Plympton Magazine March 2024

What Three Words

FROM THE EDITOR

With the blossoming of daffodils, crocuses and bluebells it’s a sure reminder that Spring, ladies and gentleman, has finally sprung. The days are getting longer too, from March 17th the sun will start seeing at 7:00pm – now that is exciting. Inside this March edition of OM, we have lots of interesting editorials and some tasty recipes.

We also share home and garden renovation tips to make the most out of your home this Spring. If you’re in the market for a new kitchen, then look no further than KF Kitchens, but don’t just take our word for it, take a look at their glowing reviews over on page 14.

Kitson Boyce is going from strength to strength in their Totnes branch and they’ve just recruited an exciting new member to the firm, head to page 10 to meet the team.

The 8th of March marks International Women’s Day. Learn about what the campaign theme #InspireInclusion means for women in 2024.

A huge thank you to Pennywell Farm for offering 5 VIP tickets, £5 spend in the gift shop for each child and more!!

I hope you have a lovely month.

AbigAil Jones Plympton Magazine Editor

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HOME & GARDEN

Home and gardening remodelling ideas to help make the most out of your space this Spring.

If you can’t buy, renovate! Giving your home a makeover can mean more than just the furnishings and a lick of paint. In order to make the most of the space or increase the value of your property, it might be worth thinking about doing some renovating. We renovate our homes and gardens to make the most out of the space and to be able to enjoy them for years to come. We also self-consciously update our homes to improve the market value of the property when it comes to selling down the line. Spending that little bit of extra money and time on things that are built to last will save you more money in the long run.

ExtErior

Starting with the exterior of your home is a great way to increase curb appeal and can make a huge difference to the overall look of your home. Cleaning or re-painting your windows and doors will help to bring them back to life again and make your home more welcoming.

Tired or broken doors and windows can make the whole house feel neglected, they also let in more drafts causing your energy bills to increase. For all types of door and window repairs, The Door Doctor offers a mobile repair service based in Plymouth to

help your windows look brand new again.

Perhaps it’s time for some replacements, Sunrise Windows provide high-quality windows, doors and conservatories.

Garages can feel very cluttered very quickly, even the garage door itself can take up that much-needed space. 247 Garage Doors have a unique solution with their electric roller garage doors. Fully fitted, insulated and with 24 colours available to choose from, these garage doors are the space-saving items of the future.

A well installed driveway will add to the value of your property while making it look polished and clean. EVG Landscapes Ltd, offer a full range of surfacing solutions and ground maintenance for driveway installations and repairs with a wide variety of patterns, colours and materials.

intErior

If you can’t decide on which room to renovate, we would always recommend doing the kitchen to make the biggest impact on the overall look of the house and on your lifestyle. We spend a large amount of time in the kitchen, it’s where we cook, entertain, socialise and gather for meals so it’s important to get it right. However, if you are renovating to sell, the kitchen may not be the place to spend your money as everybody’s tastes are different and the new owners may end up ripping it out anyway.

Another great option to titivate the home is through furnishings and decor, whether it’s reupholstering a kitchen bench or dressing your windows with new bespoke curtains, Marie Hewitt has a vast array of

beautiful fabrics, blinds and shutters to rejuvenate any home. Marie and the team take pride in creating and designing beautiful pieces to match your home.

Flooring obviously runs through your whole home and although it’s not technically a statement piece, it can make a huge impact when it has been refreshed. Even just giving it a good old clean will help to bring light into the room and make the floors feel new again. Herringbone and seagrass flooring are very popular at the moment as we are picking out neutral colours and natural materials. It also provides a base if you then wanted to add a splash of colour to the room. Russells Flooring is your local hard flooring & carpet specialist, visit their showroom in Plympton to see for yourself.

When it comes to selling or renting your property, Tech Surveys can aid you in making sure you have an upto-date EPC, as well as Legionella risk assessment. They can also supply you with floor plans available in full colour, black and white or 3D from as little as £30 for a standard 2D B&W plan of a 1–4-bedroom house.

GardEn

It’s all systems go in the garden in March. Whether you’re a novice gardener or have your own veg patch complete with a greenhouse, anyone can have a go, no matter the size of your garden or balcony. Knowing what seeds you have to sow indoors, outdoors or plant straight into the soil is the first thing to keep in mind.

Seeds of carrots, parsnips, lettuces, radishes, turnips, broad beans, beetroot, peas, salad leaves, leeks and spinach can now be sown outdoors. Make sure they are sheltered with some protection or kept in a mini portable greenhouse. They will each have instructions on the back of the packet in terms of sunlight and feeding.

For a splash of colour, sweet peas can now be sown outdoors after being sown indoors from autumn. And hardy annuals can be sown outdoors for a gorgeous display of colour when summer arrives.

russellsflooring.co.uk

A brand new fence or a lick of paint can freshen up your whole garden, but it’s important to choose the right colour to enlarge your garden. In a small garden, a dark colour fence will enclose your garden making it feel small yet cosy, whereas a lighter coloured fence will help to bring more light into the corners of your garden but will require more maintenance to keep it looking clean.

Westcountry Fencing & Decking have over 15 years experience and can completely transform your outdoor space. From fencing, decking, patios, paving, walls, gates, garden features aswell as landscaping.

Whether you’d like to add or remove trees in your outdoor area, EVG Landscapes Ltd have dedicated tree surgeons who are experts and can provide a range of tree care services and much more.

All businesses mentioned in this editorial are local to Plymouth and trusted with years of experience. We hope that this has given you the confidence to transform your own house into a space that you’re proud to call home.

Kitson Boyce

Following the successful merger, Kitson Boyce is continuing to strengthen its presence in Totnes with a fantastic team of legal professionals.

Following the recent merger of Kitsons and Boyce Hatton in October 2023, Kitson Boyce is continuing to strengthen its presence in Totnes with key appointments in its teams, benefitting its clients across the South Hams area.

Kitson Boyce’s Totnes office in Brunel House on Station Road is nestled in the heart of the town centre.

The firm offers an expanded range of services including residential conveyancing, commercial property, wills, probate, family and divorce law.

Kitsons and Boyce Hatton merged on 1st October 2023 to become Kitson Boyce. The firm now has offices in Totnes, Torquay, Plymouth and Exeter.

The firm currently has a broad range of legal professionals working from its Totnes office. These Include:

Lauren Jeffrey – Solicitor, Residential Property

Matthew Bryant – Partner, Commercial Property

Charlie Siegle – Partner, Private Client

Kate Barton – Partner, Family

Kyle Rich – Trainee Solicitor (qualifying 1st March 2024), Employment and Corporate

Sarah Watson – Totnes Office Manager & Residential Property Legal Assistant

Sophie Carruthers - Chartered Legal Executive, Residential Conveyancing

Suzanne Broughton - Chartered Legal Executive, Commercial Property

Cheryl Baxter - Partner, Commercial Property

Kitson Boyce recently welcomed Residential Property specialist, Lauren Jeffrey, to its growing Property team in the firm’s Totnes office. Lauren’s focus is on growing the firm’s Residential Property offering in the Totnes area, advising individuals across the region on all residential conveyancing matters including sales and purchases, both leasehold and freehold, remortgages, transfers of equity and shared ownership matters.

Commenting on her recent appointment, Lauren said: “It’s a very exciting time to be joining Kitson

Boyce and I’ve already developed some wonderful relationships with clients and agents in Totnes who value a personable and proactive conveyancing service. I’m looking forward to strengthening the range of services provided by the team, bringing new clients on board, and ultimately helping add to Kitson Boyce’s reputation as a leading provider in legal guidance and client satisfaction.”

Following the firm’s recent merger, Matthew Bryant, Partner in Kitson Boyce’s Commercial Property team is championing the development of the firm’s Totnes office and has big plans for 2024. Matthew expresses excitement over the enhanced services the firm now offers its clients from its central Totnes office, including residential conveyancing, commercial property, private client work and family law.

“Expanding our range of legal services and offering to clients in Totnes and the surrounding area has always been part of our strategic ambition. With the success of our recent merger and current recruitment drive, we’re looking for major growth of our firm in the region,” said Matthew.

“We are absolutely delighted to have welcomed Lauren recently whose experience builds on the extensive team capabilities we already have across the region. She is already making a fantastic impact within our residential conveyancing team and with our clients and contacts within the Totnes business community. Lauren’s appointment further cements Kitson Boyce’s growing presence in the South Hams market and grants access to a full range of legal services to support both existing and new clients in the area,” he added.

The services which the Totnes branch offer are;

• Residential conveyancing

• Wills

• Probate

• Family and Divorce

The merger combines over 250 years of legal excellence and builds upon the firms’ histories of delivering outstanding client service and trusted advice to companies and individuals across the South West.

At the core of the new firm’s identity lies an unwavering dedication to people, with both Kitsons and Boyce Hatton taking great pride in the calibre of employees, the excellence of their legal advice, and their shared reputation for outstanding client service.

Kate Barton, Partner in Kitson Boyce’s Family team said: “The merger represents an exciting opportunity to propel our firm to new heights, and reinforces our commitment to excellence and innovation. Our shared vision is clear: to build a stronger organisation that benefits not only our valued clients but also offers unparalleled growth prospects for our talented team. Together, we will be better equipped to navigate the evolving legal landscape, and offer an even higher level of service and expertise.”

Kitson Boyce’s Totnes office is based at Brunel House, Station Road, Totnes, Devon, TQ9 5HW. There are various events in the pipeline for the year ahead including exhibiting at the Totnes Show on Sunday 28th July 2024.

To discover more about Kitson Boyce, the legal services they offer and to keep up to date with all their latest news and events, please visit: www. kitsonboyce.co.uk.

Lauren Jeffrey - Solicitor, Residential Property

Matthew Bryant - Partner, Commercial Property

Kate Barton - Partner, Family

KF KITCHEN’S: WHAT THREE WORDS

KF Kitchen pride themselves on their feedback. They asked some recent “reviewers” what 3 words they would use to describe their kitchen experience. Here they are with their accompanying kind words and real life pictures.

Mr & Mrs Burkat;

Simon from Peverell, Plymouth;

Modern, Space, Warmth

I am 3 months into my new kitchen now and I am very happy with it. It is such a transformation from the previous one, fatigued 1990s, that I often find myself saying ‘wow’ each time I walk into the new one. I chose Burbidge Classic with colours: Putty and Baltic Green. Many hours were spent in the KF showrooms making sure we got the design just right and great advice was given by the expert KF team. I wanted a ‘one-stop’ kitchen company as I had some building work to be done

and I didn’t want to be organising builders, electricians, plumbers, etc myself. And that’s exactly what KF did for me – all the tradesmen came and went at the right time and there were no delays in getting the job done. KF said: 2 weeks for the builders followed by 1 week for the fitters, and that is exactly what happened. The kitchen installers did a great job fitting cabinets and shelving around an awkward sloping ceiling and window. I would certainly recommend KF kitchens to anyone.

Professional, Seamless, Fun

Fabulous service from start to finish and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend KF Kitchens. Nathan and Derinda made the whole process of choosing fixtures and fittings fun and stress free, nothing was too much trouble and nothing was rushed. That same attention to detail was adopted by the team of fitters, the whole process has been enjoyable and I have a fabulous kitchen for our first Christmas in our new home. I only wish they did bathrooms too as that’s our next project. Well done and thank you all.

Stunning, Sleek, Bright

If you’re looking at having a new kitchen, look no further than KF Kitchens! From the beginning to end, we were patiently guided and given time to think things through. Nathan’s design was practical and met all our requirements, and Derinda helped us think through the colour choices. It was such a relief to have their expertise in project managing the whole process! All the workmen were keen to do a good job, and took a real pride in their work. They communicated clearly with us and kept us informed of when things would happen. The fact that many of them have worked with KF for many years speaks volumes - it really is a team effort. The transformation is amazing and we love spending time in our new kitchen. We look forward to many years of using it. Thank you Nathan, Derinda and Connor!

Mr H from Plymstock;

Impeccable, Excellent, Seamless & Professional

If you’re in the market for a new kitchen, stop your search at KF Kitchens. My experience was unparalleled, defined by ease and Nathan’s exceptional guidance. Nathan’s enthusiasm for kitchen design is palpable – he’s not just working on a project; he’s crafting a masterpiece tailored for you. Throughout our consultations, he was transparent and brimming with innovative ideas, some of which came to him in dreams – a testament to his dedication.

The magic of KF Kitchens lies in their impeccable organization. After selecting my preferences, Nathan orchestrated the entire process. He coordinated with a team of skilled professionals who, like a well-oiled machine, transformed my space without requiring any oversight from me. The level of craftsmanship and professionalism was evident in every detail.

Thanks to KF Kitchens, I was able to embark on what could have been a daunting project with complete peace of mind. The end result is not just a new kitchen, but a hub of my home where every corner reflects perfection and care.

I’m immensely grateful to Nathan and the team. Their work deserves more than just a recommendation; it deserves applause. A massive thank you to all involved for exceeding my expectations.

Unit 67, Faraday Mill b. Park Faraday Road

Plymouth Pl4 0sT 01752 255022

www.kfkitchens.co.uk

KF

What’s On South Devon

MoTheRs go FRee: dARTMooR zoo

Dartmoor Zoo, Sparkwell

9th - 10th March

This Mother’s Day, we’re offering Mums FREE admission to Dartmoor Zoo. If you’re looking for a memorable day out, bring your troop along for some fun and fresh air, explore our 33-acre site and learn more about our incredible mothers.

CiRCUs oF hoRRoRs: dR hAze’s CAbAReT oF CURiosiTies

Plymouth Pavilions

Thursday 14th March

This FANGtastic new show is set to blow your mind with an amazing set, stellar lights, special effects & of course Beautifully Bizarre Circus acts,a sinister story and the darkest of magic all performed to an original Rock score.

MoTheR’s dAy AFTeRnoon TeA

Fishbone Restaurant, Future Inn

Saturday 9th March

Enjoy delicate finger sandwiches, homemade scones, cakes and sweet treats, unlimited servings of tea or coffee, plus a glass of Prosecco.

The WizARd oF oz

Theatre Royal, Plymouth 26th - 30th March

The sensational new production of one of the world’s most beloved musicals comes to Plymouth. This spectacular production will be truly magical for all the family.

PlyMoUTh bRiCK FesTivAl

Plymouth Life Centre, Plymouth Sunday 17th March

The Brick Festival events are a celebration of all things LEGO. With lots to see and do including live speed building competitions, activities, building areas, traders selling bricks and sets and much more. Please book your tickets in advance.

liFe oF Pi

Theatre Royal, Plymouth 5th - 9th March

Winner of five Olivier Awards, including Best New Play, and three Tony Awards! After an epic storm in the Pacific Ocean, Pi is stranded on a lifeboat with four other survivors – a hyena, a zebra, an orangutan, and a Royal Bengal tiger.

bso deMenTiA FRiendly TeA And CAKe ConCeRT

The Mansion, Saltash Friday 8th March

The BSO’s Teatime Trio is delighted to host this dementia-friendly Cake Concert, performing well-known classics for all to enjoy with a piece of cake, a hot drink and good company! All are welcome, whether living in the community or in residential settings to this relaxed concert, in which you may come and go as you wish.

heydAy’s bACK To The 90’s PARTy

Steel Brew Co, Royal William Yard

Saturday 23rd March

Get ready to groove to the rhythm and unleash your inner 90’s rockstar at the most tubular event of the year! Join us for a night that’s all that and a bag of chips, as we rewind the clock to the golden era of the ‘90s.

WondeRgloW lighT TRAil

Dartington Hall Gardens, Totnes 8th March - 13th April

Experience wonderland like never before. Begin this visual journey through Lewis Carroll’s whimsical tale, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Enter magical forests of butterflies, marvel at floating keys and spot the Cheshire Cat.

If

INTERNATIONAL WoMEn’S daY

March 8th is a day that belongs to all women, everywhere. International Women’s Day highlights how women all over the world have fought, and still fight, for gender equality.

The International Women’s Day 2024 campaign theme is #InspireInclusion. Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that’s diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can inspire others to understand why women’s inclusion is important, the sense of belonging and empowerment.

Currently, women face inequality and bias in all parts of their lives and the workplace is no different. Inequality is even higher in women of colour, trans women, and women of marginalised groups. The coronavirus pandemic highlighted how disproportionately women are affected in the workplace. In 2020 alone, women globally lost $8 billion in income. Reports by Oxfam International showed that in the first year of the pandemic more than 64 million women lost their jobs, that’s around 5% of total jobs held by women. By comparison, only 3.9% of men’s jobs were lost in the same period. Globally women make up 70% of the health and social care workforce, this sector includes essential but low-wage jobs.

In 2023 women are still being passed over for high-paid roles and are still overrepresented in many low-wage roles, such as waitressing, child-care, and housekeeping.

During the pandemic two of the main reasons that millions of women had to leave their jobs was the lack of childcare available and because the roles they held were the highest casualties of lockdowns. Currently, mothers are three times more likely to be responsible for the majority of housework and child care than fathers. Women are also twice as likely to worry about their work performance being judged negatively by employers because of their caregiving responsibilities.

In the last few years, women have made significant gains in representation in the workplace but research shows that bias still contributes to women being passed over for jobs and promotions. It’s clear that we still have a long way to go, so in 2024 we need to campaign even louder. Employers and the government need to actively do more to break the bias women face in the workplace. 2024 needs to see the beginning of more options for women to retrain for higher paid job roles in all job sectors and companies need to offer more flexibility for women with families. Companies need to take women’s experiences in the workplace more seriously.

Over 60 percent of women state they have faced micro-aggression at work but fewer than half report this behaviour because they are afraid of being labelled emotional or judged incapable. Companies need to educate staff members, including senior management, on appropriate behaviour and language to ensure that women do not face negative bias in their workplace.

This International Women’s Day you can join the #InspireInclusion campaign and help forge a better and more inclusive world. As women, we need to come together and actively challenge any bias we encounter. Don’t be afraid to call out inequality when you see it, awareness and education are the key pillars to ensuring that we end gender bias. For the whole of March why not use your social media platforms to celebrate the women in your life, share their achievements, tell them how proud you are of them, be their biggest fan. Never forget we are stronger together and by working together we will end inequality for all women!

Did you know that there are only 9 female CEO’s in the FTSE 100* (Financial Times Stock Exchange). None are women of colour. There are only 6% of women in the FTSE 350.

*Updated stats from August 2023

MOTHER’S DAY GIFTS

We have created a list of our favourite gifting ideas to help treat your Mum to the Mother’s Day she deserves - Sunday 10th March 2023

Flowers, chocolates and a big dose of appreciation are just what the doctor ordered this Mother’s Day. We have found some brilliant gifting ideas to spoil your mum rotten this year!

HandMadE GiFtS

There is nothing more special than a handmade gift made with love. I have found some brilliant ideas that you can create at home with very little skill involved. Simply search the for the method online and have a bit of fun whilst making them!

• Bath Bombs

• Scented soap

• Essential oil scented candle

• Custom Tea Blends

• Paint a piece of pottery for her

• Canvas makeup/ purse pouches

• Handmade bookmark – Stitch onto fabric or draw onto card.

• Knit a jumper or scarf

• Breakfast in Bed

GiFt CardS

When I say gift cards, I don’t mean a £10 gift card taken off the shelf at a supermarket. Have a think about the shops that your mum likes, the products she loves to use or something she has always wanted to do. You can get gift vouchers or gift experiences for just about anything nowadays! You can even get gift vouchers for her favourite local restaurant.

SWEEt trEatS

A box of gooey brownies or pink iced cupcakes are a great way to show your mum some love this Mother’s Day. (Unless she is on a strict diet of course) We have so many independent bakeries in Plymouth to choose from including; Yield Bakery, Mila’s Bakery, Jacka Bakery, Mrs Browns, Flapjackery, Just Like Mumma’s, Lulu’s Bakery, The Rise Bakery and The Conscious Candy Co. to name just a few.

FLoWErS

A beautiful bouquet is enough to brighten up anyone’s day and is the perfect accompaniment to your chosen gift or card. Head to your local florist and grab either a pre-made bouquet or, in most florists you are able to pick and choose which flowers you’d like in the arrangement. With a lot of online florists, you can choose an exact delivery day, this means the flowers won’t have to be kept in hiding until the day and they will stay fresher for longer.

Mother’s Day can be an exceptionally saddening day for those who have lost their mums. Adding some gorgeous fresh flowers to her grave or perhaps an artificial flower wreath to withstand the windy coast is a lovely heart warming gesture.

RecipesSPRING TIME

We have gathered together some delicious recipe ideas that are simple to re-create at home this Spring.

Simple Salmon with Spring Pasta Serves - 2

INGREDIENTS

• drizzle of olive oil

• 2 salmon fillets, skin removed

• 2 slices prosciutto

• 200g asparagus, trimmed and cut into short lengths

• 150g pasta (we used dried egg pasta)

• 175g mixed peas and podded broad bean (frozen is fine)

• 5 tbsp mascarpone

• zest and juice ½ lemon, the rest cut into wedges

• small bunch tarragon, roughly chopped

1Heat oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7. Rub the oil over the bottom of a large roasting tin or baking dish. Season the salmon with black pepper and a little salt, then wrap a piece of prosciutto around the middle of each fillet. Roast for 10 mins, then toss the asparagus into the oily tin and roast for 5 mins more.

2

3

Meanwhile, boil the pasta following pack instructions, adding the peas and beans 2 mins before the end of cooking. Once the vegetables and pasta are just tender, reserve a cup of the cooking water, then drain.

Remove the salmon from the tin, then add the mascarpone, pasta, 3 tbsp of the cooking water, the lemon zest and juice, and tarragon. Season to taste and toss until the pasta is covered with creamy sauce. Serve with the fish and a lemon wedge.

Chilli Corn & Spring Onion

Quesadilla Serves - 2

INGREDIENTS

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• ½ finely chopped onion

• ½ finely chopped red chilli

• ½ tsp ground coriander

• 200g canned sweetcorn, drained

• 3 spring onions, sliced

• 1 lime, zested

• 2 large flour tortillas

• 30g cheddar, grated

• 30g mozzarella, grated

• chilli sauce, to serve (optional)

1

Heat the oil in a frying pan, add the onion and fry for 10 mins or until softened. Add the chilli and ground coriander and cook for 1 min more. Stir through the sweetcorn, spring onions and lime zest. Season to taste.

Rhubarb Crumble Cake

Cuts into 8 Slices

2

Pile the mixture on 1 tortilla, then top with the cheddar, mozzarella and the second tortilla. Heat a frying pan over a high heat. When hot, add the quesadilla, cook for 2 mins on one side, then turn it over and cook for 1-2 mins more, or until the cheese is melted. Cut into four and serve with some chilli sauce, if you like.

INGREDIENTS

• 250g pack of butter, softened

• 250g golden caster sugar, plus 1 tbsp

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• 5 large eggs

• 300g plain flour, plus 7 tbsp

• 2 tsp baking powder

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• 300g rhubarb, washed, trimmed and finely sliced

Heat oven to 160C/140C fan/gas 3 and grease and line the base and sides of a deep 20cm round cake tin with a little of the butter and baking parchment. Put the butter, 250g sugar and vanilla into a big mixing bowl. Beat until light and fluffy with an electric whisk.

Beat in the eggs, one by one, then fold in the 300g flour and baking powder. Spoon out 85g of the batter, and stir the extra 7 tbsp flour and cinnamon into this with a cutlery knife so it becomes crumbly. 2

Fold the rhubarb into the rest of the cake batter and scrape into the prepared tin. Scatter over the crumble mix followed by 1 tbsp sugar. Bake for 1 hr 15 mins, until a skewer poked in comes out clean – you’ll need to lay a sheet of foil on top after an hour if the cake is browning too much. Cool for 15 mins in the tin, then finish on a wire rack. 3

Which