CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Myles Lockwood myles@oracle.uk.net
DESIGN EDITOR
Abigail Jones BA (Hons) editor@oracle.uk.net
EDITORIAL
Abigail Jones BA (Hons) editor@oracle.uk.net
ACCOUNTS
Emma-Jane Corry BS (Hons) emma@oracle.uk.net
SALES MANAGERS
Myles Lockwood
Tyler Cussen sales@oracle.uk.net
GRAPHIC DESIGN
Abigail Jones BA (Hons)
PHOTOGRAPHY
Front Cover - South West SUP
Pixabay | Pexels | Freepik
SISTER MAGAZINE
OM Plymouth www.omplymouthmagazine.co.uk IF
Welcome July, whilst the weather is uncertain, you can always rely on the monthly issue from OM. This month, some wonderful inspiring editorials, local business news and some sizzling BBQ receipes.
A local couple, Uday and Anjali, express how KF Kitchens made their dream kitchen a reality with their fantastic teamwork.
Family days out don’t need to cost the earth or be miles away from home. We have found some of the best local attractions and activities to do as a family on page 17.
A huge thank you to Smashland Burgers for offering our fantastic competition prize this month, giving one lucky winner a complimentary meal for two.
We hope you have a lovely month!
for any mistakes or omissions in this publication. All opinions expressed in The Plympton Magazine are that of the individual contributor and are not always shared by the publication.
You don’t need to be a connoisseur of period dramas to appreciate the elegant and luxurious gardens featured in Bridgerton.
Showcasing the Regencycore aesthetic, almost every scene highlights grand country estates with ornamental topiaries, striking borders, extravagant water features, and stunning floral displays.
Bridgerton’s garden scenes are filmed in its third season at historic locations like Hatfield House, Painshill Park, and Windsor Great Park. For the 2024 Chelsea Flower Show, Netflix will unveil the Bridgerton Garden, designed by Holly Johnston, capturing Penelope Featherington’s journey. This garden will boast a moon gate, water feature, sunken seating area, and whimsical planting to create a natural, informal atmosphere.
When people think of Bridgerton, the romantic ambience created by its picturesque settings often comes to mind. The climbing wisterias, grand fountains, impeccably manicured shrubs, and opulent rose displays typical of Regency-style gardens set the stage for high society events such as promenades, balls, and garden parties.
Recreating these exquisite landscapes on a smaller scale might seem daunting, but we’re here to help. Lady Whistledown and the Ton would undoubtedly be impressed!
Here’s how to bring the Bridgerton garden trends to your outdoor space this spring and summer, embracing both romance and elegance.
The curb appeal of the Bridgerton family house,
adorned with climbing wisteria, is unmatched. Following the first season in December 2020, Primrose reported a 400% increase in searches for ‘Amethyst wisteria.’
Alternatively, consider roses or clematis montana to enhance various structures. Grow these plants on a pergola, trellis, wall, or fence to add drama and height to your garden, evoking the romance and elegance of the series. Train these climbers by gently tying them to supports with plant ties and regularly pruning to encourage upward growth.
Whites, pinks, purples, and blues capture the Regency era, but with Penelope in the spotlight for season three, bold citrus shades seen in the Featherington household are more appropriate. Reds, oranges, and pinks will be popular this spring, reflecting Penelope’s growth and budding romance.
Choose summer-flowering bulbs like dahlias, begonias, lilies, and gladioli to achieve this vibrant palette. Cottage garden plants are also ideal for the Regency look, with hardy annuals like nigella, Centaurea, and calendula adding bursts of colour when grouped. Roses add a romantic touch, helping your garden mirror the beautiful spaces seen in the show.
Imagine enjoying high tea under a pergola after a leisurely walk through the gardens. While follies are common in Bridgerton’s garden sets, a pergola offers similar extravagance. Adorned with climbing plants, it adds grandeur and provides a perfect spot for a summer soirée.
If space is limited, create height by grouping potted plants of various sizes and colours on a raised display.
soCialising arEa
Country-style furniture fits perfectly with the Regencycore theme of a Bridgerton-inspired garden. Opt for refined pieces with ornate details and elegant curves for a regal charm. Seating is essential, so include table sets for alfresco dining and garden sofas for relaxation. Intricate metal garden furniture exudes effortless elegance.
The ornamental topiary gardens in Bridgerton are spectacular, with shapely sculptures being a key feature of Regency-style gardens. Topiary, the art of trimming trees and shrubs into specific shapes, adds grandeur but requires practice to perfect.
Cones and balls are the easiest shapes to create and maintain. For minimal upkeep, use potted topiary plants in clear geometric shapes to section off garden zones. Alternatively, give your shrubs a neat trim for clean lines.
sECludEd sEating arEa
A garden room can serve as a luxurious focal point for your outdoor space, perfect for stylish soirées. If space is limited, a small gazebo in a garden corner can create a perfect sanctuary and offer year-round appeal.
A budget-friendly option is to carve out a seating area. A garden corner and an arbour can create a secluded space, which you can enhance with climbing plants.
Another affordable choice is a canopy. A small pop-up gazebo or canopy creates a perfect social space for guests during the spring and summer months. Look for cream or pinstripe-patterned products with fringing to create a romantic ambience. Avoid harsh colours or dark tones, opting for pastel or neutral palettes to align with the Regency style.
A grand water fountain is essential for a Bridgertonstyle garden. Water features serve as pivotal focal points and provide the added benefit of soothing, calming water sounds.
Even a small circular pond with a single-tier, Regency-
style stone fountain can bring a touch of serenity and elegance to any garden.
A well-defined path is essential for any decent promenade. Choose a path that creates atmosphere and leads the eye through your garden, encouraging you to linger on focal points such as fountains, topiary, or colourful beds.
Consider pathways to different zones, like your garden room. The choice of materials is personal. Gravel can contrast nicely with timber, especially chippings, but it tends to migrate with high foot traffic. Flagstone paving creates pathways leading to pavilions, drawing visitors’ eyes to garden showpieces.
Styling is key to creating a romantic garden setup worthy of any Bridgerton set. Use accessories that capture the essence of the Regency era for finishing touches. Delicate bird feeders, vintage-inspired shelves, and terracotta pots can elevate your garden.
Use a combination of large and small terracotta pots to create drama and frame areas like steps, doors, and seating spaces for visual interest. Terracotta pots with ornate detailing further enhance the Regency garden style.
Turn the clock back just a few months, and it all looked very, very, different. The space was divided into three separate, smaller rooms – a kitchen, living room, and utility. For Anjali and her husband Uday, creating a big open plan downstairs living area was the top priority when they moved into their Plymouth home last year.
“We wanted a big kitchen,” explained Anjali. “The kitchen is the heart of the house, and we enjoy cooking for guests, so what was here before did not work for us. Now we have this openness, which we really like.”
They initially took their vision to a national kitchen company, only to discover late in the planning and design process that the brand was unable to meet their needs. Uday had heard of Plymouth family firm KF Kitchens, so they headed down to the showroom at Faraday Mill to have a chat with the owners, Nathan and Derinda Damarell: “We saw the difference straight away,” said Uday. “We told them what we wanted, and they were happy and able to customise the kitchen to our needs, while also presenting their own ideas with the benefit of their experience.”
Creating one big room meant taking out the existing
kitchen and utility and removing the separating walls, which required involving structural engineers and building control. The couple also wanted underfloor heating and large, eye-catching floor-tiles. The underfloor heating was installed by another local independent firm, Studio One South West, and was scheduled so that 12 hours after it was completed, KF Kitchens were ready to deliver the kitchen and start work.
Uday and Anjali were keen to have a contemporary black and white kitchen. They opted for a Nolte kitchen in Nova Lack with white, high-gloss lacquered doors and black matrix art vertical and horizontal rails, so there are no handles. The Neolith worktop is supplied by Plymouth firm Mayflower Stone, and the island has waterfall ends in matching stone. The design provides the couple with masses of storage space and plenty of seating at the large island.
“We didn’t have an island in the old kitchen, and the hob was where the oven and bank of integrated appliances are now,” explained Anjali. “A big island is something that we really wanted, and we chose a combi gas and induction hob because gas is best for Indian cooking.”
Apart from the hob, all the appliances are Neff – a steam oven, combination microwave, ceiling hood, warming drawer, and washing machine. The sink and tap are by Blanco: “The steam oven is totally amazing,” said Anjali, “it’s ideal for Indian cooking, we use it all the time.”
The couple both work for the NHS and they have twin boys, so it was essential that the work was project managed and coordinated to take the strain away from them: “This was a big advantage for us,” said Uday. “The way that KF Kitchens work is unique, really. First of all, we were never rushed, there was no pushing, we were able to take our time. Then Nathan supervised it all, so we didn’t have to worry. And the workmen they use all work together well, so it all went very smoothly.”
When asked which three words they would use to describe their kitchen, they say: “Spacious, personalised, perfect.” And, says Uday, the end result was down to teamwork: “All of this was chosen by us, but Nathan and Derinda guided us along the way. Between us, we produced this design. And they were always open to us modifying the design. They even did our downstairs cloakroom, too, even though it wasn’t in the original plans, but we felt it needed to be done. And whatever Nathan said he would do; he would do it. He was a man of his word, which is very important. We never felt we didn’t know what was going on, and when we made modifications to the original plan, we never
felt we were treated unfairly in terms of the cost. We were a very good team together.”
So, would they recommend KF Kitchens to other homeowners? “Absolutely,” said Anjali. “The personal touch throughout the design process is unique. They did everything with all their heart.”
to make your first steps towards your perfect kitchen, book a consultation in the Kf Kitchens studio, either by email (enquiries@kfkitchens.co.uk) or phone (01752 255022). You can also check out their website (www.kfkitchens.co.uk), and social media on instagram (@kfkitchens) or facebook.
The world’s rst 4D hearing aid sensor technology doesn’t just lter and amplify sounds like traditional hearing aids; groundbreaking head & body movement sensors help the user to hear & communicate better in background noise. Against a leading premium hearing aid - Oticon Intent delivers a remarkable 35% speech improvement score in social situations.
Sensors gather 360º sound picture & monitors environmental changes
Head Movement
Sensors monitor how our head moves during conversations
Body Movement
Physical sensors anticipate our spatial awareness and how we move when listening & talking
The new Oticon Intent, with its latest computer chip and communication sensors combine all the information it receives to now help users engage & hear in the world around them like never before.
June 2024
the devil weArs prAdA
theatre royal, Plymouth 6th July - 17th august
Gird your loins! The Devil Wears Prada, a new musical based on the blockbuster film and bestselling novel and features an original score by music legend Elton John.
ocean studios, royal William Yard saturday 13th July
With 35+ artisan makers from around the South West to take-part, with opportunities to get creative, watch demonstrations from local makers and fuel your day with delicious food and coffee. This event is free, family & dog friendly and open to all. st luke’s Midnight wAlk
Plymouth argyle fC, Plymouth friday 12th July
The Midnight Walk is a chance to shine a light on all those very special people who are no longer with us, while striding forward to secure the future of our hospice services at home, in hospital and in our specialist unit.
mount Edgcumb, torpoint sunday 21st July
Get ready for a fun-filled interactive family day out with a variety of exciting activities and entertainment for everyone to enjoy. Here’s what you can expect: Bubble Shows & Workshop, Bouncy Castles, Prosecco & Pimms Bar, Street Food, Live music and more.
tavistock, Plymouth saturday 13th July
TaviFringe is a free festival taking place in and around the centre of the town with 40 groups and up to 400 performers.
steel Brew, royal William Yard saturday 27th July
The Revolvers consist of four Young guys with an unrivalled, burning passion for the greatest musical decade of all time, the 60’s. Wowing audiences with not only their incredible musical talents but also with their unmatched authenticity. This really is a show not to be missed.
dartmoor Zoo, sparkwell friday 12th July
Whether you’re a beginner or you’re a talented photographer looking to finetune or improve your existing skills, regularly hosting technical and composition lessons, Brian and Sheree will make sure you get some shots you’re truly proud of! the revolvers - sound oF the 60s
Central Park, Plymouth sunday 21st July
A 5k muddy obstacle course that you can take part in, no matter your fitness level. It’s designed for one thing: fun! Climb, crawl and slide your way around the Pretty Muddy obstacle course at your own pace.
theatre royal, Plymouth 23rd - 27th July
The play, adapted from the original BBC production, is set in England during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I (1558 – 1603) and sees Edmund, Lord BlackAdder as a Tudor courtier attempting to win the favour of the Queen while avoiding execution by decapitation, a fate that befell many of her suitors.
We are fortunate to have a whole host of family friendly activities to do in Devon & Cornwall. From water sports, farm attractions to museums and indoor play areas. Here are just a few brilliant ideas all local to Plymouth…
Known for their ever cruelling task of having to throw people off of cliffs - a hard job, but someone’s got to do it.
An adventure like no other, Adrenalin Quarry hosts a playground for both adults and kids, hidden in a flooded quarry in Liskeard.
It’s home to 4 of the UK’s most exciting attractions; The UK’s Maddest Zip Wire, Freshwater Coasteering, The Giant Swing and Cornwall’s top go karting centre, Kartworld.
And if that’s no enough to get your heart racing, you’ll also find the world’s biggest Aquapark. Get wet and go wild on oversized monkey bars, slides, wings and more!
Adrenalin Quarry is 7 days a week, 10:00 - 6:00pm, some of the attactions require tickets must be booked online and in advance at www.adrenalinquarry.co.uk
It’s a fantastic time of year at Pennywell Farm with bumper summer fun every day of the school holidays. There is no excuse for boredom with a full day of animal activities, rides, shows and displays there’s something to keep the whole family happy at Devon’s award-winning farm.
Begin your day with some piggy cuddles, milk a goat, feed the lambs, pamper a pony and cheer on your favourite racing pig, and that’s all before midday!
Pennywell is open 7 days a week, tickets must be booked online and in advance at www.pennywellfarm. co.uk.
Available to hire for private/group events and parties.
Release your Monster! (Open from 16th of July 2022)
Launch yourself off their Monster ramp and fly down their 360ft long slide.
Based near Widemouth Bay, Bude, The Monster Slip and Slide is a great activity for almost anyone! The price includes 1 hour use of the Slip and Slide with free inflatable rings and bodyboards to use. Wetsuit hire, food and drink is also available.
Only £12.50pp – All ages welcome.
Available to hire for private/group events and parties.
Let your little ones explore, imagine and develop in a safe space.
Just Imagine is the Plymouth’s number 1 soft play area for Imaginative play. Just Imagine gives kids access to a whole range of worlds where they can take on any role they want. From the sky to the sea, a science lab to the supermarket, kids can use their imaginations to be whoever they want to be with a whole range of environments to choose from. They also have a sensory room.
It’s almost mid-summer which means hot weather and hot dogs. We have gathered together the best tips to keep your dog cool this summer along with what to do if you find a dog in a hot car.
dogs, like most pets, are unable to sweat which makes them feel a lot hotter than humans as they don’t have a supportive thermoregulation system to cool them down. an average body temperature of a human is 37 degrees Celsius, however, the average body temperature of a dog is two degrees hotter. We all feel the difference between a hot sunny day at 20 degrees Celsius and 22 degrees Celsius which means every degree we feel is felt two degrees hotter by a dog.
To keep themselves cool, dogs pant, this enables them to breathe out the hot air from their lungs and exchange it with cooler external air. They also seek a cool surface to lie down on as opposed to carpet. Their bodies are able to transfer some of their internal heat to surfaces that are cooler than themselves.
Keeping a dog in a car in the hot weather means that there is no external cooler air for the dog to breathe in when panting so the dog’s breath soon acts as a radiator, heating up the car faster. The surfaces of a car are always soft and absorb heat fast which results in no cool surface for the dog to transfer its body heat to. This is why leaving your dog in a hot car for over 5 minutes can be potentially fatal.
The general rule is that it is safe to leave your dog in a car for no longer than 5 minutes and only when the outside temperature doesn’t exceed 21 degrees Celsius. Any hotter than that and you will need to think about adapting your plans to suit your dog. Whether that’s dropping the dog off at home before you do a food shop or giving them to a family member to look after whilst you run some errands. If you have a passenger in the car, ask for them to stay in the car with the dog so you can either keep the boot open or keep the air con on. Make sure you always put the window down slightly for your dog, even if you are popping out for 2 minutes and try to park in a shady spot.
if you see a dog in a hot car that you think is in distress, you should dial 999.
However, they may not be able to reach the dog in time as it can take minutes for it to turn fatal. If the situation becomes urgent and you can tell they are showing major signs of heatstroke, many people will resort to breaking into the car. This is completely your decision as it could be classed as criminal damage and you could be taken to court. Before smashing the car window, take a short video and photos to prove the dog was in distress to aid yourself in court. You should also notify the police of what you’re about to do and why.
‘the law states that you have a lawful excuse to commit damage if you believe that the owner of the property that you damage would consent to the damage if they knew the circumstances (section 5(2)(a) Criminal damage act 1971).’
• Heavy panting
• a rapid pulse
• Excessive salivation
• glazed eyes
• lack of coordination
• Vomiting or diarrhoea
• loss of consciousness
If you’re going out for the day with your dog, take a reusable dog water bowl and water bottle and frequently offer it to your dog, especially when they are panting. You can buy special dog water bottles from most pet shops which are designed to allow you to pour the water from the bottle into an attached water bowl for portable use.
make sure you keep an eye on your dog’s water bowl at home as they tend to drink a lot more when
they are warm just like humans and you may not notice they are out of water.
If your dog is long-haired, make sure you are regularly brushing them to get rid of loose hairs and knots that trap in the heat. Keep their coat clipped to a shorter length than they would have in winter and make sure the hair is out of their eyes and mouth.
in the hot weather, dogs with light coloured or thinly coated fur can also get sunburnt. if they are at risk of getting sunburnt, you can now buy special dog sun cream available at pet shops.
Dogs paw pads may look pretty tough but on hot surfaces such as sand and tarmac, it can really hurt your dogs’ paws. Stick to grass and muddy terrain when walking your dog and make sure there is a cold surface available to your dog if you are in your garden.
Keep your dogs safe this summer by keeping them cool.
An experienced local team of experts, dedicated to helping you navigate every aspect of your personal injury claim. So, if you have had an injury as a result of someone else’s negligence, that’s resulted in physical, mental, or emotional harm, our team are here to support you every step of the way.
At Howard & Over, we understand that each case is unique, and we’re committed to getting to know you personally to better understand your needs and concerns. From the moment you reach out to us, you’ll have a dedicated team by your side, ready to offer assistance and advice every step of the way. Whether you’re navigating the complexities of filing a personal injury claim, negotiating with insurance companies, or preparing for litigation, we’re here to support and guide you through the process and ensure that you receive the compensation and justice you deserve.
Speak to our specialist Personal Injury Solicitors at Howard & Over today. We will be happy to advise you on what you need and how we can help.
Tel: 01752 556606
Many people think that without a Will, their estate will automatically pass to their loved ones, but this is not always the case.
Making a Will, or adding a codicil to your existing Will is the only way to ensure that those you love will be taken care of, including your pets.
We believe that there is a special someone out there for every dog and cat. That’s why we do our best to find loving new homes for all the animals in our care, no matter how long it takes.
By remembering Gables Dogs & Cats Home in your Will you can help us continue to provide this commitment well into the future and ensure that Gables always there to help as many dogs and cats as possible and find the special home they deserve.
We are specialists in loft ladders and hatches for easy and safe access to your loft. We can provide boarding, lighting and insulation solutions. Call us now to find out how we can help you turn your lost space into a really useful loft space.
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T’s&C’s: The voucher is non-transferable and no change can be given. Voucher cannot be exchanged for cash. Must be aged 18 or over. Voucher can be redeemed at Smashland Burgers. Must be redeemed and used by 5th August 2025
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