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263 Beacon Park Rd, Plymouth, Devon PL2 3JP
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November 2015 03
Jobel Ltd
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www.oracle.uk.net 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 Editorial Harriet McClure Photography Tom Coles Sister Magazine The Plympton Community Magazine www.plymptonmagazine.co.uk Follow us on: facebook.com/PlymouthOracle twitter.com/PlymouthOracle
Editor's Note ... Hello November! Firstly, we would like to congratulate Robert Wise of Plymouth for winning this month’s delicious prize, courtesy of our friends over at Hotel Chocolat. Fill out our reader response form on page 33 for a chance to win this month’s special prize of a delicious recipe book provided by Riverford Organic Farms in Devon. In celebration of our city’s indulgent history this month, this issue has two informative and interesting local history articles commemorating the anniversary of the Mayflower landing and Remembrance Day. Turn to pages 14 and 39 to discover more. Christmas is ever-nearing and the office is already bubbling with excitement. We have put together a special double spread letting you know of the most reputable places to eat and stay at in Plymouth over the next few months. Whether you’re celebrating the festivities with family, friends or work colleagues, there is something for everyone in our jam-packed guide on page 28. I think that now is the perfect time to round up any errands in the home before the year ends, so our advertisers have provided you with expert advice and special deals to save you money on many aspects of home repairs before the money-spending months. I hope you enjoy this issue of the Oracle Magazine and I will see you next month for the final issue of the year!
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November 2015 05
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CONTENTS November 2015
06
A1 Carpets
09
We Do Windows
39
30
Free fitting, free underlay, free grippers & bars on hessian back carpets.
Offering a wide range of double glazing repairs including door locks, hinges and much more.
10
Plymstock Plumbing and Heating
14
Voyage of the Pilgrims
16
Plymouth Pavilions
18
What’s On Guide
22
Jobel
25
Glazebrook House
26
Eating & Drinking Directory
28
A Guide to Christmas in Plymouth
14 16
Advising residents of Plymouth to renew their gas boiler in order to save hundreds.
Find out all about our city’s significant ties with the USA this month.
See which exciting, festive events are coming your way soon!
The Oracle’s guide to the best things to do this month.
21
Selected for this month’s Best Businesses and Entrepreneurs feature.
18
New Executive Chef Anton Piotrowski will be conjuring up new, exciting menus on a daily basis.
Our extensive guide to a variety of restaurants to dine at in our city.
Stuck for ideas on what to do, where to dine and where to stay over the festive season?
31
Incognito Hair & Beauty
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Down to earth, can do approach, national award winning accountants.
39
Remembrance Day in Plymouth
40
The Family Law Company
41
Chris Kallis Solicitors
44
28
FREE PARKING Opening Hours: Mon - Sat 8.30am-5pm (Thurs Open til 6.30pm)
This year, Remembrance Sunday takes place on November the 8th.
Alexandra Boardman considers the best way to tackle Christmas for separated parents.
Call Chris Kallis Solicitors for trusted legal advice with a no win, no fee service.
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November 2015 07
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Free LED light bulb offer is available to owner-occupiers taking all our services; replacement is subject to availability, safety and ease of access. Lifetime Guarantee applies whilst you retain your services with us; otherwise a three year warranty applies. Estimated 11% saving based on a typical ‘medium usage’ household with 41 light bulbs replaced, each used for an average of 30 minutes per day. If you cancel a service within four years, you will need to pay a contribution of between £2 and £8 towards the cost of each LED light bulb we have fitted. Offer can be withdrawn at any time. Information correct at: 12/10/15. For full T&Cs please refer to the Utility Warehouse website.
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November 2015 09
Keep Warm and Save Money this Winter with Plymstock Plumbing and Heating The well established, local family company Plymstock Plumbing and Heating Ltd advises residents of Plymouth, Devon and Cornwall to renew their gas boiler in order to save hundreds of pounds each year. After setting up the business in 2001 at just 20 years old, owner Darren Parker regularly encourages homeowners to get their boilers serviced and checked to ensure maximum safety and efficiency. With a reputation founded upon providing quality solutions and excellent customer service, the company works closely with their loyal customers to ensure all expectations are exceeded. Technological advances in recent years have resulted in homeowners saving up to £300 by having a new and more efficient Worcester boiler fitted by Plymstock Plumbing and Heating. An older boiler that is only eight to ten years old is now considered inefficient compared to a new Worcester A-rated condensing boiler. Darren says “I think it comes as a shock to a lot of people, that even some boilers under ten years old are now inefficient.” “Judging by the growth of my business, a lot people are getting the message. There’s no doubt that the rocketing price of heating a home in recent years has also encouraged homeowners to upgrade”. Darren, whose wife Anna manages the office
“”
and brother Steven who also works within the firm as a qualified engineer, now employs other qualified engineers. Darren said, “I think that a lot of people who have realised they need to get their boiler checked or replaced have waited as long as they could, but with winter now arriving, they’ve decided they can’t wait any longer”.
“Our advice is that homeowners should have their boilers serviced and checked for efficiency and safety on an annual basis. We do that for £45 plus VAT; peace of mind for £45 is a good investment”. The small price is fair and easily accessible to customers with a low budget. The installation of an A-rated Worcester gas-fired condensing boiler by Plymstock Plumbing and Heating costs £1,500 to £2,000, plus customers can also receive a 10-year warranty.
Our advice is that homeowners should have their boilers serviced and checked for efficiency and safety on an annual basis. “In our opinion, it’s the best. Worcester Bosch is renowned for the quality and reliability of their boilers.” Alongside employing more staff to accommodate his ever-growing business, Darren has also moved the business to new premises with a larger office space and extra storage: “We’re looking to expand and moving here has given us the space we need to move forward,” said Darren.
Darren and the team consistently work to a high level of professionalism and honesty, advising the most suitable services to meet a customer’s particular needs.
Plymstock Plumbing and Heating has all the trade accreditations and is registered with Gas Safe. The company is also listed as trusted tradesmen on the consumer website, Checkatrade, with an excellent rating of 9.9/10.
“The investment starts to be repaid straight away,” said Darren. “With a small house, the Energy Saving Trust estimates you can save at least £300 a year if you replace a G-rated boiler, so you effectively get your money back within about five years. And the bigger the house, the bigger the savings”.
Domestic customers are guaranteed aonfixed warranty 10 year a price and the company offers 24-hour rs ile o B r e st rce Wofor emergency call out service plumbing problems. Free and no obligation quotations are provided for residents living in Devon and Cornwall.
Plymstock Plumbing and Heating is an accredited Worcester installer. Darren has chosen to use the brand, as every one of the Worcester Greenstar gas-fired condensing boilers has received a Which? Best Buy Award.
Darren says the company is benefitting •Allitsplumbing worklike the fact that from reputation: “People undertaken we’re a local, trusted, established family firm and that we’veheating got a name for quality and •Central specialist reliability”. number of very positive reviews •BoilerAchanges from £1,400* can be found on their website.
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10 November 2015
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November 2015 13
LOCAL HISTORY Landing of the Pilgrims, circa 1805 by Michele Felice Cornè
The Voyage of the Pilgrims November the 11th marks the 395th anniversary of the landing of the Pilgrim Fathers at Cape Cod, in the North East of the United States, after a gruelling 66 days at sea upon the Mayflower ship which had departed from Plymouth in 1620.
T
he Mayflower has strong ties with the Plymouth Barbican as on September 6th 1620, the ship departed close to the Mayflower steps landmark. The Mayflower brought the group of English settlers, now known as the Pilgrims, to what is known today as Plymouth, Massachusetts in North America. The voyage of the Mayflower was considered to have sparked the American holiday of Thanksgiving, an event based on English harvest festivals which traditionally occurred on the 29th of September.
14 November 2015
It is known that the Puritan Pilgrims left for America in search for freedom to practise their religion in the hope of a better life without fear of persecution from the government. The English parliament had outlawed independent congregations in 1593 and it was made compulsory to attend Anglican Church services. Anyone who objected the beliefs of the church could be arrested. 102 passengers travelled 3,000 miles, averaging 2 miles an hour, on the ship which was a typical English merchant ship of the early 17th century. The ship measured approximately 34 metres
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long and 7 metres wide; meaning the passengers had to survive in an extremely confined and crowded living space. Headed by Captain and Governor Christopher Jones, the crew consisted of approximately 50 men, including a surgeon, a carpenter and a cook. William Bradford was one prominent member and kept a record of the journey, as well as his most well-known work: Of Plymouth Plantation. “Being thus arrived in a good harbour and brought safe to land, they fell upon their
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knees and blessed the God of heaven, who had brought them over the vast and furious ocean, and delivered them from all the perils and miseries thereof.”
Embarkation of the Pilgrims, 1844 by Robert Walter Weir
Upon the voyage, beer was the main beverage for everybody including children. Lemon juice was also taken to help prevent scurvy. Illness and tragedy plagued the treacherous journey. The exhausted passengers encountered vicious storms that led the ship miles off course, as they had intended to land at Virginia. Almost half the passengers passed away in the cold and unfamiliar winter of New England. It was believed that because women had “weaker bodies” they would not survive the trans-Atlantic voyage, so it would be safer to leave women behind. However, 18 husbands decided they should bring their wives with them. The First Thanksgiving, 1899 by Jean Leon Gerome Ferris
3 of these women were heavily pregnant on board, and all survived the journey. One baby, named Oceanus Hopkins, was the only child born on the voyage, and another, Peregrine White, was born as the ship lay at anchor. It was not until the ship landed that 78% of women would unfortunately pass away in the first bitter winter. The Wampanoag were one nation of Native People who lived in North America long before the English had arrived. Upon reaching the Plymouth Rock, an important symbol in American history, 41 male English colonists upon the ship signed the Mayflower Compact – the first governing document of Plymouth Colony.
“
The Compact was a written agreement of fair and equal laws for the settlers of the new land. Many historians refer to the Mayflower Compact as the foundation of democracy and of the USA’s Constitution.
The Plymouth Colony also wrote rules and regulations for punishable crimes. One of these crimes is very similar to those of the modern day; the Plymouth Colony in fact enforced the first anti-smoking law. Citizens were forced to pay a 12 pence fine for smoking anywhere in public further than one mile from one’s house.
The settlers began the building of the first house on December the 25th. The Pilgrims assigned each family a house-plot; they were therein responsible for building their own housing. Families were also assigned a plot for farming and growing crops, and raising livestock. In 1621, the Plymouth settlers celebrated
And on the 11th November we came to an anchor in the bay, which is a good harbour and a pleasant bay... a harbour wherein a thousand sail of ships may safely ride. a successful growing season at the Plymouth Plantation. This, alongside the Wampanoag Indians interaction with the Pilgrims, traces the origins of the Thanksgiving holiday.
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Master Jones and the Mayflower departed back to England in this year, but not one of the Pilgrims joined him as they decided to stay put in their New Plymouth community. Today, you can see USA’s Plymouth as it was in the 17th century in the famous museum at the original location of the Plymouth Plantation. It tells the iconic story of the Plymouth Colony, boasting replicas of the Mayflower ship and the English Village. At the Pilgrim Hall Museum, visitors are also allowed to touch a portion of the Plymouth Rock on display. The Mayflower Steps at Pilgrims Point on the Barbican commemorate the journey of the brave Pilgrims who were to form the most celebrated American story of courage, survival and community.
November 2015 15
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November 2015 21
PLYMOUTH’S BEST BUSINESSES
Jobel Ltd
Visit! g! uter Aided
O Available!
ne of the first things you notice when you drive into Jobel in Millbay Road, Plymouth, is the fluttering of the Union Flags outside the Kitchen and Bathroom showroom which provides a hint to the military past of its founder, Mike Freeman.
Let us de sign and mak e you
r dream bathroom
His father had served both in the Army, and in the Royal Navy, when Mike was born in Germany in the year of 1955. When the family returned back to Britain, he decided he wanted to follow in his Dad’s footsteps. He left school at 15 and asked his father if he could join the army at the age of 16, but his Dad’s response had been that Mike got a “proper job” and so he refused to sign the paper work to allow his son to join up.
q. ft all changed when Mike turned 18 he latestThat whereupon he visited the recruiting office in s in Plymouth. The staff told him that if he was about a military career, he would uding theserious have to get a haircut. pliance Mike immediately went straight to the nearest barbers and had his hair appropriately trimmed before promptly
service by Mike Freeman mployed fitters, London, 1992 ceilings & all mbing work.
er both free d units, corner, period & baths, wer cubicles, basins, mirrors, & accessories.
He may have signed on with the Devon and Dorset Regiment but he very quickly found himself part of the Coldstream Guards which, at the age of 18, was a huge honour, as it is the oldest regiment in the British Army in continuous service. It was six tough months of training but he stuck at it to prove to his Dad that he could do it. His parents attended his passing out parade where his father showed his pride and approval with the words, “Congratulations, son.” Celebrations were short lived, however, as Mike was soon to witness one of the worst IRA atrocities on the mainland when he was caught in the Guildford pub bombings of October 1974. He remembers that night well as he had suffered cuts and bruises from the explosions which happened at two separate pubs, resulting in five people being killed and scores more being injured.
The Queen’s Guard Uniform of the Regiment
displays we’re omething22 for November 2015
signing up for a career that would see him serve around the world.
“I escaped death twice that night,” recounts Mike. “It’s made me drive myself forward. You see things that you don’t forget.” One of his first military deployments was
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as in a peacekeeping role in Cyprus with the UN. It was 1975 and the island was in turmoil as it divided itself into the separate enclaves of Turks and Greeks. Returning back to the UK, it wasn’t long before Mike once again became a firsthand witness to “The Troubles.” This time he was on the streets of Northern Ireland following his deployment to Londonderry / Derry from 1976 to 1978. It was the height of tensions in the Six Counties and Mike remembers, on one occasion, being part of a thin green line of soldiers that were facing thousands of rioters. He recalls the confrontation today and recounts that it was certainly a moment when you had to “grow up quick.” With more than 18 years military service behind him and service in a number of countries including Cyprus, Hong Kong and South Africa, Mike left the Army in 1992 as a Warrant Officer (2nd class). His goal from then on was to work within the police service, but a freeze on recruiting saw him move around a number of jobs, including work in the prison service. In the evenings he went along to classes to train as a plumber – a course which would prove vital for the work he undertakes today at Jobel.
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AND ENTREPRENEURS His military training meant that he had a keen eye to detail and strong organisational abilities which is something he still prides himself on. Oracle is interviewing Mike in his office and all of his files for on-going jobs are immaculately ordered on his desk.
“”
By the mid 1990s, Mike was working in the bathroom and kitchen industry where he soon became a company Regional Manager and his work saw him cover a vast area from Bristol to Penzance.
Jobel stems from a beloved pedigree retriever which highlights the importance of family.
By 1998, Mike decided to go it alone. “I rented a shop at Cattedown in Plymouth and the fitters decided to come with me. All the money I made went straight back into the shop for displays and computers, soon we outgrew the premises and we moved to a new site,” explains Mike.
He explains that being an entrepreneur is “not a 9 to 5 job and it’s not a job where you can simply leave the office at the end of the day, it’s there at the weekends and you have to put the hours in to make it work.” The name of any business is vital and Jobel stems from a beloved pedigree retriever which highlights the importance of family. Mike is a proud grandfather and, having just turned 60, is starting to slowly hand over the business reins to his 28 year old son. Mike says family has been a crucial part of his life and the support of his wife cannot be underestimated. “You need to have a supporting partner and someone who is an understanding person, especially when you start a business as money may be tight.”
Mike Freeman
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He also believes that finding a niche market is an important part of developing your business plan. After all, when he started, few people were providing fitted bathrooms and kitchens. His dedication to Jobel means he has never had a day off sick and he ensures he is at his desk before eight in the morning and does not leave before six. His only day off is Sunday and even his hobbies involve building work (he’s even just finished his own extension)!
Investing into the business to help it grow is a key piece of advice that Mike still imparts to budding entrepreneurs.
Certainly the high point for any entrepreneur is to watch his or her business grow and an important factor in achieving that goal is making sure that you treat staff well and that you plan ahead for the tax bills.
“When you become successful,” he says, “don’t spend it; put it back into the company and you will see the results.”
Mike has also continued to ensure that the business is constantly innovating and moving forward. The team uses state of the art graphic design work to create 3D models of how finished bathrooms will look. Jobel also invested in specialised software which provides exacting figures and quotes for clients. Mike’s entrepreneurial spirit is driven not by money but from
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what he saw in the civilian world, where he could spot areas that could be improved to Visit 2000sq. ft ensureour things flowed smoothly for both the showroom for the latest client and his team of fitters.
ideas & designs in Each job is carried out withthe the precision of bathrooms including a military operation so the team of plumbers, latest built-in appliance electricians, tillers and plasterers are all in technology. the right place at the right time. His own training as a plumber has come
Complete service in very useful fitting as he once foundby himself fully qualified employed working completely impromptufitters, at a client’s house. including floors, ceilings & all electrical & plumbing work.
“I don’t like to let people down and we were working on a job when one my fitters was Our ranges cover bothof free told his wife had gone into early labour,” standing & fitted units, recalls Mike.
standard baths, corner, period &
contemporary “I didn’t want to let baths, the customer down and showers shower cubicles, so I put on a&set of overalls and finished the work myself. I think were mirrors, bemused to WC’s, bidets & they basins, see the bosstiles turn up his own tool kit!” radiators, & with accessories. “It was a baby boy and we were all With overdelighted 130 displays we’re absolutely at the news.”
sure we have something for
For luxury bathrooms, there’s only one name everyone! that counts.
01752 663010 www.jobelltd.com
3 Bounds Place, Millbay Road, Plymouth
November 2015 23
Le
Recipe: Recipe: www.bbcgoodfood.com bbcgoodfood.com Image: www.chewoutloud.com nutripeople.co.uk Image:
Pear and Blackberry Crumble Ingredients • • • • • • • •
Serves 4
700g (or 4 large) ripe English pears, peeled and cubed 100g golden granulated sugar 250g blackberries 200g plain flour 100g unsalted butter, cold, cut into small pieces 85g shelled pistachios, rougly chopped 100g demerara sugar ice cream, to serve (optional)
Method
1. Heat oven to 190C/fan 170C/gas 5. Place the pears in a
medium-size pan, add the granulated sugar and cook on a medium heat until the fruit starts to soften and releases its juices, about 10 mins. Add the blackberries and bring back to the boil, then remove from the heat. Spoon the fruity mixture into 4 individual ovenproof ramekins, or 1 large baking dish.
2. Place the flour, butter and a pinch of salt in a large bowl and rub together with your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Add the pistachios and demerara sugar, then stir to combine. 3. Sprinkle crumble evenly over the cooked fruit. This can be done up to 1 day ahead, or frozen for up to 1 month. Bake for 20-25 mins if small, 40 mins if large, until golden. If baking from frozen, add 15 mins cooking time. Remove from the oven, cool slightly, then serve with ice cream, if you like.
24 November 2015
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November 2015 25
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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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
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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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Italian Restaurants Bella Italia Frankie & Benny’s Morgans Pasta & Pizza Bar Pizza Express Positano Prezzo
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
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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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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
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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November 2015 27
Christmas Time in Britain's Ocean City
T
he streets of Plymouth will light up this year with vibrant and bright decorations, lighting the way of families and shoppers to wander and revel in the festivities of this wonderful time of year. Plymouth has a wide selection of Christmas events and venues that are now taking bookings for the Christmas period; whether you’re searching for a fun-filled outing or a quiet, relaxing evening, we have it covered! Read our guide on what to do, where to eat and where to stay this holiday season.
LIGHTS SWITCH ON The Christmas Lights switch on is happening this Thursday 12th November, 4pm at Plymouth Piazza. Local celebrity ‘Birdman’, alongside 2013 X Factor winner Sam Bailey, have been chosen as the special guests to do the honour.
CHRISTMAS MARKET
SCREENING OF FROZEN
Purchase unique Christmas gifts for your loved ones, indulge in a selection of European foods or warm up with delicious mulled wine, plus much more available at the annual Christmas market on Armada Way from Thursday 26th November.
Children and adults alike can enjoy watching the highest-grossing animated film of all time at the Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery. The singalong version will be shown so you can singalong to all of your favourite songs!
OPEN-AIR ICE RINK The Plymouth Piazza will once again see the return of the open-air Ice Rink, soon open to all members of the general public. Regular skating sessions will be available throughout the day, plus availability for private hire.
80’S CHRISTMAS PARTY A jam-packed evening ideal for a work’s Christmas do, Pavilions brings you a taste of the 80s with a themed 3-course dinner, live show and a disco on Thursday 17th December.
SANTA’S NUTCRACKER TRAIL
CINDERELLA
From Thursday the 12th, find Santa’s Nutcrackers for your chance to win one of twelve iPad Minis! Simply tour the city centre with your Nutcracker Trail booklet, which will be sent to all Plymouth primary schools from Monday 2nd November.
This Christmas, you shall go to the ball! Fashion-guru Gok Wan and comedy ventriloquist Paul Zerdin star in Plymouth’s spectacular pantomime at the Theatre Royal on Friday18th December.
28 November 2015
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Where to Stay... BORINGDON HALL
Boringdon Hill, 01752 344455 Boringdon Hall is the perfect venue to celebrate your Christmas party in elegant style. Prices include a classic festive lunch with all the trimmings as well as a complimentary party box to help you let your hair down! Eat, drink and dance ‘til late
BOVEY CASTLE
Dartmoor National Park, 01647 445000 There’s no place like Bovey Castle to experience the magic of a country house Christmas, with the hotel transformed into a festive hideaway for December. The three-night includes accommodation in one of the hotel’s 63 bedrooms or within a luxury lodge, with dining, entertainment and a selection of activities included.
COPTHORNE HOTEL
Armada Way, 01752 224161 Why not celebrate Christmas 2015 with a high-rolling Vegas themed party night in the heart of Plymouth? Enjoy a delicious
three course dinner of festive favourites, then play at one of the Casino tables, including blackjack and roulette. Dance the night away with the resident DJ, playing a variety of crowd-pleasing tunes.
Boringdon Ha ll
DUKE OF CORNWALL
KITLEY HOUSE
Their Christmas menus are again, a delicious way to celebrate Christmas and party till the small hours. Various options are available from a sit down dinner and dance to a Christmas Party Buffet or Canape and drink receptions. The Christmas Dinner & Disco is available from Friday 27th November.
Put your party shoes on and get ready to dance the night away! When youarrive you are greeted with a glass of Mulled wine before sitting down to a festive 4 course meal. When the meal has finished the music will start and the party begins!
JURY’S INN
Longbrook St, 01752 344840
Millbay Road, 0844 387 6053
Exeter Street, 01752 631000 Brush off your dancing shoes and celebrate Christmas the 1940’s way with our Guys and Dolls Christmas Party Nights and the Dance through the Decades disco party nights, a fantastic way to celebrate Christmas with your friends and colleagues.
Kitley Estate, Yealmpton, 01752 881555
ST ELIZABETH’S HOUSE St Elizabeth’s with its luxury, style and service is the ideal place to hold your Christmas celebrations for your business, friends and family. Relax and dine in style with a group of friends, family or work colleagues to celebrate the festive season in a truly festive and friendly atmosphere in a unique setting.
Where to Dine... LAS IGUANAS
Royal William Yard, 01752 226609
Dome Rhodes @ The THE DOCK
King Point Marina, 01752 253555 The Dock is Plymouth’s newest and most eagerly anticipated cafe and restaurant experience. Enjoy the wonderful coastal views at Christmas time with delicious and varied lunch and dinner menus.
THE GLASSBLOWING HOUSE Sutton Harbour, 01752 228556
Using local produce in a stylish modern restaurant with a lounge bar, book your Christmas celebrations with the Glassblowing House now to avoid disappointment, as always demand will be exceptionally high! Make your Christmas one to remember with captivating Barbican waterfront views.
Bringing a tasty blend of the traditional and the new to the city, with fresh ingredients, mouthwatering regional food and drink, and service from passionate people. Experience Latin culture and get your Christmas celebrations started right away by preordering your drinks so they’re ready on your table for when you arrive!
THE LORD LOUIS CARVERY Glen Road, 01752 339562
The Lord Louis in Plympton makes their feasts so mouthwatering, you’ll wish it was Christmas every day. Right through the year’s most special season, they are providing a two or three-course Festive Fayre menu. A perfect place to take the young ones.
PLYMOUTH ALBION RFC Damerel Close, 01752 565064
Have your Christmas party at the unique
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venue of the Rugby Club, ideal for an evening with your colleagues or smaller groups that like the atmosphere of a big party. Set in the festively decorated Midas Marque or Seddon Suite you will be welcomed with a festive drink from 7pm.
RHODES @ THE DOME The Hoe, 01752 266600
Perched on the Hoe and overlooking Plymouth Sound, what better place to celebrate the festive season with your family by indulging in a delicious Christmas dinner, and enjoying a night with friends at either the Casino Night, Murder Mystery or Cabaret Party Night!
THE STEAK AND OMELETTE Cornwall Street, 01752 669162
Regarded as one of the best steakhouses in Plymouth using only local, high quality meats, the popular family-run restaurant is providing diverse Christmas Lunch, Chpristmas Dinner and Christmas Day menus this season. An ideal restaurant for families to bring the young ones.
November 2015 29
Health Benefits For Your Pets Records of the beneficial Aloe Barbadensis plant were found on Sumerian clay tablets from as early as 1750 BC. Its medicinal properties have been used by veterinary practices for over 200 years.
S
cientists discovered the most potent part of the Aloe Vera plant within the inner leaf, identifying 75 known nutrients divided into vitamins, minerals and amino acids. The plant is famously known as the Miracle Plant, the Silent Healer, the Burn Plant or even the Medicine Plant. Aloe Vera, in gel form, is anti-inflammatory and provides the 7 out of 8 essential amino acids your body needs to create protein, required also by animals. It works by promoting cell growth and healing in damaged areas of tissue and immune system functionality. 100% natural true aloe (gel must contain at least 85% certified Aloe Vera to class as true aloe) has powerful healing benefits, helping to alleviate skin problems, the digestive system and the respiratory system. Other benefits of the plant include helping your body with weight management, boosting immunity and reducing inflammation. Forever Living stocks a whole range of Aloe products ranging from heat gel, shampoos and essential oils through to vitamins, drinks and dermatologically tested cosmetics. Forever’s specialist range is certified by the International Aloe Science Council. With the renowned healing properties and gentle formula, Aloe Vera products can further be used to help alleviate your pet’s condition as a first aid treatment if a veterinary surgeon is not immediately available.
The gel and spray solutions can benefit your pets in the following ways: ◊ Allergies - the most common immunological system problems are asthma, arthritis, hay fever and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. True aloe can be given to pets, in its gel form, through oral administration in their food. ◊ Skin problems - your pet may have a certain type of dermatitis such as eczema, an abscess or a fungal infection. Applying a topical preparation of the gel directly to the skin 4-6 times daily initially, then twice daily as the condition improves, will dramatically reduce itching and discharge. Take care not to over-wash areas of skin and always consult a veterinary surgeon first, as self diagnosis may be dangerous. ◊ Wounds, Minor Burns and Abrasions responding particularly well to Aloe Vera, the gel encourages wounds to heal quicker. Ensure to keep the wound or burn clean and moist; in the case of a minor burn, run cold water over the affected area first. ◊ Digestive system problems - the most useful preparations for use in the mouth are Aloe Vera spray solutions. Conditions such as gingivitis and oral ulceration can be helped using these solutions. Vomiting and diarrhoea also respond positively to oral administration of the gel.
◊ Ear and Eye Conditions - an ear infection caused by bacteria, fungi or yeasts can be treated with an Aloe Vera solution, Gelly and Bee Propolis. Make sure to contact a veterinary surgeon first to examine the underlying issue. Aloe Vera gel, when applied frequently, can also aid in fading scar tissue. It is suitable for the general daily care of many domesticated pets’ and farm animals’ skin and fur. If you would like to know more information and would like to purchase these products yourself, please contact Katie Silvermore: t: 07887 497146 e: thealoegoddess@gmail.com f: www.facebook.com/aloelol w: www.katiesilvermore.myforever.biz/store
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Five Ways to Stay Healthy this Winter It may be cold outside, but winter needn’t be the unhealthiest time of year for you and your family. Here are five ways to make sure that, even when your body is telling you to hibernate, you can keep healthy and fit, no matter what the weather’s like.
Eliminate your sleep debt “On average we sleep six-and-a-half hours a night, much less than the seven to nine hours recommended,” says Jessica Alexander, spokesperson at The Sleep Council, which aims to raise awareness of the importance of a good night’s sleep for health and wellbeing. But in winter, we naturally sleep more because of the longer nights. “It’s perfectly natural to adopt hibernating habits when the weather turns cold,” says Jessica. “Use the time to catch up.”
Drink more milk You are 80% more likely to get a cold in winter, so making sure your immune system is in tip-top condition is important. Milk and dairy products such as cheese, yoghurt and fromage
frais are great sources of protein and vitamins A and B12.They’re also an important source of calcium, which helps keep our bones strong. Try to go for semi-skimmed or skimmed milk – rather than full-fat – and low-fat yoghurts.
Eat more fruit and veg When it’s cold and dark outside, it can be tempting to fill up on unhealthy comfort food, but it’s important to ensure you still have a healthy diet and include five portions of fruit and veg a day. If you find yourself craving a sugary treat, try a juicy clementine or satsuma instead, or sweet dried fruits such as dates or raisins. Winter vegetables such as carrots, parsnips, swede and turnips can be roasted, mashed or made into soup for a comforting winter meal for the whole family. Explore varieties of fruit and veg that you may not normally eat.
Try new activities for the whole family Don’t use the cold winter months as an excuse to stay in and lounge around. Instead, get out with the whole family to try out a new activity – maybe ice skating, or taking a bracing winter walk on the beach or through the park. Regular exercise helps control your weight and boost your immune system.
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Have a hearty breakfast Winter is the perfect season for porridge. Eating a warm bowlful on a cold morning isn’t just a delicious way to start your day, it also helps boost your intake of starchy foods and fibre. These give you energy and help you feel fuller for longer, stopping the temptation to snack mid-morning. Oats also contain lots of vital vitamins and minerals. Make your porridge with semiskimmed or skimmed milk or water, and don’t add sugar or salt. Add a few dried apricots, some raisins, a sliced banana or other fruit for extra flavour and to help you hit your 5-a-day target. http://www.nhs.uk/
November 2015 31
Overnight Weightloss? Now That’s Cool
By Barbara Burgess
It has often been assumed that humans living ‘naturally’ would go to sleep at dusk and wake at dawn, and that because of the advent of the technology of lighting we have strayed from that norm. Recent research carried out on hunter-gatherer tribes, in three different locations across the globe, has shown some interesting results which seems to refute this assumption. In fact all the tribes went to sleep around 2-3 hours after sunset and woke not according to the dawn but according to the lowest ambient temperature, either before dawn, or in the case of one tribe, up to an hour after sunrise. They then got their highest levels of light exposure in the morning, keeping in the shade in the middle of the day, although daytime napping was very rare. None of the tribes had a word in their language for insomnia; it just does not exist, and there is no obesity in any of the tribes. This seems to tie in very nicely with other research that shows that, statistically, you are less likely to be obese if you sleep in a cold, dark room. Further research shows that when you are cold your body seems 32 November 2015
to respond by switching on genes which convert white fat (your normal fat deposits) into beige or ‘brite’ (brown-in-white) fat. Unlike white fat, brown fat burns calories to make heat and keep you warm. It increases blood glucose disposal, insulin sensitivity, and energy expenditure. So how could you utilise any of this research to improve your sleep and help you lose weight? Digging through the data it would seem that your bedroom should be about 18°c (65°f) with a thin cover (in other words don’t disappear under a thick duvet!). In fact, if you can reduce the temperature in your home by 2 or 3 degrees you will not only save money but you will help yourself to lose weight. If you are able to, and with the advent of street lighting this is not always possible, you will wake better if you have thin curtains so that daybreak can wake you naturally and keep your circadian rhythms (your body clock) in check; getting early morning light has also been shown to reduce depression.
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Reduce the light intake you get from TV or computers two to three hours before your bedtime – I have found a programme called f:lux which changes the light on my laptop to a warmer light as the sun goes down (and, no, I don’t have any connection with the company), this will also help keep your body clock in balance. So a good night’s sleep and staying cool are two of the big secrets to activating your metabolism to help you to reduce your weight. Last, but not least, Mindfulness meditation and Hypnosis can help you reduce emotional or binge eating, increase your self-esteem and confidence and improve your sleep. Happy sleeping!
Barbara Burgess Hypnotherapist and Coach Deja-View Telephone: 07858 355915 e-mail: info@deja-view.org.uk
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November 2015 33
FILM
GUIDE NOVEMBER 2015 BURNT
COMEDY/DRAMA
(TBC)
IN CINEMAS 6th NOVEMBER
Adam Jones is a Chef who destroyed his career with drugs and diva behaviour. He cleans up and returns to London, determined to redeem himself by spearheading a top restaurant that can gain three Michelin stars. Stars: Michael Fassbender, Marion Cotillard, Sean Harris
WE RATE IT: FATHERS AND DAUGHTERS
(TBC)
DRAMA
IN CINEMAS 13th NOVEMBER
BIOGRAPHY/DRAMA
IN CINEMAS 13th NOVEMBER
A Pulitzer-winning writer grapples with being a widower and father after a mental breakdown, while, 27 years later, his grown daughter struggles to forge connections of her own. Stars: Amanda Seyfried, Aaron Paul, Russell Crowe
WE RATE IT: STEVE JOBS
(15)
Set backstage at three iconic product launches and ending in 1998 with the unveiling of the iMac, Steve Jobs takes us behind the scenes of the digital revolution to paint a portrait of the man at its epicentre. Stars: Michael Fassbender, Kate Winslet, Seth Rogen
WE RATE IT: THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY PT2
(12A) ADVENTURE/SCI-FI/WAR
IN CINEMAS 20th NOVEMBER
After being symbolized as the “Mockingjay”, Katniss Everdeen and District 13 engage in an all-out revolution against the autocratic Capitol. Stars: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth
WE RATE IT: 34 November 2015
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THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY PART 2
MOMENTUM
(15)
ACTION/THRILLER
IN CINEMAS 20th NOVEMBER
Alex, a mysterious thief, is pulled in by her former partner for one last heist. She quickly finds it was never just about the diamonds. Now she must uncover the lies behind the heist and discover the secrets behind the men who have made her a target. Stars: Olga Kurylenko, Morgan Freeman, James Purefoy
WE RATE IT: THE DRESSMAKER (TBC)
DRAMA
IN CINEMAS 20th NOVEMBER
DRAMA/THRILLER
IN CINEMAS 27th NOVEMBER
A glamorous woman returns to her small town in rural Australia. With her sewing machine and haute couture style, she transforms the women and exacts sweet revenge on those who did her wrong. Stars: Kate Winslet, Liam Hemsworth, Hugo Weaving
WE RATE IT: BRIDGE OF SPIES (15)
A dramatic thriller set against the backdrop of a series of historic events tells the story of James Donovan, a Brooklyn lawyer who finds himself thrust into the centre of the Cold War when the CIA sends him on the near-impossible task to negotiate the release of a captured American U-2 pilot. Stars: Tom Hanks, Alan Alda, Amy Ryan
WE RATE IT: BLACK MASS
(15)
BIOGRAPHY/CRIME/DRAMA
IN CINEMAS 27th NOVEMBER
The true story of Whitey Bulger, the brother of a state senator and the most infamous violent criminal in the history of South Boston, who became an FBI informant to take down a Mafia family invading his turf. Stars: Johnny Depp, Benedict Cumberbatch, Dakota Johnson
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November 2015 35
A Crafty Christmas by Fiona Moody If you’re looking for something that’s just that bit different for Christmas presents this year then look no further than Pinnacle Arts & Crafts in The House That Jack Built on Plymouth’s historic Barbican. Opened in March 2015, The shop is run by a co-operative of artists, crafters and a photographer, The seven members came together to give themselves a retail outlet that none could have afforded to do on their own. All products sold in the shop are produced by the individual members; no stock is brought in from outside the group unlike many of galleries in the city, and this is it’s unique selling point. Cathy Stanley, one of the founding members, said “The shop was opened to give the members a permanent base from which to sell their products. Most were seasoned craft fair exhibitors who had become disillusioned with the craft fair scene, some had dreams of running their own shops but could not afford to do so alone, the co-operative was the perfect solution.” She continued “Our unique selling point is that customers can commission any one of us to produce a bespoke piece for them. Even if the customer doesn’t want to
go as far as a bespoke piece many items in the shop can be adjusted or personalised”. Cathy Stanley of Cathy’s Gemstone Jewellery creates beautiful jewellery using a wirework technique with precious or semi-precious stones from around the world incorporated into each piece. Dean Waite, a Fine Line Artist, produces beautifully detailed scenes using pencil and technical drawing pens. All his work in the shop are half size prints of the original drawing, many of which have been carefully hand coloured with a watercolour wash. Jan Hartigan, the other artist, specialises in pencil sketched portraits of animals, and people by commission, and ink drawings in what she calls her Mystic range. She has taken up oil painting again recently and now also has a number of her canvases on display too. Hilary Charlton-Woodgate is a highly skilled maker of felted goods from clothing to pictures. She is currently displaying her colourful handbags and matching scarves. Russell Soper of Soperfect Images is a photographer and has a range of prints using various mediums on display or to order. He also specialises in placing his
or your own photographs onto anything from a keyring to a wall clock. Various gifts are available. Fiona Moody of Hooemade Cards is a paper crafter and makes greetings cards for all occasion as well as paper based gift items such as writing sets and decoupage pictures. Lastly is the newest member Justine Brayshaw of Little Ash Designs who is a whiz with a sewing machine and fabric. She has a range of makeup bags and cushions on display.
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FREE SEMINAR PROTECTING YOUR ASSETS
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38 November 2015
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LOCAL HISTORY
Remembrance Day in Plymouth
R
emembrance Day, otherwise known as Armistice Day, marks the day the First World War ended in 1918, at 11am on the 11th day of the 11th month. On the nearest Sunday to the 11th of November, the annual Memorial Day commemorates and honours those who sacrificed themselves to secure and protect our freedom. Services are held all over the country in which a two-minute silence is held precisely at 11am, before the laying of the wreaths. The ceremony has been televised every year by the BBC since 1946, and is the longest running live televised event. The national ceremony is held in London at the Cenotaph where the Queen will lay the first wreath, followed by the Duke of Edinburgh. In Plymouth, thousands will gather, as one, on Sunday November 8th on the Hoe. The prominent Plymouth Naval Memorial is a familiar sight for residents of our city, commemorating the loss of 7,251 sailors of the First World War and 15,933 of the Second World War. Remembrance is a large part of modern British life, culture and heritage and the poppy, species name papaver rhoeas, is the symbol of Remembrance and hope. The poppy was adopted as a symbol after Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae was inspired by the sight of poppies to write the famous poem titled In Flanders Fields. The poppies grew in their thousands; a symbol of colour and life amongst a landscape that had been destroyed and devastated by war.
“We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields...” The origin of the red Flanders poppy as a symbol of Remembrance was the inspiration of one American woman, Miss Moina Michael, who vowed to always wear a red poppy as an emblem of keeping the faith with all those who fell in the war. The Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal has run annually since 1921, asking everyone to support the appeal this year by wearing a poppy from the 31st of October - Saturday 13th November 2015. The money raised provides financial, social and emotional care to members and the families of members who currently serve, or have previously served, in the British Armed Forces. Last year, the legion fundraised over £53,500 with the help of the people of Plymouth. They presented their gazebo and vintage military vehicles in the city centre, plus placed stands outside supporting shops including Sainsburys and WHSmiths. The poppy appeal for Devon County currently stands at an astonishing £1,003,000. Membership with the Plymouth City Centre branch will give you the opportunity to get involved and help both locally, regionally and nationally.
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C
hristmas - a time for fun, excitement, and, oh, family conflict?
Alexandra Boardman
Chartered Legal Executive
By Alexandra Boardman Alexandra Boardman from The Family Law Company in Plymouth considers the best way to tackle Christmas for separated parents. Perhaps I should apologise for raising the issue of Christmas when we haven’t finished with all the other festivities of the year yet. However, as Christmas cards have been on the shelves for weeks now, this seems like an opportune time to raise an issue that, like so many around Christmas time, can prove to be a real sticking point. Some of the ‘Ps’ associated with Christmas Presents: we all like that one. Parties: for some, they are the best thing about Christmas, for others not so much fun (although we might enjoy it in the end). Another ‘P’, and one we reluctantly accept as a requirement of the festive period, is Planning. When we are making our arrangements for Christmas, there is always a long list of what needs to be dealt with. Turkey ‒ tick. Decorate the tree ‒ tick. Buy the gifts and wrap them – tick. However, as you get organised, spare a thought for family lawyers and mediators for whom Christmas can be one of the busiest times of the year. This is often because of child contact disputes, a very difficult issue for families at Christmas. It is widely accepted that Christmas is really all about the children and spending time with family. The tree, presents and Christmas dinner are secondary to watching the joy and excitement on the children’s faces when they open their presents. Even letting them overindulge in chocolate is all part of the fun of Christmas morning. However, with many parents now living in different households it has become more and more difficult for both parents to share these wonderful moments with their children. Understandably, both parents want
40 November 2015
to have their children wake up with them on Christmas morning and experience the thrill and excitement of those first few hours. Although some parents will find it difficult to put aside their differences, this isn’t true in all cases. Many separated parents reach agreements that might involve one parent going to the other parent’s home in the early hours so that they can both share in the excitement with their children. It’s worth bearing in mind that for some children, this could be very difficult or confusing. There really isn’t a ‘one size fits all’ arrangement that can be put in place for every family over the festive period when the parents do not live together. Relationships between separated parents are unique, down to individual circumstances and even personalities. What is usually common, however, is the desire to put the child or children at the centre of the arrangements and try to ensure that Christmas is a fun and enjoyable time for all.
plenty of time for the court to consider the proposals of each parent before giving guidance or, making a decision should no agreement be reached. In reality, the court would much prefer parents to sort things out between themselves and by agreement, rather than be forced into an arrangement. Children find it difficult to deal with conflict in the same way that adults do, whatever time of year it is. Most children would ideally like to spend time with both parents, not least with the expectation that Father Christmas is likely to visit two homes to deliver presents to them. Where things can become difficult and upsetting is when a child wakes up with one parent to the excitement of Christmas Day, but then feels responsible for or even guilty about their other parent being sad or upset because they haven’t seen them. This can bring on an untimely reminder that mummy and daddy are still not getting on.
The best way forward is to discuss the likely arrangements early, so both parents know where they stand. By ensuring that neither parent will be disappointed, much of the stresses and strains of making arrangements for children to spend time with their parents is removed.
By talking to an experienced family lawyer in good time, these problems can often be resolved well before the festive season. With arrangements agreed and in place, everyone can relax and enjoy a peaceful, happy Christmas.
Having an open conversation about arrangements can highlight areas that may need the additional guidance of a family lawyer or mediator. Where a mutual agreement cannot be reached, knowing the areas of disagreement early on will provide
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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