OM Magazine, Issue 86, March 2016 by OM Plymouth Magazine

DON’T HAVE A DIY DISASTER...

WE HAVE THE RIGHT TOOLS FOR THE JOB. At Plymouth Tool Hire Express we offer a complete range of tools and equipment as well as a full stock of tool accessories to help make light work of any DIY task. • • • • • •

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www.omplymouth.co.uk Creative Director Myles Lockwood myles@oracle.uk.net Editor Harriet McClure harriet@oracle.uk.net Accounts Emma-Jane Corry emma@oracle.uk.net Sales Managers Myles Lockwood myles@oracle.uk.net Beth Clarke beth@oracle.uk.net Graphic Design Tom Coles BA (Hons) tom@oracle.uk.net Myles Lockwood Harriet McClure Melissa Wylie Editorial Harriet McClure Duncan Little Photography Tom Coles Sister Magazine The Plympton Community Magazine www.plymptonmagazine.co.uk

Editor's Note ... March, named after Mars, the Roman god of war, is a very busy month. It’s the first month of Spring, Women’s History Month, St. Patrick’s Day, Mother’s Day and, of course, Easter. We have a specially extended Easter What’s On Guide for you this month on page 18 as there is just so much going on! As well as Women’s History Month, March is also the time to celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8th. We acknowledge not just the brave women who gave their lives to fight for women’s rights, but ordinary women like you and me who, thanks to those key female figures, have the chance to make a difference in society. Turn to page 40 to read more on the fascinating history behind it. And finally, the time has come for me to move on to new adventures and say goodbye to OM’s readers and advertisers. I would like to thank every kind and helpful individual who I’ve had the pleasure of meeting throughout my journey as the Editor and Graphic Designer of Plymouth’s Leading Lifestyle Magazine. Please give a warm and friendly welcome to Melissa Wylie who will be taking over the role from April onwards. I hope our loyal readers enjoy this edition of the OM and every fantastic deal that our advertisers are offering. Stay tuned for lots more to come!

OM Plymouth is a proud sponsor of Gables Farm Dogs & Cats Home

Early Years

Front Cover:

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADVERTISE IN ORACLE MAGAZINE FOR AS LITTLE AS £99 PER ISSUE please call sales on:

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Join our BRAND NEW pre-school club for 0-4 year olds - FOR FREE! fantastic benifits include: • Midweek prices at weekends for 0-4 year olds • Free visit for your child’s birthday • 10% off cafe purchases • 20% off childrens parties

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Trade Mark and © Copyright Oracle Publications Ltd 2016. All rights reserved. Nothing in this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without the expressed written permission of the publisher. We have done our utmost to ensure that all the content is correct and accurate at the time of print, but we emphasise that Oracle Publications accepts no responsibility for any mistakes or omissions in this publication. All opinions expressed in the Plymouth Oracle magazine are that of the individual contributor and are not always shared by the publication.

Harriet

Harriet McClure - Editor

Is your child celebrating a birthday or just wanting to enjoy some fun with their friends? Enjoy our Afterschool Party, Monday - Friday term time for £10 per child! Even better the birthday child goes completely FREE!

Image sourced via: iStock The Plymouth Oracle Magazine is published, designed, & distributed by: Oracle Publications Ltd, Unit 5, Bowker House, Lee Mill, Near Ivybridge, Devon, PL21 9EF. Any comments should be addressed to the Creative Director.

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01752 782415 or visit our website at www.123jump.co.uk Terms and Conditions: Applies to new bookings only and cannot be added retrospectively. Minimum Number of 8 paying children. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. Applies to Afterschool Parties only and does not include weekend/Holiday Activity, Laser, Toddler, Teenage or Adult party events.

March 2016 05

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CONTENTS

March 2016

Tool Hire Express

Jobel

Russells Flooring

Don’t have a DIY disaster! Tool Hire Express has the right tools for the job.

Let Jobel design your dream bathroom; visit their 2000 ft.sq. showroom for the latest ideas.

Simply beautiful floors available at their stunning showroom in Plympton.

Wyngates

Breathtaking views from Plymouth’s premier retirement village.

Buying or selling your home? Kitsons can help you with all your Conveyancing needs! Tel: 01752 603040 Email: advice@kitsons-solicitors.co.uk website: www.kitsons-solicitors.co.uk

Gil y F

• Property Conveyancing • Employment Law • Family & Divorce • Wills, Trusts & Probate

flowe r and C s for al o c elebr ation casions, U n Cake s to o ique Gifts rder

• Powers of Attorney • Litigation & Dispute Resolution • Tax Planning • Professional Negligence

Business • Commercial Property • Employment Law • Insolvency • Debt Recovery

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• Litigation & Dispute Resolution • Property Litigation • Landlord & Tenant • Sales, Mergers & Acquisitions • Professional Negligence

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Ben Bennett Flooring

Beacon Electrical

Gables Farm Dogs & Cats Home

Easter Events

National Marine Aquarium

Best Businesses & Entrepreneurs

What’s On Guide

Halo Hairdressing

Find us in Crownhill village

The Family Law Company

Opening Hours: Mon - Sat 8.30am-5pm (Thurs Open til 6.30pm)

Chris Kallis Solicitors

The Heroines of Women’s History

Marshall Motors

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A friendly and reliable service, fitting carpets, vinyls and laminates.

The Beacon Electrical appliance concept store is now open!

Can you help unwanted and abandoned dogs and cats? Your legacy will make a huge difference!

What’s going on over the Easter holidays? Have a look at a selection of events here.

Celebrate National Science Week and take part in a family fun packed night!

Andy Wheeler of Dial A Cab features in our Best Businesses and Entrepreneurs category this month.

A wide variety of events coming your way this month!

• Warm and friendly atmosphere • Experienced Stylists • Only professional products used • Ladies, Gents & Childrens Hair

The expert team are now coming up to their 7th birthday! Read more in their business profile.

FREE PARKING

Alexandra Boardman offers advice on dealing with abusive relationships.

Have you been injured in an accident? Chris Kallis Solicitors can help.

March is the month to celebrate International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month.

MOTs only £20 plus a free safety check, only at Marshall Motors in Plympton!

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March 2016 07

Home

Inspiration, consultation, design and installation service with over 20 years experience

Carefully selected brands of Tiles and Sanitary ware from around the world

Featuring: Villeroy & Boch, Duravit, Matki, Simpsons, Hansgroche, Crosswater, Schneider, Keuco, Vasco, Iconic, Gerberit & many other leading manufactures.

•Luxury & affordable bathrooms •Wet rooms & shower areas •Saunas & steam rooms •Whirlpools •Less-abled bathrooms •Designer radiators & towel rails •Porcelain & ceramic tiles •Natural stone & slate •Under floor heating •Mirrors & accessories •Sound, Vision & Lighting

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A.1.Carpet Co. Fitted Carpet Specialist • Free Fitting, Free Underlay, Free Grippers & bars on hessian back carpets • Free fitting & ancillaries on felt back carpets & vinyls • Free Parking in the forecourt to side and rear • Laminate, engineered and hardwood flooring

Established over 35 years Family owned and run

QUALITY, CHOICE, ADVICE & PRICE offered with knowledge and a caring attitude Multi width carpet up to 5 metres wide, • Extensive range of vinyls on show • 2m, 3m, & 4m widths • Hygienic & Hard-wearing

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Domestic, Contract & Insurance Work Undertaken. 2 - 4 Plymouth Road, St Mary’s Bridge, Plympton, Plymouth PL7 4JR

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March 2016 09

Home

RussellsFlooring Ltd Domestic, Commercial & Marine ∞ Carpets ∞ Vinyl ∞ Amtico ∞ Karndean ∞ Laminate ∞ Anti Slip & much more

Come and see our selection of Solid Wood Floors Visit our new showroom in Plympton Unit 5, Reynolds Park, 8 Bell Close, Plympton, PL7 4FE

01752 34 85 86 W: www.russellsflooring.co.uk E: sales@russellsflooring.co.uk

10 March 2016

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Simply Beautiful Floors Great Blue Hole, Belize

Russells Flooring of Reynolds Park, Plympton, boasts a striking showroom showcasing hundreds of samples and displaying the latest trends in flooring styles.

he business moved to a new premises in 2014 and continues to undertake work not just throughout Devon and Cornwall, but covering the whole of the South West, even as far as Dorset and Wiltshire. Stocking a wide range of materials from accredited and authentic UK suppliers, Andy Russell and the team at Russells Flooring offer a complete range of domestic and commercial grade flooring including carpets and vinyls. A huge range of carpet types are available to both homeowners and business owners including woven, tuft, twist, loop, velvet, wool mix and natural and man-made fibres, alongside laminate, real wood, vinyl and tile flooring services.

Approved officially by Plymouth City Council Trading Standards, Mr. Russell has already secured a large number of commercial projects including supply and installation for prestigious hotel chains, leisure centres, schools, colleges and office buildings. Russells Flooring sells only the best quality and most desirable products in their showroom as they have a long standing relationship with the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading flooring manufacturers. Some of the leading brands of flooring available to view in the showroom include Amtico, Karndean, Polyflor and Altro.

also supplied are door bars, gripper rods, stair rods and carpet underlays plus great prices on quality vinyls and laminate flooring. Russells Flooring has professional fitters with a friendly attitude who are happy to offer free advice on flooring types and a free no obligation quotation.

T: 01752 348586 W: www.russellsflooring.co.uk E: sales@russellsflooring.co.uk

Amtico are manufacturers of innovative and inspirational flooring and are currently the market leaders in the manufacture and design of luxury vinyl tile flooring, using only the most qualified employees to produce beautiful aesthetics. Russells Flooring is proud to stock Amtico products, especially as the renowned UKbased company hand picks their retailers. Karndean Designflooring, who equally hold a strong working relationship with its retailers, is also available to purchase. Karndean offers highly practical floor solutions in signature wood and stone effect vinyl tile, giving the advantage of a natural look, supplying to both homes and businesses. As well as leading brands of carpet,

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March 2016 11

Home

Breathtaking Views from Plymouth’s Premier Retirement Village Share the Edgcumbe Court experience...

dgcumbe Court is part of a beautifully developed retirement village situated amongst 4 acres of landscaped grounds and a stone’s throw away from the shoreline. Providing panoramic views of Plymouth Sound and Drake’s Island, Edgcumbe Court offers residents the chance to live independently or as a couple, in either one or two-bedroom assisted living apartments, in an unrivalled location. The modern, energy efficient and purposebuilt apartments are designed to offer comfort and security. Each property comes complete with a fully fitted kitchen, wet

room style shower room, fitted carpets, underfloor heating, heated towel rails and the provision for satellite TV. Many apartments have either French doors opening onto a sun terrace, a balcony or bay windows. Private parking is available in an underground car park and lifts provide easy access to all floors. A furnished guest suite provides additional accommodation for visiting family and friends.

equipped with a discreet 24 hour emergency response system which is monitored by trained on-site staff. Domestic staff provide cleaning and laundry services and a handyman is available to carry out household jobs.

Residents can enjoy a daily 3 course lunch in the attractive restaurant, followed by tea or coffee in the conservatory and a leisurely stroll in the landscaped gardens or along the sea front. Alternatively they can just relax in the summer house and watch the world go by. They can be as sociable or private as they wish. The bar and stylish coffee shop are two places where friendships can flourish and the cosy lounge areas and library are also ideal places for getting to know new neighbours. For reassurance and peace of mind all properties at Edgcumbe Court are

TAKING RETIREMENT LIVING TO NEW HEIGHTS Located on the edge of the Stonehouse Peninsular and enjoying sweeping views across Plymouth Sound, Edgcumbe Court offers bespoke, stylish, retirement living by the sea. There is a choice of beautifully appointed one and two-bedroom assisted living apartments with landscaped promenades and grounds. Added to this is an extensive range of social and leisure facilities and support services usually only found in the best hotels. Social and leisure facilities include: t Conservatory t Hairdressing t Library salon t Lounge areas t Sun terraces t Restaurant t Coffee shop t Summerhouse t Guest suite t Bar t Chapel

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Available support services include: handyman, domestic cleaning, laundry and 24hr emergency response. Personal care can be arranged if required. Prices from: £149,500 Telephone:

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12 March 2016

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T I S I V EBSITE

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we do windows 0800 0433 493 www.wedowindows.co.uk Please mention Oracle Magazine when responding to adverts

March 2016 13

Home

AT OUR NEWLY REFURBISHED BRANCH IN PENNYCOMEQUICK

We will guarantee to match any advertised price on all Hotpoint, Indesit and Whirlpool products, including Internet companies!

EXPERT ADVICE - FREE RAPID DELIVERY INSTALLATION SERVICES 15 Stuart Road, Pennycomequick, PL3 4EB stuartroad@beaconelectrical.co.uk

14 March 2016

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Beacon Electrical Appliance Concept Store Now Open! Beacon Electrical, the local and familyowned premier retailer of domestic goods since 1976, has established a partnership with the world’s largest manufacturer of kitchen appliances to collectively create a brand new showroom showcasing renowned brands such as Hotpoint, Indesit, Whirlpool and KitchenAid.

to fridge freezers… and even kettles, toasters, irons and a range of other small appliances.”

ack in 2015, the American giant Whirlpool Corporation bought the Hotpoint, Indesit and Cannon brands which successfully sky-rocketed the company upwards to be the world’s largest official electrical appliance manufacturer.

Also on display is a strong selection of the current Whirlpool products available which operate in all the above appliance sectors. Whirlpool will position itself above Hotpoint in the marketplace and truly uses innovative technology to help create increased performance and lower the energy use, whilst still maintaining the sleek, user-friendly design.

Before the purchase of these renowned brands, Whirlpool had already owned several other big brand names including KitchenAid, Maytag, Consul, Amana, Bauknecht and Ignis. Although the corporation was the dominating operator throughout America and Asia, it only had a small share of the market in Europe. By purchasing the Hotpoint, Indesit and Cannon businesses, Whirlpool dominated Western Europe which it continues to do so today.

And finally, the very exclusive brand of KitchenAid is now on display. KitchenAid is mostly known for their premium food mixers, however the brand also strongly focuses on their prestigious large kitchen appliances; these are the show-stoppers of the appliance world. Beacon Electrical has luxurious KitchenAid ovens and hobs on display which have a higher level of performance, build quality and specifications than what the team has ever seen.

In order to showcase the range of varied appliances that this cutting-edge manufacturer can offer, the company has been looking to partner with existing premium retailers who can offer an abundance of retail space and display a wide range of their brand new electrical and gas products.

As you enter the revamped store, you’ll find yourself in the refrigeration zone. Here you will find a wide range of fridge freezers and under-counter refrigeration in all shapes, sizes and colours. There are also several built-in units which are becoming increasingly popular.

The Beacon Electrical store, situated in Pennycomequick, jumped at this fantastic opportunity and the branch at 15 Stuart Road has just finished a complete transformation into a bespoke Whirlpool Corporation showroom. It is the first and only store to exist in the entire country, and it is here in Plymouth. There are updates to finish, however the branch opened its’ doors little before December last year and customers have already left testimonials to say how impressed they are with the new refurbishment and the new products available on display. “We have a much wider range of Indesit and Hotpoint products than what we could previously fit into our store. These are big brands which have already had massive market share in the UK and are already a big part of the Beacon Electrical business. They operate in all the appliance sectors, from cookers, to washing machines and tumble dryers, to dishwashers, and

As you turn left, you can see into the laundry and dishwasher section. Here there are double height displays showcasing washing machines, washerdryers, tumble dryers and dishwashers. A selection of the washing machines have up to a substantial 10kg load size, and there are several of the new ‘Heat Pump’ dryers which are now considerably more efficient with their unbeatable A+++ energy ratings. Again, there are many built-in versions of these appliances also on display. If you follow the path towards the rear of the shop, you enter into the cooking zone. This sector showcases some of the most exciting products from the traditional freestanding cookers to the latest pyrolytic ovens and induction hobs. The cooking sector is fast developing the display of many built-in options of ovens and hobs which include every shape, size, colour and feature imaginable which includes complementary cooker hoods, splashbacks, coffee machines and warming drawers.

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Finally, you move through into the small kitchen appliances section. Here there is a whole room filled with kettles, toasters, irons, mixers, blenders, juicers, coffee machines and microwaves. Prices range from a £29.99 kettle to the KitchenAid Mixers worth over £400. The path then takes you back to the sales counter and back toward the entrance where the friendly sales staff can offer you a range of accessories and a selection of light bulbs – another one of Beacon Electrical’s specialities. The sales team are fully trained in all aspects of all the appliances on display at the store and are able to guide the customer towards the best suited products for their needs, or even provide alternative products by special order. “This is a great opportunity for a local Plymouth company to work hand in hand with a massive worldwide corporation in order to offer our local customers something special. It has enabled us to widen our range of products we sell whilst keeping the high level of customer service we have always offered, and still keeping our own identity in the other branches in Beacon Park, Plymstock, Totnes and Kingsbridge.” To support this new venture, Beacon has strengthened their price match policy. They will now guarantee to match any advertised price on Hotpoint, Indesit, and Whirlpool products – including Internet companies. “This means we can guarantee the best price and offer the best local service too.”

15 Stuart Road, Pennycomequick, Plymouth, Devon, PL3 4EB 01752 222003 March 2016 15

Pets

Can you help unwanted & abandoned dogs & cats like us?

Your legacy WILL make a huge difference Every year we take in and care for hundreds of unwanted, lost and abandoned dogs and cats in our local area. As we are a non euthanasia charity we never give up on our animals and keep them until we find new loving homes for them. This is only possible with the help and support of our local community.

By leaving Gables Farm a gift in your will you will help to secure a future for thousands of cats and dogs for years to come. For more information on leaving a legacy please visit our website

www.gablesfarm.org.uk

16 March 2016

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For your chance to WIN one of the following prizes (tick your preferred prize): ● A Riverford Farm Cook Book worth £17 ● Chocolates from Hotel Chocolat

...just answer these questions! Where did you pick up your copy of this magazine? What do you like most about OM?

If you could change something about OM what would it be?

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ADDRESS: POSTCODE: CONTACT No: EMAIL: The friendly team at Riverford may contact you (only once) with this month’s special deals and latest offers from the farm and from the Field Kitchen. If you wish to opt out from this, please tick the box. T&Cs are available on our website www.oracle.uk.net

*Prizes Must be collected from Oracle Publications Office* Please send to: Oracle Publications Reader Response, Suite 5, Bowker House, Lee Mill Bridge, Ivybridge, Devon, PL21 9EF

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March 2016 17

Leisure & Events

SPRING into Easter... There is simply too much happening this month to fit in our What’s On Guide! Have a look below at a selection of events occuring over the Easter holidays; there is something for everybody to enjoy. Annual Children’s Easter Egg Hunt Mount Edgecumbe Sunday 20th March, 1.30pm The price is £2.50 which includes a medium egg, and you can pay on the day. Collect your clue sheet from the Orangery (Cremyll end of the Park) anytime between 1.30pm and 3pm. Last entry is 3pm. There are refreshments available so come along for a fun afternoon. This event will go ahead whatever the weather so come along and join in the fun. Happy Easter!

Easter Entertainment Pennywell Farm March 25th - 10th April Wave goodbye to your Winter blues and say hello to Spring this Easter at Pennywell. With a bumper program of

Easter activities and a host of adorable new arrivals to meet and cuddle, there’s never been a better time to join Pennywell for some farmyard fun. In addition to all our fantastic free half-hourly activities, there will be extra fun and games including massive Easter Egg Hunts on Sat 25, Sun 26 and Mon 27 March.

2 hour Plymouth Sound and Breakwater Cruise with Plymouth Boat Trips Sunday 27th March, 1.30pm Set sail with Plymouth Boat Trips, Plymouth’s premier fishing, ferry and cruising company. From fun packed fishing trips and relaxed harbour cruising to connecting ferries to Cornwall – there’s something for everyone!

Easter Pantomime: The Wizard of Oz Plymouth Pavilions Monday 28th - 29th March

Dorothy and her pet dog Toto on this magical adventure suitable for all ages. Tickets from £18.70, call 0845 146 1460 to book.

Greece Lightning! Theatre Royal Tuesday 29th - 1st April Greece Lightning! tells the history of the Games in Ancient Greece, and what happens when the Greek Gods turn up rather unexpectedly for the Opening Ceremony of Rio 2016! This intensive week-long activity for 8-11 year olds in the Easter holidays gives the little ones the chance to develop their skills and stage an original musical written by Peter Kyrke-Smith. With a focus on drama, singing, dance and movement, they will work with professional theatre-makers for a fun and exciting week of activities.

A spectacular professional Easter pantomime version of the classic story. Starring comedy legend Bobby Davro as Scarecrow and Dani Harmer ‘CBBC’s Tracy Beaker’ and ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ as Dorothy. Follow Kansas farm-girl

18 March 2016

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March 2016 19

Leisure & Events

20 March 2016

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THE PERFECT MIX CRUISE & STAY Over the past 10 years we have seen a vast growth in cruise and stay options for clients and this has been the backbone to our current success and our exclusive group departures. Simply flying in to one city and out of another when joining a cruise ship is not a clever idea, as you will usually miss all that those fine destinations have to offer. Take Rome for instance, many fly in and out of Rome, then have to get to and from the port of Civitavecchia which is about the same distance as Plymouth to Exeter, so those that simply choose a fly cruise never get to see one of the most amazing cities on the planet. Now I am happy to say that more ships are now ‘over-nighting,’ allowing their guest to experience and explore these wonderful cities and ports of call. This has become an extremely successful option with the ship acting as your hotel, giving you time to see the sights and not at break neck speed, ensuring you get to see all the main attractions. The other plus is that most of the hotel rates in these cities are very expensive and also without the excellent

full board dining that is included in the cruise ticket price. So why not escape this coming winter to the UAE, it has proved that it ticks all the boxes for the UK client looking for sun, direct flights under 7 hours, no jet lag, top hotels with so much to see and do and with a level of service as good as it gets. It is also one of the world’s safest destinations and with no language issues, so why not go and experience Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Oman on Celebrity Constellation.

sun whilst sailing the smooth seas of the Arabian Gulf and all from only £1099 pp*. Your home at sea is the Celebrity Cruises’ 5* Constellation, a luxury ship with all you will need to chill, relax, unwind and dine in style as well as the top entertainment, spa and the many other on board activities. Our December sailing will also be the perfect time to do all the Christmas shopping with so many of the finest and biggest shopping malls on the planet.

Because of the many advantages that I have explained, we have created an amazing exclusive offer for you to experience this exciting itinerary in December and the other in January. This is a perfect and affordable 12 night luxury Cruise, Stay & Play holiday in the

12 NIGHT LUXURY CRUISE, STAY & PLAY From £1099 pp* DEC 7 Fly UK to Dubai DEC 8 Arrive in Dubai. Transfer to 5* Fairmount Ajman Beach Resort for two nights B&B DEC 9 Chill, shop and explore DEC 10 Transfer to Abu Dhabi to join Celebrity Constellation. Nine nights full board DEC 11 Dubai DEC 12 Dubai DEC 13 Dubai DEC 14 Muscat, Oman DEC 15 Muscat, Oman DEC 16 Relaxing day at sea DEC 17 Khasab, Oman (The Arabian Fjords) DEC 18 Abu Dhabi DEC 19 Abu Dhabi. Disembark ship and transfer to airport. Arrive in UK same day *Prices based on December 7th departure and for an interior stateroom and are subject to availability at time of booking.

Call Have a Nice Stay Travel Ltd on 01752 481399 or email sales@haveanicestay.co.uk Please mention Oracle Magazine when responding to adverts

ATOL: 3273

March 2016 21

PLYMOUTH’S BEST BUSINESSES

tepping into the offices of Dial-ACab, one of Plymouth’s largest taxi companies, is like being transported into a high tech world of gadgets and technological wizardry that you see in a big blockbuster film.

DIAL A CAB

OM walks through a corridor into the main control room (complete with an “Authorized Persons’ Only” sign on the door) and we are genuinely impressed. The scale of the computer system being used to co-ordinate its taxis is, frankly, mind boggling.

01752

Our photographer, Tom, is also a very happy man as there is so much variety for him to take snaps of – from the screens, which pinpoint where all the cabs are at any one time, through to the room’s operators who are all busy as they calmly take and direct calls from both clients and also the drivers. It’s an incredible scene and one which is new to this business that has a total of 90 cars working for it. Dial-A-Cab also introduced an automated service at the start of February. Its aim is to improve upon an already efficient service for both its customers and its taxis. It’s also meant that Andy Wheeler, Managing Director, has been working flat out to try to ensure that all the systems are up and running correctly and to try to iron out any potential teething issues as people get to grips with it. Today he has been in the office since 6am to ensure everything

33-33-33 FOR A PROFESSIONAL SERVICE

is running to their precise timings. His normal start time is 8am. Mobile phone text generators are running constantly in the background - sending out messages confirming booking details.

“Despite all of the technological advances, it is clear that personal service is very much at the heart of what Dial-A-Cab is all about”

He is proud of its introduction and he talks OM through how it works. We look at various screens packed with maps of Plymouth with available taxis in one colour and booked ones in another. “Work can effectively be done entirely by the computer itself. It can automatically go straight to dispatch” explains Andy, who points to a roaming cab marked on the screen and adds, “number 14 will get the job on that one and it’ll go purple. There we go.” Since going live a few weeks ago, Andy has been sleeping an average of four hours a night so he can spend more time working hard to ensure everything is running in apple-pie order. “The system is awesome and it is certainly the way forward,” explains Andy as he shows OM 105 PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants) that are being provided to drivers to help keep them on track, and on target, for picking up and dropping off clients. The company has invested a staggering £250,000 into the system. Despite all of the technological advances, it is clear that personal service is very much at the heart of what DialA-Cab is all about (it even has its own office totally dedicated to contract work for people with specific disabilities). And it’s this caring aspect of business which comes from Andy’s key focus of

22 March 2016

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AND ENTREPRENEURS Much of his life’s work may have come from his admiration for his Dad, and his fellow colleagues, but it was his marriage in 1989, at the tender age of 25, which created the focus for his business to flourish today. There came a brief spell away from the taxi industry with short term tenancy agreements for two pubs, in Plymouth, which he ran with his wife. But taxiing is very much in Andy’s DNA and so, within the year, they were back to what they do best. By 2008, Dial-A-Cab was introduced as a trading name and its current premises, which used to be a prayer hall until a few years ago, became transformed into the smart suite of offices which it is today. his family (his eldest son wants to be a taxi driver) with many relatives playing important roles in the running of the office. His wife, Nicki, does the bookkeeping while his brother, Chris, is also a vital part of ensuring operational smoothness. We head upstairs to interview Andy in a rare break away from the office and he takes us into the kitchen where he points, out of the window, to what is today a shed some 30 feet away from us. 40 years ago and it was a bustling taxi office, one which drew 13 year old Andy into his first foray into the industry. His Dad was a taxi driver at Crownhill Taxis, and he began to hang out there as a teenager. “I was a young man and I could see it was a good living. I passed my taxi test when I was just over 18, which will be 34 years ago in March,” he recalls. He quickly loved the job and his Dad was chuffed to have his son in the trade.

“40 years ago and it was a bustling taxi office, one which drew 13 year old Andy into his first foray into the industry” To start off, Andy rented a car as he couldn’t afford to buy one, but his natural flair for business saw him quickly rise

through the ranks. By the age of 21 he was a manager of a taxi company, and, over the past three decades, Andy has seen tremendous change to the industry, much of which is designed to provide peace of mind for the client (such as drivers undergoing Enhanced DBS checks). We head into the training room, which is used by the company to ensure its drivers meet the high standards they expect from them: pens, pencils and rulers are neatly laid out on desks with military precision – ready for taxi school. It has been running for 15 years and it has never, as yet, had a failure. It’s a far cry from the nearby shed which was once a taxi office and the inspiration for a young lad to learn the skills needed to be a cabbie. “I am now responsible for 25 staff and 90 self-employed drivers, and we also run a chauffeur driven business. It is a 24 hours a day, seven day a week operation.” Born into a Plymouth family nearly 53 years ago, he grew up as one of six children. His father passed away 19 years ago and there was a procession of 130 cars for his funeral. Everyone knew him and Andy fondly thinks that he would be “proud and happy to see my brother and I working together. He’d say, ‘good on you.’”

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“His down to earth attitude means his door is always open to chat about situations with staff” The refurbishment came first and then the computer system. It’s a world away from the nearby shed where orders for cabs would be made by the customer huddled into a phone box scrabbling around for loose change to make the call for a cab. Gone are the days of large aerials and “old fashioned” CB radios, but the spirit of taxi driving, where the client always comes first, and where the driver can make a good, decent, honest living, is something that still lives and breathes within Andy. His down to earth attitude means his door is always open to chat about situations with staff. “I consider myself to be a caring person and am always aware of people’s livelihood, which are constantly in my thoughts.” It’s a strong incentive for any boss and, for Andy, it seems that his ambitions as a 13 year old are now the fuel for future students to power their way through DialA-Cab’s taxi school and become the next successful generation of cabbies for the city.

March 2016 23

Leisure & Events

24 March 2016

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March 2016 25

Leisure & Events

WHAT’S

GLUTEN FREE NIGHT WITH NAOMI DEVLIN RIVER COTTAGE

TUESDAY 1st MARCH, 7.30pm Price: £28 which includes the 3 course set menu An evening with the fabulous Naomi Devlin, author of the new River Cottage Gluten Free book. Their three-course set menu will showcase seasonal and locally sourced gluten free delights for anyone following a gluten free diet and even those who don’t!

COMEDY @ THE LODGE

PLYMOUTH SKI & SNOWBOARD CENTRE FRIDAY 4th MARCH Price: From £7 The popular comedy club returns with another great lineup of some of the best acts on the circuit. This is sure to be yet another sell-out, so get your tickets early to avoid disappointment.

FREE FILM SCREENING: SUFFRAGETTE PLYMOUTH CITY MUSEUM SATURDAY 5th MARCH, 1.30-3.30pm Price: Free admission As the world marks International Women’s Day 2016 watch this critically acclaimed historical period drama starring Carey Mulligan, Helena Bonham Carter and Meryl Streep which looks at the women’s suffrage movement of the late 19th and early 20th century.

CELEBRATE MOTHER’S DAY THE WATERFRONT

SUNDAY 6th MARCH Price: £22 for 3 courses, £18 for 2 Treat your mum at the Waterfront on Mothering Sunday, 6th March! We have a special Mother’s Day menu with plenty of choices to suit everyone, using fresh local seasonal produce.

26 March 2016

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MARCH

2016

WET WET WET

PLYMOUTH PAVILIONS

TUESDAY 8th MARCH, 7.30pm Price: £46.75, £52.80 The legendary group have sold over 15 million records whilst notching up over thirty UK chart hits including three number 1’s. Alongside this incredible success, performing amazing live shows has always been at the heart of what Wet Wet Wet do.

LEONA LEWIS

PLYMOUTH PAVILIONS FRIDAY 11th MARCH, 7pm Price: For full listings call 0845 146 1460

HRISTMAS MARKET

M YARD

The brand new tour will see Leona Lewis performing tracks taken from her brand new album as well as some her biggest hits including ‘Bleeding Love’, ‘Run’, ‘Better In Time’ and ‘Happy’.

DEVCON PLYMOUTH PLYMOUTH GUILDHALL

SUNDAY 13th MARCH, 10am Price: £4 entry DEVCON Plymouth returns... an event that celebrates the world of TV and Film from all over the world. A fantasic family day out in which children under 8 go free.

THE MAN WITH THE HAMMER THE DRUM, THEATRE ROYAL

MONDAY 14th - 26th MARCH, 10am - 4pm Price: £14.70 / Concessions £10.70 From the writer of The Christmas Truce (RSC 2014), Blink (Soho Theatre/Broadway) and The Cracks In My Skin (Manchester Royal Exchange), this is a powerful story about hope, desire and the dangers of obsession.

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March 2016 27

Eating & Drinking Local Directory Pub Food

Chinese Restaurants Buffet City China Wok Crystal Dragon Fortune Hakka Jasmin Restaurant Jasmine Chinese Ming Dynasty New China Garden Noodle Lounge Ocean Palace Seow’s The Hoe Cantonese The Wet Wok View Pan Asia Wah Tin

1 Derrys Cross, Plymouth Colebrook Inn, Plympton 10-11 Southside St, Plymouth 9 Tin Ln, Plymouth 13 South Street, Plymouth 3 Buckland Terrace, Yelverton 115 Fore Street, Kingsbridge 203 Billacombe Rd, Plymstock 17 Derry’s Cross, Plymouth Top Floor, Southside St, Plymouth 30a Western Approach, Plymouth 1 Radford Park Rd, Plymstock 14 Athenaeum Street, Plymouth 75 Hoe Rd, Plymouth 80 Royal Parade, Plymouth 57-59 North Hill, Plymouth

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269888 338808 250288 668288 224777 852807 853395 492225 664472 266677 660170 657676 661895 664456 224223 660660

07557 01752 01752 01548 01752 01752 01752 01752 01752

476530 221144 335567 810876 227262 255974 253247 260717 667688

Fish & Seafood Restaurants Catch 22 Faringdon Fish Bar Kingfisher Oyster Shack Platters Rockfish The Samphire Bush The Seafood & Pasta Bar The Village Restaurant

6 Quay Road, Plymouth 58 Faringdon Road, Plymouth 6 Glen Road, Plympton Stakes Hill, Kingsbridge 12 The Barbican, Plymouth Sutton Harbour, Plymouth 36 Admiralty Street 10 Quay Road, Plymouth 32 Southside Street, Plymouth

35 Church St, Ivybridge Princess Street, Plymouth Royal William Yard, Plymouth

01548 831273 01752 201523 01752 262318

Greek Restaurants Athenian Restaurant Lanterns Meze Grill Paphos Shirley Valentine’s The Grecian Taverna The Leandra Zeus

111 Mayflower St, Plymouth 88 Cornwall St, Plymouth Sutton Harbour, Plymouth 4 Frankfort Gate, Plymouth 12 New Street, The Barbican 9 Market Avenue, Plymouth 19-21 Frankfort Gate, Plymouth 150 Cornwall Street, Plymouth

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266932 665516 674633 664754 669686 266400 266176 661843

18 Church St, Stoke, Plymouth 36 Bretonside, Plymouth 31 New Street, Plymouth 4 Hooe Road, Plymouth Penrose House, 4 Lockyers Quay 9 Morshead Rd, Crownhill 9 Broad Street, Modbury, Ivybridge 137 Ridgeway, Plymouth 153 Vauxhall St, Plymouth 1-3 Mutley Plain, Plymouth 57 Notte Street, Plymouth 18 Buckwell Street, Plymouth 2 Barne Road, Plymouth

01752 01752 01752 01752 01752 01752 01548 01752 01752 01752 01752 01752 01752

565600 220907 252211 404882 228281 787001 831191 340555 269566 604807 262948 226333 350644

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662143 676820 255579 266336 269900 661290 261120

Italian Restaurants Bella Italia Frankie & Benny’s Morgans Pasta & Pizza Bar Pizza Express Positano Prezzo

28 March 2016

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262054 600660 880223 660833 607596 402053 853121 331077 403213 268243 783585 336040 852944 872387 667604 228069

26 Derrys Cross, Plymouth Hoe Road, Plymouth 153 Vauxhall Street, Plymouth

Lorenzo Maritimo Zuzimo

01752 201522 01752 427133 01752 651300

Speciality Restaurants Arribas B-Bar Blues Bar & Grill Chiquito Fishbone Restaurant Heaven JDs Grill Koishii Las Iguanas Nandos River Cottage Samphire (V) Seco Lounge Sizzall The Dock The Mission Yukisan Veggie Perrins (V) Wagamama

56-58 Notte Street, The Barbican Barbican Theatre, Plymouth 8 The Parade, The Barbican Barbican Leisure Park, Plymouth 1 William Prance Rd, Crownhill 162 Exeter Street, Plymouth 17 Derrys Cross, Plymouth 101 Mayflower St, Plymouth Royal William Yard, Plymouth 15 Old Town Street, Plymouth Royal William Yard, Plymouth 111 Mayflower St, Plymouth 4 Royal William Rd, Plymouth 15 Derrys Cross, Plymouth King Point Marina, Brunel Way Sir John Hawkins Square, Plymouth 51 Notte Street, Plymouth 97 Mayflower Street, Plymouth Royal William Yard, Plymouth

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603303 242021 257345 228342 835793 223232 601605 222868 226609 664907 252702 263116 229375 255201 253555 229955 250240 252888 663200

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222214 604448 339113 663266 668922 631000 500008 881555 862358 339562 852245 839228 229345 266600 225522 669162 257610 403888 661592 253555 880271 254254 672121 837363

Traditional Restaurants

Indian Restaurants Cafe Indiya Ganges and Gurkha Himalayan Spice Lackys Balti House Mombay Brasserie Nibana Sanjida Shapla Balti Cusine Spice Empire The Curry Corner The Eastern Eye The Spice Well The Taste of India

1 The Barbican, Plymouth 300 Plymouth Road, Plymouth Market Street, Yealmpton Old George St, Plymouth 1 Wolseley Road, Stoke, Plymouth Boringdon Rd, Plympton Dousland, Yelverton 100 Glen Road, Plympton 221 Elburton Road, Plymstock 31 Lambhay St, Plymouth 8-9 Howeston Road, Plymouth Hemerdon, Plympton Meavy, Yelverton Noss Mayo, South Devon Quay Road, Plymouth Vauxhall Street, Plymouth

Spanish Restaurants

French Restaurants Bistro 35 Chloe’s Le Bistrot Pierre

Admiral MacBride Beefeater Rose and Crown The Bank The Britannia The Boringdon Arms The Burrator Inn The Chaddlewood The Elburton Inn The Fishermans Arms The Jack Rabbit The Miners The Royal Oak The Ship Inn The Ship The Stable

30-33 Derrys Cross, Plymouth Barbican Leisure Park, Plymouth 19 Princess St, Plymouth 9 Market Avenue, Plymouth 16 Barbican Approach, Plymouth 36 Mayflower Street, Plymouth Royal William Yard, Plymouth

Barbican Steak House 61 Notte Street, Plymouth Barbican Kitchen 60 Southside St, Plymouth Boringdon Park 55 Plymbridge Rd, Plympton Chambers 60 Notte Street, Plymouth Grosvenor Casino 15 Derrys Cross, Plymouth Innfusion Restaurant Jurys Inn, Exeter Street, Plymouth Jolly Jacks Mayflower Marina, Richmond Walk Kitley House Kitley Estate, Yealmpton Langdon Court Down Thomas, Plymouth Lord Louis Glen Road, Plympton Moorland Garden Hotel Yeoland Down, Yelverton Moorland Hotel Wotter, Shaugh Prior, Plymouth Quay 33 33 Southside St, Plymouth Rhodes at The Dome The Hoe, Plymouth Rock Salt Cafe & Brasserie 31 Stonehouse St, Plymouth Steak and Omelette 116-118 Cornwall St, Plymouth The Artillery Tower Durnford Street, Plymouth The Bridge Shaw Way, Mount Batten The China House Sutton Harbour, Plymouth The Dock King Point Marina, Plymouth The Foxhound Inn Kingsbridge Road, Brixton The Quayside Quay Road, Plymouth The Treasury Catherine St, Plymouth The Treby Arms Sparkwell, Plympton

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Paprika & Maple Chicken Escalopes with Pear

Ingredients • • • • • • • • • •

Serves 4

60ml (1/4 cup) maple syrup 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary 1 garlic clove, crushed 2 teaspoons ground paprika 2 single chicken breast fillets (500g) 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 large pear, cut into 1cm-thick slices horizontally 1 tablespoon white balsamic vinegar 1 tablespoon wholegrain mustard 100g baby spinach leaves

Method 1. Combine the maple syrup, rosemary, garlic and paprika in a bowl. Add the chicken and turn to coat. Cover and set aside for 5 minutes to marinate. Drain the chicken, reserving the marinade. 2. Heat the oil in a large non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Add half the chicken. Cook for 2 minutes each side or until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and cover with foil. Repeat with remaining chicken. Add the pear to the pan. Cook, turning occasionally, for 3-4 minutes or until golden and tender. Transfer to a plate.

Recipe & Image: www.taste.com

3. Add the vinegar, mustard and reserved marinade to the pan. Bring to the boil over medium heat. Cook for 1 minute or until the sauce thickens slightly. Divide the spinach, pear and chicken among serving plates. Drizzle over the sauce to serve.

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10% off with this advert March 2016 29

Health & Beauty

Crownhill’s Favourite Salon Celebrates it’s 7th Birthday! Julie Wotton and Sarah Jury, owners of Halo Hairdressing located in Crownhill Village, are now coming up to their 7th year of ownership since taking over the business in 2009.

t the time, manager Julie was just returning to work after having her first child. The sad news broke that her 8 years of management, and 23 years of working, at the Co-op owned salon Snips was soon to be no more, due to Co-op selling off the small businesses. The salon had been there for over 35 years, and as Julie tells us, “My staff came to me as the manager and said that we can’t just let it disappear. Both us and our clients would have been devastated”. Julie and her colleague, then 21 year old Sarah, stepped up to the challenge of saving the business by deciding to partner up and rebrand the salon. Julie tells us that the name Halo was chosen as they collectively wanted something short and sweet.

“We had shortlisted the name as one of our favourites, then a week later Beyonce brought out her song ‘Halo’ – it was definitely a sign and confirmed that this was the name to be!” The two ladies work very well together as partners, owing to their many years of combined hairdressing experience and close friendship. Sarah does a fantastic job managing the day-to-day running of the salon, the stocks and the wages whilst continuing her work as a full-time senior stylist plus supervising Emily, Halo’s new junior stylist. Julie is now in her 29th year of hairdressing and works two days a week as she has three children to look after, but she is always on the end of the phone to offer any help the staff may need. The partners have complete trust in their loyal team members and know that all the stylists’ hard work will carry on smoothly, continuing to serve hundreds of happy customers each week.

“A week later Beyonce brought out her song ‘Halo’ – it was definitely a sign and confirmed that this was the name to be!” 30 March 2016

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Together, the professional team has 100 years’ combined experience. Each stylist can do anything and everything, ranging from a quick trim to a full perm. As Halo is a popular family salon, every member of the team is an expert in treating customers of all ages ranging from young people to seniors. They will go the extra mile to help every one of their clients, taking the time to help them down the stairs even during a very busy day. Earlier this year, the salon excitingly had a total refurbishment ahead of their upcoming 7th birthday in April. Partners Julie and Sarah took the plunge to go ahead with the refurbishment mainly because various minor repairs to the salon equipment were overdue. South West Shopfittings had also advised them about further repairs, for example that the installation of LED lights in the ceiling could save both energy and money in the long run. Julie and Sarah took the advice and decided it would be much more beneficial and cost effective to have the entire salon refitted. Everything apart from the wooden floor – which was replaced only two years ago – was refurbished, transforming the salon into the spotless, sleek, modern and stylish space we see today. During the revamping process, one of the walls was

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Great Blue Hole, Belize

used as a huge canvas to test thirty (not quite fifty!) shades of grey in order to find the perfect shade to maintain the existing calm, cosy and welcoming atmosphere. The refurbishment has brought about many other benefits for both customers the stylists alike. Alongside the brand new attractive look, equipment has been shifted to make better use of the space. They now have an extra styling position – now 8 in total – plus an extra basin to accommodate for the many busy days they have every week.

“In the next 5 years we would love to see Halo continue to exceed expectations, and there is always room for growth” For years, Halo has continued to stock professional L’Oreal, Goldwell and GHD

products. The global leader in cosmetics, L’Oreal, holds an excellent relationship with the salon as they know that the staff are very proactive, therefore they are regularly provided with in-salon training to ensure every stylist is fully trained and upto-date with all the latest trends, products, knowledge and techniques.

and professional team and many offers in store such as a free consultation and money-off vouchers. Julie believes that impeccable customer service is the key to keeping the regular clients, and their many positive testimonials show just how good a reputation the salon has built up over the years.

When Halo’s solicitor renewed their lease after five years, they were surprised that the seven original staff members three full-time and four part-time - were all still happily employed at the salon. This is because Halo prides itself on its outstandingly strong, friendly and professional team who are all very close friends both in and outside of work. They all regularly go out for each other’s birthdays, bringing their partners along with them.

Clients can be sure to receive the best possible service every time and regulars have commented on the consistent cleanliness and well-being of the salon; the floor is swept after every appointment, towels are freshly laundered after every client and only the most professional products are used, neatly tucked away in their sleek new upstairs storage unit.

And despite being the owners, partners Julie and Sarah don’t believe in a hierarchy when it comes to the not-so-fun, end of the day jobs; they will happily help out and clean at the same time as all of their staff members. Halo is further committed to keeping a very strong work ethic in many senses. They have a strong client focus, a passion for great customer service, a friendly

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The salon has expanded a considerable amount over the last five years and they are always looking to attract new clients, but they never take their regular clients for granted. “Eventually, we plan to employ another full-time stylist and another apprentice” says Sarah. “In the next 5 years we would love to see Halo continue to exceed expectations, and there is always room for growth!” Turn to page 7 for a huge 40% off voucher with Halo’s new junior stylist, former apprentice Emily.

01752 303155 44 Morshead Rd, Plymouth PL6 5AQ

March 2016 31

Leisure & Events

FILM

GUIDE MARCH 2016 LONDON HAS FALLEN

(12)

ACTION/CRIME/THRILLER

IN CINEMAS 3rd MARCH

After the British Prime Minister passes away, his funeral becomes a target of a terrorist organization to destroy some of the world’s most powerful leaders, devastate the British capital, and unleash a terrifying vision of the future. Stars: Gerard Butler, Morgan Freeman, Charlotte Riley

WE RATE IT: KUNG FU PANDA 3 (PG)

ANIMATION/ADVENTURE

IN CINEMAS 11th MARCH

ADVENTURE/SCI-FI

IN CINEMAS 11th MARCH

Continuing his “legendary adventures of awesomeness”, Po must face two hugely epic, but different threats: one supernatural and the other a little closer to his home. Stars: Jack Black, Angelina Jolie, Dustin Hoffman

WE RATE IT: THE DIVERGENT SERIES: ALLEGIANT (12)

Beatrice Prior and Tobias Eaton venture into the world outside of the fence and are taken into protective custody by a mysterious agency known as the Bureau of Genetic Welfare. Once outside, they learn shocking new truths that render old discoveries meaningless. Stars: Shailene Woodley, Zoë Kravitz, Theo James

WE RATE IT: MARGUERITE (15)

DRAMA

IN CINEMAS 18th MARCH

Marguerite Dumont is a wealthy woman living in 1920s Paris, and is a lover of the music, singing and the opera. The problem begins when she decides to sing in front of a real audience. Stars: Catherine Frot, André Marcon, Michel Fau

WE RATE IT: 32 March 2016

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Great Blue Hole, Belize

ZOOTROPOLIS BATMAN V SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE (12)

action/adventure/fantasy

IN CINEMAS 25th MARCH

Fearing the actions of Superman are left unchecked, Batman takes on Superman, while the world wrestles with what kind of a hero it really needs. With Batman and Superman fighting each other, a new threat, Doomsday, is created by Lex Luthor. Stars: Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Amy Adams

WE RATE IT: zootropolis (PG)

ANIMATION/ADVENTURE

IN CINEMAS 25th MARCH

In a city of anthropomorphic animals, a fugitive con artist fox and a rookie bunny cop must work together to uncover a conspiracy. Stars: Idris Elba, Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman

WE RATE IT: MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING 2 (12)

COMEDY

IN CINEMAS 25th MARCH

After spending most of their time focusing on their troubling teenage daughter, Toula and Ian are facing marital problems while also having to deal with yet another Greek wedding this time, even bigger and fatter. Stars: John Stamos, Rita Wilson, John Corbett

WE RATE IT: EDDIE THE EAGLE (PG)

BIO/DRAMA/HISTORY

IN CINEMAS 28th MARCH

The story of Great Britain’s first ski jumper to enter the Winter Olympics. With help from a rebellious and charismatic coach, British ski jumper Eddie “The Eagle” Edwards trains for the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary, Alberta. Stars: Taron Egerton, Hugh Jackman, Christopher Walken

WE RATE IT: Please mention Oracle Magazine when responding to adverts

March 2016 33

Health & Beauty

Enjoy the Journey By Barbara Burgess

I’m a goaloriented person, there is no doubt about that. I have my To Do List, my Daily Planner, my Weekly Planner, my 5-yr plan and my Vision Boards. truly believe that if you don’t know where you are going then you don’t have any chance of getting there and when I look at what I’ve managed to achieve in the last year I am sure that all these things have contributed to that. However, goals in themselves are not enough to get the results you want. These are the tricks I’ve learnt to keep me on track:

• Review regularly. I find that looking back on my week each Sunday gives me a chance to see what I’ve done, whether I’ve done what I set out to do and to notice why I have the ‘near misses’. I spend a couple of hours on a Sunday morning considering this and writing in my journal. • Reward yourself for success. So often we don’t recognise, or give ourselves credit for, what we have achieved but we are reward-centred beings; it is in our biology. Just as we reward children with ‘gold stars’ or ‘merit certificates’, we need to reward ourselves. There are two types of people, internal and external. Internal people take their

34 March 2016

own counsel and if they feel that they have done well they don’t need anyone else to tell them. External people will often ask advice of other people before making any decision for themselves, for these types they feel better when someone else tells them that have done well. If you are this type and you don’t have anyone else to give you positive feedback, then say it out loud. This will fool your brain, as you hear it through your ears and it goes through the same process in your brain as if someone else has said it. Rewards need to be thought about carefully; it is no good rewarding yourself with food if you’re trying to slim, because it is often the ‘food as a reward or comfort’ that has caused the problem in the first place. • Don’t beat yourself up for failure. Look upon it as an opportunity to learn: see the word FAIL as meaning ‘First Attempt In Learning’. Ask yourself what went wrong; perhaps unexpected events got in the way or perhaps you sabotaged your own success, taking on too much,

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expecting too much of yourself or trying to make everything perfect. These are all character traits which are likely to come from over-expectation as you were growing up, and they tend to lead to either over-achievement and then burnout or consistent failure and lack of self-esteem. • Enjoy the Journey! Recently I was rushing to get some bookshelves painted so that I could get the books out of their boxes and put away. I usually enjoy painting but, hurrying like this, I wasn’t, I was just focused on the result. When I looked at that result I could see I hadn’t enjoyed it, it was rushed and badly painted, and I knew I wouldn’t enjoy having it in my living room – I had to sand it down and start again, this time doing it carefully and enjoying the pleasure of the process, mindfully meditational…

Barbara Burgess Hypnotherapist and Coach Deja-View Telephone: 07858 355915 e-mail: info@deja-view.org.uk

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March 2016 35

Law & Finance

ould you be in an abusive relationship?

Alexandra Boardman Chartered Legal Executive

By Alexandra Boardman Alexandra Boardman from The Family Law Company considers controlling or coercive behaviour with reference to Jane Austen. Part One A scenario: My best friend, we’ll call her Marianne, has just split up with her boyfriend, who we’ll call Mr Willoughby. If you’re a reader of classical fiction, or you’ve seen the film, you’ll know that Marianne and Mr Willoughby are characters from Jane Austen’s book ‘Sense and Sensibility’. I dubbed Marianne’s boyfriend Mr Willoughby after he spent a weekend at my home with his girlfriend, my best friend, last summer. I’ve known them both for a number of years, but they only entered into a relationship with each other early last year. Over the weekend I observed my friend in her new relationship and saw how the two interacted in a fairly relaxed environment. I thought it would be interesting to see if Marianne had changed – she had previously had a series of disastrous relationships. To my critical eye, Mr Willoughby had many flaws. Most obvious was his desire for status and money, which led to his nickname. However, underneath were more, less obvious flaws, some of which made me feel concern for my friend. These included an underlying perception of inadequacy, which revealed itself in little digs and belittlements aimed at Marianne. On occasion, he made flagrant statements that showed he needed to feel superior to her, letting her know that he was her superior and very much in charge. My friend was oblivious and took this in her stride − looking on adoringly and emphasising to me at every opportunity what a catch Mr Willoughby was. Somewhat cynically, I gave it 6 – 12 months

36 March 2016

before either the “demands of his pocketbook” took precedence or she realised that he was just another, more exaggerated form, of the type of man she had been attracted to in the past. In fact, as a result of a previous, imprudent match, my friend lost her financial security and is therefore not much of a catch in terms of money. Mr Willoughby is simply the next in line in a pattern of concerning behaviours that Marianne has exhibited by her choice of men since her twenties. Now approaching middle age, and as a result of ill-advised choices made from assurances and promises given by Mr Willoughby, my friend’s position has become desperate. In a very short time after that visit to me, she was homeless, in significant debt and had to leave her job. She has also worn out her welcome with most friends and family members. I suspect we all know of at least one friend, or a friend of a friend, whose choices seem to go from bad to worse. For anyone in this cycle, it is recognising and identifying the pattern that is the most difficult thing. As friends we can offer advice based on common sense, but this only seems to go so far, even if it is exactly what is needed. Luckily, self-preservation kicks in for most people who find themselves in this type of situation before matters get too desperate. However, for a significant number, this form of defence is worn away so much that they only realise what is happening when nearly everything has been lost.

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We all have patterns and we all have expectations; we build our world around our experiences and what we believe. In order to break a pattern, we need to change what we believe and what we expect. This sounds very simplistic, but to some degree it is. It’s the realisation that if you do the same thing you’ll get the same outcome, and if you change what you do, you are likely to get a different outcome. So how does all this fit in with controlling or coercive behaviour – also termed ‘abusive’ behaviour? Abusive behaviour is also a pattern, by the abuser to the victim. Although sometimes abusive behaviour creeps into a relationship from nowhere, more often than not the signs are there right from the start. For some reason, people just ignore the signs. Perhaps this is because they don’t want to see them. Most people go into a new relationship hoping for the best, giving a little ground and with a genuine belief that it will be different this time; hope triumphs over experience. It takes effort to recognise when things aren’t right, and courage to do something about it.

If you are in an abusive relationship and need help, contact Alexandra at The Family Law Company. For more information please visit: www.thefamilylawco.co.uk email:enquiries@thefamilylawco.com Tel: 01752 548171 The Family Law Company, Princess Court, Plymouth, Devon PL1 2EX

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March 2016 37

Law & Finance

Innovative New Service to Support Small Businesses

lymouth law firm, GA Solicitors, has launched an innovative new pay-asyou-go service which aims to support small businesses in and around the city and remove the ‘fear of the unknown’ when it comes to employing a solicitor. ‘YourLaw’ provides businesses with fixed fee, no contract, pay-as-you-go legal advice, complete with a money back guarantee. The unique service can be used over a range of commercial legal services including employment, commercial property, corporate and dispute resolution.

very high and increasing year on year. Commenting on the new service, Stephen Ramsden, managing partner, said: “Good legal advice pays, but small businesses can be put off taking advice when worried about what they might be letting themselves in for and because of the hoops they have to go through.” “At GA we pride ourselves on adapting our offering to meet the needs of our clients. In the last two years we have successfully also launched our pioneering group scheme in tandem with local employers.”

The service was developed after research showed that small businesses were avoiding taking expert legal advice and risked serious consequences as a result. A study by the Legal Services Board showed only 13% of small businesses believed lawyers provided a cost-effective means to resolving legal issues and just 10% had used solicitors in the past year.

“YourLaw is directed at business managers and owners and strives to provide a unique and innovative service which is tailored exactly to their needs. Designed with simplicity and value for money at its core, and even a money-back guarantee, YourLaw allows access to the required advice from qualified solicitors, in an accessible and direct format.”

At the same time, however, a major study by the Legal Services Consumer Panel (LSCP) in November 2015 revealed that, for those who actually did employ a solicitor, satisfaction with the service, including clarity of explanations and professionalism, was

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Buying or selling your home? Kitsons can help you with all your Conveyancing needs! Tel: 01752 603040 Email: advice@kitsons-solicitors.co.uk website: www.kitsons-solicitors.co.uk 38 March 2016

L-R: James Peterson, commercial solicitor, with Stephen Ramsden, managing partner.

and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. Businesses have the full protection of the firm’s professional indemnity insurance and, for small business, access to the fee Legal Ombudsman Service for complaints. If a business is not completely satisfied with the service received, they will be refunded the fee paid in full with no strings. Full details of YourLaw can be found here: www.GAsolicitors.com/YourLaw.

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March 2016 39

History

Women teaching other women how to vote, 1936

THE HEROINES OF WOMEN’S HISTORY March is the month to celebrate Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day. It is the time to acknowledge the economic, political and social contributions of women who have changed the course of history and influenced society in ways bigger than the world could have ever imagined. Here we explore the origins of the two key events and the key female figures that played their part in the revolution. By Harriet McClure

nternational Women’s Day (IWD) is held on March 8th annually to celebrate women’s achievements throughout history and across every nation. The day is a communist holiday in Russia and is also known as the United Nations Day for Women’s Rights and International Peace.

Women suffragists demonstrating for the right to vote, 1913 40 March 2016

The foundations of IWD originated in the United States on 28th February 1909, however it was observed back then as National Women’s Day. The Socialist Party of America designated this day in honour of the 1908 garment workers strike in New York, in which women protested against the excruciatingly low pay, terrible working conditions and long working hours forced upon them. At this point in history, women were denied basic civil rights including both the right to vote and the fair working wage that was given to men. Hundreds upon hundreds of years had passed in which women were treated unequally, and it was at this point that women started to realise the scale of the problem, so they

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fought back to gain the equal status they deserved. Throughout Europe, Britain and America, women from all social classes began to campaign for suffrage and parity. A year later in Copenhagen 1909, the Socialist International - who believed in a fairer world - established a Women’s Day to build the much needed support for achieving universal suffrage. As a result of this, International

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“”

She made sure that women’s voices were not going to be ignored

Women’s Day was marked for the first time in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland, where more than a million men and women both attended rallies. Inspired by the ongoing commemoration of working women, the remarkable females Klara Zetkin and Aleksandra Kollontai organised IWD in Germany, 1911. The revolutionary theoretician Zetkin had argued with Lenin himself about women’s rights; she made sure that women’s voices were not going to be ignored. This further developed into a protest to put an end to World War I in 1915, and to recognise women’s efforts on the home front. The cause was so greatly supported that women on both sides of the war came together to support one another in achieving the common end goal of suffrage and parity. It was the militant suffragettes who made the real difference here in the United Kingdom. These brave women were prepared to give their life for women’s rights; and that they did. Emily Davison was jailed on 9 separate occassions, force-fed 49 times before stepping in front of the King’s horse at the Epsom Derby in 1913 and sadly losing her life. It remains today as a controversial symbol of women’s emancipation. The movement was undeniably strong. Thousands of protest marches had taken place and had gained plentiful supporters. However, the oppression of women remained imminent, for example

Sylvia Pankhurst was arrested on her way to speak in support of women’s suffrage at Trafalgar Square.

Great Blue Hole, Belize

On the last Sunday of February 1917, Russian women started a strike for “bread and peace” as a response to the death of over 2 million soldiers in World War I. Opposed by political leaders, the women continued to strike unil the Tsar was forced to abdicate, proving to be a milestone as the Provisional Government would, soon after, grant women the right to vote. In the UK, it was not until 1918 when women over the age of 30 were given the right to vote, which was still on unequal voting terms compared to the 21-year-old voting age of men. 1928 finally saw the introduction of the Equal Franchise Act, which equalled the voting age for both men and women. International Women’s Day as we know it today was first officially celebrated in Mexico City, 1975. Mexico City held the first World Conference on Women which coincided with International Women’s Year, sponsored by the UN. It was a turning point in history; it was not just a women’s movement, but also a political movement to campaign for the equality of all women in developed and developing countries alike. Alongside the worldwide celebration of International Women’s Day, March is also regarded as Women’s History Month. Talks of it first becoming a national celebration occurred after the wide participation of National Women’s History Week in 1982. In 1987, a petition was then passed which officially declared the month of March as Women’s History Month; the month to remember the contributions of both notable and ordinary women. One key figure in the feminist movement is from here in Devon. Born in Plymouth, Nancy Astor was the first ever female MP to take a seat in Parliament in 1919. This was a true historical milestone, as a mere 10 years before, having a woman in a position of political power would have been deemed absurd. Victoria Woodhull was an American leader of the woman’s suffrage movement, and - even before the introduction of the acknowledgement of women’s rights - in 1872 she was the first ever female candidate to run for President of the United States. And to mention a few memorable women’s rights activists from Britain: Millicent Fawcett, Emmeline Pankhurst,

Christabel Pankhurst and more recently, Emma Watson. She launched the 2014 campaign HeForShe: a campaign for further gender equality, initiated by UN Women. In today’s society, organisations declare an annual IWD theme that supports their specific agenda or cause, and the celebrated day has had various different themes over the years. This year, the theme is the Pledge for Parity, meaning equality between men and women in terms of status and pay. It is a fact that, in many societies and workplaces throughout the world, women are still largely underrepresented and regarded as unequal to men in many societies and places of work. Every day women like you and I have the chance to help solve this problem by spreading the word of the campaigns designed to gain total gender parity, so get involved in any way you can this month!

March 2016 41

History

What Do You Know About Apprenticeships? Did you know that young people now have to stay in some form of education or training until they are 18? This doesn’t mean that they have to stay at school, there are other alternatives – such as apprenticeships – that enable youngsters to continue their education. Here we talk to Mark Boulting, managing director of Plymouth-based apprenticeship training provider, Skills Group, about the apprenticeship route and the government’s current drive for 3million apprentices by 2019.

n apprenticeship is a real job with training, and it’s a great way to start a career. You are employed by a company and paid a wage. You get paid holiday and time during your working week to learn the specialist skills and knowledge needed for your chosen career path. Increasingly, employers are looking to recruit apprentices as a way of growing their business. They recognise the value of taking on young people and training them in the skills they need for their company to succeed. Young people bring energy and fresh ideas, and this often motivates the existing workforce, leading to higher levels of productivity and in many cases a positive impact on the bottom line. The government is also committed to apprenticeships and has set a target of increasing the number of apprentices to 3 million by the end of this parliament. This is

a challenging target, but the government sees apprenticeship training as a key means to developing a skilled workforce that will ensure UK plc is competitive in the global economy. One of the barriers to achieving this target is the perception that vocational qualifications are not as valued as academic ones. So, the traditional GCSEs to A Levels and on to university is preferred over an apprenticeship. This preference, I believe, is partly due to the fact that teachers have followed this route and therefore it is what they know. However, it is also because of the way schools are funded and measured, and because we no longer have an independent and impartial careers service.

“The best time to start an apprenticeship is now” Yet, all is not lost! Later this month it’s National Apprenticeship Week (14-19 March); a week when, across the country, we will be celebrating and shouting about the success of apprentices. As part of the week, we are throwing open the doors of the Skills Group construction training centre on Saturday 19 March, from 10am to 1pm. Young people and their parents can come and meet the Skills Group team, find out more about apprenticeships and the employers we work with, and even have a go at some of the skills we train.

Mark Boulting, M.D. of Skills Group

Cornwall - and as we fill them we get more! So if you have a youngster at home, and are concerned about what they might be doing in the future, why not get them to think about an apprenticeship? All the vacancies are on our dedicated vacancy website – apprenticeships4me.com. Skills Group offers apprenticeship training for business, care and early years, construction, engineering and automotive, hairdressing and barbering, sport and leisure, and teaching and education. With training centres in Exeter, Newton Abbot, Plymouth and Plympton, Skills Group have the highest success rates for apprenticeships in the South West (Skills Funding Agency national success rate tables 2013/14). For more information, please visit their website: www.skillsgroupuk.co.uk or call 01752 332 442.

The other great thing about apprenticeships is that they are available to nearly everyone regardless of prior education. It’s more about attitude and desire than what you’ve done before. They are available at level 2, 3 and 4 and there is even a level 1 for those who need that extra bit of support before they start. The best time to start an apprenticeship is now. It’s not like school or college, you don’t have to wait for term times and if you think you’ve made the wrong choice by staying on in full time education come and talk to us; we’ve got employers desperate to meet you. At Skills Group we currently have over 180 vacancies across Devon and

42 March 2016

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