Exeter Living - Issue 295 by MediaClash

EXETER LIVING AWARDS 2022 WINNERS REVEALED!

TAKE ME

DIGGING DEEP

CHATTING WITH GARDENING HERO TOBY BUCKLAND

ISSUE 295 / SPRING 2022 / HAPPY EASTER

FLOWER POWER WHERE TO HAVE FUN IN THE CITY THIS SPRING

HAPPY EASTER!

TOO GOOD TO MYTH

FAMILY DAYS OUT IN THE CITY AND BEYOND

EXPLORING HELEN OF TROY, EXETER’S NEWEST BOUTIQUE

SPOTLIGHT ON SIDWELL STREET

SUMPTUOUS STREET FOOD AND CAFÉ DELIGHTS

ISSUE 295 / SPRING 2022 / £3

EDITOR’S LETTER

ABOVE: Toby’s Garden Festival,

turn to page 12; BELOW: Bespoke wreath by the bees wreath, turn to page 32

elcome to our spring issue! Always in demand is optimism, and you’ll find gallons of the stuff on these pages. As the seasons have (finally!) shifted, we look towards all the outdoorsy fun that’s happening locally. On page 12, TV broadcaster Toby Buckland chats about the joy of gardening ahead of his Garden Festival at Powderham Castle this April; and on page 20 we shine a light on the familyfriendly days out you can have this Easter. Spoiler alert: chocolates and bunny rabbits feature heavily. For more appreciation of the wonders of spring, turn to page 32 and gaze at the fanciful floraladorned items, courtesy of the local indies, of course. There’s other positivity here, albeit of a different kind. There was no memo to our columnists to make their words optimistic but, perhaps because of devastating current world events, they all came up with particularly hopeful sentiments for this issue. On page 8, JP Hedge movingly talks about his time spent in Russia many years ago and Exeter’s response to the war in Ukraine now. He says, “That tidal-wave of despair has been met by tidal-wave of love and support by the city”. On page 7, we highlight just a few of the local people and organisations who are raising funds for the people of Ukraine. And in our arts section, on page 18, our book columnist Charlie Richards sagely says, “Spending time in the pages of a book can be restorative in these trying times, and cultural events are good for the soul. We are here to guide you.” Enjoy. #ExeterTogether

HARRIET NOBLE Follow us on Twitter @ExeterLiving Instagram @exeterlivingmag

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Issue 295 / Spring 2022 COVER Designers Guild Alexandria Wallpaper, Lapis; turn to page 32

THE BIG FEATURES

12 TOBY BUCKLAND We chat to the gardening wizard ahead of Toby’s

Garden Festival this April

23 EASTER HOLIDAYS Fun, furry, chocolatey days out for all the family

REGULARS

SPOTLIGHT Positive news stories from the city JP HEDGE reﬂects on his time in Russia SOCIETY Were you at these city events? LIVES Meet Howard Ionascu, director of music at

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Exeter Philharmonic Choir

THE ARTS

17 ARTS INTRO A fave 90s band is coming to Exeter 18 BOOKS Charlie Richards has all the top recommendations 20 WHAT’S ON Theatre, music, art, and a sprinkling of comedy

SHOPPING

29 INTRO The perfect Spring dress 29 ONE TO ONE Chatting with Esther Somerwill, owner of Exeter’s latest boutique 32 EDITOR’S CHOICE Floral beauties from the local indies

FOOD & DRINK

35 FOOD & DRINK NEWS Hot new openings 36 FOUR FAB PLACES... to pick up a sandwich in Exeter 37 TARA SMITH Say hello to our new ballet-dancing food columnist

EXETER LIVING AWARDS

38 WINNERS 2022 Congratulations! Check out the full list of winners

from the big night

HEALTH & WELLBEING

45 MIND, BODY & SOUL Two new openings: a skin clinic and a wellness retreat

EDUCATION

47 TOP OF THE CLASS Is your oﬀspring heading into exam season? Victoria

Bond has got top tips on acing revision

BUSINESS

50 JOURNEY TO THE JOB What’s it like to work in veterinary recruitment?

Read Justin Powlesland’s story to ﬁnd out

53 EXETERWORKS Tech stories, networking events and a business Q&A

PROPERTY

57 NEWS New developments and property events 63 SHOWCASE Feast your eyes on this gorgeous Heavitree property

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 Charlie Richards, JP Hedge, Tara Smith, Victoria Bond 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

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SPOTLIGHT Theatre

TREADING THE BOARDS…

Exeter Northcott Theatre has recently launched its summer season of productions. Here are some of the highlights. EXTRAORDINARY BODIES’ HUMAN

Human (17-18 June) is a hybrid piece of circus, ﬁlm and music that explores life-changing events from the performer’s lives. Human is audio described, British Sign Language interpreted and captioned.

Dino-mite performances guaranteed

A NEW TAKE ON HISTORICAL EVENTS

Jeremiah (30 April) is a rap-based reinterpretation of the infamous Luddite rebellion created by Northcott Associate Artist Jack Dean. WORLD-CLASS DANCE

Northcott Associate Artist Richard Chappell returns to the venue with dance programme UPLIFT (3 June), which features performances inspired by, and celebrates up-and-coming talent from, the South West and Wales. Ballet Cymru’s Dream (22 June), a vibrant adaptation of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, rounds out the Northcott’s dance oﬀering this season. Zog and the Flying Doctors (1-3 July) joins the Northcott’s line-up of best-selling children’s book stage adaptations, which includes David Walliams’ heist-comedy Gangsta Granny (21-24 April) and Kate Pankhurst’s inspiring Fantastically Great Women (10-15 May). Dinosaur World Live (24-26 June) also oﬀers children the chance to interact with Jurassic beasts. For more: www.exeternorthcott.co.uk Jeremiah will be performed on 30 April

Swimming spots in Ottery St Mary

Dipping Combes

Books

GO WITH THE FLOAT

A new book has come out featuring some of the best places to swim and walk locally. Wild Swimming Walks: Dorset and East Devon coasts, written by Sophie Pierce and Matt Newbury, takes the reader on a journey through cliﬀs and rivers, secret coves, sandy beaches, blue grottoes and river pools with 28 magical days out. Local hot spots featured include Exmouth, Sidmouth, Beer and Ottery St Mary. Combining photography, engaging stories and history, the book is packed with all the practical information you need, including detailed directions, route maps and downloadable guides. For more: www.wildthingspublishing.com

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LIVE EXPERIENCES FOR ALL THE FAMILY

So many local organisations are raising funds for the people of Ukraine. Here are just three, with details on how you can help Charity

My Dog Sighs in Exeter

PUBLIC EYE

Those who’ve wandered down John Street (just off Fore Street) will have noticed new graffiti artwork adorning the walls. The tearful eye is by acclaimed British street artist My Dog Sighs, who was in Exeter to paint the wall and also give a talk at The Hall, Exeter. The striking image of the eye represents the sorrow and helplessness over the attack on Ukraine. Of the artwork, he says, “We’ve all sat and watched this hideous situation unfurl and while it’s not much, I wanted to do what I know best (throwing paint), to highlight my sadness and anger over the Ukrainian invasion by Russia. “I used two images to create the silhouette, the first, the beautiful place in the centre of Kyiv and the second a powerful photo that came up on my Twitter feed of the attack. The tear speaks for itself. A horrid horrid situation. I stand with you Ukraine.” My Dog Sighs has released prints of this eye painting and is contributing 100 per cent of the profits directly to Disaster Emergency Committee. “If you can buy the prints and show your support in raising funds that would be fantastic,” he adds. For more: www.mydogsighs.co.uk left: Medicines like antibiotics are being sent to Ukraine; below: Will and Sara Flint of BlueBird

CAN YOU HELP RAISE VITAL FUNDS TO SHIP MEDICINES TO UKRAINE?

Eggsta-eggstra

RAFFLE FOR UKRAINE

Chocolate store Chocco, based on Gandy Street, are running a Giant Easter Egg Raffle. Enter a fiver and be in with the chance of winning this huge egg (2.4kg in weight, that’s over five pounds). All proceeds go to The British Red Cross Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal. For more: www.chococo.co.uk

A local charity is raising funds to help the people of Ukraine. Will and Sara Flint, directors of Bluebird Bluebird Care Exeter, North, East and West Devon are seeking to raise £14,993 to purchase essential medical supplies to ship to Odesa, supporting those on the front line in Ukraine. “Both Will and I watched the news and wanted to try to do what we can to help,” says Sara. “We identified that medicines such as antibiotics are needed as the bombing continues and stocks become depleted. We decided we would make getting medicines to

Odesa our focus.” “We have also been able to source basic items such as Sudocrem for the soldiers whose feet are being affected by the conditions in which they are living and fighting.” All monies raised goes straight to the source. For more: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ medicinestoukraine

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OPINION JP HEDGE “That tidal-wave of despair has been met by tidal-wave of love and support by the city”

War and Peace

JP reflects on his time living in Russia, how the kindness of others there shaped him – and how Exeter is responding now to the war in Ukraine

hey say during the fog of war one of the first casualties is ‘the truth’. Truth matters. Having a universally accepted account of atrocities both heals conflicts and prevents further horrors. Sometimes it is all that is left. As Russia decimates Ukraine it is simultaneously running a propaganda campaign Joseph Goebbels would be proud of. I don’t say that lightly. Up until last month the scale of what was happening was something I, and probably most of the rest of Exeter, had only read about in history books. Ukraine is bigger than the size of France. When atrocities of war have occurred before, one of the most important things has been that actual facts, not opinion of those facts, are known, recorded and kept sacred. We owe it to those that have died. After I graduated I lived in Russia for a year. It was some 25 years ago now. But like any broadening of horizons it still influences my life and decisions today.

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I travelled all over but I lived in Arkhangelsk bordering the arctic circle. It’s the land of white nights and 24-hour sun in the summer. It is matched by complete darkness in the winter and temperatures down to -50c. People were kind. In fact there was no measure to the unrelentless kindness I saw. In the UK we can be somewhat reserved in our behaviours to people outside our family. We often only let them into our lives so far. In my experience of Russia, when they considered you to be a friend, you became family. Whatever they had, they shared. I headed to Russia under the youthful misguided intention of helping others. I look back and cringe at my ‘ta daa I’m here’ approach. They helped me more than I could ever know, and installed values I still carry today. On the first days of the war I reached out again with offers of help. I just made that 25-year-old mistake for a second time. Russian Government jobs continue unchanged, inflation on basic goods is rising

but isn’t catastrophic. The UK is in deep trouble with fuel poverty by comparison. Despite worldwide sanctions your average rural Russian citizen is currently seeing very little change to their lives. There are differences in geography too. Comparing Arkhangelsk to Moscow is like comparing London to Weston Super Mare. So unlike the metropolitan cousins in St Petersburg or Moscow, western brands closing and luxury brands being pulled actually has little impact. But on the first days of the war I saw the run on the Ruble, the lack of dollars, and the shutting down of social media and news. I reached out to the people I knew who cared for me and offered help. They were completely mystified by my messages to put it politely. On price rises they said ‘this is life, this is Russia.’ I had forgotten their lived experience and ability to deal with situations that would stop the UK in its tracks. And on the war in Ukraine, I was told not to worry about ‘fake news’. I had completely underestimated how effective the Russian propaganda machine was working. I forgot how detached your average Russian resident is from the life and actions of Putin. Blessed with free press here and almost information overload of how the war is going, Exeter’s response has been astounding. That tidal-wave of despair has been met by tidal-wave of love and support by the city. Unparalleled atrocity has delivered examples of unparalleled compassion. It is happening up and down the country but Exeter has always been a city of sanctuary. People have stepped up in all kinds of ways when it really mattered. People are living those values whilst the very worst the world has to offer is happening just 1,500 miles away. Work is taking place in all corners of communities here and I don’t think I’ve been prouder. ■ Jon-Paul Hedge is a director at Exeter City Council where he currently looks after leisure. He is a former newspaper editor and lives in the city with his wife and two young children; www.exeter.gov.uk

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THE BIG INTERVIEW

TOBY HONEST…

TV and radio Broadcaster Toby Buckland returns to Powderham Castle this April to host Toby’s Garden Festival. So, what can we expect? And what are his secret gardening habits? Well, he likes to make a decent G&T using limes from his garden, he occasionally shouts at his plants, and he loves listening to sport on the radio (Exeter Chiefs, naturally) while he gardens. Harriet Noble goes digging to find out more... www.mediaclash.co.uk I EXETER LIVING I 13

THE BIG INTERVIEW

oby Buckland has long been an agony uncle to gardening enthusiasts, sharing his passion and wisdom for all things green. Born in Exeter, he started out as an apprentice on a local rose nursery, via a botanic garden to researcher, and went on to present numerous gardening TV shows, including BBC’s Gardeners’ World, and RHS Chelsea Flowershow coverage. Toby will be returning to Powderham Castle for the annual Toby’s Garden Festival on 29 and 30 April.We caught up with Toby to to chat all things gardening... Hello Toby! You’ve been helping people with their gardening woes for decades. What are the most frequent gardening issues that people come to you with? Have the problems changed over the years changed?

ALL PHOTOS ON THESE PAGES © LOUISE KEAR

I get asked for ‘permission to prune’ all the time either because plants have outgrown their boundaries, lost their shape or because they get on their owners’ nerves. As a rule of thumb, if there’s fresh growth from the base, little harm will be done. Attitudes to wildlife have changed. Thankfully, we’re all on board now with how essential it is to look after birds and insects, all vital for maintaining food webs and biodiversity into our gardens. What is currently on-trend in the gardening world?

Wilder and more natural is in. Lawns are longer, weeds are now wildflowers and more welcome, and we’re looking to green up more spaces, from walls to roofs and front rooms. That’s why houseplants are back in, especially hard-to-kill succulents. Because we want to know what’s in our food, we’re growing more veg from easy salads and herbs to superfoods like kale and blueberries. As with interiors, there’s a trend for moving away from mass-produced and more to upcycled, vintage and crafted and natural materials. Can you tell us a bit about your own garden, what horticultural delights are there?

My garden is sloping and sheltered, and packed with plants, including lots of tender exotics, like echium, lemon trees, banana plants and palms. My current favourite is caviar lime – the torpedo-shaped green fruit adds zing when you squeeze the flesh into a G n’ T – or lemonade if you’re driving! The flowers are sweetly scented and it blooms and fruits all year round. Can you tell us a bit about your gardening habits? For example, do you have the radio on? Do you talk to your plants? Are you thinking about gardening when you are gardening, or is your head miles away?

I’m more likely to shout at them, especially if a thorn get stuck in my hand! I garden every day, usually with the radio on for company. This goes back to my days working on nurseries and I tune in to music and sport, especially Arsenal or the Exeter Chiefs. I tend to go into a ‘zone’ where I’m completely occupied in the here and now. It’s a bit like riding a bike – there’s a lot of moving parts and a lot going on but I’m completely relaxed.

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top: Stilt walkers at Toby’s Garden Festival; above: Teign Bean Coffee,

just one of the food and drink stalls at Toby’s Garden Festival

“When you’re grounded in a garden you feel like you’re doing what you were born to do”

As a local to Exeter, can you tell us about some of the amazing gardens close by? What places do you recommend we visit?

Top of the list in spring are the gardens at National Trust Killerton for their wonderful collection of trees, which dot the steep banks so when the blossom and magnolias are out you feel like you’re immersed in the tree canopy, amongst the flowers. I’d also plug the fab gardens open through the National Garden Scheme which raises money for Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie, and Hospice UK. One I rate is Bickham house – a dreamy six acres of meadow, walled and tropical gardens plus treasure-filled greenhouses near Exeter. What do you think has been the legacy of Covid in relation to gardening?

There weren’t many silver linings to the Covid crisis but one is that we’ve raised our game when it comes to outdoor entertaining! I think al fresco living and eating is

all pics from toby’s garden festival

above left: Sunny Side up entertaining the visitors; above right: Flower seller; right: Woodcrafters

from Dartmoor

a joy that’s here to stay. We’re valuing our outdoor spaces more than ever with a shift from viewing the garden as a chore to an opportunity. Lastly, for anyone thinking about getting into gardening, can you tell us a bit about the joy (and heartache?!) it gives you?

Sowing seeds, tending the soil or just being out in the garden is such a wholesome thing to do. And once you get a little confidence it quickly becomes the most natural thing in the world. Sure, there are disappointments when plants turn up their toes but there’s always excitement – when a bud on a new plant opens too or when you harvest your first ripe tomato. It’s less about having, and more about being and when you’re grounded in a garden you feel like you’re doing what you were born to do. n

TOBY’S GARDEN FESTIVAL (29-30 APRIL)

and stave baskets, made from native timber and a pedal-powered wood turner.

Expect the best nurseries from the West Country and beyond – including many wellknown Chelsea medal winners – as Toby hosts two days of quality gardening talks on a wide range of horticultural topics. Add to that top-notch arts and crafts, locally-made street food and family music and entertainment. Toby tells us more…

Any special guests this year? Garden designer, Arit Anderson off BBC’s Gardener’s World giving planet-friendly garden design tips; and we’ve got Tim Shepherd, filmmaker and timelapse cameraman from David Attenborough’s Green Planet; The Daily Telegraph wine guru (and local gal) Susy Atkins on local wines. We’ve got two days of free talks and demos, in two venues so loads going on.

Toby, what is new on the itinerary for this year’s festival? We’ve launched a brand-new Tea in the Castle ticket, along with our VIP Experience, in the beautiful library and music room. Sharpham Cheese are doing tasters, should go nicely with the wine! Devon Contract Waste have a new range of recycled furniture and Hitchens are offering a 10 per cent show deal on their paving, walling and hard landscaping materials. We’ve got a Heritage Crafts Zone, with local craftspeople demo’ing endangered skills on the UK Red List, like making garden sieves by hand,

You will be giving talks at the festival…can you give us a taster for what we can expect? Yes, I always talk about my favourite plants available at the festival, picking out anything new, different or particularly suited to the Devon climate, and I’ll be in conversation with Tim and Arit too. If you have time to wander round the festival, what do you enjoy seeing/eating/doing? It’s the life, the whole place pops up like a tropical oasis of colour for two days before

disappearing for another year – I also love the musicians and seeing our mischievous stilt walkers, pretending to be topiary bushes and pranking people always make me smile. What have been some of the highlights from over the years? We always have quirky transport – one year it was a hot air balloon which ITV West Country reported the Friday weather forecast from. Every year the castle tractor train and Exmouth Land Train, which we cover in flowers, ferries people around the festival – one year it was a gorgeous tuk tuk. Last year we had a vintage traction engine and this year we have a miniature railway which is going to be taking visitors for rides by the lake. Hoping for a Ferrari next year!

Toby’s Garden Festival, Powderham Castle, Exeter; www.tobygardenfest.co.uk

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The Devon Shutter Company Ltd British Made Shutters Since 2007 info@devonshutters.co.uk www.devonshutters.co.uk

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

REEF ENCOUNTER

Since forming in 1993 Reef have released five studio albums and sold an excess of three million albums worldwide, with each of their releases reaching the top 40 in the UK. It is their unmatchable stage presence, relentless determination and love of performing live that has brought joy to their fans. “It’s really exciting for me to go out and to play and to look into people’s eyes who are ready to

rock already” says frontman Gary Stringer. “You get on stage and throw that energy down and it comes right back. That’s how you get an exciting gig. That’s a feeling that’s addictive for a musician. It makes you want to keep going out and giving it your everything and playing hard and rocking out.” Reef will be playing on 14 April at Exeter Phoenix, Gandy Street, Exeter; www.exeterphoenix.org.uk

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BOOKS CHARLIE RICHARDS

H Spring reading Charlie’s got all the latest on the new releases (fans of Ali Smith and Douglas Stewart take note). Plus, there’s a couple of top literature events coming up...

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ello friends. Suddenly it’s April *puts on sunglasses and lifts face to sun* and we’re here again to let you know about a few good books and a couple of events. Spending time in the pages of a book can be restorative in these trying times, and cultural events are good for the soul. Facts. We are here to guide you. First to the Nature section (although equally at home on our Lived Experience shelves) and to Shalimar, by local author Davina Quinlivan. Davina writes about belonging and migration, and how our family history and sense of place can root or displace us. After the death of her father, Davina struggled to find ‘home’, either in the English countryside or through the mythology of her family’s migration story. Her story begins in colonial India and Burma, where the women in her family descend from the indigenous tribes and diasporas of Portuguese Kerala and the Shan Hills of Myanmar, Quinlivan’s Anglo-Asian family reached England in the 1950s. Davina weaves between past and present linking childhood memories, the stories her father told her before he dies, and where she finds herself now. We’ll be holding an event with Davina in May, so keep an eye out for this. A recent publication we loved is Something Strange Like Hunger, short stories by Moroccan icon Malika Moustadraf and translated by Exeter Uni’s Alice Guthrie. Moustadraf, who passed in 2006, was a fierce social critic and was punished for her unflinching style. Her stories are humorously dark, spiky and a celebration of lives spent in the margins.

Other hardbacks coming out in April, and Ali Smith follows her much-loved seasonal novels with Companion Piece. These are extraordinary times. Is this history? What happens when we cease to trust governments, the media, each other? What is lost and what stays with us? What can stories tell us about the future? Ali – we’ll go wherever you lead us. Booker Prize winner Douglas Stuart is also back with Young Mungo. We haven’t read a proof at the time of print, but if you like your novels to emotionally destroy you in the best possible way, then reach for this story of two young men who fall in love amidst Glasgow’s housing estates. On Friday 8 April come to McCoys Arcade for a free event and evening bookbrowsing. The Sound of Catalan, Si una tarda un surt de cansat de fer feina i plou is a sound poetry show created by Maria Sevilla, one of the most promising voices in Catalan. Like Catalan poets before her, Sevilla mixes her poetry with soundscapes and music performed live by Joan Martínez. This event is part of Spotlight on Catalan Culture in the UK, an arts and culture festival, in partnership with Exeter and Barcelona UNESCO Cities of Literature. Thanks for book-buying at Bookbag – we really want to be of beneﬁt to our lovely Exeter community beyond ace book choices. Our events continue to be free (or super cheap), and in March we were able to gift 300 World Book Day books to a local primary school so each child could take a book home. Thanks, and more good stuﬀ to come.

“If you like your novels to emotionally destroy you, reach for this story of two young men who fall in love amidst Glasgow’s housing estates”

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

WHAT’S ON

Poet Dr John Cooper Clarke will be at Exeter Corn Exchange

1 April onwards

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

THEATRE/ SHOWS 4-9 April

THE RISE AND FALL OF LITTLE VOICE With humour, heart and countless powerhouse ballads, all performed live on stage, featuring music from Judy Garland, Shirley Bassey, Billie Holliday and many more, this lifeaffirming production will rouse even the weariest of souls. ‘The girl of a thousand voices’ Christina Bianco stars as LV. Exeter Northcott Theatre, Stocker Road; www.exeternorthcott.co.uk

11-16 April

CALENDAR GIRLS The true story of the Calendar Girls launched a global phenomenon, a million copycat calendars, a recordbreaking movie, stage play, and musical written by Tim Firth and Gary Barlow which coined the term “craughing” – the act of crying and laughing at the same time. Exeter Northcott Theatre, Stocker Road, Exeter; www.exeternorthcott.co.uk

21 April

DR JOHN COOPER CLARKE: THE I WANNA BE YOURS TOUR John Cooper Clarke shot to prominence in the 1970s as the original ‘people’s poet’. Since then his career has spanned cultures, audiences, art forms and continents. Today, JCC is as relevant and vibrant as ever, his influence just as visible. This tour is based on his autobiography; expect wild and wonderful tales from his colourful life. Exeter Corn Exchange, Market Street, Exeter; www.exetercornexchange.co.uk

27-27 April

BALLET BOYZ Meet the eight extraordinary young dancers who feature in this explosion of mesmeric dance, fused with the witty and distinctive BalletBoyz trademark use of film and behind the scenes content. Bold, boisterous and beautiful. Exeter Northcott Theatre, Stocker Road, Exeter; www.exeternorthcott.co.uk

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COMEDY 3 April

LOU SANDERS Consistently a critic’s and audience favourite, Lou’s previous celebrated show Say Hello To Your New Step Mummy was selected as a top show to see in The Times and played to sold-out audiences every day of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2019. On TV, Lou is the co-host of Dave’s Unforgivable and won series eight of Taskmaster. Exeter Phoenix, Gandy Street, Exeter; www.exeterphoenix.org.uk

6 April

TOMMY TIERNAN: TOMFOOLERY Tommy Tiernan’s brand new show sees the comedian back onstage with an exhilarating mix of the highly personal and flamboyant storytelling that audiences have come to love. Renowned for his no holds barred approach to the art of stand-up, this promises to be a delightful trip through the mouth and mind of one of the world’s most respected comic performers.

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

7 April

OMID DJALILI: THE GOOD TIMES TOUR After experimenting with a Zoom gig where he got muted by 639 people and a drive-in gig where Omid witnessed an audience member get out of his car, attach a hose pipe to his exhaust and feed it through the window, multi awardwinning comedian Omid Djalili is now where he belongs, on a stage and bringing back the Good Times. Exeter Corn Exchange, Market Street, Exeter; www.exetercornexchange.co.uk

26 April

PAUL MERTON’S IMPRO CHUMS Paul Merton, Richard Vranch, Suki Webster, Mike McShane and accompanist Kirsty Newton are back on the road with another evening of mind-blowing improvisation. The collective improvisational experience

WHAT’S ON

with painting and a heightened colour palette that borders on that of a dream or apparition. Thelma Hulbert Gallery, Dowell House, Honiton, www.thelmahulbert.com

Until 29 May

above: Art from Nick Goss, part of his Mud Angels exhibition; right: Lou Sanders will be providing the laughs at Exeter Phoenix

Timothy Noon, joins forces with the Oxford-based specialist baroque orchestra. Exeter Cathedral, Exeter; www.exeter-cathedral.org.uk

22 April

ZION TRAIN, REVELATION ROOTS & KOUATCHOU Zion Train are one of the most unique and enjoyable live dub acts on the planet. Their use of dynamic onstage dub mixing whilst performing alongside acoustic instruments and exceptional vocalists, make them one of a kind. This night is a fundraiser for Exeter’s community radio station Phonic FM. Exeter Phoenix, Gandy Street, Exeter; www.exeterphoenix.org.uk

ART © MAT T STRONGE

Until 17 April

embodied in the Chums seems them flex their improvisational muscles to delight and entertain audiences. Exeter Northcott Theatre, Stocker Road, Exeter; www.exeternorthcott.co.uk

MUSIC 5 April

HANNAH & TOBY Hannah James and Toby Kuhn are a dazzling combination. Hannah is an award-winning musician, dancer, songwriter and singer, Toby is a globetrotting French cellist whose post-classical, inventive, improvisational playing combines beautifully with Hannah to create a charismatic, playful chemistry. If you’re looking for warmth, honesty and musical excellence, look no

further. This folk is full of soul. Exeter Phoenix, Gandy Street, Exeter; www.exeterphoenix.org.uk

6 April

BRIDGE JAZZ CLUB Head into the Voodoo Lounge for this popular, monthly jazz club. The jam session will see saxophonist Pete Canter playing with guest rhythm section and assorted sitters in. Exeter Phoenix, Gandy Street, Exeter; www.exeterphoenix.org.uk

10 April

J S BACH – ST JOHN PASSION The Passiontide drama unfolds in the unparalleled music of J S Bach, told through the compelling words of St John’s gospel. Exeter Cathedral Choir, directed by

ALEXIS SOUL-GRAY: STRAW GIRL Working in painting, collage, assemblage and printmaking, Devon-based artist Soul-Gray explores ideas of nurture, dereliction and the mother archetype in relation to trauma and loss. She employs a variety of found imagery and objects, both as points of reference and as physical material to question issues around memorial, nostalgia and commemoration. Exeter Phoenix, Gandy Street, Exeter; www.exeterphoenix.org.uk

Until 14 May

IN PLAIN SIGHT: TRANSATLANTIC SLAVERY AND DEVON Using the museum’s collections and contemporary sources, this exhibition traces the local industries that relied on the trade and the lives of the people who benefitted from its profits. It features a newly commissioned film which reflects on RAMM’s iconic painting Portrait of an African and a new commission by the acclaimed artist Joy Gregory. Exeter Phoenix, Gandy Street, Exeter; www.exeterphoenix.org.uk

4-21 April

SOUTH WEST SCULPTORS EXHIBITION Wander from the library to the music room and on into the Banqueting Hall, where up to 36 pieces will be on display. From stone-carving to bronze resin, there’s something to tantalise every taste. You can even bring your dog and take a walk in the delightful grounds. Powderham Castle, Exeter; www.powderham.co.uk n

AND WATCH OUT FOR... 29 April 2022

PROPERTY SYMPOSIUM: SUSTAINABILITY A new arm of our annual Exeter Property Awards, this is an online conference full of dynamic, powerful insights about property and sustainability. For more, see page 57. www.exeterpropertyawards.com

30 June 2022

NICK GOSS, MUD ANGELS Nick Goss collapses time and space by filtering images of contemporary London and personal memories, with documentary photographs of historic floods in the Netherlands and Florence to create places that are simultaneously familiar and intangible. This sense of displacement is sharpened by layering and combining screen-print

ENTRECONF Inspirational, practical conference for entrepreneurs and advisors. For more, see 53. www.exeterlivingawards.co.uk

21 October 2022

EXETER PROPERTY AWARDS Following a successful first year, we are once again holding the Exeter Property Awards. For more, see page 57. www.exeterpropertyawards.com

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

PLAY TIME

EASTER HOLIDAYS

Family-friendly egg trails, crafty fun and outdoorsy adventures – we’ve got your Easter holidays sorted By Harriet Noble

That’ll be a tricky egg to crack

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aster holidays are ahead of us and there is an abundance of fun stuff happening on the doorstep. Here, we shine a light on outdoor adventures, theatre, arts and craft activities, furry creatures you can visit and, of course, some cracking egg trails. Enjoy...

SUPERSIZED FUN AT RHS ROSEMOOR

Head to RHS Garden Rosemoor this Easter to marvel at their larger-than-life hand painted eggs and take part in the giant egg hunt (running from 9 – 24 April). Explorers of all ages can follow clues and solve puzzles to complete the trail; every child who successfully finds all of the hidden eggs will be rewarded with a free chocolate treat to take home. On selected days there’s also a chance to meet the Easter Bunny. See you there. RHS Rosemoor, Devon; www.rhs.org.uk

EXPLORING AT CANONTEIGN FALLS

The kids can climb up through ancient woodland via the original 99 steps where they’ll spot resident fairies and Terrance

the T-Rex before going into a magical landscape to view the Falls themselves (the highest waterfalls in Dartmoor, in fact) and see the panorama of the Devon countryside. This Easter, there’ll also be a special children’s egg trail with prizes running throughout the holidays. Never been here before? As well as the famed waterfalls expect lakes, gardens, a lakeside café, bee garden, and poet’s corner. The adventure playground will be a big hit – think trampolines, a wooden galleon, zip wire and a mini assault course. There’s also a decent café where you can refuel for the next activity. Canonteign Falls, Exeter; www.canonteignfalls.co.uk

CRAFTY ACTIVITIES AT RAMM

Queen Street’s RAMM is hosting three events over the holidays that will appeal to the artsy and crafty ones. At Thread in Time: Neolithic Weaving (12 and 13 April), try your hand at weaving, create your own work to take home and even have a go on the experimental replica Neolithic loom. At Beautiful Beads (14 and 21 April) you’ll be making beads to compliment carved and colourful wooden examples, threading them all to make your very own bracelet.

Lastly, at Roman Mosaic Art (19 and 20 April) you’ll create a Roman style mosaic over the two days. Ramm, Queen Street, Exeter; www.exeterramm.admit-one.eu

EASTER THEATRE WEEK WITH PADDLEBOAT (AT EXETER PHOENIX)

This theatre week sees a team of 12-15 yearolds put together a piece of original drama and perform on Exeter Phoenix’s stage. The theme of the week will be “FRAMED!” They’ll be creating a thrilling Whodunnit style detective mystery, taking inspiration from Sherlock Holmes, Agatha Christie and old American film noir; there’ll be murders, mysteries and missing persons. At the end of the week, friends and family will be welcomed into Exeter Phoenix’s auditorium to watch the young people perform their show on stage. ‘Whether you have loads of experience performing or you want to try drama for the first time, this week will be such a lot of fun,” says Katy Dash, artistic director of PaddleBoat. Exeter Phoenix, Gandy Street, Exeter; www.exeterphoenix.org.uk

Adventures a-plenty at Canonteign Falls

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EASTER HOLIDAYS

“They’ll be creating a thrilling Whodunnit style detective story” EASTER NATURE TRAIL AT AT PAIGNTON ZOO

Throughout the Easter school holidays the zoo will be running daily animal talks led by the rangers where you can discover amazing facts about the animals and take part in fun, free and interactive nature-themed activities. While you’re here, you can egg-splore over 2,000 animals and countless amazing plants across 80 acres of beautiful, spacious grounds. Paignton Zoo, Totnes Road, Paignton; www.paigntonzoo.org.uk

GANGSTA GRANNY AT EXETER NORTHCOTT THEATRE

It’s Friday night and Ben knows that means only one thing – staying with Granny. But what Ben doesn’t know is that Granny has a secret – and Friday nights are about to get more exciting than he could ever imagine, as he embarks on the adventure of a lifetime with his very own Gangsta Granny! From the acclaimed producers of Billionaire Boy and Awful Auntie comes the award-winning West End production of this amazing story by David Walliams, showing from 21 – 24 April. Exeter Northcott Theatre, Stocker Road, Exeter; www.exeternorthcott.co.uk

FURRY FUN AT THE DONKEY SANCTUARY

The sanctuary’s wildlife is waking from its slumber, follow the Easter Nature Trail (2 – 24 April) around the sanctuary to say hello to all the animals. On completion, you’ll receive an Easter egg and a biodegradable bag of seeds to help you create your own wildflower meadow at home. Plus, with daily talks, scenic walks, engaging exhibits, award-winning gardens, a hedge maze and, of course, hundreds of adorable donkeys, there’s so much to explore with your own herd. Make sure to pop into the on-site restaurant, The Kitchen, for coffee and cake. The Donkey Sanctuary, Slade House Farm, Sidmouth; www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk

EASTER WORKSHOPS AT MAKER MART above: Gangsta Granny is on at the Northcott; below: Craft activities at RAMM

Gandy Street’s Maker Mart will be running creative workshops throughout Easter. Make an Easter card workshop on 10 April; create

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EASTER HOLIDAYS

Easter decorations (you’ll be making a carrot, baby chick or decorated egg from a variety of pastel Easter colours) on 10 and 13 April. Lastly, on 22 April there’s a ceramic mug workshop. Pre-booking is neccessary, get in touch with the team at Maker Mart through Instagram or email to book. Maker Mart, Gandy Street, Exeter; @makermart_exeter

FUN IN THE FOREST WITH THE OUTDOORS GROUP

If you don’t mind getting muddy wellies, giving a worm a cuddle, having a go at some woodland crafts, engineering epic dens and learning the best technique to toast a marshmallow – then The Forest School at Escot is for you. On 13 April, The Outdoors Group are throwing open their beautiful forest school site gates and inviting families to join them for some free-play activities and a cuppa around the campfire. Tea and coffee will be provided, suitable warm clothes and wellies is advisable, all ages welcome. There are two sessions available, from 10am to 12pm or 2pm to 4pm; must be prebooked. The Outdoors Group, Escot; www.outdoorsgroup.co.uk

CELEBRATE EASTER AT BEAR TOWN

Bear Town’s Easter Bunny has hidden eggs throughout the Town and needs help from some little bunnies to find them all. Alongside the two-hour play session, your little ones will be hopping through the Town helping to collect all the eggs. Once all the eggs have been found, each child can collect a yummy little Easter treat! The Outdoors Group, Cullompton; www.beartown.co.uk

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above: Meeting furry friends at the The Donkey Sanctuary; below: Workshops at Maker Mart

SHOPPING LIVE WELL, BUY BETTER

FLOWER POWER Oh, how we love the details on this 70s-inspired hazy-days dress. Those statement black scallop edges and orange embroidered flowers. Voluminous in size, accompany with a basket, sunnies and a smile. Stella Nova Loan Mae Dress, £279, from Lorna Ruby, 17 Catherine Street, Exeter; lornaruby.com

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ONE TO ONE Pretty in pink: Esther Somerwill

8 Cathedral Close, just through the archway, has recently welcomed a new boutique, a ‘pink Medieval hall’ named Helen of Troy which sells clothing, accessories and homeware pieces made by local creatives. Owner Esther Somerwill tells us about the inspiration behind the new business… Interview by Harriet Noble

TOO GOOD TO MYTH

Hello! We have to start with the name. Why did you call your boutique Helen of Troy?

I love mythology, and Helen of Troy has been a woman people have besmirched since quite literally before the written word, sometimes a harlot but always a captive, a prize rather than a person. I think in this day and age we can offer her more depth, and maybe rewrite the end of her story. Maybe now she gets to be free, and grow plants, and make choices, and wear things that she knows weren’t made by kids in sweatshops, and live a long life. I really wanted that for her, and think of her when buying treasures for the shop. The world felt less safe during Covid. I had two little babies, the planet was burning, and artists were losing their sources of income. Fast fashion was booming as an industry, and I started daydreaming about how it could all be done better. Without sweatshops, without guilt, without compromising on finding beautiful things. Consumers shouldn’t have to work so hard to be ethical, and businesses shouldn’t pump profits out of communities. There’s so much talent here, and we can help them pay rent by buying unique wonders, there’s no downside! What can we find in your boutique?

We have some really unique things which is the great perk of working with artists. For gifting we have gorgeous soy candles in gold-painted oyster shells, and these amazing rainbow prisms so you can cover your rooms in light. Then for keeping for yourself there are the handcrafted nipple tassels that make everyone giggle, or a wide range of neverboring ethical clothing so that you can look like you might secretly be the main character…

What was the inspiration behind opening up this boutique?

Clothes, jackets and t-shirts and more

The building you are in is amazing…

My pink Medieval hall is a dreamboat – she’s nearly 700 years old and the beams are all crafted by Devon carvers. There’s an angel that peers right into the changing room, little devil!

Too good to shoes

Can you tell us a bit about your professional background?

I’ve had some wild and diverse jobs, from selling bibles to working in courts on murder cases, but I’ve never felt as much peace as now, working at Helen of Troy. Even when I pay bills I’m paying amazing artists, incredible organisations and eco clothing brands. It goes without saying that I’m deeply grateful to the Prince’s Trust too for their time and guidance. What are your plans going forward?

There’s so much to look forward to, and I don’t want to spill all my secrets so the best way to keep an eye on us is on our Instagram page, on our website, or through a visit to the shop! I can share however that I’m launching a feel-good, do-good range of dreamy clothing that’ll raise money for local charities, changing every month. So, please, if you want to nominate a Devon-based start-up or charity that you think could do with some affection then do get in touch! n Helen of Troy, 8 Cathedral Close, Exeter; www.helenoftroyboutique.com

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BOHEMIAN PAPER LANTERNS, £9.95 This pack of three lanterns come in hot tropical colours in diﬀerent ﬂoral designs. Each lantern has a pretty drop-down tassel for extra boho vibes. From Hyde & Seek, Unit 1, Harlequins, 1 Paul Street, Exeter; www.hydeseek.co.uk

GOLLIE FLORAL SOCKS, £4.50 These olive green socks are made from bamboo, organic cotton and recycled polyester. From Sancho's, 117 Fore Street, Exeter; www.sanchosshop.com

NORSE PROJECTS MADS LIBERTY SHIRT, £53 Lightweight and decorated with an all over ﬂoral style print, this Mads Liberty Shirt is made from 100 per cent cotton and features tones of ivy green, brown, beige and green. From Always in Colour, Fore Street, Exeter; www.alwaysincolour.com

ONCE AND FLORAL

Spring has spung! Take your pick of these ﬂower-adorned beauties from the local indies

LAPIS WALLPAPER, £89 This life-aﬃrming illustrated botanical wallpaper features crisp cow parsley and poppies. Beaut. From Designers Guild Alexandria Wallpaper, available at John Lewis; 1-11 Sidwell Street, Exeter; www.johnlewis.com

BESPOKE BISCUITS, POA These spring tulips are actually biscuits! Mix Mix Mama make the most beautiful biscuits; whatever the shape or design of the biscuit, they are always insanely pretty. This is an Instagram account you need to follow. From Devon-based Mix Mix Mama; @mixmixmama

60S NOTEBOOK, £5.50 Be inspired with this lovely retro botanical design cover notebook. From Brit Locker, Kings Wharf, Cellar 1, The Quay, Exeter; www.britlocker.com

VICTORIAN 18CT FLOWER CLUSTER RING, £3,850 This ruby ﬂower sits on a ring of yellow gold and silver diamond. A mesmeric sparkler. From Mortimers, 87 Queen Street, Exeter; www.mortimersjewellers.co.uk

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ED’S CHOICE

PRETTY FLORAL MINI BACKPACK, £12.95 This adorable ﬂowery mini backpack is a great size to ﬁt your little one’s picnic, nursery or school essentials. From Leaf Street, 53 Magdalen Road, Exeter; www.leafstreet.co.uk

BESPOKE WREATHS, POA White tulips and lavender make up this beautiful handmade wreath. From Devon-based the bees wreath; @thebeeswreath

VINTAGE FLORAL COASTERS, £12.99 This set of four resin coasters will pretty up any room. From Insideout Home, Exeter; www.insideouthome.co.uk

MILK CHOCOLATE FLOWER LOLLY, £3.75 Hand-decorated with mini ﬂower and leaves, these choccy lollies will make a great Easter gift. From Chococo, 22 Gandy Street, Exeter; www.chococo.co.uk

PHOEBE CHAIR, £339 This traditional cocktail chair boasts a statement ﬂoral print velvet fabric; a fabulous addition to your boudoir. From Toot Garook, 19 Queen Street, Exeter; www.tootgarook.co.uk

GLAZE, £4,950 Raphael Mazzucco’s piece is inspired by Mother Earth. This piece features layers of imagery, writing, paint, and natural materials sourced from around the world. From Castle Fine Art, 18 Cathedral Yard, Exeter; www.castleﬁneart.com

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DOES YOUR BUSINESS OFFER PERSONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES & ADVICE?

We have the perfect marketing opportunity in our next edition out on the 22nd April. To find out more about advertising, contact Paula Miller 07563 529772 paula.miller@mediaclash.co.uk

FOOD & DRINK NIBBLES FROM EXETER’S FOOD SCENE Sandridge Barton estate

The vineyards

NEW RESTAURANT AND WINERY!

Stunning views

The main house

BEAUTY ARC

Sandridge Barton, the new home of Sharpham Wine, is soon to unveil its brand new visitor centre, winery and restaurant. Nestled in the South Devon countryside on the east bank of the River Dart, Sandridge Barton will open its doors in early June 2022, in time for English Wine Week (18 – 26 June 2022). Exeter-based restaurant Circa has been named as the catering partner for the restaurant, which is based within the visitor centre. Open for lunches throughout the season, the on-site restaurant will have a south facing sun terrace for guests to enjoy. Visitors will be able to enjoy a range of experiences including guided and self-guided wine tastings, walking trails through the estate and vineyards, opportunities to enjoy wines by the glass in the gallery bar or lunch in the courtyard. There will also be a shop stocking the full range of wines as well as Sharpham Dairy cheeses and other local produce to take home. “We are excited to welcome visitors to our new

A new café has just opened up in Exmouth. Arc Kitchen & Coffee House is based in Greenfingers Garden Centre, on Pound Lane, and has an al fresco seating area with a stream running through it. There’s a breakfast, brunch and lunch menu with exciting twists on classic dishes. “Our breakfasts offer homemade baked beans, our hash brown alternative is a 24-hour cooked potato stack and our spiral sausages are specially made for us by Darts Farm Butchers,” says co-owner Rosie Robertson.

home,” says Duncan Schwab, CEO and head winemaker of Sandridge Barton. “In the past, when we were positioned on the Sharpham Estate, we had around 20,000 people a year visit us and we expect a similar number of visitors at Sandridge Barton. With the investment in the new tanks, barrels and other vital pieces of winemaking equipment we are anticipating an excellent showcase of wines this year, amongst the very best produced here in England. “The visitor centre and restaurant will put us on the map as the must-visit destination this summer. We are really looking forward to sharing this new experience with guests from around the country and further afield.” The Sandridge Barton estate also has self-catering accommodation which includes six bedrooms in the main house, and an indoor swimming pool, a newly-renovated Farmhouse at Lower Well Farm, and the secluded Boathouse. For more: www.sharphamtrust.org

“For lunch we have open sandwiches such as glazed ham, roasted Mediterranean vegetables topped with burrata cheese, smoked trout with a dill creme fraiche. Alongside the open sandwiches we offer very popular beef or lamb burgers, ham, duck egg and chips and more.” Interesting fact: the name of the café came about because the names of the three owners – Angus Robertson, Rosie Robertson and Chris Grove – spell out ARC, plus the building also has an arc shaped roof. Rosie and Angus also run The Pizza Garden and Chris has been trading for seven years in Exmouth as Big Bear Coffee out of his vintage Citroen H Van. For more: www.instagram.com/arcexmouth

The eaterie is based at the Exmouth garden centre

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TRY FOUR

2 3

FOUR FAB PLACES…

…to grab a sandwich in Exeter

CHANDOS DELI The sandwiches at Chandos are absolute beasts; big, bold, and popping with colour. When we visited recently we tried, and loved, these sandwich fillers: fried halloumi, smashed avocado, sweet peppers, sriracha mayo and rocket; and smashed peas, aioli, mozzarella, semi dried tomatoes and pea shoots. Tastiness aside, this vibrant deli has outdoor tables and a grassy area opposite where you can sit al fresco and it won’t matter if you drop half your sandwich on the ground. Where? 1 Roman Walk, Exeter; Instagram @chandosdeli

COFFERY & CO If you hanker for a bit of crunch in your sandwiches, opt for their bestseller – the egg in hole. This ultimate breakfast bagel sandwich comes fully loaded with bacon, halloumi, hash browns, homemade guacamole and sweet chilli jam. Topped with a free range egg. Coffery & Co are all about about creating a friendly environment too; they host open mic events on Fridays, you can play the piano to earn yourself a free cup of coffee and they just snagged the Cafe Award at the recent Exeter Living Awards. Where? 50-51 North Street, Exeter; www.cofferyandco.co.uk

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PARKLIFE HEAVITREE CAFÉ This lovely café in the park offers sandwich classics like cheese and pickle as well as more sophisticated fare like a marinated “bacon” tempeh and slaw sandwich, and chicken tempa pitta sandwich. There is a strong community feel to this place, it’s good value, familyfriendly, and all the produce is sourced locally or made on-site. Drop in for a sarnie after your yoga session in the park. Where? Parklife Heavitree, Whipton Lane, Heavitree, Exeter; www.parklifeheavitree.org.uk

HOW ON EARTH DELI The family-run deli offers a fully plant-based menu with an everchanging array of sourdough sandwiches and paninis. Expect meat-based equivalents like vegan homemade basil pesto, with cashew feta ‘cheese’ and the wonderfully gooey almond ‘bree’ with smokey ‘bacon’, cranberry and rocket; fajita ‘chicken’ with caramelised sweet peppers and onions, with a black bean topping. Where? 76 South Street, Exeter; www.instagram.com/howonearthdeli n

FOOD & DRINK

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Ari’s Healthy Life

Food Store & Cafe; cappuccino and sweet treat; warming soup and bread

SPOTLIGHT ON SIDWELL STREET

Our new columnist, ballet-dancing home cook, foodie and blogger TARA SMITH has a passion for all things independent and local

here is so much more to Exeter’s independent scene if you care to explore a little off the beaten track. On Sidwell Street you’ll find some real gems of Exeter’s independent food scene. A go-to coffee stop for me of late has been Ari’s Healthy Life Food Store & Cafe – a health food store-come-café with a friendly feel that specialises in organic, vegetarian and vegan products. I often pop in to find interesting ingredients that are hard to find elsewhere as well as stocking up on olives, dips and crisps for when I entertain. You can get freshly baked bread and fresh organic produce here too which is a godsend as Ari’s is on my walk home. On top of that they make a mean cappuccino that reminds me of being on holiday in warmer climes, plus homemade cakes and bakes to go alongside. I love that you can take a seat outside and watch the world

go by while you sit back with your coffee, dreaming of that holiday you once took or have planned for the future. Just across the street is Zuki’s Restaurant & Cocktail Bar, the long-awaited sister restaurant to one of my favourite coffee spots on Queen Street. Zuki’s Restaurant & Cocktail Bar opened its doors in mid-February and specialises in Turkish cuisine with fresh fish, mezze platters, grilled meats and kebabs being a speciality. Ebdons, a little further down the road, is a jewel in the crown of Exeter’s indie foodie scene. They have a real sense of community spirit which follows through into their menu. If you happen to visit on a Friday night from 6pm then you will be lucky enough to sample their cicchetti – six types of Italian-style snacks laid out on the bar to go with your tipple of choice. The cicchetti changes weekly depending on what’s in season but always features great sourdough baguettes from their neighbours at

St Sidwell’s Bakehouse. Make sure you go early though, they sell out every week. They also currently host a comedy night, the next six-week run commences on 5 April. If you want something with a bit of a ﬂavour punch then head to iFood Thai Taste, Exeter’s best kept secret when it comes to Thai food. It’s canteen style inside but the food and service is honestly next level. This restaurant is a ﬁrm favourite of those in the know and full to brimming most of the time so be prepared to queue. For me the chilli scale is genius so you can go as mild or as hot as you like. Pick one, two or three chillies to suit your own palate. I love spice so opted for two chillies but be warned my dish was HOT! So, even if like me you love a bit of heat go steady. iFood isn’t licensed to serve alcohol so don’t go expecting a beer. Just let the food speak for itself and it will. For more, head to Tara’s Instagram: @tarasbusykitchen www.mediaclash.co.uk I EXETER LIVING I 37

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

Matt Burrows and Lee Morgan

Mingling at The Mermaid

Alister Malcom, Abigail Ali, Jin Lee and Anastasia Bruce-Jones

Giuseppe Rossi, Merin Cox-Davies and Claire Horrocks

TWO SHORT NIGHTS FILM FESTIVAL

Exeter Phoenix hosted another successful Two Short Nights Film Festival where filmmakers and industry experts came together to celebrate short film in all its forms. The social event took place at Exeter’s Mermaid bar. The first Exeter Phoenix commissioned Filmmaker of 2022 was also selected with Devon-based Anastasia Bruce-Jones taking home the 19-25 Devon Film Fund after pitching her idea to a live audience. The Exeter Phoenix Short Film and Artist Moving Image Commissions are currently open for submissions; exeterphoenix.org.uk Photos by Rhodri Cooper

Phil Spencer and Luke Hagan Jin Lee, Arsalan Motavali and Simeon Costello

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Jonas Hawkins, Alix Taylor-Searle and Christina Bulford

Molly Rooke and George Barron

SOCIETY

Festival in action

Team Borborigmus, 48 Hour Film Challenge Runners Up

48 HOUR FILM CHALLENGE

QuackProductions Giuseppe Rossi, Claire Horrocks, Jonas Hawkins and Luke Hagan

On the second night of the festival, the 48 Hour Film Challenge headlined the evening with a selection of short ﬁlms written, shot and directed in just two days. The winner of this year’s Devon Film Logistics 48 Hour Film Challenge 2022 was Quack Productions for their ﬁlm GAMMON & EGGS. www.exeterphoenix.org Two Short Nights awards, handmade by Rosie Stiling

Photos by Rhodri Cooper

Team Helemios

Team Petite Madaman and Jin Lee Ben Salisbury and Tia Salisbury

Team Petite Madmaman

Dan Guthrie, Robyn Lawrence and Matt Burrows

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Calum

Olya and Tuba

Sarah and Morgan

Sophie and friend

Myrtle

Tabitha and student

Musicians

OPENING DOORS CAMPAIGN

St Petrock’s, Exeter’s charity for people who are experiencing homlessness, recently launched their Opening Doors campaign at Petrock’s Place, on 19 Paris Street. “People from all walks of the community came together to show their support of the charity,” says Lucy Patrick, external communications manager of the charity. “Trish Oliver, the Lord Mayor of Exeter, opened the event which included a rummage sale organised by University of Exeter students, an upcycling workshop with Signiﬁcant Seams and music by local musicians.” Chris

For more: www.stpetrocks.org.uk Significant Seams Lauren and friends

Rob and Lou

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SPONSORED CONTENT

What happens to my home if I divorce? You may be living in your dream home, or perhaps you’ve spent years renovating an older property. You’re feeling happy in your home - but suddenly divorce is looming. What’s your legal position? Donna Hart explains... If the property is jointly owned, you both have a right of entry and occupation. Neither can be forced to vacate, although in certain circumstances such as domestic abuse when the court can make orders for one party to leave. Who will pay the mortgage? With a joint mortgage you are jointly and severally liable for the payments. If one person doesn’t pay their share the other is responsible for the full amount. It’s sensible to agree mortgage payments as early as possible as any arrears will affect both of your credit ratings making it more difficult to obtain a mortgage in the future. If you cannot afford the mortgage and your spouse earns considerably more than you, your lawyer can assist in seeing if your spouse will agree to pay the mortgage in the interim. What if the house isn’t in my name? If the home is in the sole name of your spouse and you aren’t named, register your home rights with the Land Registry immediately. This alerts any potential buyer to your interest in the property should your spouse try to sell it. Will the house have to be sold? A house is often the most valuable asset in a divorce. When deciding what should happen to it the Court will look at all the

circumstances of the case. If you have children under 18, the Court will prioritise ensuring stability for them. The Court will also take into account both your needs, looking at your full financial positions. The outcome of every case depends on its particular facts. There’s no ‘one size fits all’. How might the house be dealt with? Ideally you will reach a mutual agreement – because if you can’t a Judge will make an order and you may end up with an outcome neither of you wants. This could be: • Sale of the house with the proceeds divided either equally or proportionally depending on needs and circumstances. • Deferring the sale with the property remaining in joint names, which often happens when there are children under 18. Once children reach 18 or a milestone in their education the house is sold as above. Additionally, events such as remarriage and cohabitation can trigger the sale. • The house is transferred into one of your names and a lump sum paid to the other. • A charge is secured on the property setting out the other person’s interest.

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

That person receives their share later, once the charge becomes enforceable. Is there any way I can keep the house? You could look into equity release options, a loan from your family or arranging your own mortgage. However, you must be certain about the affordability of these options for the long-term. If you want to take out your own mortgage the other party will undoubtedly want to be released from the existing mortgage. Are there other financial considerations? When you have an asset like a house, we advise taking financial advice at the same time as legal advice. You’ll need to consider the implications of capital gains tax and stamp duty on any other purchase. Occasionally when one spouse stays in the family home with minor children the mortgage may have to remain in joint names. This is because the mortgage company will determine whether or not a person can be released from their obligations under the mortgage.

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HEALTH & WELLBEING B R I N G I N G YO U A L L T H E G O O D S T U FF F O R T H E M I N D, B O DY A N D S O U L

WHAT A RETREAT A rural venue in Devon has recently started offering mindfulness retreats specifically designed to help people connect with nature and tackle the effects of stress and burnout. The retreats are taking place at The Coach House on The Sharpham Estate, which sits beside the River Dart near Totnes, South Devon. Part of the estate has been rewilded and Coach House retreatants will experience and explore the fields being restored to nature, do mindful gardening in an 18th Century walled garden and practise meditations that will deeply connect them to the land. “It’s long been known that reconnecting with nature has the power to heal and help us come back to ourselves, and these retreats will take this a step further – offering participants the opportunity to rest, rejuvenate and get their hands in the soil,” says Ben Ballard, programme manager at The Sharpham Trust. For more: www.sharphamtrust.org

Skin expert Kate Wheldal

clockwise: Sharpham House with The River Dart and Totnes in the background; Mindfulness in nature at The Sharpham Trust; making and enjoying delicious veg and vegan food; retreat sessions in the Sharpham grounds

NEW

BUSINESS COMING TO EXETER!

SKIN DEEP A new skin clinic is opening soon in Exeter. Kate Wheldal SKIN is a boutique skincare brand which is due to open at The Practice Rooms, on Church Street, at the end of April. Owner and skin practitioner Kate has over 25 years’ experience in skincare, owns a clinic in Southwest London and runs her own skincare line. “I do a bespoke skincare routine (with a huge array of cosmeceutical and medical grade product lines) and it all arrives at the clients house in one box,” says Kate.

Among the treatments on offer at the clinic in Exeter will be micro peeling, peels, oxygen infusion, radio frequency, lymphatic drainage, sculpting massage, cryo therapy, sound waves, vein removal, spider naevi removal and Cryo surgery for varrucas, moles and skin tags. Harpers Bazaar magazine featured Kate from June 2019 in their ‘Best Facials in London’ quoting her knowledge and skills are second to none and dubbing her the ‘Skintellectual’. For more: kateskin.com

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SCHOOL GUIDE VICTORIA BOND

Once study leave starts encourage them to stick to a normal school day-type routine

Ready… steady… revise As exam season approaches, here’s how parents can help with revision

ith half term squarely behind us and the summer exam timetable ﬁnally published, it’s the time of year when teenagers across the land suddenly bulk buy highlighters and take a keen interest in tidying their bedrooms. While a great deal has shifted in the landscape of GCSE and A levels in the past two years, procrastinating in the name of revision has not. Add a mobile phone into the mix, and parents may be wondering where to start in terms of helping their son or daughter to focus on study. The good news is that this is prime planning time. Don’t wait for the Easter holidays when stress levels will be high and even mentioning the ‘R’ word becomes grounds for Grade nine door slamming. Start now with a kitchen table conversation about a basic revision plan and help them take their ﬁrst organisational baby steps. Check what your child’s school has already provided in terms of planning templates. Key for 2022 will be ensuring they are clear on the reduced exam content. Looking together at

what they don’t have to revise is a brilliant gateway conversation to what they do. Next, encourage them to spend the next couple of weekends figuring out what revision technique works best for them. One of the most common study strategies is to re-read but it’s actually the least effective. Re-reading feels like revising because the content becomes more familiar. But retrieval practise is massively more helpful and there are a range of methods that force pupils to pull knowledge ‘out’ and examine what they know. These include making flash cards, creating mind maps, testing themselves via online quizzes, building a wall of post-it notes worthy of a CSI crime scene and tackling practise papers. This deeper processing can feel miserable at first as it’s designed to expose weakness. But the most successful learners follow the ‘Three Bears Approach’: revision shouldn’t be too hard or too easy, but

somewhere in the middle that’s just right. We all know cramming doesn’t work but it’s not just about last minute panic. It also applies to the negative effect of revising one unit or subject too intensively. Breaking subjects down into topics and sub dividing into sections will help structure revision. Then they can then revise in 45 minute chunks – the maximum time for which the brain can focus effectively, according to research – and rotate across subjects. Resting for around 15 minutes between blocks has also been shown to ensure material gets lodged in the memory. Bursts and rests are best. Talking of focus, if you do nothing else for your son or daughter, help them develop the habit of leaving their mobile phone away from their study space. A distraction-free zone is a priority, and this includes turning off music which studies show can actually disrupt learning. Finally, it may sound a bit Nanny McPhee to bang on about

“A distractionfree zone is a priority”

the importance of good food and sleep but well-rested, hydrated, nourished students perform better – FACT. Once study leave starts, encourage them to stick to a normal school day-type routine. If they become nocturnal, it will be much harder to get up for 9am exams. Also try to get them to bank a run of decent kip ahead of exam week; just in case nightbefore nerves get to them. Overall, encourage them to ‘Do A Dolly’ and work nine to ﬁve each day in four or ﬁve smaller sessions with a proper break for lunch. That way they have their evenings free to eat, exercise and relax. Yes, it’s a slog but structure the slog and timetable plenty of ‘legal skiving’ and the next few months may not be as hard as you think. Victoria Bond is founder and 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

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THE FUTURE IS UNWRITTEN

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CAREERS

JOURNEY TO THE JOB

RECRUITMENT SPECIALIST

In 2015 Justin Powlesland founded JHP Recruitment, a company that works with professionals in the veterinary industry. How do you get into such a specialised sector? And what does it take to make it in recruitment? 50 I EXETER LIVING I www.mediaclash.co.uk

opposite: Justin Powlesland; above: Justin and the JHP Recruitment team winning the National Family Business Award

What did you want to be when you were little? As a very young child, I always wanted to be a bank manager as I loved maths but then later in life sport became a big priority and I wanted to do something sporty. Ultimately, I could never really decide what I wanted to do! What led you to a career in recruitment? I worked selling insurance for five years and was then offered a role in recruitment by a friend and fell in love with it from day one. What then inspired you to specialise in veterinary recruitment? I found that veterinary recruitment was fastpaced and I’m not very patient, so it suited me really well. I love the fact that by helping clinics to find staff, we are ultimately helping sick/ injured pets to recover. You founded JHP Recruitment in 2015, tell us about this big move. Was it always the dream to start your own company? The reason that I started JHP was that I wanted a company that treated clients the way that I would like to be treated. When I wrote the business plan, it was planned on being just myself and maybe one or two other team members. Although we have had some rough times (pandemic), we are expanding the team and getting back on track, and I love the team that I work with. For someone wanting to start a career in recruitment, what advice would you give? Recruitment is a tougher job than most think, but it is so satisfying being able to help people find their next career move. If you are willing to work hard and build relationships, you will do well. We are currently looking for staff and

would happily discuss the role in detail with anyone that may be keen to learn more. What qualities do you think are needed to work in veterinary recruitment? As it is very fast-paced, you need to be willing to adapt your working day to clients’ needs. You will also need to be very pro-active as candidates can be hard to come by. For someone embarking on a career in veterinary recruitment, what should they expect? The veterinary industry is very rewarding and a brilliant industry to work in. As veterinary professionals are on the shortage occupation list, you will need to be capable of meeting new people and building relationships. If you are a people person, I’d say that this could be the career choice for you.

“I’m not very patient so it suited me really well” Can you paint a picture of what there will be lots of – the good, the bad and everything in between! You must remember that just because you believe a role is good for a candidate, they may not think so. Some consultants may get despondent if they don’t get an offer or if a candidate declines an offer. You can’t take it personally. But when a candidate accepts an offer, it can be such a great feeling that you have helped someone to find their ‘dream job’. As we cover the whole of the UK, the majority of our time is spent in the office in Exeter but we do get to attend three or four vet

shows throughout the year, which can be hard work but is also great for meeting new people and connecting with people that you speak with regularly. What have been the biggest challenges in your career? Most recently, the Covid pandemic has caused me a lot of headaches! The first lockdown saw a lot of clinics close their doors or move to skeleton staffing levels which affected us hugely. I started in recruitment in 2008 which was a big year because of the recession so I couldn’t have started at a worse time, and I did doubt if I had made the right move but I’m pleased I did now. What have been the things you are most proud of? I’m really proud of the work that myself and the team put in and we were rewarded in 2019 by winning the National Family Business Award. It was a great feeling being on stage at Wembley stadium with the team to collect the award. When you’re not working, what do you like to get up to? My family takes up the majority of my spare time as we love to swim or go on days out. I am currently the head coach of Broadclyst U11’s football team and love watching the kids progress but if I get any time to myself, golf is my passion. What is the most surprising thing about you? After finishing my GCSE’s, I went straight into work, and I never went on to obtain A levels. Now at the age of 42, I am part my through a degree in Business Management as I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it! n For more: www.jhprecruitment.com

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EXETERWORKS The tech sector in the South West is predicted to grow

Star Tech

The South West tech sector is set to surge to £20bn over the next four years, so what is Exeter’s contribution?

he South West is rapidly becoming a global leader in environmental tech, with Devon an internationally recognised hub at the forefront of climate research. This is the news from a recent study from Whitecap Consulting which reports that the South West of England’s tech sector is set to grow to almost £20bn gross value added (GVA) a year by 2026, creating over 125,000 new jobs. The research, commissioned by Tech South West, reveals that Devon’s tech sector currently has 1,980 companies and a 598,400-strong workforce, generating £1,141m GVA in 2021. The South West has the fifth largest tech sector of the 12 major regions in the UK, worth £11bn GVA annually, and is now generating around one in 11 (7.9 per cent) of all new tech startups in the country. With nearly 170,000 people working in the sector, the GVA per capita of £1,943 is the second highest in the UK when compared to all other regions outside London and the South East, the study reveals. The research found that if growth rates continue in line with the past five years, even factoring in the economic disruption caused by the pandemic, the South West’s tech sector will be worth £19.2bn by 2026. Tech job creation

in the region is forecast at 75 per cent, rising from 168,169 in 2021 to 294,380 by 2026, an additional 126,212. What does Exeter contribute towards the South West tech sector? • Exeter is at the forefront of climate research and was heavily involved in the recent COP26 Climate Summit. Numerous new techrelated initiatives in Devon are focused on sustainable development. In order to combat global warming, multiple public, private and voluntary organisations from across Devon have come together to form the Devon Climate Emergency Response Group. Together, they are developing a Devon Carbon Plan, created by the Net-Zero Task Force. • The Met Office based in Exeter has also invested £1.2bn in the next generation of supercomputers in a bid to improve weather and climate forecasting and inform Government policy on climate change. The new supercomputer is expected to be the world’s most advanced weather and climate computer and will enable researchers to capture 215 billion global weather observations per day. The Met Office employs around 500-600 people on a full-time and part-time basis. When the UK experiences a significant weather event, the

Met Office website is in the top five most visited websites in the UK, with more traffic than even the BBC. • The University of Exeter is also at the forefront of Environmental Science/Data Science in the world, with five of the top 21 climate scientists in the UK based there. The University’s Institute for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (IDSAI) is globally recognised and provides a hub for dataintensive science and AI activity within the region. A £6.25m collaborative Climate and Environment Social Science Programme is also being led by the universities of Exeter and Surrey for carbon neutrality by 2050. • SETsquared Exeter, a part of SETsquared, has been ranked as the Global #1 University Business Incubator, and has a base at University of Exeter. It is a business incubator which works towards social and economic benefit, focusing on regional innovation and building up the South West’s economy. • Exeter College’s new Institute of Technology Digital and Data Centre aims to help the South West drive growth and widen opportunities. • Exeter Science Park, a centre for STEMM activity, provides incubation, grow on space and support for businesses specialising in STEMM and is another hub for Climate/Environmental research. The Park gets innovation support from SETsquared Exeter, and also provides support to startups and scaleups. It has also opened a £5m STEMM centre, which is set to support over 100 jobs. For more: www.techsouthwest.co.uk/regional-report-2022

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The latest from Exeter Chamber

COCKTAILS AND CONNECTIONS AT THE NEW MARGOUX

New flying destinations from Exeter

“Thirsty Thursday is one Sociable times our favourite post-work at new venue networking events here at Margoux Exeter Chamber. We get to catch up with familiar and new faces at some of the best hospitality venues our city has to offer. This April we’re heading to Margoux (part deux), at its new home in Princesshay (formerly Jamie’s Italian) on Thursday 7 April from 5pm – 6:30pm. If you’ve yet to experience Margoux in all its splendour, then Thirsty Thursday is definitely worth a visit. The new venue has a dedicated cocktail lounge on the first floor with views of our stunning Cathedral. As always, this event is free to attend and we’ll even throw in the first drink courtesy of the Chamber. We love to meet new people and make new connections at our events, so bring a friend along and share in the Thirsty Thursday fun. Although a free event, booking is essential, and I’d hurry for this one as it’s likely to sell out fast. I’d also like to thank our Growth Partner, Wollens for hosting this event. To book your place, visit www.exeterchamber.co.uk/events See you at Margoux.” Yvan Williams, Chamber board director

PRETTY FLY From early May, passengers will be able to fly directly to Belfast City

Airport, in Northern Ireland, from Exeter airport. Aer Lingus will provide the new routes via its regional franchise partner Emerald Airlines. Flights to Belfast will start from 8 May 2022 and will operate up to five times per week. The announcement is part of a wider commitment by Emerald Airlines to Northern Ireland, which will ensure continuity of regional routes that have been operated previously by Aer Lingus and British Airways. “This is great news for South West travellers, and we are delighted to welcome Aer Lingus franchise partner Emerald Airlines on to the Belfast route in addition to its previously-announced Dublin service which starts next month,” says Exeter Airport managing director, Stephen Wiltshire. “Belfast has proved to be a hugely popular destination as passengers look for an exciting city break, and particularly with the growth of the staycation market. “It adds up to a wide range of domestic and sunshine routes available to passengers from Exeter Airport, with 28 direct destinations in nine countries for 2022.” The full list of destinations reached directly from Exeter Airport in 2022 is: Cyprus (Paphos), France (Chambery), Greece (Corfu, Crete, Rhodes, Zante), Ireland (Dublin), Lapland (Enontekio, Pajala), Spain (Alicante, Gran Canaria, Ibiza, Lanzarote, Malaga, Majorca (Palma), Menorca, Tenerife), Turkey (Antalya, Dalaman). Plus Aberdeen, Belfast, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Guernsey, Isles of Scilly, Jersey, Newcastle and Norwich in the UK. For more: www.exeter-airport.co.uk

HELLO SOLAR! Yeo Valley has installed over 1,500 solar panels at its Newton Abbot production facilities as part of its sustainable business plan. The £600,000 installation is the third major solar project for the organic dairy brand’s renewable energy production, with a further £5 million being spent over the next five years to harness even more renewable energy to power their operations. “The installation at our Newton Abbot production site is another milestone towards our ambition to be 50 per cent self-sufficient in our electricity usage over the next 10 years,” says Yeo Valley’s Karl Tucker. “Sustainability is an essential part of Yeo Valley, which is why we will continue to invest in green technologies to help build a more sustainable future.” The solar system

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ENTRECONF

The solar panels at Yeo Valley

installed has an output of over 623 MWh of green electricity per year; the equivalent of powering 207 houses for a year with green electricity. The project has also provided the opportunity for Yeo Valley to reinsulate the roof for efficiency, longevity and environmental benefits. www.yeovalley.co.uk

Returning on 30 June is the dynamic virtual event for entrepreneurs, EntreConf. After last year’s success, we are running EntreConf to help entrepreneurs with practical advice – financial, legal, marketing, management – and to broker valuable new relationships. To increase our reach and make the greatest impact, EntreConf will once again be run as a virtual event, with a number of networking dinners in the spring and autumn. We seek to bring together some of the most exciting companies of this time who will be among the most valuable businesses in the future. Content and sponsorship opportunities are now available. Email: annie.kelly@mediaclash.co.uk for more. For more: www.entreconf.com

EXETERWORKS

“ENDUO IS THE FIRST NEW METHOD OF TRANSFERRING POWER IN A CENTURY”

BIZ Q&A

I’d imagine there are other companies trying to do the same thing – do you feel you’ve designed something that no other company has done so successfully yet? Other companies are trying to do the same thing as it’s a big problem but they have been doing it by either improving the materials or the manufacturing, both of which cost more. We approached it through design which is what makes us different and doesn’t increase cost.

Exeter-based deep-tech engineering specialists New Motion Labs have recently secured £750,000 of funding for their revolutionary bike chain design, (USP? It won’t break!). CEO Marcel Fowler tells us how it all came about…

You’ve got this major funding now, how tricky was it to secure funding? What advice would you give to other companies who are trying to get funding? I’m not going to lie, funding is nearly a full time job in itself but what I would recommend is to make sure your pitch deck is story led, people understand and remember other people’s stories.

Chain reaction

What gave you the idea of designing a bike chain? The idea came from a cycling holiday, I found myself stranded due to my chain breaking and asked myself why chains break as most things made of metal last a very long time. What I found out was remarkable, when you are pedalling, over 60 per cent of the power you are exerting on the pedal is focused on only one sprocket tooth at any one time and this combined with movement leads to lots of broken chains! You came up with something called Enduo chain technology, what is special about this? Enduo is the first new method of transferring power in a century and enables a conventional roller chain drive to engage both sides of the tooth eliminating the movement, enabling an uplift of three times in lifetime and attaining efficiencies of greater than 99 per cent!

What makes this chain more sturdy that your average bike chain? This chain technology applies power on both sides of the tooth by dual engagement. This eliminates the movement between the chain and sprocket leading to never before seen levels of efficiency and durability for not just cycling but for more than over 5000 applications worldwide and the three billion chain drives in use today, we can make them better just by changing the sprocket design. How do you redesign such a well-established product? Can you tell us a bit about the development process? At New Motion Labs we started by looking at the problem which is that there is a lot of power transferred on one point and movement which leads to friction as one might experience when rubbing hands together. We asked the question, is there a way to stop this movement? Because even if you press your hands together

hard, if you don’t move them, there is no friction. That’s how we came up with the idea of dual engagement using both sides of the tooth, like a bottle opener to stop the movement. How many people are involved and how long did it take? What was the tough nut to crack? We are currently just a team of six, not too many people. The tough nut to crack was making sure that the chain disengaged from the sprocket well.

Now you’ve smashed the bike chain dilemma, what is next on your list? What exciting projects are you working on at the moment? There are lots of problems especially around finding sustainable solutions around mobility and automation, next on the list may well be a new very high-efficiency transmission in which you don’t have to change gears. For more: www.newmotionlabs.com No more broken bike chains

What is the timeline on this production, how soon could we be seeing your technology on bikes in the high street? The technology is currently being trialled on e-cargo bikes in Bristol, London and on the continent. We hope to have them in Exeter soon as well. We are also entering the track, mountain bike and road areas soon.

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Burgh Island Hotel in all its spendour

ROOM FOR MORE An iconic Devon hotel has announced plans for an £8million development. Burgh Island Hotel is set to build 27 new rooms for staff, plus a new café that will serve as an additional amenity for residents to enjoy. The Art Deco destination, originally built as a monument to the roaring 20s, plans to balance its rich heritage with the need to retain a sustainable business model. Located on a private tidal island off the coast of South Devon, the hotel sits opposite the village of Bigbury-on-Sea in South Hams, where the average property price exceeds £418,000 according to the latest Land Registry figures. Providing affordable accommodation has therefore been identified as a necessary step for the hotel to gain and retain the best

Nominations for the Exeter Property Awards open on 8 June

possible staff. Construction of the new staff accommodation forms part of the £8 million development plan that will deliver the discreet changes required to keep the hotel operational in the future. Burgh Island is the largest employer in the parish and has deep connections with the community in areas such as sustainability goals and the sourcing of local ingredients, so every step has been taken to ensure that the planned development reflects the best interests of Bigbury-on-Sea and South Hams as well as the hotel itself. As such, the hotel hosted a public consultation in September 2021. “We are pleased to announce these plans to provide affordable accommodation for our staff, who quite simply cannot afford to rent in

Stunning Art Deco interiors at the hotel

the area, nor can they afford to buy, given the landscape of the local property market,” says Giles Fuchs, owner of Burgh Island Hotel. “We are eager to ensure that the hotel remains a sustainable venture, and we are extremely keen to support our staff, so the building of this accommodation is a sound investment that will yield considerable benefits in future for them, our guests and the local community.” For more: www.burghisland.com

PROPERTY EVENTS 2022 PROPERTY SYMPOSIUM Our all-new event, Property Symposium: Sustainability, will launch on 29 April 2022. A new arm of our annual Exeter Property Awards, the symposium will be a conference full of dynamic, powerful insights about property and sustainability. The expert speakers will cover: • Bespoke research on both residential and commercial • Keynotes on the built environment and longerterm responsibility • Panel sessions • Networking opportunities To discuss commercial opportunities, please talk with annie.kelly@mediaclash.co.uk

The Property Symposium online event will run from 9am – 1pm on 29 April. To register, visit www.exeterpropertyawards.co.uk/propertysymposium

CELEBRATING EXETER PROPERTY The Exeter Property Awards are back for a second year! From residential to commercial, from lettings to new builds, from civic buildings to bold re-imaginings, Exeter simply teems with clever property companies shaping our city’s destiny and we will celebrating the sector on 21 October. Nominations open on 8 June so stay tuned for more announcements. www.exeterpropertyawards.com

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PROPERTY

SALUTARY MOUNT Fancy a Grade-II listed Regency townhouse in Heavitree? By Imogen Davidson-Smith www.mediaclash.co.uk I EXETER LIVING I 63

PROPERTY

ne look at the kitchen eating area (see above) in this gaff and we were sold. On sunny days you can sit having your coffee, toast and marmalade with the folding patio doors open, looking out on to the garden and watching those sun rays beam down. The atrium ceiling provides extra light and there’s even underfloor heating for when it’s not so balmy. This is a room you want to spend time in. Believed to date back to 1812, this imposing home has undergone an extensive renovation project by the current owners to restore its charm and character while creating a bright and spacious modern home. The versatile accommodation of over 3,000 sq ft (four storeys) includes five bedrooms, a sitting room, dining room, first floor family bathroom, ground floor shower room, landing

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study area and a substantial cellar used for storage, wine store and bar. But more on that later. The entrance lobby opens to a grand inner hall with the stairs leading up to the first floor with an arched rear aspect window. To the left is the dining room, with sash windows, decorative curved alcoves with storage and a feature fireplace. The sitting room has a rear aspect with garden views and a unique curved wall with a central sash window. This exquisite room has decorative mouldings, curved alcoves and a fireplace with an inset wood-burner. The half-landing provides a useful study area with fitted cupboards leading to the stylish family bathroom arranged with a claw foot bath, shower cubicle, loo, basin and airing cupboard. On the first floor, you’ll find three bedrooms; on the second floor, two more. Back to the cellar, such is the size of this beast there is potential to convert it into ancillary accommodation (subject to the necessary consents). The layout is arranged with store rooms, wine cellar, small pantry and is currently used as a charming bar area with log burner and rear aspect window, finished

with characterful flagstone flooring and a door leading out to the garden. Heading outside, the steps lead up to a paved area which opens to the parking area for up to three cars. The stunning south-facing landscaped garden is a wonderful addition to this striking townhouse, predominantly laid to lawn with well-stocked borders, seating areas and a number or trees along the eastern boundary. Plenty of room for fun and games. n

HOUSE NUMBERS Where? Heavitree, on the right opposite Heavitree United Reform Church. Bedrooms

Bathrooms

Outside

Large south-facing garden

Guide price £975,000 For more Stags, 21 Southernhay West, Exeter; www.stags.co.uk

PROPERTY

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JUST VISITING

“Exeter is a haven for the arts” concert featuring Brahms’ Requiem with the London Mozart Players. We return to the Cathedral in November alongside the fantastic Onyx Brass. And then, our ever-popular Christmas concerts this year will have a guest soprano – the outstanding Amy Carson. How long have you been director of music for the choir and what made you take on the role initially?

HOWARD IONASCU

The director of music for Exeter Philharmonic Choir chats hidden choral gems, amazing cake-baking skills and the choir celebrating its 175th birthday this year

Firstly, can you tell us a bit about your personal journey into music?

I was lucky to be at an East London state school, where music was really promoted, and from there went on to Manchester to study music and then sing professionally at Wells Cathedral. Music was only ever going to be my career choice as I became obsessed with the idea of performing and teaching in my late teens. Exeter Philharmonic Choir is 175, congratulations! Why do you think the choir has succeeded in lasting this long?

A few main reasons – firstly, Exeter is a haven for the arts and proudly promotes cultural activities. That kind of positive atmosphere has allowed Exeter Philharmonic Choir to thrive. Secondly, having the Cathedral as our performance ‘home’ – having our concerts there four times a year is so appealing to our singers and our audiences. Thirdly, we’re a true Devon-wide choir, always on the lookout for new members. In fact, we have open rehearsals coming up on 4 April for new singers to try out. What have you got planned to celebrate?

We recently gave an anniversary

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This is my fifth season. I was immediately struck by the passion of the singers and the ambition of the choir to perform large-scale works with professional orchestras and soloists.

For anyone not familiar, what is the choir’s main fruit and veg when it comes to its repertoire?

The big choral works – recent examples are Haydn The Creation, Mozart Requiem, Elgar Dream of Gerontius. Can you tell us any quirky facts about the choir?

Their cake-baking skills are second-to-none. They bake for our termly Saturday morning extended rehearsals and the cakes are amazing! Also, I think almost every main profession is covered in the choir. That ranges from teachers, to lawyers, to nurses. How did the choir managed during Covid?

The choir was fantastic and embraced Zoom! Not the same, of course, but it was a needs-

must situation and it was clear the choir was desperate to keep singing together in some shape or form. What underrated or hidden choral gems should we be listening to?

I would try three things, all on YouTube: Morton Lauridsen, O magnum mysterium; Tallis, Spem in alium and Daley, Upon your heart. In general, do you think choral music deserves a bit more attention?

It’s interesting, I think we slightly underestimate the amount of good work going on in schools with singing. This is where it has to begin – nurturing a love of singing together at an early age. Covid has not helped, but I remain optimistic that choral singing will continue to be one of our national treasures. What is special about performing at Exeter Cathedral?

It’s a lovely wide nave, no difficult levels to navigate like some cathedrals. There is a buzz that you are right in the centre of the city and anyone might walk through the door and hear you performing. And also the Cathedral staff – they are so welcoming and helpful. It makes a massive difference. Lastly, which choral pieces make you cry and which make your heart sing?

Oh no – I find this so hard to answer! There’s rarely a piece I perform that I don’t like. But at a push, my go-to for both crying and uplifting is Bach Mass in B minor. n

The choir’s next concert is on 21 May at Holy Trinity Church, Exmouth; www.exeterphilharmonic.org.uk