIETY

CHRISTMAS PAMPER Christmas came early to the Exeter Living Award-winning Wear Park Spa, Exeter Golf and Country Club courtesy of the 2016 ESPA Christmas Gift Evening where guests indulged in mulled wine, mince pies and mini treatments with the spa therapists, and perused the luxurious Christmas gift sets.

Ashleah-May Fowle, Jasmin Short, Rosie Warrington, Amber Austin and Kerry Lewis

Megan Horn, Lesley Horn and Sue Wright

Debbie Essex and Nicky Rutter

Stephanie Rae and Helen Beer

Susie Guppy and Jane Curtis

Anne Nightingale and Jackie Follet

Karen Robinson and Katherine Lilley

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

SOCIETY

THINK LLOYD

Lloyd greets his guests

Award-winning, independent restaurant Lloyd’s Kitchen celebrated its fifth anniversary with an event for over 80 guests. The contemporary restaurant, owned by 29-year old Lloyd Gardner, isn’t just looking back, however; it’s also got an exciting future ahead, with plans to transform its outside plaza eatery in Catherine Square (currently operating as LTG’s) into a stylish, all-weather café/lounge bar for summer 2017.

Photos by Brian @ Actual Colour

Sue Bowden, Sandra Cockram and Tony Cockram

Paul Gardner, Lloyd Gardner and Jackie Gardner Five years old!

Jean Snell and Bernard Snell

www.mediaclash.co.uk I EXETER LIVING I 65

SOCIETY

SILK ROUTE Devon & Somerset Law Society (DASLS) hosted an admissions ceremony in the historic Guildhall, Exeter, to welcome this year’s 19 newly qualified solicitors from across the region. As well as handing out the certificates, Judge Geoffrey Mercer QC also gave a short talk recounting his early years in the legal profession.

DASLS welcomes newly qualified solicitors

Carl Barnes with newly qualified solicitor Lydia Stuart-Banks

Newly qualified solicitor Rhoda Honey with Andrew Perring and Philip Honey

PAINTHEARTED

Danny Holmes-Adams

Devon-based artists Danny Holmes-Adams and Clive Richards recently hosted a private view for a joint exhibition. Guests including TV and radio personality Sally Sedgman gathered in the Chapter House of Exeter Cathedral to admire the landscape paintings.

Matt Hood, Paula Hood and Suzi Wilson

Camilla Tew, Dan Hall and Ben Cross 66 I EXETER LIVING I www.mediaclash.co.uk

ADVERTISING FEATURE FAMILY LAW

MYTH-BUSTING FOR UNMARRIED COUPLES DAVID COBERN OF THE FAMILY LAW COMPANY CONSIDERS THE LAW AND UNMARRIED COUPLES. There is a myth that people living together in long-term relationships become ‘common law’ spouses with similar rights to married couples. In fact, living with someone, even long term, results in a very different legal situation.

Disputes between married couples are dealt with by law prescribed by Parliament. The courts have powers to adjust assets and income to achieve fairness. Lawyers can advise married clients about outcomes with reasonable certainty. Parliament has declined to extend this regime to the unmarried. Instead, unmarried claims are decided using a combination of civil legislation and previous cases, and outcomes are uncertain. For the client, it can be confusing and intimidating. Legal costs and risks are high. With a little foresight and some sensible precautions, much of this uncertainty could be avoided.

COMMON DISPUTES Property: Sometimes property is owned by one partner, but the other believes they have a share in it. If a property is jointly-owned, there may be disagreement about selling and dividing the money. What happens when one party excludes the other - or tries to?

Children: Who should make financial provision for children such as maintenance, accommodation and school fees?

Debts/payments made: What if one partner has debts, or they leave you with the bills? You may worry whether you will get credit for a mortgage and home maintenance? Are you able to claim compensation if you are excluded or have to leave due to your partner’s behaviour?

Inheritance: Cohabitees’ claims on death are more limited than spouses. A spouse will inherit from a deceased partner where there is no Will. Unmarried partners do not inherit in this way – and this can have serious implications.

BE PREPARED

uire If you req tion forma further in t in respec e ic v d a r o any other of this or matter, family law ct us nta please co 421777. on 01392

I have recently written a book, Living Together and the Law to offer clear cut support for unmarried couples. This provides guidance on how to avoid dispute on separation, using my experience advising unmarried clients on relationship breakdown. If the worst happens and your relationship ends, the book details strategies which can help you to protect your position, and present a case to best effect. Living Together and the Law is available from booksellers and online.

If you still have questions please contact The Family Law Company as we have the necessary expertise to assist whether you are married or unmarried. We will give you the clear guidance to resolve your dispute fairly, quickly and with minimum acrimony and expense. If you have children, we will help you identify the best arrangements for them and help you identify ways of protecting them from exposure to conflict. We find solutions which place their needs at the centre of discussions.

BALLIOL HOUSE, SOUTHERNHAY GARDENS EXETER EX1 1NP. TEL: 01392 247135 ENQUIRIES@THEFAMILYLAWCO.COM

E D U C AT I O N a d vertising feat u re

Meet the teacher Find out more about the people in charge at your child’s present, or future, school

Emma Thornton

Blundell’s Preparatory School 01884 252393 www.blundell’s.org What was your favourite subject at school?

English – I loved getting lost in a good book and using my imagination during creative writing to think of my own stories.

Now as a nursery teacher, I can bring the characters alive and encourage the children to act out their favourite tales.

What does your school offer that others don’t?

What sets Blundell’s apart is the sense of family and community within an ethos that encourages children to build confidence and develop strength of character.

What do you enjoy most about teaching?

There is such excitement when a child makes a discovery, or their faces light up when they solve a problem or understand a new concept. I feel a real sense of pride helping these little people learn to navigate their world.

Describe your teaching style Working with young children can be challenging and activities need to be fun and engaging and, most often, very practical.

A little Chinese proverb sums it up quite well – I hear and I forget, I see and I remember, I do and I understand.

Tim Harris

Colyton Grammar School www.colytongrammar.devon. sch.uk What was your favourite subject at school and why?

History. The teacher was so enthusiastic and knowledgeable.

He brought the subject alive and made it relevant to my life at that time. Inspirational and exemplary teaching.

What does your school offer that others don’t?

Teaching and learning is focussed on meeting the needs of the most able learners.

What do you enjoy most about teaching?

Helping young people to obtain some of their goals in life.

Describe your teaching style?

Enabling and informative.

What are the qualities of an excellent teacher?

Someone who possesses excellent subject knowledge and emotional intelligence.

What advice would you give your 10 year old self?

Have confidence in yourself, work hard and don’t fear failure.

What are your views on homework?

Research suggests that appropriately set homework is beneficial to learning. Quality not quantity is the key.

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

Ross Bovingdon

St Wilfrid’s School 01392 276171 www.stwilfrids.devon.sch.uk What does your school offer that others don’t?

The atmosphere in which our pupils work ensures stability and happiness so that all may progress and attain their full potential. Relationships are good, behaviour is excellent and discipline problems virtually unknown.

What distinguishes us from many other schools is our ability to develop our pupils’ global needs – not just their academic achievements. Our “whole-school” approach ensures that our pupils receive a consistent and coordinated education aimed at unlocking the full potential of each child by creating a school day that is motivating and purposeful. We underpin learning with rich experiences and as many “hands-on” opportunities as possible, both within the school day and, in the wider community, through off- site visits.

It is my vision that, by the time they leave St Wilfrid’s School all of our pupils will have acquired a sense of personal achievement, raised confidence and self-esteem and a positive attitude towards their future life and learning.

Lizzy Glanvill

Head of EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) St. Peter’s Prep School 01395 272148 www.stpetersprep.co.uk What does your school offer that others don’t?

St Peter’s is unique in its beautiful location; set up on a hill in 28 acres of woods and playing fields. French, music and sport are taught by specialists from Early Years onwards. The children in Early Years also attend weekly Wild Woods and Beach School sessions.

Further up the school our complete (24 hour) wraparound care allows for enormous flexibility for working parents.

What do you most enjoy about teaching?

It is a real privilege to see each of the children develop in their own unique way.

Having small classes means that we can build really strong relationships with each child and the learning can be highly differentiated.

Each child learns to read on a 1:1 basis every day following our own St Peter’s Reading Journey.

a d verti s ing f e at u re E D U C AT I O N

Mark Cracknell

Lawrence Coen

What was your favourite subject at school and why?

Music was obviously my favourite subject, alongside maths and chemistry. I loved the fact that music contains such a sense of logical order allied to an emotional response; the sense that the technical and artistic sides of the brain are connected to create something so wonderfully special.

What was your favourite subject at school and why?

I was always fascinated by the interactions of the different systems and organisms that are part of our everyday life and so, as a result, biology was my favourite subject.

Head of Music; Taunton School 01823 703703 www.tauntonschool.co.uk

What does your school offer that others don’t?

Performance-based, high level academic music courses which combine top quality teaching with opportunities to perform in a range of styles and with a professionalism that is very rare in a school setting. Our results in recent years; at A Level, International Baccalaureate and GCSE, are outstanding and built on a culture of inspired passion for music in all its forms.

What are the qualities of an excellent teacher?

Alongside outstanding knowledge in their area, passion, drive, enthusiasm and the ability to inspire young people are key qualities in our staff.

What are your views on homework?

Developing a sense of independence and passion in study is a crucial part of the education process.

Through reading, listening, analysing and experience, pupils grow an enquiring and engaged mind-set.

Trinity School, Teignnmouth 01626 774138 www.trinityschool.co.uk

What does your school offer that others don’t?

We passionately believe in our school vision and the individual approach. One size does not fit all and we celebrate success in all its guises.

What do you enjoy most about teaching?

The opportunity to develop others – staff and pupils. I genuinely feel very lucky to be in a position to influence the future of those around me.

Describe your teaching style?

Passionate, enthusiastic and approachable.

What one piece of advice would you give your 10 year old self?

Don’t ignore the languages!

They will be vital at some point in your life.

What are your views on homework?

Some of the best ones are where there are no right answers! Generating intrigue and debate that then carries on into the next lesson will help learning far more than just completing a set of notes.

Lorraine Laura Burt The Maynard School Earps

01392 273417 Queen’s College, Taunton www.maynard.co.uk 01823 272559 www.queenscollege.org.uk What does your school offer don’t?

What that was others your favourite I am As a newat member ofand staff,why? subject school genuinely bythe all The Chemistryamazed – I loved Maynard has to and the combination ofoffer ideas and opportunities our girls have. exciting experiments.

The class sizes are such that, as a teacher, have the What does you your school time speak to all students offertothat others don’t? individually about their work We are putting “thinking” at and their progress.

There is the heart of our curriculum, a wealth of extra-curricular embedding cognition and clubs during lunchtimes and – metacognition into everything staff so generous with their fromare lessons though to sport. commitments. The trips are also very are the What doimpressive, you enjoyasmost resources students have access about teaching? to.

(The at break-time I love thecookies interaction with pupils, are also something a definite selling sharing I lovepoint!) with interesting young minds.

What do you enjoy most about teaching?

Describe your teaching style?

I love mywe job.learn As Head of believe best when Computing, I am very privileged we find out for ourselves. to teach whole-school, Therefore my style is to from provide Reception through to Sixth opportunities for self-discovery, Form.

I loveand being with people discussion reflection. (teaching is a very sociable job!) subject.of Whatand areI love the my qualities Computing andteacher ICT evolves an excellent ? all the time, so it’screativity, ever-changing Imagination, and I have a responsibility warmth and patience. to keep up with those changes.

Seeing enjoying Shouldstudents teachers wear my a subject and progressing with school uniform? opening Ichallenges, think mostplus of us do! Mytheir minds touniform’ new ideas new ‘school is and a suit, opportunities, is brilliant.

There something I would never is a real women in wear at shortage any otheroftime. technology, hopefully we can start toare make a change!

What your views on homework?

Should wear ato mustteachers be really careful We school ensure ituniform? genuinely enriches No, I don’twe think but in the the things areso, doing Iclassroom. think we do have a responsibility to look smart and set an example.

Lorraine Earps

Queen’s College, Taunton 01823 272559 www.queenscollege.org.uk What was your favourite subject at school and why?

Chemistry – I loved the combination of ideas and exciting experiments.

What does your school offer that others don’t?

We are putting “thinking” at the heart of our curriculum, embedding cognition and metacognition into everything – from lessons though to sport.

What do you enjoy most about teaching?

I love the interaction with pupils, sharing something I love with interesting young minds.

Describe your teaching style?

I believe we learn best when we find out for ourselves.

Therefore my style is to provide opportunities for self-discovery, discussion and reflection.

What are the qualities of an excellent teacher ?

Imagination, creativity, warmth and patience.

Should teachers wear a school uniform?

I think most of us do! My ‘school uniform’ is a suit, something I would never wear at any other time.

What are your views on homework?

We must be really careful to ensure it genuinely enriches the things we are doing in the classroom.

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

E D U C AT I O N a d v e r t i s i n g f e at u r e

MEET THE HEADTEACHER Find out more about MARK SEMMENCE, HEADMASTER AT MOUNT KELLY, TAVISTOCK What was your favourite subject at school and why?

Would you like to gain a career in Teaching?

We are now recruiting for 2017-18!

Our Teacher Training centre is based in the heart of the South West in the historical city of Exeter. We can offer you a learning experience that is completely different to anything else, with a majority of time spent on a placement within a school.

My favourite subject at school was history. With a natural curiosity about the way in which the world works, I soon understood that you cannot successfully navigate the future without having a strong understanding of the past from a social, political and economic perspective.

What does your school offer that others don't?

Both our day and boarding pupils benefit from the fact that teachers are involved with all aspects of school life. Many teachers live at the school and provide extra support at weekends, in the evenings or in the run up to examinations.

We are located within walking distance of Dartmoor which, together with our own Adventure Centre, allows us to offer our pupils unrivalled opportunities outside the classroom. Many are involved in the Ten Tors challenge, Duke of Edinburgh and the Devizes to Westminster Canoe Marathon.

We are proud of our new 50m Olympic Legacy swimming pool which is home to our elite swimming squad.

Describe your educational philosophy?

I believe absolutely in the pursuit of excellence and success; of course, that should never be at the expense of an all-round and broad education, but in my experience the two are not mutually exclusive. I believe that if you develop a pupil’s leadership and selfreliance, independence of thought and self-confidence, it will have a marked impact on his or her studies.

What are the qualities of an excellent teacher?

A successful teacher is one who can stimulate a love of learning, an intellectual curiosity and high academic aspiration. They communicate their energy and enthusiasm to their pupils and notice and support each one tirelessly.

What one piece of advice would you give your 10 year old self?

To make the most of every opportunity that presents itself to you and go out and chase more.

Mount Kelly, Tavistock, Devon, PL19 0HZ Tel 01822 813193 reception@mountkelly.com admissions@mountkelly.com www.mountkelly.com

South West Teacher Training (SWTT) a School Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT) scheme is now recruiting for 2017-18.

We work alongside our partner schools, course tutors and mentors to provide our trainees with all the skills, understanding and experience they need to become brilliant teachers ready to make their impact on the education of the next generation.

Ofsted graded: Good (December 2013).

The following courses are available: • Computer Science • Design and Technology • English • Geography • Mathematics • Modern Foreign Languages • Physical Education • Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)

For further details please contact us: Email: SWTT@westexe.devon.sch.uk Telephone: 01392 686165

a d vertising feat u re E D U C AT I O N

Sixth Form Life at Exeter School What’s life like in the Sixth Form?

It is a happy community. New pupils get to know staff and pupils at the welcome BBQ and social events throughout the year. New pupils are quickly integrated into Exeter School life.

What makes you different from the rest of the school?

The Sixth Form have their own brand-new centre, complete with study and seminar rooms and a cafeteria with bacon butties at break time! The Sixth Form is an opportunity for pupils to learn with greater independence and there is a shift in the classroom culture, with pupils expected to read around their specialist subjects in order to bring their views to the classroom.

We offer a wide range of subjects including Psychology, English Language and Geology from next year.

How do you prepare pupils for life beyond school?

We are very excited about our new ‘Futures Programme’ for Lower Sixth pupils. We are offering a series of optional lectures and workshops focused on three key strands – university, careers and employability – covering topics from creating a killer CV to mindfulness.

We have an in-house career adviser and

every year hold a Careers Convention. The Medical Society and Oxbridge Group also provide useful support to pupils interested in these areas, plus an extensive alumni network.

What other opportunities are there?

Pupils can develop their interests beyond the classroom and hone their physical skills to compete in school teams or for keeping fit and healthy. Budding thespians can take part in the Senior School play and, musically, the school offers a huge choice from jazz to rock to the Choral Society held in Exeter Cathedral.

Sixth Form pupils are often called on to represent the school; from taking prospective pupils on a tour to coaching younger pupils.

What about pastoral care?

There is a wonderful support network in place and we really get to know our pupils. The Sixth Form tutors and I regularly communicate with the House staff, school chaplain and school nurse to make sure that pupils’ wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do. We focus on their individual needs and encourage them to flourish whatever their chosen pathways.

What are Exeter School’s facilities like?

Excellent! The site is well-equipped with a range of first-class sports facilities. In addition to the large playing fields, the school has its

own astro-turf arena, sports hall and fitness suite, dance studio, climbing wall, shooting range, squash courts and all weather courts.

Our new indoor swimming pool is due to open in summer 2017.

We also have a well-equipped library, ICT suites, newly-refurbished drama studio, chapel, purpose-built music school, arts studios and gallery. We are pleased to offer homemade and nutritious hot and cold meals every lunchtime in our dining room.

What is your success rate?

The school has an excellent record of academic success including 35 Oxbridge offers in the last six years and 12 medical offers in 2016. In the summer 2016 public exams, 84% of A Level were A* A or B and 95.8% of GCSE grades were A* A or B.

Exeter School, Victoria Park Road Exeter, Devon, EX2 4NS Tel: 01392 258712 email: headmaster@exeterschool.org.uk www.exeterschool.org.uk @ExeterSchoolUK

www.mediaclash.co.uk I EXETER LIVING I 73

EXETER CATHEDRAL SCHOOL Nursery | Pre-Prep | Prep

‘Balances academia and childhood brilliantly’ Good Schools Guide review, Oct 16

Book a New Year Tour with the Headmaster: 01392 255298 | www.exetercs.org | reception@exetercs.org

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 Sandra Sampson, Lewis Banfield, Amanda Coulter, Dan Pritchard, David Culshaw, Peter McCann, Andrew Neligan and Cllr Andrew Leadbetter launch Fast Track to Growth 2017 at Bicton Botanical Garden

TOP OF THE AGENDA...

COME AND GET IT! Free expertise for local businesses is up for grabs, as Fast Track To Growth returns for a second year

C

ompanies from across Devon are being offered the chance of free support to help them grow, as business programme Fast Track To Growth returns for its second year.

Backed for the first time by Devon County Council, the annual initiative provides a wide range of advice and support for growing companies – including free Growth Day events in Plymouth and Exeter for all applicants, a free, intensive Fast Track to Growth programme for 15 shortlisted firms and, for one company, on-going business support worth £15,000 throughout 2017.

Barclays, Stephens Scown LLP, Sampson Hall, PKF Francis Clark, Astley Media, DataWise Intelligence, Perfect Pigtails HR, Neligan Financial, Cosmic and SETSquared Exeter are all supporting the programme, providing businesses with expertise in areas including business planning, finance, technology, marketing, legal considerations, leadership, culture, digital skills and HR. Established firms in Devon seeking overall growth or with a specific idea or plan for a particular aspect of their business are eligible.

Cllr Andrew Leadbetter, Devon County Council Cabinet member for Economy and Growth, says: “Last

year’s programme was a great success and we’re pleased to be lending our support this year. The County Council is keen to promote growth in our economy and Fast Track To Growth can play an integral part in helping to achieve that.

“Devon is a great place to work and live, and the support from the business community for this initiative highlights that. I’d urge companies to sign up and take this opportunity to tap into a wealth of experience from local businesses backing the programme.”

Phil Sampson, director at Sampson Hall, adds: “We have been delighted to work with Fast Track To Growth since its inauguration. There is nothing better than helping local businesses to grow and develop.

“We are always amazed at the entrepreneurial spirit that exists in our region and the number of extremely successful businesses that are booming as a result. We are looking forward to discovering and working with more people who have what it takes to deliver future success in their businesses and to the local economy.”

The deadline for entries is early February. Companies can apply via a short online application form.

For more: ft2g.co.uk

QUOTE OF THE ISSUE

“BEING A FAN OF BON JOVI...”

Who is finding hidden meaning in ‘80s pop-metal?

Find out on page 77. . .

16

THE BIG NUMBER

A perfect score for someone in Exeter – but who?

Find out more on page 77

www.mediaclash.co.uk I EXETER LIVING I 75

BUSINESS INSIDER Team KOR

FANTASTIC FOUR Our pick of the most exciting, intriguing or important local business stories right now Robert Camp

KOR, BLIMEY!

innovative law firms in the UK. It is proof that some of the best talent is thriving right here in Devon and Cornwall.

“This award is down to just one thing – the incredible staff at Stephens Scown. We all support each other and share the same drive to do our very best for clients.”

Stephens Scown has won six other awards in the last two months, and also been selected as the UK champion for customer focus in the European Business Awards, where it will compete against firms from across Europe.

Exeter-based PR firm KOR Communications has been named the most Outstanding Small Public Relations Consultancy in the South of England and Channel Islands after collecting a Gold in the CIPR PRide Awards 2016.

Says KOR’s founder and MD Annette Richman: “2016 marks our 10th anniversary and we could hardly have wished for a more fitting recognition of our achievements.

“We are a small but perfectly formed team at KOR and we always work hard to deliver exceptional results in managing reputation, information, awareness and engagement both online and offline. We’re always encouraging our clients to consider new ideas – so it’s thanks to them for putting their trust in us and allowing us to push the boundaries.”

KOR’s portfolio of clients include Clinton Devon Estates, Devon County Council, Exeter City Council, Blue Cedar Homes, the Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival, Exeter Science Park and Aromatika.

For more: stephens-scown.co.uk

For more: korcommunications.co.uk

WINNING THEIR CASE Stephens Scown LLP, which has offices in Exeter, Truro and St Austell, has been named UK Law Firm of the Year at the British Legal Awards 2016 – the leading awards for the UK’s legal community and known as the Oscars of the legal profession. The awards were announced at a ceremony in London on Thursday, 24 November 2016. Other firms on the shortlist included top 50 law firms such as Mishcon De Reya, Shoosmiths and Mills & Reeve.

Says Stephens Scown’s managing partner Robert Camp: “It is such an honour to be recognised at this level, beating some of the biggest and most

MOVERS, SHAKERS, ETC The Family Law Company has swelled its ranks with seven new starters. Emilie Haine, Hannah Myers and Polly Hall join as solicitors, with Holly Crook (pictured), Danielle Coombes, Lewis Hutton and Cassie Saunders coming on board as paralegals. The latter first joined the Exeter law firm in 2000 as an office assistant. . . Exeter Business Improvement District (BID) has recently welcomed three new members: Andrew McNeilly, Daisy Otton and Andrew Wise will represent Exeter Chamber of Commerce; Area 4 (Cathedral Green, Yard, Close and High Street) and Area 1 (Paris Street and Sidwell Street) respectively. . . Former hockey international Emma Ross takes up her post as Exeter Cathedral School’s new director of sport in January . . .Daniel Kortland has been appointed by Savills in Exeter to its residential sales team. Find out more on page 78. . .

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

BUSINESS INSIDER

John Laramy

EXETER TOPS THE TABLE Exeter College has been placed in the top spot in a league table of colleges published

by FE Week, an industry-leading publication focused on delivering the latest further education and skills news.

The table was compiled using a pointsbased system, with points awarded against a number of key criteria published by the Department of Education.

Each college was scored out of a possible 16 – a process that saw Exeter College score a perfect 16, something no other college was able to achieve.

“We are delighted that our unremitting focus on outstanding teaching, learning, employer engagement and the student

experience has been recognised by this accolade,” says Exeter College principal, John Laramy.

“We have great students and a great team of staff. I would like to thank everyone – partners, employers, students, staff, leaders, governors and stakeholders – all of whom have contributed to our ongoing success.”

This is the latest in a line of accolades awarded to the college in recent years, including being graded Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ in 2014 and awarded the prestigious City & Guilds ‘UK Centre of the Year’ award earlier this year.

For more: exe-coll.ac.uk

EXETER CHIEFS NEWS Chris Bentley brings you the latest from inside Sandy Park Michele Campagnaro goes airborne

PHOTO BY @PPAUK

Being a fan of Bon Jovi, I’m pleased to see that their song Keep The Faith has been nigh-on prophetic for the Exeter Chiefs following successive bonus point wins over Newcastle Falcons and Worcester Warriors. After the very frustrating start to the season, things have clicked and the mental fortitude of the team to keep all guns blazing has paid dividends.

Firstly, on the long trip north, a 32-19 victory and then, in front of 11,000 fans, the 57- 22 blowout, has seen the team surge back up the table and show the form that led to a Premiership final last term.

With three bonus point wins on the bounce, many would be forgiven for allowing the team a moment to breathe – but the challenges ahead don’t get any easier with the European double header against French powerhouse Bordeaux followed by the visit of Leicester Tigers coming to a sold out Sandy Park on 24 December.

Fortunately, we have reinforcements riding over the hill in the form of Fijian international Nico Matawalu. Having been a revelation in his time at Glasgow Warriors, the pocket rocket is well-known to the Chiefs fans as a thorn in our side during our European campaign a few seasons ago, and it’s great to see he is now on our side and challenging the wingers and scrum halves for a spot in the starting XV – Bula bula, Nico!

Having welcomed a new player on deck, we are equally pleased to be hosting the guys from generations gone by for a ‘past players’ day on 28 January. With Club President Bob Staddon to the fore, this is a chance to celebrate the men behind the men as Chiefs from the 1960s onwards will be in attendance from all over the globe to reminisce about the good old days. If

you are in attendance, do head up to the Exeter Suite post-game, where the party will go on long into the night!

And finally, it’s great to see another national award being won by the Chiefs, but this time on the community side, as Exeter Hitz student Jack Clarke picked up the Community Impact Award at the prestigious Hitz awards in London. Jack was one of three members of the Exeter Hitz programme, alongside Ash Carter and Rebecca Slee, who were all shortlisted for prizes on the night.

Although Ash and Rebecca were commended for their efforts in the Best Rugby Performer and Hitz Young Achiever categories respectively, 18-year-old Jack took home the honours. Exeter Hitz Officer Gareth Williams says: “As a club we were delighted to see the

efforts of three of our students rewarded at the awards night, particularly Jack in winning his category.

“However, the work done by every person on our programme has to be applauded.

The programme is helping to make a real difference to so many people and we continue to go from strength to strength. Hitz is a great example of how sport can help tackle some of the toughest social issues young people are facing today.”

Next up for the Chiefs at Sandy Park: 14 Jan (TBC) – Ulster 28 Jan – Wasps For more: exeterchiefs.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I EXETER LIVING I 77

BUSINESS INSIDER

ONE TO WATCH

DANIEL KORTLAND Residential and new homes sales agent, Savills

What was your first ever paid job?

Administrator in a car and van rental brand. Boss was great, thrilled I was doing all the shredding and filing!

How did you find your way to Savills, and what is your role there?

I fell into property. I like being active, so being out of the office a lot of the day was quite appealing. The opportunity and training Savills offers are excellent.

Starting out with the firm in London, I was able to transfer back the West Country where I now focus on the town and new homes market. Having just purchased a new build with my girlfriend, my experience of the sales process and new developments is very real and current.

Who have been your biggest influences and role models throughout your career?

Alan Sugar. His book: The Way I See It is a very good read. My dad also – their characters are not dissimilar!

Dan: gym regular and devoted Lord Sugar fan

And its weaknesses, or things that could be better?

With the growing number of new developments in and around the city, transport links will require thought to be improved and cope with the increasing pressure of commuters and visitors.

What’s the best bit of career advice you’ve ever been given?

Take the positives from every situation.

What do you enjoy most about your work?

Dealing with a variety of people from all walks of life, buying and selling for a number of reasons, and persevering for a result.

What are your favourite stress-busting strategies?

Going to the gym and eating out.

What has been your greatest professional achievement to date?

I was ranked number one in the central division in London for house sales in December 2015, with a previous employer.

What are some of the oddest matters you’ve ever had to resolve at work?

While marketing a flat in Marylebone, we discovered that there had been a petrol station on the site in the 1970s, so ‘contaminated land’ was highlighted in the searches. We managed to overcome this and get the sale through for the clients.

What are Exeter’s strengths as a place to work?

One of the main reasons that Exeter makes such a great place to work is its size – you can pretty much walk from one side of the city to the other. It has everything you need to live and work, yet it remains personal and has a great community. Exeter has access to rail and road connections and an international airport and it is increasingly becoming a target for 78 I EXETER LIVING I www.mediaclash.co.uk

investment, not least in new residential property.

What’s the one item in your workplace you can’t live without, and why (not including computer or phone)?

A Post-it note. In a training session, I learned about the benefits of using colour in the workplace and the humble Post-it can be a useful way of achieving this.

I CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT POST-IT NOTES

What’s the best bit of advice you could give a young person wondering what to do with their life?

Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Take a chance and try something out of your comfort zone. Be confident in who you are and set a different goal each year.

What’s your motto for life?

Proper planning and preparation are everything.

For more: savills.co.uk

LOOKING FOR A NEW CHALLENGE? DON’T HANG AROUND, CONTACT US TODAY!

33-35 Southernhay East, Exeter, Devon, EX1 1NX. Tel: 01392 413577 jobs@cathedralappointments.co.uk. www.cathedralappointments.co.uk

Your Local Investment Team in Exeter Do you feel that: ✔ Once personal advice has somehow become impersonal? ✔ Your investments are not performing as they should be? ✔ Your investment manager is too busy for you these days?

If so, Hawksmoor can help by offering you:

• Personally designed and managed investment portfolios crafted to suit your individual needs and preferences. As they change, so should your portfolio.

• A highly qualified, approachable team of investment managers.

• An award winning service.

For further details contact the Exeter office at Southernhay Gardens, Exeter EX1 1UG. Tel: 01392 410180 Email: info@hawksmoorim.co.uk | Web: www.hawksmoorim.co.uk | a @hawksmoorim Hawksmoor Investment Management Limited is authorised & regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Past performance is not a guide to future performance.

The value of an investment and any income from it can fall as well as rise as a result of market and currency fluctuations. You may not get back the amount you originally invested.

Registered Address: 2nd Floor Stratus House, Emperor Way, Exeter Business Park, Exeter EX1 3QS. Company Number 6307442.

Exeter Living

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

NEW BUILDS

16

NEW YEAR, NEW BUILD? Property-obsessed, and fancy a day-after-Boxing-Day drive-by of the most notable new developments in and around Exeter?

By K I T T Y K A N E

9

14 13 17

12

10

20

21 8

18 11

15 82 I EXETER LIVING I www.mediaclash.co.uk

1 3

19

4 7 5 6

2

12

The covetable Kennaway Apartments

H

ere in Exeter and East Devon, new housing developments are springing up all over the map and, whatever your feelings about them, they’re changing the geographical and social landscape forever. Maybe you’re in the market for a brand new build yourself, or have relatives visiting over Christmas and New Year who want to live closer to you, or perhaps you’re just curious. Either way, we’ve collated 21 significant new sites (there are others out there, in various stages of fruition) for you to take a squizz at this holiday season, between your lazy breakfasts, festive telly and drinks parties.

1

THE CRESCENT & THE SQUARE

Many developers have cottoned on to the charms of Ottery St Mary recently, and the fact it offers buyers the best of both worlds: a rural community plus easy access to Exeter. Homes in Feniton Park’s classy ‘boutique estate’ range from £199.5k for a two-bedroom house to £355k for the three-bedroom showhome.

Postcode: EX11 1BZ For more: Greenslade Taylor Hunt, 01404 606006; gth.net;

2

KINGS REACH

Sizeable new estate from nationwide housebuilder Bovis Homes, offering two to fivebedroom, reasonably priced houses. At time of going to print, prices TBC for nine new plots.

Postcode: EX11 1FU For more: Bovis, 01404 230035; bovishomes.co.uk

3

THE NURSERY

Tasteful cluster of 29 three and four bedroom homes blending admirably into Ottery’s vernacular. From £280,000 for a three-bedroom semi.

Postcode: EX11 1PN For more: David Wilson Homes; 0844 815 6181; dwh.co.uk

4

BISHOPS COURT

Calling rugby fans and commuters! In touching distance of both the M5 and Sandy Park, this offers traditional architecture and modern interiors. A central green and play area are nice touches. Two, three and four bedroom homes start at £239,995.

Postcode: EX2 7JH For more: Redrow, 01392 339608; redrow.co.uk

5

REGAL COURT

Just 10 hi-spec contemporary detached homes will make up this embryonic new development on Old Rydon Lane. Not much to see yet, but think lots of white, and glass.

Postcode: EX2 7JW For more: Wilkinson Grant; 01392 455926; wilkinsongrant.co.uk

6

GREAT WOODCOTE PARK

An exclusive, gated community of five elegant four and five-bedroom detached homes with big gardens, next to Exeter Golf and Country club. Talk about kerb appeal!

Postcode: EX2 7GA For more: Charles Church; 01392 349475; charleschurch.com

7

HOLLAND PARK

Super-popular, with good reason, so don’t hang about. Only the four-bedroom homes remain on this modern, eco-friendly 40-property cluster next to Exeter Golf & Country Club.

Postcode: EX2 7JU For more: Jackson-Stops & Staff; 01392 214222; jackson-stops.co.uk

8

SEAWARD PARK

Named by local schoolchildren (aww), this collection of high spec two to five-bedroom homes in Clyst St George is rather special. The cottagey Beechwood looks like it should belong to the National Trust.

Postcode: EX3 0NR For more: Wilkinson Grant; 01392 455926; wilkinsongrant.co.uk

w

www.mediaclash.co.uk I EXETER LIVING I 83

NEW BUILDS

9

THE HARRINGTONS

Now in its latter phases, this large development offers great-sized family residences close to good schools. Red brick and ‘classic English’ in style, they’re more attractive than the average executive home. Available homes from £354,995.

Postcode: EX4 8NS For more: Redrow, 01392 338989; redrow.co.uk

10

TURNSTONE RISE

Part of the Cranbrook new town, these are reasonably-priced family homes, with prices starting at £218,995 for the twobedroom terrace style known as Amberley.

Some nice design features, like sage green weatherboarding.

Postcode: EX5 7BD For more: Bovis, 01404 230035; bovishomes.co.uk

11

COURTENAY GRANGE

Brand new, mostly red brick homes in an attractive, traditional village. One of the few locations round here you’ll find a five-bedroom detached from £479,995.

Postcode: EX6 8UD For more: Bovis, 01404 230035; bovishomes.co.uk

12

KENNAWAY APARTMENTS

Exceedingly desirable, hi-spec luxury apartments – seven in total – in a converted warehouse on the Quay (next to Samuel Jones).

We want one!

Postcode: EX2 4AE For more: Wilkinson Grant, 01392 455926; wilkinsongrant.co.uk

13

HILLSIDE GARDENS

This development of four-bedroom family homes in Pinhoe is quintessentially David Wilson: sympathetic architecture, spacious plots, overall upmarket feel. From £322k for a four-bedroom house. Stamp duty paid on selected homes.

Postcode: EX1 3TH For more: David Wilson Homes; 0844 815 6181; dwh.co.uk

14

SAXON BROOK

Named in honour of the home team in the Battle of Pinhoe in 1001 (the Vikings won, but don’t let that put you off), this offers three, four and five-bedroom family homes in trad style, from £425k. London commuters take note: there are direct trains to London from Pinhoe Station!

Postcode: EX4 0BB For more: Redrow, 01392 339637; redrow.co.uk

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

15

OCEAN QUEST

Dreaming of a life by the seaside? These proposed 11 new homes, contemporary and slightly Malibu in style, could be the answer.

15

Ocean Quest

4

Bishops Court

Postcode: EX8 2HB For more: Country & Coast Homes, 01297 22394; countryandcoasthomes.co.uk

16

ST AUBYN’S RISE

The furthest north of our selection and a must-see. The award-winning Heritage Homes’ very attractive three and four-bedroom homes in mature woodland on the periphery of Tiverton have lovely views across the Exe Valley and start at £355k.

Postcode: EX16 5PB For more: Jackson-Stops & Staff, 01392 214222; jackson-stops.co.uk

17

HILL BARTON VALE

Coming soon: a choice ranging from two bedroom semi-detached homes up to spacious four bedroom detached homes, on the eastern edge of Exeter. Showhome now ready.

Postcode: EX1 3PR For more: Persimmon Homes, 01566 707000; persimmonhomes.com

18

THE CHASSE

Topsham’s where you’ll find another covetable Heritage Homes development, this one is a mix of strikingly contemporary, zero carbon one, two and three-bedroom houses and flats and really should star in a cool Scandi TV drama. Prices from £350k.

Postcode: EX3 0LS For more: Jackson-Stops & Staff, 01392 214222; jackson-stops.co.uk

19

TITHE BARN

One, two, three and four-bedroom homes in a village-style setting in Monkerton.

Prices from £269,950.

Postcode: EX1 3RH For more: Linden Homes, 01392 338640; lindenhomes.co.uk

20

ROCKBEARE BRIAR

19 three and four-bedroom homes make up this handsome little site. Best of all, perhaps, is the fact your local is The Jack In The Green.

Most already reserved, but at time of going to print those that remain start at £260k.

Postcode: EX5 2EE For more: Cavanna Homes, 01404 822727; cavannahomes.co.uk

21

GREENSPIRE

Planning permission’s been obtained for this development that would see 80 three, four and five-bedroom homes on the outskirts of Clyst St Mary. Part open market, part affordable.

Postcode: EX5 1DR For more: Cavanna Homes, 01803 618678; cavannahomes.co.uk

13

Hillside Gardens

A new home for the New Year at Hillside Gardens Buyers seeking to start afresh in a new home for 2017 need look no further than Hillside Gardens, where there are a number of homes that are ready to move into now.

2017, a great year for homebuyers in Exeter. David Wilson Homes has outlined five reasons why there’s no time like the present to purchase a new home at Hillside Gardens:

“We know many people would love to be in a bigger and more spacious home in 2017.

Homes currently available are priced from £332,000 for a four bedroom property with the five bedroom homes priced from £445,000. Each of the homes is available to view and come with a range of extras such as upgraded kitchens, integrated appliances, Silestone worktops, flooring, landscaped gardens and stamp duty paid on selected homes.

Mon: 12.30pm to 5.30pm Tue to Sun: 10am to 5.30pm

For those looking to make a fast move why not make an appointment and view our ready to move into homes and secure an amazing home for 2017

Get Mortgage Fit for 2017

GLOBAL INFLUENCERS

INNOVATORS

MediaClash Agency

FORWARD-THINKERS

THOUGHT-LEADERS

Can you judge a brand by its cover?

We think you can

mediaclash.co.uk

We create magazines for our clients that help them stand out from their competitors. If you are interested in making a powerful brand statement then please contact steve.hawkins@mediaclash.co.uk

ONLY 8 REMAINING... ...on this exclusive boutique development of 3 and 4 bedroom executive lifestyle townhouses offering panoramic vistas over Ottery town, it’s ancient church and open countryside beyond, limited number of homes with a spacious glass fronted balcony.

Your own choice of luxurious kitchen with granite worktops and quality fitted appliances as standard. French doors to individual gardens from the luxury ensuite which measues 8m x 6m which could become a guest suite or games room or even a self contained annex. These highly energy efficient homes are low in heating costs and even benefit from free electricity via solar PV panels included in the specification. Private allocated parking with limited garages available to buy separately.

BUY NOW from Just ÂŁ299,950

inviting you... ...to visit the luxurious homes at 1 to 7 The Crescent and 2 and 3 The Square set in that rural idyll known as the gem of East Devon, Ottery St Mary, yet mere minutes from Exeter City centre, the Sea at Sidmouth, the M5, Airport and trains to London, Waterloo.

8a Broad Street, Ottery St Mary, EX11 1BZ | 01404 819233 sales@Fenitonpark.co.uk | www.fenitonpark.co.uk

“With a limited number of new homes being developed within Exeter City Centre we are finding that there is an increasing demand for quality urban new builds from both domestic and overseas buyers across all price brackets.”

Edward Khodabandehloo Head of City Sales 01392 976178 edward.khodabandehloo@knightfrank.com

Sold

Guide Price: £1,995,000

Streatham Rise, Exeter

Computer Generated Image

Exeter City Centre Luxury brand new two bedroom top floor apartments ideal for either owner occupiers wanting to be within walking distance of the city centre or those looking for a residential investment.

Last three available. These apartments are the final phase of a development of seven units, the others of which have now sold.

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

 @KFExeter KnightFrank.co.uk

Price from: ÂŁ305,000

hometrust

Reach the best in the west Affluent, active and influential and just a call away

estate agents ★★★★★

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

www.hometrust.co.uk

Paula Miller 07563 529772

AG SA RE LE ED NR SILVERTON OIRO £595,000

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

An outstanding country house of great character and contemporary styling with magnificent country views in approximately 4 acres. Adaptable 4 bedroom accommodation with 3 bathrooms, 3 receptions, a fantastic kitchen/ breakfast room with vaulted ceiling. Incl stables and a superb 44’x22’ building. This is a gem! EPC=E REF:DWE05073

AG SA RE LE ED

MORCHARD BISHOP OIRO £399,995

ST LEONARDS OIRO £475,000

COUNTESS WEAR OIRO £299,950

For a stunning view in a truly majestic location, buyers need look no further!

This first floor apartment offers 3 double bedrooms with master en suite, 2 reception rooms, a kitchen/ breakfast room, family bathroom and 2 balconies to enjoy outstanding views across the river Exe and Trews Weir. EPC=C REF:DWE05486

A beautifully finished, brand new detached family house. Great open plan living style with fully fitted kitchen, breakfast and sitting room, 3 bedrooms, 2 with great open views, fabulous bathroom, parking for 2 and an excellent level enclosed garden. EPC=B REF:DWE05543

01392 259395

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

20 Queen Street, Exeter, EX4 3SN

01392 259395

Residential Sales, Lettings & Property Management

Exeter - £895,000 5 Bed – 4 Bath A truly exceptional period five bedroom detached family residence situated in the heart of “old” Pennsylvania. Nestled in a quiet location, tucked away along a private road, Cobham is a spacious family home commanding spectacular panoramic views across the city, to the estuary and beyond. Offering superbly presented and versatile accommodation this property is perfectly suited to modern family living and could be easily adapted to purchasers requiring an annexe or facilities to work from home. Cobham is an exceptional detached family home with superb panoramic views across Exeter with the Exe estuary in the distance. Beautifully presented and having undergone considerable improvement by the current owners, the property offers spacious and versatile living space throughout and comprises entrance hall, superb modern fitted kitchen/breakfast room with bi-fold doors out to the rear garden, living room with panoramic bay window, family room, music room, gym, office, utility room, two ground floor cloakrooms, five first floor bedrooms (two ensuite), family bathroom, shower room, gas central heating and double glazing where stated. Outside the property has a delightful enclosed rear garden with a raised patio providing a generous seating area. In addition to the extensive driveway parking there is a versatile garage/store with studio above providing flexible home office/games room potential. The property is situated in an enviable position offering excellent access to the City Centre and Exeter University.

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

Residential Sales, Lettings & Property Management

Exeter - £495,000 5 Bed – 1 Bath A beautifully presented detached five bedroom family home located in this well regarded and highly sought after cul-de-sac.

Situated on the north western outskirts of the city the property is well placed for access to local transport links into the City and the Steiner Academy on Cowley Bridge Road. The property offers versatile living accommodation comprising of entrance hall, ground floor cloakroom, living room with bay window, separate dining room, kitchen, five double bedrooms (four with fitted wardrobes), bathroom, separate WC, gas central heating and double glazing where stated. The property has generous outside space with driveway and carport providing off road parking in front of the single garage and to the rear is an enclosed rear garden, laid mostly to lawn. From the garden access can be gained to a shower room and further garden store shed. Early internal viewing is highly recommended of this superb family home.

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

EXETER LIVES

L

Q&A

ive and direct from his travel manger in a stable somewhere near Doddiscombsleigh, we were lucky enough to grab five minutes with the new-born king in between naps and nappy changes.

What brings you to Exeter from Bethlehem?

I can’t wait to see the Chiefs thump Leicester Tigers the night before my birthday. That, and the weak pound.

What’s the most embarrassing thing that’s ever happened to you?

Being born in an animal shed was no high point, neither was everyone seeing me in a manger – that’s a feeding trough, by the way, full of food and cattle dribble. Then again, children singing Away In The RD&E wouldn’t be quite as sweet, would it?

When did you last cry?

Thirty seconds ago. The blummin’ cattle woke me up. And let me tell you, that “no crying he makes” nonsense in the carol is just a myth put about by my PR team, Attention Media. In reality, I went ballistic.

What’s your favourite Christmas song?

I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus. It makes me feel less alone with regards to my confusing paternity issues.

What issue, more than any other, makes you want to get up on a soapbox?

Speaking as a baby, the demonisation of babies as constantly crying, vomiting, pooping nuisances. The micro-aggressions: “Munchkin”, “Poppet”, “Is his head supposed to be that shape?” I might be a baby but I’m also a 2,000 year-old hardworking community leader and deserve respect.

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

Answer to Where Am I? (page 15): The Urban Outfitters mural, High Street

So what’s on your Christmas wishlist this year?

I’ll tell you what isn’t: gold, frankincense and myrrh. Are you kidding? No, this year I’m clenching my tiny fists and demanding a Gro Company sleepsuit, Choccie Bar hamper, surfboard from Salt City and an Exeter Cookery School voucher because I’m sick of puréed veg and rice cakes. But I’m not holding out much hope because we all know what happens when your birthday and Christmas fall on the same day…

LITTLE BABY JESUS The prince of peace talks Exeter Chiefs, fire fighters and meeting the stars backstage at Radio 1’s Big Weekend. . .

What are you reading at the moment?

The Little Book Of Hygge, because this stable is crying out for some animal skins (yes, cattle, you’d better look scared. . .)

Bank; the artist Rob Heard; and every single, blessed individual responsible for Radio 1’s Big Weekend.

Are you on social media?

Don’t tell my mum, but I’m in a WhatsApp group with Princess Charlotte and Saint West.

I’m bracing myself for a slew of competitive Christmas present photos.

You were at Radio 1’s Big Weekend?

Duh! I had Access All Area passes and hung out backstage with all the stars – Coldplay, Fetty Wap, Julian and Charlie Tagg. . . Sigma wanted me as a surprise guest but I was being burped at the time.

Which local people do you think deserve a great Christmas this year?

Let’s see... Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service; Jo Pavey, Sara Cox and all Exeter’s other Olympic heroes; Nowellsy; Exeter Food

We’d better let you get on… What are you doing right after this?

Miracles, being tender and mild, then I’m going to lay down my sweet head for some wellearned zzzs.

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