e re F
explore Winter 2013
P LY M O U T H
s a s m r t Ch i Magi c!
ROBINS & MOORE GOLDSMITHS Craftsmen in precious metals
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Glorious Gifts this Christmas Extensive range of fine and bespoke jewellery 131 Cornwall Street & Avenue 3 City Market Plymouth Tel: 01752 229319
www.robins-moore.co.uk
Welcome to the winter edition of Explore magazine! Plymouth City Centre is already alive with festive family activities for everyone to enjoy this Christmas. Don’t miss the fun with the new snow globe attraction when you visit our Winter Wonderland on Armada Way. You can also visit Santa at his Grotto next to the Winter Ice Rink, which is back for its third year and already proving as popular as ever. I am hugely passionate about turning your city centre into a place for joy, entertainment, leisure, shopping and flavours that you can enjoy every time you visit. I am also ambitious about more: We know you love online shopping so, your bricks and mortar high street will soon also be going digital. Get ahead of the game by registering your Savercard (if you’re lucky there’s visitplymouth.co.uk/winter
a Savercard in this Explore!) which gives you access to rewards and incentives from many of your fantastic city retailers. Lots of these retailers are also offering some fantastic prizes as part of the Christmas Crackers game. Pick up your game card in one of the many participating waterfront and city centre shops and cafés and you could be the lucky winner of one of the grand prize draws. Plymouth City Centre is not only a safe place for all your Christmas shopping, it is a great place to socialise, meet new friends, relax and have fun with your family. The family is the heart of the Christmas spirit and we want to celebrate this with you. We want to welcome you to the city centre to enjoy what we have to offer this festive season. WhatsOnPlymouth
@visitplymouth
Something different A TASTE of Central Europe is coming to Plymouth with a brand new event for Christmas 2013. Plymouth City Centre Company, working with Hungarian partners from the North Borsod Region, will be celebrating a very traditional Christmas folklore event in the city centre’s West End.
Frankfort Gate will be transformed into a Hungarian Christmas experience with a genuine Yurt from 12 December right up until Christmas. Visitors will be able to see traditionally-dressed Hungarian crafters and producers making leather goods, demonstrating their skills and giving you a taste of genuine Hungarian produce.
Best wishes for a peaceful and joyful Christmas. City Centre Manager Stefan Krause is pictured by the festive snow globe in Armada Way.
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Plymouth Winter Festival It’s set to be a cracker of a Christmas Prizes up for grabs Winter Wonderland ChristmasCrackers
Ice Rink
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Plymouth’s city centre Piazza has once again been transformed into the annual Winter Wonderland Ice Rink. This hugely popular event, brought to you by Ice Angel Events, has returned for the third year, with skating events and activities for all the family. Visitors can then warm up with the festive treats on offer in the Ice Café. So whether it’s a romantic date, an after work catch up with friends or a family treat, wrap up warm and book your tickets for one of the city’s must-do winter experiences.
Christmas
in Plymouth
A bumper Christmas could be in store if you are one of the lucky winners of the Christmas Crackers big prize draw. For your chance to win £500 in cash, a £250 voucher from Robins & Moore Goldsmiths or a painting from a selection from Art Frame Gallery to the value of £500, pick up one of the Christmas Crackers game cards from participating retailers throughout the city centre. All you have to do is collect 10 stickers from the independent retailers featured in the game card, hand your entry into Plymouth City Market or any participating retailer and then wait to see if you’re a winner. Participating retailers are also offering some fantastic festive offers as part of the game, which you can take advantage of when you visit them to collect your sticker. Lookout for the Christmas Crackers posters in participating shop windows or www.visitplymouth.co.uk website for more details. Christmas Crackers is Plymouth’s involvement in the national campaign, Independent Christmas. The campaign aims to encourage shoppers to explore local, independent retailers, invest in the local community and to turn Christmas shopping into a fun experience.
The circus is coming! The circus comes to Plymouth’s West End on 30th November. Young entrepreneurs will be organising a street festival style circus for all the family to enjoy. See www.visitplymouth.co.uk/ winter for more information.
A winter waterfront Santa’s Grotto Bring your little ones to visit Santa and his elves in Santa’s Grotto on the Piazza, next to the outdoor ice rink. Every child visiting Santa will receive a gift and the chance to have their photo taken to capture the special moment. Santa will be there until Tuesday 24th December, before he dashes off to sort out his deliveries. Visit www.iceangelevents.co.uk for more information, or visit the booking office on the Piazza. Prices start from as little as £3.
Christmas Market & late-night shopping The ever-popular Plymouth Christmas Market will again transform Armada Way into a bustling Winter Wonderland offering a variety of traditional Christmas treats and gifts. From homemade arts and crafts to festive food and drink, it is a great place to find something a little bit different. And there’s plenty of time to do your shopping with most retailers staying open until 8pm on the Thursdays before Christmas.
Christmas in Drake Circus Did you miss Santa at his ice rink grotto? Don’t worry, you can also catch him at his grotto in Drake Circus. A visit costs £5 per child with 50p being donated to the Happy Hospital Charity at Derriford to help buy equipment for their sensory room. Still puzzling over what to buy a loved one? The new Drake Circus Gift Card is a great gift idea and can be used in more than 65 stores in the centre. You can buy yours online at www.drakecircus.com or in the shopping centre. You can also book your visit to Santa online at the same address.
North Pole direct line
Santa’s official post box will be in the Tourist Information Centre on the Barbican, ready to send your letters to the North Pole. Download your letter from www.visitplymouth.co.uk, but make sure you post your letter in time for Christmas.
Barbican
Christmas Festival Saturday 30 November & 1 December The historic Barbican continues Christmas celebrations with a family filled festive weekend. Street entertainers will captivate the crowd and a Christmas market will open from 10am – 4pm at the Mayflower Steps.
Royal William Yard’s
Christmas Weekend 7 & 8 December
Christmas is coming to the Royal William Yard. The Grade 1 listed Melville building will become home to an indoor Christmas market full of festive gifts and local food producers. Supported by Urban Splash, there’s lots for you and your family with live entertainment, face painting, huskies and a visit from Santa.
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For a fresh, fantastic Christmas
Over 100
6
Stalls to b
rowse!
www.plymouthcitymarket.co.uk Extra December opening: Late Night Thursdays till 8pm & Sundays 10.30am - 4.30pm
P
ÂŁ1 for one hour behind the Market ÂŁ5 all day at Western Approach Free car parking after 4pm on Thursdays
win A
Christmas Hamper worth £200 full of goodies from City Market
We’ve 11 to give away on our daily competition on Radio Plymouth’s Drivetime programme
Monday 25th nov – Friday 6th December RADIOPLYMOUTH THE SOUND OF THE CITY
Listen to Tim Manns from 3pm each day.
FESTiVE FAMiLY FUn
Saturday 21st & Sunday 22nd December
FREE FAMiLY FUn
Saturday 21st 10am – 12.30pm 10am – 4pm 11am – 3pm 11am – 1pm
Wishy Washy The Bodypainter Jumping Out Duo & 5 piece Jazz Band Cooking Demonstration Western Approach Close Harmony Singers
Your extra chance to win a
Sunday 22nd 10am – 4pm 11am -1 pm
Wishy Washy The Bodypainter Western Approach Close Harmony Singers
Christmas Hamper worth £200
Post this entry in the box in New George Street entrance by 5pm, Saturday 14th December 2013 when the draw takes place. Answer this question: Which Radio Plymouth programme is featuring our Win a Hamper competition? Full Name: Email address: Telephone no: Terms & Conditions: See our website for full details or see them on display at the Market Office.
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Winter warmer
Sue said:
IN some restaurants you either get great food, reasonable price or spectacular location – but how about all three wrapped up in one this Christmas? Jolly Jacks serves a mouth-watering menu while nestled in the beautiful Mayflower Marina, overlooking the spectacular Royal William Yard. Whatever the weather, this New England style restaurant has to be one of the jewels in Plymouth’s crown.
I was a sailor and we used to know Plymouth very well, we used to moor our boat here. Sally and I worked together 30 years ago and met up again four years One of ago by chance.
the jewels in Plymouth’s crown
The business became available so we decided to come down. Now we have got a fantastic team of staff working with us to make it a success, including head chef Chris Scantlebury who is doing a fantastic job.
A welcoming log fire this winter, and terrace for Al fresco dining when it’s a little warmer, it’s a great venue for that business meeting or simply to while away the hours watching the world go by. Jolly Jacks is owned and managed by old friends Sue Robson and Sally Baum. A chance meeting four years ago led to a business deal struck, and the rest they say is history. Relocating from Leicestershire and Wiltshire, Sue and Sally bought Jolly Jacks, gave it an overhaul with a nautical-but-not-in-your-face theme and re-launched.
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“
Being in a fabulous location like we are, it really is not difficult to come to work on a daily basis. There is a great vibe in Plymouth at the moment. The more things that are going on in the city centre has a great impact on the businesses in Plymouth.
”
Jolly Jacks caters for customers from morning to night, serving breakfast, afternoon tea and evening meal. And for that real comfort-food feel, there’s the new ‘Pie and Pud’ night on Sundays.
e s sit vent b e E e w al Se peci rS
Jolly Jacks
fo
FRCEUREE
SE A MARIN ING PARK
waterfront bar bistro
Kick Back & Relax
Not just for Christmas, but all day, all year round. Open from breakfast to dinner, seven days a week. l
l Great food l Great bar Great location l Great company
tel: 01752 500 008 www.jollyjacks.co.uk Mayflower Marina • Richmond Walk • Plymouth • PL1 4LS Closed 24/25/26 December.
VISIT OUR SHOWROOM & SEE FOR YOURSELF! www.simplykitchensuk.com
Christian Mill Business Park PL6 5DS 01752 766866
FESTIVE FUN at PLYMOUTH CITY MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY Come in and join in with our fun seasonal activities!
Santa Stops Here
11am, 1.30pm and 3pm
11am and 1.30pm
Creative Saturday Sessions (Bookable) Saturday 23 November
Creative Saturday Sessions (Bookable) Saturday 14 December
Complete colouring sheets, cut out and wear a Silurian mask and make a dalek of your own design.
Decorate a spiral hat, make candy cones and pom pom decorations for your tree and more.
Larger Than Life
‘Twas the Night before Christmas
Creative Workshop (Drop In) Saturday 7 December 10.30am to 1pm (last entries at 12.30pm)
Create some art on a grand-scale taking your lead from the paintings on display in our ‘Artists Make Faces’ exhibition.
Creative Christmas Eve Sessions (Bookable) Tuesday 24 December 11am and 1.30pm
Write a note for Father Christmas, decorate a plate for his mince pie and Rudolph’s carrots!
Don’t forget our family-friendly Wild About Plymouth events, plus our talks, tours, concerts and exhibitions too!
EE
AD
M IS SI ON
All events listed above are free. For more information visit www.plymouthmuseum.gov.uk or call us on 01752 304774
FR
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Dr Who Day
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Pavilions
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�t�t����t tttALSO AvAilAble To book tickets call 0845 146 1460 or visit www.plymouthpavilions.com
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Parking Free parking on Thursdays from 4pm Free parking is available from 4pm at three of Plymouth City Council’s car parks during Thursday’s late-night shopping. They include: • Western Approach • Market Hall • Woolworths East (Cornwall Street)
FREE
parking this Thursday from 4pm
P
Look out for the new voucher system when using the car parks. There is an incentive from participating traders, by showing your parking ticket to participating retailers. You can also receive these incentives if you show your Stagecoach bus tickets to participating traders too. Don’t forget, there are new parking deals available in the West End. The new Park & Pop-in Deal gives you 15 minutes free parking on street and is just right for those times when you need to order or collect a purchase quickly. Behind Plymouth City Market, there is one hour parking for just £1 an hour too. 12
Giving jewellery a new lease of life Sentimental old jewellery doesn’t need to stay in a drawer, forgotten and gathering dust. Recycling old necklaces, pendants and rings into bespoke, modern-day pieces is a great way of giving family heirlooms a new lease of life. Robins & Moore Goldsmiths, based in Cornwall Street, creates new and unique items from old pieces of gold and silver brought in by customers. The business was established in 1988 by partnership Ray Robins and Alan Moore. Keeping it in the family, the pair took on board their respective sons Rob and Carl, bringing in a new generation of ideas. Rob Robins said: “People can bring in what ever they want and we can turn it around. A customer
once brought in a yellow gold wedding ring, which had belonged to her grandmother. She wanted to use it as her own wedding ring, but wanted it in platinum. You cannot just turn gold into platinum, so we melted down the grandmother’s old ring and created a new ring with a gold band underneath with platinum on top and reused the stones.
Giving the family heirlooms a new lease of life
A lot of people have similar items which they don’t want to sell and don’t know what to do with. They can come in to us with some ideas and we can help their creation come to life.”
Bespoke wedding ring and necklace charm - one-off gift ideas to delight someone this Christmas.
ANY BUS, ANYWHERE, ANYTIME...
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ADU T £4 O VA CHILL D £3 & N LI A bus ticket that gives you the freedom to get on and off any bus in the city, as many times as you wish, for a whole day! Tickets can be purchased on the bus from any of the participating operators.
RIPARD DE K
Valid throughout the whole of Plymouth, including Torpoint, Saltash, Roborough, Langage, Ivybridge and Wembury. www.plymouth.gov.uk/skipper Particpating operators:
Jackett’s Coaches
St Budeaux Taxibus
14
Do you need to be suited and booted for the Christmas party season? Whether it’s the classic suit or a more retrolook you are looking for, heading to Mayflower Street could prove just the ticket. Plymouth boasts four independent menswear stores along the same stretch and caters for a wide range of tastes. John Brown Menswear, Hawkes Clothing, SW1 Menswear and 2twenty5 all have a wide range of styles from the sexy black tie and suit, to on-trend casual to kit you out from head to toe. John Brown menswear has been in the city for more than 30 years and has some of the most stylish clothes available on the high street. And what better way to top off the new look than a clean head of hair? Mayflower Street has a number of hair salons catering for both sexes. Cutting Garden, Utopia, David David and newly opened Shampoo Planet are all situated within a stone’s throw of each other so there is plenty of choice for that last minute hair cut before the festivities get into full swing.
For information on full and part-time courses starting in the New Year visit our ... New Start Event Tuesday 7 January 4.00pm _ 7.00pm Kings Road, PL1 5QG www.cityplym.ac.uk 01752 305300
Take your journey into employment with City College
15
Plymouth’s city centre has all the essentials for Christmas. Whether it’s a new cocktail dress or last minute presents, browse our gift guides for help.
Paperchase Diary £7
Gift ideas for her
Next - Boots £48
M&S Dress £119
Next - Shoes £35 Next - Earrings £12
Primark Faux Fur Trapper Hat £6
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M&S Per Una Speziale Jacket £89
Gift ideas for the home Lawsons - Bobble Water Bottle that Filters as you Drink from £8.99
Lawsons - Solivetaire, Solitaire for Olives or Malteasers £4.99
M&S Jacket £89 Lawsons Russian Doll Measure Cups £15.99
Gift ideas for him M&S Bag £99
Paperchase - Mobile Phone Cover £12
Next - Hat £18 M&S Scarf £35
Primark - Wool Based Jacket £23 Next Christmas Slippers £15
Next - Men’s Shoes £38
Next Easel Floor Lamp £120
Next Hanging Wood Heart £26
Lawsons Curry Measure from £14.99
For other gift ideas see page 21 for beauty and dogs and page 33 for children
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18
THE PERFECT The Drake Circus Gift Card Available from the Customer Service Desk (and online from December)
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City Bus 20
PLYMOUTH
His & her beauty The Body Shop – Born Lippy Range £2 each The Perfume Shop – Juicy Couture La La From £34.50
The Perfume Shop – Paco Rabanne Intense From £42.50
Debenhams Benefit How to look the best at everything complexion kit £35 Accessorize - Nail Art Glitter Varnish 5 Pack £10 M&S Dapper Grooming Gift Set £9.50
M&S Blue Energy Duo Gift Set £6
M&S Downton Abbey Luxury Collection £49.50
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Wilkinson I Love Bath Fizzer £1
Don’t forget the dog Accessorize - Father Christmas Pet Coat £12
Accessorize Pet Reindeer Antlers £4 Accessorize Cosy Knit Pet Jumper £10
Accessorize Union Jack Knitted Pet Jumper £10
E
ISHED ABL ST
O F P LY M P T O N ENERGY RATED PVCU WINDOWS AND DOORS!
We install energy rat high performance ed windows.
• PVCu WINDOWS & DOORS • FASCIA & SOFFITS • • CONSERVATORIES • FOLDING / SLIDING DOORS • • ALUMINIUM WINDOWS & DOORS • • TIMBER WINDOWS & DOORS • • SECONDARY DOUBLE GLAZING • • REPLACEMENT SEALED UNITS •
01752 339373 www.sunrisewindows.co.uk Glass and Glazing Federation
SUNRISE is the only accredited dgcos firm in the Plymouth area - December 2013 22
Get ready - starts 10am Boxing Day, with great early bird EXTRA SALE savings Geo
Stunning retro styled oak dining range made from solid oak and veneers, small extending table and 4 chairs.
Previous Price £1199
WINTER SALE
£999
WINTER SALE with EXTRA 5% just
5%
!
£949
EXTRA DISCOUNT OFF SALE PRICES
May be used against any new furniture, carpet or curtain order. Please present to sales person when placing order. Valid until 5.30pm Wednesday 1st January 2014.
www.fairwayfurniture.co.uk
PLYMOUTH
BILLACOMBE RD, PLYMSTOCK, PL9 7HE TEL: 01752 408941
TAVISTOCK
PLYMOUTH RD, TAVISTOCK, PL19 9DT TEL: 01822 616051
UP TO 20 MONTHS FREE CREDIT REPRESENTATIVE 0% APR* Interest Free Credit is subject to acceptance. Orders over £400 - 10 months. Orders over £1500 – 20 months. Deposit required 20%. Representative 0% APR. Previous Price is the price at which goods were offered for sale as single items in the period 27.8.13 to 15.9.13.
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The perfect gift this Christmas …
wraysjewellers.co.uk 102 New George Street Plymouth PL1-1RZ Tel: 01752-661651 51 Fore Street Kingsbridge TQ7-1PG Tel: 01548-857577 24
McDonald’s Plymouth is proud to support
Railway Beacon FC Keyham Kolts Plymouth Kolts
At McDonald’s we understand the value of grassroots football in your community. That’s why we’ve been Community Partner of the Football Association for the last ten years. From coaching and once in a lifetime opportunities for children, to financial support for clubs and the recognition of the tireless work of the volunteers that make grassroots football possible; there are many local clubs like these in Plymouth who have benefitted from our support. Find out more at McDonalds.co.uk/Kickstart
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15/11/2013 16:30
A new start for 2014 THE arrival of a new year marks the start of new beginnings for many as personal pledges and promises are drawn up. But if you’re short of ideas as to what your 2014 New Year resolution should be, City College could open the door for inspiration. The College’s annual ‘New Start Open Evening’ is aimed at people looking to enrol on a part-time course kicking off in the New Year. Whether it’s taking up a new hobby or improving your education, City College has a range of courses from Italian cookery to first aid.
City College
open evening
The open evening takes place at the College’s Kings Road site in Devonport on Tuesday January 7 from 4-7pm. All the College’s departments will be represented with staff on hand to answer questions about parttime courses and offer free careers advice and guidance, as well as funding advice.
Jan 7th
Two staff from City College take a taster course in bakery. 25
Choose your own words & colour scheme for a truly unique & personal gift… Insert Photo Here 6x4
by
ditsy gifts.com
2 Frankfort Gate, Plymouth, PL1 1QD ~ 01752 225088 ~ www.beauxcadeaux.co.uk
It’s not all turkey & tinsel at Christmas PASTIES may be the ultimate in comfort food but with one from The Original Pasty House you can be comfortable in the knowledge it’s also doing some good. Injecting something back into the local community and keeping it ‘green’ is the business ethos of company boss Nigel Eadie. Not only does the café provide a wide range of delicious food made entirely from scratch, but all the ingredients are sourced from local suppliers. Pretty much everything used is recycled, from cardboard and plastic packaging, bottles and tins, down to unsold hot pasties and the grounds of coffee beans. It was a regular customer who had the brainwave of reusing the coffee grounds as an organic pesticide to ward off slugs on local allotments. And an employee came up with the idea of inviting Plymouth’s Shekinah Mission to collect any unsold hot pasties at the end of the day to hand out to the homeless and needy. 26
And if that’s not enough, each year thousands of pounds is given away in team sponsorship, complimentary vouchers and prizes to local groups and organisations, while staff take part in a host of fundraising events for worthy causes.
The company was first launched ten years ago in Tavistock. A second branch was opened in Armada Way in Plymouth’s city centre in August 2012. Between them, the two restaurants sell a whopping 300,000 pasties each year. Nigel, who runs the business with wife Janet, said: “We do a lot in the local community. Wherever we trade and generate income from local people, I believe it is our obligation to give something back. I strongly believe in sourcing from local suppliers, that is really important to us. The obvious benefits are that if we source locally, not only do we reduce food miles, but we also stimulate the local economy and establish local relationships with quality suppliers. Everything we sell is made from scratch - whether it’s boiling the free-range eggs or roasting the chicken for sandwich fillings, or baking the cakes and shortbreads. I’ve also felt that it is very important to do our bit for the environment. We recycle everything we can.” It’s a happy environment at The Original Pasty House with many of its employees sticking around for years. Nigel puts low staff turn-around down to flexibility with employees’ shifts where child-care or student study leave is given high priority. As a mark of its success, The Original Pasty House recently took the crown of ‘Best Café or Coffee Shop’ in The Herald’s City and Waterfront Awards where judges praised the company’s ‘excellent reputation and service’.
300,000
pasties sold each year
A one stop shop for all your festive Support trimmings our small traders
With more than 144 stalls housing 80 different businesses, Plymouth City Market is the home of the fruit and veg man, the butcher, the baker and the fish market trader. But it is also where you’ll hunt down those hard-tofind supplies such as buttons and bows or material by the yard, to fancy dress attire, watch straps and even dolls-house furniture.
Stallholders are gearing up for a bumper Christmas this year with extended opening hours and a host of festive activities to entertain shoppers. The market will also open on Sundays from December 1-22 and remain open until 8pm on Thursdays from December 5-19. On the last weekend before Christmas (December 21/22) it will be buzzing with festive family fun with bands, singers, cooking demonstrations, face painters, magic shows and children’s entertainers. Market manager Matt Jones said: “It’s set to be a fantastic Christmas in the market this year. The main thing that differentiates the market from anywhere else is that we are the original shopping mall. We have got everything here. When you come to the market you are dealing with the person trying to make a living with something he or she has made or produced. A bit of that passion comes out in that independent trade that you won’t get in a commercial environment. We have a massive community feel here in the West End, let alone the market itself. I like to think the traders go that extra mile, chatting to shoppers as they weigh their apples or cut their material to size.” Plymouth City Market is not just home to local traders, it’s also a launch pad for new-start businesses. ‘Benches’ can be hired cheaply by the day so budding entrepreneurs can test the water with their business idea. Matt added: “If someone wants to try to sell their wares they can try out a bench for £6.50 a day with no lease, no contract, nothing binding. They can just try it out. If it proves a success they can progress to a stall. It’s giving them that chance to try out their idea. It is there to help get them on the ladder, it’s what the market is for.”
Day in the life of fruit and veg market trader, Joe Brown Joe has worked on the stall for 34 years, since the age of 14. His hectic day begins at 2.30am when he collates his telephone orders for delivery later in the day. Joe then hits the road to collect his fresh vegetable stocks from local farm suppliers and more exotic fruits from his main wholesaler. Arriving at the market at 6.30am, he sets up stall and makes up his ‘value boxes’ for delivery later in the day. At 9am he’s back on the road delivering supplies to hoteliers, restaurateurs and the public. Returning to base at noon, Joe is busy serving on the stall before setting out at 4.30pm to deliver ordered ‘value boxes’ door to door. Then it’s back home to Cornwall to prepare the early morning deliveries before finally retiring at around 7pm.
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Get heads turning WITH the festive season upon us it’s time to earn some serious party-points with a fresh look at the hands of hairstylist Nick Evangelista and his team. The Christmas party is the perfect excuse to try something new and get heads turning for all the right reasons. Whether it’s the latest catwalk crop or chic up-do, a new head of hair is a great way to add instant glamour and sophistication. Based in Cornwall Street at the heart of Plymouth’s Independent Quarter, staff at Nick Evangelista hair and beauty salon have been styling hair in the city for many years. 28
Top tips
Nick said: “We have a mix of youth and experience among our stylists so we cover all aspects of hairdressing from traditional to modern.” Nick Evangelista train all their staff in-house and work alongside other professionals in the field including the Bowler brothers and Aston & Fincher. Accessorize - Gatsby Jewelled Headdress £22
1. Stop that frizz by squeeze-drying your hair first in a paper towel. It absorbs more water and is less abrasive than a towel. 2. No time to wash your hair? Use dry shampoo for that fresh look the morning after the Christmas party. 3. Get a ‘donut bun’ and wrap around a pony-tail. Then wrap the hair around the pony-tail and secure with grips to create a chic bun. 4. Hair products that contain alcohol can dry out hair. Spray an alcohol-free heat protecting spray before blow-drying and/or using straighteners.
Accessorize Hermione Clip £10
Quirky gifts all wrapped up When the same old Christmas gifts just don’t cut the mustard, a cute little shop in Frankfort Gate could help stoke some festive cheer within the weary shopper. Beaux Cadeaux is packed to the rafters with quirky ideas to help see that Christmas gift list ticked off in no time. Everything from striking wall hangings and personalised picture frames, to retro man-bags and unique stocking fillers, owner Val Cass understands the meaning behind ‘inspiration’. Lovable characters from the Moomins, Seasame Street and Fraggle Rock feature alongside collections of mugs from Cath Kidston, stationery from Santoro’s captivating Gorjuss range, as well as the funky polka dots of Emma Bridgewater china. From toddlers to teenagers to parents and pensioners, Beaux Cadeaux has it covered. And as an added bonus,
all purchases are gift wrapped for free to save you wrestling with the sticky tape and tags. Val, who opened Beaux Cadeaux seven years ago, said: “We are always trying to find different gift ideas to help those stuck for inspiration. You cannot sell the same things over and over, people want to see something new. We have great customers who seem to come back to us time and time again.” Beaux Cadeaux is among scores of West End businesses taking part in this year’s Plymouth Winter Festival Christmas Crackers prize draw. Shoppers are invited to collect 10 stamps from independent stores featured on the game card to be entered into the main grand draw. Individual retailers also have their own festive prizes and offers as part of the overall game – with Beaux Cadeaux set to raffle off a giant cuddly Grinch.
Christmas Crackers prize draw For more details about the £3,000 worth of prizes up for grabs, pick up a game card from one of the participating independent retailers and help Plymouth celebrate an independent Christmas.
Get set for New Year sales The festive season brings with it the Boxing Day sales where shoppers can snap up a bargain.
that you think would suit your tastes, and the environment in which the furniture will sit.
But if you’re buying large ticket items like furniture, how about a little bit of help?
When looking for new carpets, hard flooring and curtains you should consider suitability for your domestic environment (do you have children or pets for example) and how it will work with existing furniture? Also, don’t forget rugs or wellchosen accessories can also make a room look very different.
Penny Craze, merchandise director of Fairway Furniture, has some tips. She said: “The most important information you need to take is measurements of the furniture you currently have, and the space available that you are looking to put your new furniture into. This will help narrow down the products that would be suitable. Don’t forget that all furniture in large showrooms can look deceptively small. It can be helpful to take a rough layout sketch of your room with the key sizes annotated onto it.” It is also sensible to have in mind the colour schemes you are looking to use and the style (contemporary, traditional or mix-and-match)
Key ticklist: • Measurements – take plenty of measurements • Colour & style – have an idea of what you are looking for • Consider the environment and what kind of use they will get • Check out the retailer – be comfortable with their service and guarantees
Getting down on one knee Getting down on one knee to propose at Christmas is possibly one of the biggest moments in a man’s life. And getting the perfect ring to bring a festive sparkle to their partner’s eye is no easy task.
an idea of the type of jewellery your partner enjoys to wear. It’s a great help in finding something you know she will love and treasure forever.” she added.
Drakes Diamond and White Gold Drop Earrings £595
But for Elaine Bailey, sales consultant for Drakes, being a part of customer’s magical moment is one of the best aspects of her job. She said: “Christmas is a very popular time for proposals. I love the moment when you see a gentleman staring nervously into our window at the display of sparkling engagement rings.” She had this advice for anyone thinking of popping the big question this Christmas. “Have
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Drakes Three Stone Diamond and Platinum Engagement Ring £1,950
Drakes The Mirage Collection, Diamond and White Gold Pendant from £1,895
All the trimmings Recipe for Pancetta & chestnut sprouts in cream (serves 4):
Maple roast parsnips red onion and sage (serves 4):
400g Brussel sprouts, stalks removed and cut into quarters, 100g cooked vacuum packed chestnuts, chopped 3 rashers of pancetta cut into lardons 80ml double cream 1/2 tbsp chopped thyme leaves 1/2 tbsp of vegetable oil
2 large parsnips 1 red onion peeled and cut into petals 2 tbsp maple syrup
Method: 1. First, blanch the sprout quarters in salted boiling water for 8 minutes until just tender, drain and set aside. 2. Next heat a non-stick frying pan to a medium heat, add the oil and sauté the pancetta and half the chopped chestnuts for two minutes. Add the drained sprouts, cream, thyme, season and warm through. 3. Serve in a warmed serving dish and scatter over remaining chopped Recipe chestnuts.
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ideas from Tanner Brothers
1 tbsp chopped sage 1 tbsp groundnut oil Pinch sea salt 5g butter
Method: 1. Pre heat oven to 200C /400F/gas mark 6 2. Peel the parsnips and cut off the stalks. Slice in half lengthways then into quarters. 3. Bring a pan of salted water to the boil on your hob and blanch the parsnip pieces for five minutes in the water. Drain well and set aside. 4. Heat a large non-stick frying pan to a medium heat and add the groundnut oil. Lay the parsnip pieces into the pan with the onion petals and coat in the hot oil. Add the butter and cook on the hob for a minute, sealing the parsnip pieces on both sides. 5. Pop the parsnips into the pre-heated oven to roast through. Turn once during the roasting process, cook for around eight minutes until parsnips are golden then remove and drain excess oil. Put pan back on hob and pour over syrup and coat over vegetables sprinkle over sage season and serve.
One sugar or two? EXPLORE readers are being And with the re-launched invited to dust down their St Luke’s Coffee Morning, finest china and host a funeveryone can now do their bit filled coffee morning in aid of to support such a worthwhile, St Luke’s. local cause. Groups of friends, community Rob Maltby, St Luke’s organisations, schools communications and marketing and businesses are being manager, said: “We have put encouraged to join forces and together all the ideas and hold an event in February. materials they need to become a host and make it a really local Event organisers will be sent a community event. Anyone can St Luke’s Coffee Morning arrange their own coffee morning welcome pack crammed with from a small group of friends recipes ideas for cakes to sell meeting at home, to businesses and suggestions for games to across the city. play, along with invites, posters, party planners, balloons and The idea is to get people baking bunting to help ensure the event cakes, playing games, running goes off with a bang. stalls and get together to raise vital funds to support our work Each year St Luke’s needs to in the hospice, as well our team raise £4.5million to continue the of community nurses who visit end of life and palliative care to 300 patients a week in their own the 3,500 patients it supports Ad for coffeee Morning.pdf 1 14/11/2013 home providing end15:07 of life care.” within the local community.
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To hold a St Luke’s Coffee Morning all you need to do is decide on a date in February and register your event. You will then be sent you your welcome pack of goodies to help get your event off the ground. To request your pack please call on 01752 492626. 31
Turning up the heat with steam THE rise in popularity of TV shows such as The Great British Bake Off and Masterchef has encouraged people to become more adventurous in the kitchen, according to one Plymouth businessman. Nathan Hopper, of Simply Kitchens, says he has seen more homeowners investing in new kitchens on the back of such shows, as residents seek to improve their own culinary skills. Nathan Hopper is owner and director of the company based in Christian Mill Business Park, which this year marked it’s 10th anniversary. Nathan said: “We have definitely seen the impact thanks to exposure through the likes of Bake Off and Masterchef. I think people aspire to cook and be more adventurous in the kitchen.” And with the New Year approaching, many people will be looking to find healthier ways of cooking their food. Nathan added: “A big area of change is steam cooking. Demand for this has soared. I think it’s down to people’s desire to eat healthier and to
create better results, good restaurants have been using steam ovens for years to create dishes that retain flavour, nutritional value and appearance.” Nathan has seen a massive shift towards induction cooking. This is where heat comes from the cooking vessel as opposed to using direct heat on a hob providing a controllable cooking format that is safe and easy to maintain. Not only does Simply Kitchens help draw together your project from start to finish, they are there for customers every step of the way. “Customers can even try out appliances such as induction hobs and steam ovens in our working kitchen displays to really gain an understanding of the benefits modern technology can bring to the kitchen.” Simply Kitchens has recently undergone a major overhaul of its 5,500sq foot showroom to embrace all the new brands and latest technology available to customers. If you fancy trying out cooking with modern technology for yourself, pay a visit to Nathan and his team who will show you how it works.
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84 Cornwall Street Plymouth Tel: 01752 670000 Let our friendly, professional team welcome you to the very best in haircare and beauty services. • Competitive prices • Highly experienced stylists
Opening Times Monday - Thursday 9.00am - 5.30pm Friday 9.00am - 7.00pm Saturday 9.00am - 5.30pm
£20 Cut £20 Cut & Blow Dry & Blow Dry in December
in January
Bring this voucher for £20 Cut and Blow Dry with stylists Kerra, Paula and Dawn.
Bring this voucher for £20 Cut and Blow Dry with experienced selected stylists.
Advance booking only. Please call and quote this offer. Voucher valid during December 2013.
Advance booking only. Please call and quote this offer. Voucher valid during January 2014.
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Advance booking only. Voucher valid during January 2014. *New clients are required to have a skin test at the salon 48 hours before treatment.
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Gifts for the children From cuddly toys to the latest must have children’s games, Plymouth city centre has them all this Christmas.
Debenhams - Rocha by John Rocha £20
Accessorize Matilda Owl Purse £5 M&S Monsters University Bath & Sponge Set £7.50
Next – Hi Tops £22
Debenhams Vtech Innotab 3 Blue £70
Accessorize Fluffy Deer Capped Mitten £10
Debenhams TMNT Turtles Flinger Raphael £16
M&S Human Body Anatomy Set £25
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M&S - Gyro Blaster £10 Debenhams - Monster High 13 Wishes Party Clawdeen Wolf £23
Monsoon - Baby Owl Novelty Slipper Bootie £10
M&S Phoebe Fairy Secret Diary Gift Set £9.50
Early Learning Centre Rockstar Guitar £20 Wilkinson Elliot and Friends Singing Elephant £10
Next - Bunny Scene Prom Dress £23
Monsoon - Glitter Back And Heel Mid Boot £29
Sugar and spice and all things nice, that’s what Treasury cocktails are made of Two new Christmas crackers have been created by bar manager Steve Page to help customers get in the swing. Apple Strudel and Black Forest Gateaux will be served up as part of The Treasury Bar’s 2-4-1 cocktail offer which runs most evenings.
Two new Christmas crackers for you
The Treasury Bar is one of the most elegant places in town to celebrate the festive season. Dating back to the 19th century, it once housed the city council’s money – hence the bar’s name. But it also saw life as a BBC radio studio and opticians before Ben Shearn took over the lease 10 years ago. 34
Each year The Treasury Bar plays host to one of the tallest indoor, real Christmas trees. And this year doesn’t disappoint. Owner Ben Shearn is known for his innovative ideas to rejuvenate business and keep it booming. As well this year’s mouth-watering Christmas menu and two new specials to add to the already tantalizing cocktail list, this year Ben has branched out into the performing arts. The upstairs lounge room, which is hired out for private parties, has been transformed into a theatre where students from City College are putting on a production of Snow Queen until December 10. Ben said: “Every year Christmas and New Year gets bigger and better. This year we have diversified even more with the theatre production from City College.” If you are looking for that perfect venue for your office Christmas party or New Year celebration, The Treasury Bar still has a few slots left in its extremely busy festive schedule. Ben said: “We can give you that real VIP treatment with a private area roped-off, your own server bringing you drinks to save you queuing at the bar and a Treasury chest containing a bottle and mixer of your choice. Come and celebrate with us in what is our tenth year.”
Steve’s menu for Apple Strudel and Black Forest Gateaux Apple Strudel Zubrówka Bison Grass vodka Blackberry and Elderflower Pimms Apple Juice Dash of Prosecco • • • • •
Muddle lime wedges and sugar syrup into a glass Add the vodka and pimms Shake and pour over ice into a sling glass Add a dash of Apple Juice Top with crushed ice and drizzle with a dash of Prosecco • Garnish with an apple wedge
Black Forest Gateaux Disaronno Mozart Chocolate Liquor Cherry Heering Liquor Layered with cream Dusting of chocolate powder • • • • •
Shake the disaronno, mozart and cherry heering Double strain and pour into a martini glass Layer the cream on top Dust the chocolate powder finely on top Garnish with a maraschino cherry
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