Oracle Magazine October Issue 2014

Pl

FREE

ym

ou

th

an

Oracle 69

d

TM

Magazine

Please mention Oracle Magazine when responding to adverts

October ‘14

So

ut

h

H

am

s

October 2014 02

Health & Beauty Eating & Drinking Leisure & Events Home

01 October 2014

Call Oracle Magazine 01752 691007

www.oracle.uk.net

info@oracle.uk.net

Creative Director Myles Lockwood myles@oracle.uk.net Editor Lucy McGowan BA (Hons) lucy@oracle.uk.net Account Management Myles Lockwood myles@oracle.uk.net Emma-Jane Corry emma@oracle.uk.net Sales Appointments Myles Lockwood myles@oracle.uk.net Ashley Meads ashley@oracle.uk.net Graphic Design Lucy McGowan BA (Hons) lucy@oracle.uk.net Tom Coles BA (Hons) tom@oracle.uk.net Website Design Mike Pitches Photography www.mikepitchesphotography.co.uk Editorial Lucy McGowan BA (Hons) Photography Tom Coles www.shutterstock.com www.istock.com Prize with thanks to: Domino’s Pizza Plymouth

editor's note..

Halloween is fast approaching! Now is the time to take part in some family fun and enjoy some spooky festivities.

Devon has a rich history full of intriguing locations that boast ghostly activity! Why not take part in some frightening fun and visit some local properties where supernatural spirits have been seen lurking around the grounds. Turn to page 40 to find out about the history of Halloween and haunted Devon.

October is known to be one of the wettest months of the year, but don’t let that stop you enjoying the exciting activities Plymouth has to offer. From Museum Exhibitions and Arts and Crafts to Bowling and Go Karting, there are plenty of options to keep the whole family entertained this autumn (page 14).

Plymouth Pavilions have a great range of shows coming up over the next few months. Watch the amazing rock spectacular,

Follow us on issuu and view the magazine online!

Scan here:

Follow us on:

Vampires Rock (page 28), or enjoy music from Example, Lilly Allen, Bombay Bicycle Club and many more (page 34).

We have an exclusive competition in this issue of Oracle. You have the chance to win a monstrous night of freaky fun courtesy of Dominos Pizza. Simply text to win a mouth watering Feed the Family Meal Deal and two tickets to see Vampires Rock! Turn to page 21 to enter.

I hope you enjoy all the great features in this issue of the Plymouth Oracle. I’ll catch up with you next month.

Lucy

Lucy McGowan Editor/Head Graphic Designer

Mannamead Hair & Beauty Salon

facebook.com/PlymouthOracle twitter.com/PlymouthOracle

Front Cover:

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADVERTISE IN ORACLE MAGAZINE please call sales on:

01752 691007 www.oracle.uk.net Trade Mark and © Copyright Oracle Publications Ltd 2014.

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.

Image sourced from: shutterstock.com The Plymouth Oracle Magazine is published, designed, & distributed by: Oracle Publications Ltd, Suite 8, Bowker House, Lee Mill, Near Ivybridge, Devon, PL21 9EF. Any comments should be addressed to the Creative Director.

01752 662674

1-3 Eggbuckland Rd, Mannamead, Plymouth, PL3 5HF Open Tuesday to Saturday FREE parking October 2014 03

WHATEVER YOUR ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS - TRY BEACON ELECTRICAL FOR LOW PRICES & EXPERT ADVICE! Washing Machines from £179.99

Cookers from £169.98

Fridges from £109.98

Tumble Dryers from £129.98

Dehumidifiers from £124.99

TV’s (32” screen) from £169.99

Hi-Fi Systems from £49.98

Vacuum Cleaners from £69.99

Flame Effect Fires from £89.97

Freestanding Heaters from £11.99

Decorative Light Fittings from £19.97

LED / CFL / Halogen Lamps from £1.89 each

Chrome Switches & Sockets from £7.99

Cables & Flex sold in drums & per meter

Kettles & Toasters from £11.99

Cordless Telephones from £19.99

www.beaconelectrical.co.uk Follow w us on Facebook

and Tw T itter

263 Beacon Park Rd, Plymouth, PL2 3JP

01752 787600

*Conditions apply

FREE DELIVERY R * RY

Plymstock 01752 492122 • Pennycomequick 01752 222003 • Kingsbridge 01548 853116 • TTotnes 01803 863448

04 October 2014

Call Oracle Magazine 01752 691007

www.oracle.uk.net

info@oracle.uk.net

contents

18 40

October 2014

10

Brides Beware

14

Rainy Day Activities

18

Millbay’s Redevelopment Project

21

Freaky Fun Competition

27

Switch to Vapourlites for Stoptober

30

What’s On Guide

36

Film Guide

40

A Haunting History

The risks of searching for your dream wedding dress online Indoor activities for you to enjoy in the city of Plymouth £200 million project aimed at regenerating the heart of the historic waterfront Win a monstrous night of freaky fun courtesy of Domino’s Pizza This Stoptober, make the move over to the real alternative to smoking A bumper guide of events happening across the city Some of the best films being released over the coming month Explore some intriguing locations that boast ghostly activity, right here in Devon

Individual, distinctive fitted kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms - innovatively designed and beautifully crafted

14 a t te n

28

t i o n t o d e t a i l. . .

Visit our large showroom at: 2-3 Stowford Business Park, Filham Moor Industrial Estate, Ivybridge, Devon, PL21 0BE

T: 01752 896464 | www.systemkbb.co.uk

October 2014 05

Would you recognise if a loved one was showing signs of drug abuse?

• Would you recognise if your daughter, son, partner or friend was showing signs of drug abuse?

• Do you know what Crack, Crack Cocaine, Heroin, Cannabis, L.S.D, Ecstasy or other drugs easily obtained on the streets look like?

• Would you recognise paraphernalia used for administering drugs?

If you answered NO to any of the above this workshop is for YOU. This promises to be an informative and interactive day to broaden your understanding and awareness and will dispel common myths around this subject. You will have an opportunity to have access to a wide variety of harmless replica drugs to create impact, realism and effect.

Date: Saturday 15th November 2014 Time: 9.30am to 4.30pm Venue: Henlake Suite, The Watermark, Ivybridge Cost: £60 to include lunch

01752 891929 Ivycounselling@aol.co.uk www.ivycounselling.co.uk The Watermark, Erme Court, Ivybridge. PL21 0SZ

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

01752 303155 www.halo-hairdressing.co.uk

Buy two Goldwell products & get the third

FREE! *

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

44 Morshead Road | Crownhill | Plymouth | Devon | PL6 5AQ *Only one offer per customer. Valid for a limited time only.

06 October 2014

Call Oracle Magazine 01752 691007

www.oracle.uk.net

info@oracle.uk.net

Please mention Oracle Magazine when responding to adverts

October 2014 07

For your chance to

WIN £30

of Marks & Spencer Vouchers

..just answer these 5 questions!

What do you like most about Oracle Magazine?

NE

Offering a wide range of treatments in a relaxed & comfortable environment...

10% OFF

If you could change something about Oracle Magazine what would it be?

K

STOC ON IN PLYM

EAUTY SAL W NAIL & B

*

FACIALS

FOR NEW & EXISTING CLIENTS *Valid until 31st October 2014 when booking a facial from the Monu range, Diamond microdermabrasion, Micro current lifting and Colour therapy facials.

Which businesses have you used from the magazine and why?

07944 385980 87 Elburton Road, Plymstock www.tillysbeautyrooms.co.uk

plymouth

KARATE academy

What type of businesses would you like to see advertise in Oracle?

Plymouth’s premier karate specialist has something for everyone...

Would you like Oracle posted to your yes home address every month?

no

Please note: To have Oracle posted to you, a £1 postage and packing charge will apply per issue.

NAME:

AGE:

• Learn Karate for the first time • Improve your existing ability • or perfect your skills in Martial Arts

All abilities welcome

PKA

Plymouth Karate Academy

ADDRESS:

POSTCODE: CONTACT No: EMAIL: Please send to: Oracle Publications Reader Response, Suite 8, Bowker House, Lee Mill Bridge, Ivybridge, Devon, PL21 9EF

08 October 2014

Classes throughout the week - visit our website for more details or call for information on classes in your area

For more information contact: Stuart on 07970 379268 www.plymouthkarateacademy.co.uk Call Oracle Magazine 01752 691007

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Sparkle & Shine on the Dance Floor With the festive season fast approaching and less than 2 months until the office parties start, follow my simple rules and feel fit and fabulous on the dance floor.

Exercise Time

Always bring your work out plan with you. Walking into a gym with no idea of what you are going to do will lead to you wasting your time and you will only end up back on that treadmill bored &

unmotivated. If you need help planning your routine most gyms offer a free initial training program to get you started. Keep it short and simple, get in, get it done and get out!

Meal Preparation

Goal Setting

Make sure you set yourself a goal. This could be a dress size, a target weight, or it might be that you just want to be whizz around that dance floor without getting out of breath. Whatever your goal is, write it down and repeat it to yourself every day.

Stand in front of your bedroom mirror and read your goal out allowed telling yourself you will succeed in achieving your target.

A New Hobby

Why not make achieving your goal more fun and interesting by taking up a new fitness hobby. Salsa class are not only fun but just one hour can burn as much as 393 calories and will give you some great moves for the dance floor at the office Christmas party.

Having your meals all ready to go in the morning means you’re far less likely to slip on your healthy eating goals. Make sure you set yourself a little time in the evening or even at the weekend to make up some nutritious and delicious healthy meals. Buy cheap Tupperware containers, make up large quantities of meals such as stir fries, couscous salads (we have a great recipe for a winter salad in this month’s issue), chili’s, and stews, then freeze individual portions...perfect to grab and go in the mornings.

Emma-Jane is a R.E.P.s qualified trainer. If you would like to know more information about training with Emma you can contact her on emmajanept@hotmail.co.uk or 07703977069.

BRAND NEW Commercial Salon Now Open!

Ladies Hairdressing Barbering Nails Beauty Treatments Spray Tanning

£10 OFF when spending over £20

NUS Student Discount!

Pamper Packages’ & Gift Vouchers available for Birthdays, Wedding & Prom Parties Complimentary Gift for the 1st 10 clients booking a Hair & Beauty Package

FREE Head Massage with every Cut or Colour

only with this voucher at GHQ Salon

Tel: 01752 202122

The team look forw ard to welcoming yo

u!

1 Elizabeth Court, Whimple Street, Plymouth GHQ Salon & Barber Shop Please mention Oracle Magazine when responding to adverts

@GHQsalon October 2014 09

WEDDINGS

Brides Beware It’s no secret, weddings are expensive! With an average wedding in the UK costing between 15 and 20 thousand pounds, it’s no surprise an ever increasing number of brides to be are turning to the internet to try and find the dress of their dreams, at a fraction of the price.

A

“Buy it now” search for “Wedding Dress” produces 424,472 results, the top six are all under £100, so it’s easy to see why so many brides are tempted by bagging a bargain. However, all of the top results are also made and dispatched from China, so actually meeting your dress maker is out of the question!

These listings tend to use either stock photos or photos taken from legitimate designer’s websites and are not real photos of the final, finished product. Unlike going into a bridal shop and seeing the finished dress, there is no real guarantee that the finished item will be an exact match to the photo supplied. Another thing to remember is that it is impossible to feel the quality of the fabric and the fit of the dress from 5,000 miles away.

One of the very first things a seamstress or professional in a bridal boutique will do is take proper, accurate measurements.

Wedding dresses are not like normal dresses, and need to be fitted in places that an off the shelf dress doesn’t. When buying online, this is down to you to measure yourself and even an inch out can result in the dress not fitting at all.

The other often overlooked benefit of going to a bridal studio or boutique is the amazing experience of trying on several dresses, being centre of attention and feeling like a princess for the day! Many brides remember this as one of the best experiences of the wedding planning and preparation process, an experience that isn’t possible buying online. This also gives you

10 October 2014

“It’s so important that a bride buys from a reputable bridal boutique. Not only will you receive a wonderful shopping experience, but you can buy with confidence” the opportunity to take people with you to get a second opinion from those that care about you and how you look on your big day.

Amy from Amica Bridal Boutique in Plymouth explains why she thinks it’s important to buy from a proper bridal boutique: “It’s so important that a bride buys from a reputable bridal boutique. Not only will you receive a wonderful shopping experience, but you can buy with confidence, knowing your gown will be from a genuine designer and that your measurements have been taken by a professional and experienced bridal consultant. We’ve heard so many stories of brides buying online and being very disappointed, then spending far more than their original budget to rectify or replace their online purchase. At Amica Bridal Boutique, if you are on a budget, just let us know! We will work with you to find your dream gown, at a great price and have some fun too!”

Call Oracle Magazine 01752 691007

How to spot a fake The only real way to ensure that you are definitely going to be walking down the aisle in a dress you love and that fits perfectly, is to go to a professional bridal boutique.

There is no harm in looking online to get an idea, however there are some things to be aware of.

Some listings and websites have clearly had a lot of time spent on them to make them look as legitimate as possible. This is to assure brides that they are going to get a top quality dress at a bargain basement price, which can be very tempting, even if you are planning on going to a boutique.

Here are a few things to look for to avoid a fake: • Prices that seem too good to be true • Perfect pictures of models wearing the dress, despite it being an EBay listing or extra low priced website.

• Seller locations in China or other East Asian country • No telephone number or returns address • Broken English used in the item descriptions When it comes to a decision as important as your wedding dress, it really does pay to do your research and make sure that you are 100% happy before committing to buying a dress.

Amica Bridal Boutique, Marsh Mills, Plymouth Road, Crabtree, Plymouth, PL3 6RL Tel: 01752 214040

www.oracle.uk.net

info@oracle.uk.net

hobby horse

£10 Afterschool Party!

Ltd

Building A Child’s Future...

• Quality Care & Stimulation in a Happy, Safe & Relaxed Environment • Family Owned nurseries • Qualified, Commited and enthusiastic staff • Health & Hygiene needs monitored by a qualified nurse on staff

Fingerprint Entry System Nursery for 0 - Care 5 Years

• Dedicated to your childs individual needs • Term time only pre-school funded sessions available • Open 52 weeks of the year

New bookings for Armed Forces, Emergency Services and NHS qualify for discounts

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! Birthday child goes free!

1/2 Price Afterschool Monday - Friday school term time

10% DISCOUNT on new bookings

Visit Jump after 3.30pm Monday - Friday school term time and children pay half price!

Entrance + Hot Meal & Drink only £6.25

(on two sessions or more on production of this advert)

Quality Care that every child deserves Hobby Horse Day Nursery (BRISTOL STANDARD Q.A.)

To book or for more information, call our party advisors on

www.hobbyhorsenurseries.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.

17 Branson Court, Plympton, PL7 2WU Tel: 01752 202193 / 07775 923246 Open: Mon-Fri 8am-6pm

01752 782 415

I know a pretty little dress shop...

UK’s FIRST

PREMIER STOCKIST

for RONALD JOYCE & VICTORIA JANE

Amica Bridal Boutique offers you a wonderful and unique experience to discovering your perfect dress for your special day.

DOWNLOAD

OUR NEW APP TODAY!

• Bridal Dresses • Bridesmaid Dresses • Flower Girl Dresses • Prom Dresses and many more...

Plymouth Road, Crabtree, Plymouth, PL3 6RL

amicabridalboutique.com

01752 214040 @Amica_Boutique

Please mention Oracle Magazine when responding to adverts

info@amicabridalboutique.com AmicaBridalBoutique

October 2014 11

Injured in an accident?

Call Chris Kallis Solicitors for trusted Legal advice No Win - No Fee Service Free Initial Consultation Exceptional Compensation Results Specialist in High Value Claims “1000s of local clients have been helped as a result of many hours of hard work and expertise�

Chris Kallis

01752 225060

www.chriskallis.co.uk info@chriskallis.co.uk 33 North Road East, Plymouth, PL4 6AY

12 October 2014

Call Oracle Magazine 01752 691007

Job Vacancy?

We have the answer!

T

oday’s economic climate has put massive pressure on organisations of all sizes to provide more for less. But, have you ever considered employing a student?

Why not? Students are ideal candidates for part time and seasonal recruitment as their timetables are flexible, they are hungry for work experience and want to be able to put their unique skills into your business to further your success.

Student Jobs with Plymouth University can help you find the perfect students for free! We understand the importance of finding the right candidate, who can fit in with your business ethos, whilst making sure they have the required skills to complement and excel your company.

Student Jobs has access to over 30,000 students, making us one of the largest talent banks in the South West.

We have been successful in obtaining talented, hardworking students from a range of sectors. Student Jobs is here to

“Student Jobs with Plymouth University can help you find the perfect students for free!” provide a complete solution for your recruitment needs, whether it is to cover a short term vacancy or support your company in the long-term. By working closely with you, a Student Jobs consultant will build up an understanding of the specifications required to accommodate your vacancies and provide recommendations of students best suited for the job.

We can provide you with a platform to market your vacancy to the right candidates quickly and efficiently. From the second you send us your vacancy, a dedicated recruitment consultant will get to work on finding your ideal candidates based on your requirements. Your consultant will support you throughout the process; identifying your requirements to

“We can take the worry of recruiting off your hands so you can concentrate on what’s really important.”

Please mention Oracle Magazine when responding to adverts

working with you to discuss the filtering and screening of CV’s. We can take the worry of recruiting off your hands so you can concentrate on what’s really important.

All of our candidates will be vetted and screened to ensure they are suitable for the job. We can manage and rank all CV’s and create a shortlist for interview on your behalf. We can even build your own talent bank and keep track of good candidates for future vacancies.

Do you now think it’s time to start employing students? So do we!

For further information about how we can help you and your business thrive please contact us on studentjobs@plymouth.ac.uk or by telephone: 01752 587722.

October 2014 13

LEISURE

October is widely renowned in Britain to be one of the wettest months of the year.

With this in mind, we have suggested some activities for you to enjoy in the city of Plymouth with all the family. From indoor climbing and go karting, to painting your own pottery there is something for both adults and children to enjoy during the rainy season. By Stacey Tagg.

RAINY DAY ACTIVITIES Adrenalin Rush If you’re looking for an adrenalin rush then this is the activity for you! Plymouth Go Karting is one of the newest facilities found at Ernesettle Industrial Estate in Plymouth and one of the most fun filled activities to do on a rainy day. Suitable for adults and children over the age of 7, the facility boasts 2 indoor and 1 outdoor track to choose from with a selection of karts at your disposal. You can race against each other or, if you prefer, the business also provides booking for adult or child only sessions. To fuel the competitive spirit, the tracks include screens which regularly update with lap times and kart positions. Additionally, the go karting facility also provides an indoor laser tag activity if you’re looking for some combat action. Suitable for adults and children over the age of 8, battle against your team mates in the state of the art indoor arena which includes lighting and special effects in attempt to win the competition. Alternately, if you’re looking

Plymouth Karting & Laser Tag

14 October 2014

Quadrant Quay by HTA Design

for something with less of an adrenalin rush, why not explore new heights and try the indoor climbing wall at Plymouth Life Centre. The 160 metre climbing wall also includes an assault course and abseiling opportunities. Plymouth Life Centre offer a wide range of sessions for juniors to adult only. If you’re looking to experience the activity as a family, you can also try a family taster session, which is designed for adults and children from the age of 4 and above and is another way to keep out of the wet weather!

children have fun expressing their creativity. For younger children, the Drakes Den soft indoor play centre aimed at younger tots is a great opportunity for the little ones to meet new friends in a playful environment. Alternatively, you can visit Jump at Christian Mill Business Park in Crownhill, Plymouth, which is the largest soft play centre in the South West. Their facilities provide adults with a chance to take a break whilst children

“ This is an ideal

opportunity for all members of the family to get together in a relaxed and friendly environment

”

Fun and Creativity For those who want a less active indoor activity to do on a rainy day, adults and children can paint their own pottery at Clay Art on the Barbican in Plymouth.

Choose the ceramic pottery of your choice and paint away! This is an ideal opportunity for all members of the family to get together in a relaxed and friendly environment. If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, you can always opt to visit The Art Café in Kingsbridge. Like Clay Art, you can paint pottery here too. Similarly, the cafe provides child friendly sessions and includes tea and coffee for parents wishing to take a break whilst their

Call Oracle Magazine 01752 691007

Clay Art can turn their energy to the play frame.

If you’re situated towards the outskirts of Plymouth, Bear Feet Play Centre is a great alternative if you’re unable to commute to the city. Like Drakes Den and Jump, Bear Feet is a multipurpose indoor play centre for children and has been hailed by some as ‘the best indoor play centre in Devon’.

Active Got a competitive streak? Then why not go TenPin Bowling at the Barbican Leisure Park in Plymouth. You can play

www.oracle.uk.net

info@oracle.uk.net

LEISURE day or night with family bowling packages available if you want to save some cash.

For teens and adults, why not try cosmic bowling? A bowling game like no other!

With UV lighting and even louder music this will certainly entertain you during the wetter months.

TenPin Bowling

“ With UV lighting and

even louder music this will certainly entertain you during the wetter months

”

Educational Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery is an alternate way of escaping the British weather and spending time with the family whilst learning something new and is suitable for any age. Explore the range of exhibitions held throughout the year at the museum and art gallery and even attend family talks with specific sessions tailored for under 5’s. Entrance to Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery is completely free with fantastic exhibits worth exploring.

Similarly and slightly further afield, the House of Marbles at Bovey Tracey is a great way of educating children and adults about the history behind classic games and the development of marbles themselves. Set in an old pottery; immerse yourself in the different wonders of the House of Marbles. Watch the glass makers hard at work or get interactive with the marble runs; this is a sure rainy day activity guaranteed to entertain the whole family.

If it’s wildlife you like but you don’t want to risk getting wet, pop indoors to the National Marine Aquarium. The National Marine Aquarium is the UK’s largest

National Marine Aquarium marine exhibit, so why not dive into the underwater world and learn about the marine animals that are found beneath the waves! For those after a bargain, the facility offers a day ticket with the added benefit of gaining free entry to the aquarium for 12 months. The aquarium holds regular talks and you can even watch the keepers feed the sharks. This is a fascinating way for adults and children alike to dive into the underwater world without getting wet!

No Children Allowed This is one for the adults! Take a break from the kids and take a tour around Plymouth’s Gin Distillery which dates back to 1400. There is a choice of three tours to choose from: take the basic tour and enjoy a free gin and tonic and the end of your tour or, take the Gin Connoisseurs tour with the opportunity to taste the different types of gin available at the distillery. If you’re looking for the ultimate experience, take the Master Distillers tour

”

This is just a small selection of indoor activities available in Plymouth. When the autumn weather arrives, give one of these activities a go and you’re sure to have a fantastic time indoors!

Plymouth Karting & Laser Tag 01752 651499 Plymouth Life Centre 01752 606900 Clay Art 01752 665565 The Art Cafe 01548 852802 Jump 01752 782415 Drakes Den 01752 794444 Bear Feet 01626 336339 TenPin Bowling 0871 221 0000 Plymouth City Museum & Art Gallery 01752 304774

dive into the “underwater world and

learn about the marine animals that are found beneath the waves!

and you can even create your very own gin!

House of Marbles 01626 835285 National Marine Aquarium 0844 893 7938

Plymouth’s Gin Distillery

Please mention Oracle Magazine when responding to adverts

Plymouth Gin Distillery 01752 665292

October 2014 15

Presented with the Plymouth listener in mind Hello, I’m Dave Gould, and I’m the new Breakfast Show Presenter on Radio Plymouth!

W

hen I was 15, I was adamant I wanted to work in radio, so I wrote a letter to Hospital Radio Plymouth. A few months went by and then I received an application form through the post one day to become a member of the team at Hospital Radio. So I applied and was accepted straight away. I loved working there! I got to broadcast on the radio and got to meet some truly inspirational people, as well as gain experience in radio.

After being at Hospital Radio for 4 years, a friend of mine suggested sending a demo to a radio station in West Wales called Radio Ceredigion. I took his advice and sent in my demo. To my amazement

the Programme Controller gave me a call to offer me a couple of weeks of covering the Late Night Show, which was from 10pm - 2am and I jumped at the chance!

I was 19 years old and was about to experience my first taste of “proper” radio.

After a successful two weeks of late night radio in Wales, I was offered the show full time. And the rest, as the saying goes, is history.

So now you know a bit about me, let me tell you what my show is all about on Radio Plymouth.

As a local lad, I believe in all things Plymouth, which is why my show reflects this. I broadcast Monday to Friday between 6 and 10am and the show is the only Breakfast Show that is broadcast from Plymouth, exclusively for Plymouth and surrounding areas. Everything about the programme is presented with the Plymouth listener in mind. We have the latest News, Weather, Sport and Travel News for the city to help you start the

Breakfast Show Presenter Dave Gould

day knowing what’s new and to help you avoid any traffic hold ups on the journey to work or school. As well as the more serious elements of the programme, we have lots of laughs and fun competitions in which you can take part and win some free stuff (the prize cupboard is virtually bursting) so, if you aren’t already a listener, why not tune in? Go on, you know you want to!

Every weekday morning after 9am on Dave Gould for Breakfast, we have “Connect 5”. The idea is to play 5 songs with a theme, your job as the listener is to then work out the connection.

For example: Madonna – RAIN, Katrina & The Waves – Walking On SUNSHINE, SNOW Patrol – You’re All I Have, Leo Sayer – THUNDER In My Heart, & Earth WIND And Fire – September , the connection is the weather.

Could you come up with 5 songs with a connection?

1. Title:

Artist/Group:

2. Title:

Artist/Group:

3. Title:

Artist/Group:

4. Title:

Artist/Group:

5. Title:

Artist/Group:

Connection: Name:

Tel:

Please send to: Dave Gould, Radio Plymouth, 3 Crescent Avenue Mews, Plymouth. PL1 3AP or email dave.gould@radioplymouth. com and listen in weekdays after 9am to see if your songs are selected. If they are, you’ll win a CD album.

16 October 2014

Call Oracle Magazine 01752 691007

www.oracle.uk.net

info@oracle.uk.net

Please mention Oracle Magazine when responding to adverts

October 2014 17

LEISURE

MILLBAY’S REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT Millbay has seen a dramatic transformation by an estimated £200 million project aimed at redeveloping and regenerating the heart and key historic waterfront area of Plymouth. By Stacey Tagg.

Quadrant Quay by HTA Design

T

he plan has aimed to introduce new businesses, residences, leisure and retail opportunities to the area, to create a space suitable for families and businesses as well as attracting tourists to the locality. It has created new affordable homes and provided the latest designs and facilities for families in the area whilst adding a new marina to berth 170 boats.

The site also boasts a new site for the Plymouth School of Creative Arts for Primary and Secondary education sponsored

by Plymouth College of Art and Design, which is set to open this autumn. The plan ties in with the idea of linking the original ‘three districts’ of Plymouth which comprise of Plymouth, Devonport and Stonehouse to promote a more dynamic and united neighbourhood in the heart of Plymouth.

development estimated to finish a decade later since the start of the project in 2016.

The redevelopment so far has seen the new addition of the housing space Cargo 2 and the King Point Marina which were started back in 2012 and completed in 2013. The King Point Marina lies at the core of the Millbay project as Isambard

The original proposal of the King Point Marina project was announced back in 2006 to become one of the leading water Kingdom Brunel set the original plans to front cities with the newest development of build Millbay Docks in 1857 with the docks Quadrant Quay due to be finished by the being updated in the developers’ plans end of the year and the final phases of the during the present regeneration project.

The Millbay redevelopment project has also seen nationwide success as it has The plan ties in with won an award for ‘Best Development’ at the idea of linking the the UK Property Awards in 2010 and has original ‘three districts’ of been named one the ‘Top 50 Regeneration Projects’ in 2012 by Planning Magazine.

Plymouth to promote a The ongoing success of the regeneration more dynamic and united project is with thanks to the funding provided by the English Cities Fund (ECF) neighbourhood in the working alongside other private companies heart of Plymouth such as Muse Developments, Atwell

“

”

18 October 2014

Call Oracle Magazine 01752 691007

The development “ suggests a positive sign

that the city of Plymouth is recovering and growing after the recession

”

Martin, Legal and General and the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA).

The English Cities Fund (ECF) is also responsible for other projects taking place around the country such as those in: St. Pauls Square Liverpool, Merchant Gate in Wakefield and Canning Town in London.

Plymouth is fortunate to have a fantastic opportunity to develop its future as a waterfront city. The development suggests a positive sign that the city of Plymouth is recovering and growing after the recession and is moving forward with its ambitious plans to become Europe’s leading waterfront city.

With the success of the America’s Cup, this has propelled Millbay into becoming a key area of prosperity for the city. Such great success could potentially pave the way for the America’s Cup to return or other similar events like the yacht race to be held around the waterfront once the project is complete; it is an excellent way to encourage and improve the tourist industry for Plymouth.

Similar activities for tourists include ‘Cycle Plymouth’s Waterfront’, which

www.oracle.uk.net

info@oracle.uk.net

LEISURE

Cargo 2 Development

improvements “cannew provide close links

to the city centre, shopping centre, railway station and ferry port as well as providing new restaurants, bars, cafes, retail stores, business units and easy access to tourist attractions.

”

enables locals and tourists to cycle their way through Plymouth’s waterfront surroundings and view the existing old Millbay Docks coupled with Millbay’s latest builds. Millbay’s new improvements can provide close links to the city centre, shopping centre, railway station and ferry port as well as providing new restaurants, bars, cafes, retail stores, business units and easy access to tourist attractions. Additionally, the location provides an excellent opportunity for new and local businesses focused around the waterfront and marina to move into the new units, which will be in-keeping with Millbay’s already existing maritime heritage.

With its rich local history, Millbay has been involved in local events held during August by marking the centenary of World War One in partnership with the English Cities Fund and Plymouth University as well as

being a viewing platform for local residents during the firework championships. It has encouraged more people to visit the latest developments in the neighbourhood and experience the new architecture.

The surrounding vicinity of Millbay has been given a new image using modern designs whilst incorporating the old historic maritime image. In more recent months, the plan of introducing restaurants, bars and cafes has seen the arrival of The Dock Café and Restaurant which opened in spring earlier this year. This was followed by the start of the final phase of the project and the ongoing build of Quadrant Quay with additional housing construction which

“

Millbay has been given a new image using modern designs whilst incorporating the old historic maritime image

Building of Creative Arts School

Please mention Oracle Magazine when responding to adverts

”

started since the beginning of spring and across the summer in the latest housing expansions. With the current build underway the final phase is also set to include a boulevard connecting Millbay with the city centre. Like Cargo 2, Quadrant Quay similarly combines a brand new, simple and modern design alongside Millbay’s vibrant architectural history.

Both Cargo 2 and Quadrant Quay are in an ideal location as they are surrounded by local businesses and are within easy reach of Plymouth Pavilions and the Theatre Royal. One important factor encouraging people to buy in the community is both Cargo 2 and Quadrant Quay are part of the ‘Help to Buy’ scheme backed by the Government in order to help, provide advice, and encourage young people and new families to join the housing market. Availability to purchase the new properties opened in May, with most of the homes having been reserved. Yet, some units have not been secured and there is still time to register your interest.

Additionally, some homes within the Cargo 2 unit are also available by contacting local estate agents.

The current phase of the development is the final stepping stone in the completion of the Millbay regeneration project and is an exciting prospect for the community and future of Plymouth as Europe’s leading waterfront city.

October 2014 19

D TEE re N ARAg Befo !

U G tin as m t t i F hris C

P LY M O U T H C A R P E T S A T

H O M E

CARPETS & VINYL - SUPPLY & FIT 'Home Selection Service'

Select from over 1000 designs & patterns in your own home!

• Luxury Carpets • Budget Carpets • Vinyl Flooring • Karndean Flooring • Budgets & Styles to suit all

10% OFF WITH ORACLE MAGAZINE FREE Uplift & Disposal of your old Carpets or Flooring For advice or a free estimate

call 01752 358132 or 0800 978 8986

e: sales@plymouthcarpetsonline.co.uk | w: www.plymouthcarpetsonline.co.uk 20 October 2014

Call Oracle Magazine 01752 691007

www.oracle.uk.net

info@oracle.uk.net

WIN A MONSTROUS NIGHT OF FREAKY FUN! WORTH ALMOST £100! COURTESY OF DOMINO'S PIZZA

TEXT

FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN! in association with

LARGE PIZZA P * CHICKEN STRIPPERS® GARLIC PIZZA BREAD 1.25ltr BOTTLE OF DRINK

2 TICKETS TO VAMPIRES ROCK! on 31st October 2014 at Plymouth Pavilions

TO ENTER: Text ‘PIZZA ORACLE’ to 78866 Terms & Conditions apply. One entry per mobile number. Texts charged at standard rate - check with your provider.

Winner announced by Phone/Text & Social Media on 27/10/14

Please mention Oracle Magazine when responding to adverts

October 2014 21

EATING & DRINKING

Directory Pub Food

Chinese Restaurants 49 Mayflower St, Plym St. Andrews Cross, Plym Colebrook Inn Colebrook Rd, Plym 10-11 Southside St, Plym 13 Southside St, The Barbican, Plym 3 Buckland Terrace, Yelverton 115 Fore Street, Kingsbridge 203 Billacombe Rd, Plym 17 Derry’s Cross, Plym Top Floor, Southside St, Plym 30a Western Approach, Plym 11 St Andrew’s Cross, Plym 14 Athenaeum Street, Plym 75 Hoe Rd, Plym 80 Royal Parade, Plym 57-59 North Hill, Plym

Beijing Noodle Bar Buffet City China Wok Crystal Dragon Han Dynasty Jasmin Restaurant Jasmine Chinese Ming Dynasty New China Garden Noodle Lounge Ocean Palace Royal Garden The Hoe Cantonese The Wet Wok View Pan Asia Wah Tin

01752 01752 01752 01752 01752 01822 01548 01752 01752 01752 01752 01752 01752 01752 01752 01752

660688 269888 338808 250288 222298 852807 853395 492225 664472 266677 660170 313138 661895 664456 224223 660632

Fish & Seafood Restaurants Bistro One Inn on the Shore Oyster Shack Platters Squid Ink The Seafood & Pasta Bar The Village Trawlers

01752 313315 01503 250027 01548 810876 01752 227262 01503 262 674 01752 260717 01752 667688 01503 263593

French Restaurants 11 Whimple St, Plym Princess Street, Plym Royal William Yard, Plym

01752 665522 01752 201523 01752 262318

88 Cornwall St, Plym Sutton Harbour, Plym 23 Southside St, Plym 4 Frankfort Gate, Plym 12 New Street, The Barbican 9 Market Avenue, Plym 19-21 Frankfurt Gate, Plym 150 Cornwall Street, Plym

01752 01752 01752 01752 01752 01752 01752 01752

665516 674633 665345 664754 669686 266400 266176 661843

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

250677 565600 660678 404882 228281 787001 848194 831191 340555 269566 262948 350644

01752 01752 01752 01752 01752 01752 01752 01752

662143 676820 255579 266336 269900 661290 261120 600201

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

Indian Restaurants Baba Indian Restaurant Cafe Indiya Gurkha Palace Lackys Balti House Mombay Brasserie Nibana Saltash Tandoori Sanjida Shapla Balti Cusine Spice Empire The Eastern Eye The Taste of India

17 Bretonside, Plym 18 Church St, Stoke, Plym 101 Mayflower St, Plym 4 Hooe Road, Plym Penrose House, 4 Lockyers Quay 9 Morshead Rd, Crownhill, Plym 23 - 25 Lower Fore St, Saltash 9 Broad Street, Modbury, Ivybridge 137 Ridgeway, Plym 153 Vauxhall St, The Barbican, Plym 57 Notte Street, Plym 2 Barne Roadm Plym

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

22 October 2014

1 The Barbican, Plym 300 Plymouth Road, Plym Market Street, Yealmpton Old George St, Plym 83 Fore Street, Saltash 3 Old Ferry Road, Saltash Boringdon Rd, Plym Dousland, Yelverton 100 Glen Road, Plym 221 Elburton Road, Plym 31 Lambhay St, The Barbican, Plym 8-9 Howeston Road, Plym Hemerdon, Plym Meavy, Yelverton Noss Mayo, South Devon Quay Road, The Barbican, Plym 159 Citadel Road, Plym

01752 01752 01752 01752 01752 01752 01752 01822 01752 01752 01752 01752 01752 01822 01752 01752 01752

262054 600660 880223 660833 842261 842099 402053 853121 331077 403213 661457 783585 336040 852944 872387 667604 202405

Spanish Restaurants

68 Ebrington St, Plym Downderry, Torpoint, Cornwall Milburn Orchard, Bigbury 12 The Barbican, Plym Lower Chapel St, East Looe 10 Quay Road, The Barbican, Plym 31-32 Southside Street, Plym The Quay, East Looe

Cafe Rouge Chloe’s Le Bistrot Pierre

Admiral MacBride Beefeater Rose and Crown The Bank The Brunel Inn The Boatman 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 Watering Hole The Yard Arm

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

Bacaro Lorenzos Maritimo

6 Quay Road, The Barbican 26 Derrys Cross, Plym Hoe Rd, Plym

Speciality Restaurants

01752 254254 01752 201522 01752 427133

(American, Japanese, Mediterranean, Mexican, Moroccan, Portuguese etc.)

58 Notte Street, The Barbican Arribas Barbican Approach, Plym B E D Restaurant 8 The Parade, The Barbican Blues Bar and Grill 80 West St, Tavistock Browns Hotel Barbican Leisure Park, Plym Chiquito 1 William Prance Rd, Plym Fishbone Restaurant 162 Exeter Street, Plym Heaven 101 Mayflower St, Plym Koishii Royal William Yard, Plym Las Iguanas Barbican Leisure Park, Plym Nandos Royal William Yard, Plym River Cottage 41-42 Southside Street, Plym Rocky’s 4 Royal William Rd, Plym Seco Lounge Sir John Hawkins Square, Plym The Mission 90 Vauxhall Street, Plym The Vauxhall Quay 51 Notte Street, Plym Yukisan Royal William Yard, Plym Wagamama 153 Vauxhall Street, Plym Zuzimo!

01752 01752 01752 01822 01752 01752 01752 01752 01752 01752 01752 01752 01752 01752 01752 01752 01752 01752

603303 676820 257345 618686 228342 835793 223232 222868 226609 664907 252702 227392 229375 229955 252100 250240 663200 651300

61-62 Notte Street, Plym 01752 Barbican Steak House 60 Southside St, Plym 01752 Barbican Kitchen Boringdon Hill, Colebrook, Plym 01752 Boringdon Hall Hotel Golf Club, Plympton, Plym 01752 Boringdon Park 60, Notte Street, Plym 01752 Chambers 15 Derrys Cross, Plym 01752 Grosvenor Casino Jurys Inn, Exeter Street, Plym 01752 Innfusion Restaurant Mayflower Marina, Richmond Walk 01752 Jolly Jacks Kitley Estate, Yealmpton 01752 Kitley House Down Thomas, Plym 01752 Langdon Court Glen Road, Plympton 01752 Lord Louis Yelverton, Devon 01822 Moorland Garden Hotel Wotter, Plym 01752 Moorland Hotel 60 Notte St., The Barbican, Plym 01752 Notte Inn 33 Southside St., The Barbican, Plym 01752 Quay 33 The Hoe, Plym 01752 Rhodes at The Dome 01752 Rock Salt Cafe & Brasserie 31 Stonehouse Street, Plym 116-118 Cornwall Street, Plym 01752 Steak and Omelette Finewell Street, Plym 01752 Tanners Durnford Street, Plym 01752 The Artillery Tower Shaw Way, Mount Battern 01752 The Bridge Sutton Harbour, Plym 01752 The China House Brixton, Plym 01752 The Foxhound Inn Quay Road, Plym 01752 The Quayside Sparkwell, Plym 01752 The Treby Arms

222214 604448 344455 339113 663266 668922 631000 500008 881555 862358 339562 852245 839228 255363 229345 266600 225522 669162 252001 257610 403888 661592 880271 254254 837363

Traditional Restaurants

Call Oracle Magazine 01752 691007

www.oracle.uk.net

info@oracle.uk.net

Autumn Couscous Salad

Ingredients

Serves 4

• 8 ounces Pearl couscous, about 1 ½ cups • 1 tablespoon olive oil • 1 shallot, diced • 1 fennel bulb, diced • 2 ½ cups butternut squash, peeled, seeded and diced • 3 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped • ¾ cup dried cranberries • ½ cup dried currants • 1 ½ cups apple juice, reserving ¼ cup of the cooked juice • ¼ cup canola oil • 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar • kosher salt and pepper • 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped

Method 1. Bring water to boil in a medium size saucepan, add couscous and bring back to a boil then lower to medium and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain in a colander, but do not rinse. Set aside in a mixing bowl to cool.

2.shallot Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium high heat. Add the and cook for 1 minute, stirring often. Add diced fennel and cook for another 5 minutes or until fennel softens. Add butternut squash, sage, cranberries, currants and apple juice and cook for 15 minutes or until butternut squash has softened and almost all of the apple juice has cooked down. Season with kosher salt and pepper. Transfer the mixture to the bowl with the couscous, reserving about ¼ cup of the apple juice for the vinaigrette.

3.

In a small bowl, mix the reserved apple juice, canola oil, red wine vinegar and more salt and pepper to taste. Add to the coucous with the parsley and stir. Let coucous sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes for bbcgoodfood.com flavours to meld before serving. Add more sage if desired.

Recipe from

WE HAVE MOVED!

Come and visit our new showroom at Faraday Mill •

Design & Consultation Available

T: 01752 705522 • F: 01752 225479 • www.homesupplybathrooms.co.uk Bathrooms by Homesupply • Unit 8-10 • Faraday Mill Business Park • Faraday Road • Plymouth • PL4 OST Please mention Oracle Magazine when responding to adverts

October 2014 23

EATING & DRINKING

How to be a Savvy Supermarket Shopper Virtual Prisoner

What we call ‘aisles’, supermarkets call ‘prisons’ because there is only one way in and one way out of them, making the customer a virtual prisoner, especially if it is particularly busy. If the item you need is the middle of the aisle, you will have to pass a whole range of inviting offers before you get to it and you are most likely to exit the opposite end so the tempting offers continue before you exit the aisle and have placed more in your trolley than anticipated.

Have you ever wondered why, when you pop into the supermarket for a loaf of bread, you leave with a trolley full of food but without the item you went in for in the first place?

Supermarkets use many scientifically calculated strategies to increase your spending. Most of them are so simple and subtle that you might not have ever even noticed them!

Eye-level is buy level

The most expensive, most profitable items are placed at eye-level and sell twice as fast as other products. The only exceptions are children’s snacks, which are placed at kid’s eye-level. For the best bargains, look on the lower shelves. Food placed here are least likely to catch your eye, are usually the least expensive, and also the least profitable.

Clever Displays

You will find these products at the top and bottom of each aisle. They are given prominence either because they are high-profit products or because the supermarket wants to shift them as

“The most expensive, most profitable items are placed at eye-level and sell twice as fast as other products”

quickly as possible. Profit margins on these items can often be more than 500% so be aware of what you are buying and if there are better deals elsewhere.

On Impulse

Did you think it was a thoughtful gesture for the supermarket to place complementing products such as tomato sauces and spaghetti together? Their real intention is to get you to impulse buy.

When you see a product that goes well with another you are much more likely to buy it, even if it is not actually needed.

Moo Method

Milk is deliberately placed far away from the entrance since it is a popular item that is used regularly by millions of shoppers

24 October 2014

Call Oracle Magazine 01752 691007

worldwide. The supermarket wants you to have to pass other foods in order to get to the item you need, so you are likely to be enticed by the array of offers at the end of the aisles.

Dodgy Grub

You should never buy dented, bulging or rusted cans as they might contain bacteria that could lead to food poisoning. Dented cans can cause the item to leak, cans bulge when bacteria begins to produce gasses which push the can outward and rust can weaken the integrity of the can and allow air and bacteria to enter it.

Special Offers

Offers like ‘two for one’ and ‘three for

www.oracle.uk.net

info@oracle.uk.net

EATING & DRINKING

Did you know?

Background music played in supermarkets is designed to influence the way you shop. Music played at 60 beats per minute is intended to slow you down. During busy periods when supermarkets want a faster turnover, music is played at 100 beats a minute, so you move through the store faster!

two’ are selling techniques used by supermarkets to offload surplus stock that isn’t selling. You buy more than you need and increase your purchases by up to 150%, which in turn makes you spend even more in the long run.

Own Brands

Don’t dismiss supermarket own brands the quality is often as good as some of the top brands. In fact, they are often made by the same manufacturers who make the top-selling brands and can be identical.

Supermarkets can charge less because they don’t need to pay for advertising and don’t use high profit margins.

“Choose food that is loose or has less packaging - it is likely to be cheaper and fresher” Bargain Baskets

Pile them high and sell them expensive!

Goods heaped all together in a large basket are designed to give the impression of a bargain but that may not always be the case. Check carefully to ensure the bargain is genuine.

Pester Power

‘Child-friendly’ supermarkets with kidsized trolleys for your little ones to fill with all their favourite foods is just a tactic to encourage you to spend even more. If possible, leave the little ones at home while you go shopping. It will work out a whole lot cheaper and you will get home even quicker.

Pricey Packaging

You will be surprised to know that some

Please mention Oracle Magazine when responding to adverts

of the packaging costs even more than the food inside it and you are paying over double the price of the item you need.

Choose food that is loose or has less packaging - it is likely to be cheaper and fresher. Impressive packaging is also just another marketing trick to get you to buy the product.

Check your receipt

Make sure you check over your receipt after you have finished your food shop, especially if you have bought items that are on offer. Millions of pounds are made out of customers every year because of scanning errors!

Hunger Pains

Never shop for food when you’re hungry.

Not only will you buy more but research has shown that shoppers tend to pick up items with higher calories and can lead to a whole week’s worth of unhealthy eating!

Have a healthy snack before heading to the supermarket and you are more likely to make better food choices.

Resource: Jarski, R (2006). Tying the Perfect Parcel. 2nd ed. London: New Holland Publishers. 153-155.

October 2014 25

SPECIAL OFFER Vapourlite Va a e E-Liquids That’s Equivalent To 1825 Regular Cigarettes!

Usual Price £3.99 each - 3 for £10 & 5 for £15

1 Bottle Is Equivalent To 365 Regular Cigarettes

OFFER VALID UNTIL 31ST OCTOBER 2014 – WHILE STOCKS LAST

We Have The Largest Range of Vapourlite Electronic Cigarettes and E-Liquids in The UK! Vapourlites Tobacco 11mg Starter Pack + Any Flavour Refill Pack Of Your Choice Usual Price £16.00

NOW £9.99

Vanilla

Tobacco

Menthol

Cherry .

Equivalent to 240 regular cigarettes OFFER VALID WHILE STOCKS LAST

FREE CUSTOMER PARKING 26 October 2014

2B MOORLAND ROAD, PLYMPTON, PLYMOUTH PL7 2BH WWW.JJSHOP.CO.UK 01752 347397 SALES@JJSHOP.CO.UK

Call Oracle Magazine 01752 691007

www.oracle.uk.net

info@oracle.uk.net

Switch to Vapourlites for Stoptober!

Vapourlites range of E-Cigs and E-Liquids are a high quality, affordable range of gateway products which have redefined public perception towards smoking electronic cigarettes.

W

ith Vapourlites contemporary branding and intelligent design, it’s no wonder that more and more tobacco smokers have made the move to our real alternative to smoking.

Within the UK electronic cigarette industry in 2012, sales of e-cigarettes rose dramatically from £2.5m to £23.9m.

All of the major tobacco companies have invested in the development of e-cigarettes or similar nicotine delivery devices, but to date only BAT has a product on sale in the UK. 2006 - a small number of e-cigarette owners in the UK 2007 - 1,000 owners 2008 - 5,000 2009 - 25,000 2010 - 125,000 2011 – Projection 375,000 2012 – Projection 750,000 2013 - 1 million plus 2014 - 1.3 millions

Why choose Vapourlites?

Vapourlites believe that all reputable brands supplying safe products are a positive for the sector. Any awareness in these early stages can only help broaden the acceptance and knowledge

“we have been selling Vapourlites for 3 years and are proud to be able to offer the largest range of Vapourlites any UK retail shop has to offer.” base to the consumer.

Naturally Vapourlites fight for their corner, however Vapourlites route to market has been strategic, focusing on build strong, sustainable long term relationships with both our distributors and retailers.

Specialising in packaging and design specific for Pharmacy, General Retail, Pubs, Casinos & Specialist Vending.

Vapourlites R&D investment is significant, responding and delivering the latest and most innovative products to complement our standard range.

As a fully audited member of E.C.I.T.A, Vapourlites meet the ‘Standard of Excellence’ required to meet and

Please mention Oracle Magazine when responding to adverts

pass all required test and conformity required by U.K Trading Standards.

At Computer Accessories, we have been selling Vapourlites for 3 years and are proud to be able to offer the largest range of Vapourlites any UK retail shop has to offer.

The Vapourlites E-Cig’s and refill packs are available in 5 nicotine levels and Tobacco or Menthol flavours to suit your needs: 0mg (nicotine free) 6mg (Low) 11mg (Medium) 16mg (High) 20mg (Very High) Vapourlites E-Liquids are available in 3 Pharmaceutical nicotine strengths (0mg - Nicotine Free, 10mg - Medium, 18mg -High) and we currently stock 20 flavours.

Visit Computer Accessories at: 2B MOORLAND ROAD, PLYMPTON, PLYMOUTH PL7 2BH Web: WWW.JJSHOP.CO.UK Tel: 01752 347397 Email: SALES@JJSHOP.CO.UK October 2014 27

01 October 2014

Call Oracle Magazine 01752 691007

www.oracle.uk.net

info@oracle.uk.net

Please mention Oracle Magazine when responding to adverts

October 2014 02

LEISURE

What’sOn

OCTOBER 2014

EXAMPLE - PLYMOUTH PAVILIONS THE ANGRY BRIGADE

PLYMOUTH LIVE MUSIC NIGHT

SHOWING UNTIL SATURDAY 4TH OCTOBER, THE DRUM, THEATRE ROYAL

3RD OCTOBER, THE PIAZZA

Vince Lee, plus blues musician Russell Sinclair and his full band, the Smokin’ Locos.

The Theatre Royal Plymouth’s latest coproduction with Paines Plough presents James Graham’s bold new play set against a backdrop of Tory cuts, high unemployment and the deregulated economy of 1970s Britain.

Three more local bands take to the stage for a fantastic evening of free entertainment, sponsored by C and G Catering. Enjoy music Mamma Feelgood & the Hang Ups, Roadside and Rockafella. Anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

HORRIBLE HISTORIES - BARMY BRITAIN

BEER FESTIVAL 3RD OCTOBER, DEVONPORT GUILDHALL

2ND - 5TH OCTOBER, PLYMOUTH PAVILIONS

We all want to meet people from history.

The trouble is everyone is dead! So it’s time to prepare yourselves for Horrible Histories live on stage with a brand new show BARMY BRITAIN with all new amazing 3D effects!

It’s the horrible history of Britain with the nasty bits left in.

30 October 2014

Sample a range of local beers and ciders from Devon, or stick to your favourites and enjoy them all day and into the night!

Onsite artisan bakery, Column Bakehouse, will be open all day giving you somewhere to enjoy some delicious, handmade, seasonal and locally-sourced food.

Top entertainment is provided by festival headliners; blues vocalist and guitarist

Call Oracle Magazine 01752 691007

VICTORIAN SYMBOLISM 4TH OCTOBER - 16TH NOVEMBER, FORD PARK CEMETERY

An exhibition open to the public to highlight messages that lie behind the images and designs of Victorian grave markers. Open Tuesday/Thursday 10.30 am - 3.30 pm and Saturday/ Sunday 12.30 -3.30 pm. Free of charge (donations welcome).

LEE MACK 8TH - 9TH OCTOBER, PLYMOUTH PAVILIONS

The multi-award winning star of “Not Going Out” and “Would I Lie To You?” is back on the road with his first live tour in 4 years. Expect Lee Mack’s trademark brand of high energy banter, well-crafted

www.oracle.uk.net

info@oracle.uk.net

LEISURE gags and sharp one-liners in one of the most hotly anticipated shows of the year.

GRAND GUIGNOL 9TH - 18TH OCTOBER, THE DRUM, THEATRE ROYAL

Set in 1903 Paris, Carl Grose’s black comedy explores the Theatre du Grand Guignol which is performing sold-out plays rife with madness and murder to an awestruck public. When a psychiatrist, obsessed with the gruesome dramas, ingratiates his way into the company and starts to unpick the author’s mind, the boundaries between theatre and truth begin to blur.

SPLANN! KERNOW KING 11TH OCTOBER, BARBICAN THEATRE

KK, as he is affectionately known, returns to Plymouth with his latest show “Splann!”.

Whereas his first show “Wonders of the Cornish Universe” celebrated all things Cornish, “Splann!” takes a wry look at some of the things that aren’t so great including Facebook, customer advisors, night time drivers and much, much more.

OTHELLO 4TH - 11TH OCTOBER, THE LYRIC, THEATRE ROYAL

Frantic Assembly return with their electrifying take on Shakespeare’s thrillertragedy of paranoia, jealously, sex and murder in this Theatre Royal Plymouth co-production.

THAT’LL BE THE DAY 12TH OCTOBER, THE LYRIC, THEATRE ROYAL

The popular rock ‘n’ roll party returns with a fresh line-up of classic hits from the 1950s, 60s and 70s.

LED WALK - VICTORIAN SYMBOLS 12TH OCTOBER, FORD PARK CEMETERY

A walk will be led by the exhibition team, in conjunction with the “Victorian Symbolism” exhibition where the team will help to interpret some of the Symbols found on many of the cemeteries gravestones. Meet at the visitor centre by 2pm. The walk is free of charge (donations welcome).

AN EVENING WITH CARO EMERALD 14TH OCTOBER, PLYMOUTH PAVILIONS

The 32 year old Dutch singer released her second album ‘The Shocking Miss

GRAND GUIGNOL - THEATRE ROYAL

Emerald’ in May last year. The album entered both the UK and Dutch charts at number 1 and follows the multi-platinum success of her debut album 2010’s ‘Deleted Scenes From The Cutting Room Floor’.

MAGIC LANTERN 15TH OCTOBER, FORD PARK CEMETERY

The return of our popular show, presented

by Dave and Pene Manford with a fascinating insight into the early days of “Moving Pictures”. Tickets cost £2 and can be obtained from the cemetery office 01752 665442 (weekdays only 10am 3pm). The show will start at 7.30pm.

JIM DAVIDSON 16TH OCTOBER, PLYMOUTH PAVILIONS

New stories and new gags abound as Jim talks us through his views on all manner of taboo subjects. As politically incorrect as ever, Jim explores and discusses the topics of the day with his own unmistakeable, and hilarious eye on the world.

A fantastic evening, packed with dangerously uncompromising comedy.

Following the success of the Funky Llama Festival in May this year, the team are back with a space-themed club night this October. The Funky Llama Club Night will challenge stereotypes and celebrate the creative talents of adults with learning disabilities. It will run from 7pm – midnight and will be held at the Theatre Royal Plymouth’s Production and Learning Centre at Cattedown.

PLYMOUTH INTERNATIONAL BOOK FESTIVAL 17TH - 25TH OCTOBER, VARIOUS LOCATIONS

A literature festival that promises something for everyone to enjoy, the festival boasts a programme of readings, talks, poetry, workshops, demonstrations, music, film, and plays.

The festival is a partnership between Literature Works, Peninsula Arts, Plymouth University and Plymouth City Council which will open up a whole new chapter in Plymouth’s cultural life, bringing a year long programme of literature events to the city.

ALAN DAVIES - LITTLE VICTORIES

FUNKY LLAMA CLUB NIGHT

18TH OCTOBER, PLYMOUTH PAVILIONS

17TH OCTOBER, THEATRE ROYAL PRODUCTION AND LEARNING CENTRE

Following the sell out success of his longawaited return to stand up, Alan

Please mention Oracle Magazine when responding to adverts

October 2014 31

LEISURE Davies returns with his highly anticipated follow up show, Little Victories.

Much lauded as resident dunderhead on QI or the charming but reticent crime solver Jonathan Creek, Davies virtuosic story-telling and whip-smart funny bones combine to make this a show not to be missed.

GRUPO CORPO 21ST & 22ND OCTOBER, THE LYRIC, THEATRE ROYAL

Brazil’s internationally acclaimed dance company return to the UK combining classical ballet with the sensuality and passion of Latin dance rhythms.

JOHN BISHOP - SUPERSONIC 22ND - 24TH OCTOBER, PLYMOUTH PAVILIONS

The countdown is on for the launch of John Bishop’s latest national comedy caper! After taking eighteen months off to write his autobiography John is limbering up for his next arena mission, and will be zooming into Plymouth Pavilions.

SETH LAKEMAN 25TH OCTOBER, THE LYRIC, THEATRE ROYAL

Devon folk singer and songwriter Seth Lakeman together with his multiinstrumental band performs songs from his new album Word of Mouth.

JOHN NEWMAN 27TH OCTOBER, PLYMOUTH PAVILIONS

John Newman, one of the breakthrough artists of 2013,who has been nominated for 3 Brit Awards in the Best British Male Solo Artist, Best British Single and Best Video categories, has announced his third major UK tour since the release in October of his 300,000 selling debut album ”Tribute”.

MAKE AND TAKE: HALLOWEEN 2014 - THAT’S SPOOKY! 25TH OCTOBER, CITY MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY, DRAKE CIRCUS

As the witching hour approaches visit the City Museum and Art Gallery for a fun 60-minute craft session filled with spooky things!

Admission is free but please book your places in advance.

COLOUR MY WORLD 25TH OCTOBER, DEVONPORT PLAYHOUSE

32 October 2014

JOHN BISHOP - PLYMOUTH PAVILIONS

Following the success of last year’s musical revue, Sounds Musical Theatre Company are delighted to present ‘Colour my World’ at Devonport Playhouse with a programme of song and dance featuring the enduring motif of ‘colour’ from popular, timeless numbers which will appeal to all music lovers.

Call Box office 01752 510934 or contact a cast member.

BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET 28TH OCTOBER - 1ST NOVEMBER, THE LYRIC, THEATRE ROYAL

David Bintley’s rich choreographic talent brings to life the towering gothic fairytale of Beauty and the Beast together with the triple-bill Shadows of War – Fin du Jour, Miracle in the Gorbals and Flowers of the Forest.

LONGWAVE 28TH OCTOBER - 1ST NOVEMBER, THE DRUM, THEATRE ROYAL

Two scientists are stranded in the middle of a hostile and strange world living and working with nothing but an old wireless

Call Oracle Magazine 01752 691007

to keep them company in Chris Goode’s comedy.

PAUL POTTS - LIVE IN CONCERT 29TH OCTOBER, PLYMOUTH PAVILIONS

Paul Potts, winner of Britain’s Got Talent Season One, has found worldwide success with his albums, live shows and tours.

He is set to once again remind UK audiences of his inspiring charm and rich, mellifluous classical prowess.

Joining Paul is special guest Laura Wright. With over a million album sales under her belt, Laura has been one of the biggest selling classical artists this decade.

EXAMPLE 30TH OCTOBER, PLYMOUTH PAVILIONS

Singer, songwriter, producer, occasional rapper and all round king of the club banger Example is a true master.

Renowned for his monstrous live sets, he is set to once again transform venues across the country into colossal party scenes.

www.oracle.uk.net

info@oracle.uk.net

Electronic Cigarette Review Giving up smoking couldn’t be easier with Electronic Cigarettes...

H

ello! I’m Ash, the Account Manager here at Oracle Magazine. I’m also a self confessed tech and gadget geek and I will be regularly writing a short section on technology, gadgets and products that I’ve been using.

This month is October, which means Stoptober, and will hopefully see scores of people across the country make an attempt to quit smoking.

This October also marks the 6th anniversary of me quitting smoking! I quit using an Electronic Cigarette, and have since converted my Dad, a 40 a day smoker of 40 years, and my brother who had also been smoking heavily for years.

Although there has been much discussion about E-cigs in the media, I have seen the results for myself, which show just how effective they really can be.

I wanted to recommend a simple but effective E-cig starter kit, which is available locally for any of you that are also looking to quit.

The kit I settled upon was the

Vapourlites VL eGo 650 Electronic Cigarette. I got this kit from Computer Accessories shop, which is at the top of the Ridgeway in Plympton, on Moorland road.

The kit was very reasonably priced and included a 1.6ml CE4 Clearomizer (this holds the liquid and makes the vapour mist), a 650 mAh battery (a rechargeable battery that powers the device) a easy to use USB charger and included a FREE 10ml bottle of E-Liquid.

Operation couldn’t be easier, it was just a case of filling the clearomiser with UK made Vapourlites E-Liquid, fitting it to the battery and pressing the button to operate.

Not only is it well priced compared to others in the market, the free bottle of E-Liquid that came with the kit creates a decent vapour with a fantastic ‘throat hit’, which for an ex smoker is really important, otherwise I just don’t feel like I’m smoking.

I can honestly say that both my father and brother have now reduced and I think

Free home visit!

Free parking!

Free computer aided drawings!

Credit now available!

closer to giving up fully than ever before.

Yes, people may think your look a little daft smoking one of these, but it’s now becoming more popular and normal to see.

A single Vapourlite E-Liquid bottle, that was available in different flavours and strengths cost £3.99 and was equivalent to 365 regular cigarettes, so it hasn’t just been kinder to my health but to my pocket too. Thumbs up to Vapourlites!

Jobel Ltd Let us design a nd make your dream Bathroom

Visit our 2000 sq.ft showroom for the latest ideas & designs in bathrooms.

Complete fitting service by fully qualified fitters, including floors, ceilings & all electrical & plumbing work. Our ranges cover both free standing & fitted units, standard baths, corner, period & contemporary baths, showers & shower cubicles, WC’s, bidets & basins, mirrors, radiators, tiles & accessories. With over 130 displays we’re sure we have something for everyone!

01752 663010 www.jobelltd.co.uk

3 Bounds Place, Millbay Road, Plymouth

Please mention Oracle Magazine when responding to adverts

October 2014 33

01 October 2014

Call Oracle Magazine 01752 691007

www.oracle.uk.net

info@oracle.uk.net

Please mention Oracle Magazine when responding to adverts

October 2014 02

LEISURE

FilmGuide

OCTOBER 2014

DRACULA UNTOLD GONE GIRL

based on the original gothic horror by Irish novelist Bram Stoker.

IN CINEMAS FROM 3RD OCTOBER The highly anticipated film is released this

autumn and is based on the bestselling novel by Gillian Flynn. Gone Girl is based on the disappearance of a man’s wife.

As increasing pressure mounts over her disappearance, he comes under close scrutiny from the police and the intensifying media frenzy that he may be the one who is responsible for her murder.

Stars Ben Affleck, Neil Patrick Harris and

Rosamund Pike.

Luke Evans and Sarah Gadon.

Stars Hugh Grant, Allison Janney and

DOLPHIN TALE 2

Marissa Tomei.

IN CINEMAS FROM 3RD OCTOBER Following Dolphin Tale which was released

in 2011 and after saving Winter’s life, the team are back together again in the second instalment to find Winter a new companion in the wake of her mother’s death.

Stars Morgan Freeman, Nathan Gamble

DRACULA UNTOLD

and Ashley Judd.

IN CINEMAS FROM 3RD OCTOBER This American fantasy horror depicts the

story and life of Count Dracula and stars Welsh actor and West End star Luke Evans. Dracula Untold hits cinema screens at the beginning of Autumn and is

36 October 2014

Stars Samantha Barks, Dominic Cooper,

IN CINEMAS FROM 10TH OCTOBER Trapped inside a Maze, Thomas has no

memory of the world he lives in. Within the maze he must to piece together facts about his past whilst fighting the evil creatures that try to stop his pursuit in order to find his escape.

Sangster and Kayla Scodelario.

IN CINEMAS FROM 8TH OCTOBER A romantic comedy starring BAFTA Award

Call Oracle Magazine 01752 691007

THE MAZE RUNNER

Stars Dylan O’Brien, Thomas Brodie-

THE REWRITE

Winning and Golden Globe actor Hugh Grant. Ditching the Hollywood scene,

an award winning writer begins teaching screen writing in the city of New York where begins on an unexpected journey of love.

THE CALLING IN CINEMAS FROM 10TH OCTOBER A police detective from a rural town is

www.oracle.uk.net

info@oracle.uk.net

LEISURE

interrupted and asked to check on a

neighbour who she finds has been horrifically murdered. But this is no ordinary killing. Working with another detective it’s a race against time to stop the killer before they strike again.

Stars Gil Bellows, Susan Sarandon and

Donald Sutherland.

EFFIE GRAY IN CINEMAS FROM 10TH OCTOBER Based on true events this Victorian story is about the wife of John Ruskin an

English writer in Victorian England. Effie Gray follows her husband on his latest exploits only to find love in Ruskin’s pupil John Millias. As they fall deeper into a dangerous love affair the tale takes an unexpected turn as they all end up in a bitter legal battle.

SERENA

Stars Robbie Coltrane, Dakota Fanning,

Emma Thompson and Julie Walters.

TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES IN CINEMAS FROM 17TH OCTOBER

THE BABADOOK

BOOK OF LIFE

The gang are back and team up in the action packed adventure to defend the city

IN CINEMAS FROM 24TH OCTOBER

IN CINEMAS FROM 24TH OCTOBER

The death of Samuel’s father has appeared

In this new 3D adventure, the story follows

of New York against an evil mastermind who wants to take over the city.

Stars Will Arnett, William Fitchner, Megan

Fox and Alan Ritchson.

OPEN WINDOWS IN CINEMAS FROM 17TH OCTOBER After Nick wins a date with actress Jill and

to have left him uncontrollable. His dreams have turned into nightmares when he believes he is killing both his mother and father. But a mysterious book suddenly arrives at his home and involves the creature who Samuel believes has been haunting his dreams.

Stars Essie Davis and Daniel Henshall.

a young man named Manolo who is torn between his family and following his heart. The spirits who appear before him bet on who will win his companions’ affections. He embarks on an out of this world journey and learn to face his fears.

Stars Ice Cube and Channing Tatum.

SERENA

she refuses, posing as her campaign manager and unaware of his intention, Chord is sent to meet Nick instead.

During their meet Chord makes a proposition to Nick that almost seems too good to be true. As the story unravels Nick learns that he is part of Chord’s plans to hunt down the actress.

THIS IS WHERE I LEAVE YOU

reunite following their father’s death to respect his final wishes. They must reunite in order to prevent a greater family feud which will uplift your spirits this October.

Based on the American novel by Ron Rash and directed by Danish director Susanne Bier, this American drama is set in North Carolina during the Great Depression and depicts the hard struggle of a man to maintain his empire.

Stars Sasha Grey, Neil Maskell and Elijah

Stars Jason Bateman, Tina Fey and Jane

Stars Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence

THE JUDGE

FURY

HORNS

IN CINEMAS FROM 17TH OCTOBER 2014

IN CINEMAS FROM 24TH OCTOBER 2014

IN CINEMAS FROM 29TH OCTOBER

On his return to Indiana following his

Army Sergeant Wardaddy commands the

Based on the fantasy and contemporary

Stars Leighton Meester, Robert Downey Jr.

Stars Logan Lerman, Shia LaBeouf and Brad

Stars Heather Graham, Daniel Radcliffe

Wood.

mother’s death, Henry finds out his father who happens to be the town’s judge is on trial for murder. He must embark on a strong defence to fight against a fierce prosecutor determined to put his father in prison. and Robert Duvall.

IN CINEMAS FROM 24TH OCTOBER A fun comedy about a battling family who

Fonda.

tank named ‘Fury’ along with his crew on mission behind enemy lines in order to defeat the fast approaching German Nazi’s. During their mission they must make heroic attempts in order to bring their battle to an end.

Pitt.

Please mention Oracle Magazine when responding to adverts

IN CINEMAS FROM 24TH OCTOBER

and Rhys Ifans.

gothic fiction novel by Joe Hill, Daniel Radcliffe stars as a man accused of raping and murdering his girlfriend.

However, he has acquired new supernatural powers as he embarks on a journey to find the real killer. and Juno Temple.

October 2014 37

Six equity release myths exploded If you’re in need of a cash lump sum, you may consider joining the thousands of people who have taken out an equity release plan, enabling them to borrow money against the value of their home. Yet ‘urban myths’ about equity release still abound. Plymouth Independent Financial Adviser Mike LeGassick thinks it’s time to set the record straight.

Mike LeGassick

Mike has been helping people make the most of their finances for more than 20 years, first as a financial consultant at Wesleyan Financial Services, then as a senior financial adviser at a high street bank, and latterly as an Independent Financial Adviser and Life Planning Practitioner.

Plymouth born and bred, Mike takes an active role in the Plymouth business community as a co-founding director of the Plymouth Business Network. He joined Manning and Company in 2013.

Myth 1: You won’t own your home any more.

There are two ways to release the cash tied in up your home. The first is ‘home reversion’ – and in that instance then yes, your home is sold to the home reversion company in exchange for cash and the right to remain living in the property.

But the far more usual approach to equity release is a ‘lifetime mortgage’, covered by The Equity Release Council guarantees.

You borrow money against the value of your home, but the property remains yours. The equity release company is granted a legal charge over your title deeds to ensure that any remaining debt is repaid to them when the property is sold. But importantly the property is still yours and you can live in it for the rest of your life if you want to.

Myth 2: You won’t have anything to leave the kids.

That’s often not the case. If you have borrowed money against your property then any outstanding debt will have to be repaid from your estate; and depending on how much debt remains, your family may have to sell your property to repay it.

It’s unlikely the remaining debt will swallow up the entire value of your estate. And

38 October 2014

remember that equity release comes with a ‘no negative equity guarantee’, so you can never leave your family with a debt greater than the value of your property. So there will probably still be something left for the family, as well as any money raised on the equity release.

Myth 3: Equity release is only for old people trying to make ends meet.

Actually, equity release schemes are available to those over the age of 55 (not old at all!!) – and the money can be used for all sorts of things! So even if you have a few years left in the workplace, you can still get a cash lump sum and have time to make some repayments before you retire.

Myth 4: Equity release is for people with large properties and no cash.

Equity release can also be used to help you move home – even to a more expensive property. If the proceeds from your property sale aren’t sufficient, you could make up the difference by releasing some equity from your new home. This could be an option for those who may struggle to get a conventional mortgage over the age of 55.

Call Oracle Magazine 01752 691007

Myth 5: You can get some money to help out the family.

Yes you can, and it’s appealing to think that you could help your child with a deposit on their first home. But… do tread carefully, because sizeable cash gifts are subject to tax legislation. If that’s your intention, do ensure you take specialist advice.

Myth 6: An Equity Release Specialist is better than an IFA. An Equity Release Specialist probably wants to sell you an equity release scheme. An Independent Financial Adviser knows that there are often other ways to help you achieve your goals. An IFA has no vested interests, and will look at the whole picture of your finances, such as how equity release might affect your benefit entitlements (or even if you’re receiving all you could!).

To find out if equity release could be right for you – or to discuss other options – call Mike LeGassick of Manning and Company today on 01752 837950.

www.oracle.uk.net

info@oracle.uk.net

Are all your documents safe?

In today’s world, we all accumulate masses of digital data whose loss is deeply inconvenient and upsetting. I hope this article can save a few people from the upset and inconvenience of losing the data that matters to them!

Correcting the myths Facebook/Instagram and other social media sites aren’t the same as backups.

You don’t own any of the photos or videos you post on these sites, so they can be deleted at any time. Not only this, but the quality is usually massively reduced to allow them to store so many.

The real world isn’t Mission Impossible and while the ability to recover data from damaged drives does exist; it’s expensive, time-consuming and the results aren’t

guaranteed, no matter how much you spend.

The solution A good backup solution should back up everything you care about automatically so you never have to think about it.

In my opinion, Dropbox is the best syncing/backup application on the market at the moment and it supports PC’s and Smartphones with automatic upload of all the photos you take on your mobile!

“A good backup solution should back up everything you care about automatically so you never have to think about it.”

To give Dropbox a try, all you need to do is sign up on their website (www.

Dropbox.com) and then follow the instructions to install the program on your computer. I’d also recommend installing

RUN YOUR OWN

MAGAZINE

Sam Foley - Managing Director at Unified Technical Solutions Ltd

the App on your smartphone to make sure all those pictures are safely backed up.

For no nonsense IT Support & Training, call Unified Technical Solutions on 01752 464 464.

10% OFF

only with this advert

No Nonsense IT Support for Home & Business

AVAILABLE NOW A local magazine with an already established advertising client base

Home Visits & Remote Support Available No IT Problem too big or too small

Run your own business

PC Health Checks Email, Security, Backup, Smartphone / Tablet Support & Training

Have flexible hours | Work from home

Complimentary Business Consultations

Would you like to:

Talk to people for a living

Give us a ring today and see what we can do for you!

01752 464 464 Enquiries@UnifiedTechnicalSolutions.co.uk

Be financially independent

Full training & support given

Unified Technical Solutions Ltd www.UnifiedTechnicalSolutions.co.uk

Call 01752 691007 or email info@oracle.uk.net Please mention Oracle Magazine when responding to adverts

October 2014 39

LOCAL HISTORY

G N I T N A HAU Y R O T S I H The 31st of October will see a flurry of children and adults buying costumes, pumpkins and giant bags of sweets ready to enjoy the festivities surrounding Halloween. If you are looking for some frightening festive fun, why not explore some intriguing locations that boast ghostly activity right here in Devon. By Stacey Tagg

H

alloween is one of the oldest and most popular celebrations in the world and is also known by the name of ‘All Hallows Eve’. The festivity is generally associated with America, but in truth has roots slightly closer to home.

Halloween has often been noted to have started in Ireland during the preChristian Celtic festival of Samhain, which was celebrated on the 31st October every year. The Celts believed that the Pagan

40 October 2014

Lord of the Dead assembled spirits and would be able to enter the human world on this night, which is often referred to as ‘the feast of the dead’. Few pagans would wear costumes to drive away unwelcome visitors and leave food on their doorstep to stop spirits entering their home and this is where trick or treating is said to have originated from. This spread across the pond to America where it was popularized by Irish migrants fleeing from the famine during the 1840’s and has slowly transcended from rituals carried out by adults to alternative practises in more recent generations adopted by children.

Yet, Halloween itself became a dangerous event during the boom era of the 1920’s when the celebrations of Halloween resulted in violence and vandalism.

However, festivities took an even greater dramatic turn during the era of the Great Depression at the end of the 1920’s when violence and vandalism escalated further and became a common feature associated with the night of Halloween.

Yet, a selection of small communities did begin to work together during this time to organise a more friendly approach to Halloween. Towards the end of the 1930’s, celebrations were halted due to the impact of World War II and the introduction of food rationing. After the war, festivities returned once more under the commercial influence of America to

Call Oracle Magazine 01752 691007

stle

Berry Pomeroy Ca

become one of the biggest commercial holidays of the year. However, it is not celebrated by everyone; some of the Christian community see the festivity as the celebration of evil and for countries such as France and Australia it is largely unwanted, as they believe it is an overly American influence. Nevertheless, Halloween is still a fun festivity for adults and children to participate in during the gloomy month of October.

With its beautiful coastline, rugged landscape and rich history, Devon has its own fair share of ghost stories.

www.oracle.uk.net

info@oracle.uk.net

LOCAL HISTORY

Saltram House

Saltram House located in Plympton is one of a few places that is said to be haunted. Having been a location for the film adaptation of Sense and Sensibility, Saltram House has its own collection of famous visitors. One story tells of a young kitchen maid who was murdered within Saltram House. Her ghost allegedly still remains at the property and is often seen gliding across the corridor before disappearing into a door which leads to the dining room.

a couple living in their caravan awoke one night to find a hand clawing at their window. On your next visit to Saltram House and Dartmoor, don’t forget to be aware of their supernatural visitors!

Berry Pomeroy castle is situated in an isolated part of Devon. The castle has

“Her ghost allegedly still remains at the property and is often seen gliding across the corridor” Another visitor that haunts the property is the ghost of a child. The story tells of a resident who woke to see her sitting at the foot of her bed before melting away into thin air.

Similarly, the moors have often been regarded as desolate lands which have seen some spooky callers. The most famous and most common story to have ever been told about Dartmoor is of the Hairy Hands. The tale originates from a medical officer who was travelling to Dartmoor Prison by motorcycle when he swerved off the road and crashed, killing him instantly. The same accident occurred a short while later but instead involved an army officer who managed to survive the crash. He recalled that a large hairy hand seized hold of his own hands and made him swerve off the road resulting in a near fatal crash.

In addition to these spooky events,

Torre Abbey a long history from its time as a Saxon manor to its present day ruin and is reported to be one of the most haunted buildings in the United Kingdom.

One of the ghosts said to haunt the castle is known as the White Lady. She haunts the dungeons, and rises from St. Margaret’s Tower to the castle ramparts.

Many of those who have reported seeing the figure have associated the vision with the feeling of depression, fear and malevolence.

Another ghost seen to haunt the

Please mention Oracle Magazine when responding to adverts

grounds is known as the Blue Lady.

Dressed in a long blue cape and hood, it has been claimed that she tries to lure men to their death by seeking help in unsafe areas of the castle.

Further afield, Torquay is no stranger to supernatural spirits. Torre Abbey is one of Torquay’s oldest buildings and is one of the best surviving medieval monasteries found in Devon and Cornwall. The monastery is said to hold not one, but three different ghosts. The first is the oldest dating back to 1300 where an Abbot beheaded a young priest and attempted to conceal his murder.

Unable to rest in peace, the headless man is thought to roam the grounds of Torre Abbey.

The second is known as ‘The Spanish Lady’ who was reported to have disguised herself as a sailor when she was taken as a prisoner in 1588.

She was cast ashore for 2 weeks in the abbey barn where they crammed other prisoners together in terrible conditions.

The young lady is believed to have caught a chill and died and is now said to roam the barn sobbing as she tries to find her lover.

The third and final ghost is the smiling vision of Lady Cary who was a former mistress of the abbey and has been seen driven around the gardens and grounds by her driver in a carriage.

Although Halloween may have evolved over many centuries, it still remains a big celebration for both adults and children around the world. Plymouth has its own supernatural haunts from Dartmoor to Saltram House, which are both great places to visit if you’re looking for some family fun this autumn.

October 2014 41

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

Opening times Mon - Fri 9-5pm Sat 9-4pm 56 - 60 Christian Mill Business Park Tamerton Foliot Rd, Crownhill Plymouth PL6 5DS T/F: 01752 770077

Carefully selected brands of Tiles andand Sanitary ware from around thethe world Carefully selected brands of Tiles Sanitary ware from around world

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

F A M I LY O W N E D B U S I N E S S F O R O V E R 3 5 Y E A R S

A.1 Carpet Co.

QUALITY, CHOICE, ADVICE & PRICE

Offered with knowledge and a caring attitude.

FITTED CARPETS From £9.95 sq yard (£11.90 sq metre) inclusive of fitting & VAT - Free Fitting & Underlay, Grippers & Bars on Hessian Back Carpets Multi Width Carpet - Free Fitting & Ancillaries on Felt Back Carpets and Vinyls up to 5 metres wide - Laminate, Engineered Wood, Hardwood and LVT - Extensive Range of Vinyls on show - Free Delivery (25 mile radius) - 2m, 3m and 4m Widths - Hygenic and Hard Wearing - Free Parking in the Forecourt to side & rear

Tel: 01752 336315 www.a1carpetsplymouth.co.uk 2 - 4 Plymouth Road St. Marys Bridge, Plympton, Plymouth, PL7 4JR

42 October 2014

Call Oracle Magazine 01752 691007

www.oracle.uk.net

info@oracle.uk.net

Please mention Oracle Magazine when responding to adverts

October 2014 43

MOTS ONLY £27 only with this advert (quote OCMOT)

Oil & Filter Change & free safety check ONLY £40 only with this advert (quote OC40**)

Buy 2 tyres save £5

(quote OC5)

or Buy 4 tyres save £20

10% discount on all repairs

(quote OC20)

(quote OC10)*

*excludes services, mots and tyres. ** An extra charge may apply on services and oil and filter for specialist oils.

Also Available

!

NEW

Batteries • Clutch • Exhaust • CamBelt • Brakes • Diagnostics • Tyres

FREE Safety Check

Bring your car to us and we will carry out a FREE inspection,

BOOK NOW: Call Sarah or Darren on 01752 345 370 contact@marshallmotorsswltd.co.uk

www.marshallmotorsswltd.co.uk

Please mention Oracle Magazine when responding to adverts

September 2014 43

Unit 26 Valley Road, Plympton, Plymouth PL7 1RF