Exeter Living - Issue 292 by MediaClash

TAKE ME

ISSUE 292 / FEBRUARY 2022 / £3

BEAT THE RUSH! EAT YOUR HEART OUT

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW FOR THE EXETER LIVING AWARDS 2022

FOOD AND DRINK HAVENS FOR VALENTINE’S DAY

ISSUE 292 / FEBRUARY 2022 / LOVE IN THE CITY

WELL RED

ROUGE-COLOURED GIFTS FROM THE LOCAL INDIES

FANCY A

WHERE IS THE LOVE?

LOCAL LOVE STORIES AND ROMANTIC SPOTS IN THE CITY

LIVING IT UP STAYCATION SPLENDOUR AT ROYAL WILLIAM YARD

CUTTLE? ROCKFISH DELIVERS, BIG TIME

EDITOR’S LETTER

ABOVE Sophie and Tom Constant, page 16; BELOW Vibrant cocktails from Doctor Ink’s

Curiosities, page 34

hether you give a fig about Valentine’s Day or not is, frankly, none of our business. This much loved/much maligned February date is a brilliant excuse for us to write about love in Exeter though. Things we love, people we love, even fish we love (the weirdly beautiful creature on the front cover is from local restaurant Rockfish, turn to page 42 for the full review). We didn’t have to look hard to find love in this city. On page 37 we go on the hunt for cool, quirky and romantic places to eat and drink in, while on page 26 we highlight some of the hidden love spots in the city – if you don’t know what a misericord is, turn to page 26 to find out! And for a proper melt-your-heart local love story, head to page 16 to read about newlyweds Sophie and Tom. Coathanger smile guaranteed. And for yet more lovely, touching stuff, head to page 11 where we feature The Glorious Art House Café’s imminent exhibition. It’s inspired by Random Acts of Kindness Day and will feature art inspired by joy and love – in all its manifestations. “After the gruelling past two years we feel that people need some balm for the soul...little reminders that the better, happier, kinder side of life hasn’t gone away,” says café owner Rosy Tydeman. “Kindness builds resilience and we all need some of that. Valentine’s Day can be hard for some, whereas Random Acts of Kindness Day is for all, regardless of romantic attachments. Perhaps we should make it every day.” Amen to that. #ExeterTogether, always

HARRIET NOBLE

www.mediaclash.co.uk I EXETER LIVING I 3

Issue 292 / February 2022 COVER Cuttlefish from Rockfish, image by Rockfish; see page 42 for more.

REGULARS

6 SPOTLIGHT Exciting things are coming this way 9 JP HEDGE Remembers one of Exeter’s biggest fans 45 EDUCATION Victoria Bond talks silver linings 66 LIVES Gordon Buchanan is heading to Exeter, with

hair-raising stories in tow

11 ARTS An exhibition to spark joy 12 WHAT’S ON Theatre, music, art and a bit of comedy

LOVE IN THE CITY

16 TO THEE WE WED Love stories don’t get much sweeter

than this

26 ROMANCE IN EXETER Cosy spots, mermaid carvings and

a wedding fair

29 MATCHMAKERS Catching up with Nicky Dunn of Pi

Society, the local dating agency with a difference

SHOPPING

THE ARTS

31 INTRO Badgers have never been so cool 32 EDITOR’S CHOICE Simply red beauties

FOOD & DRINK

34 NEWS New openings and luscious cocktails 37 VALENTINE’S DAY Panic not, we’ve got it sorted 42 RESTAURANT We get a fabulous fish delivery from Rockfish

TRAVEL

47 ROYAL WILLIAM YARD A beauty of a weekend getaway

BUSINESS

50 EXETERWORKS New businesses and stories from the local

business world

55 EXETER LIVING AWARDS 2022 Tick tock, time to nab

your ticket...

PROPERTY

56 NEWS Fresh developments on the scene 61 SHOWCASE A showstopper (home cinema included!)

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 Emma Bate, JP Hedge, Philip Harris Commercial manager Paula Miller paula.miller@mediaclash.co.uk Production/ Distribution Manager Sarah Kingston sarah.kingston@mediaclash.co.uk Deputy Production Manager/ Production Designer Kirstie Howe kirstie.howe@mediaclash.co.uk Chief Executive Jane Ingham jane.ingham@mediaclash.co.uk Chief Executive Greg Ingham greg.ingham@mediaclash.co.uk Exeter Living MediaClash, Carriage Court, 22 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

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

The installation travelled far and wide, including Ely Cathedral

Art

THE MOON HAS LANDED…IN EXETER

Artist Luke Jerram’s touring artwork, Museum of the Moon is landing at Exeter Cathedral on 3 February and staying until 27 February. Measuring seven metres in diameter, the replica of the moon is a fusion of high resolution NASA imagery of the lunar surface, moonlight and surround sound composition created by BAFTA and Ivor Novello award winning composer Dan Jones. At an approximate scale of 1:500,000, each centimetre of the internally lit spherical sculpture represents 5km of the moon’s surface. Over its lifetime, Museum of the Moon will be presented in a number of different ways both indoors and outdoors, so altering the experience and interpretation of the artwork. As it travels from place to place, it will gather new musical compositions and an ongoing collection of personal responses, stories and mythologies, as well as highlighting the latest moon science. For the dancing bunnies amongst you, there is a Museum on the Moon Silent Disco event on 25 February. Expect a full on immersive experience, (with headsets provided) and two channels of music led by DJs in a fierce battle. Time to throw some spacy shapes that are out of this world. For more: www.exeter-cathedral.org.uk

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

Exeter Cathedral will have the artwork until 27 February

SPOTLIGHT

Performance

A YEAR IN THE THEATRE © PAMEL A R AITH PHOTOGR APHY

Get your diary out, Exeter Northcott Theatre has announced its programme for 2022. Here is a snapshot of some of the highlights... LOCAL THEATRE The Beat of Our Hearts is a new play by Exeter-based playwright Natalie McGrath and a theatrical celebration of previously untold stories of LBTQIA+ people, premiering from 3 – 5 February.

Black is the Colour of My Voice; ABOVE: Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World; BELOW: Oi Frog & Friends; BOTTOM: The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde

MUSICALS The Rise and Fall of Little Voice starring Shobna Gulati, Christina Bianco and Ian Kelsey hits the Northcott stage from 4 – 9 April, followed by Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World, produced by the same team as hit musical SIX, which comes to Exeter 10 – 15 May. FAMILY Oi Frog & Friends!, the action-packed stage adaptation of Kes Gray and Jim Field’s best-selling books is on 5 – 6 March and the West End production of David Walliams’ Gangsta Granny oﬀers a half-term treat on 21 – 24 April.

NEW PRODUCTIONS The Ballad of Mulan tells the story of the real Chinese heroine that inspired the Disney film on 12 February; Sheila’s Island, a new comedy starring Sara Crowe and Judy Flyn by the celebrated writer of Calendar Girls, Tim Firth, plays from 22 – 26 February; Black is the Color of My Voice, a sensational play inspired by the life of Nina Simone promises to enthral audiences on 1 March; The Ballad of Maria Marten, a thrilling murder mystery based on real events is on 8 – 12 March; Elizabeth I (Virgin on the Ridiculous) offers a night of hysterically, historical horseplay from 29 – 30 March; and The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde, offers audiences an atmospheric adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s dark psychological fantasy from 29 – 30 April. DANCE Phoenix Dance Theatre celebrate their 40th birthday with a range of work from across the company’s illustrious history on 15 – 16 March, whilst the BalletBoyz return to Exeter with their distinctive, witty and mesmeric contemporary style on 27 – 28 April. MUSIC English Touring Opera return with a poetic and lively production of Puccini’s La Boheme on 25, 26 and 28 May and with Rimsky-Korsakov’s daring satire, The Golden Cockerel on 27 May. The Ronnie Scott’s All Stars come direct from London’s world-famous jazz club on 20 February, the biggest Magic of Motown party of the year will take place on 19 March and multi-award-winning folk musician Steve Knightley of Show of Hands returns to the Northcott on 2 April. COMEDY Award-winning comedy from Paul Foot on 10 February, Rachel Parris on 18 March and Count Arthur Strong on 20 March offer a chance to see top notch comedy on the Northcott stage. Ed Gamble on 13 February, the stars of I’m Sorry I Haven’t Got a Clue – Jack Dee, Miles Jupp, Tony Hawks, Pippa Evans and Rory Bremner – on 8 March, Al Murray on 19 March, Jimmy Carr on 31 March and Foil Arms & Hog on 3 April play next door at The Great Hall. For more: www.exeternorthcott.co.uk www.mediaclash.co.uk I EXETER LIVING I 7

Finding you the perfect flooring for your home... At Sowton Carpet Mills, we offer a fast and friendly service. We aim to provide you with complete peace of mind that you’re in safe hands. New flooring is one of the best ways to give your property a fresh new look. We can offer you:

• • • • • • •

Domestic Carpets & Vinyls Luxury Vinyl Tiles Free Measuring Service Free Home Visits Wide Range in Stock Fast Fitting Service Delivery or Take Away Today

Sowton Carpet Mills, Unit 2 - 4, Exhibition Way, Pinhoe, Exeter, EX4 8JD

01392 468157 www.sowtonmills.com | info@sowtonmills.com

OPINION JP HEDGE “Peter was famed for saying that Exeter hid its light under a bushel, and then hid the bushel”

Exeter’s best kept secret JP looks back on the life of Peter Jones, a man who championed Exeter and strove to improve the quality of life for everyone

ou might not know the name Peter Jones but you’ll probably know of his work. To the average resident of Exeter, Peter was ﬁrmly in ‘best kept secret’ territory. Enter any of the 27 routes into the city, go to a leisure centre, or even have a look up close on a Chief ’s shirt (probably best when not being worn by a player) and you’ll see Exeter Live Better front and centre. The aspiration is about trying to improve quality of life for everyone. It was co-authored by Peter. Together with his work partner extraordinaire Penny Bagnall-Smith (they worked as part of Smith & Jones, the local communications specialists) they spoke to over 150 organisations, people and groups in a bid to really try to understand this city. They found this golden thread around

wellbeing and quality of life. Most people were working to make things better. And they were working together. The Exeter way. One of my first jobs at the council, some five years ago now, was to try to capture the narrative of the city. In order to do this well it had to be relatable. It had to be transferable and work with everyone and everything. Above all, it had to be authentic and honest. Peter and Penny saw that, day in and day out, people, businesses, residents and groups were really trying hard to deliver a better quality of life. In Exeter, wellbeing matters. Despite his Plymouth roots (don’t let that put you off) Peter became one of the city’s biggest advocates and friends. He was remarkable at being able to see our direction of travel. I lost count of the amount of times we had a conversation that started ‘Did you know’ before going on to highlight the extraordinary work of some group, shop,

person or institution that just carried on without recognition. He saw that there was a role for a chief cheerleader. Neither of us have the legs or could carry off the pom-poms, but the premise was sound. Without paving over the cracks and issues of a city, we should take time to celebrate success. He also saw that the city and our amazing people tend to co-operate as default. Other cities don’t seem to play nicely all the time. Because of Exeter’s aims and intents, amazing institutions and people and the progress and partnerships already underway, Exeter really is the brilliant alternative to many others. From our independent shops to the University of Exeter, to our awardwinning college to our UNESCO status, valley parks to climbing centres, Exeter is a bit different and we should celebrate that. Peter was famed for saying that Exeter hid its light under a bushel, and then hid the bushel. He also spent a lot of time pointing out the amazing, brilliant, superb people that we have in this city that just consider going above as standard. Peter died in December. It was completely unexpected. I had been in touch with him that week. It seems he went to bed and just didn’t wake up again. The Lord Mayor paid tribute to him at Council just before Christmas as one of the city’s best advocates. Those of us that knew him were keen that his family and friends new how important his work was. Peter’s work was, like Exeter, the brilliant alternative and firmly in best kept secret territory. He leaves a wonderful and meaningful legacy. ■ 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

www.mediaclash.co.uk I EXETER LIVING I 9

SPONSORED CONTENT

SPARK CONVERSATION ALIVE ON DEMAND is a video streaming platform that sparks conversation with older people

live On Demand is a video platform for older people, their loved ones or their carers. The brainchild of Bristol-based charity Alive Activities, Alive On Demand was built to spark conversation through videos and activities. Alive Activities is a charity dedicated to improving the lives of older people through activity. Equipped with 10 years of face-to-face experience engaging older people in meaningful activity and following extensive conversations with older people, including specific information on what places and activities they would like to engage with, Alive On Demand was built with its audience at the centre. Featuring over 200 videos of all-original content, the platform is designed by and for older people. A labour of love, the platform

was designed and built by the Alive Activities team during lockdown, when the team could no longer visit and deliver activities to older people in person. Alive On Demand was born out of the need for specially curated video content that would be of interest to older people. The platform features content ranging from guided reminiscence, calming sensory experiences, music and art appreciation to local tours of important landmarks in and around Bristol. The video library is constantly expanding to include fresh, relevant content. The collection of videos is available on a subscription basis from as little as £5.99 a month. The platform is available through a browser on the internet and can be enjoyed as both Android and iOS apps. The videos can also be viewed offline in the apps, for areas with no WiFi.

“What makes Alive On Demand stand out is the fact that we have designed the content to bring people together to create conversation and spark memories,” says project manager Emma Dyer. “The content is also designed to support people in engaging with people living with dementia and our content topics reflect that.” ■

Visit www.aliveondemand.co.uk or email aod@aliveactivities.org for more information

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

I Love You, by Rosy Tydeman

RANDOM KINDNESS AND SENSELESS ACTS OF BEAUTY Inspired by Random Acts of Kindness Day (on 17 February apparently), The Glorious Art House Café is hosting an exhibition of art that celebrates love and joy. Alongside the artwork, there’ll be a large board to post messages on, kind thoughts, things you feel grateful for, messages of love and little random giveaways treats will be handed out too – small gifts to lift the spirits. Some people

will be given their coﬀee at random in the café rather than having to pay, and various other surprises will occur throughout the week. “After the gruelling past two years we feel that people need some balm for the soul...little reminders that the better, happier, kinder side of life hasn’t gone away,” says café owner Rosy Tydeman. “Kindness builds resilience and we all

need some of that. Valentine’s Day can be hard for some, whereas Random Acts of Kindness Day is for all, regardless of romantic attachments. Perhaps we should make it every day!” Random Kindness and Senseless Acts of Beauty exhibition runs from 15 – 20 February, upstairs at The Glorious Art House Café, 120 Fore Street, Exeter; www.thegloriousarthouse.com

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

WHAT’S ON

28 January onwards

Kiri Pritchard is performing at Exeter Phoenix

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

THEATRE/ SHOWS

Saturday matinee), Drama Hall at Queen Elizabeth’s School, Western Road, Exeter; www.exeternorthcott.co.uk

HOW TO LIVE A JELLICLE LIFE This ﬁve-star reviewed show has been called ‘the tonic we all need’. It’s described as a jellicle discussion about the jellicle aspects of the jellicle cats in Cats and how you can apply them to your life in order to make it truly jellicle. Expect jellicle laughs, jellicle dance and a very jellicle PowerPoint presentation. Cygnet Theatre, Friars’ Gate, Exeter; www.cygnettheatre.co.uk

THE BEAT OF OUR HEARTS A tender and poignant exploration of loneliness and belonging, this production is a unique theatrical celebration of unheard voices and previously untold stories of LGBTQIA+ people, from South Westbased playwright Natalie McGrath. 2.30pm and 7.30pm, Exeter Northcott Theatre, Stocker Road, Exeter; www.exeternorthcott.co.uk

29 January

3-5 February

1-5 February

12 February

THE WIZ Queen Elizabeth’s Theatre Academy is back in action with this epic soul musical, a creative retelling of L Frank Baum’s iconic The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. The story follows Dorothy and her faithful dog Toto on their adventures to the Emerald City of Oz where she encounters and befriends a host of colourful characters. 7.30pm (2.30pm

THE BALLAD OF MULAN For ten years Mulan, disguised as a man, has fought for the Chinese Empire. Now the ﬁghting is coming to an end, one last battle and she will be going home – but can she return to her old life and become a woman again? This is the real Chinese heroine that inspired Disney’s animation and live-feature Mulan. 2pm and 6pm, Exeter

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

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

13 February

GORDON BUCHANAN; 30 YEARS IN THE WILD THE ANNIVERSARY TOUR The prominent wildlife presenter and ﬁlmmaker will be taking a look back at his incredible 30 years working both behind and in front of the camera, showcasing his incredible passion for the animal kingdom and the unique ability he has for presenting such hidden animal worlds to an audience. See page 66 for the full interview. 7.30pm, Exeter Northcott Theatre, Stocker Road, Exeter; www.exeternorthcott.co.uk

17-19 February

COMPANY The musical comedy (music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by George Furth) about a man called Bobby who confronts his desire to get married has been given an update but remains incredibly political and timely, keeping all the same laughs.

2.30pm and 7.30pm, Exeter Northcott Theatre, Stocker Road, Exeter; www.exeternorthcott.co.uk

23 February

LAVENDER A Marxist trainwreck who works in the cereal aisle. A Christian with an engagement ring and the voice of an angel. Devon. Surrounding them is fifteen years of history. The rubble of polyester thongs, dolls and skipping ropes. Future uncertain, Nancy and Lucy must face up to where it all began: sharpening pencils and plucking the wings off flies, aged seven. This new play by Holly Fitzpatrick is all about growing up queer in the South West. 5.30pm, Exeter Phoenix, Gandy Street, Exeter; www.exeterphoenix.org.uk

22-26 February

SHEILA’S ISLAND Expect a sparkling, sharp-witted new comedy from writer Tim Firth (Calendar Girls, Kinky Boots, The Band). Our intrepid heroines ﬁnd themselves

WHAT’S ON

listening, audio for dance and ﬁlm and audio-visual creation. 9pm – late, Exeter Phoenix, Gandy Street, Exeter; www.exeterphoenix.org.uk

11 February

CRAIG CHARLES FUNK AND SOUL CLUB From Robot Wars to Red Dwarf to The Gadget Show, Craig has now grounded himself as a Funk & Soul icon after 10 years of broadcasting on BBC 6 Music with their primetime Saturday night show. Craig will be playing a two-hour DJ set and is joined by some special guests. 8.30pm–1am, Exeter Phoenix, Gandy Street, Exeter; www.exeterphoenix.org.uk

15 February

Ed Gamble is providing the laughs at Exeter Northcott Theatre

manufacturing weapons from cable ties and spatulas, and create a rescue ﬂag with plastic plates and a toasting fork. It’s been described as The Oﬃce meets Lord of the Flies meets Miranda. 2.30pm and 7.30pm, Exeter Northcott Theatre, Stocker Road, Exeter; www.exeternorthcott.co.uk

COMEDY 6 February

FLO & JOAN: SWEET RELEASE The multi-award winning comedy musical duo, viral sensations and hilarious suspiciously unsimilar sisters Flo & Joan (Live at the Apollo, The Royal Variety Performance, Jonathan Ross’ Comedy Club), are back with a brand new show for their big UK tour. 8pm (doors 7.17pm), Exeter Corn Exchange, Market Street, Exeter; www.exetercornexchange.co.uk

10 February

PAUL FOOT The kooky left ﬁeld comedian brings his brand new show; audiences can expect important topics including interfering ambulance drivers (self-appointed busybodies!), plus Billy Zane’s valuable diamond (c/o RMS Titanic). 7.30pm, Exeter Northcott Theatre, Stocker Road, Exeter; www.exeternorthcott.co.uk

10 February

KIRI PRITCHARD-MCLEAN: HOME TRUTHS It’s been a big few years for most of us and Kiri is no diﬀerent. She’s moved back to her home island of Anglesey, struggled with lockdown and got herself some rescue chickens. You can expect jokes about skinny jeans, learning Welsh and white supremacy – something for everyone. 7.30pm, Exeter Phoenix, Gandy Street, Exeter; www.exeterphoenix.org.uk

13 February

ED GAMBLE: ELECTRIC Providing the laughs is the co-host of the award-winning mega-hit podcast Oﬀ Menu with James Acaster, and regular guest on Mock the Week. Other CV highlights include Taskmaster champion 2019. 7.30pm, Exeter Northcott Theatre, Stocker Road, Exeter; www.exeternorthcott.co.uk

17 February

MATT FORDE: CLOWNS TO THE LEFT OF ME, JOKERS TO THE RIGHT Political comedian and writer Matt Forde has interviewed a number of political ﬁgures including Keir Starmer, Nicola Sturgeon, Sadiq Khan, Julia Gillard, Tony Blair,

Nigel Farage, Tessa Jowell, Alan Johnson, Michael Heseltine, William Hague and George Osborne. Matt’s smash hit show will see him satirise the right, left and centre. 8pm, Exeter Phoenix, Gandy Street, Exeter; www.exeterphoenix.org.uk

21 February

ROSS NOBLE: HUMOURNOID The genial comic’s on-stage credits include a whopping 16 nationwide comedy tours and his recent critically acclaimed performance as Igor in Mel Brooks’ West End revival of monster hit musical Young Frankenstein. 8pm, (doors open 7.15), Exeter Corn Exchange, Market Street; www.exetercornexchange.co.uk

MUSIC 5 February

DANCE AGAINST RACISM Travel the world, without the air miles, and raise money for Sonic Landscapes of Colour and Resilient Roots with this vibrant music event. From a dual heritage IndianEnglish background, and inspired by the Devon landscapes he grew up in, Somatic (Somin Griﬃn-Dave) creates electronic music that treads the line between club and home

KSI Following the launch of his own label, collaborative singles with Craig David and last summer’s album All Over The Place, the acclaimed rapper, boxer and YouTube phenomenon is heading to Exeter to perform tunes old and new. The Great Hall, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter; www.ents24.com

20 February

THE RONNIE SCOTT’S SOHO SONGBOOK Featuring classic music from the jazz greats who have performed at Ronnie Scott’s, alongside narration and projected archive images and rare footage from the club, The Ronnie Scott’s Songbook is a glimpse into this unique world and its incredible history. 7.30pm, Exeter Northcott Theatre, Stocker Road, Exeter; www.exeternorthcott.co.uk

ART

Until 30 January

SOUTHCOTTIAN Multimedia artist John Walter combines digital animation, 3D scanning, religious memes and an explosion of visual mash-ups to focus on Devon-born Joanna Southcott’s false pregnancy at the age of 64, which she and her 14,000 plus followers believed to be Shiloh, the new messiah. Walter narrates Southcott’s story as an allegory of Brexit. Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery, Queen Street, Exeter; www.rammuseum.org.uk

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

WHAT’S ON

right:

The Wiz is on at Queen Elizabeth’s School in Crediton; How to live a Jellicle Cat is on at the Cygnet Theatre; below: Sheila’s Island is on at the Northcott

bottom right:

Until 5 March

MIKHAIL KARIKIS: CHILDREN OF UNQUIET AND SEAWOMEN These two immersive film installations show the experience of two very different communities; fisherwomen from the haenyeo community on Jeju island, Korea, and children brought up by the geothermal powerplant in Devil’s Valley, Tuscany. Both communities have a unique relationship to their environment; and their way of life is increasingly threatened. Children of Unqueit is at Thelma Hulbert Gallery in Honiton, Seawomen is on at Ocean, Queen’s Drive, Exmouth; www.thelmahulbert.com

Until 26 June 2022

RAY BALKWILL’S THE RIVER’S VOICE “If you have ever sat on the banks of the Exe marvelling at its beauty as the sun slowly sets behind the Haldon Hills, perhaps you will understand why I am so passionate about the place and why I constantly have to try and capture it in paint,” says artist Ray Balkwill. This exhibition is a love letter to the Exe Estuary. The Café at Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery, Queen Street, Exeter; www.rammuseum.org.uk

15-20 February

RANDOM KINDNESS AND SENSELESS ACTS OF BEAUTY EXHIBITION Tying in with Valentine’s Day, the exhibition space will be full of love.

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

Expect themes of joy, kindness and comfort in the art on display, much of which will be for sale. The Glorious Art House Café (exhibition upstairs), 120 Fore Street, Exeter; www.thegloriousarthouse.com

29 January–29 May

IN PLAIN SIGHT: TRANSATLANTIC SLAVERY AND DEVON This exhibition explores the museum’s and Devon’s links with centuries of trading enslaved African people across the Atlantic. The exhibition investigates aspects of the transatlantic slave trade that are all around us, but for some remain ‘hidden in plain sight’. Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery, Queen Street, Exeter; www.exeterramm.admit-one.eu n

17 March 2022

EXETER LIVING AWARDS We cannot wait to invite hundreds of you back to our extra-glam red-carpet extravaganza. We will be announcing the 2022 Finalists at our live Grand Reveal Event on 3 February at 2pm, sing up for free now on out awards website. There are sponsorship opportunities ready to be snapped up too. To find out more, contact paula.miller@ mediaclash.co.uk or harriette. dixon@mediaclash.co.uk. For more, see page 55. www.exeterlivingawards.co.uk

“The vision for our wedding was to make it a celebration of our friends and family” 16 I EXETER LIVING I www.mediaclash.co.uk

WEDDINGS

LOCAL LOVE STORY They went to the University of Exeter at the same time but never met. Eight years later they clocked each other at a party and it was love at first sight (despite his dodgy red t-shirt). They had their first kiss in The Oddfellows, she moved to Exeter to be with him and they got some cats. After a few delays (thank you Covid), and despite a bit of rain (thank you Devon) they had their perfect day. This is Sophie and Tom and this is their love story...

Dancing daredevils Sophie and Tom Constant

Images by Albion Row Photography www.mediaclash.co.uk I EXETER LIVING I 17

“I don’t think we’ve stopped making each other laugh” THE LOVE STORY

Congratulations Sophie and Tom Constant! Tell us how and where you first met… S: We both went to The University of Exeter (a long time ago now) but

never crossed paths. Fast forward eight years, this boy arrived at our mutual uni friend’s BBQ in Exeter, Tom impressed me with a magic trick, left me his phone number on a playing card and the rest is history. T: Sophie insisted I write my number on that card. What were your first impressions of each other? T: I thought Sophie was so sweet and really attractive, and was excited

for our first date (when I thought Sophie still lived in Exeter). S: When this boy called Magic Tom arrived I remember clocking him in the garden wearing a dodgy red t-shirt, he impressed me with his charm but I was adamant when he gave me his number that he had to ask me out! As you got to know each other, what was it that really appealed to you both about each other? S: It helped that we had mutual friends so I could ask around! On our

first date we found out how much we had in common, and laughed so much. I don’t think we’ve stopped making each other giggle since.

How long had you been going out before you moved in together? T: Sophie took a huge leap of faith moving from a rented flat in London

to buying a house in Exeter with a boy that she’d only known for 18 months. Crazy looking back that she was willing to take that risk, but it was the best decision we ever made and I’m thankful for it every day.

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

above: Sophie and Tom’s wedding ceremony at St Mary’s Church in Burlescombe; below: Sophie and her dreamy dress

WEDDINGS What is living with each other like? Good stuff? Any bad habits?! T: We love it! It was certainly a gamble at that point in our relationship,

but it paid off massively. I’m sure Soph could list a million bad habits of mine, but I only have one; Sophie spoils our cats, Maxwell and Clara, far too much! Where did the engagement take place and how did it happen? T: I took Sophie to Dartmouth and we walked along the shore. I found

a secluded cove near the castle and popped the question there.

And what about the hen and the stag… S: I had a wonderful hen do in Topsham with my Exeter girlfriends,

with afternoon tea in the Salutation Inn and cocktails at Number 3.

T: Apart from being woken up suddenly and terrifyingly with trumpets

at 6am, I don’t remember too much of my stag...

PLANNING OF THE WEDDING

What kind of wedding did you want to go for? S: The vision for our wedding was to make it as much a celebration of

our friends and family who supported us, as it was for us to be tying the knot. So we chose a country house style wedding that allowed us all to be together across the weekend. As we’re both redheads and prone to being sunburnt, we chose an autumnal wedding. Early October was perfect as it’s really beautiful in the Devon countryside (and also just before the clocks go back to maximise daylight hours on the day!).

above: South Devon Railway Road Services provided the transport; below: The happy couple

How did you choose the location of Bridwell Park for your reception? S: Bridwell Park is stunning, we love the area and it helped that it was

only a short distance from Exeter. We’re lucky they have opened the

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

WEDDINGS grounds and started a café, so we can visit every now and then. Did you enlist the help of anyone in organising it? S: Yes! Gemma and her team at West Country Wedding Planner were

absolutely invaluable both in the lead up and with support on the day.

How did you go about sourcing local businesses? S: Gemma recommended a few suppliers, but we also used social media

and our own experiences. We had seen our band Conscious Club perform at the Exeter Food and Drink Festival one year and loved them so tracked them down when they played at Artigianos and got their details to book them. We loved all our suppliers, they were incredible and made our day so special.

Tell us about the table names and why you chose them? T: Our table names were all our favourite pubs in Exeter, and we tried

to match the guests sitting on the tables to special memories we’d made with them in those pubs. The Prospect, The Oddfellows (where we had our first kiss!), the Hour Glass – all our faves!

above and left: The reception was held at Bridwell Park near Cullompton; below: Sophie, Tom and glittering friends

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

“I think I started running up the aisle at one point” Sparklers, kisses and so much joy

What were the challenges in organising your wedding? T: Like so many of us who have tried to get married over the past few

years, the largest challenge was the climate of uncertainty, restrictions and chaos we’ve all endured. We’re thankful that the vast majority of our suppliers were super understanding and that, after a year of delays, we managed to have the wedding we dreamed of. What advice would you give to you a local couple getting married in terms of how to plan a wedding? S: I’d say prioritise the things that you really want to include in your

day, we knew we wanted to get married in a church (we got married in St Mary’s Church in Burlescombe) and we knew we wanted a live band. We also used Etsy a lot for all the little extra details. T: I would say set a budget and stick to it better than we did.

LOCAL BUSINESSES USED BY SOPHIE AND TOM CONSTANT PHOTOGRAPHER – Albion Row Photography, @albionrowphotography VIDEOGRAPHER – I Do Film Weddings, @idofilmandphotos PLANNER – West Country Wedding Planner, @westcountryweddingplanner CAKE – Claire’s Sweet Temptations, www.clairessweettemptations.com DRESS – Kate Walker Bridal, @katewalkerbridal LOCATION – Bridwell Park, @bridwellpark MUSIC – Conscious Club, @consciousclubband FLOWERS – Rosie the Florist, @rosietheflorist MAKE UP – Rowan Beddow MUA, @rowan_mua HAIR – Viva Hair, @viviahairexeter FOOD – wedding breakfast: Posh Nosh, @poshnoshdevon; evening reception: Two Birds Kitchen, @twobirdskitchen; weekend breakfasts and dinners: Ginger Pig & Hog Roast Company BBQ Company; www.thegingerpighogroastandbbqcompany.co.uk TRANSPORT – West Country Wedding Cars, www.westweddingcars.co.uk; South Devon Railway Road Services, www.southdevonrailwayroadservices.com

What were the fun things to organise or prepare for? S: I really enjoyed trying on wedding dresses, it was a really special

experience as I took my mum. Kate Walker Bridal based in Illminster was absolutely amazing and so helpful, we really did create my dream dress. Jordan’s Courtyard, where she’s based, is a hidden gem of Devon and definitely worth a visit.

What was your biggest worry about the wedding? T: We had our eyes glued to the weather report on the lead up to the

day. In the end there were a few showers, but we were having so much fun we barely noticed. Looking back it was really a silly thing to be worried about. S: We were also worried about restrictions and whether our wedding party would be able to come, sadly we did have a few cancellations last minute.

THE BIG DAY

Most couples say their wedding day goes by in a flash – was this true for you? S: Completely! Everyone tells you it will go by so quickly but until the

day it really does all happen so fast!

What are your abiding memories of the day? S: There are so many but I distinctly remember on the way to the

Church I was holding my dad’s hand so hard in the car he told me to let go because I was cutting off the blood supply to his arm! I hadn’t realised how full of nervous energy I was. Seeing Tom for the first time was also a really special moment, I think I started running down the aisle at one point, my poor dad couldn’t keep up! T: My best memory was when Sophie arrived at the altar and we just had such massive cheesy grins at each other. Were there any silver linings to the slightly rainy day? S: The rain makes for great photos, by the evening the sun came out

and we got to experience the most amazing sunset. n

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

NICK MATTHEWS PHOTOGRAPHY PRODUCT PHOTOGRAPHY | PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS EXHIBITION PHOTOGRAPHY | PROFESSIONAL PORTRAITS W E D D I N G S | C O N S E R VA T I O N P H O T O G R A P H Y Get in touch now for a no-obligation quote and to discuss your requirements.

07568302827 | nick@nickmatthewsphotography.co.uk | www.nickmatthewsphotography.co.uk |



f

Multi Award Winning Fine Jewellery Manufacturer From plain wedding bands to whatever your heart desires...

Lasting Impressions 40a Fore Street, Bovey Tracey, Devon, TQ13 9AD

01626 833177

devonlastimpress@aol.com By prior appointment only: Monday to Saturday

2022

HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN’S PLATINUM JUBILEE HALLMARK

DO YOU OFFER PROFESSIONAL SERVICES IN THE FOLLOWING SECTORS: THE LEADING SOUTH WEST MATCHMAKING AGENCY Pi Society oﬀers an ideal way to ﬁnd your perfect match through their professional and discreet matchmaking service. Also curators of fabulous, singles, social events.

Law, Finance, Accountancy, Property, Tech or PR? We are publishing the ultimate Professional Services Guide in our next edition on the 18th February.

Call 01392 241142 WWW.PISOCIETY.CO.UK Hurry! Content deadline: Wednesday 2nd February To find out how best to benefit from marketing your business please call Paula Miller on 07563 529772 or email paula.miller@mediaclash.co.uk

SPONSORED CONTENT

Rural survey shows love is alive in the West Country Director Fiona Wadey looks at the results of The Family Law Company’s recent ‘Rural Romance Survey’. While times have been tough for everyone in the past two years, for the rural community isolation, long hours and new stresses have taken its toll on mental health and relationships. Although we are divorce lawyers, we’re far from cynical about romance and always look out for positive signs of it in our communities, constantly learning about how relationships can thrive even under the most difficult of circumstances. We know that relationships in the farming community are quite different to others, with incredibly long working hours seven days a week, and little time off. How do they manage to keep the flame of passion burning? We wanted to discover whether romance is well and truly alive on the farm. Reassuringly 87 of the 131 respondents felt their relationship was in a strong position scoring between 9 and 10 out of 10, while just 18 scored 5 or below. When asked if they felt they had gone the extra mile to keep their relationship strong, 81% agreed that they had made an extra effort. Examples ranged from

taking the pressure off a partner by tackling administrative tasks like VAT returns, sharing household chores, providing emotional support, and moving in with the wider family during lockdown to ensure everyone was protected. One dedicated partner referenced getting up at 2am to check on farrowing sows when the temperature was minus 5. Many responses referred to making time for each other, whether that was fitting in a date night even if this meant a date in the tractor or down on the farm; saving a few hours once a week to spend time together; relocating or travelling long distances to meet up; going on a dog walk together; taking children to ride in the tractor so they see their dad; or having a child-free night each month. Romance is definitely still high on the agenda in the farming community from simple gestures like cooking a special meal, buying flowers, chocolates or random little gifts ‘to put a smile on her face’ to surprise trips overseas. Some are purely practical, such as poo-picking the ponies, buying a

The Family Law Company specialist lawyers supporting families through the realities of life T: 01392 421 777 E: enquiries@thefamilylawco.com www.thefamilylawco.co.uk

farm dog, tractor or farm truck. One farmer even bought his wife an Ayrshire cow for her fiftieth birthday! Amongst the most romantic gestures were covering the bed in roses and proposing in the lambing shed ‘whilst accomplishing our first lambing of our own sheep’. However, as in every community, relationships are not sweetness and light all the time. For some, it was the financial pressures and the imbalance of a partnership that have caused romance to falter. Overall we were pleasantly surprised by so much positivity in the responses received, as well as the sense of humour shown by respondents in what are difficult times. It seems that even with all the pressures, for the majority of farming couples, romance is actually flourishing on the farm.

WHERE IS THE LOVE? © ROSIE PARSONS PHOTOGR APHY

From favourite romantic spots in the city, to hidden carvings in Exeter Cathedral, to a huge new wedding fair arriving in the spring – love is definitely all around us…

@MRGULL81

“We (my partner and I) both work full-time and have a little girl so reconnecting and spending time together is so special. Around Valentine’s Day we always take a day off and do the things we love, normally a drive to Topsham, a beautiful breakfast and a walk along the quay with a stop at all the antique shops . For us, time stands still in these lovely big rooms full of treasures and we get a chance to talk about projects we are working on and discuss the next renovation project in our home. We think it’s important to stop, take stock and reconnect as a couple and we have such beautiful settings in this city to do it in!” Nikki Fairclough, customer experience & marketing manager at Guildhall Shopping Centre

“Romance is back at the Hour Glass pub now it has reopened. It must be one of Exeter’s top places for a deep conversation over candlelights. Also, kayak for two or tandem bike hire from Saddles and Paddles to explore the River Exe, stop off at Double Locks for a cosy drink by the fire.” JP Hedge, a director at Exeter City Council and columnist for Exeter Living

DID YOU KNOW?

Spot these merman and mermaid next time you’re in the Cathedral

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

up, is intended to act as a shelf to support a person in a partially standing position during long periods of prayer. Among the 50 in Exeter Cathedral are some depictions of harpies and mermaids. “One of the misericords has an image of a male and female harpy, holding hands and gazing into each others eyes,” says Richard Remington of Exeter Cathedral. “This is a highly romantic image of creatures which are usually representative of gluttony. “Another misericord shows a mermaid and a merman holding a drum. It seems romantic but may have been made to demonstrate the dangers of popular music and festivities.”

Numero uno romantic spot in the city: Exeter Cathedral

EXETER CATHEDRAL…

Double locks is a good shout for a date venue

@30 8PRESTON

“One of my favourite haunts is The Real McCoy found in Fore Street. Call me old-fashioned, but there’s something quite romantic about rummaging the rails for a unique and special vintage gem. The notion of being transported back in time and contemplating its history, remembering that someone, one day, may have found true love wearing it warms the cockles of my heart!” Chantelle Znideric, personal stylist

Inside Exeter Cathedral there are no less than 50 13th Century misericords. Misericords are small wooden structures formed on the underside of a folding seat in a church which, when the seat is folded

Gaze at that sunset in Topsham

ROMANCE

GETTING HITCHED? businesses who will be there with all the experience and guidance to help make your day special. The event is being hosted by InExeter, the Business Improvement District, and for a sneak peek of what’s in store at the fair, check out the ﬁlm series #SomethingSpecial, which followed the journey of Exeter couple Sharifa and Jess as they planned their wedding with local businesses.

Follow Sharifa and Jess’s Journey

The #SomethingSpecial video can be found at www.exeterweddings.co.uk Exeter Wedding Fair, 1 March (6:30pm – 8:30pm); Tickets are free and you can register your space www. eventbrite.co.uk/e/exeter-wedding-fayre-somethingspecialtickets-239335026507

Just got engaged and in need of some inspiration? Exeter Wedding Fair is a brand new exhibition which is taking place in Exeter this spring. Held at both Exeter Castle and the Exeter Guildhall on 1 March 2022, the evening is designed to showcase the best of wedding-related businesses and help you design your perfect day. Expect an evening of talks, stalls and stands, demonstrations, styling sessions and tasters at Exeter Castle as well as a special ‘Immerse & Imagine’ interactive experience at The Historic Guildhall. Learn how wedding décor can transform a room, see new season bride, groom and guest outﬁts, hear about local venues, trial hair designs, explore how to surprise your guests and most importantly chat to the

SOME OF THE LOCAL BUSINESSES THAT CAN LEND A HELPING HAND… VENUES Hestercombe House & Gardens, Hestercombe, Taunton; www.hestercombe.com The Donkey Sanctuary, Slade House Farm, Sidmouth; www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk The Lamb Inn, The Square, Sandford, Crediton; www.lambinnsandford.co.uk Exeter Historic Guildhall, High Street, Exeter; www. exeter.gov.uk Exeter Castle, Castle Street, Exeter; www.exetercastle.co.uk

CATERING/ BAR Posh Nosh; www.posh-nosh.co.uk Barnova (Event bar); www.facebook.com/barnovaevents BRIDE AND GROOM FASHION Pirouette; www.pirouettethecollection.com Julia’s Collection; www.juliascollection.co.uk Loakes; www.thebroguetrader.com

JEWELLERY Erin Cox; www.erincox.co.uk Mortimers Jewellers; www.mortimersjewellers.co.uk Michael Spiers; www.michaelspiers.co.uk Polka Dot Gallery; www.polkadotgallery.com Lasting Impressions; devonlastimpress@aol.com

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

ONE TO ONE

Nicky’s company runs events all over Exeter

NICKY DUNN

Back in 2017, while sitting outside a Siem Reap restaurant in Cambodia, Nicky had an epiphany. She decided to set up a business where she could help people fall in love. The result is Pi Society, a local dating agency with personal matchmakers and social events all over the city... Hello Nicky! Tell us about Pi Society, how does the matchmaking work?

Pi Society oﬀers a friendly face to discuss your own unique situation and requirements and provides expert advice in guiding you through the dating jungle. We bring human intelligence and a much more personalised and proven approach to matching potential compatible partners. We personally interview all members face to face in their own homes and employ professional psychometric testing to enhance the matching process to screen

personality, values, emotional availability, body language and physical appearance that would not be evident in an online application. It’s reassuring to know that all those you will meet through our service will have been vetted. What gives you the edge over apps?

Online apps have been incredibly popular over the years and research shows that despite the boom in online dating sites, many people ﬁnd that it is not for them and want a safer, more credible

alternative. The difference is that we meet everyone face to face in their own homes to get a full understanding of where they are in life, where they aspire to be, their values and what qualities they are looking for in a partner. We meet the real people and not a superficial photo and bio. Many, particularly professional people, don’t want to waste valuable time wading through hundreds of random profiles, many of whom are just looking for a casual date rather than a long-lasting relationship.

feel welcome and relaxed. It’s so important to make people feel that they are included. It’s very important to us. Finding love can feel like a never-ending slog, do you have any nuggets of wisdom?

It really can feel like that, however the great thing about this service is, it’s like having a friend ﬁnd you someone as I would have met both parties and understood where they both would like to be in life. I always give honest and constructive feedback to both parties, unlike meeting someone on line where they may ‘ghost’ you.

“In 2021, we hosted 247 events bringing nearly 2000 people together”

And it works? Yes! We have

had lots of successes over the last nearly ﬁve years – we have had over 130 couples who have been in relationships and there are so many to choose from. We have had several weddings and we have had babies born too!

What’s the most common age group that come to you?

We work with anyone from the age of 30 through to 87, but our core clients are 45-70. What’s the gender balance like?

We tend to have more ladies on our books. As a board member of the ABIA (Association of British Introduction Agencies), this ratio is mirrored across the UK. You also run regular events…

In 2021, we hosted 247 events bringing nearly 2000 people together through various events including walks, supper nights, kayaking trips, drumming days, cycling, yoga classes, quizzes, author evenings, specialist evenings and so much more. People may be nervous about attending an event, how do you make them feel at ease?

We always have a very warm and friendly host who makes everyone

What other types of support do you provide?

Since 2021, we have created a number of podcasts to help people through their journey, from the science of ﬁnding the right man for you, developing a great mindset of a relationship, re-discovering your own values of relationship, resilience and emotional agility, healing after a relationship, self care, decoded the dating process; these can all be found on our website. What have you learnt about finding love through running Pi?

In the last five years, I too have found myself in a divorce situation. Going online myself and finding someone really highlighted to me what really matters in a relationship and that is compatibility, security and sharing values followed by chemistry. We all want to find a partner that makes us weak at the knees, but this soon wears off and we are left with nothing. Chemistry builds into something magical. Pi Society matchmaking service runs in Exeter, Bristol, Bath, Plymouth and South Hams; www.pisociety.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I EXETER LIVING I 29

THE FUTURE IS UNWRITTEN

2022

LOADING The conference for entrepreneurs from MediaClash is returning… June 30 2022

CONTENT: claudia.butler@mediaclash.co.uk

EntreConf.com

COMMERCIAL: annie.kelly@mediaclash.co.uk

@Entre_Conf

SHOPPING LIVE WELL, BUY BETTER

WELL PLATE

Who doesn’t have a ‘friend’ who likes to eat cake in their pants? We love this selection of sweet, witty plates from Insideout. They are bone china, badger-friendly, and can be popped in the dishwasher. Perfect pressie for a good chum. All plates are £25 and from Insideout, 1 Bampfylde Street, Exeter; www.insideouthome.co.uk

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

GLAZE LATTE BOWL, £9.95 This latte bowl is made by Portuguese makers Costa Nova using ﬁne stoneware; we fancy it will add an arty splash of colour to your kitchen. It also comes in white, denim and aqua. From Hyde & Seek, Unit 1, Harlequins, 1 Paul Street, Exeter; www.hydeseek.co.uk

HEART SHAPED SPOONS, £7 EACH These silicone spoons are so pretty, worth taking up baking just so you can display in your kitchen. From Gingerzebra; gingerzebra.shop

POPPY QUILTED SCARF, £45 Made from a super soft viscose blend, this comfy quilted scarf oﬀers maximum warmth on cold weather days. From Busby & Fox, 21 Cathedral Yard, Exeter; www.busbyandfox.com

FROM EXETER WITH LOVE

Red and radiant gifts that we rather fancy...

TESSA TIE TOP, £32 Pair with a pencil skirt or high waisted trousers for a classic vintage look. From Frocks in Swingtime, 151 Fore Street, Exeter; www.frocksinswingtime.com

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

FADE CANDLE LARGE, £22 With bright ombré colours and high quality wax, this cone shaped candle will create the right ambience for a romantic night at home. From Bøde Living, Alexandria Trading Estate, Alexandria Road, Sidmouth; www.bode-living.com

ZAO VEGAN REFILLABLE LIPSTICK, £18.95 Pucker up and look fabulous with this range of ecofriendly lipsticks. They come in a unique, varnished bamboo case in a bamboo pouch with drawstring. From Soapdaze, 126 Fore Street, Exeter; www.soapdaze.com

ED’S CHOICE BARBUOY COCKTAIL: BRAMBLE, £35 This classic gin-based cocktail has been mixed with blackberries and mixed by the sea (Exmouth to be exact). Cheers to you! From Bar Buoy Cocktails, available online and at Darts Farm; www.barbuoy.co.uk

VELVET CUSHION, £48 Create warm, cosy vibes in your home with this ever so pretty cushion. From Toot Garouk, 19 Queen Street, Exeter; www.tootgarook.co.uk

SOFT RED TRANSPARENT GLASSES, £28 Chic and very you – get noticed in Exeter wearing these lovelies. From Lorna Ruby, 17 Catherine Street, Exeter; www.lornaruby.com

CORGI PLAIN RED SOCKS, £15 Make a bold statement with these happy rib knit socks. From Loakes, Catherine Street, Exeter; www.thebroguetrader.com

MARSEILLES VIGNE ROUGE FRENCH SOAP, £3.75 Lather up and enjoy, French style. From Eclectique, Cellar 3, The Quay, Exeter; www.eclectique.co.uk

RED GEO CERAMIC MUG, £7.99 Start the day right with a cuppa from this bright little number. From Insideout, 1 Bampfylde Lane, Princesshay, Exeter; www.insideouthome.co.uk

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

FOOD & DRINK NIBBLES FROM EXETER’S FOOD SCENE

KEEP YOUR GIN UP Fans of gin, take note. A new gin distillery, with an accompanying bar and restaurant is to open this spring. Aptly named Quayside, the spot will be located down on the quay (where House of Brine and, previously, Exeter Cookery School were) and will offer a gin school experience whereby visitors can make, design and develop their own gin. The restaurant and bar area will be Mediterranean-influenced with small tapas-style plates of locally sourced food. “We were looking along the south coast for a venue for this business for three years and are thrilled to have found this spot on the quay; it is the perfect fit,” says co-owner George Nightingale, who also owns Spoken, the bar and restaurant in Exmouth. “Quayside will be a place where everyone is welcome. People can pop in after a walk along the quay to visit the gin school or have a drink or meal.” www.quaysidedistillery.co.uk

The Marine will be serving lots of local fish and doing Sunday roasts

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

BIGGER AND BETTER Margoux Restaurant & Wine Bar is moving to a new and bigger premises. Leaving its home of 14 Mary Arches Street, the restaurant is set to relocate to 20 Bedford Street (previously occupied by Jamie’s Italian) in Princesshay and will open shortly. “We have taken the opportunity to move to a bigger and better venue joining the Princesshay family, that can cater for our business model perfectly,” says co-owner Benjamin Doyle. “We will have our restaurant on the ground floor featuring the theatre of an open kitchen, then host our cocktail lounge on the first floor with amazing views over Exeter Cathedral.” www.margoux.co.uk

The gin school is opening this spring

The new premises is set to open soon

FRESH START Sidmouth-based restaurant and bar The Marine has just relaunched to the public after having being taken over by Exeter’s On the Waterfront. The venue reopened in January keeping the same name and décor but sporting a brand new menu. “We’re so excited to announce On The Waterfront is taking over The Marine in Sidmouth,” says Finn Storey, the new general manager at The Marine. “The venue gives us an excellent chance to expand our oﬀering beyond our other sites On The Waterfront and The Kents. The Marine will follow the lead of our other venues as a community hub and home away from home, all while delivering amazing local food and drink. Our opening menu is live on the website for all to take a look, but look out as much much more is to come. Expect a warm and vibrant atmosphere all year round with only the friendliest service and of course...lots of pizza!” The Marine, The Esplanade, Sidmouth; www.marinesidmouth.com

VALENTINE’S COCKTAIL

THIS MONTH WE’RE DRINKING... PRICKLY DRAGON COCKTAIL

BOTH IMAGES © PATRICK FOGART Y

From Doctor Ink’s Curiosities, Customs House, 43 The Quay, Exeter; www.doctorinks.com This vibrant thing of beauty is made from mixing Olmeca Altos Plata (a type of Tequila), briottet cactus piment figue de barbarie (a prickly pear liqueur), acid adjusted pampelmousse rose and dragon fruit cordial, with soda and dragon fruit to garnish. Of course, the mixologists at cocktail bar Doctor Ink’s Curiosities are more than willing to do all the heavy work for you, while giving you a bit of background information about this colourful concoction. “Contrary to popular myth, the plant that produces tequila is not a cactus but a succulent plant,” says Patrick Fogarty from Doctor Ink’s Curiosities. “The Blue Webber Agave from which all Tequila is made is more closely related to lilies and is a member of the asparagus family, each plant taking up to 10 years to reach maturity. It is grown in central Mexico in the appellation-controlled Tequila region with Jalisco city at its heart.”

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

FOOD & DRINK

LOVE AT FOOD’S SIGHT… Exeter’s cupid has the pick of the local foodie and drinks offerings in the city. Ready to impress and be impressed this Valentine’s Day? By Emma Bate

The finishing touches at Rendezvous

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

FOOD & DRINK

hether you are head over heels in love, are a single pringle who’s ready to mingle, or would rather spend Valentine’s Day doing something a little more outré, then we’ve got it all sorted. Grab yourself a cuppa, put those feet up, and get ready to be wooed by Exeter’s best most date-worthy wonders.

FOR THE HOME BUNNIES: Rendezvous Wine Bar and restaurant Why go out for Valentine’s when you could stay in and enjoy the luxury of your own home, I hear you ask? If you and your special someone are more inclined to spend the evening in this Valentine’s, let me divert your attention to Exeter’s own ‘home away from home’: Rendezvous. Owner Jemma Mitchell runs this independent wine bar and restaurant which she describes as an extension of her living room, since its establishment originated from her personal love for entertaining others. Cosy, rustic and magical, Rendezvous is the ideal date night option for those couples who, more inclined to curl up on the sofa, value homeliness as well as quality. Rendezvous will be offering a four-course meal for £45 per person, including meat, fish and veggie options, as well as a sharing platter for pudding which is perfect for those wanting to re-create the classic Lady and the Tramp scene (but in this case with cake, not spaghetti!). What’s more, one lucky couple will be seated at the iconic alcove table where, private, romantic, and tucked away from the rest of the restaurant, you and your date will feel completely at home. Rendezvous, Southernhay, Exeter; www.winebar10.co.uk

top: Candlelit ambience pervades at Rendevouz; middle and bottom: Colourful dishes

to fall in love with at The Jack in the Green

FOR THE FOODIES: The Jack In The Green Feast your eyes upon the independent family run pub and restaurant on the outskirts of Exeter, The Jack In The Green – or otherwise known locally as, The Jack. Together, landlord Paul Parnell, head chef Craig Griffin and the team run this successful business which will mark its 30th year in operation this coming spring. Describing their own food as that of ‘sophisticated simplicity’, The Jack is the place to go this Valentine’s Day to charm any potential partner. Craig and his team have planned quite the feast; starting with the obligatory fizz, there’ll be Cornish crab, honey glazed duck, fillet of beef and even chocolate fondant on offer. The list is mouth-wateringly endless. The Jack In The Green, London Road, Exeter; www.jackinthegreen.uk.com

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

Circa is an intimate and cosy spot

“Circa is quite the food gem within the city” www.mediaclash.co.uk I EXETER LIVING I 39

FOOD & DRINK

FOR THE DRINK CONNOISSEURS: Crocketts For those looking to spend Valentine’s Day with a drink in hand, look no further than Crocketts, an independently run gin bar. Tucked away on the cobbles just off the side of Gandy Street, Crocketts is a cosy bar, defined both by its romance and eccentricity; while it specialises in gin, numerous drinks are on offer, from cocktails to ciders. As opposed to an average bar one may typically encounter, Crocketts operates a strict table service-only policy, allowing the customers to have a proper Crocketts experience whereby they hear from the bartender specialists themselves. Believing conversation has died over the last few years, general manager Tom Reeve and his team like to talk with customers ‘to make sure the drink they receive is the perfect one!’. Keep an eye out on their social media for their special Valentine’s cocktails they are currently concocting. Crocketts, Upper Paul Street, Exeter; www.crockettsbar.co.uk FOR THOSE LOOKING TO POP THE QUESTION: Circa If Valentine’s this year means a little more to you than simply chocolates, flowers, and socks, don’t panic Mr Mainwaring! We’re on the case. If you’re looking to pop the question, then look no further than Circa, a restaurant hidden just behind the main high street. Under the expertise of their very own self-taught head chef and co-founder Rob Weeks, the restaurant prides itself on using locally sourced ingredients to please their customers. Making as much in-house as possible (especially their freshly baked heritage sourdough!), Circa is quite the food gem within the city. Only a five-minute walk from the Cathedral, Circa can host you and your partner for food and drink before you go for a romantic late night stroll to the Cathedral yard where, should you have enough Dutch courage, you’ll be able to get down on one knee and hope for the best! Just think of those engagement pictures outside the Cathedral: gorgeous. This Valentine’s Day, Circa will be offering their a la carte menu as well as their tasting menu with an optional wine flight too. Circa, Northernhay Place, Exeter; www.circadevon.co.uk FOR THE UNCONVENTIONALS: Board Bored of the conventional restaurant and hunting for something a little bit different? We’ve got you covered. Tucked away on South Street, Board is a gaming restaurant where not only can you wine and dine, but simultaneously try your hand at a game too (perfect for

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

FOR THE TRAVELLERS: The Salutation Inn If you and your partner are channelling your inner free spirits and wanting to escape the city for something a little more rural, try this jewel: The Salutation Inn, located in nearby Topsham. With a classic menu on offer and glass of sparkly upon arrival, this Valentine’s couples can choose to dine in either the Glass House under the starry sky, or the more intimate setting of the restaurant. Your match made in (food) heaven will be made the ever more heavenly in the safe hands of owners Tom and Amelia Williams-Hakes. There’s no need to run away to Vegas this Valentine’s, you only need to drive 15 minutes to Topsham to ignite your romantic spark. The Salutation Inn, Fore Street, Topsham; www.salutationtopsham.co.uk top: Vibrant cocktails await at Crocketts; bottom: Plates of wonder at Circa

the competitive one in your relationship!) Owner Luke Mildenhall-Ward tells us Board is the perfect pick for a date night, so much so they’ve even been privy to a marriage proposal! Upon arrival, customers are seated, after which they can browse the restaurant’s catalogue of games, or have it explained to them by the Game Gurus who roam the restaurant floor. If you get peckish with all that concentration, never fear: there is a menu on hand to satisfy those mid-match cravings. There’s no better way to suss out a potential match than by putting them to the test of a classic board game. For those of you who have perhaps spent enough one on one time with your other half over Christmas, don’t worry: with games available for two plus players, it’s the perfect place for a double (or triple!) date venue this Valentine’s Day. Try your hand at something a little quirky this Valentines: it’s game-time. Board, South Street, Exeter; www.board.uk

“It’s perfect for the competitive one in your relationship” top: Keep it social at Board; bottom right: Lick your lips treats at Big Bakes Bakery;

below: Work of art dishes at Salutation Inn;

FOR THE CHOCAHOLICS: Big Bakes Bakery If you’re looking to woo via sugar, head no further than Queen Street where you will discover the recently opened Big Bakes Bakery. With its sister (and original) shop located in nearby Torquay, Big Bakes Bakery is quite literally the crème de la crème of Devon’s baking scene. Handmade with love, the tasty treats on offer for Valentine’s Day include themed cupcakes, brownies and cookies with a price range starting from just £2.60 per cake. However, when they’re gone, they’re gone! Make sure you get in there quick to get first pick of the baked goods: if you snooze, you lose. Eat your heart out this Valentine’s Day with these gorgeously handmade sweet treats which will seduce anyone with a sweet tooth. n Big Bakes Bakery, Queen Street, Exeter; www.bigbakesbakery.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I EXETER LIVING I 41

RESTAURANT

ROCKFISH SEAFOOD AT HOME

Smoked haddock, straight from Brixham

Local restaurant Rockfish has recently launched a home delivery service, meaning you can now get fresh, straightoff-the-boat fish delivered to your door – with creamy dreamy sauces and easy to follow instructions to boot. Philip Harris gets stuck in…

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

treated my children to tinned sardines on toast last week. They loved it. And for the few gratified moments after they piled it into their oily little faces I was undoubtedly their favourite parent – and all was well within my toaster and can opener skill set. The chance of that same level of culinary expertise generating a similar level of impressed gratification in my partner later that evening felt unlikely – we have a tacit agreement that really good fish is probably best eaten out, cooked by professionals, and so the prospect of doing justice to a pair of very fresh turbot t-bone and a smoked haddock fillet from Rockfish felt like a daunting task. Rockfish supplied a neatly (apparently fully recyclable) packaged array of fish and sauces, so many in fact that we have only eaten a few of the dishes so far. We kicked off with the turbot t-bone steak accompanied by anchoïade (a dip that combines creamy mayonnaise with the punchy kick of anchovy, capers and parsley) and followed with a smoked haddock that came with a warming and aromatic kedgeree butter; a pairing selected at the online order stage and based on suggestions by the Rockfish in house chefs. The ethics have apparently also been well considered, the fish is fully traceable with the port (mainly Brixham) and the vessel named on the packaging. The reassuringly understated – matt finish, high gsm paper – cooking instruction booklet included in the box gave a clear and comprehensive guide to the cooking of your chosen fish – though you do have to remember which accompanying sauce goes with what if you have a multiple order. What I realised, to my relief, is that the cooking bit is relatively simple; bake, grill or fry, if you can work the controls on your oven, and tell the time, then you’re pretty much home and dry. The flavoured butters and

ABOVE LEFT: The boxes come with full instructions;

ABOVE RIGHT: Fish and chips, you can’t beat it;

BELOW: Our front cover star, the beautiful Cuttlefish;

BOTTOM: T-bones, all chopped and ready to be cooked

sauces have been prepared by the Rockfish chefs and are equally straightforward with the most complicated instruction being ‘pour over the fish before cooking’, and ‘dollop on your plate and enjoy’. We ate the turbot first which was a seriously meaty fish. Big in size, taste and texture, it would be the equivalent treat to ordering a steak – not your average work night meal, definitely a weekend treat type fish. Lightly done in the oven, it was super quick to cook. We had it with steamed broccoli, cauliflower and homemade oven roasted chips plus the beautiful anchoïade dip. This dish was utterly delicious, and my wife said she’d have eaten the anchoiade on its own it was so good. The smoked haddock was a much stronger flavoured fish so I oven cooked it simply with an egg and salad on the side; it was devoured by all. Chef and owner of Rockfish Mitch Tonks has come up with a winning formula for making those of us who love good fish but aren’t brave enough to choose it, cook it and know what or how to make a sauce that goes with it, turn out a convincingly professional plate of food. It certainly had my other half suitably impressed. If satisfaction is measured in greasy fingerprints on Wednesday nights’ school uniform then the tins of John West still have a safe place in our kitchen cupboard, but the delivery from Rockfish has encouraged us to be more brave with eating fish at home. If you are a fish lover too scared to take the bite (sorry) and cook at home, we recommend you take the plunge. ■

“If you can work the controls on your oven, and tell the time, you’re pretty much home and dry”

DINING DETAILS Rockfish Seafood at home Fresh fish caught in Brixham, with next day delivery to Exeter and the surrounding areas Ordering Order online, boxes start at approx £20. The content of the box can be selected by the consumer depending on what has landed that day What we got in our delivery box Two packs of turbot T-bone, two gurnard fillets, two sea

bass fillet, smoked haddock. Sauces received: béarnaise butter, anchoïade, romesco sauce and kedgeree butter Easy to follow? Yes! There is extra information on the Rockfish website with tips on what sauce goes with what fish Anything else? If you’d rather the chefs do all the work, you can opt to dine at the Rockfish restaurant, 9 Piazza Terracina, Haven Road, Exeter; www.therockfish.co.uk

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

SUSTAINABILITY 24 MARCH 2022

RESEARCH-BASED KEYNOTES, PANEL SESSIONS AND NETWORKING SCAN HERE FOR MORE

Brought to you by the makers of your city Property Awards BATH PROPERTY AWARDS

CARDIFF PROPERTY AWARDS

Please email annie.kelly@mediaclash.co.uk to find out more on how you can get involved

SCHOOL GUIDE VICTORIA BOND

Online parents’ evenings have been welcomed by all

Lessons from lockdown The pandemic changed school life. But are there parts we want to keep?

s we begin a new year in the classroom, the only thing that is certain about education in 2022 is that nothing is certain. The current target is for exams to go ahead this summer but we all know the world has got an A* in Plan Bs. The most shared post on School Guide’s social media pages last year was a graphic created by a teacher that helped parents track back to the last time their child had a ‘normal’ school year. Over half a million mums and dads interacted with a post that clearly resonated deeply in terms of loss. Not just time lost in the classroom but in the lunch hall, on the football pitch and, most importantly, with their friends.

This graphic tracking the last normal school year was the most shared on School Guide’s social media

But there were positives that came with the ‘new normal’ too. Many parents’ priorities have shifted from obsessing over academics to a focus on their children’s wellbeing, especially the social experiences that school enables. Pastoral care and mental health provision has shot up parents’ must-have lists for choosing a school. Likewise, respect for teachers has soared as we battled with home-schooling and motivating our children to actually learn anything. On a practical level, there were lockdown innovations that many mums and dads actually preferred, such as online parents’ evenings and virtual open days. Some of us thought that our children being assessed by teachers was a jolly good idea, and, while the Department for Education insists that testing two years of learning during one hour in a boiling hot exam hall is ‘the fairest way’, a growing number of educators are calling for an overhaul of a system. It could be that the pandemic is presaging the type of curriculum and skills we’ll need for a future in which resilience, critical thinking, leadership, courage and bold decision-making are valued above learning by rote. Furthermore, as pupils adapt to

working on screens, the head of the UK’s biggest exam board, AQA, says it’s a matter of ‘not if, but when’ in terms of all school tests being taken on computers with GCSEs and A level exams potentially moving entirely online as soon as 2025. Schools themselves, long criticised for being slow to change and adapt, were initially forced to improve online learning platforms and have gone on to embrace them. While online learning can never replace the benefits of pupils being physically present in front of a teacher, blended learning has opened up opportunities beyond the classroom. Art teachers in Swindon now take Year 9 to the Museum of Modern Art in New York at the touch of a button; and digital dissections have revolutionised access to biology labs. Last, but by no means least, can we find any lockdown silver linings for our children? It would be wrong to not highlight how much our children have had to give up to protect our health service and their families. Obesity levels are at a record high, and absence rates show children who do not have covid continue to regularly miss school. But of what is new, do we want anything to endure? If I were to make a word cloud out of the conversations I had with hundreds of head teachers last year, one word would stand out: resilience. Generation snowflake, super delicate and afraid to fail, has learnt that bouncing back is a superpower. Yes, life throws us lemons, and, no, mum and dad don’t have all the answers. But the youngest members

PARENTS’ TOP THREE PANDEMIC KEEPERS 1. Online parents’ evenings Private, accessible and less stressful than battling for a car park space in the rain and dashing from classroom to classroom with seconds to spare between appointments. Long live the Zoom Boom. 2. Spotlight on wellbeing A long overdue shift from obsessing over academics to a focus on mental health and well-being. 3. Descheduling (aka JOMO not FOMO) Sadly, lockdown stopped after-school activities but it also gave families the chance to redress the balance and dial down the perpetual taxi service. The Joy Of Missing Out is replacing the Fear Of Missing Out.

of our society have learnt the meaning of an age-old adage: this too shall pass. Victoria Bond is founder & CEO of School Guide, an easy-to-use website that helps parents discover exam results, catchment maps and parent reviews for all their local schools For more: www.schoolguide.co.uk

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

NEVER MISS AN ISSUE 17 ISSUES FOR

£30

SUBSCRIBE TODAY

Never miss an issue of Exeter Living – get your own copy posted to you on the Friday the magazine comes out Get yours for £30 for UK subscriptions (17 issues)

www.mediaclash.co.uk/subscribe

GREAT ESCAPES

ROYAL WILLIAM YARD

Steeped in history and now transformed into a luxury lifestyle destination, this weekend staycation spot off the coast of Plymouth charms at every turn By Harriet Noble Images by Dyad Imaging

It’s all about the café culture at Royal William Yard www.mediaclash.co.uk I EXETER LIVING I 47

GREAT ESCAPES

s first impressions go, this apartment is an absolute belter. As I enter the door my head swivels from left to right in a panoramic movement taking in the palatial and, quite frankly, swanky as hell space. I feel like Tom Hanks in the film Big, and have to refrain from running over and jumping on the ocean-size bed. I have entered the sexy world of grown-up weekend getaways and I love it. This is not Paris or Rome but just south of Plymouth – Royal William Yard to be precise. Heading down to Plymouth might not seem like the obvious place for an Exeter resident to head to, it’s only an hour away and maybe you know the city pretty well already. But if you haven’t visited Royal William Yard – you must. This epic Grade-I listed ex-naval victualling yard has been transformed into a top luxury destination spot where you can eat, sleep, shop and generally hang out in the sunshine, have a good time but without any of the noise of being near the city centre. Oh, and naturally, you are right by the water’s edge looking out to the Cornish coast. While you’re here you can take in a swim at the beach or hop on a boat or paddleboard... but back to our swanky digs. The one we have booked is a two-bedroom apartment called 44 Brewhouse. The main living area of the flat is made up of a vast open-planned sitting room, kitchen and dining room area. Think glossy mahogany wooden

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

“While you’re here you can take a swim at the beach or hop on a boat”

top: The sitting room is wheely big; above: Cor, look at those views

floors, chunky stone walls, and expansive views out over the sea. The statement décor pieces like the seats made from giant hands and the bicycles hanging off the walls set the tone for what is a truly fun and glam set up. The kitchen is a mod con obsessive’s dream too, with every bit of techy kit you can think of and clean, sharp design finishes all around. There is plenty of thoughtful detail from the Royal William Yard Apartments team; they’ve provided a beautiful hamper full of locallysourced chocolate, biscuits, and honey as well as fridge essentials (including wine), plus books and board games on the bookshelves.

I am here with my best friend and we have so much room to float around in like supermodels on a day off, though it strikes me that even if four people were here you’d never feel like you were on top of each other. It’s not just that the place is vast, it’s because they’ve been smart with the layout; the two sitting room areas and the two bedrooms are on opposite sides of the apartment allowing everyone to have their space without worrying about noise travelling. Both bedrooms have en suite bathrooms, the larger of the two bathrooms is truly epic and needs to be discovered by the next James Bond location director. The sumptuous bath

ROYAL WILLIAM YARD IN A NUTSHELL Accommodation: Royal William Yard Apartments has a variety of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments (price on application); www.royalwilliamyardapartments.com Where Ten minutes (by bus or car) south of Plymouth city centre, roughly an hour from Exeter. A bit of History Constructed between 1825 and 1831, Royal William Yard is steeped in history and considered to be one of the most important groups of historic military buildings in Britain and the largest collection of grade-I listed military buildings in Europe. Food and drink As well as the restaurants (Bistrot Pierre, Wildwood, Wagamamas, Las Iguanas, Seco Lounge, Le Vignoble and Prezzo) there is a good food and craft market on the first Sunday of each month with local traders. Shops There is a salon, fashion boutique store, microbrewery, community arts hub and a chocolatier. Things to do Lots. There is a tidal pool here plus a few mini beaches here for swimming; you can also go paddleboarding, charter a sailing boat, or go on a history tour. Throughout the year, there are regular cultural exhibitions and performances here too. www.royalwilliamyard.com top: The master bedroom with its own en suite bathroom; middle: Royal William Yard from above;

bottom: Handy having a bar in the apartment;

has an inbuilt jacuzzi which offers varying degrees of bubbles (be prepared, it can be really bubbly!) and the bathroom has little neon-style lights to create a cosy and intimate ambience. The open shower space is, again, huge enough to do some serious pirouettes in and not touch the walls. I think I may have spent more time in the bathroom than anywhere else it was so wonderful. Frankly, we would have been happy to stay in the apartment all weekend but when you’re in such a sweet spot, we want to explore a bit – and luckily, everything is very easy and close by. There’s a regular ferry service from Royal William Yard that goes to the Barbican and to Mount Edgcombe. We choose to go to the latter, walking around the beautiful landscaped country park which takes in woodland, beaches and gardens and has a very sweet café and shopping village with artsy crafts shops and a pub. It’s beautiful and nicely low key; locals hop on the boat with their dogs to take them for walks in this green Cornish spot. We eat out at Bistrot Pierre in Royal William Yard (there are seven restaurants to choose from) and also happily wonder around the weekend market which is full of local food makers. The vibe walking around the cafés and restaurants at Royal William Yard feels decidedly European. Whether you’re looking at the boats bobbing on the water, or the numerous al fresco cafés with people and their sausage dogs enjoying a moment in the sunshine, it is a lovely community. You may not be far from home but you really feel like you’re on holiday here, and who could ask for more than that? For more: www.royalwilliamyardapartments.com

www.mediaclash.co.uk I EXETER LIVING I 49

It’s the city’s business

EXETERWORKS Anna hopes to host some workshops soon

NEW

The boutique store is on New Bridge Street

BUSINESS!

Along avec Anna

In January of this year Exeter welcomed Along avec Anna, a beautiful yarn and wool shop. Owner Anna Dervout hails from France and came to Exeter five years ago with her family having heard good things about the city…

rewarding it was and it fit into my life perfectly with a newborn. I got hooked straight away and haven’t put my needles down since! I’ve met so many good friends thanks to knitting and quickly became passionate about the fiber, how it is made, how you make patterns…and this passion quickly turned into a full time job!

It all started with a crafty blog I started in 2013. I wanted a bilingual name (as it reflects my

life) and it needed to represent what I do, which is to share my love of crafts. Along avec Anna (Along with Anna) gives the idea of an invite to explore your creativity with me. For crafters, the word ‘along’ was also a reference to ‘knit along’ which are events (mostly online) where people all knit the same projects at the same time. It’s an amazing way to feel a part of a community, get help and create something together.

In my new shop you can find everything you need to start a project: yarn, patterns, needles,

accessories… from beginner to advanced. The yarn is our own Along avec Anna yarn and it is ethically produced (traceable, cruelty-free and no toxic chemical used). Most of the accessories are custom made for our brand as well (stitch markers

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

etc). We believe in creating a timeless and sustainable wardrobe and everything we do is thought about, in terms of our impact on the world. I see knitting/yarn as an amazing way to create something with your own hands,

I’ve always been a crafter (mainly sewing) and started knitting in 2015 when I was pregnant with my little one. I loved how

Sweet little garments in Anna’s shop

custom made to your own size, and be proud of it. Being able to say, “Yes, I’ve made this” is so rewarding ! Knitting can be either meditative or challenging and it has huge benefits on mental health. On top of that, crafts bring people together, and it’s an amazing way to feel a part of a community, which is so important especially lately. Absolutely everyone who is interested in crafts is welcome! Whether you are a knitter or

crocheter already, or want to become one, you will find what you need in the shop. We also have a large number of knitting patterns for women and children, and our goal for this year is to create more for men as well. The patterns are sold online (as PDFs) but you can have them printed in the shop as well.

I’ve taught knitting a lot already, either in other shops or during craft events where I’m

invited in the UK and Europe and I love to be able to share my knowledge and love for knitting. So it’s definitely something I will start doing soon.

We (my partner and I) didn’t know anything about Exeter, but we had heard very good things about living here. We love living on the

south coast, being close to the sea and the moor, and Exeter is a city that is so accessible and creative; there is everything you need, without feeling like a big city. I love how people are all so supportive of the Exeter community, and the huge range of independent entrepreneurs we have here! Everyone is very welcoming and there is a large french community too, which is really nice for me and my family. For more: Along avec Anna, 34 New Bridge Street, Exeter; www.alongavecanna.com

EXETERWORKS The latest from Exeter Chamber

THE EARLY BIRD CATCHES THE WORM AT THE CHAMBER’S FIRST DIRECTORS BREAKFAST OF 2022 “While Exeter Chamber supports businesses of every size, from one-person operations to the city’s flagship organisations, it’s important to acknowledge that SMEs make up around 99.9 per cent of all businesses in the UK, with 96 per cent of the UK’s businesses having fewer than 10 employees – these small and medium sized businesses are hugely important to the UK economy and as a Chamber we’re here to support them wherever we can,” says Tim Wadsworth, vice chair at Exeter Chamber. “We do this in many ways, but none more popular than our Director’s Breakfast. We recognise that running a small business without the support of a board or senior management team can be a lonely place. At the Director’s Breakfast we invite small business owners and leaders to share their challenges, gain peer to peer advice and best practise, while enjoying a sumptuous breakfast at inspiring locations. We hold our next breakfast at the delightful venue of The Pig at Combe on Tuesday 22 February from 8.15am – 10am. “It’s an intimate affair with just eight seats at the table, where small and medium size business owners can rest assured that there will be no competitors at this meeting and all information shared will be held in the strictest of confidence. Business coach and personal development consultant Judy Salmon will facilitate the meeting together with myself. We’re both passionate about helping businesses grow and succeed and have the tools and advice to help them do so.” For more: exeterchamber.co.uk/events

Tim Wadsworth has got his eyes on a big, sociable breakfast

MOVERS AND SHAKERS ETC Green Apple Awards are run by the Green Organisation, which has been committed to helping the environment and recognising and rewarding environmental best practice since 1994. www.therecycledcandlecompany.co.uk

WELCOME ABOARD Cathedral Appointments, Exeter’s independent recruitment consultancy, welcomes Clodagh Murphy to the team as director. With over 20 years in Tech and IT Services, Clodagh is now pivoting into a more people-focused role. www.cathedralappointments.co.uk

Sargon and Richard are apple-solutely thrilled with their award

CORE VALUES

A bright green apple appeared in Gandy Street when The Recycled Candle Company’s latest award arrived at the shop.

The company scooped the award in these greenest of green awards, competing against 500 other entries to win the Sustainable Development category. The

IN GOOD COMPANY

The Family Law Company has recently appointed three additional directors to the board: senior associate solicitors Imran

Khodabocus and Carrie Laws, and senior associate chartered legal executive Gemma Sparks. www.thefamilylawco.co.uk

LAW AND ORDER

South West employee-owned law firm Stephens Scown LLP has appointed Alex Mackie as its first chief operating officer. Alex joins from Tozers LLP, where he was commercial director. www.stephens-scown.co.uk

BATTLEFIELDS TO BOARDROOMS

Former British Army Commander Lieutenant General Ivan Jones, from Taunton, has become a senior partner with local coaching consultancy Coaching Focus whose clients include Tesco, McDonalds and OVO Energy. www.coaching-focus.com

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

EXETER LIVING AWARDS 2021 ST PETROCK’s scooped the Charity award at last year’s Exeter Living Awards. Here, their external communications manager Lucy Patrick tells us about the organisation’s lightning response when Covid struck...

Congratulations on winning the charity award! How did it feel to win?

Absolutely amazing! We were aware of how hard other local charities worked during the pandemic so we knew that it was going to be a close call. For anyone not in the know, what do you do?

St Petrock’s is often the first place people turn to when they experience homelessness in Exeter – and sometimes the last, when they have ‘burnt all their bridges’ and have nowhere else to go. We provide a range of flexible housing and homelessness services to support people in housing needs via our Centre in Exeter’s Cathedral Yard and in the community. The judges said you provided ‘an incredible response to the Covid crisis’. Can you tell us a bit about this?

When it was no longer possible for groups to safely gather in our centre, we rapidly launched a new daily rough sleeper outreach service to connect with people rough-sleeping around the city instead. We worked with partners to support rough-

sleepers into emergency hotel accommodation as part of a national ‘Everyone In’ scheme, instigated a twice-daily Congratulations cooked meal delivery St Petrock’s! service, transformed specialist mental health and welfare services with complex needs, many of to operate remotely, enabled whom were already socially and supported the setting up of isolated, struggled to adapt to successful Covid homelessness the digitalised support network vaccination clinic, insisted that created by the pandemic, have a public toilet be kept open underlying health conditions during lockdown, set up a shop to and are often unable to access enable the community to donate, basic hygiene measures needed re-designed our management to reduce the spread of infection. structure and much more! The stresses of lockdown have Why else do you think you exacerbated mental health might have pipped others to conditions and social exclusion, and the post? increased pressures on affordable We have demonstrated the value accommodation in Exeter. of being ‘small in a big crisis’ by On a positive note, the pandemic rapidly adapting our provision to had brought and is still bringing the new circumstances and staying local homelessness organisations open continuously to maintain together across the city to confront vital face-to-face contact with our these problems. vulnerable clients. How did/ does Covid impact the issue of homelessness in and around the city?

Massively. We support people

“WHEN IT WAS NO LONGER POSSIBLE FOR GROUPS TO SAFELY GATHER, WE LAUNCHED A NEW DAILY ROUGH SLEEPER OUTREACH SERVICE” 52 I EXETER LIVING I www.mediaclash.co.uk

What is in the pipeline this year for St Petrock’s?

Our new director, Peter Stephenson, has recently stepped into the shoes of the late Mel Hartley. He will be emphasizing our vision that everyone experiencing homelessness in the Exeter area feels safe in a place that they can call home. People can get support the work of St Petrock’s by undertaking our 2022 challenges, fundraise, raise awareness or volunteer in our new shop on Paris Street.

CHARITY WINNER

Tell us a bit about the team at St Petrock’s…

We are a small, hard-working, hugely dedicated team of around 25 people working in different capacities to alleviate the problem of homelessness. These include: trustees, housing and homelessness support workers, a chef, a clinical psychologist, benefits expert, the admin team and a shop manager – all supported by a wonderful team of volunteers from across the community. What’s the greatest thing about working there?

The friendliness, effectiveness, dedication and team spirit. We also work in a fantastically beautiful medieval church! What’s the most challenging?

Witnessing on a daily basis the distress caused to a wide range of people by homelessness. What’s the thing you are most proud of achieving?

Despite being a small charity, we are very happy that we have managed to keep supporting our clients through these particularly hard times. For more: www.stpetrocks.org.uk

EXETERWORKS

EXETER LIVING AWARDS 2021

Cranbrook-based CAFÉ 143 won the Café award at last year’s Exeter Living Awards. Here, owner Debbie Jones talks about honeycomb and biscoffthemed weeks, creating an inviting space and giving their all to make the business thrive CAFÉ WINNER Congratulations on winning the cafe award! How did it feel to win?

We were speechless. It was an honour to be nominated as finalists but to win was beyond our wildest dreams and we were completely shocked and honoured. For anyone not in the know, can you tell us a bit about your café?

We are based in Cranbrook and launched in November 2020. We have tried to cater for everyone from parents with little ones with our little play area, to the older generation offering a tea and teacake deal. We are not just a sit-in café, we also offer the takeaway option too for the local traders and for people working from home.

The judges said, you “completely rejuvenated your food offering with incredible consistency.” Can you tell us a bit about this?

have been really supportive. They realise how much the café means as it’s been a lifelong dream for us. They are always offering to go over and above and I love how we have become a little family. If we come for a visit over the next few months, what can we expect on the menu?

Our sub and bap fillings change daily alongside our quirky panini menu – our favourite filling is salami, brie and sweet chilli. We work alongside our local cake suppliers and we have had theme weeks like honeycomb and biscoff alongside the core range. We also have a seasonal drinks menu that changes every few weeks. We try and make sure that we have gluten-free and milk-free options including oat and almond milk for coffee alternatives.

Anything unusual or quirky about your establishment?

I feel we are not like any other café. Our main focus is customer service and making sure that everyone gets a ‘hello’ as they walk in the door and a ‘thank you’ and ‘goodbye’ when they leave. We are a community café and I love how most customers get to know each other when they come to visit. What is in the pipeline this year for your café?

We are hoping to expand and start selling our coffee on Etsy, increase our cake delivery radius around the Exeter area and introduce our cream tea boxes in the summer. Tell us a bit about the team at Café at 143?

Alongside myself, we have Alexia who has been with us since we opened. Emilie also works a few days a week and two youngsters Chloe and Fai. I love our little team and how we support each other.

What’s the greatest thing running Cafe 43?

The community spirit. We have been working with the local Parkrun leaders, Cranbrook Church, The Cranbrook Country Park Ranger, The Cranbrook Community Builder, Action Devon and other businesses and everyone want us to succeed and tries to help us come up with new ideas. What’s the most challenging?

Maintaining a work life balance. Having a young family, running your own business and trying to have some sort of social life is harder than you think – although I absolutely love it and I wouldn’t change it as I love the buzz. What’s the thing you are most proud of achieving?

How successful the café has become; I didn’t think it would be where it is today. When we first bought the café, we put everything into it. We even sold our bikes! The pure drive of myself, Jason and the team has made us who we are and I love everything about the café! For more: Instagram: @cafeat143

“WE ARE A COMMUNITY CAFÉ AND I LOVE HOW MOST CUSTOMERS GET TO KNOW EACH OTHER WHEN THEY COME TO VISIT”

We have tried to make sure that we have something for everyone. Our cakes are freshly delivered and made by local suppliers which has gone down well with the locals. Our lunches are freshly prepared on site (as is the takeaway option) and our team are front facing to the public, so our customers can see how their lunch is made – a bit like a deli. All our savoury options are cooked fresh and the smells make their way through the café.

Not only did we open during the second lockdown, we have had to juggle opening the café with looking after our two- and four year-old, with our eldest starting school, which has not been easy. Our little team has grown in the last year too and all

Why else was it an exceptional year for you?

Debbie and the gang from Café 143

www.mediaclash.co.uk I EXETER LIVING I 53

17 M ARCH 2022

BE PART OF IT T IC KETS O N SALE NO W

Commercial opportunities: harriette.dixon@mediaclash.co.uk paula.miller@mediaclash.co.uk

#exeterlivingawards ︱ exeterlivingawards.co.uk A

Production

EXETER LIVING AWARDS NEW THIS YEAR!

Yes! Pink Moon winners from 2021

The Sustainability Award

Dream ticket

KEY EXETER LIVING AWARDS DATES 2022

Have you got your ticket for the Exeter Living Awards yet?

s we edge closer to The Exeter Living Awards on 17 March, when we’ll be celebrating the very best of the city, the big night is taking shape and, as ever, the line-up is looking stellar. If you’ve nominated your business for an award, or perhaps you’re just thinking of attending the ceremony, please do join us at 2pm on Thursday 3 February when we’ll be announcing the finalists live at our Grand Reveal event. It’s free to attend (head to www. exeterlivingawards.co.uk to sign up) and you’ll get a flavour of what the awards are all about, as well as hearing from previous winners and sponsors. Tickets and tables for the Exeter Living Awards are on sale now and they sell out every year, so we advise all interested parties to beat the

Join us on 17 March

rush and buy now to make sure you secure your place. The Awards are a great opportunity to get glammed up and have fun, but they also provide invaluable networking for businesses from all the diverse sectors of the city. When it comes to sponsorship, business is done from, at and around the Awards. Countless conversations are triggered by deep association with the city’s leading business marketing activity. It’s efficient, too, as one deal reaches thousands of people. We support your business promotion through our magazines, social media, email, networking events, our website, the programme, the review, and, of course, on the night itself. If you’re interested in sponsoring, please contact harriette.dixon@mediaclash.co.uk or paula.

3 FEBRUARY Grand Reveal Day 16 FEBRUARY Finalists’ & Sponsors’ Reception 11 MARCH Official Awards Preview in Exeter Living 17 MARCH Exeter Living Awards 2022 22 APRIL Official Winners’ Guide in Exeter Living

miller@mediaclash.co.uk Sponsors on board for 2022 so far include: Guildhall Shopping Centre, Mercure Exeter Southgate Hotel, Oxygen House, Pink Moon, Powderham Food Festival, Princesshay Shopping Centre, Regus, Triangle Networks, Warwick Event Services, and Yellowtail Financial Planning. For more: www.exeterlivingawards.co.uk; @exeterlivingawds

BENEFIT FROM THE AWARDS INITIAL SPONSORS

New awards banner Scan this to see the Awards!

For main Sponsor opportunities, please contact harriette.dixon@mediaclash.co.uk or paula.miller@mediaclash.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

PARK LIFE

Burrington Estates has secured a £28 million funding package from Paragon Development Finance to support its Winslade Park development at Clyst St Mary, just outside of Exeter. The site is already up and running – Winslade Manor Restaurant and Bar has been open to the public for many months now – but the further redevelopments will result in luxury housing, and further office space and leisure facilities at the extensive 86-acre estate. Paragon’s support will finance the development of up to 80 residential units across two parcels of land, comprising both apartments built opposite the Manor House, and a range of high specification houses. The scheme will benefit PV solar panels, air source heat pumps and electric car charging points throughout the development. “We’re delighted to partner with Burrington as they deliver this landmark development in their home city,” says Oliver Thompson of Paragon Development Finance. “The team have obtained planning for an exceptional proposal to sustainably redevelop Winslade Park, whilst maintaining the character of the Grade-11listed Manor House and surrounding buildings. I’m excited to see Burrington bring the proposal to life with their typical high-quality finish and design.” For more: www.winsladepark.com

Winslade Manor Restaurant and Bar has its own terrace on the lawn

is named after civil engineer and mathematical prodigy George Parker Bidder, who was born in Moretonhampstead on the edge of Dartmoor in 1806 and became President of the Institution of Civil Engineers. The opening of the new building comes as Exeter takes eighth position in the UK Powerhouse Report 2022 for the highest projected GVA growth by the end of 2022 at 3 per cent. The research also forecasts that Exeter will see significant employment growth of 1.9 per cent by the end of 2022, placing the city in ninth position nationally. Funding for the build was secured in

The George Parker Bidder building is up and running

OPEN FOR BUSINESS Exeter Science Park’s new £5 million centre for maturing STEMM businesses – the George Parker Bidder building – opened its doors in January 2022 providing bespoke laboratory and office space for 100 jobs. The new 14,000 square foot building

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

August 2020 from the Government’s ‘Getting Building Fund’ and allocated to Exeter Science Park by the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership (HotSW LEP) from its £35.4 million share of the national pot. The building was one of the first Getting Building Fund projects to begin construction in the area. “This net-zero carbon building has been the fastest turnaround of any building scheme undertaken at the Park, achieving practical completion just 16 months after funding was secured,” says Dr Sally Basker, CEO of Exeter Science Park. “We’re pleased to see the building already 85 per cent pre-let, including a number of businesses moving across from the Science Park Centre, and we already have demand to back-fill their offices. “Exeter Science Park helps innovative STEMM companies to deliver extraordinary growth and offers space for businesses to remain at the Park through each stage of their lifecycle, which is being realised as we see tenants grow and move through our buildings.” For more: www.exetersciencepark.co.uk

BEAUTY AND THE BOOST

Exeter Cathedral’s Development Appeal has received a major boost with a £400,000 award from charity Wolfson Foundation. Launched in 2020 with The Prince of Wales as Patron, the appeal aims to raise funds for a programme of heritage conservation, building work and improvements. “Exeter Cathedral is widely acknowledged as one of Europe’s great cathedrals, and as one of the most significant buildings in Devon,” says the Very Revd Jonathan Greener, Dean of the Cathedral. “However, it needs urgent investment now if we are to safeguard this symbol of local and national heritage.” Plans to preserve and improve the Cathedral include building a new ‘Cloister Gallery,’ conservation work, improvements to sound, heating and toilets, visitor experiences to help tell the story of the building, and a new ‘Treasures Gallery’ to display the Cathedral’s significant library and archive collections. Funds will also support a new programme of activities and events designed to appeal to a wider audience. For more: www.exeter-cathedral.org.uk

©EMMA SOLLEY

Designs for the ‘Treasures Gallery’ which will house the Cathedral’s archive collections and library

PROGRESS REPORT

105 new homes are being built in Cullompton

Work has started on a community of new homes and green spaces in Cullompton. Culm Valley Park, off Siskin Chase, will comprise of 105 homes, 30 of which will be provided for rent through the local authority. The Taylor Wimpey development will include a new nature trail park, with around 40 per cent of the total site set aside as green space for the residents of Cullompton. The existing Siskin Chase play area will be extended within the site to create more space for new and existing residents. Electric vehicle charging points will be allocated to each house and there will be

an increase in biodiversity through new plant species, hibernaculum (winter wildlife shelters), bat and bird boxes and new allotments. “We’re thrilled to have started work on Culm Valley Park and we are grateful to local residents for their feedback, which has helped to shape our design,” says Richard Harrison, land and planning director for Taylor Wimpey Exeter. “We hope that this will be a development for the whole Cullompton community to be proud of.” For more: www.taylorwimpey.co.uk

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

PROPERTY

OAKFIELD HOUSE

Not content with being merely palatial (both inside and out) this property also boasts a home cinema room and a mammoth tree house. Time to let the big kid in you out... By Imogen Davidson-Smith www.mediaclash.co.uk I EXETER LIVING I 61

A PROPERTY PLACE TO CALL HOME

utside of the suburb of Stoke Hill, just north of Exeter, within easy reach of local amenities and embedded in beautiful Devon countryside, lies Oakfield House. It’s a vast four-bedroom property – everyone who lives here will have room to roam, private pockets of space, plus loads of fun communal areas. In total, the accommodation comprises of 5,845 square feet including outbuildings, with every part of the property displaying clean, neutral décor and welcoming plenty of natural light. The ground floor is made up of a spacious, L-shaped kitchen/dining/living room with sleek, modern kitchen fittings and a sitting room, garden room and general family room. We’re particularly taken with the kitchen and family room which feature huge bi-fold

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

doors that look out onto an expansive rear terrace with epic panoramic views of the fields on the horizon. All four double bedrooms are on the first floor and come with en suite bathrooms and the principal bedroom even has its own large dressing room. So far, so good – but wander outside and this is where you’ll start to feel a bit giddy with joy. There are two outbuildings here, one houses a home gym with office space, including a kitchen and shower room, while the second has an attached games room and fully equipped home cinema room. Imagine that. Within the grounds, you’ll also find a built-in table tennis table, a massive children’s tree house and climbing frame. Fun stuff aside, this is a place of serenity too. The beautiful lawn stretches to approximately 170ft and beyond this, there is a further 300ft of open meadow, which slopes down into a valley, with magnificent countryside views beyond. n

PROPERTY

HOUSE NUMBERS Where?

Outside Stoke Hill

Nearest train station Polsloe Bridge Station, 1.4 miles away Bedrooms

Bathrooms

Guide price

POA

Outside Two outbuildings, large lawn, meadow and tree house For more: Knight Frank, 19 Southernhay East, Exeter; www.knightfrank.co.uk

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

JUST VISITING

“I’ve been chased by bears, tigers and elephants – but not all at the same time” higher, but then I met him, and it soared even more.

Gordon Buchanan’s 30 Years in the Wild anniversary tour is coming to Exeter

GORDON BUCHANAN One of the most prominent wildlife presenters and filmmakers working today, Gordon Buchanan’s 30 Years in the Wild anniversary tour is coming to Exeter this February. Here he tells us about his meeting with a wolf pack, his close call with tigers, and worrying about the state of the world... Gordon Buchanan’s journey is a remarkable story to tell. Having produced some of the most popular wildlife programmes on the BBC, we have been able to see his passion for the animal kingdom and the unique ability he has for presenting hidden creature-filled worlds to audiences. For the first time, Gordon will be taking a look back at his 30 years working both behind and in front of the camera, with his month-long tour stopping at Exeter’s Northcott Theatre. This will be a rare opportunity to discover his landmark stories, including the life-ordeath variety.

Has there always been adventure in your heart, Gordon? School didn’t do it for me; academically, I wasn’t really present – all I wanted was to be outside, and the classroom was torture. I was a daydreamer, and I always knew I was never going to work in an office. I’d see the scallop divers, and I’d think: that’s a really good way to spend your working life. And David Attenborough was a huge inspiration to you, wasn’t he? I grew up in the late 70s and 80s, and Attenborough’s documentaries were big on the telly; I devoured them. I thought my admiration for him could go no

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

The story behind you getting into making nature films is rather bonkers, isn’t it… Yes, I went right in at the deep end. I was 17, and working in a restaurant at weekends to earn a bit of money, and the husband of the owner was a cameraman. He was going to Sierra Leone for 18 months to make a film about the animals in the Gola Rainforest, and he asked me if I wanted to come along as his assistant. I knew nothing about what it involved, and I had no idea really what I was getting into, but I knew it was the sort of life I wanted, and I never wavered from that belief. So having never been abroad – or even on a plane – there I was a month after leaving school, setting off for a year and a half on the other side of the world. That’s intense! How was it? While it was definitely the best break I ever had, those 18 months were tough going. I was so young, and being so far from home was hard. But I knew it was the way forward, I knew it was an incredible opportunity, and I knew I’d be able to build on it and move into the life I’d love. And you certainly grabbed that life by the horns. Tell us, what have been your best moments so far? A few years ago I was working with Arctic wolves on Ellesmere Island in Canada; it’s really remote, there are no people there. I got to meet a pack of wolves who had no preconceptions whatsoever about humans. Another incredible moment for me was seeing polar bear cubs emerge into the world for the first

time. They’d been in their winter den, under the snow, for the first four months of their lives, and I was there to see them coming out into the daylight. Another amazing time was the two years I spent living in Brazil, travelling up the Amazon by boat. I remember the incredible sense of awe at being in the last great wilderness on the planet. You don’t shy away from putting yourself in harm’s way; have you ever found yourself in life-ordeath situations? I’ve been chased by bears, tigers and elephants – but not all at the same time – and, let me tell you, that’s when you discover how fast you really can run. We wouldn’t want to find out! And you often face these dangerous situations while alone in remote locations… Yes, sometimes it’s me completely on my own; when you’re trying to witness something that requires great sensitivity, that’s the best way to do it. How have wild landscapes changed over the years you’ve been watching them? Thirty years ago, we simply didn’t realise the impact human beings were having on wildlife. Now we understand that so much better, and I’m acutely aware of it in every way – from my own carbon footprint to changes that need to be made by governments across the globe. We’re losing animals before we even knew their species existed – that’s a tragedy. See Gordon at Exeter Northcott Theatre on 13 February; www.exeternorthcott.co.uk

EXCLUSIVE to Aesthetica Medical Spa...

High-intensity focused electro-magnetic technology (HIFEM®) What is EMSculpt & how does it work? EMSculpt is the only procedure which helps women and men build muscle and sculpt the body. It is based on high-intensity focused electromagnetic energy and is evidence based and backed by over 20 independent studies. No down time is required and it is a painless treatment. A single session causes thousands of powerful muscle contractions which are extremely important in improving the tone and strength of your muscles, and also causes fat loss. Each session is equivalent to 20,000 situps or 10,000 bicep curls but under maximal contraction. How is HIFEM different to EMS? HIFEM is far superior to EMS in terms of muscle contractions. It works deep into the body of the muscle rather than the superﬁcial “twitching” sensation of EMS (which can also be painful). HIFEM causes a supramaximal contraction, meaning the entire muscle contracts at its maximum capacity. By working deeper it also enables far greater fat loss in the area being treated with the added beneﬁt of no discomfort.

What does EMSculpt treat? • Strengthen Core and Build Abs • Remove Stubborn Fat • Non surgical Bum Lift

• Build & Strengthen Biceps, Triceps & Quads, Calves • Improve Posture

• Improve Lower Back Pain • Diastasis Recti

• Help remove Visceral Fat around Organs

The treatment I had done to ease pain in my back (using Emsculpt on the bum and tummy) exceeded any hopes or expectations I might have had — I am quite literally pain free after 1 and a half years of terrible and relentless pain. The muscles that needed support have developed and I am able to exercise again. I can’t thank you enough for this life changing technology! The staff at Aesthetica are kind, helpful, and knowledgeable. I felt completely at ease with doing what might have been an awkward procedure. Thank you!!

FREE EMSCULPT SESSiON WORTH £250! Scan the code to ﬁnd out more...

AESTHETICA MEDICAL SPA Exeter Castle, Castle Street, Exeter, EX4 3PU | 07379449773 info@aesthetica-medicalspa.co.uk | www.aesthetica-medicalspa.co.uk Follow us on Instagram:  @aesthetica_medicalspa