Exeter Living - Issue 289 by MediaClash

ISSUE 289 / DECEMBER 2021 / £3

ISSUE 289 / DECEMBER 2021 / PRESENT AND CORRECT

OUR INDIE-FANTASTIC CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE (PART TWO) HAS LANDED

SET IN STONE JEWELLERY TO FEAST YOUR EYES ON

THE BOTANIST DINING OUT IN EXETER’S LATEST RESTAURANT

PRESENT PERFECT

FESTIVE MUST-DO EXPERIENCES

A YEAR IN BOOKS BOOKBAG’S CHARLIE RICHARDS GIVES HER TOP RECOMMENDATIONS

EDITOR’S LETTER

ABOVE: The London African

Gospel Choir, page 12; BELOW: Father Christmas hanging decoration from Insideout, page 32

’m always curious, and occasionally horrified, by how other people do’ hristmas. A friend of mine recently bemoaned the fact that it took her family so long to get through the presentopening part of hristmas day. ot because there were so many presents but because they each take turns in opening their presents. As in, when you open each and every one of your gifts, your whole family sit bang in front of you, ust watching you and your reaction. The pressure The Oscar-worthy acting skills that it would re uire to mask the shock at a blush-inducing inappropriate present. Anyhow, it did get me thinking about how we all do things differently at hristmas and this theme runs through this festive issue. For those who desire full-octane razzle-dazzle and have a lengthy wish list, we have part two of our hristmas gift guide (page 1), followed by a super luxe, eye-popping ewellery feature (page ). For those who want to resist buying too much actual stuff we have loads of experience’ presents (page 0) – all local, all amazing. We also showcase some beautiful festive print cards (like our gorgeous front cover by mma uby) and eco-friendly decorations that are available nearby (page ). There are also family days out for when the kids break up (page 1 ) and harlie ichards give us her top book recommendations (page 1 ) for when you want to hunker down over the next few weeks. What all of these features have in common is that they highlight the fantastic offerings from our local independents. If you’re keen to support xeter’s indies, these pages offer a gazillion ways in which you can. n oy xeterTogether

HARRIET NOBLE

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Issue 289 / December 2021 COVER Festive print by Emma Ruby; head to page 32 for more

REGULARS 6 9 52 66

SPOTLIGHT A round-up of local charity heroes JP HEDGE is prepping for the big day SOCIETY Parties in the city LIVES We catch up with Adam Atkins, aka The Rock

THE ARTS

12 WHAT’S ON A dusting of festive events 17 ARTS Hoorah! The Charlatans are coming to Exeter 19 BOOKS Charlie’s recommendations from 2021

SHOPPING

21 CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE Sparkly prezzie ideas,

courtesy of Exeter’s independents

30 EXPERIENCE IT Time to get imaginative with these

‘experience’ gifts

32 LOOKS A TREAT Festive prints and

eco-friendly decorations

36 BRIGHT AND BEAUTIFUL Luxurious, fun and

slinky jewellery

FOOD & DRINK

42 FOOD & DRINK NEWS A new bakery, foodie events and

how to shop local this Christmas

44 RESTAURANT We visit the newly opened bar and

restaurant, The Botanist

46 INTERVIEW Faye and Yvan Williams on why it’s all about

the pop-up bar

EDUCATION

48 SCHOOL REPORT All the latest news from the

education sector

49 VICTORIA BOND has top-notch advice on choosing the

best school for your child

BUSINESS

54 EXETERWORKS Business wins and new start-ups in

the city

56 DANSCI Exeter Living Award winners Dansci on the joys

PROPERTY

61 NEWS New properties making a splash in the region 62 SHOWCASE A top ﬂoor penthouse with the best view

over Exeter

Editor Harriet Noble harriet.noble@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 Contributors JP Hedge, Charlie Richards Advertising manager Paula Miller paula.miller@mediaclash.co.uk Production/ Distribution Manager Sarah Kingston sarah.kingston@mediaclash.co.uk Deputy Production Manager Kirstie Howe kirstie.howe@mediaclash.co.uk Production Designer Gemma Scrine gemma.scrine@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, and Exeter. 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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of dancing

SPOTLIGHT A round-up of some of the amazing people and organisations making a difference in Exeter Calendar

EXETER IN PICTURES

An Exeter calendar for 2022 has been created by local artist Chris Marriott which shows colourful depictions of famous local Exeter locations – with all funds from sales being donated to St Petrock’s homelessness services. Chris is no stranger to creating calendars, having previously produced one of Devon coastal scenes. “My son is the inspiration for this calendar and for the one that I produced for 2020,” says Chris. “He died in a tragic accident in February 2017 and I wanted to ﬁnd some way of keeping his memory alive. “The theme of the calendar was Exeter city, both because Sam was an A Level student at the college there (hence the May picture) but also because Exeter is a beautiful city with some interesting and quirky places. “It was certainly an enjoyable experience to escape from lockdown and wander around the city, taking photos and learning more about the place. The other theme is the lockdown and its associated link to the NHS (my wife is a doctor, my eldest daughter is an occupational therapist and my youngest daughter wants to be a paramedic). “The link to St Petrock’s is a wonderful accident! I knew I wanted to give the proceeds of the calendar to a charity for the homeless because Sam would have appreciated it. He loved people and could often be found by the Cathedral (while he should have been studying), chatting to those down on their luck. I looked around for suitable charities and was inspired when I came across St Petrock’s, both because it appeared to be a very friendly organisation and also because there is no doubt Sam would have come across their customers when skiving from college!” The calendar can be purchased at St Petrock’s Place on Paris Street; www.stpetrocks.org.uk

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CLOCKWISE FROM THE TOP: The 2022 Calendar; St.Petrock’s Church; Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market; and Exeter College

Charity

MARATHON MAN Chris Long, a wheelchair user with cerebral palsy and a customer of Bluebird Care Exeter, has raised over £400 for Hospiscare by taking part in their ‘Marathon in a Month’ event recently. Chris successfully covered over 26 miles and in recognition of his remarkable eﬀorts, has been awarded a Hospiscare medal. “Taking part in the marathon was a rewarding experience because it gave my circuit of the Quay a purpose,” says Chris. I en oyed ﬁnding new routes that would help me achieve my goal and

rediscovering the beauty in nature. Sylvie Thomas adds, “I am one of the many care assistants from Bluebird Care Exeter who accompanied Chris on his marathon adventure. We had a great time, met lots of people who cheered up Chris, not to mention the many dogs who wanted to join in! It was great just to be outside by the beautiful river, after far too many pandemic trivial pursuit games! Chris is a marvellous soul and I love him to bits. Well done, marathon man.” For more: www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/christopher-long9

You can visit Father Christmas on Bedford Street

Christmas

HO HO HO! Father Christmas is heading to Bedford Street in rincesshay for the first three weekends in December to raise money for Princesshay’s Charity of the Year, Families for Children. Families can meet and chat to the man in red and there will be the opportunity for children to receive a beautiful gift box including a certificate, Father hristmas’s magic key, a tree decoration and magic flying formula reindeer food. Father Christmas will also be Makaton signing (doing the the sign and symbol language) with his young visitors on Sunday 12 December. For more: www.princesshay.co.uk

Congratulations Chris!

Light up a Life will be on 16 December

Remembrance

CELEBRATING LOVED ONES Hospiscare will hold its annual Light up a Life celebration online once again this year to honour the memories of loved ones who have died. On 16 December, from 7pm, the community can come together from the comfort of their own homes to light a candle in celebration of the lives of family and friends. The online broadcast will be ﬁlled with readings, poems, music and carols. “The last 18 months have been incredibly challenging but I am so proud to be part of a team that has risen to the challenge as we kept our care going in the most di cult circumstances any of us have ever known,” says Rachel Hall, clinical nurse specialist at Hospiscare. “I am proud of our patients and families too, for the amazing strength of character they have shown in facing their situation with grace and dignity” For more: www.hospiscare.co.uk/light

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faradaystoves@gmail.com www.faradaystoves.co.uk

OPINION JP HEDGE

JP’s son Harry, hoping for a soft landing

The countdown begins...

e have just rummaged through the house on the annual parent uest to find the hristmas presents we’ve squirrelled away throughout the year. As the children get taller and more aware of their surroundings, we need to find more inventive places they’ll never visit in order to hide any secret stashes. At this rate the vegetable draw of the fridge will become the ultimate hideaway. Like a lot of people, we try to spread out our gift purchases throughout the year. As we grow as a family I have to say that the annual haul is getting a lot smaller. Some of this is planned. There is a conscious choice to try not to buy stuff’. opcorn makers,

Christmas prep has started in the Hedge household and JP is striving for memory making moments over materialistic objects (apart from the odd marshmallow) 15-in-1 snoods, anything with the word ‘miracle’ in front of it. Having been victims in the past, I’m also desperately trying not to buy impulsive purchases online. I’m reading a book at the moment that talks about the 1974 Stanford Test around delayed gratiﬁcation. Basically, a child was given a marshmallow and told that if they deferred eating it for 10 minutes they could have double the amount when the time was up. The adult then leaves the room leaving the child to make the choice. The famous test is designed to provide an indication of emotional resilience and a prediction of things to come in later life. As a child I think I would have shoved it in my mouth before even the rules were fully explained. As an adult, I have been known to take a car in for a service and

“We are all trying for delayed gratiﬁcation beyond the tear open of toys”

come back with a new one. So with Christmas presents we are all trying for delayed gratification beyond the tear open of toys on Christmas morning. That probably involves investing in some new and positive ways to spend our precious free time. If you are thinking of doing the same, and trying to find those gifts that keep on giving, I have some tips that have done well for our family. A relatively modest stunt kite is the perfect excuse to get out on a day where you might have stayed indoors. As is a new flask to be honest. I’ve been surprised about the positive noises around going out on a wet winter’s day to give the new thermos a whirl. Having a wetsuit opened up the likes of Budleigh to days and days of fantastic water adventure in the rapids. A Forestry Commission car parking pass to Haldon Forest has proved a phenomenal investment. There is a huge amount to love right on our doorstep and those forests really are a special place. Annual tickets to Pennywell Farm was one of the best gift swaps we did. Clear, ring fenced

and all-weather family time really is a gift that keeps on giving. All of these things are time magnets and memory makers. And with gifts that generate time and create memories you often unwittingly fall into the ‘reduce, reuse and recycle’ plan for leaving less impact through our lives. The trilogy was ordered by impact. educe is first because that is where there is the greatest impact. For us, this Christmas will be the one to go for quality to redouble efforts to support our city centre shops that have been through so much. I’m so grateful that we have an incredible amount of memory makers on our doorstep to help with long term gratification. If anyone is thinking of a Secret Santa for me – I’ve been known to like marshmallows. n Jon-Paul Hedge is a director at Exeter City Council where he currently looks after leisure. He is a former newspaper editor and lives in the city with his wife and two young children. www.exeter.gov.uk

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26 November onwards

Always check COVID-19 restrictions and instructions with venues before your visit

Glow at RHS Rosemoor

THEATRE/ SHOWS

1 December – 1 January

A CHRISTMAS CAROL With rib-tickling comic twists and larger than life characters, Dickens’ festive classic receives a riotous reimagining in the hands of Le Navet Bete, including giant exploding puddings, hypo-allergenic Christmas trees and a ‘Not So Tiny Tim’. Various times, Exeter Northcott Theatre, Stocker Road, Exeter; www.exeternorthcott.co.uk

8 December – 2 January

WHAT THE LADYBIRD SAID Join the clever Ladybird as she leads the animals on their quest to save the day in this joyous stage adaptation of the bestselling picture book by Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks. With live music, puppetry and a whole farmyard of fun, this 55-minute family favourite is the perfect holiday treat. Various times, Exeter Northcott theatre, Stocker Road; www.exeternorthcott.co.uk

11 December – 2 January

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Expect romance and custard pies, magic and silly slapstick in equal measures as much-loved regulars Matt Finegan and Daniel Page return as Gascon and Madame Bonbon and a whole cast of characters in this fun family panto. Various times, Exeter Corn Exchange, Market Street, Exeter; www.exetercornexchange.co.uk

19 – 28 December

RHIA & THE TREE OF LIGHTS Featuring vibrant original music, ancient Indian tales, and Quirk’s trademark sense of the ridiculous. A heartwarming show for all ages, celebrating friendship, nature, and the place we call home. Various times, Exeter Phoenix, Gandy Street, Exeter; www.exeterphoenix.org.uk

MUSIC

27 November

JOOLS HOLLAND AND HIS RHYTHM AND BLUES ORCHESTRA

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Master of the ivories, Jools Holland, and his brilliant rhythm and blues orchestra return to Exeter for another night of boogie-woogie fun, with special guest hris Diﬀord. 7.30pm, Exeter Northcott Theatre, Stocker Road, Exeter; www.exeternorthcott.co.uk

special guests including spokenword artist Dizraeli, acclaimed author Nick Hayes (on banjo), Rosie Bristow of Holy Moly & The Crackers. Exeter Phoenix, Gandy Street, Exeter; www.exeterphoenix.org.uk

3 December

14 December

THE LONDON AFRICAN GOSPEL CHOIR SING MARLEY The ensemble will be taking on the works and psalms of the late great Bob Marley in a unique African style. These never-before-seen shows will see the redemption songs reinterpreted with their inimitable African choral arrangements and the music stunningly rearranged for the choir’s full live band. 8pm, Exeter Phoenix, Gandy Street, Exeter; www.exeterphoenix.org.uk

12 December

BEANS ON TOAST The folk hero returns with his optimistic new album, Survival of the Friendliest. Created with Blaine Harrison and Jack Flanagan of Mystery Jets, the album also features

THE CHARLATANS The Charlatans are one of the most successful bands around, having had three number one albums and numerous top 30 singles. The band proudly announce their (Covid) delayed release of their 30th anniversary tour and a career spanning best-of album entitled A Head Full of Ideas. 7.30pm, The Great Hall, The University of Exeter; www.exeterphoenix.org.uk

17 December

BSO: CHRISTMAS CRACKERS Experience the warmth and joy of Christmas with a concert from Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra devoted to the best of seasonal favourites old and new with a generous spoonful of familiar

WHAT’S ON TOP: The London African Gospel Choir will be at Exeter Phoenix BELOW: The illumination trail at Killerton

kitsch Christmas classics. 7.30pm, The Great Hall, The University of Exeter; www.exeternorthcott.co.uk

19, 20 and 21 December

CHRISTMAS WITH THE CATHEDRAL CHOIR Exeter Cathedral’s renowned choir return for their annual festive Christmas carol concerts. The adults and choristers will be directed by Timothy Noon (director of music), and accompanied on the mighty Cathedral organ by James Anderson-Besant (assistant director of music). Matinee and evening performances, prior booking is necessary, Exeter Cathedral, Exeter; www.exeter-cathedral.org.uk

FESTIVE FAMILY FUN PHOTO BY RICHARD HAUGHTON SONY MUSIC KILLERTON

Until 18 December

EXETER CATHEDRAL CHRISTMAS MARKET Over 0 stalls oﬀering street food from across the world, a plethora of gifts for food and drink lovers, as well as textiles, pottery, hand-crafted jewellery, home furnishings, clothes, decorations, wrappings and more. For younger visitors, a new feature is The Elf Express; the train rides will be operating on Friday evenings from 5pm and all day at weekends. Exeter Cathedral, Exeter; www.exeter-cathedral.org.uk

Until 31 December

CHRISTMAS AT THE CASTLE Families can enjoy a Christmas grotto, barn market with arts and crafts to buy, mulled cider, wine, food, and festive music. Wander through the magical light trail that follows round the grounds and through the Secret Garden (where you can go for pony rides and goat walks); they’re also opening up the castle so you can step inside and marvel at the story-telling displays and decorations. Powderham Castle, Exeter; www.powderham.co.uk

Until 2 January

CHRISTMAS AT KILLERTON Over a million twinkly lights, colourful trees and amazing illuminated installations, all choreographed to a soundtrack of much-loved seasonal music will be transforming Killerton’s majestic gardens into a winter wonderland.

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WHAT’S ON Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market in full swing

There will be burnished lantern trees filled with flickering flames, neon strings stretched between towering trees, walkthrough hristmas baubletrees, an arch of hearts, and perhaps a glimpse of Father hristmas. Killerton House, Broadclyst, Exeter; www.ChristmasatKillerton.co.uk

Until 23 December

COTLEY FARM CHRISTMAS Say hello to their friendly reindeer and other farm animals, attend one of their festive ﬂower workshops, or tuck into the festive feast event on 11 December for delicious street food paired with mulled wine. While you’re there, pick up your hristmas tree, wreaths, turkey and decorations. Cotley Farm Christmas, Whimple, Exeter, www.cotleychristmas.co.uk

Throughout winter

GLOW TRAIL AT THE DONKEY SANCTUARY

The trail shines a light on the stories of donkeys from around the world and concludes in the heart of the sanctuary in the festively lit low oom, where visitors will discover a fairy-tale ending for three of the charity’s rescued donkeys, illy, olly and Snowy. The Donkey Sanctuary, Sidmouth; www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk

4 December

CHRISTMAS FAIR ON MAGDALEN ROAD agdalen oad will be ﬁlled with stalls selling food, craft items and presents, with live music and singing from local performers, including carols from xeter School hoir. The wonderful shops, caf s and restaurants of agdalen oad will also be contributing to the mix of things to eat, buy and see. 2-6pm, Magdalen Road, Exeter; www.slna.org.uk

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5 December

SPECTACULAR SANTA FUN RUN The festive, fun k course is suitable for all ages and abilities and there will be plenty of festive treats and surprises to en oy along the way. It’s the perfect way to get everyone in the mood for hristmas and raise a few pounds for your local children’s hospice, said hildren’s ospice South West fundraiser mma erry. 11.30am or 1pm, RHS Rosemoor, RHS Torrington; www.chsw.org.uk

18 December

A CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA, INCLUDING THE SNOWMAN xeter hildren’s Orchestra will be celebrating their 0th anniversary with a performance of the magical animation The

Snowman Live, Polar Express and other hristmas favourites.The matinee performance will be minutes long, while the evening performance will an epic two-hour extravaganza Various times, Exeter Northcott Theatre, Stocker Road; www.exeternorthcott.co.uk

18 and 19 December

FESTIVE WILDLIFE DECORATIONS Decorate your own wooden bauble featuring one of the A ’S animals in a seasonal setting. erhaps erald the iraﬀe playing in the snow or our polar bear wearing a hat and scarf. Let your imagination go wild and create a decoration to hang on your tree at home. 10.30am-3.30pm, drop in, RAMM, Queen Street, Exeter; www.rammuseum.org.uk n

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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

THE CHARLATANS The much-loved band proudly announce the (Covid) delayed release of their 30th anniversary tour which will see them descend on Exeter on 14 December to perform A Head Full of Ideas, an album that spans some of their greatest hits and celebrates their remarkable journey from 1990 Manchester scene hopefuls to one of the UK’s most enduring groups. The classic Charlatans sound – driving Hammond organ, Northern Soul and house-inﬂuenced rhythms, swaggering guitars and Tim Burgess’s sunny yet somehow yearning vocals – is sure to put some festive cheer into the bones of you. Doors open 7.30pm, 14 December, The Great Hall, The University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter; tickets available at www.exeterphoenix.org.uk

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BOOKS CHARLIE RICHARDS

I A year in books

Charlie shares her favourite reads from this year

’m shelf hopping madly around Bookbag this week to bring you a micro selection of books that stood out for us this year. First to nature writing and Suzanne Simard’s Finding The Mother Tree. In this ‘dazzling scientific detective story’ Suzanne describes her discovery; how trees communicate under the ground, and how this nurtures them. In Small Bodies of Water, Nina Mingya Powles explores how the world’s rivers and seas connect and anchor us, and Anita Sethi, finds a sense of belonging as she walks the landscape of the North in I Belong Here, which won the Books Are My Bag reader’s choice. From our Lived Experiences shelf, and popular at Bookbag, is The Transgender Issue, by Shon Faye. It’s a manifesto for change, a call for healthier conversations about being trans, and a clear-sighted, landmark book that explains how a more compassionate society benefits us all. Honorable mentions also to republished Black Teacher by Beryl Gilroy, a memoir set in post-war Britain that’s, in turn, bleak and humorous, and new writing from Deborah Levy with Real Estate. To fiction, where choosing is practically impossible, so I’m going to stick to hardbacks (which make flashier gifts). We loved the colourful, surreal island story This One Sky Day by Leone Ross. Mrs Death Misses Death, from poet Salena Godden, has death stalking the streets as an old, black woman. The Song of Achilles, by Madeline Miller has had a 10 year anniversary makeover, and slim hardback highlights (always fond of these) include Open Water by Caleb Azumah Nelson and Assembly by Natasha Brown.

New writing from essayist Maggie Nelson is always a dream, and in Freedom she explores the concept of freedom through the lens of art, sex, drugs, and climate. Big, gifty books we have our eye on are photographic Yo! The Early Days of Hip Hop, 1982-1984, from Soul Jazz Books, and Radiohead artwork in Kid A Mnesia by Thom Yorke and Stanley Donwood. Hayao Miyazaki celebrates the Studio Ghibli director with a worthy tome to his incredible film and animation studio. For young people – Oliver Jeffer’s interactive picture book There’s a Ghost in this House is beautiful, and Sangma Francis’ Amazon River tells the story of the river through a mix of stunning illustrations and facts about its culture, people and ecology. In The Story of Afro Hair, K. N. Chimbiri celebrates 5,000 years of styles with stories that span the ages – this is a perfectly pitched history book for middle-grade children. Young adult fiction loves are Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender, a Tik Tok sensation and story about identity, and The Upper World by Femi Fadugba, a time-travelling sci fi set in London. There are many (many) more I’ve missed and would have loved to share. We didn’t even get to art, or travel, or zines. Do visit the bookshop over the holidays and we’ll happily keep going. Bookbag has also recently launched a subscription service, Bookbox, which is the ideal way to shoehorn books we rate upon people, so look out for that too. Happy reading and, keep it local!

“Suzanne describes how trees communicate under the ground”

Charlie Richards is the co-owner of Exeter bookshop Bookbag, 7-10, McCoy’s Arcade, Exeter; uk.bookshop.org/shop/bookbag

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CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE ASSORTED FRAGRANCES AND CANDLES From RHS Rosemoor,Torrington; www.rhs.org.uk

ALL PRESENT AND CORRECT Our indie-fantastic Christmas gift guide (part two)

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GOLD

CHIC ANTIQUE GLITTER CANDLE, FROM £3 From Nest Living, 60 Fore Street, Topsham; www.nestliving.net

NOEL HANGING DECORATION, BURNT GOLD, £15 From Killerton House, Exeter; www.shop.nationaltrust.org.uk

GOLD SPOTTED TEA POT, £10.99 From China Blue, Station Road, Totnes; www.china-blue-shop.co.uk

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FORCE OF NATURE KIDS SWEATSHIRT, £32 From Adventure Boy; www.adventureboy.co.uk

GOLD DRINKS TROLLEY, £250 From Bøde Living, Alexandria Trading Estate, Alexandria Road, Sidmouth; www.bode-living.com

STAG CRUET SET, £32.50 From Carole King, 27 High Street, Dulverton; www.carole-king.co.uk

HARRY HARE PRINT, POA From Lantic Gallery, 38 Gold Street, Tiverton; www.lanticgallery.co.uk

TEA INFUSER MUG SET BELLE EPOQUE, £32 From Brit Locker, Kings Wharf, Cellar 1, The Quay; www.britlocker.com

GOLD SOAP BAR, £4.75 From Dartmoor Soap Company; www.thedartmoorsoapco.co.uk

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

SILVER

TREE OF LIFE ANTIQUE JEWELLERY BOX, £35 From Moko, 17 Gandy Street; www.mokoexeter.co.uk

STAG FESTIVE POP AND SLOT CARD, £6.95 From Hyde and Seek, Unit 1, Harlequins, 1 Paul Street, Exeter; www.hydeseek.co.uk

SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL BOW TIE, £55 From Distinguished Dog Company; www.theddcompany.com

ANGEL WINGS, £39.95 From Carole King, 27 High Street, Dulverton; www.carole-king.co.uk NATURAL BARK STAR TWIG WREATH, SILVER, £20 From Killerton House, Exeter; www.shop.nationaltrust.org.uk

MULBERRYISH CROSS BODY BAG, £24 From Snob, shops in Tiverton and Budleigh Silverton; www.ilovesnob.co.uk

CAROLINE GARDNER CARD HOLDER RAINBOW, £14 From RHS Rosemoor, Torrington; www.shop.rhs.org.uk

SANNE SEQUIN JACKET From Busby & Fox, 21 Cathedral Yard, Exeter; www.busbyandfox.com

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STELLA NOVA SELMA KNIT JUMPER, £229 From Lorna Ruby, 17 Catherine Street, Exeter; www.lornaruby.com

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CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

WHITE

MARSEILLES WHITE FENCH SOAP, £3.75 From Eclectique, 23 The Quay, Exeter; www.eclectique.co.uk

WHITE AWA SHELL BOWL, £35 From Bøde Living, Alexandria Trading Estate, Alexandria Road, Sidmouth; www.bode-living.com

SALT PIGLET GLAZE TERRACOTTA, £16.95 From Brit Locker, Kings Wharf, Cellar 1, The Quay, Exeter; www.britlocker.com

DAVID SNOWIE SWEATSHIRT, £26.99 From Rocket and Rose, 49 High Street, Crediton; www.rocketandrose.com

PICCA LOULOU RABBIT, £22.90 From Kapbula, 17 Paris Street, Exeter; www.kapbula.co.uk

LO-FI COUNTRY T-SHIRT, £33 From Always in Colour, Unit 1 City Arcade, Fore Street, Exeter; www.alwaysincolour.com

PAPER ANGEL DECORATION, £4 From Bøde Living, Alexandria Trading Estate, Alexandria Road, Sidmouth; www.bode-living.com

BUNDLE OF SHORT DINNER CANDLES, £5.95 From Hyde and Seek, Unit 1, Harlequins, 1 Paul Street, Exeter; www.hydeseek.co.uk

VICTORIA AND ALBERT ALICE IN WONDERLAND TANKARD MUG, £17.50 From Moko, 17 Gandy Street; Exeter; www.mokoexeter.co.uk

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KALIKA FULL SLEEVE SHORT DRESS IN BLACK DENIM, £64.99 From Caramel Clothing, 17-18 The Strand, Exmouth, Devon; www.caramelclothing.co.uk

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CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

BLACK

OTTOLENGHI FEAST SMALL PLATE, £20 From Bøde Living, Alexandria Trading Estate, Alexandria Road, Sidmouth; www.bode-living.com

BLACK IRON FRYING SPATULA, £26.50 From Brit Locker, Kings Wharf, Cellar 1, The Quay, Exeter; www.britlocker.com

EMMA BRIDGEWATER CORDIAL BLACK TOAST COTTON TEA TOWEL, £12 From Eclectique, 23 The Quay, Exeter; www.eclectique.co.uk

LILLA TOTE, POA From Melissa Marie Leather; www.melissamarieleather.co.uk

COLETTE BLACK WITH PURPLE AND GOLD EMBROIDERY BRA, £62, BRIEFS £29 From De Bora of Exeter, 34 South Street, Exeter; www.deboraofexeter.co.uk

WATERPROOF LEATHER CHELSEA BOOTS, £249 From Mademoiselle Mojo, 36 Gold Street,Tiverton; www.mademoisellemojo.com

CHALK BOARD AND WHITEBOARD, £4.99 From The House of Marbles, The Old Pottery, Pottery road, Bovey Tracey, Devon; www.shop.houseofmarbles.com

BOW HAIR TIE, £17.50 From Busby & Fox, 21 Cathedral Yard, Exeter; www.busbyandfox.com

BLACK SWAN PLANTER, £24.50 From Toot Garouk, Guildhall Shopping Centre, 19 Queen Street, Exeter; www.tootgarook.co.uk

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Open 8.30am - 5pm Mon-Fri, 8.30am - 1pm Sat Also stockist for MIELE, BOSCH, HOTPOINT, LEC, ZANUSSI

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

Exeter Living team 01225 475800

IN TIVERTON

MAKE TIVERTON YOUR CHRISTMAS SHOPPING DESTINATION THIS DECEMBER.

Thoughtful local businesses offering a unique experience. SUPPORT INDEPENDENT SHOPPING... SUPPORT TIVERTON THIS CHRISTMAS!

CAROLE KING LIFESTYLE Interiors, fashion 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”

W ANT

T O SE E

CONTINENTAL STYLE FASHION AT FALL IN LOVE PRICES!

SO M E A RT?

Tiverton’s must visit fashion & gift boutique

BLACK DOG & SWEET F.A 35 GOLD STREET, TIVERTON @blackdogandsweetfa

8 Gold Street, Tiverton, EX16 6PZ f    01884 251888 | www.ilovesnob.co.uk

Visit us for specialist food and inspirational Christmas gifts.

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

Season’s Greetings from us all at Independent, Family Run Estate Agency Add the ﬁnishing touches to your room

A unique and refreshingly honest approach 13 Fore Street, Tiverton, EX16 6LN 01884 253484 | diamondagent.co.uk

Award winning Elemis salon, Tiverton www.ﬁvecedars.co.uk 01884 250023

We provide bespoke design and ﬁtting services. With 25 years of experience in the business, we can ensure high-quality services at low prices. 4 Fore Street, Tiverton Ex16 6LH 01884 258271 / 07838 387110

EXPERIENCES

GIVE AN EXPERIENCE Thoughtful, memory making, planet friendly. There are so many beneﬁts to a Christmas gift that is an ‘experience’. Here are some ideas to inspire... 30 I EXETER LIVING I www.mediaclash.co.uk

COOKERY CLASSES AT DEVON COOKERY SCHOOL

Are you ready? In January 2022 alone Jazzi Curley is hosting cookery classes on the following: bread baking, Mexican street food, Japanese, Sushi, filled pasta, simple sauces, Vietnamese street food, Thai cuisine, afternoon tea, tastes of China, sensational seafood, fish filleting, eralan curry and bha is. Decisions decisions... www.devoncookeryschool.com

ART CLASSES AT EXETER PHOENIX

Know someone who is itching to unleash their creativity? The multi-arts venue hosts loads of classes and workshops and is a great place to go if you want to try a new hobby or upskill. Check out their website for workshops in drawing, painting, portraiture, photography and other more unusual skills like basketry, Japanese woodblock printing, lampshade making and clown workshops. www.exeterphoenix.org.uk

VISIT THE DONKEY SANCTUARY

Got a god-child or niece or nephew you’d like to treat? Take them on a day out to the Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth where you’ll meet hundreds of the ﬂuﬀy animals, take part in fun activities and follow the glow trail. There’s a great on-site restaurant too. www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk

MACRAMÉ WORKSHOP AT THE TRAVELLING KNOT

Treat a buddy to a macramé workshop with Michelle O’Regan, founder of Travelling Knot. She runs courses in Exeter, and online, and will guide you though a variety of designs including marcramé plant hangers and feather wall hangings. Alternatively, you can purchase DIY kits from her website that come with full instructions. www.thetravellingknot.com

MUSIC AND FESTIVALS AT POWDERHAM CASTLE

Keep your ears out for the full line-up for next year but so far we’ve got the silky smooth Michael Bublé performing at the castle on 25 July. Other bands comﬁrmed for next year include Tears for Fears, while The Gone Wild Festival (with host Bear Grylls) will also be returning to the grounds next summer. www.powderham.co.uk

THEATRE AND COMEDY AT NORTHCOTT THEATRE Check out their packed line-up for next year – you could opt for some cheery humour and go for BBC’s I’m Sorry I haven’t Got a Clue which is coming to the theatre on 8 March. Jack Dee, Miles Jupp, Tony Hawks, Pippa Evans and Rory Bremner will be providing the giggles. www.exeternorthcott.co.uk

WINGSURFING AT EDGE WATERSPORTS IN EXMOUTH

It may be a bit chilly at the moment but a lot of us are waking up to the attraction of being out in the water all year round. Edge watersports run kitesurfing and paddleboarding lessions but wingsurfing is the up and coming watersport in recent years that is really taking off. Buy for yourself or a mate and get out there to brush off the cobwebs. www.edgewatersports.com

PAY A VISIT TO THE PIGS AT PENNYWELL FARM GLASS BEAD WORKSHOPS AT AVO GLASS DESIGN

Matthew Walsh is a skilled artist and has been working with glass for the last 15 years. Join him in his Avo workshop in Tiverton and learn how to make glass beads, earrings or jewellery. www.avoglassdesign.co.uk

Oh, we might have a winner here. There are many activities you can partake in at Pennywell Farm (there’s an activity every half hour in fact) but let’s just cut to the chase. You can hold and hug a little piglet. I know. Other activities at this Buckfastleigh farm include pig racing, ferret racing, goat walking, bottle feeding, and egg collecting. See you at the queue for the hugging. www.pennywellfarm.co.uk

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CHRISTMAS WRAPPING PAPER, STARTS AT £2.90 From Emma Ruby Studio; emmarubystudio.bigcartel.com

PRINTS CHARMING Beautiful festive wrapping paper made by local designers, eco-friendly decorations and tree hangings to make you smile

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SHOPPING

INSIDEOUT

The gift and homeware store in Princesshay has a collection of these adorable felt Christmas decorations. Prices start at £4.40. www.insideouthome.co.uk

RHS ROSEMOOR The RHS Rosemoor Gardens in Torrington have a beautiful eco decoration collection this Christmas; www.rhs.org.uk

EMMA RUBY STUDIO

Local artist Emma Ruby has created a new set of Christmas card designs and wrapping paper showing her signature style of vibrant geometric and stylised motifs. They can be purchased at the Present Makers at Honiton’s Thelma Hulbert Gallery until 24 December. You can also purchase her designs online. emmarubystudio.bigcartel.com

WRAG WRAP

Wrag Wrap, a Devon-based company run by Louise Oldridge and Nicky Rajska, make reusable fabric wrapping products. As its made from fabric it doesn’t tear and so can be used again and again. And this Christmas, the company is launching a gift wrap rental service. Customers can rent wrapping paper (prices start at £13 for a pack of 10 wraps, £20 for 20 wraps and £40 for 50 wraps including posting, packaging and pre-paid returns) with the wraps being made from fabric containing 45 per cent traceable recycled plastic bottles. www.wragwrap.com

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Premier Clock, Watch & Barometer Sales, Repairs & Restorations. We have a wide selection of Antique & Modern Clocks, Watches & Barometers for sale.

Left: Beautiful example of an English, single Fusee, Skeleton clock. Of 8 day duration. Surmounted on a black ebonized base, complete with the original glass dome. Circa 1880/1890

27 Magdalen Road, St Leonards, Exeter, Devon EX2 4TA Tel: 01392 207707. www.primetimeexeter.co.uk Email: cathy@primetimeexeter.co.uk www.timeforremembrance.com

GALAXY EARRINGS, £44 From Lorna Ruby, 17 Catherine Street, Exeter, www.lornaruby.com

SHINE BRIGHTLY Classic, colourful everyday favourites and luxurious pieces – here’s a pick of some of our favourite jewellery that you can find in local boutiques right now

JEWELLERY

SEA BRACELET IN GOLD, £27 From Sancho’s, 117 Fore Street, Exeter; www. sanchosshop.com

GOLD AND PEARL RING, £3,215 By James Newman, available at Polkadot Gallery, 12 Martins Lane, Exeter; www.polkadotgallery.com PEARL CHAIN NECKLACE, £32 From Busby & Fox, 21 Cathedral Yard, Exeter; www.busbyandfox.com

RECTANGLE HOLLOW NECKLACE IN BRASS, £32 From Sancho’s, 117 Fore Street, Exeter; www.sanchosshop.com

HEART CHARM BEADED BRACELET, £19.50 From Nest Living, 60 Fore Street, Topsham, www.nestliving.net

18CT GOLD AND PEARSHAPED DIAMOND RING, £4,613 y ebr der cha rath available at Polkadot Gallery, 12 Martins Lane, Exeter; www.polkadotgallery.com

CLASSIC EXAMPLE Gold, silver and pearl pieces that’ll go with everything

SILVER SIGNET “PILL” RING, £125 From Doble Jewellers, 24 Sidwell Street, Exeter; www.doblejewellers.com

HEART GEOMETRIC EARRINGS, £7.95 From Hyde and Seek, 19 Queen Street, Exeter; www.hydeseek.co.uk

GUCCI, G-TIMELSS AUTOMATIC MENS WATCH, £1,400 From Michael Spiers Jewellery, 22 Cathedral Yard, Exeter; www.michaelspiers.co.uk

SASHA, TREATY BRACELET, £20 From Moko, 17 Gandy Street, Exeter; www.mokoexeter.co.uk

9CT WHITE GOLD DIAMOND AND FRESHWATER PEARL PENDANT, £250 From Mortimers Jewellers, 87 Queen Street, Exeter; www.mortimersjewellers.co.uk

TREATY AURAN NECKLACE, £29 From Snob, stores in Budleigh Salterton and Tiverton; www.ilovesnob.co.uk

ALINA HOOP EARRINGS, SILVER PLATED, £27 From Toot Garouk, 19 Queen Street, Exeter; www.tootgarook.co.uk www.mediaclash.co.uk I EXETER LIVING I 37

SIMPLE NECKLACE TOURMALINE & GREY WITH STONE, £32 DIAMOND PENDANT, From Busby & Fox, £2,200 21 Cathedral Yard, By Ruth Tomlinsonm, available AQUAMARINE AND Exeter; www. at Polkadot Gallery, DIAMOND RING, £6,550 busbyandfox.com 12 Martins Lane Exeter; From Michael Spiers Jewellery, www.polkadotgallery.com 22 Cathedral Yard, Exeter; www.michaelspiers.co.uk VICTORIAN 18CT YELLOW GOLD AND SILVER DIAMOND AND EMERALD BANGLE, £14,250 From Mortimers Jewellers, 87 Queen Street, Exeter; www.mortimersjewellers.co.uk

OLIVE MAY SEMI PRECIOUS STONE NECKLACE, £20 From Nest Living, 60 Fore Street, Topsham; www.nestliving.net

SET IN STONE Catch-the-light gems to

AUDREY HUGGIE EARRINGS SILVER, £31.99 From Insideout, 1 Bampfylde Street, Exeter; www.insideouthome.co.uk

make you sparkle

RUBY AND DIAMOND BRACELET, £7,995 From Doble Jewellers, 24 Sidwell Street, Exeter; www.doblejewellers.com

CHALCEDONY AND CHRYSOPHASE RING, £595 By Maria Margoni and Yannis Mandilakis, available at Polkadot Gallery, 12 Martins Lane, Exeter; www.polkadotgallery.com

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SUNRISE LABRADORITE STUD EARRINGS, £55 From Lark, Topsham; www.larktopsham.shop BRASS & BOLD NECKLACE, £26 From Boka, 3 High Street, Crediton; www.bokaonline.co.uk

KUNZITE COCKTAIL RING IN 18CT WHITE FAIRTRADE GOLD, £2,439 From Erin Cox Jewellers, 14 Castle Street, Exeter; www.erincox.co.uk LEONORA CHUNKY STONE HOOPS, £63 From Lorna Ruby, 17 Catherine Street, Exeter, www.lornaruby.com

BESPOKE RING, POA From Erin Cox Jewellers, 14 Castle Street, Exeter; www.erincox.co.uk

18CT YELLOW GOLD DIAMOND AND RUBY GYPSY RING, £385 From Mortimers Jewellers, 87 Queen Street, Exeter; www.mortimersjewellers.co.uk

ONYX SQUARE SIGNET RING, £175 From Doble Jewellers, 24 Sidwell Street, Exeter; www.doblejewellers.com

RENE STUD EARRINGS, £55 From RHS Rosemoor, Torrington; www.rhs.org.uk

HAPPY SEAL NECKLACE, £29.99 From Insideout, 1 Bampfylde Street, Exeter; www.insideouthome.co.uk

JEWELLERY ETIENNE NECKLACE, £64 From RHS Rosemoor, Torrington, Exeter; www.rhs.org.uk

OPEN SQUARE STUD EARRINGS IN BLUE AND CREAM, £18 From Ginger Zebra; www.gingerzebra.shop

GLITTER HEART EARRINGS, £14.95 From Hyde and Seek, 19 Queen Street, Exeter; www.hydeseek.co.uk

HAPPY GO LUCKY Colourful jewellery that will put a spring in your step

BEETLE BROOCH, £12 From Moko, 17 Gandy Street, Exeter; www.mokoexeter.co.uk

JUDD HOOP EARRINGS, £25 From Insideout, 1 Bampfylde Street, Exeter; www.insideouthome.co.uk

PEACH ACRYLIC EARRINGS, £14.95 From Hyde and Seek, 19 Queen Street, Exeter; www.hydeseek.co.uk RUSTLING LEAVES EARRINGS, £25 From the shop at RAMM, (Royal Albert Memorial Museum), Queen Street, Exeter; www.rammuseum.org.uk

TURQUOISE AND PINK FEATHER EARRINGS, £17.50 From Moko, 17 Gandy Street, Exeter; www.mokoexeter.co.uk

BLUE BULB EARRINGS, £120 By Emily Kidson, available from Polkadot Gallery, 12 Martins Lane, Exeter; www.polkadotgallery.com REVERSIBLE STAR HOOP EARRINGS, £14 From Tula and the Whale; available at Makermart, 11a Gandy Street, Exeter or at www.folksy.com/shops/tulaandthewhale

BLOCK EARRINGS, BUBBLEGUM PINK, £15 From Ginger Zebra; www.gingerzebra.shop

TEAL AND GOLD LIGHTNING BOLT EARRINGS, REPURPOSED LEATHER, £16.50 From Tula and the Whale; available at Makermart, 11a Gandy Street, Exeter or at www.folksy.com/shops/tulaandthewhale

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FOOD & DRINK NIBBLES FROM EXETER’S FOOD SCENE

Top up on your booze while you’re there

ONES FOR THE DIARY! MEET THE MAKER: WILDING CIDER 8 DECEMBER AT 6.30PM Leaping for joy: the team at Big Bakes

BAKE IT HAPPEN Much excitement was felt on the streets of Exeter recently as Queen Street welcomed a new bakery. Big Bakes Bakery sells all manner of cakes and bakes, with a huge choice of cupcakes, and is owned and run by couple Charlie Deeley and Ryan Bolton. This is their second Big Bakes Bakery – their ﬁrst being in Torquay.

Tempting treats

“It was so nerve-wracking on the morning of opening but the queue started at 8am,” says Charlie. “By the time we cut the ribbon at 10am there were 150 –200 queuing! The response has been completely overwhelming and we can’t wait to see how things go now we are in Exeter! For more: www.bigbakesbakery.co.uk

Wine shop Pullo (recently moved to Fore Street) is hosting an evening with cider makers Wilding Cider. Sam and Beccy used to run the restaurant Birch in Bristol, and now grow organic vegetables and make cider near Chew Magna in Somerset. All fruit comes from unsprayed and unfertilised traditional orchards. Only wild yeasts are used, with no filtering and no additives whatsoever. The taster session will see you sample a range of their ciders and enjoy a few nibbles while you hear all about their story. After the tasting, visitors are welcome to stay for more chat, drinks and nibbles. www.pullo.shop

FESTIVE FEAST

11 DECEMBER 7.30-9.30PM

Join the team at Cotley Farm in Whimple for an evening of cosy, comfort food to get you in the Christmas spirit. Visitors can expect street food and mulled wine being served up with the likes of Darts Farm beef burgers with festive pulled pork, smokey mayo and cranberry slaw and nut roast burger with crispy Camembert, chilli jam and rocket. The joyous feast will be an evening under the sparkling lights of Cotley so remember to wrap up warm! £15 pp, www.cotleychristmas.co.uk

Ryan and Charlie are thrilled to have set up shop in Exeter You can also get your tree while you’re at Cotley Farm

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FOOD & DRINK Goodies from Circa

Your food will be delivered to you by bike

The team at Ben’s Farm Shop

THE CHRISTMAS SHOP (VIA THE LOCAL INDIES) Those short of time this Christmas but keen to support the local food and drinks retailers can do a one-stop-shop which will encompass Exeter’s indies. Good Sixty is an online supermarket which features food and drinks sourced from local independent shops. You’ll ﬁnd everything from pantry ﬁllers and fresh essentials to festive treats, hampers and gift boxes,

Cowick Street’s Apple Blossom deli

Bon Gout Deli

with the likes of Ben’s Farm Shop, irca, Apple Blossom deli, ullo, Bon out Deli, and many more selling their goods on the site – plus your delivery comes via zero-emissions in partnership with Exeter’s Co Delivery team. “Exeter has a wealth of independent shops and producers, but it really is a matter of ‘use them or lose them’, says ood Sixty founder Chris Edwards. The great thing about our service is that it really is an ethical, convenient, and competitively priced alternative to shopping with big supermarket chains. As people begin to understand the diﬀerence it makes to them and their community, it uickly becomes a no-brainer to support our local independents, especially at hristmas For more: www.goodsixty.co.uk

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THE BOTANIST

The new restaurant is bringing a big dollop of fun to the city By Harriet Noble

ould you like to play the piano and I’ll take a picture of you playing?” I’ve never been asked this before in a restaurant but this is what the smiley waitress is asking me now. I am at the launch of Exeter’s newest restaurant The Botanist, on Queen Street, and it is buzzing. Cocktails are being shaken and stirred, trays of sizzling food are whizzing past me, excited heels clatter across the wooden floors, and a band is setting up to play. I politely decline the offer to play – no one wants to hear my barely grade 1 attempt at the song from the ovis advert – and instead stop to take in my surroundings. If you haven’t been to one of the Botanist restaurants before, it is one of those places that wants to transform you to a different place. And indeed it does. As it says on its website, this is “a place where antiquities and trinkets hang from the walls, and resident botanists craft unusual concoctions.” For starters, rather like The Ivy, The Botanist always choose vast buildings for their restaurants. As you approach, just to the left of the Guildhall entrance, it’s an impressive sight. The curly neon sign catches your

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attention, as does the foliage dripping over the balconies, the jumbo-sized plants bordering the door and, to the left, exotic plants and birds dancing on a giant mural on the wall. We are in Instagrammers’ paradise here and we haven’t even walked through the door yet. Up the stairs and into the main restaurant area there is more foliage, chandeliers and a glam bar area. Travelling up to the second floor is the second bar area and a whopping roof terrace where group seating sofas are placed around little individual fire pits and a DJ is playing some tunes. It’s a lot of fun. But what of the food? They’ve already launched their Christmas menu when my friends and I visit and glancing at the menu it’s varied, uncomplicated and hearty stuff – with plenty of classic and retro dishes to tuck into. y friends and I kick off with an assortment of starters gorgeous sticky pigs in blankets that come with sweet chilli and cranberry relish, calamari with crème fraiche and sweet chilli dip, and sweet potato humous with crispy onions and crispy bread. I eat humous nearly every day of my life, I can’t help myself, and this was one of the best I’ve tasted; it’s a reminder of how a simple dish can be elevated when cooked really well. We also sample some of their cocktails too, I opt for a

RESTAURANT

rhubarb and sage spritz which is a beautiful and refreshing concoction. The Botanist’s ethos really comes to life in its cocktail menu where garden herbs, fruits and ﬂorals are the main stars in these drinks. But onto the mains and it being a cold night, I opt for the lamb and mint pie which was indeed the edible hug I needed and came accompanied with champ mash, mushy peas and gravy. My pal goes for one of their salt and pepper pork belly hanging kebabs with bang bang sauce; this comes showstopper-style hanging vertical on a curved hook and is as tender as can be. My other friend opts for the halloumi burger and waxes lyrical about the coated crispiness of it and the festive red cabbage. Unbelievably, we manage to squeeze in some puddings too: a ginger bread cake with banana, rum, black pepper and date syrup served with vanilla ice cream; a chocolate orange cookie dough (which comes with Terry’s chocolate orange segments, love that detail); and lemon tart with raspberry sorbet and crushed honeycomb. These are all as comforting and happy-making as they sound. With its cool surroundings (I can’t wait to visit the terrace in the summer), friendly team and live music, The Botanist promises to be a fun new hot spot in Exeter and one that I’ll deﬁnitely return to. I promise never to play the piano. n

“We are in Instagrammers’ paradise and we haven’t even walked through the door yet”

DINING DETAILS The Botanist Exeter, Guildhall Shopping Centre, 32, Queen Street Dining, Exeter EX4 3HG; www.thebotanist.uk.com Food options Classics such as burgers, pies, fish and chips, steak and sea bass. Also hanging kebabs, sharing boards and vegan offerings such as roast butternut salad Drinks Beautiful menu of cocktails – lots of festive ones at the moment Prices Starters and nibbles start at £4.95; mains at £10.95; desserts start at £4.50; most cocktails between £7-9 Atmosphere Fun, friendly and buzzy

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RAISING THE BAR XXXXX

Pop-up bars are seriously big business these days – just ask Faye and Yvan Williams who are going full throttle with their Barnova Event Bars company

ou’ll probably have seen Faye and Yvan Williams knocking around Exeter, but it could have been in any number of places. Up until recently they owned and ran popular gastro pub the Oddfellows on New North Road, Yvan is heavily involved in Exeter Chamber of Commerce and they both run pop-up bars around the South West – in fact, you can see them now at the Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market. They have been running their events company Barnova Event Bars since 2016 but such is the growth of events in the area, and therefore demand for their pop-up bars, that they decided to sell The Oddfellows and put all their eﬀorts into Barnova. We caught up with Faye to ﬁnd out more...

Their twinkly bar is at Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market now

Hello Faye! How did Barnova Event Bars first come about?

It was born out of quiet, restless summers at The Oddfellows which we have recently sold after 15 years. The summers in the city were our quietest time there and Yvan and I are hopeless at sitting still so, out we came, blinking in the sunlight with the intention of doing as many pop-up bars as possible. Our ﬁrst ever event was a cocktail bar for Exeter Food Festival, our second ever event bar was for The Big Quiz at Exeter Cathedral for 500. They both were a real success, and we knew then that we loved doing event bars.

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“The South West is exploding with exciting events”

Yvan and Faye create bespoke bars at weddings, festivals, markets and parties

FOOD INTERVIEW

The gang at the Exeter Food Festival

Which bits do you do, and which bits does Yvan do?

Any other exciting events in the pipeline?

Our roles overlap for sure, but Yvan spends a lot of his time making and nurturing contacts which he is excellent at, event logistics, equipment and accounts, he is also the ‘vision and ideas’ man. I am product selection, logistics, chief negotiator, aesthetics, and everything customer facing. We also have our head of operations, Greg Martin who has been working with us for nearly 20 years and our head of ops Neil Clements who has been with us for seven years. They make everything happen and organise all our event staﬀ. Why the name?

Our Daughter’s name is Nova which means ‘new’ in Latin and as an event company each bar essentially is new!

bar with a hand built huge wooden frame inside adorned with twinkly lights, ivy and chandeliers. We’re serving our signature well-loved mulled wine, mulled cider and our unique mulled apple gin and mulled apple rum as well as local beer and ales from Otter Brewery and Powderkeg Brewery; local cider and fresh apple juice from Sandford Orchards, and many other local spirits such as Salcombe Distilling Co, Devon Rum and Tors Vodka which are all selling their wares at the market. Supporting local is very important to us. Our other bar on site, The Mulled Tipi, serves all our mulled drinks in a more chilled twinkly atmosphere around a central open log ﬁre. It’s like hristmas day every day in there. We will also be selling at both bars the amazing syrup we make that is our main ingredient in making our mulled drinks. In 2020 when the market was cancelled, we pouched it up for retail and since then it’s won a bucketload of awards and is in lots of local delis and farm shops to buy. The rest of 2021 is taken up solely with Christmas bars. January and February are always our reset and rest months where we sort out all our kit, do inventories, stock takes and repairs etc. After that it’s all our spring events that keep us very busy. Tell us about some of the other drinks you make...

We love making cocktails and a favourite is the rhubarb and cream – our homemade rhubarb syrup, lemon juice, vanilla soda, rhubarb bitters, dehydrated lemon wheel. We also like making our alcoholic slushies for grownups in the summer, a favourite being our Salcombe gin, lemon and mint slush. Ohh, that’s good. What do you predict is going to be the next big thing with pop-up bars?

Their homemade lemonade and orange juice have been doing the rounds at festivals

You sold The Oddfellows to run Barnova full-time. Tough decision?

It was a hard one. The Oddfellows was our ﬁrst baby, and hard to say goodbye to, but Barnova has been pulling us towards moving into events full time for a while. The way people choose to socialise and spend their precious free time is changing and the South West is exploding with exciting events. We also love the diversity of the work – one week you’re serving rum at a private beach party, the next you’re setting up three massive Christmas bars. We also really like meeting new people. The events sector has struggled because of Covid but you obviously feel there is stability and growth in this sector?

It suffered hard like the rest of the hospitality industry, and without as much support for sure. I guess if this company weren’t already five years old, well established and won a few awards, I would be less confident as a new business, but Barnova bounced back in a way that took us all by surprise and we found ourselves a little while back overstretched and needing a large nap. We are now confident enough to be investing in new set up e uipment and staff. You have a bar at the Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market at the moment...

Yes, we love running the Cathedral Christmas Market bars, it is our favourite event of the year. We have what we call The Cathedral Tavern – an enormous, warm, beautiful, full

I feel that more people are also looking for non-alcoholic alternatives right now. We can provide entirely non-alcoholic bars (zero bar) and the great products we have access to now is fantastic. We can create a full bar with beers, cocktails, spirits and ﬁzz etc – all non-alcoholic. After that, the craft beer and gin movement are still going strong. I predict rum and particularly whisky being the next wave. What can we look forward to next from you?

We are excited about some new partnerships shaping up and being now able to consolidate our considerable energy solely into Barnova. Yvan is a board director for Exeter Chamber and as a company we are extremely supportive and connected locally – we want to continue to grow our local relationships to see how we can support the local economy even further. Barnova will be popping up in many places! n Facebook, Instagram, Twitter: @barnovaevents

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EDUCATION H I G H L I G H T S F R O M E X E T E R ’ S E D U C AT I O N S E C T O R

Exeter College offers apprenticeships to people of all ages

WORK OF LIFE

xeter ollege has marked a significant milestone having enrolled over 1000 apprentices in the academic year 2020/21. The College deliver over 90 apprenticeship programmes to a business network of 950 employers across the region and have been busy responding to an increasing need to train new and existing staff. “We scaled back our expectations during the pandemic, but our employers have again bucked the national trend and created some truly magnificent ob opportunities, says ike Blakeley, director of apprenticeships at Exeter College. “We thank them whole heartedly for their support.” For more: www.exe-coll.ac.uk

Full marks for Shebbear College

Heartfelt tributes have been paid to a pioneering University of Exeter engineer who co-created an implant that revolutionised hip replacements for millions of people across the world. Professor Clive Lee was one of the two masterminds behind the Exeter Hip, which research shows is among the world’s most successful hip implants globally. He died recently following a long Professor Clive Lee illness at the age of 82. Professor John Timperley, consultant orthopaedic surgeon at the Exeter Hip Unit, said he and colleagues were “profoundly saddened” by Clive’s death. “Clive was a close friend, teacher and brilliant scientist who worked with the Hip Unit for over half a century,” says John. “Clive co-designed the Exeter Hip in collaboration with Robin Ling and this implant is so successful its use is still growing on all continents, with well over two million patients benefiting from their design. Clive’s laboratory work, explaining how the stem functions in the body, has become core orthopaedic teaching around the world. The orthopaedic and scientific community have lost an engineer who was a pioneer in the field of hip arthroplasty and an inspiration to surgeons in training.” Clive remained proud of his Exeter connections. Continuing to live in Devon, he was an active member of the Exeter branch of the Exeter University Club, a social and educational club for alumni and retired staff. “Clive was a wonderfully modest, approachable, and active member of our Exeter University Club,” says branch secretary eter Wingfield-Digby. “At meetings, if I pointed him out to one of our new members, they would sometimes say to me, “Is that really THE Clive Lee of the Exeter Hip?” For more: www.exeter.ac.uk

MAKE THE GRADE Following a recent inspection, Shebbear College has been awarded “excellent’ – the highest possible grade – in pupils’ academic achievements and in the pupils’ personal development. The co-ed independent day and boarding school in Devon underwent a four-day inspection from ISI, the Ofsted equivalent for independent schools. I am absolutely delighted with the ﬁnal inspection report, which is testament to our fantastic community, pupils and staﬀ and everything that we are achieving inside and outside of the classroom,” says Shebbear College head, Caroline Kirby. For more: www.shebbearcollege.co.uk

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TRIBUTES TO PROFESSOR CLIVE LEE

SCHOOL GUIDE VICTORIA BOND

e ote learning How do you choose a school when open days are limited or even cancelled?

hoosing a school for your child is one of the most important decisions of family life. I’ve spoken to thousands of parents on the brink of submitting a school application and the most frequently asked question is, ow do you know it’s The One ’ After weighing up all the exam data and Ofsted information (head), it usually comes down to a feeling (heart). The lightbulb moment often comes when you visit the school. But how do you get to seal the deal on your ﬁrst choice when you can’t visit the school in person While the ma ority of school open days have returned this academic year, you may have missed an important one due to having to

TIMETABLES

Primary school application deadline on 15 January 2022 for September 2022 admissions. Secondary school applications for state schools closed on 31 October 2021 for September 2022 admissions. Private school applications close mid-November and entrance exams are usually scheduled for January.

self-isolate or find yourself diverted to an online open day if restrictions tighten again this winter. an you pick and (not) mix The good news is that it is very doable. In some ways, schlepping around open days can be the equivalent of tidying your bedroom when you should be revising for an exam. Yes, you are busy popping in and out of classrooms but, ultimately, you are being spoon-fed one version of the school and a more wide-angle lens approach will be better. An online open day is a good place to start. School marketing budgets vary wildly, so don’t be swayed by the 0-degree walk-through video – or put off if one doesn’t exist. ot all schools are able to prioritise fancyschmancy tech. All schools have a website, however, and it’s surprising how much a collection of pixels can convey emotion and give you a sense of the everyday mood of the school. Look at the images they have selected to represent the pupils: are they mud-splattered at Forest School or doing something serious with a Bunsen burner Does it look corporate with an accountancy firm colour palette or are the pages light and bright with an effusive use of

exclamation marks ertain styles will instinctively appeal: you should feel at home on the homepage. ext, visit the ordinary’ pages of the website. The head’s welcome and the vision and values section are important but also check out the canteen menu and the extracurricular activities calendar. See what achievements they celebrate on their blog. Download their latest newsletter as this oﬀers a brilliant window into the pupils’ working world.

pushes every class, might not suit your learner. The best school may not be the right school. Catchment is also critical. Look online for maps that show the latest admission trends and reveal your likelihood of getting in. Then take a deep dive into local authority last distanced oﬀered’ tables; these are an important reminder than catchment areas can, and do, change every year. Finally, once you are armed with a shortlist of schools, use hyperlocal parenting sites to read about the ﬁrst-hand experiences of current mums and dads. There can be a lot of -star and 1-star reviews – without much in the middle – but it’s helpful to see what the cheerleaders are championing and learn about potential areas of weakness. Jot down words that stand out to create a little word cloud, and it will give you a sense of being at the school gates – without actually leaving your house. So, go forth, friends. Do your homework with an open mind and make notes with a pencil not a Sharpie. It’s a ourney; and as a parent who knows your child better than anyone else, one you are perfectly placed to ace.

t s sur rising how much a collection o i els can gi e a sense o the e eryday mood of the school” In terms of the head teacher, try to get to know them by ﬁnding interviews and articles in local magazines. Their attitude and aspirations will trickle down into every area of school life. You don’t have to like them – as in want to go to the pub with them for a pint – but you need to feel you can trust them and they speak your language. Digging out o cial performance data is key but make sure you look beyond the big hitters. Checking out the progress scores, for example, will tell you how far a school moves a pupil on from point A to B, and can reveal a lot more about the teaching than pure As and Bs. Likewise with Ofsted, an outstanding’ school that

Victoria Bond is founder of School Guide, a website that has helped 10 million parents ﬁnd the best school or their child. or ore www.schoolguide.co.u

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SPONSORED CONTENT RICHARD NOTMAN

FULL NAME EUGENE DU TOIT

STOVER SCHOOL 01626 354505; www.stover.co.uk

WELLINGTON COMPANY NAME SCHOOL telephone; 01823 668800; website www.wellington-school.org.uk Question I have Tell us been abouta what’s butchernew for over at the 20school? years. I am trained in traditional We have completely butcheryreconfigured styles and have our pastoral worked for many structure. Our houses and tutor groups are now coQuestion and have in them both day students and educational Shopping We boarders. locally alsoishave vital as heads it recycles of yearmoney who are back there into to carefully the local track economy academic where progress we all live, and oversee work and play. When pastoral wellbeing. you buyEvery produce student from now our farm spends butchery time and shop with their we tutor areevery in turn daysupporting of the week. other local suppliers How has the and past businesses. 18 months been for the school? Question The Wellington team did an absolutely brilliant job in It has to be to responding minted the challenges leg of lamb of steaks the past – delicious! 18 months. Question Our remote learning was excellent and our team of Talk to staff didyour a superb butcher, job explain of supporting your needs. children of key QuestionI was immensely proud of what we achieved. workers. I mostisenjoy What yourmeeting policy on and bullying? interacting What with advice our customers. would you It’s offer great a student to get to who know is being individual bullied customers but feels they butchery can’t needs tell a teacher? and requirements. Question There is absolutely no room for bullying at Come and meet Wellington; it is completely me at Oinkers unacceptable. at Drakes Farm, Anyone Hig I havefeels who been they a butcher are being forbullied over 20must years. tellI am someone trained –inwhether traditional that butchery be a friend, stylesparent and have or coach. worked for many years What makesinthe small school local stand butchery out? shops. We are proudly and deliberately a process-oriented school. We celebrate the effort and the many achievements of our students, but we focus on getting the process which produces those results right.

Eugene du Toit MA MBA

Richard Notman

BART WIELENGA

BLUNDELL’S SCHOOL 01884 252543; www.blundells.org Tell us about what’s new at the school? Following the disruptions of the past two years, everything that we haven’t been able to do for so long, feels fresh and new. Being able to sing in chapel again and to play sports fixtures have almost felt like novel experiences! Our priority this year has been to get things back to normal again. What’s in the pipeline? An extension and refurbishment of the music school is scheduled for the summer and work has begun on upgrading the sports’ quarter. At the Prep School we have recently opened a dance studio and a new science laboratory. How has the past 18 months been for the school? We have come through this difficult time extraordinarily well. The community has pulled together superbly, and we have gained momentum through the disruptions – both academically as well as in other areas of school life. Out of necessity the school has had to work more closely with parents and we continue to work on that partnership post-pandemic. What do you love most about your job? Anytime I get to see pupils give their all for something and come out the other end with their own sense of accomplishment and pride, I share in that. It is a great feeling. What makes the school standout? Blundell’s is an undeniably strong community, stretching across staff, pupils, parents, and past pupils. Pupils are individually known and cared for, and that sense of belonging is nurtured carefully.

What’s new about the school? The most obvious change over the last 18 months has been the impact of the Covid pandemic which caused a growth in pupil numbers; an increase of over 25%. This growth was due to our excellent virtual schooling which ensured our pupils education did not suffer as a result of the pandemic. Our Research Based Learning curriculum enhances personal growth and skills and, as a result, the school adapted to the fully virtual school almost overnight. The skills of adaptability, real resilience, curiosity, and team play that we prioritise were all displayed aptly. I was immensely proud of the whole community as a result. As a result of this growth we have moved to a four form entry in the Senior School with a total headcount of over 500 for the first time in the school’s recent history. How does the school make the wellbeing of their pupils and staff a priority? For the last seven years the foundation stone for learning at Stover School has been wellbeing. We talk about ‘happy heads happy hearts’ and understand that without this, pupils or staff members will be restricted. This meant that our extensive and varied structures for pastoral support were established and understood when lockdown arrived for summer 2020. Our systems for support and wellbeing were quickly transferred to the virtual world and have been extensively and successfully used throughout the pandemic.

LEE GLASER

TAUNTON SCHOOL 01823 703703; www.tauntonschool.co.uk

Bart Wielenga

Lee Glaser

What do you love most about your job? Being part of a caring community. I encourage colleagues and students to aim high, work hard and look after each other, but it is the latter which is the most important. How does the school make the wellbeing of their pupils and staff a priority? And has this changed during the pandemic when mental health has been at the forefront? Wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do. Life has been tough recently and it’s nonsense to think that everything can return to normal overnight. Our health centre with counsellors and a mental health nurse is now open 24/7 and has significantly enhanced pupils’ lives as has our Mental Health First Aid training for all staff. Is there anything at the school that you wish you had had when you were once a pupil? The International Baccalaureate. I studied A-level maths, further maths and physics, but feel I missed out on the amazing broader syllabus the IB offers. It is the most wonderful, enriching course for sixth formers. What’s in the pipeline? An exciting new sixth form centre and library – ready for September 2022. We’re also looking forward to celebrating Taunton School’s 175th anniversary next year with a host of fun events.

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

George Barron, Brendan Barry and Molly Rooke

The St Petrock’s team Ethan Taylor, Sara Binit Azizi and Hannah Overton

Oliver, Jamie, Mabel, Michelle Baylon-Smith and Rowan Livingstone

JOIN OUR HUB

Mia Willmott and John Marker

Princesshay has teamed up with local homelessness charity St Petrock’s to launch a sustainable fashion hub called Petrock’s Place on Paris Street in Exeter. To celebrate the opening, the charity recently hosted a launch event for friends and colleagues. The outlet takes and sells pre-loved clothes, takes in donations for survival equipment and runs regular workshops to help people breathe new life into clothing and textiles that may otherwise have been thrown away. All proﬁts from the shop will go directly to help the clients of St Petrock’s. www.stpetrocks.org.uk Photos by Steve Haywood

Melinda Schwakhofer Eliza Lamb and Seherah Gustace

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Eve Jones

Kate Baylis and Martin Lamb

xxxxxx

THE BOTANIST LAUNCHES To celebrate the opening of The Botanist Exeter, the restaurant held a launch evening where guests enjoyed a three-course meal, drinks and live music. Up on the roof terrace, a DJ played some tunes and groups enjoyed cocktails while sitting around ﬁre pits. The Queen Street dining venue is part of the Guildhall Shopping centre. www.thebotanist.uk.com Photos by Tempo Media

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It’s the city’s business

Owner Julia Scruton and her trusty companion

FESTIVE CHEER

“Christmas is undoubtedly one of our favourite times of year and we’re excited to be able to bring to you not one, but two festive celebrations this December. Whilst the road to recovery has not been easy for all, it is reassuring to see many businesses bounce back and continue to thrive in Exeter. We are increasingly seeing more businesses attend our networking events face to face and this brings me so much joy. Following on from the recent success of our Reignite the City event series, we’ll be kicking off our special events with Festive Thirsty Thursdays – the first taking place on the December at The Mermaid, the elegant new addition from Exeter Phoenix on Gandy Street. We’ll be toasting a tipple or two to the year ahead and we welcome members and non-members to join us, so please bring a friend along to share the magic of hristmas. The first drink is on the house (of course), and this is a great opportunity to catch up with friends old and new from 5pm – 6.30pm. The second of our festive events will be held at the Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market Bar from 4.30pm on Thursday 16 December. We’ll be dealing out those all-important drink tokens on arrival – I for one will be there with a mulled apple gin in hand and can’t wait to see you all at the last Chamber catch up before Christmas. So, if you’re not hosting a Christmas party this year or you don’t have a team to throw a party why not consider these events as your very own Christmas celebration. Our offee in the ity meet ups will continue every other Wednesday morning for all you early risers at some of the best coffee houses in the city. The next one will be hosted at the beautiful Hotel Du Vin on Wednesday 1 December.” Yvan Williams, board director of Exeter Chamber. Exeter Chamber members are invited to all events and non-members are invited to one of each event. www.exeterchamber.co.uk/events

Happy Birthday!

The jewellery store is in the heart of the city

E Yvan Williams (centre) at an Exeter Chamber event

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xeter’s Polkadot Gallery is celebrating 20 years in business. Throughout the last two decades, the company has grown from its original premises on Exeter’s South Street and now has two galleries, one in Martin’s Lane near the Cathedral, and one in Riverside Place, Taunton. Its focus has also evolved, moving from contemporary craft to contemporary jewellery. ‘I have had a lifelong passion for contemporary jewellery and we are fortunate in this country to have some incredibly talented makers,” says owner Julia Scruton, who set up Polkadot with her late partner, the photographer Charles Parsons. “It made absolute sense for me to pursue my dream of running a specialist gallery in the West Country that could showcase the best of these designer makers.” For more: www.polkadotgallery.com

The latest from Exeter Chamber

EXETERWORKS

EXETERWORKS The Troy family: Kevin, Liz and Coraline

NEW ORGANIC SKINCARE SHOP OPENS IN TOPSHAM Fore Street in Topsham has recently welcomed a new shop. oraline Organic Skincare and Giftware sells organic, natural and vegan soap and a skincare range formulated to repair and revitalise dry, delicate and sensitive skin. Owner evin Troy named the store after his daughter four-yearold daughter oraline as she was the inspiration for starting the business. oraline was diagnosed at birth with Down’s syndrome and had two holes in her heart. er sensitive skin reacted badly to many products which claimed to be natural and organic so evin, and his wife Liz, decided to create their own range of the purest organic skincare to help oraline to have happy skin. I knew that if our products could help oraline, they could help others too, and the feedback has been incredible since we launched online last year – with countless people suﬀering from sensitive skin saying it’s the ﬁrst product they’ve

tried that’s actually worked, says evin. oraline has taught us the meaning of pure and unﬁltered love, and we apply this same love to all our products, which I handcraft at the shop in small batches using all natural and organic ingredients. As well as skincare products, the store stocks giftware including cards, prints and embroidery that are made by independent brands, all of whom are connected to evin, Liz and their ourney with oraline. These include The Dartmoor Artist, Being Truly e, Willow aterson Designs and Dawn olmes Artist, with more brands coming in the new year. All packaging is made from ecofriendly recyclable materials and oraline Skincare donate 0p from every product sold to the charity Small Steps who give children who need it, including oraline, a helping hand to take their ﬁrst steps or ore www.coralines incare.co

STRONGER TOGETHER Bishop Fleming has partnered with Exeter Northcott Theatre in a year-long campaign to support its charitable work. The chartered accountants ﬁrm will work closely with the theatre to provide creative opportunities for the people of Devon. The sponsorship will support initiatives such as the orthcott’s ay It Forward campaign which gives theatre tickets to people who wouldn’t otherwise be able to go. Our values align with the need to support our local communities, and we hope by working together we can help those within our communities have something to look forward to after the oronavirus pandemic, says James Finnegan, partner and head of corporate ﬁnance at Bishop Fleming. or ore www.bisho e ing.co.u

BUSINESS CLUB

James Finnegan of Bishop Fleming and Kelly Johnson of Exeter Northcott Theatre

Virtual one hour sessions, all free to attend Search Exeter Living on LinkedIn for upcoming dates and registration If you would like to get involved, please email events@mediaclash.co.uk

EXETERWORKS

EXETER LIVING AWARDS 2021 Exeter-based company DANSCI teach dance classes to toddlers, adults and everyone in between and recently scooped the Arts Award at this year’s Exeter Living awards. Here we chat to artistic director Ava Barron Thomas to find out more about how they helping to spread joy in the city ARTS WINNER Congratulations on your award! How did it feel to win the Arts Award?

It was an absolute honour; we feel very privileged to have even been ﬁnalists let alone win the category. How did you celebrate?

We have yet to fully celebrate! We have a big Christmas party planned for the end of the month when we will also hold our own awards evening so will celebrate with all our DanSci families at the studio. Why do you think you might have pipped others to the post?

In all honesty it was a complete surprise especially as we hold the other nominees in such high regard.

For anyone that doesn’t know, tell us in a nutshell what your organisation does?

As well as oﬀering our own classes nurturing local talent and providing opportunities for everyone to learn to dance we oﬀer specialist and professional facilities to hire in the heart of Exeter City. The quote from the judges noted that you are “keeping happy, healthy smiles on children and adult faces alike.” What’s the best feedback you get from people?

When our customers tell us they

Dancing queens

have found “their home” here at DanSci. It’s wonderful that we have built a great community and dance family where people feel safe to express themselves and continue returning How did you manage to run your classes during Covid?

We had to moth ball much of the business yet invested in technology so that our members could take online classes with industry professionals, and we kept in constant contact through online social events, social media and our website. We were aware that many of our customers use us as their social activity so it was important to us to oﬀer this without additional cost so they still had access to their dance community and avoid any potential isolation. You run lots of classes – which ones are proving really popular at the moment?

We do have a really diverse range of styles starting with babyballet and LilBeatz hip hop for children as young as 18 months. Many of our dancers start here and then grow with us trying diﬀerent dance styles. The adults get drawn to us not just because of the various classes on oﬀer but because it’s always a friendly non-competitive environment. Does your organisation have a mantra or vision?

DanSci’s vision is that we are

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‘industry leaders focused on the health and wellbeing of those we serve’. It aligns with our set of values based on our name that we are diverse, have a positive attitude, are nurturing, use dance science, are a community and have integrity. How and when did the organisation come about?

DanSci was created in 2013, I was getting frustrated by the lack of facilities to hire in the city for my babyballet franchise. Although these dancers are super little they deserved a professional, safe dance space so when a disused supermarket came up for rent I joined forces with my husband, Anthony Thomas to transform the space. The business has continued to grow since and we moved to a new venue in 2018 quadrupling the size and the facilities we could oﬀer in Exeter. What’s the best thing about working at DanSci?

That we actually get to tiptoe around with magic wands as part of our working day!

“WE GET TO TIPTOE AROUND WITH MAGIC WANDS”

DanSci dance teachers Ava Barron Thomas and Harley Burrell

Can you tell us something about the team there?

Our team is small but passionate about delivering the best facilities and classes to our community

Regarding DanSci what are you most proud of?

We have built a community and safe environment for people of all backgrounds to join together in a shared passion for the arts. You feel like a proud parent towards every single dancer who has grown with us. For more: DanSci Dance Studio, Summerland Street Exeter, Devon, www.dansci.co.uk

PROPERTY P L A C E S T O L I V E , W O R K A N D P L AY

AND THE WINNERS ARE…

Exeter’s property professionals under the spotlight

Designs for the space at Winslade Park

NEW NURSERY TO OPEN AT WINSLADE PARK

A children’s nursery is set to open at Exeter’s Winslade Park in early 2022. Echoes Childcare will be located in a 2892 sq ft premises in Winslade House which has been taken on via a long-term lease. The building is ready to be transformed into a purpose-designed light-ﬁlled nursery and will include on-site kitchen facilities for the preparation of meals, individual playrooms, a secure garden and parking for parents. It is the second nursery for the business, which was established in Broadclyst in 2014 by Jo Cook and Michele Stevens. “This is a truly exciting development for Echoes,” says Jo. “We have been waiting for the right opportunity to expand and Winslade Park has given us the perfect option, in a totally stunning setting. It’s close enough to our Broadclyst nursery to maintain the family connection and support our aims of providing the same level of care. This new nursery will enable us to take children from Clyst St Mary, Exmouth, Topsham, Sidmouth, Woodbury and beyond.” For more: www.echoeschildcare.co.uk

Local professionals and organisations came together recently to celebrate the flourishing property scene at the first ever xeter roperty Awards. The event, held on 19 November at Sandy Park, saw awards being handed out to the property companies that have excelled in the last year, whether they offered residential or commercial space, lettings or new builds, civic buildings or bolder imaginings. We’ll be revealing the amazing winners in our Exeter Property Awards Review in the next issue, published on 17 December. For more: www.exeterpropertyawards.com

COMMUNITY ARTWORK UNVEILING

Community artwork was recently unveiled on-site at a new environmentallyfriendly housing project. Excited school pupils gathered to witness their handiwork at The Gardens on Vaughan Road, Whipton where 92 Passivhaus homes Artistic talent for all to see are set to be built next year. The colourful hoarding, enjoyed by Whipton residents, will surround the development while more homes are created. More than 50 pupils from Whipton Barton School and Willowbrook School, plus families at the Beacon Community Centre, participated in workshops held by artist Stuart Crewes. The artwork was funded by Exeter City Living, the development company that will be creating 92 Passivhaus homes (which use up to 90 per cent less energy to heat a home) in Whipton. Sixty of the houses are earmarked to be aﬀordable homes and will be retained as new council housing, while 32 homes will be available for market rent. The development is part of the Council’s wider plans to create 500 new Passivhaus Council homes in Exeter over the next ﬁve years. For more: www.exetercityliving.co.uk

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23 CATHEDRAL YARD

Best seat in the house, surely? This Exeter penthouse with its spectacular roof terrace is on the market now By Imogen Davidson-Smith 62 I EXETER LIVING I www.mediaclash.co.uk

PROPERTY

ow many can boast this view in their back garden? Not too shabby, is it? This unrivalled position overlooks Cathedral Green, right in the heart of Exeter, and is the roof terrace attached to one gorgeous top floor penthouse suite now on the market. As you enter the Grade II-listed building on the ground floor you can access your new home via the lift (there are stairs too but honestly, why would you?). When the doors of the lift separate you’ll walk into a large reception hall that will lead you to the main hub of the apartment – the grand, openplan, living, dining and kitchen space. This is your main hangout area in this pad and has a double height, vaulted ceiling. This area has been decked out with top of the range appliances and a less-is-more décor, meaning you can sit back and fully appreciate the magnificant light and spaciousness that pervades. www.mediaclash.co.uk I EXETER LIVING I 63

PROPERTY

The two main double bedrooms come with en suites and dressing areas; there’s also a utility room leading oﬀ to a small roof terrace, bathroom, and a study or bedroom number three. Sitting outside on the big roof terrace, we doubt you’ll ever get sick of the incredible view of the athedral and panoramic views of the city and surrounding hills. xeter and its surrounding countryside are full of beautiful country houses and they pop up on the market regularly – but shiny, swishy top ﬂoor penthouse suites are not your run of the mill. If this opulent abode is ticking your boxes, we suggest you hop to it. n

HOUSE NUMBERS Where? Cathedral Yard, Exeter Bedrooms 3 double bedrooms (2 with en suites) Bathrooms 1 Outside Large rooftop garden with far reaching views over the city Anything else? Lift access. Parking available by separate negotiation Guide price £1,150,000 For more Wilkinson Grant & Co, Exeter, The Old City Library 1 Castle Street Exeter; www.wilkinsongrant.co.uk

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EXETER LIVES

“The opportunity to work for such an impactful and well-supported organisation is a rare thing” What have been the highlights so far?

I attended a one-day festival in the summer, put on by our partners at D’Arts. y children came along and got to hang out with our participants and those of our partners. By the time we had to leave, we were struggling to wrestle them from their partners on the dance ﬂoor

ADAM ATKINS

What are the challenges you face within this role?

Adam recently became CEO of Magic Carpet, a local arts for health charity. Here, he chats about championing the arts, his favourite hangout spots in Exeter, and playing the saxophone (badly)

Funding. A problem that isn’t going to go away any time soon. It’s a sad fact that the charitable sector is a competitive one – there are tonnes of great causes and limited funds. We aim to collaborate wherever possible, or even step aside where another organisation can better deliver a pro ect. evertheless, we can always do better.

What did you want to be when you were little?

What challenges do the creative arts face in Exeter?

I wanted to be a helicopter pilot. I spent much of my childhood in Farnborough in ampshire, opposite an airﬁeld where an annual air show took place. y mum worked there for several years and so my brother and I got behind the scenes access. It was pretty cool. Whereabouts do you live locally and why is it special?

I live on the outskirts of Tiverton. A short drive and we’re on xmoor, and a bit further takes us to the north coast. A short drive in the other direction takes us to the south coast. It’s ideal for seeing the best of Devon.

You’re CEO of Magic Carpet. For anyone that doesn’t know, what does the organisation do?

agic arpet is an arts for health charity. We work with people who might otherwise be excluded from participating in the arts due to ill health, disability or social circumstances. What made you want to take on this role?

agic arpet makes a real diﬀerence. It has been that way since 1 1 when we were founded. The opportunity to work for such an impactful and well-supported organisation is a rare thing. I umped at the chance.

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It seems to me that most creatives in Exeter have to scramble about for resources, funds and venues. It would be great to see the arts really celebrated and supported in the city. Are you artistic yourself?

I play bass (badly), guitar (badly) and saxophone (even worse). usic, reading, writing, painting etc are all things I do for me. I’m not about to win any awards. You’ve got a free hour in Exeter, where do you go?

I’ll head to ooster ecords to dig around for some vinyl or Bookbag or Waterstones for a new book.

Assuming it’s the evening, I might pop to Cuckoo on Paris Street for a pint, or to the Phoenix (where our o ce is) to catch the Bridge Jazz Club. What will Christmas and New Year look like for you?

Christmas will involve zipping around to see as many family and friends as possible, with two excited children in tow. All being well, we will be in the etherlands for ew Year, seeing friends. When you’re not working, what do you like to get up to?

Spend time with my family. ead. Sleep. ot necessarily in that order. What gives you joy in your dayto-day life?

Learning.

What’s the most surprising thing about you?

When I was a teenager, I played softball for reat Britain, basketball for Devon and American Football for Loughborough niversity. Yet, I am not American. In an uncertain world, what do you know for sure?

That cream must be put on a scone before am. Anything else is madness.

Who would play you in a movie about you?

I get artistic license here, right? The ock. n

For more: www.magiccarpet-arts.co.uk