Exeter Living – Issue 311

THAT’LL TEACH YOU HIGHLIGHTS FROM EXETER’S EDUCATION SECTOR LET’S

WRITE HERE, WRITE NOW

RENOWNED

AUTHORS DESCEND ON EAST DEVON

PROBABLY!

SPRING EVENTS TO GET IN THE DIARY

MAKING WAVES

MEET JOSH TATE, THE UK’S YOUNGEST RADIO PRESENTER

I’LL BE DARNED MOLLY ROOKE LEADS THE MENDING REVOLUTION

Welcome to our first spring issue of the year! As befitting of this period, it’s a particularly optimistic issue and there are a million things within these pages that have put a ginormous smile on my face. Here are a handful to get you going:

1. Literature festivals, two of them coming our way (page 7), and TV’s queen bee Esme Young is among the speakers!

2. Florals floral florals (page 17). Bold and beautiful, these spring interiors will make you want to redecorate every room in your gaff.

3. A new pizza place AND a new wine school coming to Exeter (page 32). Aren’t we lucky?

4. Rosa’s Thai, the new Thai restaurant on the block (page 36). If Thai green curry is one of the great loves of your life, as it is mine, get yourself down there asap.

5. Our interview with 16-year-old local Josh Tate, the youngest radio presenter in the UK (page 55). He chats about working in his pyjamas – we’ve all done it – and why Rishi Sunak would be the best person to play him in a film about himself. This charming dude is definitely one to watch!

There’s loads more, with all the latest good news from our health and wellbeing, arts and culture, sustainability, business, property, and education sectors. Hope this brings a spring to your step!

Enjoy!

ABOVE: Rosa’s Thai, page 36; BELOW: Floral bowls from Boka, page 17

MARCUS HOLDSWORTH

Issue 311 / March 2023

COVER The yellow floral pattern: oppy trail wallpaper, National Trust Papers 111 collection, from Little Greene. The once in floral’ pattern: Soft teal wallpaper, V A collection, from 1838 Wallcoverings. Turn to page 17 for more.

REGULARS

6 SPOTLIGHT All the latest from Exeter Chief’s Rob Baxter, plus a round-up of the positive news stories from the city

38 SOCIETY Party pics from the city

66 LIVES Chatting with the engineer behind London’s Shard

THE ARTS

9 ARTS Phil Wang heads to Exeter

10 WHAT’S ON All the top theatre, music, comedy, and art

FAMILY

14 LITTLE EXETER We chat to the creator of the new family-friendly play space in the city

INTERIORS

17 SPRING OUTLOOK Bold florals, patterns, and prints to fall in love with

SUSTAINABILITY

26 FASHIONING THE FUTURE Molly Rooke and her beautiful mending journey

FOOD & DRINK

32 TASTY BITES A handful of foodie news to chew on

33 TARA SMITH heads to a cosy Dartmoor pub

35 INTERVIEW & RESTAURANT REVIEW We visit the newly opened Rosa’s Thai, and catch up with its co-founder Saiphin Moore

EDUCATION

40 NEWS Nursing success from The University of Exeter

41 INTERVIEW Exeter College on how they aced that Ofsted Report

43 COLUMN ChatGPT – friend or foe?

HEALTH & WELLBEING

47 REVIEW Exeter’s newest (and hottest!) spa

BUSINESS

52 EXETERWORKS Big events, bold interviews and business reports from the city

57 EXETER LIVING AWARDS 2023 All the info ahead of the big shindig on 30 March

PROPERTY

58 GROUND BREAKING New eco-friendly builds on the block

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 Rob Baxter, Rachael Miles, Tara Smith 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

© VEERLE EVENS

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ROB BAXTER EXETER CHIEFS

Certainly, the signs are encouraging with one Cup Final appearance already assured and our position in both the Gallagher Premiership and Heineken Champions Cup also looking encouraging after a strong run of results since the turn of the year.

What has been noticeable in that upturn of form has been the performances of players across the whole of the squad. Whether it’s senior guys leading from the front or some of our up-and-coming players from within the academy seizing their own opportunities, everyone is playing their part to drive standards and results.

Building on past success, as well as creating a vision for the future, is something the club is always looking to develop. That task never stops, nor does trying to remain competitive at the very highest levels. Of course, there will be ups and downs along the way but, as I say often, we are a hugely ambitious club – and business, for that matter – and for it all to succeed, everyone needs to be pulling in the same direction.

We have just released our season ticket drive for the 2023/24 season. Never before has it been a better time to show your support for the Chiefs. With flexible payment options to cover the cost of your ticket, sign up today for what promises to be the hottest ticket in town!

Included in that seasonal package will be the option to come and see our senior women’s team, who themselves are riding high on two fronts. With interest in the women’s game rising all the time, especially after the achievements of the Red Roses, allow yourselves to be part of their success story in the coming months. For more: www.exeterchiefs.co.uk

In what is a busy period in terms of the rugby calendar, here at Sandy Park we’re bracing ourselves for what promises to be a busy few months ahead for the Exeter Chiefs.

With games coming thick and fast, across three different competitions, this really is the time where we ready ourselves for the business end of the season, where seasonal hopes and dreams can be achieved.

It won’t be easy, we know that, but with the squad of players we have here at the club, I am confident that we will do everything in our power to bring yet more silverware back to Devon this season.

Activities COMMUNITY FIRST

Exeter City Football Club has developed a range of free meet-ups for the month of March to support people through the challenges of the cost of living crisis.

The activities are all on offer through the club’s Extra Time Hub, which is based at the Grecian Centre at St James Park, offering a space for people to meet up, keep warm and take part in activity.

The sociable meet-ups include the Community Lounge (open Tuesdays and Thursdays, 12pm-4pm), which offers free

hot drinks for all attendees, and is open to people of all ages. There will also be a dedicated children’s area with toys and games.

Sporting Memories (every Thursday, 10am-12 noon) is for more mature chaps who enjoy reminiscing about their experiences of watching or playing sport.

Lastly, the Social Café (every Tuesday, from 10.30am- 12pm) where people can get together and chat. For more: exetercct.org

The director of rugby at Exeter Chiefs has all the latest news from the club

The Grecian Centre will hosts meet-ups throughout March

Chiefs vs Sharks

Festival BUDLEIGH SALTERTON LITERARY FESTIVAL

Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival will be hosting talks from leaders in science, media and the creative arts at this year’s spring event.

The festival takes place at St Peter’s Church over the weekend of 17 –18 March, and the line-up includes leading broadcasters David Dimbleby and Edward Stourton; Dame Kate Bingham, who led the UK’s Covid vaccine taskforce in 2020; architectural engineer and designer of The Shard, Roma Agrawal MBE (head to page 66

Literature

ROUGH TRADE BOOKS PRESENTS…

A string of innovative authors are coming to Exeter as part of Rough Trade Books presents…, a series of events created by Exeter UNESCO City of Literature, Devon & Exeter Institution (DEI), and Rough Trade Books.

2023 is the year of Rough Trade Books’ fifth year anniversary and this series forms part of the many events that are taking place to celebrate this independent publisher; the talks will take place at DEI’s library on Cathedral Close under a ‘pay what you can afford’ scheme. For more: www.exetercityofliterature.com

AUTHORS TALKS:

• Zakiya McKenzie – colonialism/ decolonisation; 16 March, 6pm-7.30pm

• Richard Phoenix – accessibility in the arts; 20 April, 6pm-7.30pm

• The Fandangoe Kid – mental health; 18 May, 6pm-7.30pm

• Musa Okwonga – queer politics; 15 June 15, 6pm-7.30pm

for the interview); and Esme Young, designer and lead judge on The Great British Sewing Bee

The line up marks the 15th year of Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival, which stages a spring weekend alongside its main festival in September every year.

“This varied and interesting line up promises to be absolutely fascinating,” says Sue Briggs, chair of Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival. For more: www.budlitfest.org.uk

CLOCKWISEFROMLEFT: The Fandangoe Kid; Musa Okwonga; Zakiya McKenzie

Esme Young

David Dimbleby

Ed Stourton

©

TARA

DARBY

SOPHIE SPRING

COLIN THOMAS

THE ARTS

BELLY- HIL OF LAU HS

Hot off the heels of his critically-acclaimed Netflix special, David Letterman appearance, and role on Life & Beth with Amy Schumer, the ever droll hil ang is bringing his brand-new stand-up show to Exeter where he’ll be chatting race, family, nipples, and everything else that’s been going on in his hilly little life.

Phil Wang, Wang In There, Baby! is on 23 March at Exeter Corn Exchange, Market Street, Exeter; www.exetercornexchange.co.uk

THEATRE/

7 – 11 March

WHEN DARKNESS FALLS

On a stormy night on the small island of Guernsey, a young paranormal expert joins a sceptical history teacher to record the first in a series of podcasts based on the island’s incredible folklore and paranormal history. A spine-chilling ghost story that delivers a twisted, terrifying, and thrilling tale that will “leave you cowering in your seat.”

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

9 – 10 March

TEECHERS LEAVERS ‘22

This newly updated version of the ever-popular play by John Godber is a high-energy, full-blooded comedy that brings to life an array of terrifying teachers and hopeless pupils through the eyes of Salty, Gail, and Hobby, three Year 11 students facing a scary world with only their imagination and a love of theatre.

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

10 March

CRYING LIKE A FIRE IN THE SUN

A stunning new set of stories from

WHAT’S ON

3 March onwards

Hugh Lupton, the award- winning storyteller, performer, poet, lyricist and author. The wordsmith brings us tales of heartache and passion where demons and angels contend in a rich interweaving of Apocryphal and Old Testament tales drawing from Jewish, Islamic and Christian sources, spliced with songs from the visionary end of Bob Dylan’s repertoire.

Cygnet Theatre, Friars’ Gate, Exeter; www.cygnettheatre.co.uk

13 – 15 March

SHERLOCK HOLMES: THE VALLEY OF FEAR

Crammed full of adventure, mystery and of course one or two rather brilliant deductions, The Valley of Fear is Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s thrilling final Sherlock Holmes novel brought to life in this spectacular new stage adaptation.

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

30 March

BUFFY REVAMPED

Coming hot on the heels of Brendan Murphy’s last show, Friend (The One with Gunther), which recently won the award for Best Play in the World Wide Comedy Awards, the award-winning success of Buffy Revamped has confirmed him as

one of the country’s most talented young writer/performers with both critics and audiences.

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

MUSIC

8 March

PVA (NINJA TUNE)

South London band PVA’s stunning debut album BLUSH consolidates the beating pulse of electronic music with the raw energy of a lifea rming gig. The eleven blistering tracks from the group, Ella Harris and Josh Baxter alongside drummer and percussionist Louis Satchell, are made from a formula of acid, disco, blistering synths, the release of the dancefloor and queer-coded sprechgesang post-punk.

Exeter Cavern, 83-84 Queen Street, Exeter; www.exetercavern.net

15 – 16 March

BIGGER THAN LYRICS

Bigger than Lyrics is a visual concept album, but it’s not all about the music. You’ll get to read the lyrics but what you will see, well, that’s bigger than the words themselves. This project from South West-based theatre company Beyond Face CIC brings together performers from the South West and creatives from

London, engaging in conversations around how our environment and location impacts the work we make. Barnfield Theatre, Barnfield Road, Exeter; www.exeternorthcott.co.uk

17 March

LYR BAND: SIMON ARMITAGE, PATRICK PEARSON, RICHARD WALTERS

Poet Laureate Simon Armitage with band LYR, will be live at Exeter Library. LYR is a genre-splicing supergroup of sorts; the band sets Armitage’s spoken word to intense, atmospheric musical arrangements by singer-songwriter Richard Walters and multi-instrumentalist Patrick Pearson. This will be a unique gig. Exeter Library, Castle Street, Exeter; www.devonlibraries.org.uk

18 March

EXETER PHILHARMONIC CHOIR: MONTEVERDI VESPERS

The musical magic of Venice of 1610 will be recreated in Exeter Cathedral with a large-scale performance of Monteverdi’s Vespers. This fascinating journey will be conjured up by the combined forces of Exeter Philharmonic Choir, Devon County Junior Choir,

Emma Hart’s Big Mouth portrait, at Earth Spells exhibition at RAMM

top professional singers and the virtuoso wind orchestra of His Majestys Sagbutts and Cornetts. eter athedral, eter e eter athedral or u

18 March

BEN OTTEWALL & IAN BALL FROM GOMEZ

Taking a break from writing sessions for Gomez’s next record and prep for the 20th anniversary of Liquid Skin, the duo’s performances will draw from Gomez fan-favourites, highlights from their respective solo projects, and perhaps offer an opportunity to road-test some of their newest work. eter hoen , andy treet, eter e eter hoen or u

19 March

BEANS ON TOAST

Heralding the whopping 30-date UK tour ahead with its own anthem, the cult folk hero is releasing a new song custommade for the journey ahead, simply titled: Ba ut n The Road eter hoen , andy treet, eter e eter hoen or u

WHAT’S ON COMEDY

12 March

BABATUNDE ALÉSHÉ: BABAHOOD

After recently warming the hearts of the nation with his stint in the jungle as part of I’m a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!, Babatunde will be presenting his trademark fresh perspective, oozing charisma whilst showcasing impeccable stagecraft and comic timing.

Barnfield Theatre, Barnfield Road, eter e eternorth ott o u

24 March

RUSSELL KANE: THE ESSEX VARIANT

The comic is bringing his gut-punch funny, searing, award-winning take on the two years we’ve just gone through. Hailed as the The uard an Number 1 comedy performance to come out of 2020, this high-octane show brings nuclear-energy belly laughs.

The reat all, n er ty o eter e eternorth ott o u

31 March

EXETER COMEDY CLUB

Exeter’s much loveld monthly

ABOVE: Babatunde will be providing the laughs at Barnfield Theatre; BELOW: Music and fun at Library Lates

comedy event features four top performers, everyone gets a seat at a table, the bar serves throughout and the extra cheesy pizzas are available during the intervals.

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

ART

On now until 20 March

ART HISTORY TALK SERIES

Renowned art historian John Francis will be giving talks on the following: An Embarrassment of Riches – The Golden Age of Dutch Painting (6 March); Revolt into style: the Punk Aesthetic – Fashion, Art and Music (13 March); and British Landscape Tradition (20 March). All talks run from 10.30am-12 noon.

Thelma Hulbert Gallery, Dowell Street, Honiton; www.thelmahulbert.com

On now until 6 April

WILL CRUICKSHANK –THREE MOONS

Devon-based artist Will Cruickshank presents a series of wall and floor-based works, that share a formal language of colour, pattern and symmetry that sits in balance with an air of devotional craftsmanship.

Exeter Phoenix, Gandy Street, Exeter; www.exeterphoenix.org.uk

On now until 7 May EARTH SPELLS: WITCHES OF THE ANTHROPOCENE

Through the work of eight contemporary artists, this exhibition explores otherworldly connections to nature and invites the viewer to consider if the artists and the artworks could be perceived as suspicious and challenging, radiating ‘witchiness’.

RAMM, Queen Street, Exeter; www.rammuseum.org.uk

On now until 8 October

THE SILVER WAVE

Inspired by objects from the Arctic region in RAMM’s collection, Michelle Williams Gamaker tells the story of Ada Blackjack, an Iñupiat woman from Nome, Alaska, who became the sole survivor of a doomed expedition to Russia’s Wrangel Island, in the Arctic Ocean, between the Chukchi Sea and East Siberian Sea.

RAMM, Exeter; www.rammuseum.org.uk

1 March – 30 June

EXMOUTH OPEN EXHIBITION

Local art organisation Sea Dog

Art and Ocean LED are hosting an exhibition of art in the Ocean building on Exmouth’s seafront. Expect art in all forms, from 2D artwork to photography, textile art to illustrations.

Ocean Exmouth, Queens Drive, Exmouth; www.seadogart.com

8 March UNDERSTANDING

PICASSO & CUBISM

This talk by art historian Douglas Skeggs follows Picasso’s early career from his childhood in Spain, where his unique talent was first recognized, to the garrets and back streets of Paris where the poetic and wistful images of the Blue Period were transformed into the daring experiments with form and structure that became known as Cubism.

Exeter Phoenix, Gandy Street, Exeter; www.theartssocietyexeter.org.uk

OTHER

3 – 12 March

ON THE MEND WITH MOLLY ROOKE OF DARN GOOD STUDIO

Artist in Residence Molly Rooke will be presenting an exhibition featuring examples of mended clothes and that celebrate visible mending, darning and repairs as creative radical acts. She’ll also be running sessions and workshops; see page 26 for the big interview. Exeter Custom House, 46 The Quay, Exeter; www. exetercustomhouse.co.uk

4 March

MOULIN ROUGE PARTY

Party the night away at Powderham

ABOVE: Sherlock is coming to Exeter this March; BELOW: When Darkness Falls is on at the Northcott

© PAMELA RAITH PHOTOGRAPHY

© ALEX HARVEY-BROWN

Castle’s annual shindig. Expect a live band and DJ, casino, tarot reader, live entertainment, plenty of food and drinks. Dress code: Moulin Rouge, of course!

Powderham Castle, near Exeter; www.powderham.co.uk

5 March

PRUE LEITH: NOTHING IN MODERATION

In her first ever live show, rue will take audiences through the ups and downs of being a successful restaurateur, novelist, businesswoman and Great British Ba e ff judge – feeding the rich and famous, cooking for Royalty and even poisoning her clients.

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

11 – 12 March

RHS ROSEMOOR SPRING FLOWER SHOW

Come and admire exquisite displays of top-quality blooms from competitors all over the South West and beyond, focusing on daffodils, camellias, early magnolias and

rhododendrons at RHS Rosemoor this spring.

This indoor show will also include classes for ornamental shrubs including spectacular magnolias. RHS Rosemoor, Great Torrington; www.rhs.org.uk

17 March

BIG EXETER SLEEP-OUT

South West charity Julian House is once again hosting their annual Exeter Sleep out to raise important funds for those experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness. Head to their website to register yourself to spend a night at St James’ Park or simply donate funds.

Julian House, Exeter; www.julianhouse.org.uk

17 – 18 March

BUDLEIGH SALTERTON LITERATURE FESTIVAL

Celebrate books by the sea at this spring weekend festival with a line-up that includes David Dimbleby, Edward Stourton, Dame Kate Bingham, Roma Agrawal MBE and Esme Young. onThe Great British

Sewing Bee. All talks will take place at St Peter’s Church. Budleigh Salterton; www.budlitfest.org.uk

23 March

VOLUNTEER FAYRE

Would you like to volunteer in Exeter but are not sure what opportunities out there?

Building on the success of last year’s event, this year’s Fayre promises to be bigger and better than ever with more than 50 exhibitors signed up, all of which are looking to recruit new volunteers. Exeter Cathedral; www.exeterconnect.org

31 March

LIBRARY LATES

Exeter Library is excited to host the next instalment of Library Lates. Expect a night of live music from alternative rock band Luna Gray and electronic duo Nierra Creek, a silent disco with librarian DJs, ink-free printing and sculpture workshops, 3D printing demos and behind-thescenes tours of the backstage library areas. Exeter Library, Castle Street, Exeter; www.devonlibraries.org.uk

1 April

POWER RUN

POWDERHAM CASTLE

The multi-terrain route will take runners on a tour of some of the estates real gems, such as the Deer Park, Belvedere Tower, American Garden and Old Plantation. The race will start and finish in the castle’s courtyard. Race start time 1 .3 am, there are five mile and 1 mile options and all funds raised go towards Fore Cancer Charity.

www.powderham.co.uk

COMING VERY SOON!

30 March 2023

EXETER LIVING AWARDS

The biggest business event of the city returns this spring when we’ll be celebrating the brilliant organisations of Exeter. For all the information head to page 57.

www.exeterlivingawards.co.uk

Power Run at Powderham Castle

PLAY TIME

Nikki Fairclough is on a mission to create spaces for communities to come together in the city. Her latest venture, Little Exeter, is a brand-new family-friendly play space in Guildhall Shopping Centre. Here we chat about her big vision…

Parents in Exeter will already be familiar with the indoor garden on the first floor of uildhall Shopping entre but now families have another place to go to – right next door. Little Exeter is a brand-new space where parents can relax while their children play and explore. A generic play area this is not it has been designed as a big love letter to the city of Exeter. Nikki Fairclough, marketing and customer experience manager at uildhall Shopping entre, tells us all about it.

Nikki, can you give us a flavour of what the space looks like? The space is divided up into 12 individual play spaces where children can immerse themselves in role play and discovery. From a boat in the tranquil setting of the quay, to a hardware shop’ with all the latches and locks anyone can dream about.

e wanted to make the space really interesting for children, and a real reflection of our high street and surrounding areas, so we have also put real art up from local street artists like Steve c racken and L Edits as well as used grown up elements like real laptops for kids to play with.

What inspired you to create Little Exeter?

I have a deep-rooted love of creating spaces for communities to come

together and, being a mum of a young child, I know how tricky and alienating it can be being a parent of small children. Very often places are either really out of the way, or are very expensive and create commercial hurdles to extract more money out of people, which can be hard when money is tight. I’ve been eyeing up this unit for many years, and I think because of its size, it always felt very daunting. But after the success of the indoor garden in 2 22, it just felt like the right time to be brave and take on a project this big. I think with the way the world is at the moment with the cost-of-living crisis, Little Exeter simply had to exist.

Tell us a bit about the journey to creating this space...

Lancer Scott was our first partner they did the strip out and build for us as a gift to Little Exeter because they believe in investing in our community. Then Ann Hunter of InExeter jumped on board with funding because they too see the importance of this project and that was it. Once I knew I had these two backers, as well as the support of our landlords and brands, then it was all systems go.

As for how it’s come together – blood, sweat, and tears. The whole team at the uildhall has gotten involved, whether it’s laying floors, painting walls, screwing handles onto walls, wallpapering, the list is literally endless and it’s taken us around three months to really get all the components organised and in.

What are you hoping this space will mean for families in Exeter?

I hope it follows in the footsteps of our indoor garden, which is fundamentally an indoor safe space for children to have fun while in the shopping centre. I think malls are on a journey, going from a collection of brands under one roof to a space that contributes meaningfully to its community. We have kept the entry prices as low as possible to ensure the financial burden is kept to a minimum so it’s an inclusive space. e have also decided to install a coffee machine so parents can enjoy great locally roasted coffee, but with the option for them to still bring snacks in for their children because having to pay for food while on site can add to the financial burden of pay to play spaces.

This opening is the latest in a long line of family-friendly spaces that have been introduced to the Guildhall – what are you most proud of since working there?

I’ve been at the uildhall for three years now, and in that time I have worked on projects such as the Murals on Correy walk, the lighting in Market Square, the indoor garden and nursing and feeding area, the book swap, the installation butterflies and now little Exeter.

I think for me my biggest stand out is winning a Pineapple Placemaking Award last year and being asked to join the judging panel in 2 23. It’s not at all that I’m driven by the winning of the awards, it’s more that other shopping centres start to take notice and replicate the spaces when they win awards. It’s hard for shopping centres to take part in them as the level of competition is so very high so for our little indoor space, which was created with 90 per cent repurposed items, to actually stand up and win against some incredibly initiatives is amazing. And if

the result is that more shopping centres adopt this attitude to unused space, then that’s the huge win.

I think I’m also most proud of the fact that new parents see the uildhall Shopping centre as being a friendly and inclusive space for them with the introduction of our nursing and feeding area.

What’s the big vision for Little Exeter?

Little Exeter is a one-year project, but in that year, I hope to get a good understanding of how this initiative could be rolled out in other settings. We hope to build a robust case study to share with our industry so they can roll them out. e also hope to understand how to make it financially viable so that it starts to make a little money for upkeep and upgrades. It has been set up as a not-for-profit organisation and should it prove insanely popular and it makes some money, we would like to set up a community grant system where organisations focused on children can apply for the funding, whether that’s to add books to their library or a football team kit sponsorship. The sky’s the limit, and if Little Exeter can have a hand in realising those wishes, then it’s really done its bit for the community.

Lastly, what elements of Little Exeter are you excited about showing your daughter?

Oh my goodness, there are so many…I think because I built it with her age demographic in mind, I’ve created so many things that I can visualise her playing with like the climb-on giraffes and the sail boat, I know she will love the community kitchen as well as the story room. n

ttle eter a ed n the old ern un t on the fir t oor a o e a n ury erat n hour are and or one h ld and one adult add t onal h ldren and adult th a e or under only u ldhall ho n e eter o u

ore ho n entre ado t th att tude to unu ed a e, then that the hu e n

ABOVE: Just one of the 12 individual play spaces; RIGHT: Interactive transport spaces

PRINTS CHARMING

Whimsical cottagecore designs, clashing prints and patterns, and a profusion of vivid florals. Here are the spring interiors trends making a colourful splash right now...

By Harriet Noble

Macaw Blush V&A Decorative Paper, £124 per roll, from 1838 Wallcoverings

CLIMBING THE WALLS

WHERE TO START…

“As wallpaper is one of the easiest ways to update a room and covers the majority of the surface area, it is a good idea to use wallpaper as your starting point. Take the lead from the colour palette within the design, introducing two to three of the colours and including these across the other elements of the room to tie the overall space together. Also, don’t feel limited to white woodwork. In fact, choosing tonal colours that work with the shades in the wallpaper design will not only bring a unique, contemporary finish to the space, but will be less of a clash with white, which can be quite stark in contrast.”

SMALL ROOMS?

“Don’t feel you should shy away from a patterned wallpaper in a smaller room, as, on the contrary, it can create brilliant results, by delivering lots of character and personality, making memorable rooms with a wow factor. Smaller bedrooms in particular are fantastic spaces to really have fun with wallpaper. Why not wallpaper the ceiling as well as the walls? This will create a terrific, cosy feel and a sense of escapism, especially if you introduce a design inspired by nature.”

Wallpaper is a brilliant way of adding instant colour and pattern in your home and enjoying a wide range of patterns that bring character and depth. JAMES WATSON, managing director at 1838 Wallcoverings, advises on how to make it work...

Kyoto Blossom, Sanstone Wall Mural, £224 per roll, from 1838 Wallcoverings

Local stockists

1838 Wallcoverings; www.1838wallcoverings.com

Local stockist: Cool, Calm, Collected, 130 Boutport Street, Barnstaple; www.northdevoninteriordesign.co.uk Little Greene; www.littlegreene.com

Local stockist: The Interior Studio, 1 Fore Street, Budleigh Salterton; www.theinteriorstudio.co.uk

WALLPAPER WONDERS

SHOP THE LOOK

1. Eden midnight, £84 per roll, V&A Decorative Papers from 1838 Wallcoverings

2. Briar rose Indian yellow, £118 per roll, National Trust Papers III from Little Greene

3. Floral fanfare coral, £94 per roll, V&A Decorative Papers from 1838 Wallcoverings

4. Poppy trail yellow pink, £109 per roll, National Trust Papers III from Little Greene

5. Mandarin garden jade, £124 per roll, V&A Decorative Papers from 1838 Wallcoverings

6. Poppy trail masquerade, £109 per roll, National Trust Papers III from Little Greene

7. Bird and Bluebell, £244 per roll, National Trust Papers III from Little Greene

8. Floral fanfare cornflower, £94 per roll, V&A Decorative Papers from 1838 Wallcoverings

ONCE AND FLORAL

Brighten up your home with exuberant florals

FLORAL PRINTS –GO BIG OR SMALL?

“Smaller scale prints are, in general, easier to introduce because they bring decorative flourishes of pattern. However, if you want to make an impact, then of course large-scale patterns are perfect. Often overlooked for smaller rooms, I would say a largescale design can in fact elongate and expand the feel of a room. It can be a good idea when choosing a larger scale wallpaper, to in turn opt for more pared back options for the furnishings in the remainder of the room. This will ensure that the show stopping moment of the wallpaper is in harmony with the rest of the feel of the space.”

James Watson, managing director, 1838 Wallcoverings; www.1838wallcoverings.com

Floribunda lavender dream wallpaper, £164 per roll, from 1838 Wallcoverings

FLOWER POWER

SHOP THE LOOK

1. Floral fanfare vivid yellow , £94 per roll, V&A Decorative Paper from 1838 Wallcoverings (nearest stockist: Cool, Calm, Collected in Barnstable)

2. Patterned jug with yellow flowers, £19.95, from Hyde and Seek, 1 Paul Street, Exeter; www.hydeseek.co.uk

3. Flower print cotton quilt, £99, from Bode Living, Alexandria Trading Estate, Alexandria Road, Sidmouth; www.bode-living.com

4. Phoebe chair lexy onyx velvet, £360, from Toot Garook, 19 Queen Street, Exeter; www.tootgarook.co.uk

5. Wildflower rose wallpaper, £19.60 per piece, from Original Style, 1 Apple Lane, Sowton Industrial Estate, Exeter; www.originalstyle.com

6. Ceramic floral bowls, £16.50, from Boka Living, 3 High Street, Crediton; www.bokaonline.co.uk

7. Paeonia indigo, £124 per roll, V&A Decorative Papers from 1838 Wallcoverings (nearest stockist: Cool, Calm, Collected in Barnstable)

CLASH FLOW

BUILD THOSE LAYERS…

“Maximalism means more; more colour, more pattern and more texture, combining florals, leaf and botanical motifs which work wonderfully well layered together in maximalist interiors. Using a favourite wallpaper as the base for your design scheme, layer in more pattern and colour, as well as pairing with other floral or botanical prints in fabrics and accessories. The joy in maximalist interiors is often in the combination or pairing of patterns, such as Ikats, geometrics and stripes mixed with florals and botanical designs.

“If you are nervous about where to start with introducing print and pattern than it can be a good idea to begin with the smaller details such as accessories, and adding a few patterned cushions and a rug or two will deliver a jolt of pattern without feeling you are committing to a huge change.”

SHORT ON SPACE?

“To avoid a space looking overly busy, refine your colour palette by limiting it to a level of saturation, choosing mid tones, brights or pastels but not mixing across these colour tones, to ensure your maximalist interior is stylish and cohesive.

“Or, why not try the same pattern across the various elements in the room, the walls and the upholstery – this will create a jewel box feel that will deliver a show stopping moment, bringing all the elements together. It can also be an idea to opt for a wallpaper with a darker ground, as darker grounds can be more tonal, whereas white and light-coloured grounds can have a higher contrast.”

MindTheGap; www.mindtheg.com

Go big and bold with clashing patterns, prints and textures.

STEFAN ORMENISAN, creative director of MindTheGap, explains how to achieve the look...

Oxford Victorian Floor, POA, from Original Style

PATTERN CLASHERS

SHOP THE LOOK

INTERIORS

1. Napkins in yellow stripe (set of 4), £18, from Pink Lemons, 65 Fore Street, Totnes; www.pinklemons.boutique

2. Metallic vitreum tiling, POA, Fired Earth, Dart Farm Village, Exmouth Road, Topsham; www.firedearth.com

3. Maverick susie q sofa, £4,800, from MindTheGap (nearest stockist: Home Naturally, 70-80 Fore Street, Bovey Tracey; www.homenaturally.co.uk)

4. Blue fish table lamp, £130, Distinctly Living, 35 Lower Street, Dartmouth www.distinctlyliving.co.uk

5. Orange blanket throw, £24.95, from Hyde and Seek, 1 Paul Street, Exeter; www.hydeseek.co.uk

6. Curtain panel, £48, from Toot Garook, 19 Queen Street, Exeter; www.tootgarook.co.uk

7. Jasmine duvet set in vintage pink, £89, from Pink Lemons, 65 Fore Street, Totnes; www.pinklemons.boutique

8. Gold and jet black tiling, POA, from Original Style, 1 Apple Lane, Sowton Industrial Estate, Exeter; www.originalstyle.com

9. Alyson chair, £1,560, from MindTheGap (nearest stockest: Home Naturally, 70-80 Fore Street, Bovey Tracey; www.homenaturally.co.uk)

10. Alpharetta sofa, £5,900, from MindThe Gap (nearest stockist: Home Naturally, 70-80 Fore Street, Bovey Tracey; www.homenaturally.co.uk)

ON THE MEND

Words by Harriet Noble

Photos by George Barron

If you’ve been in a queue in Exeter and spotted someone in front of you with some very cool, brightly-coloured stitching on their jumper, there’s a good chance that Molly Rooke is responsible. Molly is a passionate advocate for the beauty and importance of repairing clothes and, inspired by the #mendmarch challenge run by author and mender Kate Sekules on Instagram, taught herself how to darn. She then promptly launched her business, Darn Good, in March of last year which sees her repairing people’s garments.

olly’s journey into darning was born during the first UK lockdown. Looking for an activity to focus her mind, and something that she could do to contribute to sustainable fashion, she starting mending a pair of woollen socks that had worn through; going through endless YouTube tutorials, she taught herself how to darn. Darning offered the chance to focus on learning a new skill, something that was not only good for concentrating and distracting myself from the stresses of lockdown, but also, it felt like I was doing something good for the planet,” she explains.

“Initially, I’d taken the skills I’d learnt and transferred it to an artistic project that looked at the environment and sustainability. I darned over images of rocks that explored the idea of the eroding coastline and our futile attempts to prevent it. Then I started to work more on clothes, asking friends to donate damaged items for me to practice on, and I really enjoyed it. I loved working with my hands and the focus that mending gave me, and I’ve always appreciated a good pun, so when I searched for ‘Darn Good’ and there wasn’t a mending service under that name, I snapped it up!”

olly steadily grew the business, offering a wide variety of repairs from backpacks to jeans and blazers, to knitwear such as cardigans and jumpers. Some of the requests are more unusual. “I’ve had a whole range, including mending an amazing, sequinned tassel dress and removing the dog collars from a vicar’s old shirts! Mainly, I get asked to mend knits that have been snagged or attacked by moths, and jeans that have worn out on the knees or around the crotch, which I’ll generally repair with my sewing machine (it’s a lot quicker than darning).”

While many clients request discreet darning, there are plenty of others who want a visible colouring stitching – they do not see the

Artist, entrepreneur, and selftaught darner Molly Rooke is at the forefront of a repair revolution in Exeter, bringing new life to everything from sequinned gowns to worn out cardies. As Molly explains, mending is not simply a sustainable choice, but a thing of beauty...

Molly also gives tutorials in mending

“I’ve had a whole range of requests, including removing the dog collars from a vicar’s old shirts!”

wear and tear of an item as something that needs to be hidden, but something to be embraced. “One of my favourite stories is repairing a denim dress from a local comedian who’d done a suggestive dance move on a night out and split the back. I chose a bright yellow thread and sewed an embroidered chain down the back to bring it back together, so it really stood out. A visible repair adds to the history of the clothing; it’s like adding another layer of wallpaper in an old house,” she muses. “I love that it adds additional elements to a garment and it brings renewed attention.”

In her quest to spread the word, one brightlycoloured stitch at a time, Molly, who used to teach and run the Fine Art course at Art University Centre Somerset in Taunton, has also started running workshops and tuturoials to share her skills and to help others learn the art. “Coming from a teaching role, I feel really comfortable running workshops with a diverse range of participants, and I hope I create a relaxed, enjoyable atmosphere where people can really get into learning to darn. One of the things I really love about mending is that it’s a social skill, one that’s been handed down through generations sitting around a kitchen table or in an armchair by the fire.

“Darning is mindful and calming as you can’t focus much on other things whilst you’re doing it, which is great for anyone with a busy brain that struggles to switch off. It’s really satisfying and enjoyable when you’ve completed a mend!”

Whilst balancing her mending business with two other jobs – she works freelance building and managing websites and runs social media for The Pelican Project, the local organisation that works with young adults with complex learning needs – Molly’s big dream is to be able to focus solely on Darn Good and expand her team and repair shop, so she can offer a wider range of services. “I’m at a point now where I’m getting interest from further afield, with clients in London and Leeds and I’m hoping this will continue to expand further,” she says.

“I would love to have enough clients to enable me to take on a team and move into a big space one day and have a proper repair shop.”

Molly’s journey from self-taught darner to darner extraordinaire might seem

like a miraculously seamless career pathway, but like many business owners, there has been an amalgamation of artistic experiences that led her to this new venture.

“My art practice has always revolved around history and

A BIT OF HISTORY

The house where Molly’s studio is based once housed Mary of Exeter, the famous hero pigeon from the Second World War. Her owner, Charlie Brewer, was a bootmaker and repairer.

“I like to think that somehow the history of the house has led me to a love of repairs” says Molly.

“A visible repair adds to the history of the clothing; it’s like adding another layer of wallpaper in an old house”

Molly is doing a residency at Exeter Custom House this March

preservation, from looking at imagery from postcards from the 1950s and 1960s, to exploring the seaside and the cultures we associate with it. I would scan images from old guide books, print them and cut them up into collages. It was only when I started the darning project that combined mending with art that I really felt my practice coming together, and that I finally had something important to say – which is that preservation is important, and there is a finite number of materials on this planet and we need to really think about our role in how we use them.

“I really hope that repairing clothes is going to become more popular. It’s a small act that can make a big difference to our environmental footprint and I really hope that Darn Good can show that it doesn’t have to look twee or shoddy; that mending can be beautiful and fun.

“The statistics about clothing waste and the damage that it does to the environment is terrifying, so if I can convince one person to keep an item they care about a little longer, I feel like I’m doing my bit.” n

WHERE CAN YOU SEE MOLLY?

Molly is doing a residency at Exeter Custom House from 3-12 March and will also be exhibiting her beautiful mends in the Surveyor’s Office (3 March-8 May).

Surgery Sessions

Molly will be offering a variety of drop-in clothing repair surgery sessions through the week where you can ask advice as well as attend workshops. Workshops include Intro to Visible Mending and Mending for Parents.

Also in March

Sashiko Stitch workshop at Bunyip Craft (16 March); Drink and Darn at the Bottle Shop, in Moretonhamstead (22 March); Intro to Visible Mending at The Mansion in Totnes (25 March).

Ongoing

Molly runs workshops in her studio and in various locations across Devon, including Bunyip on Fore Street, where she also offers a drop-off service on Friday mornings for anyone who wants her to do repairs for them.

www.darngoodstudio.co.uk

ARTS

ABOVEANDBELOW: People opt for Molly’s brightly coloured stitching

BELOW: Molly gets a lot of knits to mend; ABOVE: The yellow zip that remedied the comedians ‘split’ dress

TIME TO RELAX

Your guide to some of the best spa’s in Devon

GAIA SPA BORINGDON

BORINGDON HALL, PLYMOUTH, PL7 4DP

TEL: 01752 344455

WWW.GAIABORINGDON.CO.UK

THE HAVEN SPA

10A GUILDHALL CENTRE EXETER, EX4 3HJ

TEL: 01392 221 212

WWW.THEHAVESPA.CO.UK

Special offer for Exeter Living readers: 10% off thermal suite use when quoting ‘Exeter Living’ at time of booking. The Haven Spa is a place where guests can experience peace, calmness, and tranquillity. Entering a world where time stands still, the spa offers experiences to enhance wellbeing, and features a complete thermal suite comprising a jacuzzi, sauna, aroma-room, bucket shower, rain-dance shower, heated loungers, and foot spas; available to be enjoyed independently or with up to 10 guests of the same party. As part of the experience, you can also relax in the Himalayan salt room.

Gaia Spa Boringdon is an award-winning spa offering guests a nourishing experience in a stunning, natural setting. Floorto-ceiling windows surround the indoor pool, providing peaceful vistas of the trees, and an inter-connecting outdoor hydrotherapy pool. The spa, named “Best Destination Spa” by Condé Nast Johansen in 2022, 2020 and 2018, also boasts a crystal salt steam room, herbal sauna, experience showers, outdoor hot tubs, treatment rooms and a deep relaxation room. A selection of luxurious GAIA treatments are available including facials, massages and scrubs, as well as longer, stepby-step holistic treatments known as GAIA rituals using the award-winning, organic and all-natural GAIA skincare products.

THE SPA AT ST SIDWELL’S POINT

PARIS STREET, EXETER EX1 2JN

TEL: 01392 265390

WWW.EXETERLEISURE.COM/SPA

Enjoy some well-deserved you time with the ultimate gift of relaxation in the rooftop GAIA Spa at St Sidwell’s Point. Feel brand new with a range of luxury GAIA treatments. Relax and unwind in the elemental Thermal Spa. Make your way around the heating and cooling experiences, plunge into the hydro pool and unwind in the salt therapy room. Sip locally roasted coffee in the private relaxation lounge and take in the spectacular Exeter skyline from the rooftop balcony. With a range of luxury Spa Packages available download the Exeter Leisure app for more information.

THE REN SPA, HOTEL DU VIN

MAGDALEN STREET, EXETER, EX2 4HY

TEL: 01392 790120

WWW.HOTELDUVIN.COM

Nestled in our relaxing walled garden, The Hotel Du Vin Spa is the perfect place to recharge your energies and enjoy a little piece of tranquillity in the city. Our inside/outside pool is located in the walled garden, just across the beautiful lawn from the spa and perfect for the temperamental British weather. All our spa packages include the use of our pool and our relaxation area which are the perfect areas to unwind before or after your treatment. You will also have the choice of a 2-course lunch or afternoon tea and complimentary soft drinks post treatment. Our packages start from £55.00 per person.

SPA MAROC AT THE HARTNOLL HOTEL

BOLHAM, TIVERTON, DEVON, EX16 7RA

TEL: 01884 252777

WWW.HARTNOLLHOTEL.UK

The Hartnoll Hotel is opening its long awaited Spa Maroc on 6th March, 8am -8pm. This is a great addition to the 26 roomed luxury hotel on the edge of Tiverton. Spa Maroc has a spa pool for 6-8 people, a bespoke sauna and warm relaxation beds. There is a traditional Hammam where you can relax in steam and have a traditional Moroccan body scrub with black olive soap and Atlas mountain mud mask. This leaves your body squeaky clean, then gently oiled. There is a comprehensive range of treatments from 9 am. For more information and bookings please email: spamaroc@hartnollhotel.co.uk.

THE SPA AT ILSINGTON

ILSINGTON COUNTRY HOUSE HOTEL AND SPA

ILSINGTON VILLAGE, NEWTON ABBOT, TQ13 9RR

TEL: 01364 661452

WWW.ILSINGTON.CO.UK

The Spa at Ilsington offers a luxury experience and exudes an atmosphere of complete calm and relaxation. Winner of numerous awards including Devon Spa and Wellness Experience and Editor’s Spa Choice in the Good Hotel Guide, you can be sure of a truly memorable experience. Offering includes indoor pool, hydro pool, sauna, steam room and fitness suite and luxurious Caudalie treatments. Spa packages are available from £75.00 or why not indulge yourself and stay over in our 4-star, 2 AA rosette country house hotel, located on Dartmoor, just 4 miles from the A38. We look forward to welcoming you.

FOOD & DRINK

NIBBLES FROM EXETER’S FOOD SCENE

SIP BACK AND RELAX

A new local wine school has arrived in Exeter, providing food and wine tasting events, plus courses for those keen to get knowledgable on the subject.

Luke Davies, the owner of 500-year-old Tudor pub Cowick Barton, has launched Devon Local Wine School where he will be hosting the informative and affordable wine events.

“I am looking forward to bringing fun and high energetic wine tasting events and welcoming people from all backgrounds, whatever their knowledge of wine may be. Opening a wine school is a long-held ambition and I can’t wait to get started,” says Luke.

Coming up this month is a cheese and wine evening on 14 March, French reds and steak night on 20 March, Italian antipasto and Italian wine evening on 21 March, vegan six-course food and wine taster menu on 27 March, and a Spanish Tapas and Wine evening on 28 March.

For more: www.localwineschool.com

FOOD FEST

A brand-new four-day food and music event is taking place on 26 – 29 May, in the heart of Torbay at Torre Abbey Meadows. The English Riviera Food & Music Festival will feature top chefs who are going to be cooking up a storm on the chef’s stage including Lesley Waters, James Tanner, Ed Baines, Jude Kereama, and Theo Randall.

The family-friendly event has already started to announce the line-up of acts including UB40, Scouting For Girls, The Feeling, Fleur East, The Overtones, and resident DJ, DJ Yoda. For more: www.rivierafoodmusicfest.co.uk

KNEAD TO KNOW!

Exeter’s Magdalen Road will shortly be welcoming a new pizza place.

Arriving in late May/early June, Portal Pizza will be a casual spot where people can pick up a pizza and a beer, and either take away or eat in (or outside) on the premises at number 35.

Portal Pizza already has a following among local pizza fans thanks to their popular pizza van at Topsham Brewery. Emily Brown, Jay Virok and Declan Beeson, and Jack Pulman are the team behind this business venture

and will be cooking up similar sort of fare, including margherita, and double pepperoni pizzas, orzo salad and roasted rosemary garlic potatoes, alongside a pint of Topsham Brewery Shiny Hazy Session Pale.

e will be Exeter’s first by the slice’ pizza shop,” says Jack.

“We will use seasonal produce from amazing local suppliers, extending our menu to include delicious ever changing small plates/bar snacks.”

For more: @portal_pizza_exeter

Cheers, Luke Davies!; BELOW: Cowick Barton pub on Cowick Lane

Emily Brown at their pizza pop-up at Topsham Brewary; INSET: Pizza

The Torbay festival will be a celebration of Devon food

The Tors Inn in the small village of Belstone, about 40 minutes from Exeter by car, epitomises everything you would want from a Dartmoor pub. It’s friendly, cosy, and has a well-stocked bar full of locally brewed beers, local and not-so-local wines, ciders, and everything in between. It was recently voted by Food & Drink Devon as the best Devon pub and you can see why.

Owners Dicky and Erin Harrison have worked in the hospitality industry for two decades, starting off at The Angel Bar in Queen Street, Exeter, with Dicky as the landlord before moving across the street to open Ruby. They sold Ruby to Five Guys just as the Guildhall Dining Quarter opened, allowing them to set up Ruby Diner at The Grapevine

THE TORS INN

Brewhouse in Exmouth. From the seaside, they headed inland and found themselves at The Tors Inn.

The pub, set 1000ft above sea level, is nestled right in Dartmoor National Park. Wild Dartmoor ponies, cattle, and sheep often wander past the windows, treating the village as their own.

Open all year round, the pub has three letting rooms for bed and breakfast, and an outdoor kitchen called The Shed that serves smoked meats, burgers, local ales, and ciders at numerous picnic tables on the Great Green. The beer garden has picturesque views of Cawsand Hill and the River Taw beyond and is “pub heaven” in the summer months, according to Dicky.

Inside, The Tors Inn offers simple pub classics; the portions are hearty, and perfect after a hike on the moors. On Sundays, they

serve a traditional roast, but make sure to book as it gets busy.

On my visit, I ate a delicious vegetarian pie stuffed with leeks, Stilton, and walnuts, served with buttery mash and greens. My friend chose a Smokey Joe from the burger menu, consisting of a Ruby Red Devon beef patty, smoked cheddar, caramelised onions, smoked bacon, and smokey mayo. The warm and comforting theme continues with the desserts, such as sticky toffee pudding and crumble. If you can’t fit in a wintery pudding, try a scoop or two of Taw River Dairy ice cream, as I did. It was completely delicious and made just down the road in North Tawton.

For more: www.thetorsinn.co.uk

DETAILS

The Torrs Inn, Belstone, Okehampton; www.thetorsinn.co.uk

Open Tuesday – Sunday (closed Sunday evening)

Parking No on-site parking. Use the village car park, a two-minute walk away

LEFT: Garden pub heaven in the summer; BELOW: The Tors is in the village of Belstone

“Wild Dartmoor ponies, cattle, and sheep often wander past the windows, treating the village as their own”

Our columnist, ballet-dancing foodie, and blogger TARA SMITH heads west for some hearty pub classics at the Dartmoor pub

A CORNER OF SPAIN IN THE HEART OF PRINCESSHAY

The only Spanish Tapas Restaurant in Exeter with a cocktail bar and views overlooking the Cathedral. £15 offer: 3 Tapas & a glass of house wine, beer or soft drink. Available Monday – Thursday.

Flamenca, Princesshay, Exeter, EX1 1GJ hola flamenca.co.uk 13 2 42 7 www.flamenca.co.uk. Follow us flamencaspanishtapas

Book now for Mothers Day!

THAI ME OVER

One of the many muchanticipated new openings in Exeter has been Rosa’s Thai in the Guildhall Shopping Centre, its first site in the South est. Here we speak to its co-founder, celebrated Thai chef Saiphin oore, who launched the first Rosa’s in London’s Spitalfields back in 2 .

By Lisa Evans and Harriet Noble

Why did you decide to bring your restaurant to Exeter?

Exeter is a city with a big Thai community and seems like the right choice to open the first Rosa’s Thai in the South est. Not only can locals enjoy our authentic Thai recipes but they can also be a part of the Rosa’s family as well. It’s brilliant to be able to create new opportunities for Thai locals and welcome them into our fast growing company.

What makes the food and experience stand out among the other Thai restaurants in the city?

e serve recipes that are close to my heart. They’re all based on family recipes passed down from my nan, my mum and all the aunties and uncles. Our chefs cook them according to my recipes, using ingredients from Thailand. It’s all about the experience of sharing a Thai meal in a casual environment rather than a formal setting which is what most Thai restaurants tend to do in the UK.

When did you leave Thailand?

I left when I was 1 . That was the first time I’d ever stepped foot outside of my village and onto an aeroplane! I always have such fond memories of growing up on the family farm, every morning helping my parents harvest fresh fruits and vegetables. e always cooked them straight away so I grew up eating the best produce. Even though I’ve been living overseas longer than in Thailand, I always make time to go back home, especially around Thai New Year in April.

Did your upbringing inspire your love of food?

y family didn’t have much – they’re farmers – but we’ve been fortunate to always have good food. I thought, why not set up my own business using these amazing ingredients? So, when I was 14 years old, I started a noodle stall in front of my parents’ house (it’s like having a lemonade stand). I was the first person in my family to leave for a new life abroad, so I guess you could say that I have built my own success, but not completely from scratch. ithout the knowledge and support my family has given me about food and how to be self-su cient, I wouldn’t have such a successful restaurant business today.

What is one dish you could eat every day for the rest of your life?

Oh, that’s a tough one. Either noodle soup or papaya salad.

What job did you do before you became a chef?

I was a nanny in Hong Kong. Then I eventually became a home cook too, making food for the family I was working with, and selling to the neighbours. That gave me the opportunity to open my own Thai grocery store with a little takeaway shop attached to it.

And who is the head chef in Exeter?

Our Exeter head chef is called Johny, he hails from Romania and joined Rosa’s as a junior sous before being promoted to his current role. He’s a really positive addition to the team and we’re so glad to have him on board.

www.rosasthaicafe.com

Saiphin saw Exeter as a great fit for her restaurant

EDUARD PAUL SCHIOPU

ROSA’S THAI

All hail the new Thai restaurant in the city

By Harriet Noble

Ihad high expectations for this new restaurant in the Guildhall Shopping Centre. Among their 32 outlets, I saw that they had a restaurant in ardiff and so reached out to a buddy of mine in the Welsh city. I received a ping back almost immediately. “Rosa’s is sensational,” wrote my lovely Welsh friend. “I order takeaway from there every month. Go there immediately, Harry.” And so, I did – and am thrilled to report that it did not disappoint.

This restaurant manages to be both a prolific boxticker and a place with a lot of heart. Box tickers here we come: the food is fantastic, the service is friendly and informal, and crucially, it’s very affordable – the most expensive dish on the menu is £13.95. Hence why, when we were there, the clientele was, well, pretty much everyone – families, students, date nights, friends – the whole shebang of Exeter’s peopled landscape was out tucking into and slurping zingy, delicious dishes.

The menu has all the hallmarks you’d expect from

a Thai restaurant amongst the curries, stir-fries, and noodles on offer are classics like ad Thai and cashew stir fries, alongside dishes like Rosa’s red duck pineapple curry and the drunken noodles, a fiery and fragrant dish which promises to be the ‘best hangover cure in the world’. Duly noted.

For starters, my friend ordered the chicken satay, a succulent and tasty dish with a scrumptious and very more-ish sauce. eanwhile, I had the fresh summer rolls: delicate sheets of translucent rice paper filled with tangysweet tamarind sauce and vegetables, served with chilli sauce and peanuts. Very light, very crunchy, and really spicy – exactly what I was after.

For mains, my pal had the assaman beef curry: the beef was the beautifully cooked, falling-apart sort, complemented by fragrant, warming spices. This was washed down with ai ao lager, a nice curry companion of a beer and a good option for anyone keen on low-alcohol percentage options. I had the Thai green curry because, well, I can never ever resist a Thai Green curry. It is beautiful. The best one I’ve had in years.

For desserts, we both ordered the som tum brownie bite, a delightful chocolate brownie accompanied by coconut ice cream and homemade tamarind sauce. The dessert is decadent, but not stodgy – like some brownies can be – with the refreshing ice cream giving us a promising hit of summer.

Normally when a restaurant has just opened, you can tell. There are, naturally and understandably, teething problems and the service and food might not be quite there yet. This was not the case at Rosa’s. The place ran like clockwork, but e ciency aside, it just had a really lovely vibe about it. The team working there were enthusiastic, super friendly and smiley.

I had actually been to Rosa’s the night before for the launch party; owner Saiphin spoke passionately, and very sweetly, about how she had grown this restaurant chain from scratch, and how her love for food propelled it into a vibrant business. She said, simply, that all the dishes come straight from her heart.

Her energy, talent, and warmth have set the tone for this lovely new restaurant. We will be returning. n

DINING DETAILS

Rosa’s Thai, Unit 22, Guildhall Shopping Centre, Queen Street, Exeter; www.rosasthai.com

Food options Curries, stir fry, noodles, salads, and puds. Good range of meat, veg and vegan dishes, spicy and not-so-spicy dishes

Prices Starters and snacks £3.25 –£7.50; mains £10-£13.95; desserts £1.95 – £6.25

Drinks Beers, wine, Thai iced drinks, bubble tea, and a good selection of Thai-inspired cocktails like Lychee ginger spritz

Atmosphere Friendly and informal

The fiery d h ro e to e the e t han o er ure n the orld

© SUE MCQUEENIE

© SUE MCQUEENIE

© MARCUS HOLDSWORTH

© SUE MCQUEENIE

SEEN!

ACROSS EXETER, ONE SHINDIG AT A TIME

CHAUFFEUR, SO GOOD!

A party was recently held to celebrate the re-launch of the VI executive chauffeur company Hilton-Ames and welcome Louise Ames as a new director.

The event held at The Forge at Winslade Manor, Exeter, welcomed 100 guests with gin cocktails created and served by the Trevethan Distillery team. Drinks from the bar and delicious woodfire pizzas were served throughout the evening.

h ltona e hauffeur o

Photos By Matt Round Photography

Mark and Jazz Amphlett, and Sara Watkins-Schmidt

Glen King and Carly Fordy

Matt Mills, Jennie Hilton and Jim Myers

Matt Williamson and Louis Greenaway

Pizzas for everyone

Jack Nicholls, Tommy Rowe, Del Small and Melisa Tayler

Party time at Hilton-Ames

Chloe Leonard, Layal Karime and Sarah Bell

COLSON’S RESTAURANT OPENING

Colson’s Restaurant, located within Hotel Indigo just off the High Street, recently had its opening night where guests were treated to tempura battered oyster, pressed beef cheek, macarons and colourful cocktails.

It was brilliant to welcome so many guests to our beautiful restaurant, said head chef harlotte Vincent.

“We wanted to showcase our restaurant’s elegance and unique style alongside our incredible food and drink offering.

www.colsonsrestaurant.co.uk

Photos By Veerle Evans

John Harvey, Rhi Bates and Drew Ellis

Karen Skerrat, Charlotte Vincent ,and Sally Mckillop

Guests mingled at the bar

Chantelle Znideric and Rebecca Coonan

Deborah Allen and Cody Leigh Embley

Tasty mouthfuls at Colson’s

Lauren Heath and Natalie Millar Partridge

Dave Jones and Matt Phillips

Sam Paley, Stephen Wray, Agne Seikyte, James Voisey, Jason Kerr, and Alistair Tudor

EDUCATION

HIGHLIGHTS FROM EXETER’S EDUCATION SECTOR

NURSE IT BETTER

Despite recognition of the value and rewards of nursing, we all know there is a global shortage. The International Council of Nurses reported a shortage of 13 million nurses to respond to the needs of ageing populations and international health challenges. In England, there is likely to be a shortage of over 140,000 nurses by 2030.

The University of Exeter responded to the workforce challenge by launching a pioneering nurse education programme in 2019. Unusually, the programme provides an option for students to register as both an adult nurse and a mental health nurse and also to exit with a asters qualification. The four-year programme is underpinned by seven pillars of learning, which contribute to the Exeter nurse having the necessary knowledge, skills and values to become the best they can be.

One student nurse, Jess Black, says several reasons motivated her to choose Exeter’s MSci Nursing Programme when pursuing her dream to become a nurse, including the dual registration option.

“This appealed to me because I have an interest in emergency care

LEFT: Students can become both adult nurses and mental health nurses;

ABOVE: The Masters Programme has a smaller cohort than most other unis

and felt this would be a good fit. I also felt a strong a liation with one of Exeter’s pillars of nursing, ‘no health without mental health’. The course also has a smaller cohort compared to other universities which provides a more personal environment for learning.”

Second year student, Orianne Capsticks adds, So far, I have conducted four radically different placements in varying settings, and I have an upcoming elective placement abroad in Sri Lanka. This opportunity to work in a healthcare system that is on the verge of collapse will highlight the necessity to think and act proactively, especially if there are limited resources.”

Professor Ann Gallagher, head of nursing at the University of Exeter says, “Our students can feel proud that their chosen profession is one of the most respected and impactful, locally and globally. We are developing the necessary knowledge, skills and values for 21st century nursing through our innovative educational programme which enables students to develop the clinical and ethical competence and confidence needed to achieve excellence in health and social care.”

or ore e eter a u

This year, the first cohort of nurses will graduate from the University of Exeter’s pioneering nurse education Masters programme. So, what makes it so innovative?

“I felt a strong a l at on th one of Exeter’s llar o nur n , no health thout ental health

JADE OTTY

Eight years since its last inspection, Ofsted again confirmed that Exeter College is ‘outstanding’. So, what goes on behind the scenes to achieve this accolade? And what are the big plans for 2023?

Vice principal Jade Otty fills us in…

Exeter ollege recently achieved ‘outstanding’, the top Ofsted rating across all four sections: quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development and leadership and management. The college’s sixth form provision, adult learning and apprenticeships were also rated as outstanding. This makes Exeter ollege the first college in the country to achieve the highest judgement in both elements of Ofsted’s new enhanced inspections. An impressive achievement to say the least.

Congrats on the Ofsted report, Jade! What specific things were highlighted as being outstanding? What made your hearts sing?

Thank you – we are all delighted. We are especially proud of the report because it is for everyone; without our partners in the city and region it would not have been possible to showcase the amazing curriculum and experiences that our learners benefit from. Of

course, at the college it is our staff who bring the exceptional to life for our learners and apprentices. We are so pleased that Ofsted commented on how tirelessly they work to ensure that the college is a vibrant learning community and how well they support individuals to flourish.

In terms of hearts singing, it was fantastic to be recognised by Ofsted not just for our work to get learners to the most competitive university places nationally, in areas such as medicine, but also for improving opportunities for the most disadvantaged, to ensure that everyone gets the support they need to fulfil their potential.

Last summer’s grades were record-breaking for the college. How did you do it?

Our values at the college are ambition, collaboration and energy. Our staff really embody these values and it is the last one that particularly encapsulates why our learners achieve the amazing things they do. The energy our staff give to the care and teaching of our students every day is incredible. There is no magic formula; amazing teachers, sharing the subject or skill they are energised and passionate about, leads to exceptional results for learners.

For countless students and parents, it’s the nurturing and encouragement that

really matters. How does the college implement that in daily life?

For us this has always been central. A college is a community, and people can only be their best if they are somewhere they feel included and cared for – that goes for staff as well as students. That’s why we have a focus on personal tutoring, wellbeing, extra activities such as visits and trips, as well as clubs and societies run by students themselves. We know that when students choose to come to us, they are looking not just for an exceptional education but opportunities to learn about the world and themselves and make new friends. So, it was great to see the inclusive nature of our college community and the amazing personal development opportunities given to learners praised by Ofsted.

Can you tell us a little about the journey to reaching this Ofsted standard? What big changes and improvements happened in the past year to maintain the ‘outstanding’ level?

It involved enormous effort from everyone. Last time when Ofsted visited, we had a clear mission to be Ofsted outstanding, which we achieved. But this time our vision for the college was to be ‘exceptional’ – so something beyond outstanding. Everyone understood and shared this goal, and that was vital to achieving it. But equally building it into our curriculum strategy was key. etting teams to reflect over the last couple of years on what made their curriculum offer unique or special for their learners and getting them to tell us what would make it even more so, made the vision of exceptional tangible and kept momentum going. Our hope was to get Ofsted to see us as exceptional, so it was great that the relatively short report used the word four times!

What have you got planned for the rest of 2023?

In September 2023, our employer and industry-designed Retrofit Skills entre is opening to provide cutting-edge facilities to train in the latest methods to help our city and council meet its carbon zero agenda.

In summer 2023, we also look forward to opening the first community-accessible 3 rugby pitch in Exeter, in partnership with local rugby clubs and Exeter hiefs.

In terms of curriculum, we have more community courses coming through the Urban Learning Academy, and at the college we are expanding Skills Bootcamps courses and Higher Technical ualifications to meet skill needs in areas such as digital, green construction and engineering. n For more: www.exe-coll.ac.uk

“This summer, we look forward to opening the fir t o un ty a e le ru y pitch in Exeter”

Congratulations, Exeter college!; INSET: Vice principal, Jade Otty

SCHOOL GUIDE VICTORIA BOND

AI or A*?

The rise of the chatbot homework cheat, ChatGPT

Across the land, teachers are huddling over essays in school staff rooms trying to figure out who – or what – has written the homework. Is it A* or AI? Bot or not?

hat T, an artificial intelligence language model that can generate human-like text in real time, only launched in November, but the freakishly intelligent tool is already making seismic waves in schools. Input a basic task or question, and it can spew out a sonnet; write a piece of music fix computer code; oh… and write your child’s GCSE history essay while they scroll through TikTok.

It’s been called both a flashy

CHAT UP LINES

I decided to try ChatGPT myself. It was free to sign up and took less than two minutes to join its two million active daily users. I asked the below question, and the answer was generated in just a few seconds. It felt more engaging than Wikipedia and required way less effort than a cut-and-paste job via Google. Pretty impressive.

demo with zero understanding of the real world’ and ‘the beginning of the end of homework as we know it’.

In the United States, where an experiment saw it fly through a set of medical school final exams in less time than it would take to apply a sticking plaster, ChatGPT has already been banned from students’ devices in thousands of schools. It’s the new educational bogeyman.

British teachers are taking a more pragmatic approach.

Alleyn’s School in London hit the headlines when its head teacher announced they would no longer set essays as homework for fear of ChatGPT cheats. Instead they would switch to meaningful research tasks at home and essays

Q: In simple terms, what is ChatGPT?

A ChatGPT is an AI model developed by OpenAI that uses deep learning to generate human-like text. It’s trained on a large amount of data from the internet, including websites, books, and social media, so it can answer questions and have conversations with people. When you ask ChatGPT something, it processes your request, generates an answer based on its training, and sends it back to you. The goal of ChatGPT is to provide helpful and informative responses that seem like they were written by a person.

would only be written – robotfree – in class.

Schools know banning things rarely works in an environment where young minds are hardwired to figure out workarounds. Indeed, savvy teens have already sussed-out that you can ask ChatGPT to write in a specific style to deep fake work.

“I can ask it to produce an essay on Romeo and Juliet in the style of a British 14-year old so it adds in a couple of grammatical errors and even spelling mistakes typical of someone my age,” one Year 10 pupil told me.

But would it make sense to go one step further and embrace ChatGPT and its potential as an educational tool? Some argue it could help students decipher facts from so-called hallucinations –when ChatGPT gives completely wrong answers with absolute confidence – and stop eneration Google thinking that asking Alexa equates to any kind of academic research. It could, in theory, offer highly personalised tutoring and also better prepare

students to work alongside AI systems as adults. Schools could treat ChatGPT the way they treat calculators – allowing it for some assignments, but not others.

I would argue there is much more interesting learning at stake, however, for those who dictate how we test our children. British pupils are squished into an examination system that rewards learning by rote and gives the highest grades for the best regurgitators of facts. Critical thinking, despite the very best efforts of every single person with a teaching qualification, has no room in league tables. Our children are bot-like and, while this technology is still learning, our bots are child-like. Change what children are being asked to do; and perhaps the problem of bots short-circuiting education will simply go away.

Victoria Bond is the 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

“It can write your child’s GCSE history essay while they scrollTikTok”through

Will ChatGPT make homework a thing of the past?

I met my husband when he was working in the town where I was living - he’s in the Royal Military Police. We married in 2010 and, soon after, moved to a base and our new home in Germany.

I was a typical military wife; I did clerical work for the Army, but I found the work wasn’t demanding; my husband’s career seemed more important. My final job in the unit was as an audio typist, typing up interviews after caution, something which did inform my move into law.

In 2017 we were about to be posted back to the UK so I started searching for jobs. I spotted an opening for a legal secretary with The Family Law Company which sounded very interesting and a bit different. My first thought was ‘How can I, I’m not qualified?”. But reading through the job description, I knew that with my experience in clerical and secretarial work, I could do it. There’s nothing like grabbing the bull by the horns so I applied, and the very next day Rachel Buckley - who is now Joint MD - asked me to come in for an interview. Of course, I was still in Germany; so, we opted for Skype, which refused to work, so the interview ended up being by Facetime on a mobile phone!

A Pathway into Law

From military wife to Family Lawyer by

Zoe Hewines

We moved into our new home in late October and a week later I started my new job. What was great from the outset was realising that the company saw the potential in people, even if they had no legal experience. One brilliant lawyer, Gemma Sparks, started out as a legal secretary - she’s now a Director. I soon realised how much I enjoyed helping people through their client journey. Within six months I found myself thinking about becoming a lawyer.

If you don’t ask, you don’t get. So I did ask and started my studies with the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives soon after. I’m now a trainee Legal executive getting to grips with more and more responsible and complex work. I started off doing straightforward tasks such as booking barristers, giving simple instructions to clients and planning responses. This led to me preparing applications and statements, then taking full statements. Now I’m fully preparing documents and undertaking hearings and lots more. Basically I’m doing the job of a qualified lawyer, albeit under supervision.

The encouragement I’ve received is immense. I’ve needed flexibility as my

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

husband often works away and I have a young family to care for; The Family Law Company gives me all the support I need. It’s not just lip service – they’ve helped me to change my working hours to work around childcare.

The majority of my work is currently within legal aid and private law children. It’s hard work but extremely interesting ensuring relationships continue between children and their parents. Unusually perhaps, quite a few of my clients are dads with full time care of their children. Whatever the situation, my aim is to get the right result for the children and help parents understand what is in their best interests.

My military experience has already come in handy, and specialising in military divorce does appeal. I have a lot of empathy with life in the forces, the complexities of pension schemes and accommodation.

I now have a career that works for me and includes stability for my family. I’m totally committed to family law; it’s rewarding and challenging. I’m hoping to qualify in 2024 and from there, who knows? The Family Law Company provides plenty of opportunities for those who want them.

HEALTH & WELLBEING

BRINGING YOU ALL THE GOOD STUFF FOR THE MIND, BODY AND SOUL

THE RETREAT

Harriet

Fortunately for us Exonians, the newly opened Retreat, part of Hotel Indigo on atherine Street, just off the High Street is open to anyone, not just hotel guests. The spa features two hydro pools, a sauna and steam room and a Niagra Falls rainfall shower. There’s also a comfy lounging about area if you need to take a break from the relaxing which, as it turns out, I did.

I spent a heavenly two hours in this spa, padding around gently – fluffy white dressing gown and slippers provided, naturally – from one section to the other. I got into a good pattern of heating up in the sauna and steam room, enjoying the bubbles in the hydro pools and then getting a nice hit of cold in the rainfall shower. The shower, intended to drench and purify you in a ‘tropical environment’, has four different settings: tropical rain, cold mist, spring rain, and Caribbean storm. Spring rain – if I remember correctly – is the rather chilly one, but as any wild swimmer will know, stick with it and a

low-key waterboarding moment of cold water will have you buzzing.

The hydro pools are also set with buttons which dictate the strength of bubble, which can see you sitting with anything from a babbling brook vibe, to a full vibrant cauldron-like state of bubbliness.

Spa décor can verge on the clinical side but this one is super cosy.

The hydro pools are nestled under a canopy of stars, and little flickering candles create an outdoor-inside ambiance. There are also wellthought-out details that I really dig, like the machine in the changing room that dries your wet cossie in about 30 seconds. Game-changer!

Exeter doesn’t have many spas so I have no doubt this one will prove popular with locals. Do opt for one of the treatments while you’re there. I had a fantastic bespoke full body massage afterwards which pummeled out all the winter aches and pains and left me feeling all brand-new and raring to go.

SPA DETAILS

Spa Up to two hours

For non-residence £30 MondayThursday; £35 Friday-Sunday

For hotel guests £20 Monday-Thursday; £25 Friday-Sunday

Treatments A full body massage cost £75 (50 mins); other massage treatments include facials, pregnancy massages, head wraps and scrubs; prices range from £35-£90

Anything else? The Retreat also does manicures, pedicures and waxing.

The Retreat, 3 Catherine Street, Exeter; www.hotelindigo.com

Noble submerges herself in tranquil rainfall showers, steamy saunas, and luxe hydro pools at Exeter’s newest spa

The steam and sauna rooms

The Retreat is spacious but cosy

VEERLE EVENS

MEET THE CARE HOME MANAGER

Looking for a high-quality residential care home near Exeter? These local care home managers share how they create a warm and welcoming environment for residents in their care homes

HELEN HULME

MULBERRY HOUSE

01626 833246

www.bucklandcare.co.uk

Tell us about your care home...

Mulberry House is a beautifully designed 42-bed Residential Care Home within the ‘Gateway of Dartmoor’ offering residential care and dementia care. We have four communal areas and the home is set in stunning grounds with wonderful countryside views.

What do you love most about being a care home manager?

I am passionate about being a Home Manager as I am able to love what I do and make a difference to people’s lives, which is wonderful. I view Mulberry House residents and staff as family and working and caring for them is a privilege.

What makes your care home unique?

Mulberry House does not seem like a care home when you enter. The owners wanted it to feel like more of a Country House Hotel than a care home and that definitely has been achieved. The interior design is beautiful and the atmosphere is calm, relaxed and welcoming.

What challenges do you face at the moment?

Our semi-rural location at Mulberry House means it can be difficult to access for staff who don’t drive. The owners have tackled this issue by offering a transport service from a central pick up point in Newton Abbot for staff who live there.

What are the future ambitions for your care home?

We are constantly working to enhance residents’ lives and the home they live in. We are currently working on our garden project with the residents for the summer. We have built raised beds for residents to grow their own plants, planted fruit trees and we have plans for a polytunnel. The residents came up with the idea of building a beach within the grounds, so this is being worked on to be ready for the summer. We also aim to become a well-established part of the community and invite more of the community in to spend time with our residents and make the home a bustling community.

What should people consider most when choosing a care home?

My mother was placed in a care home and so I have had the experience of being a family member as well as a staff member. We encourage visitors to talk to current residents, as well as staff and relatives to gain proper insight into life at the care home. One of our relatives has said she would like to make herself available to talk to prospective families to share her positive experiences.

NIKKI SHAYLER

THE FIRS RESIDENTIAL HOME

01395443394

www.bucklandcare.co.uk

Tell us about your care home...

The Firs is an established residential and dementia care home with an outstanding reputation in Budleigh Salterton.

What are your care home’s best achievements over the last 12 months?

In the past twelve months we have won the ‘Outstanding Managers Award for East Devon’. We have been rated ‘GOOD’ by the CQC in all five areas of inspection. We were finalists in The Great British Care Awards 2022 for palliative care and our kitchen was rated 5 stars by the FSA. We have been prioritising fundraising and were able to raise £475 for the British Lung foundation and £490 for the Alzheimer’s memory walk. A family member raised £605 for the Residents’ Fund to thank us for providing outstanding care to their loved one.

What is the top priority in your care home right now?

To continue to develop as a care home and achieve an ‘Outstanding’ rating with the Care Quality Commission. To continue to promote a positive ethos that is built around all the individuals who reside at The Firs. We are focusing on staff development to ensure the safety of individuals receiving and giving care and to maintain high standards of care quality.

What do you love most about being a care home manager?

Although working in the care industry is very demanding, I find it incredibly rewarding. I thrive on making a difference to each individual’s wellbeing. The Firs staff team and residents are like a family which makes coming to work a positive environment.

What makes your care home unique?

Our staff team are extraordinary – we are nicknamed ‘The Firs Angels’ by family members. We ensure the highest quality of care is at the heart of everything we do, leading with compassion, dignity, respect and kindness.

What should people consider most when choosing a care home?

People need to be sure that their loved ones will be in an understanding, nurturing environment with professionals who have the experience and knowledge to safely care for them. It is important that people check the homes CQC inspection rating on their website as well as reviews on carehome.co.uk.

THE FUTURE OF PRIVATE HOSPITAL CARE IS HERE

The NEW NORTH BRISTOL PRIVATE HOSPITAL is passionate about patient care

This new facility of medical excellence is set to become the private treatment epicentre for patients in Bristol and the south west of England and Wales. The North Bristol Private Hospital (NBPH) has individualised, bespoke treatments at the heart of its offering, with expert care within exemplary facilities locally. With an eye on the detail and patient welfare at its core, your stay at NBPH promises to provide the best possible recovery experience. Plus, it’s located only a 30-minute drive from Bristol Airport and very close to both the M4 and M5 motorway junctions, and Bristol Parkway Train Station.

MEET OUR VIBRANT SENIOR MANAGEMENT TEAM

Kelly Cavallo (back centre) is hospital operations manager, in charge of running our facility and staff to the highest standards. Ms Elena Prousskaia, a consultant plastic surgeon (front centre), is our medical director. Maria Porter (right) the theatre manager is in charge of running our theatres safely and efficiently. Lynn Cottle (left) is our administration lead and patient coordinator, and is always there for our patients to make every step of their journey with us a wonderful experience.

A PASSION FOR EXCELLENCE

Specialist care governed by safety will be the hallmark of your hospital treatment. You can expect best-in-class nursing support and clinical facilities delivered in luxurious surroundings and supreme comfort.

YOUR TREATMENT, OUR SPECIALITY

Whether you are visiting us for cosmetic surgery, a routine operation or medical treatment, our facilities are designed to make your entire journey smooth, safe, relaxed, and comfortable.

AT NORTH BRISTOL PRIVATE HOSPITAL, WE PROMISE:

• Meticulously trained administrative and front of house staff

• Exceptional management staff who take pride in making your treatment journey as smooth and enjoyable as possible

• Friendly specialist consultation provided in the privacy of comfortable chaperoned consultation rooms

• Excellent and spacious operating theatres and treatment rooms

• Round-the-clock nursing staff, with femaleonly team available on request

• Ultimate in luxury and comfortable surroundings for the perfect post-operative overnight stay – a home from home experience

• A variety of restaurant options and comfortable hotel accommodation facilities for your family and visitors within walking distance

• Free onsite parking

Come and see why we are different and contact us for a consultation. n

150 Aztec West, Bristol, BS32 4UB; www.northbristolprivatehospital.co.uk; info@NBPH.co.uk;

OPENING OFFER

The North Bristol Private Hospital is offering an introductory opening promotion to the first 20 patients who contact us for a free 15-minute mini-cosmetic consultation with our expert patient advisor. To book your free consultation appointment, please email us at info@NBPH.co.uk quoting ‘Exeter Living Magazine’ offer.

The Senior Management Team

EXETERWORKS

THE BIG FOUR

LET

THE GAMES BEGIN

Bigwave Business

Games is making a mighty return this year. The games bring local Exeter businesses together to socialise, network and participate in a range of exciting physical, mental, and social activities. At the core of the event is a fundraising ethos, and each team helps to raise money for local charities. The 2023 games includes a number of events throughout Exeter including:

• 19 May: Clip ‘N’ Climb, at Clip ‘N’ Climb Exeter

• 5 June: Mini Olympics/ Bubble Football Tournament, at Riverside

WAIT A TECH

South West Agri-Tech is a brand-new conference taking place on 20 April at Exeter Racecourse, which will showcase the latest opportunities and development in agri-tech, the sector dedicated to e cient, sustainable food production.

“Following the G7 summit in Cornwall there has been a lot of discussion around the wealth of talent we have in the area,” explains Joanna Rufus, chair of South est AgriTech. e have over 2 small to medium sized agri-tech companies and 64 business support organisations –including centres of excellence – which generate a turnover of more than £371m a year.

“Together with major employers including Arla Foods UK, Mole Valley Farmers, Thatchers Cider, ABP and Yeo Valley, agricultural companies in the South West contribute more than £3bn in gross value added to the UK economy.

To help profile some of the exciting research, development and commercially

Leisure Centre

• 13 June: Treasure Hunt, at The Terrace

• 21 June: Pub Quiz, at The Terrace

• 29 June: Golf, at Exeter Golf and Country Club

• 7 July: Bell Boat Race, at the Quay

For more: www.bigwavebusinessgames.co.uk

POWER PANEL

To chime with International Women’s Day, local community group Six Degrees is hosting a number of events throughout March, most notably a Power Panel discussion on 15 March from 10am-12noon, at The Hall on Stepcote Hill, featuring trailblazing panellists who’ll be sharing their experiences, views and insights. The panel includes:

Amanda Alexander CEO of Female Dignity, the enterprise leading a revolution against menstrual poverty through menstrual education.

Tumi Siwoku (inset)

The beauty chemist and Scientific Innovations lead who is committed to encouraging young women to get into STEM roles, particularly in the beauty industry.

Tanuvi

Ethunandan

Founder of Data

Duopoly, the company which solves major industry problems with innovative tech-based solutions.

Jaye Cowle

Founder of Launch, the happy performance agency. Finding herself too often the only female founder in the room, Jaye is on a mission to champion women in digital. For more: www.sixdegrees-exeter.co.uk

LET’S GET DIGITAL

Exeter digital marketing business Optix Solutions is relaunching its annual event, Digital Trends, which aims to bring attendees bang up to date with the latest thinking.

available technology in the region, the new conference will feature a range of outdoor robotic and drone demonstrations, an indoor market place with dedicated networking time, and high-profile speakers.

“We want the whole farming, horticulture and agri-tech community to attend, and learn how such exciting developments have a genuine and practical role to play within agricultural businesses, adds Joanna.

For more: www.southwestagritech.org.uk

This time round it’s at The Forge at Winslade ark on 15 arch. The schedule includes three keynote speakers, interactive workshops and ask-theexpert clinics. One of the speakers will be creative lead Ross iddleham from the et O ce who will provide insights into how the national meteorological service built TikTok into its marketing strategy.

“It’s a real challenge to keep up with changes within the digital landscape, as they seem to happen pretty much on a daily basis, says Optix co-founder Alastair Banks.

“Having a sound creative marketing strategy is more important than ever. ith Digital Trends we’re giving delegates the tools to stay informed and stay ahead for the coming year – plus some quick wins and a few new tricks. For more: www.optixsolutions.co.uk

High-profile agricultural speakers will be herd

From boat races to agri-tech conferences, insights from the Met Office to lively panel discussions, take your pick from these bold business events coming to Exeter over the next few months

Fun and games with your work buddies

7 March, Avon Bristol Entreconf, Avon

The region’s conference for entrepreneurs and partners returns with a live interview with Nick Hounsfield, founder and chief visionary o cer of The ave, the first inland surfing destination in Bristol. Expect an incredible story of entrepreneurialism, business strategy and future thinking. www.entreconf.com

7 March, 9.30am-11.30 (online) Cash flow forecasting

MORE DATES FOR THE DIARY WINNING BIG

Exeter Connect are collaborating with Embrace Finance to deliver free online courses to help build financial resilience in the sector. This event in arch will look at how to do cashflow forecasting. www.exeterconnect.org

16 March, 9.30am – 16.30 Westpoint Arena, Exeter

10th South West Business Expo

ith over 2 exhibitors and thousands of attendees, this is an opportunity to network and learn about the latest trends and innovations in industry. Hear from 25 speakers, who will provide valuable insights and information.

www.southwestbusinessexpo.co.uk

MOVERS AND SHAKERS ETC GOOD CHARLOTTE

Exeter hamber has appointed harlotte c regor as its new vice chair. harlotte, artner of ollens Solicitors, has served as a board director of Exeter hamber since November 2 21 and joins Tim adsworth of Bespa Ltd in the joint role. www.exeterchamber.co.uk

WHAT A KNIGHT

Bertram Fairbanks, formerly known as Bertram Law, has recently appointed Julia Knight as a new partner and head of commercial property at its head o ce at Belvedere House, ynes Hill. ith nearly twenty years’ experience, Julia advises clients on all aspects of commercial property work ranging from sole traders to large corporate entities. www.bertramfairbanks.co.uk

DOUBLE WIN

Newton Abbot-based Thrive®, the provider of wellbeing training for educators, is celebrating after winning two prizes at the Digital Education Awards. The company won the Digital Health and ellbeing Learning roduct of the Year category and was also unveiled as the overall old inner at the event, which attracted entries from 14 countries. www.thriveapproach.com

A 22-year-old entrepreneur from Exeter has won a prize for her innovative business project. Elizabeth Chandler was awarded a Young Innovators Award for The Good Robot Company, the business she created to help organisations detect and eliminate bias in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning ( L) systems, so that companies can create better, more inclusive services. The awards recognise young people with

great business ideas who have the potential to become successful entrepreneurs and future leaders in innovation and, as one of the South est winners, Elizabeth will take a share of the £1.25 million prize fund, and join a cohort of 4 young people aged 1 to 3 with business ideas that could change the world. She will also benefit from a 5, grant, one-on-one business coaching and an allowance to cover living costs.

“At the core of my drive is the ambition to make a difference, a positive impact on society and aid in advancing technology – Innovate UK’s young innovator program allowed me to reach for the stars,” says Elizabeth.

“The program seeks to nurture your entrepreneurial skills and accelerate your innovation. For me the award created a feeling of empowerment. I finally had the opportunity and resources to not only develop my AI L bias detection service further but also developed my confidence as an entrepreneur. For more: www.iuk.ktn-uk.org

KEEP IT CLEAN

South est independent recycling and waste management company D has signed an exclusive agreement with the Ocean Recovery Project to give a new lease of life to plastic waste found along the South est’s coastline. arine plastic waste collected through beach cleans run by Keep Britain Tidy’s Ocean Recovery Project will now be used in the making of D ’s new recycled furniture product, the

Atlantic Ocean Bench. The bench is made from 1 per cent recycled plastic with at least 2 per cent of the material collected from the ocean. It’s handmade to order with 1 per cent of all sales being donated to the Ocean Recovery Project to help fund the environmental charity’s valuable work in promoting beach cleans and running educational campaigns. For more: www.dcw.co.uk

Congratulations Elizabeth!

The benches are made from recycled plastic

A Green Future

Over 70 attendees from across the business community gathered at Barnfield theatre on 2 February to hear talks from a range of sustainability professionals on how Exeter can reach its goal of net zero by 2 3 .

lodagh urphy, chair of E IST, the STE subgroup of Exeter hamber, and tech specialist, hosted the event and sparked As with the speakers and audience.

Karime Hassan shared with the audience the council’s vision and plan, and what work must be done to support collaboration and building capability among the city institutions.

Sustainability is at the heart of being a great’ city-region, said Karime.

e need to take a whole systems approach to net zero, meaning we need to look at all the components together and create positive social change.

Exeter’s Net ero lan, adopted by the ouncil in 2 1 , sets out a series of practical actions that local authorities, organisations, and individuals can take, with associated carbon savings and cost, all of which Exeter will need to put in place in order to become net-zero carbon.

DIGITAL TWINS

rofessor Tim Dodwell, of one of Exeter’s newest start-ups, digiLab, explained the pivotal role of digital twins’ in the city’s journey to net zero.

I really care about sustainability and I’m good at AI – but what can I do to make a difference? For me, it was starting a business to help industry leaders make actionable decisions through digital twin solutions. y colleagues and I are driven by our desire and dedication to build a more sustainable future.

Digital twins is a term many of us are unfamiliar with, I’m sure. rof. Dodwell explained that digital twins are a digital representation of an intended or actual realworld physical product, system, or process that: rovides realistic what if’ simulations based on historic and live data.

uantifies the likelihood or uncertainty of potential outcomes.

rovides visual outputs, which are interpretable by decision makers.

This concept can be used to make a twin city, and therefore can make a digital Exeter, with an initial focus on urban solar farm capacity. Digital twins can identify the city’s roof capacity for solar usage using AI which delivers a digital representation.

CARBON ACCOUNTING

Jo uncaster delved into the world of carbon accounting and the fundamental role this plays in businesses working towards their net zero goals. But what is carbon accounting? It’s simply the practice of quantifying and reporting a business or organisation’s carbon footprint. The

SPEAKERS AT THE EVENT

• Karime Hassan, chief exec and growth director of Exeter City Council and CEO of Exeter City Futures

• Professor Tim Dodwell co founder and CTO of digiLab

• Philip Cottingham, associate electrical design engineer of Hoare Lea

• Jo Muncaster, carbon accountant and chair for the South West sustainability committee at the ICAEW

• Johanna Mitchell and Dave Covell, sustainability consultants at ClearLead SLR

• Fraser Browning, technical evaluator in the sustainability team at the University of Exeter.

information produced from carbon accounting is used to set targets for reducing emissions and to identify potential areas to implement solutions.

Jo shared why we all need to start thinking about carbon accounting.

If you’re a business that consumes 4 h of energy a year, this is a regulatory requirement, she said.

But commercially we’re seeing more customers and suppliers asking how your business fit in with their net zero plans, creating a knock-on effort down the supply chain.

arbon accounting isn’t just a one-off process; this is something that needs doing regularly. Invest in building those skills in house or even look to fund a tool that you can integrate with your existing reporting contract.

No one said achieving net zero would be easy. Now is the time to recognise those biggest challenges and really consider what strategy you’re going to take to mitigate and manage them, and don’t be shy about it.

hen asked what her top tip for small businesses looking to start their carbon accounting journey was, Jo said:

o to the S E limate Hub. It’s endorsed by the UK overnment and UN and, what’s more, its free. This really is a great place to start.

EXIST’s next event in the Net Zero series will focus on Exeter’s Circular Economy and takes place on 29 June; www.exeterchamber.co.uk

BOTH IMAGES © STEVE HAYWOOD

Exeter has set its own ambitious target of reaching net zero by 2030, but how do we get there and what needs to be done? EXIST (Exeter Initiative for Science & Technology) recently launched its first event in a series of Net Zero themed events to tackle the big questions. Rachael Miles reports back...

Professor Tim Dodwell

JOURNEY TO THE JOB

Josh Tate

16-year-old Josh Tate, a student at Exeter College, recently made national headlines as the youngest (most probably!) newsreader in the UK after joining Radio Exe. So, what’s the secret to this Uffculme teenager’s success? We find out as Josh talks us through his journey to the job...

Hi Josh! What did you want to be when you were little?

y first ambition was to become an airline pilot, but that aspiration went west when I discovered I was colour blind. Luckily, through my interest in sports journalism, I found a new opportunity at Devon’s Radio Exe.

Did you like school?

Uffculme School has made me! I had great friends and inspirational teachers. y favourite subjects were English and E, and I represented my school in football and rugby. I couldn’t drop Art fast enough though.

Tell us about your first job… I do a Saturday job at my local garden centre, the Old ell arden entre in Uffculme. They supported me all the way with my radio and sports activities.

How did you get into radio?

hen I wanted some work experience, my friend’s mum had a contact at Radio Exe and asked them to see me. I turned up for what I thought would be an interview to chat about maybe doing some match reports at Exeter ity. A young broadcast journalist called Brad

Hardware said, He’s got a great voice, give him a test – and it all escalated from there!

What do you like about working in radio?

I enjoy everything that I get up to at Radio Exe, especially going on air. They’ve let me have a go at sports bulletins, hiefs’ reports, tra c and travel and the morning headlines, and now I’m on air four or five days a week.

I relish all the experiences that come my way, whether it’s doing live blogs or reports from Exeter hiefs or Exeter ity matches, creating radio packages for Ollie Heptinstall’s Sunday show, and even theatre reviews. If you want to hear me, you can listen to some of my sports bulletins throughout the week, and I read morning headlines on Fridays on att Rogers’ show!

Describe your on-air style… y style is to talk conversationally, because this makes it sound like I’m not reading from a script, even though everyone knows I am. I’ve been taught to speak with confidence, and not to worry if I stumble or mispronounce something.

Do you get nervous?

It’s all quite astonishing! I was so nervous before my SEs to the point where I would be physically sick. But broadcasting live seems like my environment and I don’t really feel anxious, especially as I’ve prepped before going on air. y nerves turn to excitement!

What is the most challenging thing about it?

This industry is all about meeting deadlines. riting short pieces is harder than writing longer ones, and I have to improve my spelling as the software doesn’t correct errors, and someone else could then fall all over my script! I study at Exeter ollege alongside working at the radio station, and separately I’m doing a journalism qualification, so I need to ensure I don’t take on too much.

What skills do you need to be an ace broadcaster?

You must have confidence, but it also comes down to the voice and how you communicate with the audience, in an informative and fun way.

You’re only 16 – were you amazed to land this job at such

a young age? What do you think are your winning qualities that made the bosses at Radio Exe give you this role?

I was thrilled to be offered this opportunity, but I am a determined individual and work hard to learn from others at Radio Exe. Early on, they told me I never have to do anything I don’t want to do, but once I say yes, I have to meet the deadline. And I say yes to just about everything. It’s led to me reading the news nationally on Times Radio, and invitations to go to that station as well as Sky and the BB . y life has changed so fast.

What does the road ahead look like for you?

I aim to anchor sports programmes on Sky Sports or a TV or radio sports channel. That’s my current goal but I am also determined to stay grounded and humble, remembering where I come from and taking whatever opportunities come my way.

When you are not working, what do you like to get up to?

I’m a great sports fan, especially Formula 1, and I’m planning to pilot a podcast through Radio Exe to kick off the new season. y mum worried about me playing rugby, so I’ve stopped that – some battles aren’t worth fighting – and started at a gym. And I’m a teenage boy, so I like talking to teenage girls.

What’s the most surprising thing about you?

I can write a 21-second sports report covering three sports, record it, and get it ready for broadcast all while propped up in bed. Some days I’ve done several bulletins, my college homework and some Radio Exe journalism practice, all without getting out of my pyjamas.

Lastly, who would play you in a movie about you?

Rishi Sunak. For a prime minister, he’s young, good-looking and making lots of mistakes he hopes no one notices. It’s just like me at Radio Exe.

For more: www.radioexe.co.uk

“SOME DAYS I’VE DONE SEVERAL BULLETINS, MY COLLEGE HOMEWORK AND SOME RADIO EXE JOURNALISM PRACTICE, ALL WITHOUT GETTING OUT OF MY PYJAMAS”

Last

The nal ountdown

ot long now, Exeter! The finalists for this year’s Exeter Living Awards were announced on 6 February during our online Grand Reveal event. Missed the announcement? You can find out who made the cut on the website below. Now all that remains is for our impeccably impartial panel of judges to study the nominations and choose the winners; after that, it’s full steam ahead for the big awards ceremony on 30 March at The Great Hall, University of Exeter. It’s always the most glamorous business event of the year, at which pretty much any and every local organisation – big or small, from shops to restaurants, salons to galleries, and charities to schools – can win one of the coveted awards.

N• Get tickets

Nothing beats being there! Anyone can attend the event, whether you’re up for an award or not. Not been before? Expect a dazzling red carpet event, champagne reception, three-course meal and the mighty awards themselves, followed by an epic after-party where you can let your hair down and throw some shapes with Exeter’s finest. With the company of 500 people, this night is full of glitz, glamour – and a whole lot of heart.

• Sponsor the Awards

With more and more interest in being closely associated with the most prestigious event in the Exeter business calendar, sponsorship opportunities are going fast. To find out more, please contact Paula Miller (paula.miller@ mediaclash.co.uk) or Harriette Dixon (harriette. dixon@mediaclash.co.uk).

Don’t miss our next issue, in which we’ll carry a full preview of the event.

For more: www.exeterlivingawards.co.uk

Remaining tickets: events@mediaclash.co.uk

The finalists for this year’s Exeter Living Awards have been revealed –but who will be named the winners on the night?

PHOTO BY SIMON TUTTY

Nearly time to get snap happy at the most glam event of the year

CURRENT SPONSORS

PHOTO BY NICK MATTHEWS

Last year’s winners, Bear Town

By Imogen Davidson-Smith

For anyone looking to ramp up their eco-friendly life choices, buying or renting a new build can often be a sound option. Developers are prioritising sustainability more and more; we’re seeing integral energy-saving qualities built into the fabric of local new properties, as well as all the modern conveniences and built-in appliances you could wish for. Here are a handful of new build developments near Exeter...

St. George’s Court, Tiverton, 3 Rivers Developments

In a nutshell: Launched in December 2022, St. George’s Court is a development of 39 two-and three-bedroom houses, and one- and two-bedroom apartments, positioned right in the very heart of Tiverton with a waterfront location, and far-reaching views across the River Exe to rolling countryside.

Tell us more... After many years of lying dormant, this development has transformed what was a former brownfield site at the rear of the town hall.

“This is a special development, it has already won a national housing design award for its architectural innovation and we’re excited to now be able to invite aspiring homeowners to step inside and see an example of the high specification homes that are now available,” says Nick Sanderson, managing director at 3 Rivers Developments.

“All properties within this pivotal development have been designed with a real focus on space, light and quality. e really wanted to offer homeowners a chance to make the most of this waterfront location and to connect to the outdoors from the comfort of their sofa, which is why

you will see a big focus on framing the outdoors across all properties, for maximum impact.

“Our two-bedroom end of terrace show house boasts a private rear garden, and the one-bedroom first floor apartment is completed by a south west facing balcony.”

Who is it for? It’s ideal for first time buyers and downsizers. The apartments benefit from lift access and offer one level living, making the homes also an attractive choice for retirees.

Anything else? All homes are energy e cient and feature stylish fitted kitchens with integrated appliances, elegant bathrooms, generous room sizes and allocated parking, which includes a secure undercroft accessible parking bay. Properties are ready for occupation; prices start at £190,000 www.3riversdevltd.co.uk

Cavanna @ Elm Park

In a nutshell: Cavanna @ Elm Park, located on the southern outskirts of Exeter, between Alphington and Exminster, is a new community of open market and affordable homes that will be completed shortly.

Talk us through the buildings...This neighbourhood offers two- to four-bedroom homes that have been built to maximise energye ciency. Selected homes are fitted with solar panels, and every property is installed with zoned heating so that you can control the temperature in different parts of your home double glazing and wall and loft insulation are also included in the properties.

“It has already won a national housing design award for its architectual innovation”

St George’s Court Development features 39 houses and apartments

How about outside? There will be a sensory garden with plants and seating areas which will create a tranquil place to relax, and an equipped play area surrounded by wildflower banks to give children space to explore.

The sensory garden will also include a series of areas of ‘pods’ with different characteristics, which will include elements of sculpture aimed at stimulating different senses. avanna Elm ark has been recognised by the Royal Institute of Town lanners and has been identified as an example of how good planning can create better environments for people living with dementia.

Anything for dog owners, and budding gardeners?

Yes, the parkland on the edge of the development is ideal for dog walking or a quick leg stretch, and allotments will provide space for residents to grow fruit and vegetables. www.cavannahomes.co.uk

Tithe Barn

In a nutshell: Linden Homes is creating Tithe Barn in Exeter, off Tithe Barn ay, near inhoe, a development of 3 1 new homes. Built in joint venture partnership with Aster, it’s a large development of one-, two-, three- and four- bedroom high quality homes close to Exeter’s city centre.

Highlights of the buildings? It benefits from a state-of-theart district heating network, which includes remote metering technology so homeowners can keep track of how much energy they’re using. Also, 2 per cent of the homes are designated as affordable housing.

What’s great about the location? Tithe Barn is part of a larger development and is located near Sowton Industrial Estate. lose to a range of good schools, shops, Exeter hiefs home ground, easy travel links and lots of beautiful places to explore.

Impact on the community? The development is providing 1. 6 million in s1 6 contributions (this is the agreement between a developer and a local planning authority) towards open space, youth facilities, indoor and outdoor sports, transport, education and the new link road.

When is it due for completion: Tithe Barn was launched in 2 15 and the development has seen several phases completed to date, with the latest phase currently under construction.

What’s for sale now? There are currently two-, three- and fourbedroom homes for sale from 2 , to 474, . www.lindenhomes.co.uk

“Thegardensensory will include a series of areas of pods”

The Lakehead show home, Cavanna @ Elm Park

Bayley Place

What is it: A new collection of 25 two-, three- and four-bedroom houses on Tithebarn Green, next to Exeter Science Park.

What’s great about the location? Positioned next to junction 29 of the M5 motorway in Exeter, these homes provide easy access into the city centre, public transport routes or onto the motorway.

What about the eco-friendly credentials? The high-specification, energy-e cient new homes include E ratings of A, solar panels for the benefit of the tenant, and infrastructure in place for EV charging points. All properties will also be supplied with all white goods and integrated kitchen appliances, blinds and two allocated parking spaces.

What impact are these rental properties going to have on the community? “We’re all noticing how rising interest rates are heavily impacting homeowners and the property market, but perhaps overlooking the colossal knock-on effect this creates for the availability of rental homes,” says Lauren England-Shepherd, residential lettings manager at Adler Estates.

“We hope to meet the huge demand for quality rental housing, and in turn alleviate the shortage of housing and support our local communities. We will be bringing forward a mix of high quality, professionally managed, single to family units which have been purpose-built to a high specification for renters. e have a number of developments already in construction with more in the pipeline.”

When is it due for completion: Bayley Place is expected to become available to the rental market in April of this year. n Contact enquiries@adler-estates.co.uk

TOP: Bayley Place will include solar panels for tenants; ABOVE: Tithe Barn development is near Pinhoe

ROMA AGRAWAL MBE

The author, broadcaster and structural engineer – whose designs include The London Shard – is speaking at Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival on 18 March. Here, she chats about her favourite inventions, the importance of Lego, and her dancing skills

Interview by Sue McQueenie

You’re coming to talk at Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival…can you tell us a little about your book, Nuts and Bolts: Seven Small Inventions That Changed the World (In a Big Way) ?

The book came from being stuck at home in the lockdowns. I was trying to come up with ideas, and started mentally (and sometimes physically!) dismantling things, curious to know what were the key elements of the complex stuff we have around us. Again and again, I came back to the same seven inventions, which form the premise of this book. Through my research, I realised that even though these inventions are small, they are wonders of design in their own right, with a rich and long

history of development. My book tells their extraordinary stories.

If you had to pick a favourite invention of the seven you explore in your book, which would it be, and why?

Ah, tricky one! I will go with the nail – it’s something we are all familiar with, and have probably used. Its story takes us from ancient Egypt to modern Manhattan, from bronze to the highest grades of steel and involves a woman running a nail-making business in the 19th century as well as Americans burning down their houses! It’s really fascinating.

You spent six years working on The Shard. What do you

think about when you walk past it?

I finished working on it over a decade ago, but I still feel such a sense of pride! It was the highlight of my career, and I grew as an engineer during my time on it. I have many fond memories of visiting it before it was complete.

Tell us about the role that Lego played in your chosen career?

Lego and other construction toys were a key feature of my childhood. Every weekend, my whole family would sit down together to make, and sometimes break, stuff. It definitely gave me the 3D visualisation skills that are so important to engineering.

What has been your proudest achievement to date?

riting my first book, BUILT! I had focused on engineering until that point in my career, and then in my 30s I learned how to write. It was a huge struggle to get words down back then, and I’ve learned so much. When I see copies of my books out there in the world, I’m filled with the same joy as when I look at The Shard.

What building, past or present, do you wish you had designed?

I absolutely adore the Pantheon in Rome. Such a beautiful structure and so technically brilliant. But I doubt, as a woman, I’d have been allowed to be a part of its construction!

You’re passionate about promoting careers in engineering to women... Everyone, regardless of who they are, should be given the opportunity to become an engineer and thrive at it. But

this has historically not been the case, and it still a huge challenge. The proportion of engineers that are women and people of colour nowhere near reflects the general population. If that’s the case, how can we design the best solutions that work for everyone?

Your career has focused on engineering and now writing and media – which do you prefer to do, and why?

I love them both, but for now, I’m happy with my writing and media work. They are both such creative professions and it’s brilliant that I’ve been able to combine them.

Who was your biggest influence as a child?

My family of engineers and maths aficionados, I’d say! I also think that living in four countries has made me understand the value of hearing different perspectives in my work.

What is the most surprising thing about you?

That I am trained in Bharata Natyam (Indian classical dance), Latin and ballroom, and even a bit of ballet!

If there was a film about your life, who would play you?

People often say that Jessica Ennis and I look very similar, so perhaps if she decided to pursue an acting career…

Lastly, are you working on any exciting projects that you can tell us about?

I’m working on the children’s version of Nuts & Bolts! n

Roma Agrawal MBE will be at St Peter’s Church in Budleigh Salterton, at 4pm on 18 March; www.budlitfest.org.uk

© STEVE ULLATHORNE

“Everyone should be given the opportunity to become an engineer and thrive at it”