Plympton Magazine April 2023

WIN!

5Ticketsto Pennywell Farm

SIR FIX-A-LOCK

Plymouth’s only Qualified Master Locksmith

PLYMOUTH MARINE

Experienced and well-equipped marine dealership

INTERIOR & GARDEN DESIGN

The Interior and Garden design trends of 2023

Spring has sprung, the days are getting longer and the winter coats are back in storage. We have a brand-new edition of Plympton. Inside this issue, we have three business profiles, lots of spring-themed editorials and some delicious easter recipes.

We caught up with Paul Montgomery, owner and founder of Sir Fixa-Lock to check out their new shop and his fully-electric Volkswagen work van. We were also reminded about what makes Sir Fix-a-Lock unique to other local locksmiths and his goals to make a ‘green’ impression on Plymouth.

As one of the most experienced and well-equipped marine dealerships in the Southwest, Plymouth Marine has built a strong reputation. We met the founder and CEO of Plymouth Marine, Dennis Mallet and his son David, the Managing Director to find out how they built their reputation and their plans for the near future.

We discuss the interior and garden design ideas of 2023 and how they change with society and global issues.

Have a wonderful April

INTERIOR AND GARDEN DESIGN

The latest interior and garden design trends of 2023.

Everybody has their own take on how they would like their dream home interior to look. You can still create a unique home whilst being inspired by the latest trends. Often ‘trends’ gets a bad reputation for being wasteful and unoriginal which can be argued for the fashion industry, but less so with home and garden interiors.

Interior and garden trends work alongside lifestyle changes, society and the environment therefore they are usually trying to improve your space to best suit you and the planet. That being said, trends in colours and patterns will naturally change over time but can be swapped out and updated gradually to limit waste. Changing colours, patterns and furniture gradually can have the beautiful ability to narrate a story through time without eliminating the trend or era altogether. I find the most fascinating home interiors are those taken from different eras, countries and origins as they all had a place at some point, who is to say they cannot work in tandem today?

Find beauty in the old.

Re-using old pieces, whether that’s second-hand furniture, baroque-style paintings in classic frames, or even old and unused pieces of wood and materials. If you expand your mind as to what they could be in their new lease of life, they can add so much personality into the room. Even old paintings, if you took into consideration the wall on which you’re hanging them, you could enhance and complement the colours in the painting to tie it into the existing room. There is no reason why classic paintings can’t be used on the walls today. Second-hand furniture can be bought in large charity shops, antique shops, local markets and online websites including eBay, GumTree and Facebook Marketplace.

Velvet is heading out.

In 2022, there has been a decline in velvet sofa purchases and people are opting for more practical, high-performing, sustainable materials instead, such as cotton and linen. This means slightly less of a worry if you do end up dropping your dinner on your sofa.

70s return.

As with fashion, interior trends like to revert back to iconic eras, bringing back the very best elements of that time. The colours of this era are brown, gold and red tones. Adding hints of these tones will keep your home looking modern and up-to-date, instead of a time capsule from the 70s. Keeping up with trends doesn’t have to cost the earth by changing elements as you go.

Happy colours, happy mind.

There has been a huge increase in bright, happy colours trending at the moment which I couldn’t love more. You want your home to make you feel happy therefore incorporating a bit of zesty yellow, vibrant pink, warm orange or bright blue into the room will

help to elevate your mood. (Unless you can’t stand these colours of course…) Some other colours to think about are sunset hues such as orange, coral, deep red, mustard yellow and pastel purple will help to make your space feel warm and cosy.

Say goodbye to grey.

Come away from the harsh grey tones and sink into the natural neutrals of brown, beige and cream. They are kinder to your eyes and make the room feel warmer.

Heritage.

With the return of the farmhouse aesthetic already a hugely popular choice with kitchens, it has now moved throughout the house. Gingham, vintage florals and stripes are becoming the pattern of choice with neutral tones, organic materials and a cosy cottage feel.

Spathrooms.

Bathrooms inspired by spas. A bathroom is a self-care space, a place where you should spend a little bit longer on your skin and body care. You want a space where you almost don’t want to leave to encourage the healthy habits of looking after your skin. Having a luxurious ‘spa-like’ bathroom will make you want to spend longer in there, because who wants to leave a spa early?! Using materials such as wood, marble, concrete, brass, creamy white porcelain, warmlooking tiles, elegant wallpaper and organic cotton towels. Adding a real plant or two can help to give your bathroom some life. Finishing touches such as a diffuser, candles and a soft bathmat will definitely give you that spa feeling.

Raw materials.

Being sustainable in every part of your life is something to strive for. I always think that although others may not be, at least you are doing your best for the planet. Buying second-hand sometimes isn’t an easy or plausible option, sometimes it’s best to invest a little bit more money to make sure you’re buying something that will last for years. These more expensive options can often be made from sustainable or higher-grade materials and will be less likely to wear over time.

Crafted-look ceramics.

The farmhouse aesthetic and organic materials are brought to the table in the form of bowls, plates and vases. With their unique textures, one-off handmade appeal and earthy tones, they are leading the way when it comes to tableware.

A sustainable garden.

Wildflower meadows and allotment patches are all well and good for the environment but in your typical townhouse, you’re not going to have the space. In

2023, it’s all about making the space that you have in your garden work for you whilst still having the environment at the core. As climate change beings to show more of an impact, our summers are getting hotter and rainfall is becoming more unpredictable in the summer months. With hosepipe bands becoming a regular term, it’s time to start thinking about opting for drought-tolerant plants and flowers.

This doesn’t mean just using gravel and cacti, there are plenty of leafy options which don’t require as much attention. If you’re unsure of which plants are best, look at the leaves. More often than not, drought-tolerant plants have silver or grey leaves to reflect the sun or some have a coating of fine hairs on their leaves or stems to trap moisture.

Man For All Seasons can help to transform your ideas of a sustainable garden into a reality with a team of experienced gardeners and landscapers. Making your garden work for you is their top priority, whether that be an area where the kids can play, somewhere to entertain friends and family or a space to unwind and truly relax. Whatever it may be, Man For All Seasons can help you.

If your grass is already getting too much sunlight, have you thought about realistic-looking artificial grass as a maintenance-free solution? Green Scheme Solutions, based in Plympton have a range of different artificial grass with dog-friendly options.

Light-coloured fences. Cream, soft beige and pale pink colours are becoming more popular creating more light into your garden and providing a backdrop for your plants to stand out. Colourfence Plymouth offers a range of steel fences in a wide variety of different colours. Due to the material used, these fences require no repairs or treatments and are virtually maintenance-free.

With these design trends of 2023 in mind, I think the biggest push is becoming more sustainable within our homes and reconnecting with nature.

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Helping the people of Plymouth and beyond regain access to their homes, safely and non-destructively, all with a smile on his face. Sir Fix-a-Lock himself, Paul Montgomery takes huge pride in his work as Plymouth’s only Qualified Master Locksmith, and the positive impact he’s making on not only the local community but the planet. After investing an extensive amount of his military pension into the highest quality machinery and top-of-the-league locksmith courses, he has built the foundations of a succeeding business and would now like to give more back to the community. With a whole wall full of awards, a huge list of happy customers and the owner of the first Volkswagen electric van of its kind to hit the South West, he is on a mission to lead by example and help make Britain’s Ocean City more sustainable.

After a long and rewarding career in the military, Paul had his sights set on a new career path but he didn’t quite know what he was going to pursue. Firefighter? Pilot? Digger driver? What about becoming a locksmith? Something clicked inside Paul at the thought of a locksmith and he knew instantly he could do it well.

He spent the first 3 years investing every penny back into the business whilst he was also serving in the army. The money went to grow his reputation by ensuring he had the best tools for the job. He enrolled on a great locksmith course and has undergone various other courses to ensure his work is to the highest standard possible and that his team are well looked after.

Chris Belcher of ‘Bel-cher Locksmiths’, Plymouth’s number 1 locksmith at the time saw the great work that Paul was doing and decided to offer him a helping hand. Chris taught him everything he needed to know and much more which set Paul up, destined to succeed. Unbeknown to Paul at the time, Chris had already made plans to gift all of his clients to Paul once he was ready to retire. Paul thought very highly of Chris and was inspired by his loving and genuine personality which made this gift even more special.

The name, Sir Fix-a-Lock came from a lot of research and brainstorming of ideas. He wanted something

that was fun, approachable and charismatic. If anybody has had the pleasure of meeting Paul, you would have noticed his brilliant personality and the fun-loving energy that he brings to the room, therefore the name had to match that. He told his brother about his new name idea and he instantly said ‘Sir Fix-a-Lock…Day & Knight!” And that was where the knight logo and branding originated from. He has got to a position now where he doesn’t offer 24-hour service as he wanted to spend more time with his loved ones however, the knight emblem still runs throughout.

With a steady increase in workflow, Paul decided it was time to take on a locksmith to balance the load. In January 2020, he took on James as the knights squire to help with these increasing demands to the business.

Sir Fix-a-Lock has continued to grow throughout its 12 years of business, even during the lockdown, he saw his largest influx of customers The first month of the complete lockdown in March, Paul decided to invest more money into his website because he thought, if people aren’t outside, then they’re going to be online. The response from the new website was huge and brought in so many more customers. As a ‘key worker’, both in the literal term and the covid term, Paul and James were able to continue helping people across Devon and Cornwall with lock and key-related issues. In the past few months, Paul has been working on getting his new shop up and running. Inside this new shop located on The Hoe, there are key-cutting services, specialist locks from many different lock brands, UPVC door and window spares, master keys systems as well as personalised advice.

Outside of the shop, Sir Fix-a-Lock offer emergency locksmithing, usually within the hour depending on the severity of the situation. They are only contactable between the hours of 9-5pm to ensure Paul and his team are fit and functional for the job to be carried out safely. Other services they offer are uPVC doors and windows repairs. They are able to replace your uPVC window hinges, gearbox mechanism or handles, double glazed glass as well as service uPVC doors

and windows, ensuring your doors close and lock with ease.

As a result of investing in the best tools and courses, he is able to unlock most doors in under a minute. The cost of his services are priced per door and not per hour to reflect his expertise and qualified status. Once Paul has assessed the door and knows it’s a simple job for him, he will give the customer two choices, they can either take the quick option and he can unlock it in under a minute or he can provide a big performance that will take 20 minutes. I don’t know about you but I would love to see the second option.

To Paul, Sir Fix-a-Lock is his life and passion. He has invested all of its profits back into the business and has recently made huge efforts to become more environmentally friendly. He has invested £100,000 on sustainable items for the business such as solar panels to power all the electricity in his shop, a fully-electric Volkswagen ID Buzz which he uses as his main work van, and a fully electric BMW motorbike which he uses for small, local jobs. If the job requires just his toolbox and is in close walking distance, then he will travel on foot. Taking good care of the planet has always been a high priority for Paul and he hopes to lead a good example of the ways in which we can attempt to become more sustainable as individuals.

On a mission to give back to the community, Paul has raised over £110,000 for local charities so far. In the last two years alone, he has raised £36,000 for Plymouth Together in the wake of the Keyham Shooting and £27,000 for ReOrg, the charity Mark Ormrod MBE fronts. He hopes to be able to make a huge difference to people’s lives across Plymouth and Devon.

Paul is constantly thinking ‘what can I do to improve’ which not only grows his business but also keeps his staff happy and satisfied. He has invested his profits in the best tools for James too so that he is able to offer the same, excellent service. His team consists of 2 locksmiths, himself and James, an administrator and soon he will have a shop assistant. They are all equipped with Sir Fix-a-Lock uniforms in his iconic colours, red and black with gold and white logo. They even have Velcro badges with embroidered keys to signify their experience, an idea influenced by his time in the military. He hopes his team will carry with them a sense of pride and confidence with their smart uniforms and outstanding reputation.

Awards are plentiful in the Sir Fix-a-Lock office, they almost cover the wall up the stairs and hold some very proud moments for Paul. One, in particular, is the Gold Award to the Armed Forces

Covenant Employers Recognition Scheme. This award is extremely difficult to earn and comes with a huge amount of respect. He has also gained several ‘Green Business’ awards for his efforts in sustainability.

Sir Fix-a-lock has an abundance of happy and loyal customers who have left genuine reviews. Here is an example of one.

Google review from Hazel B:

“I just wanted to say a big ‘thank you’ for fixing my broken UPVC door. I ‘phoned on a Thursday morning and would have been quite happy to have an appointment time the following week, but you managed to squeeze me in that day! James not only fixed my door, which I couldn’t unlock and open, but talked me through maintaining it. The price for the work was very reasonable. Great service, both professional and friendly. I would recommend your company as I’m 100% happy with the service you provided. Also, love the name!!”

Google Review from a business:

“I have never known a more reliable, approachable, and proactive contractor as Paul. He is always on hand to respond to emergencies, requests and provide advice for top notch safety and security. Our operation would not as be so smoothly led if it wasn’t for Paul’s quality workmanship and quick reactions. Highly recommend.”

Paul’s 10-year goal is to drop down to a 4-day week which will open up time for him and his family life. He has spent a lot of his time on his business and he hopes to repay the favour back to himself when the time is right. For this to happen, he would like to hire more locksmiths and grow the company whilst maintaining its strong reputation. Paul hasn’t finished improving the sustainability of his business either. There are always more ways to reduce your carbon footprint and make the planet cleaner and he hopes that other businesses will follow suit.

With the hard work, time and money that Paul has put into Sir Fix-a-Lock, it’s no surprise that it’s continuing to succeed. Be sure to spot his electric VW van around Plymouth, you won’t miss it!

AN ECO-FRIENDLY

SPRING CLEAN

Top

tips for thinking about the planet whilst having a spring clean.

Aspring clean is like putting on fresh clean bedsheets in every crevice and item in your home. It’s extremely satisfying for your mind and your home but less so for the planet.

Most cleaning products contain nasty chemicals and are usually stored within non-recyclable plastic bottles. Anti-bacterial wipes are not biodegradable or flushable (though some claim to be), resulting in blocked drains or ending up in landfill. And a year’s worth (or more) of personal items get sorted out into piles and head for the tip. If only there was a way we could all experience the satisfaction of a spring clean without the harmful effects on the planet…

Well, you’re in luck. We have found lots of hacks, ecofriendly inventions and tips to get the job done with the same amount of satisfaction.

Cleaning Products

You may think you need a different cleaning product for every different surface in your house however, constantly buying plastic bottles is not good for the planet and it also adds unnecessary clutter. Stick to one multi-surface cleaner and cloth for the whole house and only buy purpose-made products when you need them.

Even better still, you can purchase reusable glass bottles to avoid plastic and opt for products such as multi-purpose refill sachets by Ocean Saver or concentrated disinfectants such as Zoflora which you only need to use a small amount at one time. Once you have used up all of your other cleaning products and correctly recycled the bottles, you will have a clean and tidy cupboard under the sink.

Recycle

Clothes and shoes can be recycled by various retailerrun recycling programmes or at your clothes and shoes’ local recycling bin. Broken items of furniture

or damaged electrical appliances can be taken to your local recycling centre. If you are unsure where your local recycling centre or bin is, head to www. recyclenow.com, where they have a useful search tool to find out what types of items you can recycle and where.

Before throwing anything out, ask yourself if you could make anything new from the item. Upcycling is a great way to turn unwanted items into something tailored to your style. Whether that be a dress that you’d like to sew into a top or a cupboard that needs some updating. This is not only an eco-friendly way of adding new life to old items, but it can also be a lot of fun and you can learn a new skill along the way.

If you are unsure about upcycling, there are plenty of inspirational and educational videos on home DIYs on YouTube to avoid any mistakes.

Give Away

Anything that you don’t use that isn’t faulty or too damaged can go in this pile. When making this pile, think about who you want to give or sell it to.

Charity shops are always after new clothes to sell and they will happily take your unwanted belongings. You can take your clothes to your local charity shop or a charity shop in particular that you’d like to support once they are open on the 12th of April. You can also deliver your items to a charity of your choice with free postage.

Somebody in your family or a close friend might take it off your hands and put it to good use, it’s always worth asking them.

If it is in good condition, you could sell it on various second-hand shopping sites such as; eBay, Vinted, Depop, Gumtree or Shpock. Make sure the images are clear, and the description is honest and don’t forget about the postage and packaging costs.

EMBRACE THE ELECTRIC REVOLUTION WITH RODGERS OF PLYMOUTH

Attention drivers of Plymouth! Something is coming. Something breathtakingly beautiful, groundbreakingly different and positively game changing.

This Autumn, Rodgers of Plymouth are beyond excited to introduce the brand new, all-electric MG4 EV to Britain’s Ocean City. Hailed as a triumph of innovation from the iconic brand, the MG4 is sleek, stylish, technologically advanced, and surprisingly good value for money to boot. In fact, with the entry level SE model starting from just £25,995 this car is a serious rival to some of the more familiar EV models such as the Renault Zoe and the Vauxhall Corsa E.

But the favourable comparisons don’t stop at the price. MG set out to create a compact EV centred around four key qualities: space; technology; affordability and driving quality and the MG4 delivers. It delivers big time.

With three specifications on offer – the SE Standard Range, the SE Long Range and the Trophy Long Range – drivers will be able to select the model that best suits their needs and with the top end Trophy range starting at just £31,495 you’re going to get A LOT of bang for your buck.

Range anxiety is a thing of the past with the MG4, with the Standard SE boasting a range of 218 miles in a single charge and the SE Long Range and Trophy pushing it to 281 and 270 miles per charge respectively. That’s enough to get you to London, Birmingham or even to Exeter and back 3 times should the mood take you! If you’re more likely to be using the MG4 to get you from A-B, then you’re more than covered – and if you’re running a little low, there are a wealth of charging points and pop-up chargers dotted around the city to keep your car topped up. On average, Plymouth’s charging points cost 25p per kWh and with the MG4 EV coming in at running costs of around 3p per mile, even with recent rises in energy prices, you’ll still be making significant savings over and above ICE vehicle drivers.

The compact hatchback doesn’t compromise on space, so it’s the perfect car for environmentally conscious, busy families. The boot offers an impressive 363 litres of space, which almost triples to 1177 litres with the seats folded down, so you’ll have ample room for pushchairs, luggage or the weekly shop. If your family is more 6ft teenager than toddler heavy, the MG4 stays relevant. The ultra-thin underfloor battery maximises leg and headroom, so your passengers are guaranteed a comfortable ride.

Comfort is a big feature in this winning little EV. From heated seats to a near silent driving experience, MG have utilised cutting edge technology to ensure that your journey is as pleasurable as possible. What’s more, the fully remote capabilities mean that you can get cosy before you’re even behind the wheel. So instead of freezing in the driver’s seat on a frosty

January morning, waiting for your car to acclimatise, you can enjoy a slightly more leisurely cup of coffee, whilst the MG app on your smart phone takes care of it.

Sound tempting? Then why not pop down to Rodgers of Plymouth MG and take it for a spin.

Nestled away in Christian Mill Business Park, just off Budshead Road in Crownhill, our MG retailer is a bit of a hidden gem. Our light, airy showroom is packed with the latest MG models for you to get up close and personal with. Explore the unique features of any MG model – be it the MG3, 4, 5 or HS and we guarantee that you’ll be impressed by the combination of innovative technology, comfort and style that takes the iconic brand to the next level. Cutting edge technology meets the quintessential British essence of the original MG in the new generation of models.

For those looking to buy a used vehicle, Rodgers of Plymouth MG is the place for you. As part of the Murray Group, we have access to a range of makes and models at exceptional prices and phenomenal part exchange rates.

Already own a car but think it needs a little TLC? No problem! Rodgers of Plymouth MG are authorised repairers for MG, Mitsubishi and Ssang Yong and offer a comprehensive range of servicing options.

For the remainder of 2022, we are offering MOTs for just £35 on any make or model – call our friendly team on 01752 773399 to book in today!

RECIPE IDEAS

Easter Sunday is on the 9th of April this year! We have gathered together some delicious Easter inspired recipes for the whole family to enjoy.

Sourdough hot cross buns

(Serves 12)

• 300g active sourdough

• 2 large eggs, beaten

• 200ml milk

Easter biscuits (Makes 18)

• 300g plain flour

• 150g white caster sugar

• 150g slightly salted butter

• 1 large egg

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

For the iced option

• 500g royal icing sugar

• food colouring gels

ONE Weigh the flour and sugar in a bowl. Add the butter and rub together with your fingertips until the mixture resembles wet sand, with no buttery lumps. Beat the egg with the vanilla, then add to the bowl. Mix briefly with a cutlery knife to combine, then use your hands to knead the dough together. Shape into a disc, then wrap in cling film and chill for 15 mins. Heat oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Line two baking sheets with baking parchment.

TWO Dust a work surface with flour, then roll one half out to the thickness of a £1 coin. Use an rabbit-shaped cookie cutter to stamp out as many as you can, then transfer them to one of the baking sheets, leaving a little space between the biscuits. Repeat with the other half of the dough.

THREE Bake for 12-15 mins, until the biscuits are pale gold. Once cool, decorate to your liking. Will keep in an airtight container for up to five days.

• 500g strong white bread

• 60g golden caster sugar

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1 tsp mixed spice

• 1 orange, zested

• 150g raisins

• 100g unsalted butter

ONE Before you start, ensure the sourdough starter is very bubbly (if it’s not, feed it and wait until 1 tsp of the starter floats in warm water). Tip 200g of the starter into a large bowl with all but 2 tbsp of the egg, the milk, flour, sugar, cinnamon, mixed spice, orange zest and raisins. Mix with your hands until you have a shaggy dough. Cover with a clean, damp tea towel and leave to prove for 30 mins.

TWO Work the butter and 1 tsp salt into the dough by squashing it in using your hands. Once fully combined, tip the dough onto a surface and knead gently for 5 mins until smooth and springy. Form the dough into a ball, then return it to the bowl. Cover and leave somewhere slightly warm for 3-4 hrs to prove until the dough has almost doubled in size.

THREE Tip the dough onto a floured work surface and knead briefly, then divide into 12 pieces. Roll the pieces into balls and arrange on a baking tray lined with baking parchment, leaving some room between each. Cover with a clean, damp tea towel, then leave to prove again for 2-3 hrs at room temperature until doubled in size.

FOUR Heat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Brush the buns with the reserved egg. Tip the remaining starter into a piping bag fitted with a small nozzle, and pipe crosses onto the buns. Bake for 20-25 mins until light brown. Leave to cool slightly and serve.

Nest Cakes Makes - 12

• 200g milk chocolate, broken into pieces

• 85g shredded wheat, crushed

• 2 x 100g bags mini chocolate eggs

ONE Melt the chocolate in a small bowl placed over a pan of barely simmering water. Pour the chocolate over the shredded wheat and stir well to combine.

TWO Spoon the chocolate wheat into 12 cupcake cases and press the back of a teaspoon in the centre to create a nest shape. Place 3 mini chocolate eggs on top of each nest. Chill the nests in the fridge for 2 hrs until set.

Lemon & poppyseed cupcakes Makes - 12

• 225g self-raising flour

• 175g golden caster sugar

• zest 2 lemons

• 1 tbsp poppy seeds, toasted

• 3 eggs

• 100g natural yogurt

• 175g butter, melted and cooled a little

• 225g butter, softened

• 400g icing sugar, sifted

• juice 1 lemon

• few drops yellow food colouring

• icing flowers or yellow sprinkles, to decorate

ONE Heat oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4 and line a 12-hole muffin tin with cupcake or muffin cases. Mix the flour, sugar, lemon zest and poppy seeds together in a large mixing bowl. Beat the eggs into the yogurt, then tip this into the dry ingredients with the melted butter. Mix together with a wooden spoon or whisk until lump-free, then divide between the cases. Bake for 20-22 mins until a skewer poked in comes out clean – the cakes will be quite pale on top still. Cool for 5 mins in the tin, then carefully lift onto a wire rack to finish cooling.

TWO To ice, beat the softened butter until really soft in a large bowl, then gradually beat in the icing sugar and lemon juice. Stir in enough food colouring for a pale lemon colour, then spoon the icing into a piping bag with a large star nozzle.

THREE Ice one cake at a time, then top with sugar decorations or scatter with sprinkles.

Image by BBC Good Food

Plymouth Marine has built up a strong reputation as one of the most experienced and well-equipped dealerships offering the very best in marine engineering covering the Southwest and beyond. We spoke with the founder and CEO of Plymouth Marine, Dennis Mallett and his son David, the Managing Director, to find out how they built their reputation and their plans for the near future.

Dennis was born in Plymouth and had a successful forty-year career in telecommunications, working with some of the largest organisations in the UK. With two growing sons and living close to the coast he and his wife Janet purchased a boat which enabled the boys to learn to water ski, scuba dive, sail and surf which ingrained their love of the sea.

When a mooring failed, the family boat suffered significant damage which required a variety of repair specialists but as these were not co-located, Dennis identified an opportunity to provide a ‘1 stop shop’ and the notion of Plymouth Marine was born.

It became a reality when Dennis and his wife secured the boatyard in 2005. Given its location to the Eastern Gateway into the city visibility and access proved to be fundamental. Following personal financial commitment to secure a mortgage, he was able to build Plymouth Marine Centre – a three-storey building with showroom, offices, and service bays. Construction took approximately one year during which time, Dennis juggled Project Management and operational business plans with his telecommunications career.

Completion gave the Ocean City a ‘landmark’ building but was the next step in helping fulfil the mission to become the Southwest’s leading watercraft stockist and marine engineering company as Dennis envisaged focusing on the premium and luxury market. In 2007, Dennis made the decision to retire from telecommunications and focus solely on the new venture with his then business partner.

The visions Dennis had for the company were all possible but his original business partnership fully funded by Dennis had run its course in 2014 and subsequent to a parting of the ways he was able to drive the business forward. A new partnership was his

priority and required a business minded ‘people person’ who was committed to the business vision and success. Fortunately, Dennis’s son David who had always hoped to become part of the family business stepped forward after leaving his teaching career of over 10 years.

As David and Dennis both share their love and passion for the water and watercraft it meant the idea of joining his father felt like second nature. After a truly decisive conversation (over a pint), they decided to become business partners and pushed Plymouth Marine Limited into its next chapter and the direction they envisaged.

Since David joined in 2011, they have seen a gradual but significant growth in the business. The father and son team work very well together with Dennis visualising new plans and David’s knowledge of how to achieve them. Over time, they have supplied highquality marine services and engineering and grown the team from 2 people to its current position of 12.

It is clear that this family business embraces their team and clearly appreciate the commitment that each member brings to their roles, all of which creates a complete family feel that is imparted to their customers.

It was recognised following Covid-19 that a good up to date website presence was key to improve visibility and business awareness. Securing the family bond Dennis and David enlisted Richards (David’s brother) creative mind and significant business experience to assist a local media company with the construction. Time differences from living in Australia didn’t hinder progression and the site was launched in 2021. The website can be accessed using the QR code at the bottom of the page.

Plymouth Marine offers a range of boats, PWC’s, ribs and engines from established and trusted brands such as Mariner, Mercury, Mercruiser, Highfield, Honda, SeaDoo, Torqeedo and Yamaha.

Their expert knowledge, sincere client relations and experience with these brands gives them a competitive advantage which was recognised by Nimbus boats who have recently awarded the company a dealership. The Scandinavian boats will be on display later this year.

Further diversity of Plymouth Marine services is evidenced by managing a contract for the Environment Agency looking after their non-coded fleet of boats, trailers and engines for England. They have some forty sub-contractors across England carrying out servicing, inspections and maintenance of the assets. This fleet and the sub-contractors are all managed by Gill (David’s wife) from their offices in Plymouth. With the ongoing development of the business, the need for increased data processing is supported by Lindsay (Richard’s wife) completing their Family commitment.

Plymouth Marine are also conscious about their environment and have invested in solar energy, recycle all waste products and where possible manage their carbon footprint.

If you are considering purchasing a boat, rib or PWC and would like a sea trial on the river Plym or in Plymouth Sound, it is advisable to make an appointment with a member of their friendly and helpful team who can assist you every step of the way including the aftercare.

The fully factory trained and experienced engineers provide a variety of service and repair works to PWC’s, inboard and outboard engines both on and off site to provide flexibility for their customers. The knowledgeable staff are also on hand for your spare part requirements.

Pomphlett Lake owned by Plymouth Marine allows customer access by water and annual tidal moorings. It also offers a fantastic base to head off to Salcombe, the South Hams or to Fowey and the rest of Cornwall. With their own crane, they can lift boats in and out of the water and provide all year-round dry storage and maintenance services such as antifouling.

For customers who do not own a boat, but would still like to explore the beautiful Southwest coastline, Plymouth Marine also offer leisure bare boat rib hire. For those who have an RYA Powerboat Level 2

Certificate customers can hire one of the 3 Highfield ribs for a day or even charter a boat for a week or 2 whilst on holiday.

In the coming season JOBE wakeboards, towable toys and wetsuits will provide customers with further choice.

Dennis’s visions haven’t stopped and the company continues to grow and evolve. The family look forward to having both sons physically in the business in the future which may help Dennis think about retirement! But for now, their plans involve extending the showroom to provide customers a relaxed and enjoyable experience whilst browsing. In addition, construction of four new service bays is being colocated within the boatyard.

With the forthcoming expansion Plymouth Marine feels like an exciting opportunity for the local community in terms of jobs. To support the business moving forward an additional fully qualified Marine Engineer and administration role will be created.

Titled as one of the most experienced and wellequipped marine dealerships in the Southwest, we are proud to have Plymouth Marine lead the way in watercraft in our Ocean City and we look forward to seeing their new plans come to life.

Plymouth Marine Limited was incorporated in February 2003 and celebrates its 20 years in business this year in February 2023. Would

DEVON SPRING WALKS

Spring is the perfect season for hiking or walking, with more sunny days, a gentle breeze and lots of beautiful wildflowers. It’s time to put your walking boots on and explore more of what Devon has to offer. (All route statistics are rough estimates.)

BIGBURY-ON-SEA

4 miles 2 hours

This walk has a great mix of coast, woodland and countryside, perfect for spotting wildflowers and wildlife.

Park in the Bigbury-on-Sea car park, head down to the beach if you can’t resist the golden sand and then head back up to the car park to begin your walk. Follow the public footpath signs at the top left of the car park and head North Easterly following the South West Coast Path. You will walk past Challaborough and Toby’s Point before making the steep descent down to Ayrmer Cove. Walk over the river and take the public footpath on your right which heads inland to the village of Ringmore, passing sheep in the valley.

Once you walk past Manor Farm, follow the public footpath around to your right where you will meet the quaint Journey’s End Inn where they serve a delicious Sunday roast. From the pub, continue your walk towards the church in the centre of the village and then head right at the crossroads, continue down this road to join back onto the public footpath. Walk over two steep valleys and then at the top of the second valley, you will be met with a fence. With the fence on your left, head right and follow the fence into the next field and then straight down through Bigbury-on-Sea to the car park.

THE TEIGN GORGE

5 miles 2.5 hours

This walk follows the stunning River Teign and Teign Gorge up to Fingle Bridge and Castle Drogo. Begin at Dogmarsh Bridge, you can either park on the grass verge or if you plan to have a pub lunch

afterwards, you can park in a nearby pub car park. (We recommend asking the pub beforehand if this is okay to do so) Head east through the gate and onto the path which follows the tranquil river Teign and the Teign Gorge. Keep the river to your right and follow it around until you reach Fingle Bridge.

Fingle Bridge is a beautiful 17th-century stone arch bridge. Opposite the bridge is Fingle Bridge Inn, a lovely pub if you needed a spot to rest.

After Fingle Bridge, stay on the road heading North for a few meters and then take the next left footpath. Follow this path passing Hunting Gate, Sharp Tor, Castle Drogo and Hunter’s Tor. Head North and follow the footpath until you reach a T junction of paths. Take the left footpath which will take you back down to the River Teign. From there you will recognise the path you originally came from which will take you back to your car.

START POINT

6 miles 3 hours

On a beautiful spring day, this coastal walk along Start Bay will give you epic views of the 15-mile stretch of coastline. This walk involves walking back the same way you came.

Begin at the Start Point car park and head right, and take the 1.3-mile walk along the dramatic headline to reach the Start Point Lighthouse. This stretch of coastline is one of the best coastal walks along the South West Coast Path.

If you fancy a longer walk, head back the way you came and carry along the coast path passed Hallsands before reaching Beesands. A quaint seaside village with cottages and a pub lining the coast and a beautiful beach. To get back to your car, simply head back the way you came.

Image of Start Point taken by Visit South Devon

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Where did it all start for Ashley? Inside the workshop of his late grandad, where he was taught the basics of hard work and perseverance. This was where a young mind was shown the importance of construction and engineering. Ashley found his way as an electrician and inevitably became the business owner and founder of SWAYE Electrical Services Ltd. Ashley followed in his Grandads footsteps, and with the guidance and hands-on attitude of his Grandad, he was able to apply the skills he learnt back then, to his successful and ever-expanding electrical business. Ashley and the team at SWAYE have brought light to Plymouth (literally!) and has been able to build a solid customer base and a considerable number of happy customers in the community.

The early prospects of Ashley’s career began when he was just 6 years old with the help of his Grandad, who was a self-employed electrician and general builder. Whether it was creating electricity with old batteries or knocking down walls and building kitchens from scratch, Ashley was unknowingly, watching his career begin. He watched and he learned.

After excelling in college, Ashley qualified as an electrician at the age of 22 and was continually thrown into the deep-end with multiple large-scale projects. By 23 he was running large solar PV installations throughout Cornwall, taking control of the design, installation and commissioning of the installation.

“The fear of being totally out of my comfort zone and that dread of failure to succeed is something that has helped me progress personally and professionally. There is a solution to every problem, you just have to be focused enough to find it.”

Once he believed he had gained enough experience in the electrical industry, he knew that it was time to

take matters into his own hands and go at it alone. Ashley wanted nothing more than to be free to make his own decisions, to be the master of his own fate. When he was 25, he founded SWAYE Electrical Services Ltd.

After a year of hard work, Ashley’s workload had almost doubled and so it became apparent that he needed to take someone on. Ashley took Steve on, his first employee and registered him with the local college so he could eventually become a qualified electrician. It was a massive step for me to take.

“It wasn’t really part of the plan to grow this quickly, but I took the opportunity it created with both hands and ran with it.”

“I can help customers with the design of their kitchens and bathrooms, the choice of décor and finishes as well as how to create the best space possible with different building fabrics and designs”

Ashley also pounced on the opportunity to take on a commercial unit, which has an office, workshop and storage area. This move allowed Ashley to present his company in a more professional manner, allowing customers to pop in for a coffee and chat through current and future projects.

Ashley explains the merits of moving into their new premises,

“The commercial unit has enabled the team to be more efficient and professional by making it feel like a space where they are happy to work in.

We can now order materials ahead of time and set up mock installations to ensure the work will go smoothly once transferred to site. During the pandemic, there wasn’t much to do socially, so I found myself working till midnight every Friday night for the last year. We are so busy, the work needed to be done, so what better way to spend a Friday night!

Ashley Ward

The SWAYE Electrical mascot

SWAYE have been inundated with new customers and interesting projects. A recent law change in the UK meant that every rented property must have a satisfactory electrical report, similar to gas. The UK suddenly had thousands of landlords that needed our services. The work came flooding in and we couldn’t have handled it if we didn’t have the cloudbased infrastructure organised the year before. With the electrical testing came electrical faults, fuse board changes and re-wires. Ashley has built good relationships with several builder and property investors in Plymouth, Cornwall and the South Hams.

Commercial and Industrial – This can be anything from new business premises, shops and offices. They can help with 3 phase installations, CCTV, security alarms, fire alarms, electrical vehicle charging points and much more.

The team at SWAYE are professional, genuine and honest. They serve their customers with the utmost respect and love to help them with their projects, whether its small remedial works or large construction projects.

‘At the end of the day, all we want to, is to be able look every customer in the eye knowing that we did the best job possible.’ – Ashley

The service they provide is always of the highest quality, but they offer it at an affordable and fair rate. They are flexible and happy to go the extra mile to ensure the job is done properly and the customer is happy.

The reviews for SWAYE Electrical are always positive but above everything else, they pride themselves on being able to fix any problems that come their way and do it to the best of their ability. The construction

industry is an industry where plans change all the time. We pride ourselves in excelling at keeping projects running smoothly, even if it means working out of hours or on weekends. Our experience in the construction industry allows us to see solutions before the problems even arise!

No matter how difficult the proposition is, Ashley and the guys at SWAYE will never say no to a challenge.

“What would life be like without challenges? Pretty dull if life always went to plan. Would Hercules be Hercules if he hadn’t had all those battles to win or would he have just turned over in his bed and gone back to sleep?”

In 2019, the Ridgeway Christmas lights were not working and the team at SWAYE got called in to help fix the problem… a day before the formal switch on! The SWAYE team managed to fix the faults and save the Christmas lights that year and the Plympton Chamber were very grateful. Ashley is now a committee member of Plym Chamber and now takes care of the light switch on every year and have adapted the technology so that all of the lights turn on at the same time with a touch of a button on Ashley’s phone.

SWAYE Electrical cover the whole of Devon and Cornwall and are currently doing a renovation project in Wales with Homes Under the Hammer presenter, Martin Roberts himself! Martin was impressed that over ten years ago, Ashley was watching him on TV and that now, he is working directly for him! The project consists of an old, haunted building in the Brecon Beacons which they are converting into a hiking lodge and SWAYE electrical had been recommended as the team for the job.

With the positive hands-on influence of his grandfather, Ashley has been able to provide the city of Plymouth with great service and amazing customer relationships. He hopes to continue his journey with SWAYE and grow the business, without ever forgetting how he got there.

ASHLEY - “Life is a journey and I am definitely here for the ride!”

What’s On South Devon

EASTER EGG-STRAVAGANZA!

BaRBicaN tHeatRe PReseNt

Treasure Island

Theatre Royal Plymouth

12th - 15th April

Escape to Treasure Island with Le Navet Bete and their swashbuckling, smash-hit comedy for all the family! Featuring dastardly pirates, tropical islands and a mermaid you’ll never forget, set sail on the Jolly Todger with Jim Lad, Long John Silver and a whole host of other characters for a hilarious voyage across the seas. But will they get there in one piece? Is everyone who they say they are? And does ‘X’ really mark the spot?

Le Navet Bete (The Three Musketeers, Dracula: The Bloody Truth) are a multi award-winning physical comedy company based in Devon. Joining forces with one of UK theatre’s best comedy writers and directors John Nicholson (Peepolykus, BBC Radio 4), the company of four play out Robert Louis Stevenson’s legendary tale as you’ve NEVER seen it before!

Tickets from £18.00 Age 8+

Pennywell Farm, Buckfastleigh

1st - 10th April

Join Pennywell Farm this Easter season for this egg-celent event where there are thousands of chocolatey prizes to be won as well as toys, tickets and a HUGE hamper! Make memories that will last a lifetime - there is so much fun to be had! With these egg-stra activities on top of everything else Pennywell has to offer, this is not one to miss out on!

EASTER ADVENTURE GOLF

China Fleet Country Park, Saltash

1st - 16th April

PUTT your best foot forward with 18 holes of EGGciting crazy golf to conquer, streams to tackle and magic trees to avoid, no BUNNY compares to China Fleet Adventure Golf, in Saltash, Cornwall, near Plymouth, Devon. The ultimate day out for all ages, family and friends. Just turn up, pay & play!

easteR eGGstRavaGaNZOO

Dartmoor Zoo, Sparkwell

1st - 10th April

Activities during the event include, Easter egg trail*, EGGciting Easter games, Meet the Easter bunny, Fantastic falconry display & MORE!

Dartmoor Zoo, Sparkwell Saturday 15th April

Camp INSIDE the zoo itself and find out what life is like between dusk and dawn, when many residents come out to play. With an evening tour and a twilight tour, you’ll be able to meet all the diurnal and nocturnal animals.Imagine falling asleep under the stars in the depths of Dartmoor, away from civilisation for the evening, surrounded by exotic animals. Wake up to the sound of Jasiri the Lion roaring.

Dartmoor Prison Museum, Princetown

1st - 16th April

A free trail around the Museum to find the missing Easter characters. All participants receive a prize.

The Green, Royal William Yard

2nd April, 7th May

Known for showcasing some of the region’s most talented artists and makers, the markets offer everything from tasty treats to handcrafted gifts.

Le Navet Bete aNd

GOOd FOOd & cRaFt MaRKet

daRtMOOR PRisON MuseuM easteR tRaiL

ROAR N’ SNOAR

Pennywell Farm

Treasure Island

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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.

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