Exeter Living - Issue 237

ISSUE 237 / CHRISTMAS 2018 / SANTAAAAA!!!

COOKERY SCHOOL EXETER LIVING AWARDS JUDGES REVEALED

FESTIVE FEASTING WITH EXETER

EXETER-THEMED QUIZZES!

LET THE GAMES BEGIN:

IT‘S OUR 100% LOCAL, INDIE CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

RING RING

Food/Arts/Entertainment/Shopping/Property ISSUE 237 / CHRISTMAS 2018 / £3

EXETER AND BEYOND

EDITOR’S LETTER

ABOVE: Exeter lights up for Christmas;

BELOW: We’ll take a cup of kindness yet –

especially if it’s as lush as these. Our gift guide starts on page 33

M

erry Christmas, Exeter! fabulous festive issue, in which we hand you a selection box of Christmas treats. Try not to

For starters, there’s our bumper, 11-page haul of great Christmas gift ideas for all ages and budgets and fancies – and we’re proud to say that every single item in it comes from a local, independent trader or maker in Exeter and the surrounding area (we don’t do chains, never have).

We’ve also spent some cosy kitchen time that involves no turkey or sprouts whatsoever – or maybe save it for New Years Eve? back in your armchair and have a go at our What’s On to help you plan some days out over the holidays.

See you back here in three weeks – when you’ll have hoovered up enough pine needles to of your pyjamas...

ANNA BRITTEN Follow us on Twitter @ExeterLiving

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THE LUXURIOUS LEVANA SOFA COLLECTION

CLOCKS

BEAN BAGS

CHRISTMAS

MIRRORS

VASES

SCULPTURES

THROWS

LAMPS

CHRISTMAS AT CASA

Issue 237/Christmas 2018 Cover Gold and diamond rings by Erin Cox, from £992 – see also gift guide, page 33

upfront

9 Spotlight What’s happening? (apart from

Crimbo, obviously)

13 julie Reid She’s not missing London Christmasses 17 CHRISTMAS QUIZ It’s the Secret Exeter Festive 20!

19 WHERE AM I? Can you identify these curious

corners of Exeter?

the arts

23 INTRO City meets coast in a beautiful new show at

Brook Gallery

24 WHAT’S ON Pantos, puffins, Peace on Earth and

more marvellous outings for December

30 HELLO FROM THE OUTSIDE Exeter historian

Todd Gray on Exeter’s biggest non-conformists

shopping

33 CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE Shop local for these

33

13

brilliant pressies – there’s even something for the dog!

30

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Issue 237/Christmas 2018

food & DRINK

59 RECIPES Exeter Cookery School’s mackerel dish

and cider syllabub will be the best thing you eat this

Christmas

Business

73 business insider Exeter City Council’s latest

vision, Exeter Living Awards judges revealed and more exciting tidings 80 meet the winners Exeter Living Awards 2018 champs Exeter Gin and Clear Property

Property

89 showcase The lovely Lyndhurst House – new

year, new home?

59

Regulars

69 society 98 Exeter lives It’s Daniel Buckroyd from Exeter

Northcott. Oh yes it is!

89

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 Design Trevor Gilham Editor’s Photo Emma Solley Contributors Julie Reid, Todd Gray, Samantha Harford Advertising manager Paul Wiltshire paul.wiltshire@mediaclash.co.uk Account manager Paula Miller paula.miller@mediaclash.co.uk Senior sales executive Craig Wallberg craig.wallberg@mediaclash.co.uk Production/Distribution Manager Sarah Kingston sarah.kingston@mediaclash.co.uk Deputy production manager/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.

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). 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

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spotlight Everybody’s talking about…

SHOPPING AROUND THE CHRISTMAS TREE! Late-night Christmas shopping is one of the lesser-hyped joys of the festive season. If you normally cram most of your present-buying into your lunch hour, or the scrum of a Saturday morning, late-night shopping’s a positively relaxing way to part with your pounds – with darkness adding to the magical vibe, and the added treat of postshopping tipples on the way home.

Even better when the whole thing takes on an after-dark fiesta vibe. Partake of Princesshay’s late-night shopping Thursdays, for example, and you can enjoy top street performance acts from 5pm as you weave from shop to shop. On 29 November, stunning LED display the Halo Glow Show will light up the shopping centre at 5pm, 6pm and 7pm; on 6 December, illuminated, choreographed, hi-tech drummers Spark! are sure to draw a crowd; on 13 December a real life Snow Queen in her Snow Globe will glide through the centre, accompanied by ‘light walkers’; and on 20 December, look out for two illuminated, roller skating presents.

Wayne Pearce, centre director for Princesshay says: “We want to make late night Thursdays more than just a shopping trip by bringing Christmas experiences to the heart of the city. This year will be truly breathtaking and an experience for all.”

Out of town, Sidmouth’s Christmas Late Night Shopping Extravaganza promises carols, street performances, DJ, Sidmouth

Spark!

Town Band, and kids’ entertainment to help you tick off those gifts, and Chagford will host an evening of festive food and hot toddies, stylish fashion, hand-made arts and crafts, a Christmas market and live entertainment – both events are on 7 December.

Come get your everything. And don’t leave any of it in the taxi home… www.princesshay.co.uk/Christmas www.visitsidmouth.co.uk www.visitchagford.com

Theatre

IAN IN THE HOUSE

When you think of an 80th birthday celebration, you might think of a sedate afternoon tea party for close family and friends. Not an 80-date tour of the UK… But that’s what British acting legend Sir Ian McKellen has just announced – and he’s stopping off at Exeter Northcott on 1 July.

The Ian McKellen On Stage tour takes in UK theatres large and small with which the much-loved owner of six Olivier Awards, a Tony, a Golden Globe, two Oscar nominations, four BAFTA nominations, and every major theatrical award going, has personal connections. It’s a charity fundraising event with all proceeds going towards a new programme to support theatrical talent from Exeter and the surrounding area.

Says Ian McKellen: “I’m celebrating my 80th birthday by touring a new solo show to theatres I know well and a few that I don’t. The show starts with Gandalf and will probably end with an invitation to act with me on stage. In-between there will be anecdotes and acting.

“I was last at the Northcott as Marlowe’s Edward II in 1969 so this return with my new one-man show 50 years on is an appropriate part of my tour celebrating my 80th birthday. I’m pleased that all profits will support young and emerging artists from Exeter and thereabouts.”

And yes – it’s already sold out. www.ianonstage.co.uk; www.exeternorthcott.co.uk

Music

SANTA CAUSLEY If you can’t bear hearing Stop The Cavalry for the hundredth time, good news. Award-winning folk singer-songwriter, and proud Whimple man, Jim Causley, has announced winter tour dates and an accompanying Christmas album: A Causley Christmas.

Catch him in Cheriton Fitzpaine on 8 December, St Nicholas Priory in Exeter on 20 December, and Lustleigh on 21 December. And for a bit of Jim every day over Yuletide, order the album through his website – it promises “lesser known West Country carols, medieval and secular carols from around the British Isles, his own settings of moving Christmas poems by his relative, the late Cornish poet Charles Causley, as well a gurt dollop of festive fun.” No, you won’t get that from whoever wins X Factor...

For more: www.jimcausley.co.uk

© Oliver Rosser Feast Creative

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spotlight Environment

OCEAN’S FOUR

While you’re sloshing around in mulled wine spare a thought for an Exeter-based rowing team contending with a rather harsher liquid. 3,000-miles of it to be precise… Row For The Ocean – Rosalind Holsgrove-West, Kirsty Baker, Kate Salmon and Laura Try (pictured) – are hoping to row across the Atlantic this Christmas to raise awareness of plastic pollution, starting from San Sebastian in La Gomera on or around 12 December, and heading west to Antigua, as part of annual ocean rowing event the Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge.

As everybody knows by now, single-use plastic is the biggest threat to our oceans, with litter washing up on beaches worldwide, and killing around 100,000 marine animals and sea turtles, as well as another one million sea birds, annually.

Team member Laura Try says: “As a society we appear to be so far removed from what actually happens to our waste, we put it in the bin and it gets taken away. It’s an out of sight, out of mind mentality and that needs to change.”

For more and to donate: www.rowfortheocean.co.uk

SEVEN DEADLY SINS In our regular mini Q&A with visiting and local performers, actor VICTORIA LUCIE, bares her wicked soul LUST: Who or what do you find yourself lusting after today?

I am not really one to lust over anything, but the outside always tugs at me. Especially if I’ve been working indoors all day. I love working in big cities but I adore going for a good walk. I lust over green places I suppose! Oh, and warm weather please.

GREED: What should you be cutting down on (non-food and drink!)

Phone time. It really eats into your day, so I try to cut back and use it at set times for business, instead of mindless scrolling. I also like to call people for a chat, old school.

GLUTTONY: What one thing could you happily eat or drink until you burst?

Potatoes. In any form, mash, jackets, roasties, chips. It’s a problem to fight the daily cravings.

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SLOTH: What should you be really putting your back into right now?

Going back to the gym to get extra stamina for pantomime but I’ve just moved house so I am currently enjoying lying on my bed instead!

WRATH: What/who makes you angry?

People being inconsiderate, arrogant or close minded. I am a fairly easy going person to chat to and really enjoy socialising, but some traits I find hard to ignore.

ENVY: Who are you jealous of ?

I don’t really get jealous, to be honest! It doesn’t achieve anything. People may seem ‘further ahead’ than you in life, but it’s not a race. And being happy for other people’s achievements without feeling jealous is really liberating. We often don’t see how hard people work behind the scenes a lot of the time, either.

PRIDE: What’s your proudest achievement?

Career-wise – performing with the English Symphony Orchestra in a piece called Façade.

Personally – this year, I travelled around Europe on my own for two weeks, and despite some scary experiences I’m really glad I proved to myself that I could do it.

Victoria plays Jill in Jack & The Beanstalk at Exeter Northcott Theatre Mon 3 December – Sun 6 January www.exeternorthcott.co.uk

Eyecatching recent Instagram pics from in and around the city #Exeter

@_ralphm91_

@alexanderverbeek

@ape_hachiko

@bunyipcraft

@georgetommo

@houghdy

@its_only_bloomin_jonesy

@me_and_my_fifty

It’s a wrap

Visit us in store to explore our full range of Christmas gifts

All you want for Christmas is the new Beoplay E8.

Premium, truly wireless in-ear earphones with an intuitive touch interface and Bang & Olufsen Signature Sound.

H91 Wireless headphones

Bang & Olufsen of Exeter 30-31 Gandy Street, Exeter EX4 3LS Tel: 01392 424600

BEOSOU ND 1

P6 Bluetooth speaker

OPINION JULIE REID

All I W want for Christmas …is a roaring fire, Darts Farm and poker. Julie compares festive fun in Devon and London

hen I first moved to Devon, I lived in the small fishing village of Shaldon. At Christmas it was a joy to just walk calmly around the neighbourhood in the evening and see all the businesses, houses and cottages beautifully decorated with sparkly lights and tinsel.

Before that, I worked on Oxford Street, in London, and approaching Christmas the only walk I did was the one from my office to the tube station which meant fighting the hordes of partygoers, late night shoppers, and tourists whose number increase exponentially until 24 December. I hated the last few working days before the festive season, as travelling home often meant having to brave the Underground’s drunken, postoffice party revellers; screaming, vomiting, unsteadily negotiating

“Hold on, is Lidl open Christmas Day?”

the escalators and looking burnt out and disappointed that they were still somehow condemned to getting the tube after another year of hard work.

Now, my pre-Christmas routine involves a jaunt into one of the 10 healthiest cities in the UK (Exeter, from a list compiled by the BBC) to browse the boutiques and gift shops, which is much more appealing. Especially when it’s followed up by a trip to Darts Farm to spend hours gazing at the amazing mango chutney selection.

Then it’s back home to try and remember where I stored the Christmas tree and to get the wood burner up and running again so I can eventually dispose of all the Primark paper bags I’ve kept to ‘get the fire going’, and which are by this stage taking up most of the living room.

Eventually Christmas Day arrives. The kids open their presents and after they’ve eaten their giant Toblerones and £5 boxes of Quality Streets, they want to play with their new gadgets.

That’s the terrible moment I realise I have no AA batteries. So, I have to scurry round the house emptying remote controls and torches to get some. Hold on, is Lidl open Christmas Day?

Then it’s time to teach the children how to play poker.

Well, I need to have some fun at Christmas – it can’t all be about disposing of packaging, getting covered in goose fat and listening to my parents argue. I’m not religious, I don’t believe in Santa, I’m too young for cherry brandy, I don’t like gravy, chocolates, biscuits, Christmas cake, anything caramelised, or miniature food.

What’s actually in it for me?

But still, somehow, it’s all over too quickly, and the no-man’sland days between 25 and 31 December, that used to be reserved for throwing myself into battle at the sales (until the sales started happening midDecember), are spent alternately between laying listlessly on the sofa wondering what to do for New Year, and going on punishingly long walks to try and stop the copious amounts of food consumed settling on any part of my body. But now at least the walks are not through grey city streets but through the fresh air, muddy puddles and holly trees of the stunning Devon countryside. ■ Julie Reid is a photographer/writer and London exile who moved to Sidmouth with her two children and rock star husband. Instagram: @londondevongirl

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CHRISTMAS QUIZ

THE SECRET EXETER FESTIVE 20!

We proudly bring you an Exeterthemed Christmas quiz kindly compiled by Tim Isaac and Chris Hallam, whose new book Secret Exeter reveals many lesser known facts about the city’s history (and would make a cracking stocking filler).

But how many of Exeter’s secrets do you know? Answers below!

14

1

9

16

2 3

10

17

How are Caerwysc, Exancaester and Monktown linked to Exeter?

What is the oldest pub in Exeter?

13

4

Specifically, what do the late playwright Robert Bolt, the MP Caroline Lucas, TV and radio presenter Matthew Wright and the singer Will Young all have in common?

5

What was the first name of the Countess after whom Countess Wear is named?

6 7

Where in the city might you find the Elephant Misericord?

As a pretender to the throne, he led 6,000 men into Exeter. But who exactly was Perkin Warbeck pretending to be?

8

Henrietta was born in Exeter in 1644. After her death, her portrait was presented to the Guildhall. Who was her famous father?

Author RD Blackmore has a memorial in Exeter Cathedral. But what book is he most famous for writing?

11

What was the first name of General Buller, whose statue is a prominent city landmark?

12

Which notorious fictional gentleman, described Exeter cathedral as “beautiful” in a famous novel of 1897? While visiting England, he also found time to visit London and Whitby.

13

Two sisters: Violet Vanbrugh and Irene Vanbrugh. Both were born and have commemorative plaques in the city. But what did they do for a living?

14

Which famous Princess is the Princesshay shopping district named after?

15

Until 1961, it was 16 Edmund Street, or Merchant House. How is it better known now?

Which long-running 1970s TV series, actually set in Victorian Liverpool, frequently used Exeter’s quayside as the location for many scenes?

Which student wrote a witty article entitled What Was The Name of That Nymph Again? while studying in Exeter during the 1980s?

18

Who was Harry, after whom Harry’s Restaurant is named?

19

Whose sledging flag can be seen in one corner of the cathedral?

20

He was born in Exeter in 1977 and has two children called Apple and Moses. But who is he? ■

Secret Exeter by Tim Isaac & Chris Hallam is published

by Amberley and costs £14.99 from all good bookshops www.amberleybooks.com

ANSWERS 1 They are all old names for Exeter 2 The Ship Inn 3 The Royal Clarence Hotel was destroyed by fire 4 They all studied at Exeter University 5 Isabella 6 In the cathedral 7 Richard of Shrewsbury, one of the princes in the Tower 8 King Charles I 9 Witchcraft 10 Lorna Doone 11 Redvers 12 Count Dracula 13 They were actresses 14 Princess Elizabeth, later Queen Elizabeth II 15 The House That Moved 16 The Onedin Line 17 JK Rowling 18 Sculptor Harry Hems 19 Captain Scott 20 Chris Martin of Coldplay

7

Disaster struck the city on the night of 27/28 October 2016.

Thankfully, no one was hurt. But what happened?

Temperance Lloyd, Susannah Edwards and Mary Trembles were all found guilty of which crime?

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Emergency appointments

1

CHRISTMAS QUIZ

WHERE AM I? So you think you know Exeter? See how many of your city’s nooks, crannies and landmarks you can identify Photos by Matt Round 3

2

4

5

6

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CHRISTMAS QUIZ 10

8

9

11

12

13

14

15

16

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

1 Rendezvous, Southernhay 2 Co Bikes, Exeter Central 3 Southgate Bridge 4 Exeter Blitz memorial by Roger Dean in Roman Walk, Princesshay 5 BT Exchange, Musgrave Row 6 Plaque on Debenhams, Princesshay 7 Soldier mannequin, Exeter Castle entrance 8 RAMM, Upper Paul St 9 Exeter Combined Court Centre 10 RAMM’s garden entrance 11 Tower at Haven Banks 12 Door, No 10 Cathedral Close 13 Water Lane 14 Chococo, Gandy St 15 Back of House of Fraser 16 Princesshay car park 17 Fence opposite Exeter Quay 18 Armillary sphere-inspired Roger Dean sculpture by the Custom House, Exeter Quay 19 Barnfield Road 20 Magdalen Cottages, Magdalen Road 21 St Olave’s Church, Fore St 22 Navigation buoy, Trews Weir 23 Unicorn statue

by Simon Ruscoe, next to Exeter Phoenix terrace 24 Peter Thursby sculpture, Guildhall Shopping Centre 25 Chandni Chowk, Cathedral Green

23 25 24 22 20 21 19 18 17

where am i?

LIGHTING

DUSK Lighting Showroom Open Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm Saturday 9am - 4pm

Unit 1 Lancaster Court, Exeter Airport Business Park, Clyst Honiton, EX5 2DP 01392 363200 | sales@dusklighting.com

www.dusklights.co.uk

THE ARTS S N A P S H O T S O F E X E T E R ’ S C U LT U R A L L I F E

STORIES FROM THE CITY, STORIES FROM THE SEA Most of the world’s city dwellers have a fair old trek to the sea – lucky Exonians, however, can sense the roar of the ocean just around the corner.

Actual paddling on actual beaches? Just a brief cycle or drive away.

A new exhibition at Brook Gallery juxtaposes the work of two artists – Louise Davies, who focuses on the coastal landscape, and Gail Brodholt, who depicts scenes of contemporary urban life – to remind us of the differences between and, frequently, the shared magnificence of our cities and coasts.

You fancy a bracing Christmas walk now, don’t you?

Louise Davies & Gail Brodholt: From The City To The Sea is at Brook Gallery, 30 Fore Street, Budleigh Salterton from 1 December- 4 January; www.brookgallery.co.uk

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WHAT’S ON

© MAT T AUSTIN

30 November – 30 December

Leader in its field: Jack & The Beanstalk at Exeter Northcott

EXHIBITIONS Until 6 January

CANADIANS IN DEVON 1914-1918: WAR PHOTOGRAPHS Exhibition exploring Devon’s links with Canada and Canadian soldiers.

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

Until 6 January

DEVON VOICES 1914-1918: HOME FRONT STORIES First-hand accounts of Devon life during World War One, from nurses to farmers to evacuees. Meet the Researcher talk 16 November.

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

Until 6 January

HOLLIE PAGE: WINK Work exploring the narcissism and seduction of digital communication.

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

Until 6 January

1-2 December

Until 31 January

1 December-4 January

MAKE2018 Annual Christmas selling exhibition brimming with contemporary work by designermakers from across the UK. Devon Guild, Riverside Mill, Bovey Tracey; www.crafts.org.uk JOHN SLATER: DOGS & THEIR OWNERS Portraits of good boys/girls and their devoted masters/mistresses.

Bigger Picture Gallery, 100 High Street, Crediton; www.biggerpicture.gallery

Until 3 February

JAMIE FITZPATRICK: Solo exhibition loosely inspired

by Moby Dick and blending sound, video, automation and sculpture.

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

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ALAN COTTON STUDIO EXHIBITION The renowned local painter opens his studio to show his latest paintings. 10am-5pm.

Brockhill Studio, Colaton Raleigh; www.alancotton.co.uk LOUISE DAVIES & GAIL BRODHOLT: FROM THE CITY TO THE SEA Beautiful works about town and country. See also page 23.

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

10 December-9 January

REBELLIOUS SOUNDS Tune into Dreadnought South West’s archive of oral histories about women’s activism in the region.

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

15 December

CHAGFORD CONTEMPORARY MAKERS Fabulous contemporary craft from talented local makers – stock up on everything from ceramics to jewellery to skincare. Runs 11am-6pm.

Jubilee Hall, Chagford; www.chagfordjubileehall.co.uk

THEATRE, COMEDY & DANCE 3 December-6 January

JACK & THE BEANSTALK Classic panto starring everyone’s favourite homegrown dame Steve Bennett alongside a local cast. See also Spotlight, page 10.

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

what’s on 6 December

unadulterated truth about who really wore the tights in Sherwood Forest.” Ooh! Barnfield Theatre, Barnfield Rd, Exeter; www.barnfieldtheatre.org.uk

SEMI-TONED: ALL THE TRIMMINGS The local a cappella group turned telly stars are back with Christmas classics and modern hits.

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

22-30 December

6 December

SUCK A LEMON COMEDY CLUB Stand-up from Nick Page (BGT 2017 semi-finalist), Rahul Kohli and local lad Tom Glover.

Lemon Grove, University of Exeter; www.exeterguild.org/lemongrove

Music & Opera 1 December

ALADDIN All-singing, all-dancing, big budget traditional family panto fun ahoy!

Exeter Corn Exchange, Market Street, Exeter; www.exetercornexchange.co.uk

EXETER BACH SOCIETY: AN ENGLISH CHRISTMAS Seasonal 20th-century music from Edward Elgar to Benjamin Britten, including the Saint Nicolas cantata.

Sidwell Street Methodist Church, Exeter; www.sidwellstreetmethodist. org.uk

9 December

3 December

8 December-1 January

above: Find special, handmade gifts at Chagford Contemporary Makers on 15 Dec; left: Exeter Christmas Market continues until 16 Dec; below: Hansel & Gretel opens 22 Dec at Exeter Northcott

HANSEL & GRETEL Relaxed, interactive adaptation, from Paddleboat Theatre Company, of the classic yarn for little ones. 11am.

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

A CHRISTMAS NIGHT AT THE OPERA London Festival Opera (whose ranks include artists from major opera companies) dress up in Victorian costume to deliver stirring, popular arias and carols.

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

12-14, 16-18 & 20-24 December

PUFFIN ISLAND Quirk Theatre’s cockle-warming new show for families, inspired by Devon’s own Lundy Island puffins.

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

12-24 December

HUMBUG! This atmospheric, immersive show

by Wandering Tiger, inspired by Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, was a sellout last year – hurry!

St Nicholas Priory, The Mint, off Fore Street, Exeter; www.wanderingtiger.com

14 December

THE CAUSE Final performance (by them, anyway) of Dreadnought SW’s new play celebrating the centenary of the first votes for some women.

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

20 December-5 January

ROBIN HOOD The Exeter Little Theatre Company promises “the true and

BAD MANNERS Two-tone bad boys get into Christmas mood...

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

4 December

SING FOR SAMARITANS Charity fundraiser for Exeter, Mid & East Devon Samaritans, featuring musicians Samantics, Rowena, China Blue, Ruby-May Spencer and Kiera RaynorJohnson.

Barnfield Theatre, Barnfield Rd, Exeter; www.barnfieldtheatre.org.uk

6 December

THE WEDDING PRESENT Veteran indie heroes take to the stage to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the release of their first singles collection, Tommy.

Exeter Cavern; www.exetercavern.com

8 December

ALABAMA THREE “The best live band in the UK” (The Guardian) were behind The Sopranos’ title track Woke Up This Morning and have been sampled by the likes of Nas and Jay-Z. Exeter Phoenix, Gandy Street, Exeter; www.exeterphoenix.org.uk

9 December

HANDEL: MESSIAH Hallelujah! Exeter Cathedral Choir and Devon Baroque team up for the classic Christmas oratorio.

Exeter Cathedral; www.exeter-cathedral.org.uk

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WHAT’S ON 14 December

CLIC FOR CHRISTMAS Local outfit La La Choirs host this charity concert, joined by Mount Kelly school choir and the CLIC Sargent Singers.

Exeter Cathedral; www.exeter-cathedral.org.uk

15 December

EXETER FESTIVAL CHORUS: PEACE ON EARTH Festive musical treats including excerpts from Karl Jenkins’ The Armed Man. Baritone Roderick Williams and The Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines join the fun.

Exeter Cathedral; www.exeter-cathedral.org.uk

OTHER EVENTS Until 16 December

EXETER CHRISTMAS MARKET It’s that time again! Stalls selling

festive fare, plus warming food and drink, all in front of the Cathedral.

Exeter Cathedral; www.exeter-cathedral.rog.uk

Until 5 January

ROSEMOOR GLOW See the garden and lake lit up (from 4pm) with colour-changing illuminations for Christmas. ThursSat. Winter sculpture exhibition too.

RHS Garden Rosemoor, Great Torrington; www.rhs.org.uk/rosemoor

1 December

CHRISTMAS MUSICAL CELEBRATION Drop in throughout the day for carolling and Christmas music in the courtyard.

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

1-2 December

ETSY MADE LOCAL MARKET

LIBRARY LIFE

EMILY MACAULAY shares the latest from Exeter Library January 2019 sees the return of Active Life Active Mind Month across Devon Libraries and we have heaps of free events taking place in Exeter.

On 17 January we have Rock Chiropractic running an information stand on spinal health and then holding a free talk at 12.30pm. Prostate Cancer UK are doing the same on 9 Jan. If you’re interested in engaging more with your community, you could come along to the Wellbeing Exeter Community Builders event where you can meet people working across the city to

improve community wellbeing.

As well as a number of partner events (more to be announced) we are running a Scrabble session, launching a Lego Club, our community jigsaw that proved so successful in Libraries Week will be available and we are running Staff Recommends sessions.

Staff Recommends sessions will be a chance for you to drop in and chat with a member of staff about what books you like, what books you don’t like (if it is possible to not like a book!) and to get some new ideas of authors to try and new worlds to explore. Dates and times of these events will be advertised on social media and in the library towards the middle of December. www. librariesunlimited. org.uk

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Grab handmade and vintage gifts direct from local Etsy makers/ designers. Plus music, workshops and gift wrapping.

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

1-2 December

WESTCOUNTRY EQUINE FAIR Equestrian event with competitions and stars of the horse world.

Westpoint Centre, Devon Showground, Clyst St Mary; www.westpointexeter.co.uk

1-2 & 8-9 December

ARCTIC ADVENTURE Christmas magic with a Santa’s grotto, the chance to make snow globes, and plenty of photo opps, with proceeds going to FORCE Cancer Charity. 10am-4pm.

Former Hobbs store, Princesshay, Exeter; www.inexeter.com

1-23 December

CREALY CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR Panto-on-ice in heated big top, Santa’s toy shop, Christmas market and more festive fun.

Crealy Adventure Park & Resort, Sidmouth Rd, Clyst St Mary; www.crealy.co.uk

6 & 13 December

TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS WREATH MAKING WORKSHOPS Spend an evening making something lovely for the front door.

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

8-9 December

GREEN WINTER WEEKENDS Local charity Exeter Scrapstore invites you to make your own decorations and wrapping. Drop in (11.30am-4.30pm Sat, 12-4pm Sun).

Guildhall Shopping Centre, Exeter; www.exeterscrapstore.co.uk

20 December

CHRISTMAS WREATH WORKSHOP Let the Cathedral’s own flower arrangers help you make your a Christmas wreath. Booking advised.

Exeter Cathedral; www.exeter-cathedral.org.uk ■

City centre meeting room and conference venue Exeter Library offers meeting rooms and conference facilities at competitive rates, with in-house catering and free WiFi. Rooms and facilities also available at other libraries across Devon.

Call or email to book.

0333 2342 123 roomhire@librariesunlimited.org.uk librariesunlimited.org.uk Libraries Unlimited is a registered charity. Charity number: 1170092.

Boveys Down Farm Weddings Based in East Devon, we offer a fully licensed Woodland Wedding Pavilion and The Swallow’s Rest Barn for civil ceremonies, weddings, blessings, renewal of vows and receptions.

Ample seating space in both woodland and barn as well as the usage of the camping field included in your quote.

Our onsite catering team offer you the finest service in site barn, equipped with fully licensed bar. Our completely bespoke service can be planned to meet all your guest’s eating needs and requirements.

Price includes exclusive usuage of Woodland Wedding Pavilion, camping field, and Glamping bridal suite available for 2 nights (inclusive of 2 people) and outside space for the weekend, from 10am on the Friday until 10am on the Monday.

Barn from Friday 10am to Sunday 12 noon.

Breakfast for you and guests are available at additional cost.

Two ‘Retro’ onsite caravans available.

Catering costs will vary depending on clients’ requirements.

Boveys Down Farm, Farway, Honiton EX24 6JD 01404 871436 | info@sweetlands.co.uk | www.boveysdownfarm.co.uk

advertising feature

straight

Talking Hair

I

with Aimee Goodwin, top stylist at Jeff goodwin hair

started hairdressing in my late twenties, after a career in teaching. I taught in central London for five years and while on a break in Exeter, my father asked if I would help out running the reception in his salon, Jeff Goodwin Hair.

After just a couple of weeks working in a professional and creative atmosphere, watching all the happy clients leave feeling so much better about themselves, I was hooked. So I gave up teaching and re-trained as a hairstylist and now attend my own happy customers and pass my skills on to our team members.

Hair is an amazing substance, stronger than steel, but easily cut without painful surgery. It is the accessory you never take off and how it looks can hugely affect your confidence, so getting the right style and colour that suits your face, reflects your personality and is easy

to manage is essential. A simple covering for your head, but embedded in history and the human psyche. Samson lost his strength when his was cut off. Lady Godiva used hers to cover her embarrassment! Cults have grown it long or shaved it off.

I’m reminded of a client who had a complete re-style and when, on her return, we asked how she had got on, she said, “ Fantastic. My new look gave me the confidence I needed to change my job and leave my husband!” Now, obviously, I’m not looking to cause any marital problems for anyone, but I will give you honest advice, explode a few common myths and help you to get the best from your hair and feel fabulous about yourself.

Look out for me again in the next issue! n

Aimee G

For appointments with Aimee call: 01392 219855 For further info visit: www.jeffgoodwinhair.co.uk For careers: e-mail salon@jeffgoodwinhair.co.uk

Gambling addict Edward Courtenay

HELLO FROM THE OUTSIDE

Ooh Exeter, you’re a fascinating bunch. A unique new book by University of Exeter historian TODD GRAY brings to life some of the city’s most noteworthy non-conformists from the last 500 years 30 I EXETER LIVING I www.mediaclash.co.uk

HISTORY

I Thomas Benet who was executed for not conforming to the established religion in 1531

Eliza and Arabella Durnford, aka The Alphington Ponies

n every generation there are individuals who do not conform to society, whether by chance, choice or circumstances. Some time ago I became fascinated by these people – suffragettes, eccentrics, traitors, reformers, murderers and cannibals are just some of those who were once considered ‘not one of us’ in Exeter between 1450 and 1950.

Two particularly intriguing individuals were Eliza and Arabella Durnford, twin sisters born in 1800 who moved to Alphington, outside Exeter, shortly afterwards. They became known for dressing alike, walking in unison through the streets and not talking to other people. The sisters moved to Torquay and became known as ‘The Alphington Ponies’, possibly after their pair of identical ponies. They maintained their behaviour to the end of their lives and, although celebrated in engravings and pottery, the sisters were considered ‘cracky’. It may not have then been known that their mother was born in the West Indies, the daughter of a Suffolk MP and one of his slaves. The Alphington Ponies were thus a quarter Tommy Osborne, an early black. This was not 19th century street character commented upon by the who sold books many observers who noted this eccentric pair of sisters.

Eliza was the first to die and one commentator regarded her surviving sister as a sad figure: on her own she was not able to partake in the street theatre the two women had performed for decades.

Men who cried out for the right to vote in the 1790s, conscientious objectors in the Great War and descendants of Italian emigrants in 1940 have all been considered notorious and ‘not one of us’ for different reasons. Many other men and women were celebrated but also considered to be radically different from the rest of the population.

One of these was Edward Courtenay, the son of the 11th Earl of Devon at Powderham Castle. He won the vote to become Exeter’s MP in 1864 at the age of 28 but six years later the city was shocked to discover he had fled England for Istanbul, where he could escape his creditors. Courtenay was a gambler and owed the equivalent of £51,000,000 in today’s money. It was left to his father to pay his debt. Today we would look more sympathetically upon him as an individual with a gambling addiction.

He, the ‘Alphington Ponies’, and many others, may have not slotted neatly into the Exeter of their day, but, from the perspective of our more enlightened times, the reasons for their isolation can now be viewed more clearly – and more kindly.

Not One of Us, by Todd Gray is published by the Exeter Local History Society & The Mint Press, and is available through any decent bookseller or direct through www.stevensbooks.co.uk

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

EXETER’S LEGO COLLECTOR The CENTRE South West’s only official Lego Centre The South West’s ONLY official Lego Centre!

only at

THOMAS MOORE TOYMASTER ange of A whole r toys and fantastic ilable ava gifts are go! not just le

EXETER’S FAVOURITE TOY SHOP!

★ Hard to Find & Exclusive Sets ★ Special Offers and Promotions ★ Giveaways ★ New life size Lego Santa model now in store! ★ Below RRP sets ★ Ring & Reserve Service Exeter Lego Collector Centre At Thomas Moore Toymaster.

102-104 Fore Street, Exeter, EX4 3JB. f Join us on Facebook Thomas Moore Toymaster

Telephone: 01392 255711 | Email: orders@thomasmooretoymaster.co.uk

BATH AFTER DARK

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

DOG BOW TIE, £16.50 From The Distinguished Dog Company; www.theddcompany.com

DID SOMEONE SAY CHRISTMAS? Welcome to the Exeter Living Christmas gift guide! From slippers to sports towels, pouffes to pinnies and reed diffusers to rainbow diamonds – we’ve solved all your present-buying dilemmas. Best of all? Every single item is from a local, independent trader or maker who’ll love you much more than Amazon will... www.mediaclash.co.uk I EXETER LIVING I 33

LEGO FOREST TRACTOR, £17.99 From Thomas More Toymaster, 102/104 Fore St, Exeter; www.thomasmooretoys.co.uk

PLAY CUBES, £3.50 EACH From Ava Kitty; Facebook: Avakittyuk

FLUFFY ANTEATER, £14.50 From The Shop at RAMM, Queen Street, Exeter; www.rammuseum.org.uk OLLIE THE OWL GROCLOCK, £34.99 From Gro Company; www.gro.co.uk

HUG ME BY SIMONA CIRAOLO (FLYING EYE BOOKS), £11.99 From Liznojan, 25 Gold St, Tiverton; www.liznojanbooks.co.uk

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

DINOSAUR FINGERLINGS, £16.99 From Thomas More Toymaster, 102/104 Fore St, Exeter; www.thomasmooretoys.co.uk

GRANDPA CHRISTMAS BY MICHAEL MORPURGO/JIM FIELD (EGMONT), £9.99 From Crediton Community Bookshop, 100 High Street, Crediton; www.creditoncommunitybookshop.co.uk

LAMBSKIN POUFFE, £100 From Naturalmat, Odhams Wharf, Topsham, Exeter; www.naturalmat.co.uk

TIGER CUSHION, £25 From Flossy & Jim; www.flossyandjim.com

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

CUDDLY SLOTH, £7.99 From Otter Garden Centre, Gosford Road, Ottery St Mary; www.ottergardencentres.com

NUDO ADOPT EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL, £7-£12 From Darts Farm, Topsham; www.dartsfarm.co.uk

LEGO BUGATTI CHIRON, £329.99 From Thomas More Toymaster, 102/104 Fore St, Exeter; www.thomasmooretoys.co.uk

BEANIES, £14.99, UMBRELLAS, £14.99, T-SHIRTS, £17.50, HOODIES, £34.99 From Salt City, 134 Fore St, Exeter; www.saltcityexeter.co.uk

AFRICAN BOLGA BASKET, £25 From The Shop at RAMM, Queen Street, Exeter; www.rammuseum.org.uk

KATIE LOXTON ‘LIVE TO DREAM’ POUCH, £16.95 From Leaf Street 53 Magdalen Rd, Exeter; www.leafstreet.co.uk

JO DOWNS GLASSWARE, £17.50-£25 From The Shop at RAMM, Queen Street, Exeter; www.rammuseum.org.uk

ARTISAN ITALIAN BRACES, £69 From Monsieur Mojo 42 Gold St, Tiverton; www.jesuismojo.com

FINEST CATCH BOTTLE OPENER, £10 From St Bridget Nurseries, Old Rydon Lane, Exeter & Sidmouth Road, Clyst St. Mary, Exeter; www.stbridgetnurseries.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I EXETER LIVING I 35

Christmas gift guide

People Tree Fairisle Jumper, £139 From Sancho’s Dress, 126 Fore St, Exeter; www.sanchosdress.com

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

SHADES OF DEVON PRINT, A3 MOUNTED £38, A4 MOUNTED £15 From Leela, 69 Magdalen Road, Exeter; www.leela-uk.com

HAND CRAFTED LEATHER HELMET, £450 From Wyvernstales, 21 Paris Street, Exeter; www.wyvernstales.co.uk

TIN CANDLES (SIX FRAGRANCES AVAILABLE), FROM £14.95 From Busby & Fox, 21 Cathedral Yard, Exeter; www.busbyandfox.co.uk

SLOTH MUG, £9.95 AND PLATE, £7.95 From Hyde & Seek, 1 Paul Street, Exeter; www.hydeseek.co.uk

HUGH DUNFORD WOOD CUSHION, £70 From Georgie & Flo, 1 Upper Paul Street, Exeter; www.georgieandflo.com

OWL LIGHTS, £19.99 EACH From Otter Garden Centre, Gosford Road, Ottery St Mary; www.ottergardencentres.com

WITLOFT LEATHER APRON, £169 From Darts Farm, Topsham; www.dartsfarm.co.uk DONKEY SANCTUARY CHRISTMAS ADOPTION PACK, £3 PER MONTH From The Donkey Sanctuary, Sidmouth; www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk

CHOCOLATE SNOWMEN TUBES, £6.50 OR £17.50 FOR THREE From Chococo, 22 Gandy St, Exeter; www.chococo.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I EXETER LIVING I 37

SAINT HILAIRE BLANQUETTE DE LIMOUX BRUT CHAMPAGNE, £15 From Smiths Wines & Spirits, Magdalen Road, Exeter; www.swine.co.uk

RECLAIMED METAL GARDEN GOOSE SCULPTURES, £85.99 EACH From Urban & Rural Plants, Matford Home Farm & Powderham Country Store, Exeter; www.urbanandruralplants.co.uk

GOLD AND DIAMOND RINGS, £1168-£1914 From Erin Cox Jewellery, 14 Castle St, Exeter; www.erincox.co.uk

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

GARDENER’S ‘WOOLLY TEA BAG’ (CONTAINS SEEDS, TWINE, DIBBER, WOODEN PLANT LABELS, LUXURY EWE’S MILK SOAP AND CORNISH TEA), £30 From Twool; www.twool.co.uk

VINTAGE-INSPIRED 18CT WHITE GOLD BANGLE, £2,295 From Michael Spiers, 22 Cathedral Yard, Exeter; www.michaelspiers.co.uk

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

15CT YELLOW GOLD AND SILVER BUG BROOCH, £1,350 From Mortimers, 87 Queen St, Exeter; www.mortimersjewellers.co.uk

DANSK SMYKKEKUNST NECKLACE, £29 From Kathea Boutique, 18 High St, Crediton; www.katheaboutique.co.uk

SILVER SWIRL NECKLACE, £18 AND EARRINGS £10 From Mantis, 28 Gandy Street, Exeter; www.mantishomedirect.co.uk

GREEN AMETHYST AND GOLD VERMEIL EARRINGS, £54 From Kathea Boutique, 18 High St, Crediton; www.katheaboutique.co.uk

BREITLING NAVITIMER 8 CHRONOGRAPH 43, £4,550 From Michael Spiers, 22 Cathedral Yard, Exeter; www.michaelspiers.co.uk

18CT WHITE GOLD EMERALD AND DIAMOND PENDANT, £3950 From Mortimers, 87 Queen St, Exeter; www.mortimersjewellers.co.uk

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

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

ENAMELLED ALUMINIUM GLITTER BOWL WITH SERVERS, £50 From Toot Garook, 19 Queen Street, Exeter; www.tootgarook.co.uk

MOUSE LAMPS, £69.35 From Dusk Lighting, 5 Topsham Units, Dart Business Park, Exeter; www.dusklights.co.uk

ROYAL BRIERLEY ‘KILDA’ CRYSTAL DECANTER, £135 From Dartington Crystal; www.dartington.co.uk

ESTHER SMITH AUTOMATA, £185 From Devon Guild of Craftsmen shop, Riverside Mill, Bovey Tracey; www.crafts.org.uk

EXETER MAP NOTEBOOK, £12 From Leela, 69 Magdalen Road, Exeter; www.leela-uk.com

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

SABINE NEMET CERAMICS, FROM £18 From The Shop at RAMM, Queen Street, Exeter; www.rammuseum.org.uk

FIKKERTS BLUEBELL REED DIFFUSER, £29.99 From Mademoiselle Mojo 36 Gold St, Tiverton; www.jesuismojo.com

HANDMADE WOOL DOGS, £20-£30 (DEPENDING ON BREED) From Sarah Strachan; www.sarahstrachan.com

LEATHER GLOVES, £79 From Monsieur Mojo 42 Gold St, Tiverton; www.jesuismojo.com

Elizabeth Ann of Exeter

come to us for the

festive season

Chapter

sidmouth

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

BEAUTIFUL CLOTHES AT AFFORDABLE PRICES

• Just White • Barbara Lebek • Lunar Shoes • Pause Cafe • Olivier Philips • Marble • Frank Lyman • Brax

AUTUMN / WINTER COLLECTION Now in stock

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

Church Street, Sidmouth, Devon, EX10 8LZ info@chapterclothing.co.uk

Tel: 01395 579181

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

HALF-DAY FLORIST EXPERIENCE GIFT VOUCHER, £60 From St Leonards Flowers, 47 Magdalen Rd, Exeter; www.stleonardsflowers.co.uk

SPOTTED MUGS, £16.95 EACH From Busby & Fox, 21 Cathedral Yard, Exeter; www.busbyandfox.co.uk

FRESH CHOCOLATE BAUBLE, £10 From Chococo, 22 Gandy St, Exeter; www.chococo.co.uk

LEFT: ANITA ROSA FAIA ‘FLEUR’ BRA, £51, BRIEF, £24 RIGHT: DE BORA AUBADE ‘FEMME ROMANTIQUE’ BRA, £88, STRING, £41 From De Bora, 34 South St, Exeter; www.deboraofexeter.co.uk THE POETRY PHARMACY BY WILLIAM SIEGHART (PARTICULAR BOOKS), £12.99 From Liznojan, 25 Gold St, Tiverton; www.liznojanbooks.co.uk

CELTIC BOOTEE SLIPPER, £65 From Mademoiselle Mojo 36 Gold St, Tiverton; www.jesuismojo.com

GLITTER NOTEBOOK, £8.95 From Jo Amor, 28 Bampton St, Tiverton; www.joamortiverton.bigcartel.com

SUEDE KNEE BOOTS, £220 From Elizabeth Ann, 3 Cathedral Close, Exeter; www.elizabethannshoes.co.uk

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

Casa Magnolia CHAGFORD

toot garook gifts . clothes . jewellery . lighting . homewares

19 Queen Street Exeter EX4 3SH. Tel 01392 201660 E: info@tootgarook.co.uk f facebook.com/tootgarookexeter  #tootgarookexeter. Open 7 days a week.

Exciting New Collections for Autumn/Winter including: YACCO MARICARD OSKA MASAI MAMA B OCHRE KNITWEAR CUT LOOSE IVKO ABSOLUTE CASHMERE QUERNSTONE CHIARA CHARLI KNITWEAR FRENCH CONNECTION INTOWN LILY & ME ROBELL LUELLA KNITWEAR Gorgeous boots from Lofina, bags from Volker Lang plus lots of lovely accessories and gift ideas!

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

WWW.CASAMAGNOLIA.CO.UK

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

CLASSIC CREAM BELT, £89 & 5-STRAND BELT, £175 From TBM, 147 Fore St, Exeter; www.thebeltmakers.com

NUDO ADOPT PANETTONE, £20 From Darts Farm, Topsham; www.dartsfarm.co.uk

QUICKES CHEESE LOVER SELECTION, £30 From Quickes, Home Farm, Newton St Cyres, Exeter; www.quickes.co.uk

MANDALAY JACKET, £795 From Caroline Charles, Roman Walk, Princesshay, Exeter; www.carolinecharles.co.uk

EXETER GIN, AROUND £36 FOR 70CL From various local stockists, full list at: www.exetergin.com

DEAR DAD JOURNAL, £12.99 From Insideout, 1 Bampfylde Lane, Princesshay, Exeter; www.gottohaveit.co.uk

SPONGE SPORTS TOWEL, £9.99 From Ramer Sponges; www.ramersponges.com

PHIL DE BURLET PORCELAIN CANDLESTICKS, £120 A PAIR From Chagford Contemporary Makers on 15 December (see What’s On) or www.pdeburlet.co.uk

GIFT BOXED EGYPTIAN COTTON MIX SOCKS, £15-£25 From Monsieur Mojo 42 Gold St, Tiverton; www.jesuismojo.com

www.mediaclash.co.uk I EXETER LIVING I 45

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

GIN & TONIC BATH SALTS AND LIP BALM SET, £10 From Leaf Street 53 Magdalen Rd, Exeter; www.leafstreet.co.uk

ITALIAN LEATHER BOOTS, £195 From Mademoiselle Mojo 36 Gold St, Tiverton; www.jesuismojo.com

HOT WATER BOTTLES, £20 EACH From Georgie & Flo, 1 Upper Paul Street, Exeter; www.georgieandflo.com

ROBIN COMPACT MIRROR, £5 From St Bridget Nurseries, Old Rydon Lane, Exeter & Sidmouth Road, Clyst St. Mary, Exeter; www.stbridgetnurseries.co.uk

INEXETER INDEPENDENT GIFT CARD, £1-£500 From www.inexetergiftcard.co.uk / info@inexetergiftcard.co.uk

FRIDA KAHLO DOLL, £15 (SMALL), £30 (LARGE) From Jane Foster Designs; www.janefoster.co.uk TEE HEE BALLET SLIPPERS, £35 From Moshulu; www.moshulu.co.uk

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

QUEEN OF ROSES BATH MILK, £70 From Lola’s Apothecary; www.lolasapothecary.com

PERSONAL TOUCH

EMBROIDERY & SCREEN PRINTING

FIFTY DEGREES CLOTHING

WINTER

S A L FIFTY DEGREES CLOTHINGE

from Hard Hats and Hi Vis ....

With 42 years under the same ownership, our skilled team can reproduce your Company logo or Club crest onto an extensive range of products, providing all your uniform or kit requirements. No minimum order.

SPECIAL SALE OFFER: Free T-shirt with any Hoodie purchase!

Let us give your business the “Personal Touch”

.... to bespoke embroidered Teddies!

For personal, friendly service with a smile - large range of ladies, gents & childrens lifestyle clothing & accessories.

Now with extended Sale Barn at the back - Come and check it out!

Units 7/7a, Bakers Yard,Alphinbrook Rd, Marsh Barton Exeter EX2 8RG. Open: Mon-Fri, 8-5pm. sales@personaltouch.info Tel: 01392 439430 Web catalogue: www.full-collection.com

NOW ON

4a Fore St, Budleigh Salterton EX9 6NG (next door to the SPAR shop) Open: Mon-Sat, 10-4pm. Head Office: 01392 439430

Chris t mas in

tiverton No.39 The Art House Local art, pottery & framing Unique Christmas Gifts 39 Gold St, Tiverton Tel: 01884 252661 www.no39thearthouse.com b No39TheArtHouse

CAROLE KING LIFESTYLE Stockists of shoes, fashion, homeware and gifts.

37 Gold St. Tiverton.

EX166QB Tel. 01884798065. www.carole-king.co.uk “Who ever said money can’t buy happiness, doesn’t know where to shop”

21 Gold Street, Tiverton | 01884 259519

support independent shopping... support tiverton this christmas!

tiverton’s festival of christmas make tiverton your christmas shopping destination this december.

This year Tiverton is offering shoppers unique & flexible shopping with its Festival of Christmas.

Proudly boasting an array of unique indie’s, the activities kick off with the Light Switch On, Lantern Parade & Electric Nights on Saturday December 1st and include over 50 shops, eateries and stalls open every Sunday, free Saturday parking, street entertainment and much more...

RoseTime Flowers Unique, affordable floral designs for all occasions.

Visit us for specialist food and inspirational Christmas gifts.

18 Bampton Street, Tiverton EX16 6AA. 01884 255310 www.reapershealthstore.co.uk

Eflorist Agent 01884 561763 43 Bampton Street, Tiverton, EX16 6AH Email: rosetime4u@sky.com

Merry Christmas

to all our customers!

To book:01884 252229 22 Bampton St, Tiverton EX16 6AA

www.rosetimeflowers.co.uk

Flora s Attic Vin tage Treasures

In Heartland Old Books.

12 Newport St, Tiverton, Devon EX16 6NL. 01884 254488 | florasattictiverton@gmail.com Open Mon-Sat. Closed Weds.

TWYFORD BLINDS For all made to measure blinds.

Great deals on all blinds and free fitting.

Free estimate and full guarantee

Verticals - Venetian - Rollers Wood Venetian Intu - Perfect Fit Velux and pleated blinds for Conservatories

01884 258271

Showroom, 4 Fore Street, Tiverton

support independent shopping... support tiverton this christmas!

Seasons Greetings from

CREDITON

SPECIALIZING IN CONTEMPORARY GIFTS & HOMEWARE IN THE HEART OF CREDITON. Proudly supporting British Brands.

3 High Street, EX17 3AE. Tel: 01363 899509 email: 72boka@gmail.com www.boka.org.uk Follow us on F T I

Give them a book this Christmas!

A.J. COX Quality Family Butchers

Award Award winning winning meals meals && Christmas Christmas Puddings Puddings ... ... made made in in my my own own Devon Devon kitchen kitchen and and delivered delivered to to your your door. door.

No preservatives, colouring or additives - just REAL FOOD

Tel: 01363 860260 | www.ruthsrealfood.co.uk

FESTIVE FOOD

WHAT A CATCH

So over turkey? We asked Exeter Cookery School to devise a fresh, light, seasonal menu with which to delight family and friends over the Christmas and New Year period. Grab a napkin and feast your eyes on what they came up with…

Photos by Emma Solley www.mediaclash.co.uk I EXETER LIVING I 59

FESTIVE FOOD

W

e know that the majority of you will be eating a traditional Christmas lunch or dinner banquet on 25 December, but what about Boxing Day? If you’re looking for an alternative to turkey pie, turkey curry or a cold buffet of leftovers, Jim Fisher of Exeter Cookery School has come up with a simple but delicious solution.

“So, there you are, stuffed to the gunnels with the most delicious Christmas dinner,” says Jim. “You have friends and family coming around for Boxing Day, and you want to give them something that will wow them without spending hours in the kitchen. If this sounds like you, we have a wonderful menu for a Boxing Day meal.

“Boxing Day is very special for us, as it is my wife [and Exeter Cookery School co-founder] Lucy’s birthday and so we always make sure we come up with a delicious menu. You too can try the following dishes at home.”

We can only dream of zesting and segmenting as neatly as Jim...

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

Three top reasons to eat more mackerel 1. Mackerel is a big, oily fish, similar to tuna, but it has lower levels of mercury and is less at risk of overfishing.

2. Mackerel species are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, as well as huge levels of vitamin B12 (nearly 700% of your daily requirement), selenium, copper, phosphorus, magnesium, and iron. There are also smaller amounts of vitamin A, potassium, zinc and sodium.

3. Monounsaturated fatty acids, like those present in mackerel, have been linked in research to more regulation of blood sugar and insulin resistance in the body.

This is excellent news for diabetics and those at high risk of diabetes, as it can keep your glucose levels in check, in addition to the many other health benefits of this fish.

“Give them something that will wow them without spending hours in the kitchen”

www.mediaclash.co.uk I EXETER LIVING I 61

FESTIVE FOOD It’s OK, you could get the fishmonger to do this bit...

“Mackerel is less at risk of overfishing, and is rich in omega-3 fatty acids”

Mackerel with Orange and Fennel Dressing (Serves four) Ingredients • 1 orange, zested and then segmented (i.e. the flesh removed from the membrane with a sharp knife) • Juice of one orange • ½ wine glass of dry white wine • Extra virgin olive oil • 2 bulbs fennel (reserve some fennel fronds for plating later) • 8 mackerel fillets, skin-on and pin-boned • Sea salt • Freshly ground black pepper Orange Dressing • Place the orange zest into a small saucepan along with the orange juice and white wine and bring to the boil. Turn the heat down and simmer to reduce the volume by two thirds, giving a

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

concentrated orange syrup. Season with a pinch of salt, then stir in a dessertspoon of good quality olive oil.

The Fennel • Trim the fennel of its base and fronds. Peel away and discard the tough outer layers, then halve lengthwise. Cut each half into eight segments, making sure each one retains a little bit of the stalk – this will help keep the layers together as the segments cook. Place into a pan of rapidly boiling salted water, then simmer for five minutes or so until tender, but still al dente. Drain, then season lightly with salt and pepper.

To serve • Bring a cast iron ridged grill pan to a good smoking heat. Brush with a little oil, then grill the fennel segments on each side until nicely marked.

• Preheat the grill to a high heat. Smear both sides of the mackerel with a little oil, then season lightly with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.

• Place the fillets skin-side up into the grill pan and grill for two minutes. Take the tray from under the grill and leave the fish to rest for a minute or so (the flesh will initially be underdone inside, but will finish off beautifully while you get the plates and other bits and bobs ready).

• Warm the orange segments in the dressing.

• Arrange the fennel and orange segments on four warmed serving plates, then top each with two fillets of mackerel. Spoon the sauce around and serve.

It’s the fennel countdown...

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

FESTIVE FOOD

Cider Syllabub with Granola and Caramelised Apple (Serves four) Ingredients For the Syllabub: • 2 tablespoons of strong dry cider • 1 tablespoon Calvados • 1 tablespoon cider vinegar • 25g caster sugar • 150ml double cream, well chilled • Combine the cider, Calvados, cider vinegar and sugar in a bowl. Leave to one side, stirring occasionally until the sugar has dissolved.

• Pour in the cream and whisk until it stands in soft peaks. Cover and chill until you are ready to serve.

For the Granola: • 150ml honey • ½ tsp sea salt • 40ml rape seed or vegetable oil • 170g jumbo rolled oats • 170g grain of your choice (e.g. spelt, barley or rye flakes – or twice the amount of oats) • 200g mixed nuts, roughly chopped (i.e. almonds, pistachios, pecans and macadamias) • 50g pumpkin seeds or seeds of your choice • 1 large egg white • Pre-heat the oven to 150°C and line a baking tray with baking parchment.

• Place the honey and salt into a small pan and heat gently until well combined and the salt has dissolved. Stir in the oil, then take off the heat and allow to cool slightly.

• Mix the dry ingredients in a large bowl.

• Stir the honey and oil into the dry ingredients until well distributed.

• Beat the egg white in a separate bowl until frothy, then stir into the mixture.

• Spread out on the baking tray and bake for about 30-35 minutes until golden, stirring occasionally so it cooks evenly, and more regularly if you’d prefer a looser texture.

• Remove from the oven and leave to cool and crisp up on the tray. Either use immediately or store in an airtight jar or plastic tub.

For the Caramelised Apple: • 50g unsalted butter • 2 tablespoons caster sugar • 2 medium apples such as Cox’s or Braeburn, peeled and cut into 5mm dice • Cider vinegar • Melt the butter in a frying pan over a low to medium heat, then evenly sprinkle in the sugar.

Allow the sugar to gently dissolve and melt.

• Add the diced apple and turn up the heat to medium-high. Toss or stir the apple as the sugar browns and the apple caramelises. Scrape out onto a baking parchment-lined tray and allow to cool.

To Serve: • Choose four pretty glasses. Into each, add a spoonful of syllabub, then a little caramelised apple, then a little granola. Repeat, building up a couple of layers of each, finally ending with a

Half an hour before you’re ready to serve, remove from the fridge to take off the chill.

Sprinkle with some granola and serve.

Optional extra: Honey Jelly At the cookery school, we serve this dish with small cubes of honey jelly, which adds another level of flavour and texture.

Ingredients • 900ml runny honey • 900ml water • 2 tbsp cider vinegar • 20 sheets gelatine • Line a plastic tub with clingfilm.

• Place the gelatine sheets in a bowl of cold water until softened.

• Mix the honey, water and vinegar together, then warm almost to a simmer.

• Squeeze out any excess water from the gelatine, then add to the hot liquid, stirring to dissolve.

• Pour into the lined tub and place in the fridge to set.

• Once the jelly has set, remove from the tub, peel off the clingfilm and, using a very sharp knife, slice the jelly up into 1cm cubes and adorn the syllabub.

Find Exeter Cookery School on Haven Road, Quayside

FEELING INSPIRED? If you love cooking and would like to gain confidence or learn a new culinary skill, or just like spending time with likeminded foodies, Exeter Cookery School has some wonderfully tempting cookery courses on offer.

School’s already impressive repertoire: this will include a series of globally inspired courses such as Mexican street food, Thai cooking, sushi making and more Indian food courses.

The first quarter of 2019 already has a mouth-watering array of cookery courses scheduled. You can choose from learning the essentials, such as how to make bread, cakes or maybe glean some top tips on how to cook fish and meat, as well as more technical skills such as chocolate making and patisserie.

And if you are looking for a perfect present for a loved one (or even fancy dropping a few hints for yourself) Exeter Cookery School gift vouchers can be redeemed against an extensive list of one and half day cookery classes.

New for 2019, however, will also be some yummy additions to Exeter Cookery

For the most up to date calendar, visit www.exetercookeryschool.co.uk/calendar

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

layer of syllabub swirled majestically over the top.

Refrigerate.

“End with a layer of syllabub swirled majestically over the top”

Ta-da! Now, where are those Michelin judges when you need them?

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

advertising feature

Taking a lead?

Exeter School’s Headmaster Bob Griffin shares his view on developing leadership in young people

O

ne of a school’s key purposes is to develop characteristics in young people which will enable them to take a lead in whatever sphere may be necessary in their future lives.

This does not mean that they will all progress to positions of high authority. What I am thinking about is the need to show strength of character, to take decisions for the benefit of all, to understand moral purpose and to show courage in certain situations when others are unsure how to act.

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

Schools usually have formal hierarchies in both their pupil and staff bodies, so that they run efficiently. It seems helpful for there to be pupils who are asked to organise and lead certain activities. They may be prefects undertaking duties around the school, or captains of sports teams, or navigators in Ten Tors, or principals in plays, head choristers, violinists who lead orchestras, senior cadets, librarians and so on.

Many of the scenarios involved in exercising these positions of responsibility mirror situations that children will come across in their adult lives.

And pupils learn a great deal from attempting (not always successfully) to lead their peers. It won’t always be possible to remain popular while doing the right thing; it won’t always be practical to take the easy option; it won’t always be right to tell people that they are doing well when they simply aren’t. I suspect that most school staff are more interested in seeing young leaders who have to work hard to find the right style than congratulating those to whom it comes naturally (perhaps oldest siblings!).

There is some skill in knowing how to advise, but not tell, pupils how to captain a losing hockey team, how to persuade younger children to toe the line, or how to keep morale high during a downpour on Dartmoor when team members are hungry and tired.

Good pupil leadership doesn’t have to be about the exercise of power. It should involve setting a great example and allowing others to play to their strengths and to shine. Some of the best pupil leaders that I see in my own school will not even always be aware that they are leading: they are simply getting on with their roles and are doing their best to help others, seeing problems before they arise, demonstrating kindness and compassion and quietly taking responsibility when necessary.

These attributes, honed at school through a range of everyday routines, as well as sometimes in particularly challenging situations, will stay with them long after some of the more factual classroom learning has been forgotten. n

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

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SOCIETY

SEEN!

Ben Clark and Ashley Jeary (Radio Exe)

SOCIETY

ACROSS E XE TER, ONE S H I N D I G AT A T I M E

Isaac Reaves A few people turned out...

Ann Hunter (InExeter) with Gary Rabbit (Stagecoach) Mattie Richardson (Bunyip Craft)

LIGHTS WILL GUIDE YOU HOME

Exeter city centre felt like Times Square when InExeter switched on the city’s biggest ever Christmas lights display. The illuminations stretch from Fore Street to Sidwell Street and from Queen Street to Cathedral Green. Radio Exe, Crealy Adventure Park & Resort and Stagecoach teamed up to run the Sunday extravaganza, which saw the High Street transformed into a Christmas wonderland for the day.

Says Ann Hunter, InExeter manager: “Being able to offer an all day, family event to residents and visitors to the city was a brilliant way to celebrate the start of the city wide, festive celebrations.”

Crealy Adventure Park’s Christmas On Ice It’s beginning to look a lot like...

Gary and Lottie Taylor

www.mediaclash.co.uk I EXETER LIVING I 69

SOCIETY

Chloe Diggle

Shelley Kelly and Ann Hunter

Lynsey Ward, Lisa Jackson and Freddy and Lynsey Hill George and Richard

PARTY TIME AT PRINCESSHAY

Fizz flowed in Princesshay at an exclusive, fashion-and-beautyfocussed VIP event to celebrate the start of Christmas in Exeter. Lloyd’s Lounge provided the nibbles and live music came from local duo Conscious Club. We suspect one or two party outfits might have been procured, too…

Photos by Steve Haywood

Charlotte Hawkins and Megan King

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

Helena Paterson

SOCIETY SOCIETY

Carl Rimmer and Gareth Steenson

Matt Reynolds, Viv Leonard and Miles Leonard

Matt Reynolds and Joe Hammond

Alastair Banks, Lizz Banks, Geri Panteva, Karen Steenson and Gareth Steenson

STANDING ROOM ONLY

Haydn Thomas, Louise Smillie, Tamsin Tully, Kai Horstmann and Ollie Atkins

Exeter Chiefs players, as well as gaffer Rob Baxter and club owner Tony Rowe, turned out to support the launch of local rugby legend Gareth ‘Steeno’ Steenson’s new Irish sports bar and restaurant The Stand Off on Longbrook Street. It was a bit of a scrum (sorry).

Photos by PPAUK

Tony Rowe, Rob Baxter and Chris Bentley Carl Rimmer, Jo Chubb and James Chubb

Gareth Steenson, Claire Benton, Keith Benton and Tony Rowe

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

businessinsider E XETER AND E A S T DE VON GET TO WORK

Quote of the issue

“We have a few famous clients but I couldn’t possibly tell you who they are” Who’s been teasing us?

Find out on page 81

The Big Number

£300m

Cost of Exeter City Council’s new vision for the Exeter Bus Station site – see page 74

Will you be a winner at the Exeter Living Awards?

JUDGEMENT DAY LOOMS… The all-important line-up of judges for the 2019 Exeter Living Awards has been revealed

N

ominations are now open, and momentum is building with just three months to go until the überglam Exeter Living Awards on 7 March.

A panel of impeccably independent judges will assess the nominations and meet to discuss in detail the possible winners. They are chosen from disparate areas of Exeter’s business world, to reflect the diversity of the Awards.

The line-up this year looks particularly strong and eclectic: Ann Hunter (Exeter BID), Erin Cox (Erin Cox Jewellery), John Laramy (Exeter College), Julian Harris (Jelf), Olivia Champion (BioSystems

Technology), Owen Richards (Air Marketing Group), Peter Randall-Page (artist, sculptor and Royal Academician), Sarah-Jane Bingham-Chick (Savills) and Yvan Williams (The Oddfellows).

“We’re thrilled to welcome our impressive panel of judges to the Exeter Living Awards,” says Steph Dodd, event director at MediaClash, which publishes Exeter Living. “They’ve got a tough job ahead of them – but we’re confident that our judges from all parts of the Exeter business community will make excellent decisions.”

Nominations are now open via the Awards site and any company or organisation in the area can enter,

free of charge. Entries can be made via the Awards website, in more than one category if desired, and cover the year of 2018.

“The Exeter Living Awards are held in high regard by the business community in our city, which is mirrored by the calibre of our judges this year. We’re now starting to receive nominations from organisations across Exeter, and the support we’ve received from sponsors has been fantastic. It promises to be an exciting evening!”

Steph adds.

Finalists are announced on 22 January, with winners revealed at a glittering ceremony on 7 March at The Great Hall.

If you’d like to align your brand with Exeter’s most anticipated Awards event, get in touch with Rosanna Hood rosanna.hood@ mediaclash.co.uk The current roster of sponsors is led by Platinum Sponsor Jelf, along with category sponsors Princesshay, Visit Exeter, Energy Hair, Cathedral Appointments, WBW Solicitors, Wilkinson Grant & Co, Dana Mulligan PR & Marketing, Exeter College, Ashley House Triangle Networks, and Warwick Event Services, with The Oddfellows returning as Silver Sponsors. n For more: www.exeterlivingawards.co.uk Twitter: @exeterlivingawd

www.mediaclash.co.uk mediaclash.co.uk I exeter living I 115 73

KEEP ON MOVING An Exeter osteopathy clinic has grown in number, moved to larger premises and rebranded.

Exeter Osteopaths was founded by registered osteopaths Daniel Hayward and Toby Borradaile as a cottage industry in Toby’s front room in 2006. After six years based on Exeter’s Belmont Road, the team has now announced a relocation to a larger, dedicated clinic at 1 Fairpark Road in the centre of the city.

The practice has also grown and, following the move to new premises, has expanded its headcount to 10 – including Dr Sam Jenner, the

first GP to join – and re-branded as Magdalen Health.

Exeter-based international athletes Steve Crowley and Phil Wylie carried out a ribboncutting ceremony to officially open the new active health clinic.

Osteopathy is the detection, treatment and prevention of health problems by the moving, stretching and massaging of the patient’s muscles and joints. Toby and Daniel, respectively, specialise in sports injury and the treatment of babies and children.

For more: www.exeterosteopaths.co.uk

CABIN FEVER Two local businesses have teamed up with a global brand to create a world first.

Exeter/Plymouth architects New British Design and Topsham-based mattress company Naturalmat have both enabled global brewer Carlsberg to open the world’s first completely off-grid pub, powered only by waterfall, in response to a design challenge created by an advertising agency.

The ‘Carlsberg Cabin’ in North Cornwall is a modular design by New British Design architect Ben Huggins, using sustainable larch wood and blending traditional Danish design with echoes of the classic British pub. Topsham-based

74 I exeter living I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Naturalmat, meanwhile, have provided bespoke sofa cushions and camping mats for the cabin filled with locally sourced organic lambswool and recycled denim. Says Naturalmat’s Peter Tindall: “We really feel we’ve created something special and the collaboration between Devon-based New British Design, ourselves and this fabulous site in North Cornwall made it a very special project for the West Country.”

You can book a stay at the Carlsberg Cabin on Airbnb.

For more: www.newbritishdesign.com www.naturalmat.co.uk

ONE VISION A new £300m vision to redevelop a key site in the centre of Exeter has been revealed by the City Council.

The development concept for Exeter Bus Station includes: 500 housing units (half for sale, half for rent), a ten-storey, four-star hotel with 175 rooms, a budget hotel, offices, more than 15,000 sq ft of food and drink outlets, almost 40,000 sq ft of retail units, capacity for a new multi-purpose performance venue holding up to 2,500 people, as well as a new square in Paris Street and new civic space.

It would sit alongside the planned new Passivhaus leisure complex, St Sidwell’s Point, and a new Exeter Bus Station.

Says Exeter City Council chief executive and growth director Karime Hassan: “The development concept provides a mix of uses that will complement the High Street, supporting both the daytime and night time economy, and responds to the demand for housing and offices within the city centre.

“This is a major and vital investment in a key site, adding almost a million square feet of additional development. Everyone knows the difficulties retail is facing. We need to ensure Exeter city centre is viable, sustainable and continues to thrive, and this investment is crucial for the city.”

If councillors back the recommendations, it is hoped that final contracts for the main build programme will be signed in December.

For more: www.exeter.gov.uk

BUSINESS INSIDER

EXETER CHIEFS NEWS MARK STEVENS brings you the latest from inside Sandy Park

JMP PHOTOGR APHY/E XETER RUGBY CLUB

MOVERS AND SHAKERS ETC

Tom O’Flaherty dives over the line for a try against Harlequins on 10 November

Lisa McArthur

Exeter Science Park has appointed Harvey Gardner as head of property… Lisa McArthur (pictured), head of criminal defence at Exeter law firm Rundlewalker Solicitors, has become a director of the company and Hannah Somers has taken on the role of practice manager, having first started as trainee legal secretary apprentice… Hawksmoor Fund Managers (HFM) have welcomed David Chapman as business development manager, while Ben Mackie will join in the New Year as a fund manager… Solicitor Hannah Porter from The Family Law Company has been appointed co-chair of the Devon & Somerset Junior Lawyers’ Division committee with Ben Butterworth from Michelmores. Trainee solicitor Holly Crook has been appointed diversity representative on the committee.

The season is at full flow at Sandy Park with the Chiefs currently top of the Gallagher Premiership table and their Premiership Rugby Cup pool at the time of going to print.

As well as the Chiefs performing well domestically, a number of Exeter players have been starring on the international stage in the autumn internationals – including five players (Alec Hepburn, Ben Moon, Jack Nowell, Harry Williams and Henry Slade) playing with England, Tomas Francis with Wales and Sam Skinner with Scotland.

It was also recently announced that Sam Skinner’s Scotland team-mate Stuart Hogg will be making the move to Devon next year. Speaking about the move, Exeter Chiefs director of rugby Rob Baxter says: “We’re delighted that Stuart has decided to join us.

Not only is he an exceptional rugby player, but we feel he brings a whole host of other attributes that we think can help really add to us as a team.”

In other news we are delighted to announce the return of international rugby back to Exeter in 2019 with two fixtures recently announced.

The first of which will be the clash between England Under-20s and France on Saturday 9 February (12.05pm). The second fixture – which is a first for Sandy Park – will see England Women head to the West Country on Saturday 9 March (12.05pm) when Italy provide the opposition to the Red Roses.

Says Tony Rowe: “It’s fantastic that Sandy Park will again be playing host to yet more international rugby this season. Not only we will be welcoming England U20s back to Exeter once again in February, but we will also be staging for the first time the England Women’s side in March.

“As everyone is aware, interest in the women’s game has never been as big as it is now – and here at Exeter we are making big strides in our support of the women’s game with the launch of a new club side at Exeter Athletic Rugby Club this season.

“Over the years, Sandy Park has proven itself to be a fitting venue for international rugby – including that of the Rugby World Cup in 2015 – and I’ve no doubt the rugby-loving public of the region will once again turn out in force to see these England stars in action.”

Tickets for both games are now available from £10 for adults and £5 concessions, plus a selection of hospitality packages, including corporate boxes, are also available.

Next up at Sandy Park: 22 Dec – Exeter Chiefs v Saracens 5 Jan – Exeter Chiefs v Bristol Bears For more: www.exeterchiefs.co.uk

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

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EXETER LIVING AWARDS 2018 EXETER GIN

Exeter Gin produces small-batch, premium handcrafted gin using traditional copper stills – and has done so with such astonishing success that our judges were delighted to hand it the Exeter Living Award for New Business. We asked MD Karen Skerratt, an experienced local foodie entrepreneur, to share her story…

NEW BUSINESS WINNER SPONSORED BY

How did it feel to win an Exeter Living Award?

Overwhelming. Starting any new business is tough, but getting recognised as Best New Business in such a big category, and with so many start ups out in the marketplace, is simply the best ever feeling of achievement.

Why do you think Exeter Gin won?

We did a huge amount of research.

We have seven years’ experience out in the field of food and drink, in Exeter and Bath. Exeter Gin’s branding depicts Exeter’s heritage rather than just making it another commercial brand. Our design and

branding has been recognised by many others as standout. We used specific botanicals and did lots of taste tests before settling upon our gin recipes, so what’s in the bottle is an excellent gin.

Why launch this product?

Firstly, there was a gap in the market and people were asking for an Exeter Gin in our pop-up gin palace – we couldn’t source one, so we decided to make it ourselves. Secondly, it was to increase awareness of Exeter to tourists as, like Bath, it has an abundance of Roman influence with amazing architecture like the Roman Wall.

We felt that our branding could help drive more tourists to the city, see a massive increase in tourism revenue that ultimately is extremely valuable to any city and its local towns and villages.

“PEOPLE WERE ASKING FOR AN EXETER GIN... SO WE DECIDED TO MAKE IT OURSELVES”

How has the business grown since you launched?

Crazy; we set a target based on what to expect in our first year from industry experts, then doubled it, and the actual result achieved was nearly four times more! Within five months of launch we got confirmation that we would be on the shelf at Waitrose – again, this was mindblowing – and it just keeps on getting better and better.

Tell us a bit about your investment raising through Crowdcube...

It’s purely down to managing the growth effectively. We went to the people of Exeter so they could

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

own their little bit of Exeter Gin, especially as they asked for it in the first place. Usually businesses go to specific investors first, but we decided to put it out there for people to grow with us on our gin journey. We’ve met some amazing people on the way and I’m sure we’ll be doing business with them in the future.

What plans do you have for Exeter Gin? Lots: making it a tourist destination when we find the right premises, new products, export, and lots of interaction with Exeter city – after all, it will be here long after we’re gone!

Which other alcoholic drink producers do you most admire in Devon?

Brickhouse Vineyard and Hattiers Rum. What’s your favourite way to drink Exeter Gin? Orange peel, ice and a regular Luscombe tonic.

Tell us your favourite gin fact…

In the 1600s it was deemed to be safer to drink gin than water, because water was so contaminated!

For more: www.exetergin.com

business insider

CLEAR PROPERTY

Well-known across the city, independent estate and lettings agent Clear Property impressed the 2018 Exeter Living Awards judges so much with its innovative approach, it went home with the coveted Property Award. The ninestrong team, which operates out of Southernhay, is not only a key player in the local property scene; it’s also heavily involved in the community, and has raised over £20,000 for charity since 2014. So what’s your secret, founder and director Kelly Forrester?

How did it feel to win an Exeter Living Award?

We were overwhelmed and immensely proud of everything everyone at Clear Property has achieved.

PROPERTY WINNER

How has Clear Property grown and changed since the company was launched?

The business has grown organically over the last 11 years to incorporate sales, lettings, students, investments and, more recently, land and new homes. We continually innovate and embrace new technology and were the first estate agent in Exeter to purchase a Matterport camera, which generates amazing 3D property tours.

Why do you think Clear Property won?

We deliver a new age of estate agency, embracing new technology and launching new innovative services, that delivers results. It was wonderful to be recognised for the work we do in the community as well.

Where are you displaying your award?

We are very proud of our award and it is on display in our branch window at 5 Southernhay West.

How did you first get into the property business?

I worked for different estate agents for a decade and then decided in 2007 to set up my own agency to provide a transparent and quality

service for my clients, offering ‘Clear’ services, ‘Clear’ fees and ‘Clear’ communication.

What plans do you have for Clear Property?

“we deliver a new age of estate agency”

To continue to build the business and to build a brighter future by increasing the number of sustainable homes and community hubs built in Exeter and the South West. High performing, low energy homes that are climate resilient, healthier to live in and

that have less ongoing impact to the local environment.

What advice would you give someone looking to go into the property market?

Engage with your customers, understand their needs and always exceed their expectations and, of course, have excellent knowledge of the local property market!

What’s the best thing about running a business in Exeter?

I am so passionate about our beautiful city, the wonderful people who work here and the amazing opportunities to collaborate and grow.

Tell us a secret about life at Clear Property…

We have a few famous clients but, of course, I couldn’t possibly tell you who they are!

For more: www.clearproperty.co

www.mediaclash.co.uk I EXETER LIVING I 81

EXETER LIVING SERVICES GUIDE PLUMBING & HEATING

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ELECTRICAL CONTRACTING

Planning to Improve Your Home? Need an Expert Electrician?

• New Consumer Units • Additional Sockets • Lighting Installations • Landlord Safety Checks • Inspection & Testing

• Fault Finding • General Maintenance • Full or Part Rewiring • Renovations • New Builds

Call now for competit ive prices!

0139 4620124

t: 01392 462014 m: 07790 866746 devon.sparks@hotmail.com www.devonsparks.co.uk

BUSINESS INTERIORS

GARDEN DESIGNING www.webstergardens.co.uk

Roger Webster Garden Design

OFFICE REFURBISHMENT • Complete fit out contractors • Office interior design • Refurbishment & renovation undertaken • Surveying & drawing work • Office furniture – all style/budgets • Mezzanine floors

MD Business Interiors, 103 Grace Road West, Marsh Barton, Exeter EX2 8PU; 01392 834980 www.mdinteriorsdevon.com

OUTDOOR LIVING

16a Fore Street, Topsham Exeter EX3 0HF 01392 877717

• Accredited, professional, experienced • Exeter, Devon and the Southwest

EXETER LIVING SERVICES GUIDE TREE CARE & LANDSCAPING

REMOVALS

Nice Little Mover Removals Call 07984 163877 for a FREE quote today!

Property Clearance

Deliveries

Local and National Removals Professional, Friendly, Reliable Removal and Clearance Services at Affordable Prices

www.nicelittlemover.com

MOBILITY

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Luxury & local

The most sophisticated audience is just a call away Exeter Living Team 01225 475800 WASTE DISPOSAL

BUILDING SUPPLIES

• Construction waste, garden waste and household waste • House and garage clearance • Demolition of sheds, greenhouses, walls etc • All the work done by us at competitive rates, fully insured and registered waste carrier For a free quotation ring Mark on

07944 580 775

www.shiftitwaste.co.uk

The Devon Shutter Company Ltd British Made Shutters Since 2007 01395 578506 | www.devonshutters.co.uk

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

Rustic charm or modern and contemporary, you choose the design and finish that fits your space – perfectly.

Strong, durable and beautifully crafted tables, benches, chairs, and stools made from the best of reclaimed wood and built to last a lifetime.

Now taking as Christm orders

Tel: 01392 490590 www.chunkymonkeyfurniture.co.uk Email: sales@chunkymonkeyfurniture.co.uk Visit our Showroom at: Chunky Monkey, Weircliffe Park, St. Andrews Road, Exwick, Exeter. EX4 2AF

property a pl ace to c all home

LYNDHURST HOUSE A little piece of heaven tucked away in the very heart of Exeter City Centre: SAMANTHA HARFORD takes you on a tour of this breathtaking home…

www.mediaclash.co.uk I EXETER LIVING I 89

A place to call home property

E

xeter is full of hidden gems, and this extraordinary property is certainly on the list. Situated in the very heart of the historic Cathedral city, Lyndhurst House oozes luxury with its contemporary design and striking architecture; with a secluded garden view giving you protection from the sounds of the city – it’ll make you think you’re living in the country and forget you are really mere steps from the train station.

Recently completed by its current owners in 2013, this state-of-the-art property comes with many benefits: a bright, modern contemporary design with a perfect finish, foolproof structures protecting you from anything nature could throw at you, as well as the rest of its incredibly impressive features and great security, this really is the perfect place to take for yourself and call ‘home’.

This magnificent property is situated on Streatham Rise, a first-class location giving you access to all the best that Exeter has to offer. The highly sought-after private road location places you on the edge of the Exeter University campus, and even if knuckling down with a textbook in the library doesn’t appeal to you, the University grounds – with lakes, woodland and parks galore – are acknowledged as some of the most beautiful in the country, and a must-see for everyone, not just students and dog walkers.

But that’s not all. The house itself is just one surprise after another – with a spacious drive and double garage you can have the whole family over (or keep them out with the electronic gates… it’s up to you). The front of the house

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

doesn’t give much away, its main feature being a lovely stained glass window embellishing the crisp-white façade, blending old and new perfectly. It’s when you get to the back of the property and view it from the impeccable garden, which accentuates the beauty of Lyndhurst’s original natural surroundings, that you’re truly blown away. It’s a handsome, red-bricked beast.

An extensive and well-structured terrace meets three sets of bi-fold doors belonging to the conservatory; above this, below the mansard roof, sits the balcony of the second-floor bedroom, under its own grand, arched, white canopy, giving it just the right amount of privacy and protection while still allowing occupants to wake up with the lovely views across the city.

The versatile free-flowing space is full of endless possibilities and spans over three floors, with its most prominent feature being those wall-to-wall bi-folding glass doors on the ground floor, which flood the house with light and create the illusion of it being never-ending. Wherever you turn, there’s an abundance of space and opportunity, giving you the perfect canvas to create your dream home.

With four equally impressive bedrooms and accompanying ensuite bathrooms, there will be no quarrelling over sleeping arrangements for sure: perfect for family use. Although, if you absolutely had to choose one, the master suite on the second floor is no doubt superior, leading onto an open balcony which will greet you with that gorgeous peachy sunrise every morning.

There’s also plenty of storage space and your own ensuite equipped with a rainfall shower. Just imagine how much easier it would be waking up on a wintry Monday morning when you have this luxurious bathroom inviting you in – warning: you might be late for work as this shower is just too good.

And it’s eco-friendly, too. With a rain-harvesting system as well as energy conserving LED lighting throughout the building you won’t need to feel so guilty about drawing an extra deep bath in one of the two free-standing tubs on Sunday nights.

If you’re worried about getting cold feet over this house (although I very much doubt this) – there is no need. Equipped with underfloor heating and a wood-burning stove, Lyndhurst will keep your toes toasty all year round – this is especially welcome in the thoughtfully laid-out kitchen with its light, limestone flooring. The kitchen, open-plan and perfectly suited to family life, is equipped with the best facilities you could dream of – not one, but three Miele ovens, and two fridges, your dinner parties are sure to be the talk of the town with all the possibilities this kitchen can provide you with.

And if you like a boogie, note that each room has been equipped with surround-sound speakers. You could even dance under the stars if you turn the music up in the full-width conservatory, throw open those bi-fold doors and spill out onto that brilliantly landscaped, secluded garden with its gazebo...

So, what are you waiting for? Lyndhurst House could be your forever-home… imagine that. n

House numbers Bedrooms Bathrooms Acres Amazing Sound Systems

4

Guide Price

4

For more: Wilkinson Grant & Co, The Old City Library, 1 Castle Street, Exeter, EX4 3PT; 01392 427500; www.wilkinsongrant.co.uk

1/2 1

£1,900,000

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EXETER DEVON

Price £700,000

A very impressive detached property that has undergone an impressive loft conversion by the current owners.

The accommodation which has light, spacious rooms comprises an entrance hall, double aspect sitting room plus a separate family room, home / work office, an impressive kitchen / breakfast room and a separate utility / cloakroom. The two upper floors enjoy spacious bedrooms with the master being en-suite, five bedrooms in total with a smart large family bathroom on the first floor and a shower room on the upper floor. The outside has the benefit of off-road parking and there is a fully enclosed garden to the rear with a timber store. EPC: C For further details telephone Giles Hann on 01392 427500 or email g.hann@wilkinsongrant.co.uk

01392 427500 www.wilkinsongrant.co.uk RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL LAND & DEVELOPMENT SALES ACQUISITIONS LETTINGS & PROPERTY MANAGEMENT AUCTIONS SURVEYS PROBATE & VALUATIONS

TOPSHAM DEVON

Price £435,000

A stunning zero carbon property constructed in 2018 by Heritage Homes to a very high standard, located approximately half a mile from the town centre and benefitting from underfloor heating, triple glazing, solar panels and garage. Located in a corner of the site with a lovely outlook over a communal green square. This three bedroom new home has an adjoining garage and drive, a private garden and great entertaining living spaces.

For further details telephone Lisa Storer on 01392 455926 or email l.storer@wilkinsongrant.co.uk

01392 427500 www.wilkinsongrant.co.uk RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL LAND & DEVELOPMENT SALES ACQUISITIONS LETTINGS & PROPERTY MANAGEMENT AUCTIONS SURVEYS PROBATE & VALUATIONS

advertising feature

Why complete?

It is no surprise that Complete is one of the fastest growing property companies in Exeter and many other areas of Devon.

O

perations director Jade Boyles-White and her team are redefining the experience of buying, selling and developing property – and land – with their unique approach and ethos. Complete has offices in Exeter, Bovey Tracey, Newton Abbot, Teignmouth and London.

With a growing client base and an impressive track record*, Complete has become the ‘go-to’ team in the communities they serve.

“We like to do things differently here and challenge the status quo,” said Jade. “Sadly, most property firms are operating like it is still 1978, not 2018. For instance, many agencies try to tie in a seller for an outrageous 12 or even 24 weeks. We wouldn’t even contemplate that and have a somewhat different approach. We strongly believe our service should keep you with us, not the small print.”

Complete was started in 2007 by Will Smith who is still heavily involved in the day-to-day running of the company.

Jade explained: “For us, ‘Complete’ is more than just a name. It’s an ethos to provide all our customers with the most thorough and complete service that we can possibly provide.

It flows through everything we do. In Sales, for example, we have our own, trained and skilled Property Marketing Team whose sole job is to create wonderful imagery and descriptions that bring your property to life and make it stand out online and in print.”

“When it comes to Lettings, ‘Complete’ means going to great lengths to take note of every detail about your property, so we know the answers to tenants’ questions in advance, without having to keep bothering you to find out.

“Meanwhile, in Land and New Homes we don’t stop when things get difficult. In fact, we enjoy the challenge of resolving complicated issues relating to title, planning, access or environmental concerns. This commitment to doing things thoroughly and completely boils down to one thing – delivering the service that our clients have the right to expect.

“And if that means we earn their trust, and even a recommendation to others, we see that as the best way to do business …everyone wins!”

Exeter is one of Complete’s newest branches but the dedicated team there, led by Steve Appleby, have quickly established their credentials in the city. Steve is an experienced sales manager with a demonstrated history of 96 I exeter LIving I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Sophie Moorey, sales negotiator, Exeter

working in the real estate industry.

He grew up in Devon and was educated at Clyst Vale Community College in Broadclyst.

Steve said that, despite his broad experience, this was the first time that he had worked at an agency with the approach and ethos that Complete embraces.

He explained: “We are encouraged to work as a team. There are no individual targets and that means that everyone takes an interest in all of the deals on our books. We don’t have ‘Saturday staff’, just fully-briefed, knowledgeable people.

“Our approach is genuinely customer first.

We have our own graphic designers and photographers and the team approaches every home differently. This is not a selling by numbers operation.

“We are also members of the Guild of Property Professionals, a nationwide affiliation of 800 carefully chosen businesses. That means we are able to publicise our customers’ property at the network’s office in Park Lane and on their website.”

Steve is supported in the Exeter office by experienced sales negotiators Sophie Moorey, Vicki Clements and Mitch Reeves. n

You can contact the Complete Exeter office on 01392 422 500, visit in person at 141 Younghayes Road, Cranbrook, Exeter, EX5 7DR or go to their website at: www.completeproperty.co.uk/exeter *Complete was awarded Gold at the Guild of Property Professionals 2018 awards.

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

Exeter Living team 01225 475800

EXETER LIVES

“I’ve killed several gardens” I worked here nearly 30 years ago, my first professional job, directing an Agatha Christie.

DANIEL BUCKROYD Take a bow, Exeter Northcott’s new artistic and executive director Whereabouts in Exeter do you live, and what makes it special?

I’ve just moved into a house in the St David’s area of Exeter. I’ve got the Iron Bridge (and the great little pub that it gives its name to) just a stroll from my front door; I’ve got great views away from the city towards Dartmoor; and, importantly, I’m just a short cycle ride from the theatre and a stone’s throw from the city centre and its many attractions. I’m feeling very lucky!

Describe Exeter Northcott in three words.

Great live entertainment.

What’s been the high point so far of your new job?

Getting to know the Northcott team has been fantastic, as they’re such a talented and dedicated bunch, but I’m sure they’d forgive me for saying that the high point has been seeing the theatre packed with audiences having a great time, and to discover that there’s such a strong (and growing) Devon audience for the kind of programme the Northcott’s been offering over the last few years.

What made you first fall in love with the theatre?

My first memory of theatre was a visit to see The Sooty Show, aged six – it surely can’t have been that that sparked my love of theatre, can it? However, I first fell in love with the Northcott when

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Who are your all-time favourite male and female actors?

Funnily enough, both started their careers at the Northcott; I still remember Robert Lindsay’s mesmerising performance alongside Derek Jacobi in Becket some years ago, and Imelda Staunton was enthralling in the recent West End production of Who’s Afraid Of Virginia Woolf?

What piece of music would you put on at the end of a trying day?

This is where I show my age – something energetic from the ’80s or ’90s, perhaps The Smiths, Pulp or Lloyd Cole?

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

Trying to overcome my British reserve by throwing myself into the experience of visiting a mixed, naked Roman baths in Germany, but taking the wrong exit out of the changing room and ending up in the café!

What’s your earliest childhood memory?

Visiting Puffin Island off Anglesey on a family holiday aged three.

When did you last cry, and why?

It doesn’t take much – I think it was re-watching Big Hero 6 recently with my younger son.

What job would you be terrible at?

Definitely gardener. Whatever the opposite of green fingers is, I have them. In spite of my best efforts, I’ve killed several gardens.

What issue makes you want to get up on a soapbox?

Where to start? We live in complicated and troubling times, and having children sharpens one’s focus on the future, but overall I’d probably see inequality as at the root of all evils.

If you had a time machine, which era would you return to and why?

I’d love to visit Roman times, to see if Monty Python got it pretty much right in one of my favourite films, The Life Of Brian.

We’d better let you get on…

What are you doing right after this?

Rehearsals for Jack & The Beanstalk (Mon 3 December – Sun 6 January). n

For more: www.exeternorthcott.co.uk