SPOTLIGHT All the latest local news

Everybody’s talking about… RIDING HIGH

Exeter has been declared the second best city in the UK for cyclists, with 21 per cent of Exeter’s population regularly cycling more than once a week. The new survey by law firm True Solicitors also revealed that Exeter scored highly for good air quality, and walking statistics.

Exeter was pipped to the top spot by Lancaster but fared much better than big cities London and Manchester, who came bottom of the rankings. Both Lancaster and Exeter were one of six locations in England selected to promote cycling as a mode of transport back in 2005.

“It’s great to see that people in the city are turning to alternative Wheely good fun

methods of transport and doing their bit for the environment,” says Rachel Sutton, Lead Councillor for Climate & Culture.

“However we recognise that there is still much to do to make cycling in Exeter safer and more accessible to everyone and we will be working closely with our partners to achieve this.” For more: www.true.co.uk

Miniature marvels

Festival FEST IS BEST

Gemfest, Exeter’s indoor music and performance fundraising festival is set to return in 2020. Taking place at Exeter Phoenix on Easter Sunday (12 April) Gemfest is a festival of two halves. The daytime (11am-4pm) is a free, family-orientated event for children of all ages, with arts and crafts, workshops, sports, games, competitions, and live music provided by local youth musicians and singers, Teenagers for Hospiscare. Come the evening there will be an eclectic mix of live music over two stages and a silent disco.

Gemfest raises funds for The Brain Tumour Charity Trust and local hospice charity, Hospiscare and this year is the sixth year of festival fundraising.

For more Facebook: @gemfestexeter, Instagram: gemfest_exeter; or Twitter: @gemfestexeter

Gemfest organisers Lewis, Gemma and Suzie (dressed in black) with Hospiscare fundraisers and supporters

6 I EXETER LIVING I www.mediaclash.co.uk The happy couple

Exhibition DOMESTIC BLISS What do you see when you look at the images above? Intimacy? Dry humour? Exhibiting until 17 May at the The Café at RAMM is A Different Story, an exhibition by artist John Paul Evans showing images of himself and his partner. <he pictures offer a wry take on traditional family portraiture and gender relations, while paying an affectionate tribute to their enduring relationship.

“As an academic, I was always critical of what the ‘family album’ represented in terms of normality and ‘otherness’, so there is little photographic evidence to represent the 30 years that Peter and I have now spent together,” says John.

“As Peter is now in his 80s there seemed to be an urgency to make work together exploring concepts of the family album and the couple or wedding portrait.

“The series was initially a response to the introduction of same sex marriage in the United Kingdom. The style, or particular mode of representation, was inspired by examples from art history. 2an van Eyck¼s portrait of /iovanni )rnolfini and Giovanna Cenami in the National Gallery is probably the most famous depiction of a wedding portrait in the history of Western )rt. <hese wax-like figures froben in the moment evoke a sense of uncanniness.” For more: www.rammuseum.org.uk

Arts TERRIFIC TRIO The creative trio who are set to create new work as part of a huge talent development programme at Exeter Northcott Theatre have just been announced.

Poet, playwright, actor and composer Jack Dean will join internationally-renowned choreographer Richard Chappell and theatre maker and activist Viv Gordon on the Exeter Northcott Futures project.

<he aim of the project is to offer professional development for artists at the start of their careers, support for regionally-based companies at a critical moment in their development and to be a launch pad for the next generation of producers.

“We are delighted to welcome these exciting artists, who have already had a huge impact on the arts scene in the region, and support their growth to develop new ambitious projects and reach larger audiences,” says producer Helen Bovey.

Alongside the Associates Programme there is an Early Career Artists Programme – a six-month series of workshops, masterclasses and mentoring designed to kick-start career development for performers, directors, designers and other makers. There is also a 8roducers 8rogramme, which offers a practical introduction to the role of producer and the specific skillsknowledge involved in mounting a successful production.

“At the Northcott we believe it’s vital that Exeter remains a place where people come to make amazing theatre, not just a stopping off point for touring shows made elsewhere, which is why we¼re delighted to be working with a number of the city’s other arts organisations to think about what we can do collectively to support artists,” says artistic director and chief executive Daniel Buckroyd. For more: www.exeternorthcott.co.uk

Charity TASTE THE RAINBOW Families are being invited to get their tickets for Exeter’s 5k charity fun run, taking place at Westpoint on 20 June.

As well as the actual run, expect a whole load of entertainment with face painters,a bouncy castle,fun tents with games and tombolas, musicfrom Radio Exe, and plenty of food and drink. More than 1,000 people walked, jogged or ran through a series of coloured paint stations at last year’s event, raising £55,000 for Children’s Hospice South West.

“This is Exeter’s brightest sponsored 5K!,” says event fundraiser Jayne Jarrett.

“It’s suitable for all abilities and a brilliant way to support your local children¼s hospice )nyone aged five and above can take part – so gather friends and family or get colleagues together to enter a team and help make it a day to remember.”

Children’s Hospice South West needs £11million a year to run its three hospices in North Devon, North Somerset and Cornwall, and around 85 per cent of that comes through fundraising.

<he hospices offer local families respite breaks and the chance to make the most of their precious time together. For more: www.chsw.org.uk

Jack Dean is raring to go

© MATT AUSTIN

Meet the dentist

These Exeter dentistry professionals promise to tell us the tooth, the whole tooth

DR JANE STACK EXETER ADVANCED DENTISTRY 01392 202007; www.exeteradvanceddentistry.co.uk

What aspects of dentistry do you specialise in? I focus on restorative dentistry, which includes restoring existing teeth and replacing missing teeth to maximise function and appearance. I recently passed my Master’s degree at King’s College London in this subject with distinction. How might you describe your approach to your work? My treatment decisions are based on prevention of future problems and minimal intervention to achieve the desired result. Why should a patient come to you? I always take the time to discuss options thoroughly and only recommend the option I would recommend to my own family. Tell us a little about the team... We have an outstanding team of clinicians including a root canal dentist, implant dentist and specialists in oral surgery and orthodontics. We work collaboratively to ensure the highest possible standards are met. What makes a good practice in your opinion? Long-lasting results in dentistry come from using the very best materials and techniques. I am lucky to work in a practice which embraces the latest technology to ensure precision comes as standard. What are the most rewarding aspects of your job? Seeing a patient’s overall confidence improve after treatment to improve their smile, and helping patients overcome their nerves and build trust. Dr Jane Stack

ANDRE FARO LEITE INSPIRED DENTAL CARE 01392 272385; www.inspireddentalcare.co.uk

How did you get into dentistry? My grandad was a dentist, my dad a maxillofacial surgeon and two uncles, dental technicians. Dentistry has always been part of my life since I can remember. When and where did you qualify? 2008 in Porto, Portugal. What aspects of dentistry do you specialise in? I have done most of my postgraduate studies in dental implants achieving a diploma from the Royal College of Edinburgh and a Masters degree from the University of Warwick. I am currently enrolled in a Masters in orthodontics, another area I truly enjoy. What do you enjoy most about being a dentist? Being able to change people’s lives by transforming their smiles, making them feel confident or simply stopping their pain is extremely rewarding. What is your approach with nervous patients? We believe that investing time in our patients is the best approach to overcome fears and anxiety. Following this approach, we are almost always able to build a strong bond and avoid other procedures such as sedation. How would you define modern dentistry? The future of dentistry is digital, from smile design to intra-oral scanning and printing, but also pain-free. To sum up, a pleasant patient-driven experience using the latest digital technologies, rather than the previous experiences of dreading dentist visits.

Celebrate a romantic Sirona Spa Day

THE SIRONA SPA located in the Devon countryside at the popular Finlake Resort is the perfect couples retreat to celebrate this most romantic of months.

Nestled within beautiful woodland and gently rolling countryside on the edge of the Dartmoor National Park, Sirona Spa offers an oasis of calm complemented by soothing and replenishing treatments and therapies.

The brand-new spa facilities allow couples to enjoy a modern, comfortable and welcoming environment in which to let your cares drift away and share a romantic break away from the stresses and strains of modern life.

The Sirona Spa experience takes customers on a journey of relaxation with facilities to enjoy together including:

● CARIBBEAN STORM SHOWER Our experience shower offers differing water pressures, temperatures, fragrances and lighting effects. The sensation of a warm tropical rainforest completely transports you to a place far away. ● HERBAL SAUNA Our herbal sauna creates a sensorial feeling that is soothing for not only the body but mind and soul. A sensation of both warm temperature and

humidity with herbal aromas are gently delivered into the sauna whilst you relax. ● THALASSO STEAM ROOM Steam with the added healing and caring effects of salt. The pleasant sensation of inhaling herbal aromatic, salt-enriched steam offers very clear health benefi ts. ● LAVA SAUNA The dry heat stimulates circulation and boosts the immune system. The warm and quiet environment creates a sense of peaceful relaxation and wellbeing. ● HERBAL STEAM ROOM The herb infused steam opens the pores and is absorbed into the body whilst the atmosphere of the steam room relaxes and centres the body. Our steam room will ensure that your skin releases toxins and feels great, benefi tting both the body and mind. ● POOL & JACUZZI The heat from the water instantly helps relieve tired muscles and by working around the pool and jacuzzi the major muscle groups within the body will be stimulated, providing the equivalent of a full body massage. Or simply relax beside the pool for a while on one of our comfortable loungers.

The Sirona Spa also offers a tantalising range of Elemis treatments including skincare, massage and spa rituals.

After your spa experience, The Retreat at Finlake is the ideal place to sit and relax whilst sipping a cool drink or indulging in one of our many speciality coffees and teas.

In the evening, The Retreat takes on a cosy atmosphere with a restaurant and well-stocked bar providing a welcoming environment. It’s the perfect place for couples to enjoy a romantic evening for two. ■

MOTHER’S DAY TREAT

Visit www.sironaspafinlake.co.uk to choose your perfect spa package for two and view our special Mother’s Day spa package - a wonderful treat for Mum.

Finlake Holiday Resort & Spa Barley Lane, Chudleigh, TQ13 0EJ; 01626 563 280 sirona.spa@haulfryn.co.uk www.sironaspa nlake.co.uk

Offering friendly, professional beauty treatments in the heart of St Leonard’s, Exeter

Monu and Renu facials | Lash and Brow Treatments | Jane Iredale make-up sessions | Manicures and Pedicures Shellac Manicures and Pedicures (two week varnish) | Electrolysis | Waxing | Massage

NEW! LUXURY PEDI-IN-A-BOX Gold Glimmer and Chocolate + Mango and Ocean Refresh! £35 for one hour Includes free Collagen Glove Treatment for hands and application of a Vinylux colour of your choice (Hands or feet). February 2020

4 Roberts Road, St Leonard’s, Exeter EX2 4HB. 01392 410055 www.belulino.co.uk

NOW OPEN Weds 10am - 8pm, Thurs 9am - 5pm, Fri 9am - 7pm, Sat 9am - 5pm