DEVONSHIRE SOUTH & WEST ISSUE
AUG & SEPT 15
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Dartmouth Featured
THE BEST OF DEVON
CURIOUS TO KNOW IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING OF VALUE? It could pay to talk to Bonhams • • •
Insurance and Probate Valuations Home Visits Specialist Valuation Days
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Countryside, History, Walks, Events, the Arts & all things Devon at: DEVONSHIRE magazine.co.uk
ANOTHER JEWEL IN CATHEDRAL GREEN’S CROWN
M S
MICHAEL SPIERS T R U R O
P L Y M O U T H
E X E T E R
T A U N T O N
2 2 C AT H E D R A L YA R D, E X E T E R E X 1 1 H B T E L : 0 1 3 9 2 6 6 6 5 9 0
www.michaelspiers.co.uk T H E S O U T H W E S T ’ S L E A D I N G R E TA I L E R O F F I N E J E W E L L E RY A N D WAT C H E S , I N C L U D I N G :
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DEVONSHIRE
Proudly flying the flag for Devon! 5. Editor's Letter
21. Nelson's Column
43. Tales of a Yokel
The latest from the Editor.
By Devonshire's John Fisher.
By F.C.R. Esgen.
7. Letter Box
22. Art Exhibitions
44. The Beesands Walk
Regional news snippets.
Major art events across Devon.
Stunning Coastal Scenery.
9. It's Finally Here!
26. Exeter Feature
49. Here's the thing
The Redeveloped EventHub.
A short visit to Exeter.
By Devonshire's John Fisher.
10. Harvest Festival
32. Gift Ideas
50. The Old Vet'nary
An age old celebration.
Great gifts by local artisans.
People and Pets by Ken Watson.
14. What's On
34. Special Project
51. Yellingham Farm
Brought to you by EventHub.
What nature intended.
'I love competition' - J. East.
4Torcross village and Slapton Ley which
is the freshwater lake behind the beach
Countryside, History, Walks, Events, the Arts & all things Devon at: DEVONSHIRE magazine.co.uk
Coming in 2015 westdorsethub northdevonhub | westdevonhub sidmouthhub | exeterhub
eventhub Current HUBs eastdevonhub southdevonhub | middevonhub dartmoorhub | lymeregishub
EXETER’S QUAYSIDE
Exterʼs a truly delightful city with great shopping and eateries. Itʼs a fact that many visitors totally miss the quayside and other historic bits of Exeter whilst visiting. See our photographic mini feature on Exeter in this issue of the magazine.
WHAT'S ON?
EventHub gives your events massive exposure by sharing your events with magazines and websites across Devon. Over 860,00 views in 2014 (audited) Over 5,000 registered orgʼs
CONTRIBUTORS
Nigel Jones, Ted Gosling, John Fisher, Helen Mulvaney, Amanda Merchant, Averil Quinain, Janet East, FCR Esgen, Natalie Bucklar and Hazel Fergie.
EDITORIAL
Nigel Jones - Editor 01395 513383 nigel@devonshiremagazine.co.uk Beech Royd, 6 Bennetts Hill, Sidmouth Devon EX10 9XH
ADVERTISING
Hannah Trim 01392 580440 & 01395 513383 hannah@devonshiremagazine.co.uk
PRODUCTION Charlotte Fergie
charlotte@devonshire magazine.co.uk
DEVONSHIRE
Devon coverage: South | West | Dartmoor
Custom House on Exeterʼs historic quayside
Devonshire churches Dear reader, this issue of Devonshire magazine is packed with event information for the main Summer Holidays, so if you’re a parent / grandparent, there’s much listed inside to keep the children and yourself occupied. Further on in the magazine we feature a lovely walk from Torcross to Beesands. Many of the walks we produce within the magazine also now get added to the Devonshire magazine’s website. What we try to do is show you the countryside you’ll pass through on your walk, through colour photography, much of which can be seen on the website. There’s so much pristine countryside out there - all you have to do is get out with the family and enjoy it.
Biggest glossy Devon coverage! 20,000+ magazines (audited) available at over 1,000 high quality outlets from Lyme Regis to Plymouth & Bideford to Barnstaple. Outlet Google map: http://bit.ly/K7JN4E
DEVONSHIRE THE BEST OF DEVON
SOUTH & WEST ISSUE
AUG & SEPT 15
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DEVONSHIRE WEBSITE
www.devonshiremagazine.co.uk
UK £15 OVERSEAS FROM £22
At last we’re proud to announce the release of the new version of EventHub (EastDevonHub, SouthDevonHub, MidDevonHub, DartmoorHub, LymeRegisHub, etc). It’s taken us a full year to develop
the new version, but you should find it much easier to use (particularly for event organisers). The interface is also cleaner and organisers can now add images to each event. We’ve also included tabs at the top for important things like Courses & Rooms, Places & Walks, etc. What’s really great is the sheer volume of events now online. There’s really nowhere else that provides both the range and volume of information of the EventHub. Traffic levels have grown again over last year’s spectacular level (860,000 views in 2014).
Nigel Jones (Editor) Dartmouth Featured
MAGAZINE ISSUES
Published Feb, April, June, Aug, Oct, Dec.
COPYRIGHT All material within this magazine are subject to copyright. Excepting adverts, all images within the magazine are copyright to N.Jones unless otherwise specified.
Also in this issue, we include a mini feature on Exeter which includes the historic quay, Fore Street and Queen Street.
Hope you have a great summer
ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION
DISCLAIMER The publishers of this magazine are not responsible for any costs, loss or damage suffered by any person, persons, or company as a result of any advertisement or article in this magazine. Adverts are accepted on the understanding that descriptions of goods and services are fair and accurate. All artwork is accepted on the strict condition that permission has been given by the owner for use in this publication. The opinions and comments expressed are purely those of the originators. We do not endorse any products or services advertised within this magazine. Whilst every effort is made to ensure that information is correct, the publishers take no responsibility for any errors or omissions. Any person or persons undertaking the circular walk featured within this publication does so entirely at their own risk. If you take children or dogs on the walk, they will require supervision. We strongly advise that prior to travelling to any of the events listed in our What's On sections, that you call the event organisers to check that the event is running at the times and dates specified.
if you’re a point of contact for your local church, please call us on 01395 513383. As a long-term project it’d be great to record the sound of Devon’s numerous church bells for inclusion on the Devonshire website. For me, the sound of pealing bells is special, as are our churches. We’d love to hear from all the videographers out there.
Custom House, Exeter Quay
@DevonshireMag
- N. Jones
Something we’ve never featured before in the magazine is Harvest Festival. We’ve included a photographic feature which also discusses the origins of Harvest Festival. If you’re a regular reader, you’ll know that we’re keen on history, particularly our historic churches. We’d actually like to feature more content on churches, so
What's On? southdevonhub .co.uk
Wild Strawberries
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Devonshire fine homes
Willestrew Park A well-presented country house of 17th Century origins With substantial Georgian frontage, extensive views to Dartmoor and set within approximately 5¾ acres of gardens, grounds and paddocks, this grand period house is well presented with 6 bedrooms, 3 reception rooms and feature entrance hall. Work-from-home Offices/Games Rooms/stables with potential to create an annexe or holiday let. The property sits in a rural location within easy reach of Tavistock. Price: £885,000
Kitchen
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D.R. Kivell & Partners Specialists in country houses, farms and equestrian property across the South West Tel: 01822 810810 Email: sales@drkivellandpartners.co.uk
www.drkivellandpartners.co.uk
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Sitting Room
C O U N T RY P R O P E R T Y S P E C I A L I S T S
|
Country Property Specialist
Your property could appear in this printed magazine and in the digital version as well as in the Devonshire magazine’s property section on the website.
Contact your agent or call the Devonshire magazine on 01395 513383
Countryside, History, Walks, Events, the Arts & all things Devon at: DEVONSHIRE magazine.co.uk
Letterbox YOUR NEWS TO THE EDITOR - LETTERBOX@devonshiremagazine.CO.UK
A Twilight Walk
World class facility at Sanctuary WORK has begun at The Mare and Foal Sanctuary to build a state-ofthe-art facility to care for more horses in need. The equine isolation facility at Beech Trees paddocks, next to the charityʼs existing headquarters in Newton Abbot, will enable the team to keep horses in quarantine which have just been
rescued or returned to the Sanctuary. Its advanced equipment and ventilation system will allow horses to be kept in adjacent stables with no risk of cross infection, as well as providing resources to facilitate the most efficient veterinary care. It has been described as a worldclass facility and will mark the
Sanctuaryʼs next step in caring for horses in need. Currently the charity owns over 300 horses and hopes to have the facility up and running by early 2016. For more information on The Mare and Foal Sanctuary visit www.mareandfoal. org or contact Publicity Officer Amy McSweeny on: 01626 355969. The Mare & Foal Sanctuary is a Registered Charity in England No. 1141831.
The team from World of Country Life Exmouth entered the Twilight Walk on Saturday 11th July to raise funds for Hospiscare Exeter. The girls joined 800 fellow walkers on ‘The Maer’ in Exmouth, the evening started with a 10 minute Zumba workout – quite a sight and a great atmosphere to see 800 women dancing and enjoying an energetic warm up! Some of the team chose to do the 5 mile course while the more adventurous completed the 10 miles. A spokesperson for World of Country Life said “we were so pleased to be a part of such a fantastic event and would like to thank all of the visitors who generously donated and sponsored the team along with our staff family & friends, we still have people donating so we think the total raised will be a substantial amount.” www.worldofcountrylife.co.uk
Bursery Scheme Winners DEVON ARTIST NETWORK is delighted to announce the winners of the Devon Open Studios “Emerging Artist Bursary Scheme.” This year the winners are: Leah Edwards,
a multi - disciplinary artist from Lustleigh; Jacob Bodilly, a potter from near Wellington; Natasha Smart, a textile artist from Exmouth; Hepzibah McLeod, a multi - media
Now released - the new version of EventHub A full year of development over - Phew!
eventhub There’s great excitement at the Devonshire magazine office. We’ve now released the new and improved version of the EventHub What’s On websites. After a full year of redevelopment we can all breath a sigh of relief as the exhaustive system testing is over. The new version addresses many usability issues as well as providing numerous improvements (see more overleaf). I was pondering the EventHub system that we’ve developed the other day. It’s amazing
how a project like this can tie up absolutely masses of time (never mind costs!) The project was initially conceived by myself in about August 2011, with main design and database architecture presented to our programmer in June 2012 to begin coding out. The first HUB (EastDevonHub) was launched in February 2013. Now in August 2015, 4 whole years later (and five regional HUBs - (another 5 due later this year)), it’s a good time to take stock of this unusual community based project. I’m amazed to tell you that there are now well over 5,500 organisations registered and using the
artist from Dartmouth and Ruth Sutherland, a calligrapher from Ashburton. The Bursary is running for the fifth year and aims to nurture and encourage new talent to take the next steps in their career. “Winning the bursary is a great help financially, I am always struggling with costs for materials and equipment hire it would give me a leap of confidence I begin my new direction.” - Leah Edwards, Bursary Winner. Devon Open Studios - over 60% new artists to discover outside of the traditional gallery when hundreds of artists open their studios in September. For information visit www.devonartistnetwork.co.uk
EventHub What’s On websites in Devon. Also, that traffic levels are significantly up on last year’s 860,000+ views. Best of all is the sheer transparency that the EventHub has achieved, particularly for all the smaller organisations such as local charities, parishes, community organisations, etc. So much effort goes into these events that it’s vitally important they’re made visible to a large public audience. Actually, these type of events are what many people are really interested in. What’s fantastic is the public can now easily tap into these events, even down to village level. Local organisations can promote their events online on a par with the largest regional organisations at zero cost. Nigel Jones (Editor)
What's On? southdevonhub .co.uk
1st year in business Charles Gray Kitchens in Tavistock are delighted to be celebrating their 1st year in business. Brothers Paul and Mike have been running a building company in Tavistock for over 25 years and made the decision to expand the business by supplying their own kitchens and opening a showroom. “Our first year of trading has been an amazing success and we would like to thank our clients for their support and custom. We would also like to thank our suppliers, design team and tradespeople for their great work and loyalty.” Visit www.charlesgraykitchens.co.uk
5767 Total number of organisations registered to promote their events on the EventHub websites
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Summer by the waterfront
View from The Clippers
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SELLING YOUR PROPERTY IN 2015? Devonshire Get your property seen in Devonshire magazine 1,000+ high quality outlets
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SOUTH & WEST ISSUE
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20,000+ magazines circulated per issue
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With over 1,000 magazine outlets across the Devon region receiving a guaranteed 20,000+ magazines per issue (audited), the marketing impact is massive and instant. Because Devonshire magazines is free to the public, they don't sit on news stands waiting to be bought, they're out there instantly, working for you.
Countryside, History, Walks, Events, the Arts & all things Devon at: DEVONSHIRE magazine.co.uk
eventhub - eastdevonhub | southdevonhub | middevonhub | dartmoorhub | lymeregishub
It's here! - the new version of EventHub cleaner and easier to use with new functions
Cleaner interface
Important stuff in tabs
New Attractions tab
Simpler login
Premium Promotion with map, website link, social media, video/sound, full width banner. It's a great way to raise the profile of your important event
X
Now you can add image to each event - free
What's On? - a new level of event information If you wish to find out What's On, the EventHub really is the place to find everything. Now with over 5,000 organisations registered (across 4 HUBs) to add their events, you're sure to find what you're interested in, be it charity or village events right up to major festivals, its all there for you. Don't forget that the EventHub is also the most comprehensive database of organisations in your area. If you have an interest or hobby, you're sure to find a relevant organisations by searching our database under the Organisation Database tab at the top. The EventHub network is growing rapidly, with NorthDevonHub, WestDevonHub, WestDorsetHub and ExeterHub coming this year, as well as LiveMusicDevon and MyDevonEvents websites. This project has been entirely developed and funded by Devonshire magazine.
What's On? southdevonhub .co.uk
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Take your pick, there are hundreds of beautiful churches across Devon, where you can see the Harvest Festival celebration
Harvest Festival
An age old celebration and probably our oldest annual event
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In days past, Harvest Festival was a signiďŹ cant celebration, not least because of the importance of a successful harvest for people dependent upon the land.
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The approach of autumn sees nature take a rest and before the relatively recent mechanisation of farming, the ebb and ow of the seasons would really have dominated lives. A poor harvest could mean a winter and early spring spent in constant hunger or even starvation - a successful harvest really was something worth celebrating.
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The origins of what we now know as Harvest Festival are much earlier than Christianity, descending back to pagan times. Churches across the land have witnessed this annual event in an unbroken chain for literally centuries, and to my mind Harvest Festival is a celebration that is very much part of England's fabric. When you consider how many churches sit directly on top of sites of Saxon worship (many of which were in use by
Countryside, History, Walks, Events, the Arts & all things Devon at: DEVONSHIRE magazine.co.uk
Harvest Moon
Photos by Nigel Jones
pagans beforehand), it really is mind boggling to consider the antiquity of these sites and the generations who've witnessed this annual celebration in one form or another! For me, Harvest Festival can be beautiful - sunlight streaming through stained glass, ripe harvest fruit and lacy owers set amongst the beauty of an ancient church, there's a timeless quality to this scene that's incredibly pure and evocative. It's easy to miss Harvest Festival at your local church, which is a great pity. I know there are many people that have great appreciation for our churches, which are incredible vessels of history, architecture
and craftsmanship, as well as our traditions and culture. If you represent your local church, Devonshire magazine is happy to help you promote Harvest Festival and indeed the Flower Festivals that many Churches host in the summer months. We'd also like to hear from keen photograhers as we'd like to present images from our churches in future issues. Nigel Jones (Editor) Incidentally, if you can name all the churches (left hand page), then the reward of a bottle of Champers awaits you - if you guess them all correctly you'll deserve it! (members of the clergy excluded of course - limited to 3 winners). What's On? southdevonhub .co.uk
Southleigh Church
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Where's the church you may ask? It's not a Devonshire church, it's St Eata's Church at Atcham Bridge, which is situated on the old A5 road. Whilst visiting the delightful city of Shrewsbury (which will appear in a future issue), we decided to pop into the church, many of the stones used in its construction come from the nearby Roman site at Wroxeter. Photos - N.Jones
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Countryside, History, Walks, Events, the Arts & all things Devon at: DEVONSHIRE magazine.co.uk
Haerfest meaning "Autumn" in Old English, autumn being the time for gathering and storing crops
What's On? southdevonhub .co.uk
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© Paul Clayden
COLYFORD GOOSE FAIR
STARLIGHT at BABBACOMBE THEATRE
SIDMOUTH FOLK WEEK
Forthcoming Events August & September 2015
Events listings powered by: southdevonhub and dartmoorhub
Carnivals BOVEY TRACEY CARNIVAL PROCESSION 01 Aug - Family Fun! Free to enter cash & trophy prizes - contact Hayley 07878 434282, Bovey Tracey Carnival, Town Centre, Bovey Tracey, 6.00pm to 8.00pm.
Have you checked out the mobile version of southdevonhub .co.uk There's also dartmoorhub, middevonhub & eastdevonhub
SHALDON WATER CARNIVAL 2015 01 Aug - For over 50 years there has been a colourful parade of decorated boats, Shaldon Water Carnival, River Teign, Shaldon. DAWLISH CARNIVAL WEEK 08 Aug to 15 Aug - Lots of free fun & entertainment for the whole family during Carnival Week, Dawlish Carnival, Town Centre, Dawlish.
Places + Walks
You can even search down to village level! 14
Out of ideas for places to go? Just click on eastdevonhub's Places + Walks tab!
GRAND CARNIVAL PROCESSION 14 Aug - Lots of fun & excitement as the procession passes through the town centre, Dawlish Carnival, Town Centre, Dawlish, 7.00pm.
Children SECRET WORLD OF WILDLIFE Mon during Aug - Lying under logs and hiding in bushes, Field Studies Council (Slapton), Slapton Ley Field Centre, Slapton, 10.00am to 12.00am. SEE SOUTHDEVONHUB.CO.UK FOR MORE EVENTS IN SLAPTON! CRAFTY CASTLE CAPERS Tues during Aug - Join us for crafty activities (a small charge applies), Castle Drogo, Drewsteignton, 11.00am to 4.00pm. SUMMER OF PLAY Until 28 Aug - This summer we are hosting a celebration of games and play, Hannahs at Seale-Hayne, Howton Lane, Newton Abbot, 10.00am to 4.00pm.
KNIGHTS & DRAGONS WEEK 02 Aug to 07 Aug - A magical tale of knights, dragons, witches and wizards, Powderham Castle, Kenton, Exeter, 11.00am to 5.30pm. SCHOOLS OUT FOR SUMMER FAIR 09 Aug - Keep the children entertained for a few hours at the summer fair, Bow Events, Boringdon Park Golf Club, Plymouth, 10.00am to 4.00pm. ROBIN HOOD WEEK 09 Aug to 14 Aug - Get ready for some swashbuckling Pocketwatch action with our merry men…and women, Powderham Castle, Kenton, Exeter, 11.00am to 5.30pm. KINGS & QUEENS WEEK 16 Aug to 21 Aug - The Pocketwatch team have continued their historical research, Powderham Castle, Kenton, Exeter, 11.00am to 5.30pm. PAIGNTON CHILDREN'S WEEK 17 Aug to 22 Aug - Children's week is back, longer than ever with even more fun and mayhem, Paignton Children's Festival, Paignton Green, Paignton.
MAGAZINE DELIVERY PEOPLE WANTED We're looking for reliable people with a car to deliver our magazine. If you're interested please contact Nigel on tel: 01395 513383 nigel@devonshiremagazine.co.uk
Countryside, History, Walks, Events, the Arts & all things Devon at: DEVONSHIRE magazine.co.uk
August & September 2015
Totnes Rare Breeds
Forthcoming Events THE BASIL BRUSH SHOW 19 Aug - The Full On Fox Tour 2015 will entertain and make people of all ages laugh, Exeter Corn Exchange, Corn Exchange, Exeter. STONE AGE SCHOOL - TOOL MAKER 22 Aug - Find out how Stone Age People made their tools out of Flint stone, Kents Cavern, Cavern House, Torquay, 10.00am to 4.00pm. PIRATES & MERMAIDS WEEK 23 Aug to 31 Aug - The Pocketwatch crew and Captain Jack bring the summer themes to a close with an, Powderham Castle, Kenton, Exeter, 11.00am to 5.30pm.
JOANNA LEACH MEMORIAL RECITAL 04 Sep - Andreas Boyde - pianist "Mr. 100,000 volts" Beethoven, Debussy, Mussorgsky, Joanna Leach Foundation, Southernhay Church, Exeter, 7.30pm to 9.45pm.
outstanding in our field
PIANO RECITAL 12 Sep - Piano Recital in aid of Parkinson's UK, Totnes & Bridgetown PCC, St Mary's Church, Totnes, 11.00am to 12.00am. HANDEL IN ITALY, 1707 18 Sep - Alison Burnett with strings and continuo present Handel's Annus Mirabilis, Powderham Castle Organ Fund, Powderham Castle, Kenton, 7.30pm to 9.30pm.
Welcome to this small, family run attraction for a truly interactive and personal experience. Feed the naughty goats, touch the spines of a hedgehog and smooth the feathers of an Eagle Owl, plus so much more! A treat for the entire family.
© Tom Menary
Contact us: 01803 840387 contact@tontnesrarebreeds.co.uk
Wonderland - Powderham
WILD ABOUT PLYMOUTH - JURASSIC LARK 28 Aug - A slight twist on our popular annual Dinosaur Day, but just as much fun, Plymouth City Museum & Art Gallery, Drake Circus, Plymouth, 11.00am to 4.00pm. STONE AGE SCHOOL - DOCTOR 19 Sep - Come and learn some Stone Age herbal remedies, Kents Cavern, Cavern House, Torquay, 10.00am to 4.00pm.
Classical Music ORGAN RECITAL: PETER KING (BATH ABBEY) 12 Aug - Peter King puts the Exeter Cathedral organ through its paces, Exeter Cathedral, 1 The Cloisters, Exeter, 7.30pm to 9.00pm. CLASSIC MUSIC CONCERT 31 Aug - Monday evening concert 'Blackdowns Early Music Project', Exeter Cathedral, 1 The Cloisters, Exeter, 7.30pm.
RON ABRAMSKI PIANO RECITAL 18 Sep - Programme of Brahms, Hindemith, Chopin and Liszt, NADSA Concerts, The Courtenay Centre, Newton Abbot, 7.30pm to 9.30pm.
CONTINUED OVERLEAF
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What's On? southdevonhub .co.uk
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middevonhub
October & November 2014
dartmoorhub
southdevonhub
Forthcoming Events
eastdevonhub
Comedy 1913-2015
Over One Hundred Years of Service in South Devon SHORT BREAKS HOLIDAY AT HOME - Mon 3rd-Fri 7th Aug,
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Community
PHONIC COMEDY EXTRAVAGANZA 04 Aug to 05 Aug - An evening of comedy improvisation, stand up, comic poetry and song, Bike Shed Theatre, 162/3 Fore Street, Exeter, 7.30pm.
TEIGNMOUTH REGATTA 01 Aug to 09 Aug - A week of fun for all the family FREE entry for under 16's, Teignmouth Regatta, North Bank of Teign Estuary, Teignmouth.
MICHAEL MCINTYRE - HAPPY AND GLORIOUS 08 Aug to 15 Aug - Michael returns with his hotly anticipated brand new stand-up show, Plymouth Pavilions, Millbay Road, Plymouth, 8.00pm.
TORBAY LIFEBOAT WEEK 2015 03 Aug to 09 Aug - A week of events organised by the Fundraising and Lifeboat Station volunteers, RNLI Torbay, Torbay Lifeboat Station, Brixham, 10.00am to 6.00pm.
JONGLEURS COMEDY ON THE ROAD 14 Aug - 3 comedians & a compere will take to the stage to tickle your funny bone, Babbacombe Theatre, Babbacombe Downs, Torquay, 8.00pm to 10.00pm.
RNLI OPEN DAY 09 Aug - Refreshments, various stalls, jewellery, collectables, books & morris dancers, Ugbrooke Park, Chudleigh, 11.00am to 4.00pm.
JOSH WIDDICOMBE 14 Sep - Josh is back with a brand new tour, Exeter Corn Exchange, Corn Exchange, Exeter. JOHN HEGLEY - NEW & OLD POTATOES 18 Sep - John Hegley-Poet, comic, singer, songwriter and glasses-wearer, World Unlimited, Kingskerswell Parish Church, Kingskerswell, 7.00pm to 10.00pm.
Craft MOOR FORESHORE CRAFT & GIFT FAYRE, 28 to 29 Aug & 19 Sep - A craft & gift fayre with a range of high quality items on sale, Moor Foreshore, Tavistock Town Hall, Tavistock, 10.00am to 4.00pm.
I ndependent C o -e duCatIonal S Chool
Open Day Saturday 19 September
• Happy and fulfilling all-round education • Strong academic achievement • Dedicated school mini-bus service from locations in Devon and Somerset Senior School (11-18) Boarding and Day
Open morning at 9.45am
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Prep School (2½-11) Boarding and Day
Open afternoon at 1.30pm
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Countryside, History, Walks, Events, the Arts & all things Devon at: DEVONSHIRE magazine.co.uk
August & September 2015
Forthcoming Events Fairs HENNOCK COUNTRY FAYRE 09 Aug - The Annual Village Fayre, Hennock Parish, Weast Hele Farm, Hennock, 10.30am to 4.00pm. GARDEN, CRAFT AND HOBBY FAYRE 22 Aug - Saturday garden, craft & hobby fayre, Kingsteignton Town Council, Oakford Lawn, Kingsteignton, 10.00am to 4.00pm. WIDECOMBE FAIR 08 Sep - Showcasing all that is wonderful about this part of the country, Widecombe Fair, Widecombe In The Moor, Newton Abbot, 9.00am.
Festivals FOOD & DRINK PLYMOUTH'S FLAVOUR FEST 2015 14 Aug - The South West's largest food & drink festival is back, Plymouth City Council, The Piazza, Plymouth.
FISHSTOCK 05 Sep - Annual seafood & music festival on the picturesque fishing harbour: family fun, Fishstock Festival, Brixham Quay, Brixham. ASHBURTON FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL 12 Sep - Described as the perfect Food Festival, Ashburton Food & Drink Festival, St.Lawrence Lane, Ashburton. GENERAL TORBAY LIFEBOAT WEEK 2015 03 Aug to 09 Aug - Lifeboat Station is the centre of events, Torbay Lifeboat, Torbay Lifeboat Station, Brixham. HOPE COVE WEEKEND 28 Aug to 31 Aug - Good old fashioned family fun over the Summer bank holiday weekend, Hope Cove Weekend, Various locations, Hope Cove. FESTIVAL OF MUSIC, FLOWERS AND FOOD 30 Aug - Enjoy a Sunday afternoon festival at Devonport Park, Plymouth City Council, Devonport Park Bandstand, Plymouth, 12.00am.
ALE AND CIDER FESTIVAL 28 Aug to 30 Aug - Exeter Phoenix, Brandninch Place, Exeter, 12.00am.
CONTINUED OVERLEAF
Hannahs at Seale-Hayne, Newton Abbot, TQ12 6NQ
Your valued images recovered and reprinted. Copied from photoprint, glass plate, negative or slide. Victorian, WW1, WW2 and into 1950’s. www.falconfoto.co.uk
July and August 2015 A great big celebration of games and play for all the family Exhibition: The Toy Story (five decades of the must-have toys and games) Games Trails, Kite Festival, Fairy Doors, Adventurers’ Club, The Magnificently Mammoth Storytelling Bed, The Big Water Fight, Giant Games in the Quad, Geocaching, Teddy Bear’s Picnic, and much more...
Brixham, Devon 01803 851195 falcon.display@outlook.com
www.falconfoto.co.uk
Telephone: 01803 325 825 www.discoversealehayne.org Dame Hannah Rogers Trust a registered charity no. 1148882
What's On? southdevonhub .co.uk
17
The Restaurant Inspector Visits:
Las Iguanas
Torquay
You could think you’re abroad here, right on the seafront in Torquay
Las Iguanas, Torquay menu sampled Starters
Gambas Albondigas
Mains
Camarao a la criolla White fish Bahia Moqueca
Flaming Creme Brulée Pudding
Dulce de leche macadamia cheesecake
Drinks
Strawberry Daiquiri
Coffee
Cappuccino
A really great setting for ‘chilling’
Cheerful, colourful surroundings
Brazillian dining in a colourful setting! Itʼs not often I dine in a ʻchainʼ restaurant, although I have to say that in various ways the ʻchainʼ restaurants have pushed many of the other independent restaurants along in terms of improving consistency and quality by setting repeatable benchmarks over the years. Probably my favourite chain restaurant is Pizza Express, they do great pizzas and have great consistency of quality. On my travels in Italy, Iʼve never had a better pizza than at the Exeterʼs Pizza Express - yes, I know thatʼs
probably the result of going round the usual tourist haunts, but a pity all the same. Sampling Brazilian food was a first for me. Las Iguanas set their stall out by their colourful Brazilian dishes and the food appearing on the table was certainly attractive and colourful. Plenty of spices used, but it was subtle, never marring the flavours of the food, leaving you to really enjoy the dishes which were aromatic and surprisingly ʻlightʼ. We worked through about five different dishes and Iʼm happy to
Camarao a la criolla (prawns in a tomato, pepper and coconut milk sauce)
report that Iʼd be equally happy to order any one of them again. To get into the mood, the Strawberry Daiquiri was chosen which was extremely delicious but rather alcoholic. Iʼll definitely be visiting Las Iguanas again, itʼs added a new dimension to our eating repertoire. Well done to the friendly team also, the service was excellent, in all a thoroughly enjoyable evening in great surroundings. - Editor
White fish Bahia Moqueca (seafood casserole from the northern Brazilian state of Bahia)
Absolutely delicious Strawberry Daiquiri Gambas
18
Dulce de leche macadamia cheesecake
Countryside, History, Walks, Events, the Arts & all things Devon at: DEVONSHIRE magazine.co.uk
Albondigas (Spanish meatball)
August & September 2015
Forthcoming Events NOURISH FESTIVAL - CRAFT, FOOD & MUSIC 04 Sep to 05 Sep - Nourish celebrates the very best in food, craft and music, The Contemporary Craft Festival, Throughout, Bovey Tracey. INTERNATIONAL AGATHA CHRISTIE FESTIVAL 11 Sep to 19 Sep - 125th birthday celebrations of the Queen of Crime, Agatha Christie Festival, Torre Abbey, Torquay.
Unlimited, Kingskerswell Parish Church, Kingskerswell, 7.00pm to 10.00pm.
Live Music FOLK ROOTS & ACOUSTIC TREMBLING BELLS 01 Aug - Trembling Bells perform from their new album The Sovereign Self, Exeter Phoenix, Brandninch Place, Exeter, 8.00pm to 11.00pm. ROB HERON & THE TEA PAD ORCHESTRA 02 Aug - One of the hardest working bands in the UK roots circuit, World
GORDIE MACKEEMAN & HIS RHYTHM BOYS 11 Aug - Hailing from Prince Edward Island in Canada support Sound Of The Sirens, World Unlimited, Kingskerswell Parish Church, Kingskerswell, 7.00pm to 10.00pm.
MUSIC
We bring all the pressing equipment to you. We wash pulp and press your apples to your requirements We can help turn your apples into traditional Cider or Apple juice. Contact us on: 07824 609435 or 01626 362229 www.applepressingservice.co.uk paul@applepressingservice.co.uk
JAZZ CAFE NIGHT AT SMUGGLERS AND PIRATES 07 Aug - A great jazz night out with the Hot House Four, The Smugglers and Pirates Experience, The Quay, Brixham, 7.00pm to 11.00pm.
CONTINUED OVERLEAF
Enjoy the sweeter Thinking things in life of thisletting summer... your property? Come and chat with us about your holiday cottages!
Lowest commission rates - guaranteed! Local service International marketing Online Owner accounts Increased bookings Full property management
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JAZZ
BRIDGE JAZZ CLUB 05 Aug - Pete Canter & Friends Jam Session £6 or £4 jammers, Pete Canter, Exeter Phoenix, Exeter, 8.30pm to 11.00pm.
Donʼt let your Apples go to waste!!
HANNAHS MUSIC AND BEER FESTIVAL Until 02 Aug - The return of the popular celebration of the very best in local beer and bands, Hannahs at Seale-Hayne, Howton Lane, Newton Abbot.
MARTIN CARTHY & DAVE SWARBRICK 27 Sep - New collection of traditional songs and instrumentals, Exeter Corn Exchange, Corn Exchange, Exeter.
JAZZ IN PLYMOUTH AT THE OMP SUITE Until 27 Aug - The Jazz Suite is a cool & funky place where you can hang out, Jazzsuite, OPM Suite, Plymouth.
ST THOMAS COMMUNITY FESTIVAL 2015 12 Sep - Free festival! Live music, dance, food, drink, stalls, craft, fun for all ages, St Thomas Pleasure Ground, Exeter, 12.00am to 6.00pm. CHAGFORD FILM FESTIVAL 2015 21 Sep to 26 Sep - This unique & quirky film festival continues to go from strength to strength, Various Locations in Chagford.
KRIS DREVER & IAN CARR 26 Sep - Touring as a duo for the first time, World Unlimited, Kingskerswell Parish Church, Kingskerswell, 7.00pm to 10.00pm.
Blueriver Cottages
01803 01803833682 833682 6-75 Hauley Anzac Road Street Dartmouth Dartmouth Devon Devon TQ6 TQ69AA 9DL
01803 833682
info@bluerivercottages.co.uk www.bluerivercottages.co.uk
What's On? southdevonhub .co.uk
We can help you unlock your
19
August & September 2015
Forthcoming Events PETE CANTER & MATT JOHNS 09 Aug - Top flight sax & keys duo playing jazz, Pete Canter, Royal Oak Inn, Ashburton, 2.00pm to 4.00pm. JAZZ CAFE NIGHT AT SMUGGLERS AND PIRATES 17 Aug - A great jazz night out with the Hot House Four, The Smugglers and Pirates Experience, The Quay, Brixham, 7.00pm to 11.00pm. PETE CANTER TRIO 28 Aug - Fine saxophonist and trio in the conservatory, Pete Canter, City Gate Hotel, Exeter, 7.30pm to 10.20pm. ART HOUSE TRIO 31 Aug - Lively Jazz Trio of sax, vox, keys & double bass: bebop, swing & latin jazz, Pete Canter, Artigiano, Exeter, 7.30pm to 10.00pm. BRIDGE JAZZ CLUB 02 Sep - Pete Canter & Friends Jam Session £6 or £4 jammers, Pete Canter, Exeter Phoenix, Exeter, 8.30pm to 11.00pm. JAZZ FROM NEW ORLEANS! 13 Sep - Evening with an international band - Clive Wilson's New Orleans Serenaders, Plymouth Jazz Club, The
Royal British Legion Club, Plymouth, 7.30pm. PETE CANTER TRIO 14 Sep - Top flight jazz trio featuring saxophonist Pete Canter, Pete Canter, Clifford Arms, Shaldon, 8.30pm to 11.00pm. DUTCH SWING COLLEGE BAND 15 Sep - A treat is in store with the 70th Anniversary World Tour of young musicians, Barnfield Theatre, Barnfield Road, Exeter, 7.30pm. PETE CANTER QUARTET AT MOON JAZZ & BLUES CLUB 17 Sep - Exciting jazz quartet hosted by saxophonist Pete Canter Jam Session, Pete Canter, Buccaneers Bar, Crediton, 8.00pm to 11.00pm. PETE CANTER TRIO 25 Sep - Fine saxophonist and trio in the conservatory, Pete Canter, City Gate Hotel, Exeter, 7.30pm to 10.20pm. JAZZ CAFE NIGHT AT SMUGGLERS AND PIRATES 28 Sep - A great jazz night out with the Hot House Four, The Smugglers and Pirates Experience, The Quay, Brixham, 7.00pm to 11.00pm. CONTINUED ON PAGE 33
RANGE ROVER
MAKES ITS OWN HEADLINES
Since its launch in 1970, Range Rover has set an ever-improving benchmark for refinement. A suite of technologies, such as the latest four-corner air suspension, makes sure interior conditions are always extremely comfortable – no matter what’s beneath your wheels. Dynamic Response™ independently regulates the front and rear suspension to control how the body leans, helping it corner with supreme confidence. Call Matford Land Rover today for more information.
Matford Land Rover
Waterbridge Court, Matford Park Road, Exeter, Devon EX2 8EL
01392 825825 www.matford.exeter.landrover.co.uk Official Fuel Consumption Figures for the Range Rover range in mpg (l/100km): Urban 15.4 (18.3) – 33.2 (8.5), Extra Urban 29.1 (9.7) – 40.4 (7.0), Combined 22.1 (12.8) – 37.7 (7.5). CO2 emissions 299 – 196 g/km. The figures provided are as a result of official manufacturer’s tests in accordance with EU legislation. A vehicle’s actual fuel consumption may differ from that achieved in such tests and these figures are for comparative purposes only. Image shown for illustration purposes only. Details correct at time of going to press. E&OE.
DEVONSHIRE MAGAZINE
20
August issue
Countryside, History, Walks, Events, the Arts & all things Devon at: DEVONSHIRE magazine.co.uk
A point of view!
Nelson’s Column
by JOHN FISHER
the few dozen or so red squirrels thereabouts have seen their numbers increase to more
No longer conger?
than 700. Hooray! ONCE UPON A TIME, conger eels like the Squirrel Nutkin of course was a red squirrel
giant caught by a Devon fisherman earlier
and a native to these islands, whilst the grey,
this summer brought a good price in the
Sciurus carolinensis, was introduced from
market of Plymouth Fisheries.
America shortly after the end of their Civil
Nutkin, S.
War by landed gentry to ornament their
But Devon has never gone for conger eel in
estates. Tragically the ornamentation went
a big way and since it was listed on a set of
viral and now there are fewer than 100,000
Royal Mail postage stamps last year as one of
reds left in the UK but an estimated 10-
five fish under threat in UK waters, catches
15,000,000 greys.
have diminished. (The others are common skate, spiny dogfish, wolf fish, and sturgeon).
They not only carry Squirrel parapoxvirus - which is fatal to reds - but do to Devon’s
Devon’s grey squirrels last stand?
gardens and particularly birdlife what
Well that just about wraps it up for the 3.000
But do the maths.
Quantrill’s Raiders once did to the MissouriKansas borderlands.
grey squirrels on Anglesey. Next stop Dorset
3,000 greys in 17
and the Isle of Purbeck and then, skirting
years? It could be
neatly around Devon – but only for the time
a very long time
being - the great grey squirrel cull rolls on
before we see the
to Cornwall’s Lizard Peninsula.
last of them pesky varmints in this
Dr. Craig Shuttleworth of the European
here neck of the
Squirrel Initiative told the Welsh Daily Post
woods.
that since 1998 when the Anglesey cull began,
Quantrill, W.
In fact this particular conger, two metres long and weighing 59 kg was caught by accident, as Steve Govier, skipper of the in-shore trawler, Hope explained:
Shortly after crossing the coast near
Mayday in July
Sidmouth, both engines cut and the aircraft
“When we pulled it up I was stunned, because it
was forced to glide. In complete darkness the
was so huge. It was already dead else we would
aircraft threaded its way through a maze of
have thrown him back in and let him live”.
pylons, buildings and woods. It skimmed
Mitch Tonks of the Seahorse Restaurant in
over the Salston Hotel, chopped the top from
Dartmouth told us: “Conger is not a popular
an 80-foot oak tree, bounced twice across a
fish to eat hereabouts. However for stews and
meadow and skewed sideways to a halt a few
soups it adds a certain gelatinous texture and
feet from a railway line and the River Otter.
is often used in this way”.
Miraculously all 62 passengers and crew
“The eels used in traditional jellied eels
clambered unscathed from the wreckage but
are the freshwater kind and are stewed in
IT WAS 35 YEARS AGO this July that a
the full story of how this near disaster came
their own juices which then set to create
Vickers Viscount passenger aircraft ran
about and who was to blame has never been
what we know as jellied eels: these are often
out of fuel on a flight from Spain and made a
told in full until now. A new book, “Mayday
eaten warm or cold with vinegar and white
belly-landing in a field near Ottery St, Mary,
in July” is by Devon author Jim Rider, and
pepper but are a particular
six miles short of the runway at Exeter
available either direct from the distributor,
London delicacy”.
the Curious Otter Bookshop (01404 814469) The pilot, ex-RAF flyer Geoff Whittaker said,
or from Amazon.
“I never thought we’d make it. I just saw this
Steve Govier’s conger sold for £40. In East
gap and aimed straight for it. It was the only
London cold jellied eels
place I could possibly put the aircraft down.”
will cost £4 per serving.
What's On? southdevonhub .co.uk
21
AUG & SEPT 2015
Exhibitions
Jenni Murphy - 'Our Favourite Spot' - GalleryFab
Colin Orchard - 'Towards St Just, Cornwall' - Artmill
GALLERIES QUAY VIEWS: EXETER CANAL AND THE RIVER EXE
CHAGFORD ANNUAL ART EXHIBITION
Until 02 Aug - Views of Exeter Canal and the Exe, Royal Albert Memorial Museum RAMM, Queen Street, Exeter, 10.00am to 5.00pm.
TORBAY GUILD OF ARTISTS ANNUAL EXHIBITION Until 02 Aug - Annual exhibition of members recent paintings, together with cards, Torbay Guild of Artists, Furrough Cross Church Hall, Torquay.
NOSTALGIC PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION Until 03 Aug - Sarah Baker is running a personal photography exhibition, Real Ideas Organisation, Devonport Guildhall, Plymouth, 10.00am to 4.00pm.
ISLAND ARTIST
AL
LER
Y FA B . C
CELEBRATE 60 YEARS
Until 09 Aug - This is the first major exhibition dedicated to this Devonbased artist, RAMM, Queen Street, Exeter, 10.00am to 5.00pm.
Until 06 Sep - Exhibition celebrating 60 years of supporting established and emerging makers, Devon Guild of Craftsmen, Riverside Mill, Bovey Tracey, 10.00am to 5.30pm.
A MAN AT WORK - JOHN DONALDSON Until 15 Aug - Exhibition of original paintings accompanied by a limited edition publication, Mayne Gallery, 14 Fore Street, Kingsbridge, 9.30am to 5.00pm.
ANTONIO MARGUET Until 29 Aug - Working at the boundary between sculpture, instillation and photography, Exeter Phoenix, Brandninch Place, Exeter, 10.00am to 5.30pm.
Homeware Giftware Greetings Cards facebook.com/galleryfab Picture Framing
FRAMES & BOXES, BANK STREET, NEWTON ABBOT, TQ12 2JW · 01626 335965
Frames & Boxes, Bank Street, Newton Abbot TQ12 2JW 01626 335965 facebook.com/galleryfab
Sun 2.00 - 4.30
www.brookgallery.co.uk
01395 443003
EXHIBITIONS All Things Good - Until 03 Sep. An exhibition of fabulous work by Mychael Barrett PRE and Trevor Price RE. Brendan Neiland - Oct. Former Keeper of the RA schools brings his contemporary vibrant work to Devon.
07 Aug to 10 Aug - In the beautiful Dartmoor hamlet of Clearbrook. Refreshments. Free entry, Derriford Art Club, Clearbrook Village Hall, Clearbrook, 10.00am to 3.30pm.
Until 27 Sep - Local artists celebrate the beauty of Devon’s coast, Royal Albert Memorial Museum RAMM, Queen Street, Exeter, 10.00am to 4.30pm.
SUMMER EXHIBITION 01 Aug to 16 Aug - Devon Art Society, St Annes Hall, Torquay.
Fred Yates - 'Naughty Shop' - Brownston Gallery
North Street Gallery
EXHIBITIONS Open Tues - Sat 10.30 - 5.00
13TH ART EXHIBITION BY DERRIFORD ART CLUB
DEFINITELY DEVON: DEVON ARTIST NETWORK
FR
AME
RS
WWW ll
RE y & PICTU
Art · Homeware · Giftware Greetings ArtCards Picture Framing
22
BENEDICT RUBBRA: EYE TO IMAGE
O K
ga er
Charlie O'Sullivan - 'Waiting for Spring to Come' - Steam Gallery - see overleaf
.U
.G
Until 05 Aug - An exhibition of paintings by Emma Carter, Harbour House, The Promenade, Kingsbridge, 10.00am to 5.00pm.
04 Aug to 08 Aug - Jubilee Hall, Chagford, 10.00am to 5.00pm.
NEW ORIGINALS
Exhibitions
Brand new originals just in from BRIAN POLLARD CAROLINE APPLEYARD DAVID CHAMBERS LES SPENCE plus many local artists.
Lee Hodges - 03 to 22 Aug,
Come and visit us at the Barbican, Plymouth. www.kayagallery.co.uk 01752 267474 53 Southside Street, The Barbican, Plymouth
Countryside, History, Walks, Events, the Arts & all things Devon at: DEVONSHIRE magazine.co.uk
poster illustrations.
John Brown - 24 Aug to 12 Sep, BBC Wildlife Photographer.
Plymouth Art College - 15 Sep to 03 Oct, Diploma Show.
22 North Street, Ashburton, TQ13 7QD 01364 653334 www.22northstreet.com e. emily@22northstreet.com
whitespaceart In our Gallery Summer Exhibition - Until 29 Aug Introducing new artists and work by gallery artists.
DEVON OPEN STUDIOS 05 Sep to 20 Sep - Hundreds of artists open their studios to the public, Devon Artist Network Ltd, Open Studios, Hannaford Old House, Newton Abbot, 11.00am to 6.00pm.
David Brayne and
David Pearce - 12 to 26 Sep Two man show featuring new work by two highly regarded painters. Ceramics by Peter Wills. 72 Fore Street, Totnes TQ9 5RU 01803 864088 10am-5pm Tues to Sat www.whitespaceart.com
REMBRANDT REVEALED Now until 1 Nov - See Buckland's Rembrandt in a new exhibition, Buckland Abbey, Yelverton, 11.00am to 5.00pm.
thebrownstongaller y thebrownstongaller y
EXETER CONTEMPORAY OPEN 11 Sep to 31 Oct - Exeter Contemporary Open is an annual, open submission exhibition, Exeter Phoenix, Brandninch Place, Exeter, 10.00am to 5.30pm.
Trevor Price - 'In The Arms of Our Family IV' - Brook Gallery
EXHIBITION Summer Exhibition
Aug and Sep Our gallery artists including Fred Yates, Yvonne Coomber, Michael Hill, Jennifer Wright & Teresa Pemberton.
VIEW-POINTS ART EXHIBITION RETRO 10 07 Aug to 16 Aug - Paintings, printmaking and sculpture by Rosie Burns, Harbour House, The Promenade, Kingsbridge, 10.00am to 5.00pm.
DEAN PRIOR LIFE DRAWING GROUP - EXHIBITION 16 Aug to 22 Aug - An exhibition of work which draws its inspiration from the human figure, Dean Prior Life Drawing Group, Birdwood House Gallery, Totnes, 10.00am to 4.45pm.
THE HOUSE GROUP PRESENTS THE MAGIC FOREST
DRAWN TO THE VALLEY ANNUAL OPEN STUDIOS 29 Aug to 06 Sep - Drawn to the Valley annual Open Studios, Art at The Works Gallery, The Works, Tavistock, 11.00am to 5.00pm.
Don't miss Alan Cotton's 'Contours in Colour' exhibition at RAMM, Exeter.
18 Aug to 23 Aug - A themed, interactive, multimedia exhibition with ideas from myth and history, Harbour House, The Promenade, Kingsbridge, 10.00am to 5.00pm.
HADDON FEST 22 Aug to 23 Aug - Featuring much loved artists throughout the weekend, Haddon Fest celebrates our , Haddon Galleries, 6/7 Victoria Parade, Torquay, 10.00am to 5.00pm.
Charles Jamieson
Sep - An exhibition of new work. art art
p r i nt s p r i nt s
s c u l p t u re s c u l p t u re
j e we l l e r y j e we l l e r y
36 Church Street, Modbury, Devon PL21 0QR tel - 01548 831338 36 Church Street, Modbury, Devon PL21 0QR tel - 01548 831338
WHATEVER THE WEATHER 15 Sep to 23 Sep - An exhibition by Hilary Soper and Ysabel Winzar, Harbour House, The Promenade, Kingsbridge, 10.00am to 5.00pm.
THE SOUTH WEST ACADEMY OPEN EXHIBITION 2015 28 Sep to 03 Oct - The South West Academy Open Exhibition 2015 at St Stephens Church Exeter, South West Academy of Fine & Applied Arts, St Stephens Church, Exeter.
CONTOURS IN COLOUR - ALAN COTTON 17 Sep to 1 Nov - A retrospective of the noted artist's works spanning the last five decades at RAMM Gallery, Exeter. Paintings borrowed from worldwide collections.
SUMMER EXHIBITION 20 Aug to 31 Aug - Annual exhibition of a wide range of art from amateur to professional, Teignmouth Art Society, Victoria Hall, Shaldon, 10.00am to 5.00pm.
13 Sep to 19 Sep - exhibition & sale of original, affordable art by Wendy Chudley & Cherry Lyons, View-Points, Birdwood House, Totnes, 10.00am to 4.45pm.
Exhibition An exciting new group of paintings by ground breaking artist
Charlie O’Sullivan
who has built an international reputation since her work was introduced seven years ago. www.steamgallery.co.uk 01297 625144
ALAN COTTON INTERVIEW INTERPRETATIONS 3 04 Sep to 13 Sep - An exhibition by Sarah Harcus, Sam Gingell & Maggie Smith, Harbour House, The Promenade, Kingsbridge, 10.00am to 5.00pm.
30 Sep - Alan Cotton in conversation with Jenny Pery starting at 6pm. Tickets available from RAMM Gallery £8 (£6 concessions) 01392 265858.
Award Winning Picture Framers We now have a larger range of styles and materials than ever whilst still priding themselves on design and technical knowledge. FAB love a challenge and will frame almost anything! Bank Street, Newton Abbot, TQ12 2JW 01626 335965 galleryfab.co.uk Mon to Fri 9am-5.30pm Sat 9am-4.30pm
83 Hyde Park Road, Plymouth PL3 4JN Tel: 01752 255020
GALLERY & FRAMING CENTRE
EXHIBITIONS St Ives Society of Artists - Until 29 Aug
Lee Hodges - North Street Gallery
Sam Toft - 'Seadogs' - Haddon Galleries
Caroline Appleyard - 'Splashing Around' Kaya Gallery
This show represents the essence of what is happening in the Society today.
Interpretation and Personal Language - 05 to 26 Sep
Kevin Tole, Helen Billinghurst, Matthew Thomas, Connor McIntyre.
What's On? southdevonhub .co.uk
Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm Sat 10am-4pm
23
POP-UP show was a great success
When Modbury-based Brownston Gallery went to the Plymouth College of Art Degree Show, they were so impressed by the talent and professionalism of the students that they decided they just had to do something to show their support. On the spur of the moment they created a gap in their busy schedule of exhibitions and organised a Postdegree Pop-up Show at the Gallery - for one night only! 20 students were chosen from the Departments of Contemporary Craft and Fashion and many were on hand to explain their exhibits to over 60 guests including Former Vice Principal Roy Sims, Roger and Burda Gage who were involved in the development
of the College in the 1980s, plus members of the art and business communities who were able to offer invaluable advice and guidance. Gallery director Catherine Gillen said "We were delighted to offer these talented students the opportunity to exhibit their work at our gallery. Our guests enjoyed meeting the students and learning about their degree courses and the students enjoyed talking about their work to a public audience. It was a great showcase for Plymouth College of Art and we look forward to future collaborations with them." The evening was a great success and six of the students are now exhibiting at the Brownston Gallery.
the bowie gallery contemporary contemporary art art
JAMES STEWART solo the social buttery eect
Until 07 Aug
01803 863054
TOTNES (Mon-Sat 10-4) www.thebowiegallery.co.uk
24
Countryside, History, Walks, Events, the Arts & all things Devon at: DEVONSHIRE magazine.co.uk
‘Whittled Memory of Summer’ • 60x60cm • £2995
01297 625144
01297 625257 ‘Stepping Stones to You’ • 75x75cm • £4350
CHARLIE O’SULLIVAN, SWAc An Exciting New Group of Paintings
Charlie O’Sullivan is a ground breaking artist who has built an international reputation since her work was introduced seven years ago. Most people are initially drawn to her paintings through the vibrancy and depth of the colours and their clever juxtaposition each with their own specific narrative. This can be drawn from such diverse moments as snippets of conversation overheard on a South Hams beach near her home or childhood incidents in Glasgow, or
intriguing manuscripts found in a junk shop, or happiness relaxing with her family in the garden. These are some of the sources which form the narrative in each painting. Working with Steam Gallery and Marine House at Beer, Charlie has exhibited at shows in London, Hong Kong, Singapore and Edinburgh as well as a permanent presence in Beer. Her work constantly evolves as does her exciting
extension of painting onto wood and aluminium as well as canvas with the different moods and intensity these mediums project. Steam Gallery is now presenting a varied collection of her latest work. Images don’t do justice to their power; they need to be viewed, and can be done so at the gallery every day from 10.00am to 5.30pm.
‘Lost in my own Landscape’ • 40x90cm • £3495
01297 625144
www. steamgallery .co.uk.co.uk info@steamgallery.co.uk What's On? southdevonhub
25
Exeter's Historic Quay
A brief visit to Exeter's historic quayside
26
Countryside, History, Walks, Events, the Arts & all things Devon at: DEVONSHIRE magazine.co.uk
Exeter's fine old Custom House - lots of places along the quay to 'chill'
You may have visited Exeter for shopping in the past, understandable really as Exeter's has a great shopping centre and is indeed a lovely city. Many people forget all about Exeter's Quay, which is easily missed as you drive into Exeter's centre. Can I say that next time you visit, plan in a trip to the quay for a stroll about and perhaps lunch whilst people-watching. There's much activity, and you can take the footbridge that links both sides of the quayside.
While you're on the Quay
Quay Presents 01392 477771 www.quaypresents.co.uk
There's lots to do on the Quay, you can hire canoes, kayaks, pedal bikes and venture down the river (there's a canal path that leads down to the renowned Turf Locks pub - although you need to make sure you plan enough time in for this journey, as it's a fair way). What's great is the many independent shops, showcasing the work of local artisans, so you can amble along the 'arches' and find many unusual and interesting gifts. There's also lots of cafes, pubs and restaurants where you can rest-up and people watch. There's certainly a slower, more relaxed pace on the Quay than in town centre. Of course, the Quay is an important part of Exeter's history, bringing trading ships right into Exeter from the open seas. There are many visual and architectural pointers to this past all along the quay. One extremely fine building is Custom House which you'll recognise by the cannons situated on the front courtyard (it's open to the public).
What's On? southdevonhub .co.uk
Lutzy's Coffee Shop 01392 432064 www.lutzys.co.uk
The Boatshed Gallery 07454 952650 Exeter Quay - (downriver from Piazza Terracina) www.facebook.com/boatshedgallery
27
Exeter's Fore Street
One of Exeter's most historic and interesting streets
Exeter's Fore Street - not to be missed if you're visiting Exeter. Make some time to amble around, with many interesting and independent shops.
St Olaves Church. It was originally an 11th century chapel built for King Harold's mother Gytha. (Saint Olaf being an 11th century King of Norway, martyred in battle). The existing building is late medieval.
Fore Street is undoubtedly one of Exeter's most historic and interesting streets. Further investigation is definitely needed. Fore Street's witnessed many centuries of Exeter's comings and going. Unfortunately, the Germans didn't help ("Exeter is the
Jewel of the West, and We Have Destroyed It" their boast in 1942) or indeed the potty
postwar City Council who sanctioned many of Exeter's historic buildings for demolition.
Hopefully, lessons have been learned and thankfully some of Exeter's really important buildings survive, namely Tucker's Hall and St Olaves Church which sit directly on Fore Street, with St Nicholas Priory just down an alleyway. Also, there's the House That Moved - Merchant House, just down West Street.
Taco Macho - delicious fresh and authentic Mexican food cooked by the Mexican proprietor Gus - Takeaway also. www.facebook.com/samanthagustavo7869 Tel: 07525 361 362
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In terms of visiting, I'd certainly class Fore Street as one of the more interesting part of Exeter, with many independent shops selling all manner of wares. For instance, take Velveteen Emporium who sell Steampunk clothing, they stock really unique items you'd be hard pressed to find anywhere else. Again, there's Fantasy World, a fancy dress outfitters on the opposite side of the road, or Venus Boutique, a trendy shop selling dresses for occasions such as bridal, prom, formal evening, graduation or even a glitzy number for parties. Incidentally, a great little place for food is Taco Macho where you can sample proper Mexican food. The proprietor's Mexican (see Gus below), so you know it's totally authentic food. When you're in town, allow yourself some time to explore this really interesting street - don't forget to mention Devonshire magazine! - Editor
Fantasy World 01392 495559 www.fantasyworldexeter.co.uk
Countryside, History, Walks, Events, the Arts & all things Devon at: DEVONSHIRE magazine.co.uk
The view down Fore Street - heading down to the river Exe. It's an ancient street, probably in existance when Exeter was under Roman rule. Don't miss St Nicholas Priory, which can be found down a side alley as can The House That Moved - Merchant House, directly left in the photo.
Mediaeval Tucker's Hall - the front facade was rebuilt in the Victorian era, but the inside is pure 15th century with panelling and barrel-vaulted ceiling. It was the Guild Hall of the Incorporation of Weavers, Fullers and Shearmen, built in 1471. It's open on Tuesdays and Thursdays until September. www.tuckershall.org.uk
V
© Mike Aslford
enus Boutique We stock a range of gorgeous dresses for occasions such as: Prom • Ball • Party wear Bridal • Bridesmaids Wedding Guests As well as shoes and handbags.
Opening hours 10am to 5pm, Tuesday - Saturday.
DARK FASHION & HAIR BOUTIQUE ROCK & STEAMPUNK CLOTHING 50% OFF HAIRCUTS ON MONDAYS WITH PAUL*
GEL POLISH PEDICURE ONLY £15
Closed on Sundays and Mondays.
01392 203339
venus-boutique.co.uk mail@venus-boutique.co.uk
Very friendly and professional one to one service
JESSICA GEL POLISH MANICURE WITH ELLEN ONLY £10 ON FRIDAYS*
151/152 FORE STREET, EXETER
INDUSTRIALROMANCE
VELVETEEN.CO.UK
BEAUTY: facebook.co.uk/
01392 757878
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HAIR: facebook.co.uk/
HEAVYPETALBEAUTY
* offer ends 30th Sep
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music unlimited
Music Unlimited celebrates its 21st birthday in September and its owner Wensleigh Palmer is delighted to report that Music Unlimited is one of only 12 music stores in the UK chosen as a Yamaha Homeworld Centre of Excellence. This is a result of being a Yamaha Specialist with unsurpassed product knowledge and exceptional customer care. Whether it's a Starter Keyboard, Keyboard Work Station, Digital Piano, Acoustic Piano, Silent Piano (you need to see and hear that one for yourself), Grand Piano or the marvellous range of Viscount Digital Classical Organs, they're all here! So visit us to see and hear for yourself. A very warm welcome awaits.
Call us on 01392 251846
4 Station Crescent, Queen Street, Exeter EX4 3SB
Exeter's Queen Street Queen Street's the home of Devon's fine county museum, the Royal Albert Memorial Museum (otherwise known as RAMM) You'll recognise Queen Street easily by its grand architecture. Firstly the RAMM building, a finely ornate and distinctive Victorian building which appears Italianate in styling (architects, please correct me if I'm wrong!). Then there's the neo-classical facade of the Civic Hall with its colonnade of impressive vertical scale. Across the street stands Queen's Chambers, another exceptional facade hinting at Exeter's grandeur and wealth in days gone by. Queen Street's a cool place for dining with many bars and restaurants along its length (not to mention Gandy Street just round the back). Further along you'll find the elegant facade of the train station where you'll also find Music Unlimited, an independent piano, organ and keyboard specialist shop (see above left) - the proprietor has over 40 years of experience, so expert advice on hand. They pretty much have it all, new or pre-owned equipment.
HOTEL
2015 & 2016 Wedding Special Offer Wedding Breakfast from £23.95 per person, Evening Finger Buffet from £11.95 per person with no room hire charges. Please contact our wedding coordinator to book a viewing or to request a brochure.
Quote ʻDevonshireʼ to receive 10% OFF your taster menu.
01392 272709
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Above - it's Michael Spiers Jewellers, they've relocated from Castle Street and are now situated at Cathedral Green. Stockists of Omega, Rolex, Breitling, Patek Philippe, Gucci, as well as being stockists of many exclusive ranges of bracelets, necklaces, earrings and rings. Undoubtedly they're the South West's leading jewellers. You can contact the Exeter branch on 01392 666590 or visit their website at michaelspiers.co.uk (see page 3 for more details) Right - don't miss visiting the totally fab Brook Gallery located at Barnfield Crescent. They're Exeter's leading gallery with many great artworks on show and currently have their Summer Exhibition entitled 'All Things Good' running until the 3rd Sept.
BYSTOCK TERRACE, EXETER EX4 4HY
www.queenscourt-hotel.co.uk
Left - Queens Court Hotel (at Bystock Terrace), an interesting boutique hotel that are also offering a discount on their taster menu, just quote 'Devonshire' magazine to them.
Countryside, History, Walks, Events, the Arts & all things Devon at: DEVONSHIRE magazine.co.uk
TREVOR PRICE: WIFF WAFF
MYCHAEL BARRATT: DETAIL, LONDON MAP OF DAYS
EXETER & BUDLEIGH
C I T Y
&
S E A
www.brookgallery.co.uk 01395 443003 | art@brookgallery.co.uk
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EXHIBITIONS CORPORATE SOURCING CONSULTANCY
.
What's On?
EXETER: 1 Barnfield Crescent, Exeter EX1 1QT BUDLEIGH: 31 southdevonhub .co.uk Fore Street, Budleigh Salterton EX9 6NH
Unusual, affordable gifts, many handmade locally by 21 artisans, including ceramics, driftwood, jewellery, fused glass, turned wood. Prices start from £3 and most are under £20! There is a huge range of scarves & bags too. Independent traders with friendly service big shops only dream of.
Gift Ideas
from Devon
Gifts can be tricky to find, but we are lucky to have a great range of independent businesses who strive to source unique and stylish items you won't find anywhere else!
Victoria Sewart Contemporary Jewellery Gallery Bright & Bold for Summer Come and see our stunning collections from new and established designers.
For more Jewellery, Online Shop and Jewellery Workshops (including ʻMaking Your Own Wedding Ringsʼ) visit us at:
victoriasewart.com 01752 220011 39 Southside Street, The Barbican, Plymouth
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Countryside, History, Walks, Events, the Arts & all things Devon at: DEVONSHIRE magazine.co.uk
victoria sewart
August & September 2015
© Paul Clayden
Forthcoming Events
COLYFORD GOOSE FAIR
Live Music Popular CELINE DOS SANTOS 11 Aug - French/Portuguese singer/ guitarist playing pop/rock songs in English, Celine Dos Santos, The Offshore, Torquay, 9.30pm to 11.30pm. TALLULAH RENDALL & SUPPORT JIMMY IRELAND 06 Sep - A hit on the summer festival circuit over the past couple of years,, World Unlimited, Kingskerswell Parish Church, Kingskerswell, 7.00pm to 10.30pm. CELINE DOS SANTOS 10 Sep - French/Portuguese singer/ guitarist playing pop/rock songs in English, Celine Dos Santos, Royal Castle Hotel, Dartmouth, 8.30pm to 10.30pm. LAND OF THE GIANTS ACOUSTIC 15 Sep - Full band live & unplugged, support Alex Gregory Band acoustic, World Unlimited, Kingskerswell Parish Church, Kingskerswell, 7.00pm to 10.30pm. DR JEKYLL AND MR HYDE $| 16 Sep - Improvised organ soundtrack by David Briggs to this classic silent movie, Exeter Cathedral, 1 The Cloisters, Exeter, 7.30pm to 9.00pm. THE MARTIN BARRE BAND $| 19 Sep - Marin Barre, guitarist with Jethro Tull, plays with his current band, Exeter Phoenix, Brandninch Place, Exeter, 8.00pm to 11.00pm. JOANNE SHAW TAYLOR $ 22 Sep - British Blues rock guitarist returns to the UK, Exeter Phoenix, Brandninch Place, Exeter, 7.00pm to 11.00pm. Rock JOHN OTWAY 29 Aug - Expect madcap mayhem and some scintillating stunts, World Unlimited, Kingskerswell Parish Church, Kingskerswell, 7.00pm to 10.30pm.
STARLIGHT at BABBACOMBE THEATRE
Markets Farmers & Country KINGSBRIDGE COUNTRY MARKET Weds - Town Hall Foyer, Kingsbridge, 8.00am to 12.00am. EXETER FARMERS' MARKET Thurs - A wide range of West Country foods and produce, Exeter Farmers' Market, South Street/Fore Street, Exeter, 9.00am to 2.00pm. KINGSBRIDGE FARMERS' MARKET 1st & 3rd Sat - You'll find everything you'd expect from a Farmer's Market and more, Kingsbridge Farmers Market, Town Square, Kingsbridge. PLYMOUTH GOOD FOOD MARKET 02 Aug & 06 Sep - The market showcases some of the best local food and drink in the South West, Royal William Yard Harbour, Harbour Office, Plymouth, 10.00am to 3.00pm. N. ABBOT FARMERS' & PRODUCE MARKET 04 Aug - Tuesday market located in the pedestrianized area in the heart of the town, Newton Abbot Farmers Market, Courtenay Street, Newton Abbot, 9.00am to 3.00pm. DARTMOUTH FARMERS MARKET 08 Aug & 12 Sep - Choose from an amazing range of produce. Second Saturday of the month, Dartmouth Farmers Market, Market Square, Dartmouth. DAWLISH LOCAL PRODUCE MARKET 29 Aug & 25 Sep - Monthly Friday morning produce market, Piazza, Dawlish, 10.00am.
TEIGNMOUTH FARMERS/LOCAL PRODUCE MARKET 29 Aug & 26 Sep - Monthly farmers' market held on the last Saturday, Teignmouth Farmers/Local Produce Market, The Triangle, Teignmouth, 10.00am to 2.00pm. Market Days TORBAY FAMILY MARKET Sats - Regular Family Market showcasing local foods, crafts and businesses, Torbay Family Market, Castle Circus, Torquay.
Shows BRITISH FIREWORK CHAMPIONSHIPS $ 18 Aug to 19 Aug - See the skies light up over Plymouth's spectacular waterfront, British Firework Championships, Plymouth Hoe, Plymouth. DAWLISH AIR SHOW 2015 $ 22 Aug - A fantastic display by the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team: The Red Arrows, Dawlish Air Show, Dawlish Seafront, Dawlish. EXTRAVAGANZA $ 26 Aug to 27 Aug - Le Navet Bete are back in the Exeter Phoenix, Exeter Phoenix, Brandninch Place, Exeter, 7.30pm to 9.30pm. LUSTLEIGH VILLAGE SHOW 2015 31 Aug - A great, family day out at a traditional country show, The Lustleigh Village Show, Address, Newton Abbot, 10.00am to 5.30pm.
DID YOU KNOW? You can now see all the attractions in the area by using the new Attractions tab on Places Attractions +eastdevonhub! Walks things to do What's On? southdevonhub .co.uk
SIDMOUTH FOLK WEEK
Theatre Musicals OUTDOOR THEATRE: 'ROBIN HOOD' 20 Aug - Robin Hood and his band of Merry Men raise a ruckus in this musical theatre, Bradley Manor, Totnes Road, Newton Abbot, 6.30pm to 9.00pm. SEUSSICAL - THE MUSICAL 27 Aug to 29 Aug - Join us for the Starling Art2015 youth Summer School performance of Seussical! Starling Arts, Chagford Jubilee Hall, Chagford, 7.30pm to 9.30pm. Plays STARLIGHT 05 Aug to 21 Oct - Starlight, a show that promises to glisten from start to finish, Babbacombe Theatre, Babbacombe Downs, Torquay, 8.15pm to 10.30pm. MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING 13 Aug - Open air theatre, Clearbrook Village Hall, Clearbrook, Yelverton, 7.00pm to 10.00pm. CARDS ON THE TABLE 14 Aug to 15 Aug - Agatha Christie's Cards on the Table adapted for stage by Leslie Darbon, Ivybridge Theatre Company, The Watermark, Ivybridge, 7.30pm to 10.00pm. SHAKESPEARE - AS YOU LIKE IT $ 20 Aug - The Bard’s wonderful pastoral comedy full of love, laughter, and lyricism, and, Powderham Castle, Kenton, Exeter, 6.00pm to 9.30pm. STEEL MAGNOLIAS 02 Sep to 05 Sep - KATS moves from tap dancing to hairdressing! KATS, Malborough Church Hall, Kingsbridge, 7.30pm to 10.00pm. SURVIVORS OF THE TITANIC 18 Sep to 19 Sep - Historical theatre drama production about the Titanic, and her links to south De, South Devon Players, The Palace Theatre, Paignton, 7.00pm to 7.00pm. SEE MORE ON SOUTHDEVONHUB.CO.UK 33
Looking at local businesses excelling in their craft
SPECIAL PROJECT
HOUSE & HOME devonshiremagazine.co.uk
What Nature Intended
Amanda Merchant speaks to Dave Matthews at Oak Homes, a specialist Devon based timber framing and joinery company.
W
ood is one of the worlds oldest building materials, and the skills which are used to shape wood have developed and improved tremendously throughout the ages. carpentry skills have been passed down from craftsman to craftsman
For a skilled tradesman, who is passionate and dedicated to his chosen material, modern design and build must be frustrating at times. To become a skilled carpenter involves both acquiring theoretical knowledge and hands on practice,
worked as a journeyman in a variety of carpentry and joinery jobs in Britain and across Europe, learning different techniques and refining his skills. He found that even though the end result of a particular piece of work appeared identical,
frame restoration areas of Cheshire and the borders of Wales. He then went on to join the Timber Framers Guild and the newly formed Carpenters Fellowship to study and share knowledge of traditional
“He who works with his hands is a labourer. He who works with his hands and his head is a craftsman. He who works with his hands and his head and his heart is an artist”. St Francis of Assissi (1181 - 1226)
through the tried and tested apprenticeship system. Written knowledge, guides and pattern books did not come into play until the arrival of the printing press in the 15th century. With the advent of the Industrial Revolution in the 18th century, and the invention of the steam engine, mass production and modern building materials, traditional timber framing in Europe started to decline. Most importantly, the lack of good quality timber production and forest husbandry, along with the enormous deforestation carried out to supply the British navy and international traders for ship timber, led to a serious depletion in resources.
34
learning skills by observation, reading and working in the trade for many years. Dave Matthews from Oak Homes, based in Branscombe, has spent most of his life doing just this. After growing up in South Africa, he returned to the UK at the age of fourteen with dreams of studying architecture or engineering. As his education developed, however, Dave decided on a more practical route and embarked on a City & Guilds Carpentry and Joinery course in Peterborough. This proved to be incredibly satisfying and led on to a lifetime of woodworking. Over the following ten years Dave
the methods used within the process were often very different. After working at a small artisanʼs workshop in Provence, producing high quality joinery and timber frame buildings, Dave realised this was where he wished to focus his energies. Dave moved back to Britain and set up his own business with this aim. Oak Homes was established in 1997, with Devon being an obvious first choice due to the climate and quality of life it had to offer Dave and his family. With his first workshop in Chideock, Dave continued his travels in pursuit of new techniques, working in the burgeoning timber
Countryside, History, Walks, Events, the Arts & all things Devon at: DEVONSHIRE magazine.co.uk
timber framing skills. Oak Homes also carried out several prestigious restoration works at Portmerion and other heritage sites in North Wales, working with the conservation bodies of Wales and England, CADW and English Heritage. During this time he also worked closely with Stuart Interiors, one of the few British companies still producing hand carved oak interiors to rival the best of the past five centuries of British craftsmanship. In 2005 Oak Homes moved to a new workshop in a large barn, situated in the middle of fields and farms in Branscombe. Over the past 10 years he has transformed the barn in to the
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a complete oak staircase as support ʻunderʼ the existing 400 year old elm staircase. A Viking style feasting hall in Norway which Dave worked on even had hand carved dragons at the bottom of the staircase, each attached to gas pipes so they could breathe real fire from their mouths!
perfect workshop to accommodate the production of new timber frames and joinery, putting his plans and dreams he had on return from France into reality. Dave works alongside his apprentices and uses sub contractors to help on projects when needed. Walking into the workshop is almost like stepping back in time; huge timber frames laid out ready for marking and cutting. The workmanship which is carried out in here is simply outstanding, testament to the history surrounding such skills.
without disease. Most timber framing is carried out using green timbers as they are far easier to work with. The joinery must take in the rough sawn timber, often not square when it arrives from the sawmill, and the shrinkage will occur over the following 5-10 years at a rate of approximately ½ inch per year. The design needs to work within these boundaries to exacting standards to create strong, long lasting joinery. These skills are put to practice with the benefit of many years of expertise.
There are important and complex factors which are required when building with wood. For example, a standard 6m x 200mm x 200mm length of oak would take a minimum of 100 years growth, therefore, not only is serious planning ahead required (2-3 generation!), but the timber must be farmed efficiently in order to grow straight and true,
It is no wonder given the growth time and processing, that oak frames are such a precious and labour intensive item to purchase. However, in doing so, you will have created a building which will be around for centuries and is incredibly beautiful to live in.
restoration and repair works, and this is where skill really comes into play. Oak Homes` work involved in restoration of such buildings is in essence, what to keep and what to replace. It is a highly complicated process, where hard wood which has been drying, sometimes hundreds of years, has to be fitted together with new sections of dried timber using modern resins, stainless steel plates and rods, alongside the traditional mortice and tenon joinery. No green wood can be used in these situations, and a lot of hard work and sharp tools are needed to carry out these repairs. Each restoration project has unusual features, which need unique solutions and a thorough grounding in timber
There are many homes which require high quality and sympathetic timber
knowledge, along with imagination. There is a lot of creativity involved when working on old buildings. Working on an old manor house in Marshwood for instance, Dave used an old supply of elm coffin boarding to line an internal wall, and he built
What's On? southdevonhub .co.uk
These days, it is sometimes thought that only those with money have the option of using one of our oldest construction materials. However, there are ways to overcome this, as contemporary design allows us to mix up tradition with new technologies. An imaginative use of other timbers can reduce costs dramatically. For instance, Douglas Fir demands a half to a third of the price of oak and can be used in much the same style of building. Not only that, but drying times are almost 10 times quicker than that of oak. As a designer and manufacturer, this means that Oak Homes and their clients can efficiently plan a year in advance, drawing the plans, ordering the timber from the sawmill, then stacking to air-dry. As construction begins the following year, the timber is re-machined to final sizes, thereby removing most problems associated with shrinkage. Actual construction is generally quite a quick process. In terms of design, it is possible to have that home of your dreams, without necessarily having the finances you may think you need to get it. A contemporary designed home could be enhanced by constructing a gable end or front wall using traditional timber framing, and glazed using modern dry glaze systems. An Oak Homes hand made pair of patio doors could cost in the region of £9000.00 - £14,000.00. This kind of design gives the impression of grandeur, creating a light and open space along with the warmth and beauty of the timber. Dave designs most of his buildings, working with specialist timber frame structural engineers, his own team, and other sub-contracted skilled tradesman where required. For Oak Homes, this may look to be the future of business, where traditional ideas and skills can be combined with modern day design and building regulations to create the timber frames of the future. See their advert further on in this section. By Amanda Merchant
35
NEW AK_04 Range The Latest Innovation from Arrital Kitchens
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We have been supplying and installing high quality Italian designer kitchens and associated goods to the UKʼs trade, development and retail sector for over 12 years. We only use materials of the highest quality, standards and design to offer our clients thousands of colours, textures and natural materials. Everything from stylish “high-pressure” laminate to 100% recycled PaperStone® at a price to meet all budgets big or small. We offer a free, no obligation full plan and design service and will provide you with the latest virtual reality image of your project with a fully itemised and detailed quotation. If youʼre looking for a new kitchen now, or maybe just thinking about a new kitchen for the future, and need some ideas and budgets please contact us today. Visit our new showroom to view the latest in kitchen design and innovation at a price you really can afford.
Arrital Kitchens 16-17 Drakes Mill Business Park, Estover Road, Plymouth PL6 7PS Tel: 01752 787131 | Tel: 08700 920938 | Email: info@arrital-kitchens.co.uk Countryside, History, Walks, Events, the Arts & all things Devon at: DEVONSHIRE magazine.co.uk 36 www.arrital-kitchens.co.uk
Your essential home project resource
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Totnes Tile & Bathroom Studio One of the largest selections of tiles in the South West • A beautiful range of wall and floor tiles including Ceramic, Slate, Stone & Mosaic • Bathroom Studio displaying traditional and contemporary suites from selected manufacturers
• Underfloor heating specialist • Many exclusive ranges • Family Run Business • Under new ownership • Public and trade welcome
Visit us at Plymouth Flavour Fest
For product demonstrations and 10% off* in our Plymouth store 360 Mega Bowl Food Processor with 2 FREE attachments £25.00 Buy 4 sachets of EasiYo Yoghurt & choose from a FREE 5th sachet or a FREE EasiYo Yoghurt Maker worth £9.99
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Glossy, high-circulation advertising doesn't have to be expensive. We're a local publisher with affordable Devon rates not inflated, silly, 'London' advert prices! DEVONʼS BIGGEST COUNTY GLOSSY COVERAGE 1,000 high quality outlets
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Personalised soft furnishings for your Home and Business Call us to make an appointment on 01752 403721 or 07786 382483 email: niki@nikissoftfurnishings.co.uk web: www.nikissoftfurnishings.co.uk
Absolutely Stunning Value! just Stunning Value
To advertise call 01395 513383 and ask for Nigel Jones
What's On? southdevonhub .co.uk
Just £15 a week for this advert!
37
HOUSE & HOME
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Make your dream kitchen a reality...
Call: 01822 617240 www.charlesgraykitchens.co.uk Visit our showroom: Unit 2 Pixon Court, Crelake Ind. Est. Tavistock PL19 9AZ
We offer the complete kitchen service:
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• Free kitchen survey and 3D computer design • Extensive range of kitchens and appliances to choose from • Work completed from start to finish; removal of old kitchen, building work, alterations or repairs, laying new floors to full installation of bespoke kitchen including worktops, plumbing, electrics, decorating and tiling • Excellent personal service • Full project management • Farrow & Ball paint and paper stockists
Devon Leather Care
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38
01803 844664
www.devonleathercare.co.uk enquiries@devonleathercare.co.uk
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After
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Marble ❖ Granite ❖ Slate ❖ Travertine ❖ Quartzstone
QUALITY STONE QUALITY CRAFTED
plymouth stone SERVING THE WEST COUNTRY SINCE 1909
01752 706388
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A fourth generation family business founded in 1909 supplying bespoke natural stone products for the home Showroom Open Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm, Saturday 9am - 4pm and Sunday 10am -2pm 109 Efford Road, Plymouth PL3 6NG
Q: What finishes are available Mike Lovell of Plymstock Carpets and with Amtico? Flooring is pleased to be one of the ation family business founded in 1909 Amtico offers Traditional, classical, contemporary specially chosen independent installers and minimalist floors in a wide variety of options oke natural stone products for the home to offer the high quality range. including wood planks, parquet flooring, tiles & He answers some of the most common abstract designs which makes it totally unique. questions from his customers. Showroom open Q: How does it perform? m - 5pm, Saturday 9am - 4pm and Sunday 10am - 2pm
Stone, 109 Efford Road, Plymouth PL3 6NG Q: What is Amtico?
Amtico is the UK’s original luxury design floor company. It is unrivalled in its design capability and offers my customers the opportunity to create a totally unique floor.
You can have the real look of wooden floors without the maintenance required of sanding, sealing polishing etc. The Amtico range of tiles look as good as ceramic, however they are warmer and softer to the touch with special design strips in between the tiles. These strips allow the grout lines to be added however will not discolour and stain like most grouting in between normal floor tiles.
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Q: Does Amtico require specialist installation? Yes, we ensure that our fully trained installers carry out a preparation process prior to laying the floor, ensuring that our customers receive the floor and finish they desire.
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With❖ oversales@plymstone.co.uk 4000 design options, we can create ne.co.uk the ultimate experience in bespoke designs which will compliment any room type - we can look at the decor and furniture etc. to create a floor with unique and creative designs and colours which will compliment the room.
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PLYMSTOCK CARPETS AND FLOORING 5 Radford Park Road, Plymstock PL9 9DG www.plymstockcarpets.co.uk
What's On? southdevonhub .co.uk
Tel: 01752 493355
39
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www.southern-timber.co.uk
The Southern Timber Co.Ltd
01803 - 813803
In the Garden Now August is here you'll be busy collecting any vegetables as they become ready. Frequent deadheading of flowering plants needs to be kept up. Also, because it's the hottest month of the year, keep water topped up in the pond and in any other water features around your garden. Wildlife in particular will be grateful for you vigilance. Once we reach September, it's the time to plan ahead. Spring flowering bulbs need to be planted and you can also start collecting summer seeds for next year. It's a good idea to lay nets over any ponds in the garden before the leaves begin to fall. Make sure you also take precautions to keep yourself safe in the sun whilst out gardening.
It's time for Dahlias to flower heavily. Keeping them watered and frequent picking will ensure plenty of cut flowers for the house.
40
Countryside, History, Walks, Events, the Arts & all things Devon at: DEVONSHIRE magazine.co.uk
THE GARDEN PARK at Trago Newton Abbot ®
50 YEARS
OF UNBEATABLE BARGAINS! Est. 1965 So much choice, so many surprises... At The Garden Park we have brought together one of Britain’s widest range of plants and gardening products. You will find everything that the discerning gardener could possibly need - and all at Trago’s everyday lowest prices!
Chelsea in the heart of Devon...
Restaurant Complex... Treat your family to a hearty meal, tasty light snack or quick bite in our stunning fully licensed Tea Room & Restaurant Complex. Great views over our spectacular Garden Park!
Just off the A382! Plenty of FREE parking!
Famous West Country garden designer and multiple Chelsea Gold Medal winner, Paul Stone, has created a haven of tranquility amid the hustle and bustle of Trago’s retail store. Take a stroll around our beautiful themed gardens and be inspired!
Drive Thru’ service... Our unique Drive Thru’ service means that you can collect any heavy items that you have purchased and we’ll help you to load your vehicle before you leave!
Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri, Sat 9am - 5.30pm • Thurs 9am - 8pm • Sun 10am - 4pm TRAGO MILLS NEWTON ABBOT • T: 01626 821111 DEVON TQ12 6JD off the A382 to Newton Abbot
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We also have stores at... LISKEARD • T:01579 348877 • PL14 6HY FALMOUTH • T:01326 315738 • TR11 3LG 41
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Countryside, History, Walks, Events, the Arts & all things Devon at: DEVONSHIRE magazine.co.uk
D.C.B. Photography © 2015
Tales of a Yokel
Yarns from the inimitable FCR Esgen
SHOPPING FOR SUNGLASSES by FCR ESGEN
She replied that she would be instantly dismissed for the gross misconduct of selling
You would have thought it a comparatively simple operation
girl behind the counter for a look at her spectacle selection.
were being kept until they were put on the shelves for sale. All
to buy a pair of sunglasses. So did I until yesterday, when I tried it for myself. Being a
She informed me, sadly, that it had just become illegal to sell sunglasses in her shop
except sunglasses of course. Then I saw a pair that instantly caught my eye and begged the
me something in the shop and I would be banned for life for being a criminal accessory!
serial tight-wad I decided in my wisdom to go to a charity shop and buy them second
due to new health and safety regulations and that all sorts of terrible things would happen to
girl in the secrecy of the store to be allowed to try them on. She capitulated momentarily
hand; reasoning that someone, somewhere, would also benefit from my purchase.
me if I dared don a pair. Then to my total amazement the girl said that I could see her extensive range in the back room if I just looked at them, but didnʼt touch! We duly walked through the shop and into a small store where goods
and allowed me a sneaky peek. She said they looked great on me and as I gave myself the once over in a dress mirror in the corner of the room, something snapped. I asked what would happen to us both if I refused to take them off.
The sun was giving me a squint that Fagin would have been proud of as I walked into the shop and asked the young
CONSERVATORIES
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ORANGERIES
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BI-FOLDING
Then suddenly a broad smile broke over her face and she led me by the hand back into the front of the shop. “There,” she said, “thatʼs the answer.” She pointed to a small can with a slit in it standing on top of the shop counter. “Just spend a penny in there and weʼll forget the whole thing.” © 2015
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Slapt on Sa nds
park
in g
Slapton Ley
footpath green lane lane/road
Torcross
Start
Widdicombe House
Torcross Point
Limpet Rocks Beesands Quarry
Walk information 1. Parking - the walk can be started from where ‘Start’ is shown on the map above. 2. Footwear - assuming dry conditions, trainers or boots advised. 3. Dogs - lead necessary as livestock may be present although there are plenty of places to let the dog/s off the lead. 4. Distance - a gentle walk with one steep incline, it’s two and a half miles in total (circular).
Dun Point
(disused)
Lower Widdincombe Farm
Sunnydale
Bee San
ds
Widdicombe Ley
Beeson
Beesands
The Beesands walk
with
DEVONSHIRE
magazine
Having stunning coastal
bit of coastline a distinctly
scenery on your doorstep is
continental flavour.
a great luxury, particularly
The winter months seem
because living in South
remote when youʼve just
Devon means youʼre just
enjoyed a blissful sunny day,
minutes from reaching it
but this part of Devon often
whilst the sunʼs out!
bears the brunt of extreme weather. The winter of 2013
Driving down along the cliff
was particularly tough, with
-top roads from Dartmouth, you must surely know this coastal drive is one of the
high tides and big winds
Dogs will be dogs, particularly when it comes to Jack Russells
most picturesque in Britain. Elevation, combined with wind shaped trees,
Wild Iris can also be seen along the path 44
causing extensive damage along this coastline - it was particularly noticeable how
many properties were undergoing repair work at the
characterful scots pines, greeny-blue waters and
time of my visit (2014). What you canʼt see when the
warm, honey coloured shingle beaches give this
road at Torcross veers suddenly around the lake and
Countryside, History, Walks, Events, the Arts & all things Devon at: DEVONSHIRE magazine.co.uk
Slapton Ley, looking across to the village at Torcross behind which lies the seafront directly inland, is the beautiful and
back over the hill).
unspoilt countryside just over the hill. Thatʼs where this walk takes you,
Donʼt miss lunch or morning coffee
up into the next valley to Beesands
at Seabreeze, Torcross. I cannot
and Widdicombe Ley. Itʼs a truly
recommend them highly enough,
lovely walk, returning back along
particularly their scones!
the shingle beach (tide allowing otherwise the path can be taken
Regards - Nigel Jones (Editor)
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Widdicombe Ley and Beesands in the distance
Take the walk in April and May and you’ll see beautiful spotted orchids along the pathside
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The start of your walk, you can either lunch here, enjoy a picnic along the way, or eat on your return. It’s a lovely piece of coastline, pretty much unspoilt by development., with the distinctive curve of Slapton Sands guiding your eye round the bay
Widdicombe Ley looking East up the coast
Digging for gold
Gladiators pausing for a rest 46
Countryside, History, Walks, Events, the Arts & all things Devon at: DEVONSHIRE magazine.co.uk
An apple tree in blossom in mid April - that’s early when you consider the cherry trees were also in blossom at the same time.
Looking west along Beesands
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Slapton was the site for the rehearsed D-Day landings in World War II. A major incident, occurred where Nazi E-boats attacked an Allied convoy resulted in 946 American servicemen deaths. The incident was under the strictest secrecy at the time and only reported afterwards, due to the impending D-Day invasion of Normandy.
It’s my sort of walk, totally charming pathways opening out to spectacular and expansive panoramas
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Curving bay - Lovely views along the route, big expanses of blue and the warm coloured pebble beach. The walk takes you over the headland where you are then afforded views of Beesands on the other side.
Room to breathe, lots of space
Countryside, History, Walks, Events, the Arts & all things Devon at: DEVONSHIRE magazine.co.uk and totally unspoilt
But here’s the thing... Already called Saint-Louis-du-Ha Ha (population 1,380) it’s a parish in the Témiscouata Regional County Municipality in Quebec and established in 1873. They added the exclamation marks during the 1930s to become Saint-Louis-du-Ha! Ha! and have never looked back. (A ha ha wall is a recessed landscape design element that creates a vertical barrier while preserving views).
Alas, the change was not recognised by the Federal Board on Geographical Names and the city fathers decided to drop what the New World calls the exclamation point. Doubtless asking one another, “What’s the point?”
So where is all this heading? Well, what has worked for Westward Ho! and Saint-Louis-du-Ha! Ha! could work for East Devon (population 133.300). Undeniably one of the most beautiful parts of the loveliest county in England, but through no fault of its own, seemingly stuck with what some consider a rather chilly-sounding – even off-putting kind of a name. East Devon. Brrr.
What’s in a name? WESTWARD HO! in North Devon (population 2,112) is the only place in Great Britain with an exclamation mark in its name. It derives from the title of Charles Kingsley’s 1855 novel Westward Ho! He in turn took it from the cries of the water taxis that had plied the Thames in yesteryear with calls of, “Eastward ho!” and “Westward ho!” depending on the tide. Quick to spot a good thing when they saw it, an enterprising clique of Victorian property developers ‘borrowed’ it when they put up villas and a hotel along a previously unnamed length of sandy coast near Bideford, to cash-in on the growing interest in seaside holidays.
No laughing matter By contrast there doesn’t seem to have been much to laugh at in the town of Hamilton, the county seat of Butler County in south western Ohio (population 62,447) and once described by one of its own council as ‘the most boring place in the world where nothing much ever happens.’ On 28 May 1986 therefore, as part of a plan to pep-up the place the city council voted 5-1 in favour of adding an exclamation mark to the city’s name. Thus, overnight, Hamilton became Hamilton!
If Devon is to be rushed through in future by holiday-makers heading for the delights of a newly independent Cornwall, why not distract them - at little more than the cost of a tin of black paint - by re-signing this mustvisit part of Devon, to be known in future as: East Devon!!! Too dramatic? Then what about something much more friendly and inviting? South East Devon Now there’s a thought.
Linnaeus Tripe was the ninth of 12 children. His mother, Mary, founded the Devon and Cornwall Female Orphan Asylum and his father, Cornelius was a surgeon. Linnaeus joined the East India Company army in 1838 and progressed rapidly. He was the first to extensively photograph south India and took large format paper negatives of places and architecture, some 60 of which make up the exhibition.
Canadian humor Meanwhile, 3.000 miles away, an enterprising huddle of Canadians, inspired by ‘our’ Westward Ho! hit on the idea of adding TWO exclamation marks to their own town’s name.
Captain Tripe’s Big Indian Adventure HE WAS BORN IN DEVONPORT in 1822, and became a pioneer of early photography. Now an exhibition of his work, produced in India and Burma in the 1850s and 60s is on display at London’s V&A Museum until October.
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He returned to Devon in 1874 a major-general, and spent his retirement with his extended family, giving up photography but instead pursuing his other interest, collecting shells and corals, many of which are now in the British Museum. He died in 1902 and having sprung from such a large and illustrious family are there still Tripes out there in Devon today we wonder?
JOHN FISHER!
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The Old Vet’nary by Ken Watson
Night Calls
W
hen I look back, in my declining year, to my working days I sometimes wonder how I survived it all. For at least 20 years, possibly more, I worked alternate nights and weekends on top of a 5 day week. This meant a lot of night work. Sleep was regularly broken by the telephone. Through the haunting waves of slumber, decisions had to be made. Could it wait till morning? Would I need any special equipment. Location? Must get that right. Folk are notoriously poor at giving directions so an encyclopaedic knowledge of local geography was needed. Then there was the delicate matter of payment. Has to be discussed because, unlike the commercial world, a veterinary business depends on the earnings of the vet and when people steal, for that is what it is, his stock-in-trade, they are also robbing all those employees who depend on him. How many times have I been told “I have the money waiting for you”, and when I walked in the door, “Now about the money”! So now you have dressed, started the car and are on your way. Still sleepy. What is the best route? What problem awaits you. Some roads in Plymouth run to numbers over 1,000 and have long front gardens with the number on the house. I had a pillar mounted spotlight on the car just for this. Strictly illegal, but a godsend. I remember a time when I stopped a police car to ask if they had seen a runover dog. I watched with amusement as the occupants obviously discussed whether to caution me about the pillar spot. They didn’t and I never was. It met it’s demise when modern cars were produced without pillars strong enough to hold it. Reasons for a call-out ranged from domestic pets in trouble - injuries, cuts, severe illness, objects lodged in throats - to larger animals, often on Dartmoor. A swan flew into power
50
lines, a lone calf being struck by traffic. All went into the back of the car. These were just the cases that could not or would not come to the surgery. Many was the time I was told there was nobody to bring the patient in, only to arrive and find 2 or 3 teenagers slumped in front of the TV. Callers ranged from owners to Police, Fire Brigade or RSPCA, and I became a connoisseur of accident set-ups. Dollies were set up, onlookers kept back, but I remember one poor dog, in the gutter on a steep street in a downpour. Instructions to PC’s not to move the casualty meant that his body had backed up water which gushed over my feet when I picked him up. Some accidents were in dark and lonely spots, others in the midst of bustling night life. I attended a German Shepherd, back broken, in Plymouth’s notorious Union Street. I gave him a pain killer, but you could not hang about in such a place with drunks a plenty. So I picked him up with a lift I had perfected for such cases and as I did so he buried his teeth into my wrist. I like to think that nobody noticed. Just as dangerous was a call to one of Plymouth’s notorious drinking pubs, packed on a Saturday night. Medical bag held high, “Let me through please”, but knock someone’s drink at your peril! The late hour seemed to create an intimacy with folk. Sitting beside a client while a bitch delivered pups, with intermittent help, in its bed. Sharing pity for a mare with colic which had to be kept on its feet and moving although it sweated with pain. The mutual joy felt as I held a fresh delivered calf or lamb in my arms. The interaction with people, like the young couple, no more than children really, very much in love, who had found this kitten severely injured below their bedroom window. It was obviously their pet, and even more obvious that they had no money....
Hence the pretext. I hope I went along with the charade. Charity, charity! I often gained insight into the terrible tragedies of the night. The young girl dying of cancer, the man in the prime of his life but dying of a brain tumour and sitting in his bed in dread of the coming night. Or the renal dialysis patient who has run out of veins and awaits the arrival of the expert visiting night shift or nurses to rescue her. Did you know that all that went on while you slept?
partners kept an old banger for night calls, tired of returning and finding the wheels gone. One mile from home a right turn at the crossroads, no traffic and an eerie silence, but a red light holding me. Suddenly a gang of teenagers appeared from nowhere and jumped all over the car, aerial and wipers at risk. I jumped the light and jinked and turned and they all fell off one by one. Back home and I looked up and saw crystal stars glittering in a cold sky and it all seemed worth it. The best job in the world.
Then home again and hoping for no more calls, and hoping the car is still there and driveable. One of my
K. Watson
a friendly, family practice
...Providing the highest standards of professional veterinary care OPENING TIMES Monday - Friday: 8.30am - 6.30pm Saturday: 8.30am - 12.30pm Consultations by Appointment
EMERGENCY SERVICE For out of hours veterinary attention or advice please ring 01752 700600
PLYMOUTH
IVYBRIDGE
Burnett Road, Manadon, Plymouth PL6 5BH
Cornwood Road, Woodlands, Ivybridge PL21 9JJ
01752 700600
01752 690999
Part Time Clinic at Yealmpton
Countryside, History, Walks, Events, the Arts & all things Devon at: DEVONSHIRE magazine.co.uk
Janet East is the proprietor at Yellingham Farm, also running a Farmhouse B&B establishment www.yellinghamfarm.co.uk 01404 850272
by Janet East of Yellingham Farm
I love competition - but could I win this one? The big day arrived and I was to be judged at 3pm – perfect as it gave me time to sort out any last minute problems. They were running late, had they forgotten me? I was really keyed up for the competition and actually quite nervous, which is not like me. 4pm arrived, then 5 and then 6. Yes, I had been forgotten. Then the telephone rang and it was the steward who drives the anonymous judge around over the 2 day competition. Ever since a youngster I have always loved competition, and with it goes the desire to win, otherwise why compete? But this competition was one I had never encountered before - a sheep flock competition. Might not sound exciting, but this was a big day for me with flocks from far and wide competing for the prestigious accolade of best pedigree flock. I have shown individual sheep at shows for years, but I have never taken on such a challenge as this. With sheep showing you only select your very best and spend months “grooming” them for the occasion. With a flock competition, you bear all - the good, bad and ugly. Up to be judged are your stud rams, breeding ewes, ram lambs and ewe lambs. In other words, everything you owned had to be presented to the judge, but in their natural environment grazing in the fields. I had spent days rounding up my sheep, checking for lameness, dirty rear ends, teeth, testicles, signs of impending death (sheep love dying unexpectedly - true), fly strike and the hundred other things sheep love to get when you don’t want them to. At 7pm a typical farmers truck flew into the farmyard and two flustered gentlemen fell out of the cab. The judge had arrived - oh my goodness, my heart nearly sank. He was extremely well built, shall we say, with a ruddy complexion and by the look on his face had had enough of sheep for the day. With few words, he introduced himself and in my normal style I chatted away happily, but soon gave up, as the judge was clearly not interested in my jabbering on.
expecting me to walk another step in search of your sheep”. The Steward looked at me hopefully and all I did was grin from ear to ear.
As always, sitting quietly behind me was my In response to his very sharp comment beautiful, faithful, border collie Tinker - the “Where’s the sheep then?” I realised this was one competition I was going to struggle to win. best dog I have ever had the privilege to own and train. Quickly I gave her a command He was clearly not in the best of moods -in “Tinker, away to me”. She set off at speed and other words, “sheeped” out and tired. ran close to the river’s edge and soon she was out of sight. There was total silence between The Steward tried to lighten the whole event the judge and steward. Tinker disappeared but that was a waste of time as well. as the field had a dogleg where the river meandered. A few whistle commands and I saw the heads of some 60 ewes start to come around the corner. As they came within about 400 yards, I knew instinctively that some were missing. I whistled to Tinker “Lie down” followed swift ly by another command, “Look back”. Working superbly, she turned around and disappeared back down the field and bought another 10 or so ewes to join the flock. Still no comment from the judge, but across his ruddy face came a huge smile. As Tinker brought the flock steadily to the judge’s feet, I was so proud. She was amazing. Still no comment, but an even larger smile aimed solely at my dog. The sheep looked good, if Illustrations by Jim Stanes © slightly out of breath. The judge had recovered his breath, the sheep slowly recovered their breath, as did Tinker. Total peace, pride, and ultimate praise for my sheep and most importantly my dog. As my good old shepherd We set off across the yard and the judge friend told me time and time again “You wanted to see the ewes first. I thought that cannot shepherd without a good dog! He was when I told him where they were he would proved so right that day! turn on his heels and go home. They were at the furthest part of the farm - our river field. All entrants are invited to the presentation of It’s a stunning walk along the river Tale with awards evening and I thought I ought to go swallows swooping and buzzards crying high but with no expectations whatsoever. above, being pursued by the ever present duo of crows if you are in a good mood - a hell “...and the winner of the pedigree flock is Mrs of a long walk if you are at the end of a long Janet East”. I wasn’t listening. Edward poked day (and your tether), “well built” and fed up me and everyone started clapping. As I walked looking at sheep. Hey Ho ! I kept my spirits up up to receive my prize from the judge, he was as we trotted (joke) off down the field. He was the one grinning from ear to ear - I had seen puffi ng going down hill so I was worried to that huge smile once before... down at the river death he might not make it on the way back. field. As we went through the gate to the river field, I mentioned my total surprise and being it was the turn of his heart to sink, not mine. cheeky I asked him: The river field is long and narrow, with the river Tale forming its boundary and to my “Who really won the competition that night... horror and clearly to his horror, there was not Me or my dog?” He smiled and winked. Both one sheep in sight. The judge looked at me he and I knew the answer! concerned - his look said, “You are surely not
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