BECAUSE I’M HAPPY A gazillion things to do locally to make you cheerful

WHAT’S ON <heatre, music, art, comedy, film, half

“Donkeys have a zen-like grounded quality that never fails to warm the heart”

THE HAPPY GUIDE

How to feel on top of the world in and around Exeter this spring

Happiness, of course, means different things to different people. ?hile roller-skating in neoncoloured leggings while singing Abba at the top of your voice might produce mind-altering levels of joy to one person, it’s also likely to be a shudder-inducing toe-curling experience for another. So, in this feature we’ve searched high and low to find a healthy mixture of stuff that’ll hopefully get you smiling, whether it’s singing, dancing, laughing, enjoying the glorious Devon countryside or having a much-deserved pamper session.

ANIMALS We couldn’t do a happiness feature without including animals. Yes, we know social media has gone full on gaga for furry creatures but it’s also backed up with some pretty convincing science which says that we all feel a bit better when we’re hanging out with animals. And there are some beauties around Exeter.

THE DONKEY SANCTUARY If you fancy getting up close and personal with Devon donkeys, and why wouldn¼t you, the sanctuary offer a special >I8 donkey experience which will see you enjoy a one-to-one session with the sanctuary’s friendly residents, going beyond paddock fences to meet the donkeys and get hands-on learning about them and their care.

“Donkeys have a zen-like grounded quality that never fails to warm the heart and soul, and will have you coming away feeling refreshed and happy,º says Sam ?atts, events oٻcer at <he ,onkey Sanctuary. <he sanctuary also regularly hosts other tours, talks, scenic walks in the woods, engaging exhibits, has award-winning gardens and, of course, hundreds of adorable donkeys to meet. Wet weather day? Enjoy their interactive journey through the global work of <he ,onkey Sanctuary in the Exhibition Barn or discover all things donkey in the Understanding Donkeys Zone. It’s also got a corker of a restaurant. The Donkey Sanctuary, Sidmouth; www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk

ABOVE: Walkies with the Peak Hill Llamas; BELOW: Jazzercise, flicking hair optional

PEAK HILL LLAMAS What better way to blow out the cobwebs than with a bracing walk on East Devon’s stunning Jurassic Coast with some adorable llamas, followed by a hot chocolate and slice of cake? There’s a variety of different experiences available which include walking, grooming, clicker training, feeding, and agility.

¹7ur light-hearted experiences and walks are all about promoting well-being and happiness · giving our clients the opportunity to enjoy spending some Yuality time in beautiful surroundings in the company of our gentle and intelligent llamas · who will even hum to you as you walk along!º says 5aggie 2ee, proprietor and chief llama servant. Peak Hill Llamas, Sidmouth; www.walkingwithllamas.co.uk

DANCING For many, dancing is the dictionary definition of happiness. Fortunately, there’s loads of friendly places to go for a boogie.

DANSCI DANCE STUDIO It¼s all about exclusivity at the Exeter dance studio where there are classes for anyone from months to years plus. .or adults they host everything from acrobatics, ballet, contemporary, tap, jabb, street and over ¼s, yoga and fitness. It doesn¼t matter whether you¼re /inger :ogers or Inspector +louseau, the team here are big on welcoming those of all experiences, with regular socials, an onsite juice barcafu and lots of beginner classes for each genre. “Embedded in our core values is our sense of community; we call ,anSci »home¼ and love that so many people enjoy each class and leave

ABOVE: Go for a boat trip along the The Jurassic Coast; RIGHT: Enjoy belly laughs at The Vivienne & Baga Show

the studio feeling part of our dance community,” says Ava Barron Thomas, artistic director at Dansci Dance Studio. DanSci Dance Studio, Summerland Street, Exeter; www.dansci.co.uk

JAZZERCISE EXETER FITNESS STUDIO If you haven’t tried Jazzercise yet, you are in for a hardcore cardiofulled fun time which has been called the original dance party workout as it blends dance with pilates, yoga, kickboxing and strength training. One 55-minute session can burn up to 800 calories. The results? Long, lean muscles and an undeniable mood boost. “Our aim is very simply to make every class best hour of your day” says Sarah Sydney-Sheppard, Jazzercise studio owner.

“No matter how you feel when you come into the studio, we want each person to leave feeling the fun and joy that you can get through dance.” Jazzercise, 1 Dean Clarke Gardens, Exeter; www.jazzerciseexeter.com

“We want each person to leave feeling the fun and joy that you can get through dance”

SINGING If singing in the shower is not quite cutting the mustard and you fancy being part of a collective, why not join a choir in town.

GENERATION EXE The gang are an all-female group ranging in age from 19 – 77 years. There are no auditions, many have never sung in a group before, and it’s all about having fun.

“The choir love songs with empowering lyrics that are packed full of attitude, mainly covering female artists through their own arrangements of classic to modern pop, soul, folk and world music,” says Kathy Rufolo.

¹<hey are aiming to create some flash-mobs to ensure Exeter knows it is International Women’s Day in March!” The choir practise every Wednesday at St Thomas Methodist Church, Exeter; www.generationexe.co.uk

LAUGHING <here¼s a chocka block comedy line at Exeter 8hoenix this spring with big names such as )lexei Sayle 5arch and 4loyd /riٻth 5arch and on 5arch the winner of :u8aul¼s ,rag :ace, <he Vivienne and audience favourite Baga Chipz joining forces for live vocals, impressions, and loads of laughs. Appearances from Trump and Thatcher have been promised.

.or regular comedy nights around the city, both Exeter 8hoenix and *arnfield <heatre host their own monthly open mic comedy nights. Expect line-ups from the up-and-coming performers from around the South West. ___e`eterXPoeni`orO]S# ___JIrnÅeTLtPeItreorO]S

ABOVE: Relaxing at Devon Sculpture Park; BELOW: I want to ride my bicycle at Haldon Forest Park

OUTDOORSY STUFF DEVON SCULPTURE PARK Fancy seeing a newborn soay sheep or a badger face lamb? Or maybe doing an environmental art workshop, signing up for a creative retreat or staying in the stunning Lakehouse hovering over the mesmerising Capability Brown lake?

The wildlife haven and creative retreat on the outskirts of Exeter is all about experiencing environmental art in a rewilded park, while overlooking the sea. Not a bad way to spend an afternoon. Mamhead Park South, Devon Sculpture Park; www.devonsculpturepark.org

THE JURASSIC COAST Exmouth is the gateway to the oldest section of the Jurassic Coast, and what way to enjoy it more than a gentle cruise.

From April onwards you can enjoy this by hopping on a Stuart Line Cruises at Exmouth. What to expect? A family-friendly bob along the water cruise with informative live commentary from the skipper, detailing the history, geology, beauty and diverse wildlife found along this stretch of coast and sensational views of dramatic landscapes, with uninterrupted views from two distinctive perspectives. The attentive crew will also serve up Devon cream teas and there’s a fully licensed bar. Marina, Pier Head, Exmouth; www.stuartlinecruises.co.uk

“The choir love songs with empowering lyrics that are packed full of attitude”

16 I EXETER LIVING I www.mediaclash.co.uk © SIMON STUART-MILLER PHOTOGRAPHY

HALDON FOREST PARK Haldon Forest Park is all about unwinding out in the fresh air; with it’s 10 miles of trails in the peaceful forest visitors can enjoy a gentle stroll, a hearty hike, or even a run. Their cycling trails include family-friendly spaces to master the pedals and ditch the stabilisers, challenging downhill trails for accomplished riders, and skills areas for training practice. On-site bicycle hire is available, including e-bikes and other options for reduced fitness or mobility, with discounts available for over s.

The outdoor sanctuary is also home to a lot of family fun with the Tree Top Challenges (if you’re not great with heights, perhaps skip this) plus their scenic Segway tours, huge orienteering courses, and regular events from Pilates and gong bathing, to outdoor cinema and weekly parkruns. ■ Bullers Hill, Kennford, Exeter; www.forestryengland.uk

WHAT MAKES EXETER PEOPLE HAPPY? “I love being able to see green fields from the High Street. It reminds me that I have the best of both worlds: city and country.” Rob Mackenzie, marketing assistant at Exeter’s Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery

“Chatting to friends in the Exploding Bakery. I love the food and the ambience! And cycling by the river watching seabirds” Lara Goodband, curator of contemporary art at Exeter’s Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery

“There is a new one for me, daily happiness through exercise, which is usually cycling. It gives me the space between work and family life and

sometimes I am able to return home close to being an actual human as a result. For a special treat I’ll take the scenic route via the Exe. I don’t think you can beat that on a sunny summer’s night.

Most recently I don’t think I have been happier than when dancing with my daughter in the kitchen. There was a precise moment during paternity leave I can lock onto. My amazing team had grabbed my work diary and I was clear from day to day stuff, my wife was safe and sleeping and I had nothing to do but enjoy and celebrate this new healthy bundle of joy. We would often dance in the kitchen over those two weeks. It’s something that we still do (she is now two). She is the most affection-resistant child on the planet (purposeful like her mother) however

she will still come and dance with me in that same spot.” JP Hedge, director of communications and marketing, Exeter City Council

Nothing makes me happier than running in and around Exeter. Whether it is on the Quay, through Whipton or up around the University there’s so much great open space nearby. Emily Macaulay, centre manager, Exeter Library

“A sunny day sat outside one of Exeter’s many waterside pubs, with friends talking random nonsense. I’m also known as a DJ around town (DJ Louie Louie) and it may be a cliché but it makes me very happy to have a great audience dancing to the tunes you’re playing, sharing the moment and for maybe just a couple of hours, all united in joy and temporarily free of worries or care. Kevin Winser, activities and events officer, Exeter Community Centre Trust

PAMPERING YOURSELF THE HAVEN SPA If you fancy treating yourself or a friend/relative, you couldn’t go far wrong with this place. Take a trip to their Thermal Suite and chill out in the jacuzzi, sauna, aroma-room, bucket shower, rain-dance shower (dancing optional). They do all the massage treatments too. Guildhall Centre, Exeter; www.thehavenspa.co.uk

AMANDA MARSDEN SALON Hair salon, and full on spa with facial treatments, massages, polishes, you name it. There’s a whole set of treatments for men too and if you fancy doing a complete overhaul, try one of their packages: on offer are self-renewal experiences and a top to toe experience. 75 Queen St, Exeter; www.amandamarsden.co.uk

THE TREATMENT LOFT Nestled in what was once the original hay loft at Darts Farm, the Treatment Loft has all the massages and treatments but also some holistic ones if you’re that way inclined. Think Reiki and hopi ear candles. Dart Farm Village, Topsham, Exeter; www.dartsfarm.co.uk/body-mind/treatment-loft

And the others: Skin Southwest, Ten Years Younger, Radiance medispa, The Cove, SAKS Hair

“It’s all about unwinding in the fresh air”

Transform your smile with Exeter Dental Centre

Visit our luxury practice in the heart of Exeter for specialist dental care that is bespoke to you

We are excited to announce Exeter Dental Centre has now became part of Bupa Dental Care. The consistent high standard of care that we offer our patients has earned us a place within their prestigious Platinum group of practices.

What treatments do we offer? We’re a leading referral clinic for expert and specialist care, including dental implants and gum disease. And we offer general, advanced, and cosmetic dentistry – so there’s a good chance we can help with any dental problems you might have.

Orthodontic treatment for adults Contrary to popular belief, teeth-straightening treatment isn’t just for children and teenagers. We can help you get a smile you feel confident about through several options – including a discreet option such as clear braces.

Dental implants: are they for you? Conscious about missing teeth? Or find dentures a hassle? Dental implants could be an ideal option for you. They’re long-lasting, too – and the implants are tooth-coloured to give you a natural look.

Do you need Bupa insurance to sign up as a new patient? The good news is you don’t need Bupa insurance to get treated at our practice. Anyone is eligible to sign up as a new patient and benefit from Platinum dentistry.

Do we accommodate nervous patients? Feel anxious about visiting the dentist? You’re not alone, and we understand exactly how you feel. Our dental team work hard to make sure your experience is as stress-free as possible. We also offer numbing gels and sedation services – and insist on offering gentle dentistry to minimise discomfort during treatment.

Why choose Exeter Dental Centre? At Exeter Dental Centre you’re in safe hands, our dental team have over 60 years of combined clinical experience, and we pride ourselves on our exceptional patient care. What’s more, we take care in creating a calm environment that’s filled with kind and courteous staff. Our practice is also based in a central location – which makes us easy to find for a stress-free experience. ■

MEET THE TEAM

Meet two of our dentists with experience levels that highlight the high standards of care we insist on offering:

Jim Hall: Facial Aesthetics BDS (Birm) 1993 GDC: 69491 Jim qualified from Birmingham Dental School in 1993, he has over 20 years’ experience in private and NHS practice – including 15 years as a practice owner.

Alexandra Griffin: Orthodontics & Trauma BDS(London) 1998 MFDS RCS(Eng) MSc in Orthodontics(Warwick) GDC: 74678 Alex graduated from The London Hospital Medical and Dental school in 1998 and gained her Fellowship in Dental Surgery postgraduate qualification in 2001. She gained a great deal of experience with nervous patients and treatment with sedation.

“ SUPERB PROFESSIONAL SERVICE, FROM A HARD-WORKING TEAM. I AM ALWAYS MADE TO FEEL WELCOME. I WOULD RECOMMEND THEM TO ANYONE. ”

– GOOGLE REVIEWER

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT TODAY We’re open six days a week and offer emergency appointments to new and existing patients. Book today by visiting us online at exeterdentalcentre.co.uk, or call our friendly reception team on 01392 248 630

01392 248 630

reception@exeterdentalcentre.co.uk 17 Castle Street, Exeter EX4 3PT

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