East Devon Coast and Country Magazine Feb 13

EAST DEVON

February/March 2013

Covering East Devon, Exeter & West Dorset

FREE

Situated in the beautiful conservation area of Budleigh Salterton, Pinewood Residential & Nursing Home provides stunning views of the Jurassic coast and a level of care that is second-to-none.

Pinewood Home Care is an independent Domiciliary Care Agency, established by Pinewood Residential & Nursing Home, providing a wide range of care services to assist people in their home, on a one-to-one basis, allowing them to live independently.

Why not get in touch with us today to find out what we can do to help you or your loved ones retain their freedom, dignity and independence. Call us on the number below or visit our website for more information.

“I enjoy being at Pinewood.

I feel like I’m at home rather than in a nursing home and I’m well looked after.”

– Rosemary Humphries

“Your carers have been looking after my mum Laura Fletcher for a while now. I would just like to say a huge thank you.

They are kind, thoughtful, and actually take an interest in their work. Well done Pinewood.”

– Peter Fletcher

“I try to join in the activities at Pinewood every day of the week.

It keeps me young and nimble I really love bowling on the Wii” – Judy Lindley

Pinewood Residential & Nursing Home and Pinewood Home Care 33 Victoria Place, Budleigh Salterton, Devon, EX9 6JP Call us on 01395 446 161, email us at mail@pinewoodonline.co.uk or visit our website at www.pinewoodonline.co.uk

for What's On, visit: eastdevonhub .co.uk

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Contents Feb-Mar

ISSUE NO 15

6. Forthcoming Events

31. The Countryman

62. Aerial View

Find out what's not to miss.

Keep abreast of wildlife matters.

Topsham viewed from the air

10. Live Music Roundup

32. Dreamy Storage Ideas

66. Tales of a Yokel

Get the info on local live music!

Amanda Crump shares her home tips.

Yarns from the inimitable FCR Esgen.

12. Art Exhibitions

44. Luppitt Font

68. A Trust for Churches

Forthcoming events and art blog.

A 1000 year old font - Nigel Jones.

Preserving our churches for the future.

17. Nelson's Column

47. Nelson's Parting Shot

70. Horse Care - Thoughts

John Fisher's sage viewpoint!

Though provoking facts from John Fisher.

Equine advice from Natalie Bucklar.

18. Fashion and Beauty

48. Lion Attack on Coach

72. Life Matters

Retail therapy for women.

A wholly unusual incident!

Health & wellbeing issues.

22. Gifted with Love

52. Tide Timetables

76. Business Advice

Great Ideas for Valentine's Day.

Tide times from Lyme to Exmouth.

Valuable tips from Katina Styles

24. Eating Out

54. Shute Walk

78. Cream of the Crop

Great places to dine in the region.

Illustrated walk with Nigel Jones.

Business stars for the region.

28. Fossil Hunters

60. A Time Before Beeching

80. Financial Matters

The Lyme Regis line by Mike Clements.

From local IFA, Helen Mulvaney.

The Philpots & Mary Anning.

EAST DEVON

Coast & Country

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Redcoat 64x91mm ad 030712_Redcoat 64x91mm ad 030712 03/07/2012 15:

FREE Exeter Red Coat

Guided Tours

Ghosts & Legends Heart of Exeter Cathedral to Quay Exeter Old & New t: 01392 265203 Daily tours for Daily tours except Feb 13 25 &&Mar 26 Dec

www.exeter.gov.uk/guidedtours

Colyton Antiques Centre FURNITURE COLLECTABLES STAINED GLASS LINEN BOOKS PRINTS PORCELAIN TOYS Tel 01297 552339 We have a number of dealers on site offering an interesting variety of stock.

Opening hours: Mon-Sat 10am-5pm Sundays and Bank Holidays 11am-4pm Also on site: DOWNSIZE for Dolls House furniture. www.modelgarage.co.uk

Old Station Yard, Station Road, Colyton EX24 6HA

Editor's Letter A warm welcome to the February & March issue of the East Devon Coast & Country magazine.

Not long now and we'll start to see the days drawing out a bit further.

You really get to know spring is here when you can feel that early season sun warming your back - it's a great feeling, knowing that the best of the year is all ahead.

We've been busy here at the magazine, working on a new development that hopefully will benefit everyone in the region.

One of my long-term gripes has been the lack of really good "What's On" information provision in the region. If you've tried searching the internet, there's dribs and drabs of event information all over the place, which really negates the usefulness of the internet. Well I'm happy to tell you that there's now a new What's On website for East Devon, Exeter & West Dorset called eastdevonhub.co.uk The reason we've called it "hub" is because that's exactly what it is, a hub, where anyone with events

they need to promote, can access it to feed their event dates into this hub. There are currently 1,600 local organisations registered with this new website that wish to use it to promote their events.

What's great is that it's all FREE to use, and if you're an organisation looking to promote your events, the website allows you to log into your page and add events instantly, it's that easy!

To visit this new website, go to:

www. eastdevonhub .co.uk From now on, you will see this website address appear regularly in all the magazine titles we produce.

Dear reader, I invite you to try it out for yourself.

Kind regards Nigel Jones (Editor)

EAST DEVON

February/March 2013

ARE YOU RESPONSIBLE FOR PROMOTING YOUR ORGANISATION'S EVENTS?

Covering East Devon, Exeter & West Dorset

FREE

Cover photo: N.Jones Taken in Sidmouth 2012 Š

CONTRIBUTORS Nigel Jones, John Fisher, Katina Styles, Helen Mulvaney, FCR Esgen, Tony Jackson, Amanda Crump, Mike Clements, Hanneke Coates-Hoorn, Natalie Bucklar-Green, Jill Cooke, Hazel Fergie.

MAGAZINE Editor and publisher: Nigel Jones tel. 01395 513383 nigel@prestige-media.co.uk

Production: Charlotte Fergie

If you are, you can register with eastdevonhub.co.uk in order to add your event information into this website. It's totally free to use. There are currently 1,600 local organisations from tourist based businesses, to clubs, societies, charities, associations registered on this platform.

All you need to do is go to www.eastdevonhub.co.uk and go to the 'Register' menu option (lower left hand side of screen). You need to complete and submit. We will then setup your organisation on the website so you can then gain access to adding unlimited event information.

WANT TO KNOW

WHAT'S ON?

charlotte@prestige-media.co.uk

For advertising call: 01395 513383 or email: nigel@prestige-media.co.uk

otherwise 01395 568025 or email:

Just go to: eastdevonhub.co.uk it's easy!

vivienne@prestige-media.co.uk All images copyright N.Jones unless otherwise credited

EAST DEVON

Coast & Country

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What are you

waiting for?

Treatments available for • Varicose veins • Cataracts • Hernias • Knee replacements • Hip replacements and much more

At Nuffield Health, we wait for you If you’re waiting for an operation or the operation you need is no longer available on the NHS, talk to us today. Nuffield Health Exeter Hospital is affordable and accessible, both for customers with private medical insurance and for those who wish to pay themselves.

Here’s what you can expect from Nuffield Health: • rapid access to consultations, x-rays and treatment • see the same Consultant throughout your entire treatment • matron led nursing care • first class treatment and clinical standards with patient satisfaction ratings consistently in excess of 95% • private, ensuite rooms • financing options available through First Medical Loans* *All loans subject to status. Exclusions apply. 0% APR typical. There will be a £55 admin charge.

Please visit nuffieldhealth.com/loans for more information.

Don’t wait any longer. Call today on 01392 262110 exeter186x270 local ads.indd 1

5/14/2012 1:14:22 PM

for What's On, visit: eastdevonhub .co.uk

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We Value Your Home

GORDON & Rumsby

01297 553768 01460 30888

Now at Market Place, Colyton. Serving East Devon, West Dorset & South Somerset

KILMINGTON £365,000

COLYTON £350,000 Beautifully Refurbished 3 Bed Tower Bungalow with Good Sized Garden & Double Garage. Lovely Views.

Delightful 4 Bed Cottage, oozing Character. Pretty South Facing Garden. Parking for One. Quiet Location.

SEATON 128,000

COLYTON £317,500

Bright, Modern 2 Bedroom Ground Floor Apartment Close to Sea Front & All Amenities. Parking.

Modern 4 Bedroom Detached House Close to Town Centre with Double Garage & Delightful Garden.

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SO Detached 3 Bed House with Large Ground Floor Accommodation.

Some Improvement Required.

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COLYFORD £495,000

WHITFORD

COLYTON £220,000

COLYTON £235,000

Semi-Detached 2 Bed Bungalow with Glorious Far reaching Views.

Gardens & Parking.

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Spacious Detached Bungalow Set in Good Sized Plot in Lovely Village with Strong Community.

Spacious Detached 4 Bed House with 3 Reception Rooms, Walled Garden & Double Garage.

You wouldn't use an UNLICENSED

Dentist... ...why would you use an

UNLICENSED Estate Agent?

Do you want your property transaction to be handled safely and professionally?

Instruct an NAEA member because: • • • •

They are members of a regulatory body and are subject to control and regulation They ensure that your property is handled safely and with care They are experienced property professionals offering informed local advice They provide access to a complaints process should things go wrong

Always ask your Agent if they are an NAEA member.

www.naea.co.uk

The Property Professionals

www.gordonandrumsby.co.uk EAST DEVON

Coast & Country

The Property Professionals

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75 Offices • 5 Continents • 11 Countries

• Russia • Italy • France • Spain • South Africa • Australia • Singapore • UAE • Barbados • Gibraltar • United Kingdom

EAST DEVON PROPERTY REVIEW 2012/13 STARTED WELL AND FINISHED WELL Buying property and moving home came back on people’s agenda in 2012. After a very quiet 2011, the momentum in the market picked up and although it was somewhat unpredictable with ebbs and flows, it was a very good year with sales in our Honiton office up by over 50%!

PRICING IS THE KEY A property has its biggest impact when it first comes to the market so correct initial pricing is essential if the sale is to be successful. This is well illustrated by a pretty cottage we sold near Honiton which came to the market at our recommended figure of £425,000.

It had 50 viewings in two weeks, and went to ‘best and final offers’ when eleven were received and the property sold quickly in excess of the guide.

SHORTAGE OF THE ‘RIGHT STUFF’ We are finding that there is good demand for property of all types, sizes and prices, whether it is a bungalow at £300,000, a cottage at £450,000, or a larger property at £800,000, there is always a shortage for that exceptional property. For instance period farmhouses with outbuildings and a few acres, or classic former rectories/vicarages are always in keen demand.

WHAT OF 2013?

Providing that there are no more financial shocks such as a ‘triple dip’, we anticipate that property prices will begin to firm up and possibly increase by 2 or 3%. We find that it is often the ‘early bird’ (properties coming to the market before the spring rush) which are very successful, so our advice is not to leave it too late – you will only have more competition for buyers.

Chesterton Humberts 105 High Street, Honiton, Devon EX14 1PE 01404 42456

for What's On, visit: eastdevonhub .co.uk

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chestertonhumberts.com

HIGH SOCIETY at THEATRE ROYAL

ENGLISH TOURING OPERA at NORTHCOTT

AXE VALE ORCHESTRA at COLYTON

Forthcoming Events February & March 2013

promote your Events free on: eastdevonhub .co.uk

MAIN EVENTS POWDERHAM WEDDING SHOW 23 to 24 Mar - A wealth of wedding supplies to cater for every budget, large or small.

Explore the variety, be inspired by novel ideas, ask questions and sample the goods on offer, Powderham Castle.

Fairs MADE WITH LOVE 23 Feb - At least 50 stalls of unique crafts and gifts with vintage cars, a high tea and a charity prize draw for Balloons of Exeter, Exeter Castle. 10am till 4pm.

Are you Fed up with missing local events?

Wish you could tap into a resource that has really comprehensive WHAT'S ON information for the region?

The solution is here, it's called:

eastdevonhub .co.uk

EXETER RECORD & CD FAIR

VIBRAPHONIC FESTIVAL '13

16 Mar - The region’s biggest record fair, and a must for music lovers, collectors and bargain hunters, St. Georges Hall, Exeter.

8 to 23 Mar - It's an annual occasion with events taking place across Exeter around twenty venues including the Exeter Phoenix, the Cavern, Barnfield, and more. Various venues across Exeter.

WEDDING FAYRE 16 and 17 Mar - An exclusive Haldon Belvedere Wedding Fayre at Haldon Belvedere, Haldon Hill. 11am-3pm. 01392 833846.

Festivals

LYME REGIS BEER FESTIVAL 30 Mar, Lyme Regis.

LOCAL EVENTS

LAUGH OUT LOUD FESTIVAL Until 10 Feb - Exeter’s exciting comedy festival with stand-up, slapstick and open mic, various venues.

WINTER WARMED Until 16 Feb - Beckett’s Endgame as centrepiece of three-week drama festival, The Bike Shed Theatre, Exeter, 7.30pm.

LYME REGIS WALKING FESTIVAL 9 to 16 Feb - Organised activities: a walking quiz; treasure hunt; a stroll along the River Lym; electric bike tours of Lyme Regis, Marshwood Vale, Charmouth and some historical villages nearby; daily fossil walks with entrance to the museum. Further walks include The Undercliff, Jane Austen's Footsteps and History of the Cobb, Lyme Regis. Some age restrictions. Charges apply for most activities.

ANIMATED EXETER 18 to 23 Feb - Award Screenings.

Masterclasses, inspiring outside projections, competitions and Animation Events, Venues across Exeter.

EAST DEVON

AONB 50TH ANNIVERSARY WRITING COMPETITION A 'golden' opportunity awaits the region’s aspiring writers within the next few months.

2013 marks the 50th anniversary of the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and as part of the celebrations they are running a writing competition themed ‘Life and Landscape’. The only criteria are that the work should include a specific identified location within the East Devon AONB and the piece is original and unpublished. Details can be found on www.eastdevonaonb.org.uk. Get writing...!

BRIDAL VIEWING OF HALDON BELVEDERE 2, 9, 17 and 24 Feb - Haldon Belvedere, Haldon Hill. 01392 833846

CONCERT FOR KENYA 9 Feb - Sidmouth Gospel Choir with Salvation Army Youth Band, Sidmouth Parish Church.

Free Entry.

SPRING HOLIDAY HUNT 15 Feb - Younger visitors can have great fun finding the 10 wooden flowers featuring some of the springtime donkeys hidden around the

Coast & Country

Sanctuary, Donkey Sanctuary Visitors' Centre, Sidmouth 10.00am-4.00pm, £1.

SIDMOUTH LIONS CHARITY CONCERT 23 Feb - Sidmouth town band, Manor Pavilion, Sidmouth, 7.30pm.

CATHEDRA 900 Mar - Creative Workshops during March, there will be six, one day creative workshops for young people from the local area, staged in the Cathedral’s Chapter House. The six workshops will be for Creative Writing, Digital Photography, Digital Video, Performance, Voice Coaching and Drawing. The theme for all workshops will be ‘900 years’, Exeter Cathedral.

RIVER AXE RACE 3 Mar - Annual canoe/kayak event, starting Whitford Bridge.

OVER MY DEAD BODY 4 to 9 Mar - Play by Derek Benfield, Salterton Drama Club, Salterton Playhouse, Budleigh Salterton.

THE GRIZZLY 10 Mar - Approx. 20 muddy, hilly, boggy, beachy miles of the variable-terrain running experience you will find, Seaton. 10.30am.

MOTHER'S DAY OPEN AFTERNOON 10 Mar - Take a stroll in the grounds and witness the Spring in all its glory. Afternoon tea will be available in the Chapel. Dogs on leads welcome. £1.50 adults, free for children under 16. No need to book. Poltimore, Exeter, 12.00 to 4.00pm.

BUTTON MAKING 16 Mar - Join Jo Hunter of West Country Creative for a one-day workshop making

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February & March 2013

Forthcoming Events gorgeous tailor-made buttons. The event will take place in the warm surroundings of their studio. A light lunch and afternoon tea are included in the price. All equipment and materials are supplied, Poltimore, Exeter, from 10am to 4pm. £35. Booking essential.

MARK BEBBINGTON 14 Mar - Classical pianist and accompanist, Seaton Town Hall 7.30pm.

EXETER BACH SOCIETY 16 Mar - Mint Methodist, Exeter, 7.30pm.

NORMAN LOCKYER OBSERVATORY 23 Mar - Open Day - part of National Science & Engineering Week, Norman Lockyer Observatory, Sidmouth.

ST. JOHN PASSION 23 Mar - James MacMillan,City of Bath Bach Choir, Wellension Consort, South Bank Sinfonia, Exeter Cathedral, 7.30pm.

MILTON JONES ON THE ROAD TOUR 2013

Theatrical DIRTY DANCING Until 9 Feb - Dirty Dancing is an unprecedented live experience, exploding with heart-pounding music, passionate romance and sensationally sexy dancing. Theatre Royal, Plymouth.

GOODNIGHT MRS PUFFIN

GOOD FRIDAY HOT CROSS BUN GIVEAWAY

MIRACLE THEATRE PRESENT FRANKENSTEIN!

THE SOUND OF MUSIC

9 Feb - Story of unrequited love, confused monsters and science gone mad, Stockland Village Hall, Nr. Honiton, 7.30pm.

EASTER BONNET PARADE

Comedy TOO SCARED TO LEAVE THE HOUSE 2 Feb - stand-up comic Lee Hurst encourages you to go out and laugh in the face of doom, Corn Exchange, Exeter, 7.30pm.

EXTREME IMAGINATION 19 to 23 Feb - An exploration of childhood nostalgic, elegiac, painful, wry and terrifying, Age over 12, Cygnet New Theatre, Exeter 7.30pm to 8.45pm.

FRANKENSTEIN 20 Feb - Miracle Theatre, Exeter Phoenix, Exeter, 7.00pm.

THE LOCK IN

HAL CRUTTENDEN

THE RISE AND FALL OF LITTLE VOICE

CHRIS ADDISON 24 Feb - Manchester based comedian, Northcott Theatre, Exeter.

WIT TANK 24 Feb - Three-man sketch group, Exeter Phoenix.

JETHRO 25 Feb - Corn Exchange, Exeter.

25 Feb to 2 Mar - A night of music, divas and romance, written and directed by Jim Cartwright, Princess Theatre, Torquay, 7.30pm.

HAIRY BIKERS 7 Mar - Larger than live, with tales of their culinary expeditions, some hair-raising, many ridiculous and all of them shared in the Bikers’ inimitable style, Princess Theatre, Torquay, 7.30pm.

RUSSIAN COSSACKS 7 Mar - Russian State Ensemble, Exmouth Pavilions, 7.30pm.

SHOWSTOPPER 16 Mar - The Improvised Musical, Princess Theatre, Torquay, 7.30pm.

THE HOLLOW 19 to 23 Mar - A murder mystery, by Exeter Theatre Company. Performed in an annexe next to Alphington Village Hall called The Shed, Exeter.

THE SOUND OF MUSIC 2 hairy bikers, currently slimming down.

Appearing at Princess Theatre

Friday February 22nd 1.00pm

JOHAN LOFVING Guitar YU-WEI HU Flute Flautist Yu-Wei Hu and guitarist Johan Löfving formed their duo Flauguissimo in 2008. They have performed at venues including the V&A Museum, National Gallery and Kings Place as well as in the Cadogan Hall Lunchtime Concert Series and for the Brighton Early Music Festival. Abroad they have performed in the Allsköns Music Festival.

DOLLY PARTON'S 9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL

8 Feb - Seven Years in the Bathroom. Exeter Corn Exchange.

10 Feb - Edge Comedy Club, Exeter Phoenix.

Lunchtime Concerts

THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE

25 Feb - The Demon Barbers promise to do for English folk dance what Riverdance did for Irish dance and Diversity did for street dance, Exeter Phoenix.

ALEX HORNE

Honiton Festival Winter 2013

12 to 16 Feb - Musical, Northcott Theatre, Exeter.

18 to 23 Feb - A hilarious story of friendship, gossip and revenge, Princess Theatre, Torquay, 7.30pm.

30 Mar to 6 Apr - Sidmouth Arts Club and Operatic Society present The Sound of Music CONTINUED OVERLEAF

f

HONITON estival

EDGE COMEDY CLUB 10 Mar - Carl Donnelly, Rob Deering, Northcott Theatre, Exeter. 7.30pm.

29 Mar - Bedford Lawn Car Park, Sidmouth, 9.00am

31 Mar - Make an Easter bonnet and take it to the Baptist Church Hall for judging and then parade throughout the streets of Lyme Regis, accompanied by the Lyme Regis Junior Band and the Lyme Regis Majorettes to Theatre Square Lyme Regis, judging 1.30pm.

the

8 Mar - All killer, no thriller from surreal oneliner machine, Princess Theatre, Torquay.

7 to 9 Feb - Play by Arthur Lovegrove, Sidbury Into Drama (SIDS), Sidbury Village Hall.

30 Mar to 6 Apr - A favourite family show, Sidmouth Arts Operatic Society. Manor Pavilion, Sidmouth, 7.30pm (Saturday matinees at 2.30pm).

“Bringing the greatest new and established talents in classical music to the South West”

GLUCK – Dance of the Blessed Spirits, arranged for flute and guitar PAGANINI – Cantabile in D Major, Op.17 GUILIANI – Grand Duo Concertant in A, Op.85 SOR – Fantasie Elegiaque, Op.59 SCHUBERT – Songs arranged for flute and guitar

Friday March 22nd 1.00pm

HEPPLEWHITE PIANO TRIO A young ensemble who are passionate about bringing a fresh approach to classical music. After forming in 2009 they have built success quickly, winning many prizes. They perform regularly for chamber music societies and concert series across the country. They are Junior Fellows at Birmingham Conservatoire – a position they will hold for 2012-2013.

HAYDN – Piano Trio in G, Hob. XV:25 “Gipsy Rondo” SCHUBERT – Notturno in E flat Op.148, D.897 RAVEL – Piano Trio in A minor

Lunchtime tickets £9.00 unreserved Programme and lunch on sale from 12.00 noon BOX OFFICE Honiton Tourist Information Centre

Box Office 01404 43716 www.thehonitonfestival.co.uk

for What's On, visit: eastdevonhub .co.uk

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February & March 2013

Forthcoming Events showing nightly at 7.30 (apart from Sun) and matinees at 2.30 on both Sat. Tickets £14 (£10 for children u16 at both matinees). Manor Pavilion, Sidmouth.

THAT'LL BE THE DAY

AXE VALE ORCHESTRA 24 Feb - In the 7th year of giving classical concerts in the area, Feoffees hall, Colyton.

Adults £9 from The Archway Bookshop, Axminster and Brainwave, Colyton, 3pm.

MARK BEBBINGTON

31 Mar - Rock ‘n’ roll spectacular featuring a fantastic line up of knock-out hits from the 1950s, 60s and 70s, Princess Theatre, Torquay, 7.30pm.

14 Mar - Seaton Music presents a piano recital by this British pianist of rarest refinement and maturity, Seaton Town Hall, 7.30pm.

JUKEBOX AND BOBBYSOX

LUNCHTIME CONCERT

31 Mar - Exmouth Pavilion, 7.30pm.

Tribute Bands JIVE TALKIN’ 15 Feb - Tribute to the Bee Gees, Exmouth Pavilion, 7.30pm.

ROD STEWART TRIBUTE 23 Feb - The voice, the look, the charisma, The Gateway, Seaton Town Hall.

ABBA TRIBUTE NIGHT 8 Mar - Get your metallic flared jumpsuits out and retro platform shoes on and get ready to be a Dancing Queen for the night. Sing the night away with the 70’s classics, (in aid of the Adam Stansfield Foundation) Mercure Southgate Hotel, Exeter, 7.00pm.

Classical

Concerts GYPSY WATKINS 2 Feb - Performing some of the greatest opera arias, popular power ballads, and spiritual music, Exeter Cathedral, 7.30pm.

22 Mar - Hepplewhite Piano Trio, St Paul’s Church, Honiton, 1pm (lunch on sale from 12 noon).

Opera

Ballet DON QUIXOTE

PARSIFAL 2 Mar - New York Met’s performance of Wagner’s final masterpiece, beamed to Picture House Cinema, Exeter, 12.30pm.

CARMEN 13 Mar - Opera International, starring international mezzo soprano Nadia Stoianova, whose portrayal of Carmen has won rapturous reviews. This is the story of a bewitching gypsy girl whose tantalising beauty lures a soldier to desertion and ultimately leads to her own murder, Princess Theatre, Torquay.7.30pm.

Mackarness Hall, Friday, 9.30-11am.

OTTERY ST MARY FARMERS' MARKET

10 Feb - Bolshoi Ballet’s performance (captured March 2010), Picture House Cinema, Exeter, 7.30pm.

Land of Canaan Car Park, first Friday, 9am1pm.

SLEEPING BEAUTY

The Institute, Ottery St Mary, last Saturday, 9.30am-12.30pm.

15 Mar - A new Verdi production by English Touring Company, Vienna Festival Ballet, Princess Theatre Torquay.

THE RITE OF SPRING 31 Mar - The Bolshoi’s performance of Stravinsky’s ballet re-choreographed for its 100th anniversary and beamed live to Picture House Cinema, Exeter, 4pm.

COSI FAN TUTTE 19 to 20 Feb - English Touring Company. A cynical gentleman’s conviction that women cannot be faithful sets in motion a chain of deceit, disguise and desire in the most perfect ensemble opera ever written, Northcott Theatre, Exeter 7.30pm.

HONITON WOMEN'S GUILD COUNTRY MARKET

OTTERY ST MARY COMMUNITY MARKET

STOCKLAND COUNTRY MARKET Last Saturday, Stockland Victory Hall, 10am12 noon.

MARKET DAYS AXMINSTER STREET MARKET

Childrens' Entertainment EXTREME IMAGINATION: EXETER CHILDREN'S LITERATURE 2013 16 to 23 Feb - Venues throughout the city including Exeter Northcott and the Bike Shed Theatre. Exeter.

MADAGASCAR LIVE 21 to 24 Feb - First arena tour of Dreamworks Live. Westpoint Arena, Exeter.

Trinity Square, Thursday, 8.30am-3pm.

CULLOMPTON INDOOR MARKET Town Hall, Wednesday, 9am-1pm.

EXETER LIVESTOCK AND PANNIER MARKET Exeter Livestock Centre, Monday and Friday, 10.30am.

HONITON STREET MARKET Every Tuesday and Saturday, 9am.

Collectors DEVON COUNTY ANTIQUES & COLLECTORS FAIR 23 Feb - Inside stands at ground floor level in the one exhibition hall, plus space on hard standings outside the hall.

FRANCESCA DA RIMINI

CRIKEY - IT’S A SPRING FLING

16 Mar - New York Met’s performance of Zandonai’s compelling opera beamed to Picture House Cinema, Exeter, 12.30pm.

2 Mar - Local vintage sellers and handmade artists, with entertainment from Company B, Thistle Hotel, Exeter.

SIMON BOCCANEGRA 21 and 23 Mar - A new Verdi production by English Touring Company, Northcott Theatre, Exeter 7.30pm.

THE SIEGE OF CALAIS Amy Carson - soprano - Devon Baroque at Colyton Church on 16th Feb

DEVON BAROQUE 16 Feb - Colyton Parish Church is hosting a concert (all Bach, cantatas and suites) from Devon's only professional chamber orchestra.

Colyton.

22 Mar - L'assedio di Calais by English Touring Company, Northcott Theatre, Exeter 7.30pm.

THE ADVENTURES OF ALICE IN WONDERLAND 28 Mar - ROH performance beamed to Picture House Cinema, Exeter, 7.15pm.

EXHIBITIONS Moscow State Circus at Princess Theatre

MOSCOW STATE CIRCUS 3 Mar - The most famous circus in the world is transformed by combining the contemporary and the classical in a way never before witnessed, Princess Theatre, Torquay, 7.30pm.

MOTHER AFRICA 21 Mar - The circus is an experiential feast for the senses; an opportunity to be touched by the many varied and rich cultures that Africa has to offer, Princess Theatre, Torquay, 7.30pm.

FARMERS & Saturday 16th March 11am-3pm Sunday 17th March 11am-3pm

Country Markets BUDLEIGH SALTERTON FARMERS' MARKET Rolle Mews Car Park, last Friday, 9am-1pm.

EXETER FARMERS' MARKET Top of Fore Street/South Street, Thursday, 9am-2pm.

EXMINSTER MARKET First Saturday every month, 9.30am-12.30pm.

EXMOUTH FARMERS' MARKET The Strand Gardens, Exmouth, alternate Wednesdays, 9am-1pm.

HONITON LOCAL PRODUCE MARKET High Street, third Thursday, Easter to October.

EXPOWEST WESTCOUNTRY 6 to 7 Feb -This exhibition is a showcase of innovation & new products for caterers, hospitality providers and retailers, Westpoint Arena, Exeter.

PETAL POWER Until 10 Mar - The hand drawn and painted textile design work of women employed by the Silver Studio of Design in London between 1910 and 1940, Royal Albert Memorial Museum, Exeter.

Get your events listed now!

If you register with eastdevonhub, you can take advantage of unlimited event promotion on the website.

Go to the website now and register with us to take advantage of this free promotional facility.

eastdevonhub .co.uk EAST DEVON

Coast & Country

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ARE YOU RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR CLUB / CHARITY /ORG's EVENT PROMOTION? CALL 01395 513383 TO GET ADDED TO OUR EVENTS LIST.

The Gift of Opportunity……….

Come and visit us to plan your child’s next steps.

SCHOOL OPEN DAY & SENIOR SCHOOL’S EXHIBITION (Meet over 10 of the area’s leading Independent Secondary Schools)

SATURDAY 16th MARCH (10am – 2pm) EMO The Old Rectory, Vicarage Lane, Highworth, Wiltshire SN6 7AD 01793 767300

All Welcome!

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Neil

Production:

Vicki

Mod. date:

Notes: Margins etc adjusted at Neils request due to size v2

RANGE ROVER EVOQUE THE POWER OF PRESENCE

www.matford.landrover.co.uk Drive responsibly on and off-road.

RANGE OF FUEL ECONOMY FIGURES FOR THE RANGE ROVER EVOQUE RANGE IN MPG (L/100KM): URBAN 23.7 (11.9) – 47.9 (5.9) EXTRA URBAN 40.9 (6.9) – 62.8 (4.5) COMBINED 32.5 (8.7) – 57.6 (4.9) CO2 EMISSIONS 199 – 129 G/KM. for What's On, visit: eastdevonhub .co.uk

9

LIVE MUSIC EVENTS GENERAL Thursdays - Jam sessions, The Sorry Head, Exeter, 9pm.

Thursdays - Live music, The Oddfellows, Exeter, 9pm.

Sundays - Easy Sundays with Phil Evans, songs from the 60s to the present day, Axminster Inn, Axminster, 12.30pm.

First Friday - Open Mic Night, Dolphin Hotel, Beer.

First Friday - Matthew Finnish, with cover songs and originals, The Pilot Inn, Exmouth, 9-11pm.

6 Feb - Ethan Johns, winner of 2012 Brit Award for Best British Producer, Exeter Phoenix, 8pm.

15 Feb - Modestep, band with a genre-hopping sound and giving an intense, theatrical and furiously energetic live show, The Lemon Grove, Exeter University, 7.30pm.

17 Feb - Frightened Rabbit, guitarbased indie band from Selkirk + Wintersleep, Exeter Phoenix, 8pm.

23 Feb - The Kaiser Chiefs, see opposite, The Great Hall, Exeter University, 7pm.

25 Feb - The Lock In, and The Demon Barbers, Exeter Phoenix, 8pm.

1 Mar - Slamboree, Balkan music, (over 18s only), Exeter Phoenix, 9.30pm.

2 Mar - The Selecter, re-formed and featuring original lead singers Pauline Black and Arthur ‘Gaps’ Hendrickson, Exeter Phoenix, 8.30pm.

10 Mar - The Lateshift popular function band, First & Last, Exmouth.

6pm.

13 Mar - The Colonel & The Governor UK Tour, Exeter Corn Exchange, 7.30pm.

16 Mar - The Dissemblers, guitar, bass and drums trio with something for everyone, Volunteer Inn, Honiton, 9-11.30pm.

23 Mar - Joe Brown, slide guitarist who has never stopped working, Palace Theatre, Torquay, 7.30pm.

23 Mar - The Dissemblers, Black Horse Inn, Sidmouth, 9.30pm.

24 Mar - Stornaway, the first unsigned band to be booked for the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury Festival, Exeter Phoenix, 8pm.

30 Mar - Martin Harley Band + Marc O’Reilly, powerhouse trio with that ‘British Americana’ sound, plus the new sensation of Irish acoustic roots, Exeter Phoenix, 8.30pm.

Live Music February & March 2013

JAZZ First Wednesday - Bridge Jazz Club, (contact www.bridgejazzclub.com for venue), Exeter,8.30pm.

Third Thursday - City Steam Jazz Band, The Northbridge Inn, Exeter, 8.30-11pm.

Last Sunday - High Tea Jazz, with Pete Allen, Lakeview Manor, Dunkeswell, 5-7.30pm.

3 Feb - Just Misbehavin’, Sunday lunch, a glass of wine and swing jazz, The Grove, Exmouth, 2-4pm.

10 Feb - Pete Allen, the jazz maestro, Kennaway House, Sidmouth, 3pm.

16 Mar - Jazz Morley, with a repertoire of classic soul, jazz and pop songs, self-accompanied on the piano, Barnfield Theatre (Exeter Arts), 7.30pm.

29 Mar - Take4, The Bowd Inn, Sidmouth, 8pm.

photo courtesy of The Lock In

Monday 25 February, 8pm

THE LOCK IN, EXETER PHOENIX www.thelockindanceshow.co.uk

FOLK ROOTS & ACOUSTIC Mondays - The Amycrofters Folk Dance Band, Offwell Village Hall, 8-10.15pm.

Thursdays - Alan West & Steve Black, with their own brand of country and folk songs, Axminster Inn, Axminster, 6.30-9pm.

Award-winning folk band The Demon Barbers bring The Lock In, their groundbreaking dance show, to Exeter in February. Formerly known as Time Gentlemen Please, the show merges the traditions of English folk dance with the syncopated acrobatics of street dance when the two worlds collide in an old pub after closing time. The skill, speed and athleticism of the dancers on both sides soon wins the others over as the old and new are brought together in an exciting and dynamic dance-off. This show is doing for folk dance what Riverdance has done for Irish dance. Tickets: £18 (£16 in advance). demons@demonbarbers.co.uk Exeter Phoenix, Bradninch Place, Exeter EX4 3LS Tel: 01392 66708 www.exeterphoenix.org.uk

IF YOUR VENUE HAS LIVE MUSIC, get added to our events by emailing: jill@prestige-media.co.uk

Sundays (unless Guest Night) - Singers' Night, Topsham Folk Club, The Globe Hotel, Topsham, 8-10.30pm.

Third Wednesday - Singers' Night, Jurassic Folk Club, Grove Nite Club, Seaton, 7.45pm.

6 Feb - Ethan Johns, solo performer leaning towards Folk, Exeter Phoenix, 8pm.

6 Feb - Steve Turner, one of the most popular performers of traditional folk music, Jurassic Folk & Acoustic, Grove Nite Club, Seaton, 8.15pm.

10 Feb - Andy White, blending folk and pop styles with a poet’s sensibility, Bedford Hotel, Sidmouth, 7.45pm.

10 Feb - Kelly Joe Phelps, whose achingly beautiful melody lies at the emotional core of his music, Topsham Folk Club, Matthews Hall,, Topsham, 8pm.

16 Feb - Great Western Ceilidh Band, with Chalktown Bowhill School, Buddle Lane, Exeter, 8pm.

17 Feb - Tyde, vibrant guitar, fiddle and accordion Folk trio, Matthews Hall, Topsham, 8pm.

EAST DEVON

19 Feb - Heidi Talbot, Irish folk singer, Exeter Phoenix, 8pm.

21 Feb - June Tabor + Oysterband, Exeter Cathedral, 7.30pm.

3 Mar - Steve Knightley, songwriting force behind acoustic roots duo ‘Show of Hands’, Topsham Folk Club, Matthews Hall, Topsham, 8pm.

4 Mar - Willy Mason, folk, blues, and country singer/songwriter who captures the spirit of a time, a place, a generation, Exeter Phoenix, 8pm.

6 Mar - Boo Hewerdine, accomplished live performer with much heart and passion, Jurassic Folk & Acoustic, Grove Nite Club, Seaton, 7.45pm.

6 Mar - Robyn Hitchcock, fabulous guitarist with a multi-layered psychedelic sound that bites, Exeter Phoenix, 8pm.

8 Mar - Fairport Convention, with Fake Thackray: the originators of

Coast & Country

British folk-rock, plus John Waterson’s tribute to Jake Thackray, Exeter Corn Exchange, Exeter Corn Exchange, 7.30pm.

16 Mar - Mad Dog Mcrea + Sound of Sirens, unique mix of folk-rock, pop, gypsy-jazz, bluegrass and ‘shake your ass’ music, plus the 3-girl band from Exeter, Exeter Phoenix, 8pm.

31 Mar - The Melrose Quartet, 4-part harmony singing with ADD , Matthews Hall, Topsham.

BLUES 15 Feb - Pitchbend, hi-energy mix of rhythm ‘n’ blues, soul and rock, Black Horse Inn, Sidmouth, 9.30pm.

1 Mar - Alex Kumar, keepin’ the Blues alive, Barnfield Music Club, Barnfield Theatre, Exeter, 7.30pm.

10

Get your live music events listed now!

Saturday 23 February, 7.30pm

Take advantage of unlimited event promotion.

Go to the website now and register.

KAISER CHIEFS, THE GREAT HALL, EXETER UNIVERSITY

eastdevonhub .co.uk

www.kaiserchiefs.com

Friday 15th March, 8pm

HEATHER WENSLEY AND PHILIP CLOUTS, MARINE THEATRE, LYME REGIS Heather Wensley, West Country based jazz vocalist, and jazz pianist Philip Clouts are performing at the Marine Theatre’s Stage Door Bar on 15th March. You are in for an evening of lively jazz and gentle bossa novas combined with the sultry blues and exquisite ballads in the newest and most intimate jazz venue in Lyme Regis.

Somerset-based Heather is a performer and singing teacher, proficient in jazz, pop, and classical styles. Experienced pianist Philip is currently touring the UK with his jazz quartet, but you might have already seen him at the Glastonbury Festival or at Ronnie Scott’s, the Mecca of jazz.

Tickets: £6 (£5 in advance) Marine Theatre, Church Street, Lyme Regis DT7 3QA. Tel: 01297 442138 www.marinetheatre.com

BRIT-Award winning Kaiser Chiefs take in Exeter University on their 2013 Tour. Famed for their phenomenal live act, the photo courtesy of Kaiser Cheifs 5-piece alternative rock band from Leeds went from being self-financing to becoming the darlings of the British Music press and have now achieved six million plus record sales, brought out five studio albums, and performed at the Closing Ceremony of the London Olympics. The band members met as lads and have stuck together - Ricky Wilson, lead vocals and percussion, Andrew “Whitey” White, guitar and backing vocals, Simon Rix, bass guitar and backing vocals, Nick “peanut” Baines, keyboard synths, and Nick Hodgson, drummer and backing vocals. Dedicated fans know these are true originals. Tickets: £25.

The Great Hall, Exeter University, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4PY. Box Office: 01392 263518.

Disclaimer - you are advised that before attending any of the events listed in the "Forthcoming Events" and 'Live Music Roundup' section of this magazine, you should contact the venue in advance to double check that the dates and times are correct.

Saturday 16 March, 9pm

THE DISCLAIMERS/ THE DISSEMBLERS, VOLUNTEER INN, HONITON

photo courtesy of Heather Wensley

Popular performers The Disclaimers/The Dissemblers offer something for everyone from The Beatles, Queen, Pink Floyd through to The Stranglers and Thin Lizzy. These guys have a huge repertoire and really know their stuff.

Playing as a duo - two live guitars and vocals with good quality backing - they are known as The Disclaimers, as a trio - guitar, bass and drums - they are The Dissemblers.

And it as The Dissemblers you can see them in March at The Volunteer in Honiton and the Black Horse Inn in Sidmouth. (Dates opposite). Available for weddings, corporate events and parties, they have their own PA system and lights, equipment is PAT-tested and they are fully insured with PLI, so you can book with confidence and be assured that you will enjoy a memorable celebration.

Tel: 01404 892908/ 07900 104369 (Ged or Pete).

Email: strummers81@hotmail.com

FEATURED VENUE ROCK/H-METAL 10 Feb - Sink Your Teeth, hardcore from Your Demise, Heights, Counterpart, and FACT, Cavern Club, Exeter, 7.30pm.

5 Mar - The Joy Formidable, North Wales indie-grunge band, fronted by the enchanting Ritzy Bryan, Exeter Phoenix, 8pm.

9 Mar - Mike Watt + The Arteries, Cavern Club, Exeter, 8pm.

15 Mar - 4 Rock’s Sake, classic rock and blues, Black Horse Inn, Sidmouth, 9pm.

29 Mar - All At Sea, melodic rock post-hardcore band from Essex, The Shed, Exeter, 7.30pm.

30 and 31 Mar - Hawkwind, legendary space rock band holding an Easter weekend HawkFest, giving us blanga in all its glory, The Gateway, Seaton.

BARNFIELD MUSIC CLUB "Giving new performers a chance to shine" The Barnfield Music Club meets on the first Friday of the month in the Clifford Room at the Barnfield Theatre, Exeter. Formed four years ago, the Club gives the opportunity to singers, with instrumental or harmony accompaniment, to improve their talents and abilities before an audience in a theatre setting with a state-of-the-art sound system, operated by professional sound engineers, and stage lighting. “We’re not just another folk club,” they say. This approach has proved such a winner that the BMC has fast become the go-to club for aspiring young artists. “Wow, just like a proper theatre show!”, is the unanimous opinion. With a bar, café, and free parking nearby, this place is audience-friendly. Doors open at 7.30pm and the sets, usually 10 minutes per artist, start at 7.45pm.

be up-and-coming Alex Kumar, singersongwriter and acoustic guitarist, who is now a regular at folk/acoustic clubs round Devon. Influenced by 60s/70s blues-rock and pre-war blues, his style encompasses ragtime guitar, blues-rock country and jazz music. Like a young Dylan, his mission

On Friday 1st March, guest artist will for What's On, visit: eastdevonhub .co.uk

is simple: Keepin’ the Blues alive. So if you love the Blues, get along to this rather special Club and see this rather special performer on the first Friday in March. Ticket: small fee (which doubles as a raffle ticket).

Barnfield Music Club www.barnfieldmusicclub.co.uk Tel: 07596 843373 (Secretary) Barnfield Theatre, Barnfield Road, Exeter EX1 1SN www.barnfieldtheatre.org.uk Tel: 01392 270891 Alex Kumar: www.soundcloud.com/alex-kumar

11

Forthcoming Art Exhibitions February & March 2013

Susanna Lance - 'Misty Morning' - Isca Gallery

Paul Jones - 'Transition 2' - Sladers Yard Archie Dickens - 'Image 1' - The Marle Gallery

GALLERIES SHOWCASE Ongoing - A permanent selection of original prints by some of the most influential artists in the UK today. Now also featuring Another Dimension - a new selection of beautiful sculpture and ceramics. Brook Gallery.

WINTER SHOW Until 24 Feb - Julian Bailey, Angela Charles, Stewart Jones, Alex Lowery, Howard Phipps, Simon Quadrat, Alfred Stockham ARCA RWA, Furniture By Petter Southall, Sladers Yard.

PRINTMAKING AND ANIMATION Until 2 Mar - Annual tie-in with the Animated Exeter Festival, Thelma Hulbert Gallery.

MIXED EXHIBITION Until 16 March - Gallery Artists show recent work in a mixed exhibition of painting, sculpture and craft, Hybrid.

MATISSE LITHOGRAPHS Until 23 Feb - Gloss Gallery, Exeter.

OBJECT AND OBSERVER Until 27 Mar - Maisie Hill. Rotunda Gallery, Lyme Regis Museum.

TheMarleGallery contemporary fine art & ceramics Open Tues - Sat 10.30 - 5.00

Sun 2.00 - 4.30

www.brookgallery.co.uk

01395 443003

EXHIBITIONS Catalan Collection

Feb - Inspired by sun and beauty, 3 of the most famous artists who lived and worked in Catalunya - Picasso, Miro and Dali.

Storm Thorgerson

Easter - The creator of some of the most iconic album covers today, including Pink Floyd’s instantly recognisable Dark Side of the Moon.

FINE ART COLLECTION Until 30 Mar - The exhibition will include city views, 20th century Devon landscapes and striking portraits.

Revealing Exeter before the bombings of the second World War changed the city forever. Gallery 5, RAMM, Exeter.

ART AUCTION Feb - An auction to support the work of Devon Insight, with a wide variety of artists. Sponsored by The Art Room and administered by Bearns, Hampton and Littlewood. Viewing 21 to 22 Feb and auction 23 Feb, The Art Room.

CATALAN COLLECTION Feb - A collection inspired by sun and beauty, 3 of the most famous artists who lived and worked in Catalunya Picasso, Miro and Dali, Brook Gallery.

BEFORE THEY WERE FAMOUS 5 to 23 Feb - An exhibition of art from exceptional young local artists under the age of 19: talent of the future, The Marle Gallery.

SPRING EXHIBITION 16 to 24 Feb - A mixed exhibition of various Devon artists, East Devon Art.

hybrid art & design for your home and garden

EXHIBITIONS Before They Were Famous

5 to 23 Feb - An exhibition of art from exceptional young local artists under the age of 19: talent of the future.

Angus Rutherford & Emma Forrester

5 to 30 Mar - Emma’s paintings are thoughtful and delicate still lives. Angus takes the eye on a rhythmic journey through landscapes with his pen and ink drawings.

51 High Street Honiton 51 High Street Honiton t. 01404 43201 t. 01404 43201 www.hybrid-devon.co.uk www.hybrid-devon.co.uk

Print Making and Animation

Until 2 Mar - Annual tie-in with the Animated Exeter Festival - Free.

Mixed Exhibition

Family Workshop 19 Feb

Until 16 March - Gallery Artists show recent work in a mixed exhibition of painting, sculpture and craft.

Painting the Everyday 16 Mar to 27 Apr

Victoria Place, Axminster, Devon, EX13 5NQ art@themarlegallery.co.uk 01297 639970 www.themarlegallery.co.uk

EAST DEVON

01404 45006

11am to 4pm - Free.

Centenary exhibition of the late Thelma Hulbert 1913-95 - Free. www.thelmahulbert.com

Coast & Country

Art Galleries

Jack Hague - 'Still 6' - Thelma Hulbert Gallery

ANIMATED EXETER: ART YOU GREW UP WITH 16 Feb to 2 Mar - Preview: Friday 15th Feb, 5-8pm, Gloss Gallery, Exeter.

EASTER EXHIBITION 29 Mar to 14 Apr - West Country Artists display their latest works, East Devon Art.

FAMILY WORKSHOP 19 Feb - 11am to 4pm - Free, Thelma Hulbert Gallery.

MIKE BERNARD 16 to 29 Mar - 45 new works, Italian and West Country coastal scenes, Marine House at Beer.

SPRING EXHIBITION Mar - Artwave West.

MICHAEL MORGAN 2 Mar - Launch of his definitive book, "The Road Less Travelled" plus release of six special limited edition prints, 11am to 5.30pm, Marine House at Beer.

COASTAL GEOLOGY From 2 Mar - New paintings by Paul Jones, Sladers Yard.

ANGUS RUTHERFORD & EMMA FORRESTER 5 to 30 Mar - Emma's paintings are thoughtful and delicate still lives.

Angus takes the eye on a rhythmic journey through landscapes with his pen and ink drawings, The Marle Gallery.

Henri Matisse - 'Nu Bleu 12' - Gloss Gallery.

Peter Blake - 'Abbey Road, Parade' - Brook Gallery

PAINTING THE EVERYDAY 16 Mar to 27 Apr - Thelma Hulbert and contemporary Women Artists, Thelma Hulbert Gallery.

EXETER OPEN STUDIOS 22 to 24 Mar - Launch: Thursday 21st Mar, Gloss Gallery, Exeter.

STORM THORGERSON Easter - The creator of some of the most iconic album covers today, including Pink Floyd’s instantly recognisable Dark Side of the Moon.

Many of Thorgerson’s classic album covers have become masterpieces in their own right, Brook Gallery.

Philip Hogben - 'Harbour' - The Art Room

BRITISH NAIVE ARTISTS 9 Mar to 4 May - Preview: Friday 8th Mar, 5-8pm, Gloss Gallery, Exeter.

PHILIP HOGBEN 10 to 31 Mar - The Art Room. info@artwavewest.com | artwavewest.com artwave west | 01297 489 746 morcombelake | dorset | DT6 6DY

Gallery Artist Exhibition February

Spring Exhibition March

Catherine Osbond - 'Red Bag, Sidmouth' East Devon Art

Mike Bernard - 'Villa Rufolo, Ravello' see Marine House at Beer display overleaf Open Wednesday to Saturday 10am-4pm

Serena Curmi - 'The Bear Trapper' - Hybrid

EastDevonArt.co.uk

ISCA

Contemporary British Art, Furniture & Craft. Licensed Café. gallery@sladersyard.co.uk

GALLERY

www.marinehouseatbeer.co.uk

Exhibition Michael Morgan

2 Mar - Launch of his definitive book, “The Road Less Travelled” plus release of six special limited edition prints, 11am to 5.30pm.

Mike Bernard Solo Show

16 to 29 Mar - 45 new works, Italian and West Country coastal scenes.

Contact the gallery for a catalogue on: 01297 625257

www.iscagallery.co.uk

Old Fore Street, Sidmouth EX10 8LS www.eastdevonart.co.uk 01395 516284 info@eastdevonart.co.uk

EXHIBITION

Spring Exhibition

Exhibiting works all year round by selected West country artists Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday 11am-4.30pm (Closed Thursday) 3 Chapel Street Budleigh Salterton EX9 6LX

S LADERS Y ARD

01395 444193

16 to 24 Feb - A mixed exhibition of various Devon artists, East Devon Art.

Easter Exhibition

29 Mar to 14 Apr - West Country Artists display their latest works, East Devon Art. Art tuition available throughout the year A selection of work may be viewed on-line at www.eastdevonart.co.uk www.facebook.com/eda.academy Open every day 11am-5pm, including Sunday

for What's On, visit: eastdevonhub .co.uk

WINTER SHOW until 24 Feb JULIAN BAILEY, ANGELA CHARLES, STEWART JONES, ALEX LOWERY, HOWARD PHIPPS, SIMON QUADRAT, ALFRED STOCKHAM Furniture by PETTER SOUTHALL

COASTAL GEOLOGY from 2 Mar PAUL JONES new paintings

www.sladersyard.co.uk 01308 459511

Art Galleries

Art Blog EVENT LISTINGS Powered by

Art Blog http://dolbycusdin.tumblr.com

We’re the official coordinators for EXETER OPEN STUDIOS which we are delivering in Spring 2013 - with a series of exciting pop-up exhibitions and film screenings across the city.

Please make contact if you wish to be involved.

Tel. 07786 326298 dolbycusdin@gmail.com

Lucinda Cusdin

eastdevonhub.co.uk

Are you interested in art?

Now you can follow your local art scene online

Polly Dolby

Making the Arts Accessible!

Art is very subjective. It can be a personal experience or a shared delight. We have the luxury to engage in it but also step back.

What we cannot deny is its presence: visual culture surrounds us, we absorb it subconsciously, it is propaganda, and is undeniably pertinent and persuasive in how we function as a society.

and Peninsula Arts in Plymouth also offer a diverse and important programme of events which aim to engage all. Not only have we become far more conscious of the space in which we function, physically making it accessible to audiences. Access lies at the heart of our programmes and audience participation.

It really is amazing that this region has such a great range of Art Galleries, many exhibiting leading names from the art world.

Now, you can follow your local art scene in East Devon, Exeter and West Dorset by going to the eastdevonhub.co.uk website.

Additionally, if you're an emerging artist, established artist or art gallery, you can get your events listed on the website totally free of charge. We can also pull your art events into both the East Devon and South Devon COAST & COUNTRY magazines.

Saturday Art Club at Spacex

The 20th century has seen the rise of a bombastic cultural giant: the public gallery. Tate, the Barbican, Saatchi - these galleries amongst many have become brands, synonymous with modern thought on aesthetic and how we perceive art. We trust them, venerate them, embrace them and rightly so for they have paved the way for a rich cultural heritage and programme of exhibitions which are vastly important.

Here in Devon we can see how the cultural landscape has changed.

In Exeter alone, 2012 saw the grand re-opening of the exquisite RAMM. Spacex, the Pheonix

og

Robert the Rat at RAMM- helping young visitors to engage with the history of Exeter!

RAMM have got it just right. Never too young to appreciate a museum, their learning programme involves early years with fun days and special activities, right through to adults with a regular programme of lectures, symposia and curator-led tours. The public can engage with the museum onsite and offsiteboth digitally and physically and RAMM are conscious to offer touch tours for visually impaired visitors as well as BSL tours for deaf audiences. We can get our hands dirty in artist-led workshops or engage with the exhibitions intellectually with high quality talks delivered by experts in their field.

The museum and gallery has become a place where people interact, socialise and share their experience. It is fun, engaging, resourceful and exciting. Above all it is accessible and allencompassing. No longer do we look to the museum as a stuffy institution. It has become our favourite cultural playground.

EAST DEVON

Coast & Country

Art Galleries

14

‘Tulips and Pears’ - £850 Mike Bernard - ‘Hotel Rufolo, Ravello’ 20 x 30ins

‘Cymbidium - Ruby Wedding Orchids’ - 18.5” x 14.5” - £1950

Mike Bernard - ‘Villa Rufolo, Ravello’ 36 x 28ins

Coastal Delights Mike Bernard’s 2013 solo show at Marine House

Mike Bernard - ‘Bathers, Sidmouth’ 16 x 22ins

16th March - Friday 29th March Mike Bernard RI has exhibited at Marine House for over ten years. He is consistently one of our top artists. Ever popular are his masterly depictions of sea side villages and towns especially in Devon and Cornwall.

Fore Street Beer Devon EX12 3EF 01297 625257

In this exhibition of 45 new works which range in price from around £1000 to £6000, Mike has counterbalanced West Country scenes with magnificent paintings based round Ravello on the Italian Amalfi Coast near Naples, which he visited for the first time last autumn. These paintings reinforce Mike’s virtuoso compositional skill and grasp of colour.

This exhibition opens on Saturday 16 March from 11.00am. Please contact the gallery for a free colour catalogue and an invitation to the launch day on Saturday where you will be able to meet the artist.

Michael Morgan’s definitive book

The works can also be viewed on our website from late February. www.marinehouseatbeer.co.uk 01297 625257

Marine House are proud to release the long awaited definitive book on the works and inspiration of Michael Morgan. Enthusiasts will be pleased to hear that they can acquire an exclusive boxed and numbered version of this book in an edition of 100 for only £120. The launch is on March 2nd from 11.00 -5.30 at Marine House at Beer. Please contact the gallery for more information or to reserve a copy.

www.marinehouseatbeer.co.uk

‘Rauffet Window’ - £1950 Mike Bernard - ‘Coastal Beer’ 30 x 48ins

for What's On, visit: eastdevonhub .co.uk

Art Galleries

Deborah M. G. Wood

www.theartroomtopsham.co.uk

theartroom@eclipse.co.uk

8a The Strand, Topsham, EX3 0JB

CHARITY ART AUCTION TO SUPPORT THE WORK OF DEVON IN SIGHT Auction - Sat 23rd Feb 2.30pm | Viewing Thur 21st & Fri 22nd 11am - 4pm & the morning of the sale 11am - 2pm To be held at The Art Room, 8a The Strand, Topsham Quay, EX3 0JB

Ray Balkwill|Martin Bentham RWA|Hilary Cartmel|Margaret Dean|Roger Dean|Clifford Fishwick Michael Garton RWA|Hilary Goddard|Ann Harris |Robert Jennison RWA|Lesley Kerman|Christine Lee Jenny Pery|Claire Oboussier|Vong Phaophanit|Peter Randall-Page|Graham Rich|Janice Ridley Benedict Rubbra|Tessa Rubbra|Jem Southam|Peter Thursby FRBS PPRWA|Kate Westbrook EAST DEVON

Coast & Country

Art Galleries

16

A point of view!

Nelson’s Column IT’S WHAT RAVENS DO to keep out the cold. They fluff up. It’s also a jolly useful ploy to attract a mate - so read on.

Mrs Osborne

by John Collier c.1920s, oil on canvas © Plymouth City Council (Museums and Archives)

Photo: John E Marriott at the RAMM Exhibition

All fluffed-up and nowhere to go?

Women in Art

It isn’t only ravens who are beginning to fluff

in the forthcoming Year of the Snake - a year

Plymouth City Museum & Art Gallery,

themselves up in readiness for the mating

in which fortune smiles favourably on the

Drake Circus (Tel: 01752 304774).

season.

sophisticates amongst us.

An impressive selection of works from

With the first day of Chinese New Year

Cultural Menu for Two

portray or were created by women.The

knocking at the door on the 6th and

So why not take that first step into this

exhibition spans Renaissance times to the

Valentine’s Day just around the corner on

particular Chinese New Year by organising,

modern day. It features muses, models,

the 14th of February, this - according to

say, a lunch date - with the partner of your

portraits and 20th century ceramics.

those versed in these things - is an especially

choice of course - at a Chinese restaurant

Artists on display include John Waterhouse,

auspicious time for we romantically inclined

(Devon has 57!)

Edgar Degas, Beryl Cook, Prunella Clough

the permanent art collections that either

Devonians to get out there and start putting

and Rose Hilton. Ceramics by Clarice Cliff,

out a puff of any pent-up pheromones left over

And thence to one or other of two free

Dorothy Doughty and Lucie Rie plus a

from last Spring.

exhibitions awaiting your delectation and

portrait of Nancy Astor being introduced

delight at opposite ends of our county.

to parliament are also on show until 2nd

For this, in the Chinese calendar, is the Year of the Snake, a particularly auspicious year for romance, amorous liaisons of all kinds

November 2013.

Oh, yes, and don’t forget to wish your waiter “Gong Hee Fot Choy!”

and, dare we say it, courtship itself.

Just be aware of the fact that 2013 is also a

Wildlife photographer of the year

year in which there is a need to tread lightly.

Subtle schemers and shrewd dealers will be

(Exhibition sponsored by Veolia Environnement)

rewarded rather than headlong plungers

Open 2nd February to 2nd June 2013.

whilst gambling and wild speculation in

RAMM, Exeter (Tel: 01392 265858).

the Year of the Snake are what Confucius*

This is where our picture of that wonderful

deemed a no-no.

fluffed-up raven came from.

This is also the year in which to expunge

The exhibition showcases the winning images

the grunge in your wardrobe in exchange

from all 11 categories of the competition

for the chic. Out, too, should go that boxed-

including underwater worlds, urban wildlife,

set of Carry On films whilst you make a

plants and more. This is the world’s most

conscious but above all elegant return to

prestigious annual wildlife photography

theatre and the arts of all kinds, along with

competition. It is currently in its 48th year

classical music. All these things you should

and is open to amateur and professional

find rewarding as part of your bucket-list

photographers alike. for What's On, visit: eastdevonhub .co.uk

*Devon’s top-four Confucius sayings for Chinese Year of the Snake “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”

“If you make a mistake and do not correct it, this is called a mistake.”

“Silence is a true friend who never betrays.”

“If your plan is for one year, plant rice. If your plan is for ten years, plant trees. If your plan is for one hundred years, educate children.”

JOHN FISHER

17

o i

a

h s

fashion looking ahead to the Spring and Summer Season

Marie Mero at Chapter

by Yvonne Price, Chapter, Sidmouth

A new spring, a new collection!

Supple, comfortable fabrics, embellished colours and prints form the basic ingredients of the spring and summer collections.

With an extensive range of styles and silhouettes, Chapter has the perfect outfit for every woman and every occasion.

The colour palette is bright and fresh with striking contrasts. As far as prints are concerned there is something for everyone this season. From geometric prints to polka dots in various shapes and sizes, from hand-painted uneven stripes to floral prints.

EAST DEVON

Coast & Country

Finally to complete the silhouette, there are plenty of accessories to choose from, all of which go perfectly with the colour palette.

Ranging from plain or printed cotton, silk scarves to attractive belts and necklaces in a variety of summer colours.

18

in Lyme Regis 35a Broad Street, Lyme Regis, DT7 3QF phone 01297 443824 - www.onnishop.co.uk

Ladies fashion & accessories by

Marie Mero at Chapter

Marja Putus Linda Ralston Harri Syrj채nen Aino Two Danes Sahara Flax Sheppards Cut Loose Bianco Levrin Kate Higham Peaches

THIS SEASON

Winter opening hours Monday to Saturday 10:00 to 5:00 Open Sundays from Easter, Summer opening 10:00 to 5:30 ALTERATION SERVICE AVAILABLE

Jacdor for the ideal gift

WOOL

JURASSIC BLENDS

from West Dorset & East Devon

Look Out for Onni in Lyme One very unusual shop to visit in Lyme Regis is Onni (see display top right). They're situated virtually opposite the Cinema. They have a range of high quality Scandinavian fashion clothing. The emphasis is on the cut and quality of material. The garments are Scandinavian designs with the emphasis on cotton / linen for summer and woolwear for winter. Please don't forget to mention you saw them in East Devon COAST & COUNTRY if you visit!

Easy Knit Kits, Yarn Hand Woven Bags Cushions Rugs

www.jacdorwool.co.uk Tel: 01297 631538

for What's On, visit: eastdevonhub .co.uk

Mbl: 07772301665 19

Original handmade clothes for ladies size 14 and over.

fashion

For more details or to discuss designing your own beautiful, unique clothing contact Julie:

&

www.overlygorgeous.com

Beauty

(01395) 513209 or (01404) 850768 Open Tuesday to Saturday 10.30am - 4.30pm

Rus s

e ll

St

38 Mill Street, Sidmouth

Mi ll t rk S Yo

High Street

Mill Street

Rd d r Si iverside Ri ve R

St

38 Mill Street, Town Centre, Sidmouth*

NEW STOCK NOW IN!

Pause Cafe at Chapter

*Overly Gorgeous has now moved to bigger premises at 38 Mill Street, Sidmouth which is wonderful as there is plenty more space and there are plenty more products.

Outstanding marquees for exquisite locations Wedding Fairs?

If you're looking to get married in the near future, you may be interested in visiting eastdevonhub.co.uk There's a separate category for "Wedding", where you can browse venues, fairs, etc.

Marquee and equipment hire for weddings and all other events Visit our website and call us today www.soundevents.co.uk - 01392 250679

An exciting wool store in Bridport a gorgeous creative experience

British, local and fairly traded yarns • well-known brands • unusual and unique ranges • beautiful natural fibres, textures and colours • wide and varied range of accessories • knitting and crochet workshops • late night ‘knit night’ • support, help and advice Open Monday - Saturday 9.30am-5pm Late night Tuesday ‘Knit Night’ 5-8pm 76 South Street • Bridport • Dorset • DT6 3NN t: 01308 455669 e: info@bridportyarn.co.uk www.bridportyarn.co.uk

Celebrate in Devon EAST DEVON

Coast & Country

20

Axminster’s Independent Department Store

Only £125

Coffee Shop

Locally Sourced Ingredients Home-Made Dishes & Daily Specials Gluten Free a speciality Morning Coffee Light Lunches Afternoon Teas Devon Cream Teas Listed on Trip Adviser Taste of the West Member

Trinity Square | Axminster | EX13 5AP Tel: 01297 32273

Discounts available for 2 or more clients Have Your Teeth Professionally Whitened We can come to you! (Home or Business) Fully Qualified Technicians – Fully Insured Service We only use Modern, Safe and Effective Whitening Techniques

20%£90

Seasonal Offer!

Bridal Special

OFF

Mon-Tues 10.00-4.30 Wed-Sat 9.30-4.30

for you & your guests for your special day

Endswith withthis thisadvert, advertexpires 31/03/13 Offer valid 30/11/12

Contact us on...

07502 487 593

Web: www.whitersmilesteethwhitening.co.uk Email: info@whitersmilesteethwhitening.co.uk

www.trinityhouseaxminster.co.uk

High Quality Private Dental Care in Relaxed and Friendly Surroundings

A S H B U RY D E N TA L C A R E

www. ashburydentalcare.co.uk/implants Dr Maurice Sims BDS (U.Bham), BSc (Hons) (U.Wales) Dental Surgeon GDC No. 85555

Looking for a permanent solution to

missing teeth?

Loose dentures causing discomfort or simply annoying and embarrassing?

Dr Simon Martin BDS, Dip Imp Dent RCS (Eng) Dental Surgeon & Implantologist GDC No. 67146

Contact us today to book your free short consultation with our expert team and see how we can help you.

01395 444 432

Ashbury Dental Care - 53 East Budleigh Road - Budleigh Salterton - Devon - EX9 6EW for What's On, visit: eastdevonhub .co.uk

Are you missing one or more teeth?

How long can I expect implants to last?

It can be more cost-effective in the long-term to choose the right solution early.

21

Valentine’s Day feature

Cupid Briolette Drop Earrings

Silver and Amethyst - £58 Erin Cox Jewellery

Gifted with Love Finding the perfect gift for Valentine’s Day can be a real challenge, hopefully our wonderful selection will give you inspirational ideas for your loved one

Hand Made Ring Tanzanite / Diamond and White Gold 18K From £900 Erin Cox Jewellery (see display)

Heart Ring

Red Gold and Silver Erin Cox Jewellery from £52 (silver)

a spar a

Gift Voucher

Spoil the person you love with an Aspara Gift Voucher.

Treats on offer: Hydra Spa, Facial Treatments, Manicures, Pedicures, Hot Stone Massage, Reflexology See display right

East Devon Coast & Country

Parfum de Vie £52.50 From Essential Therapies of Sidmouth, who have a range of exciting & beautiful Valentine's Day gifts and beauty treatments See display top right

22

Essential Therapies

Sidmouth Harbour Hotel

HEALTH & BEAUTY SALON

Valentine's Candlelit Dinner Enjoy a candlelit dinner with views overlooking Lyme Bay. Dinner includes a glass of Bubbly on arrival and a four course meal - £30 per person.

Call 01395 513252

115 High Street, Sidmouth, Devon, EX10 8LB Tel/Fax: (01395) 578600

Winner of 10th. consecutive Crown Salon Award.

Stockists of: Guinot, Thalgo, Jane Iredale, Nailtiques, Sixtus, Moor Spa, St.Tropez, Australian Organics, Masters Colors, Cosmecology.

Devoncourt Hotel Romantic Valentine Break Enjoy a 2 night stay and receive a Valentine's 3 course dinner and complimentary bottle of 'blush' sparkling wine in your room on arrival.

Full use of leisure facilities: pool, spa, sauna, steam room.

Call 01395 513252

OPENING HOURS Tues-Friday: 9am-8pm Sat: 9am-5.30pm

Haldon Belvedere (Lawrence Castle) Elegant, fairytale castle set high in the hills of Devon Receive a complimentary pair of Dartington Champagne flutes (worth £30) when you book a romantic wedding in our beautiful castle or book a blissful break in our luxury apartment.

Offer - when you mention Coast and Country (only for bookings made before 20th April 2013.)

Call 01392 833846 www.haldonbelvedere.co.uk east valentines 2013_Layout 1 09/01/2013 14:13 Page 1

aspara Spoil someone this Valentine’s Day with an Aspara Gift Voucher Stunning hydra-spa with hydrotherapy pool, steam cabin & sauna w facial treatments manicures w pedicures w hot stone massage w reflexology

tel: 01395 515120

www.aspara.co.uk york st. sidmouth A Celebration of Life in East Devon

23

Eating Out

in East Devon

EAST DEVON FOOD STORY If you have an interesting 'food story' to tell, please contact Nigel Jones on 01395 513383

The Swan The Strand Lympstone

01395 272644/270403 L

ED

v 

www.theswaninn-lympstone.co.uk info@theswaninn-lympstone.co.uk

HOME DELIVERY SERVICE

• Coffee served all day • Pit Stop for Estuary Cycle Path • Cycle racks outside pub • Six excellent Cask Marque Real Ales available • Superb lunchtime and evening menu • Daily Fresh Fish Board Specials • Metres from the waters edge Restaurant open 7 days a week including Sunday Evenings Lunch 12-2.30/3.00pm weekend, dinner 6.00-9/9.30pm.

CURRY NIGHT: Every Wednesday.

Selection of authentic curries from £10.95

PIE NIGHT: Every Thursday.

A choice of two pies and dessert for just £11.95

Traditional roasts served Sunday lunch times and evenings For enquiries or to book call 01395 513047 or email: info@befordhotelsidmouth.co.uk www.bedfordhotelsidmouth.co.uk

FREE bottle of wine with takeaway orders over £35

Buy one get one FREE!

The Cinnamon Tree

Premium Quality Indian Cuisine

One of the very best Indian restaurants in East Devon!

Valentineʼs Day Special - 3 course meal £15 Using the best recipes and the finest ingredients, we offer faithful, authentic Indian cuisine.

With stylish and comfortable decor and the warm hospitality of our staff, The Cinnamon Tree is the ultimate dining experience.

Sidmouth Harbour Hotel is the perfect setting for an Afternoon Cream Tea which can be enjoyed in our beautiful lounges or on the terrace, with fantastic views across Lyme Bay.

Enjoy a Cream Tea or Full Afternoon Tea and get a second for your friend free!

Cream Tea - £5.00 per person Full Afternoon Tea - £15.00 per person To receive this exclusive offer fill in your details below, and hand to a member of the team when ordering.

Name: Address:

3 Course Lunch Banquet £11.95 (MON-FRI)

Email:

www.cinnamontree-sidmouth.co.uk

Available throughout February 2012 and March 2013. Table reservations are required for a throughout December and January 2013.

Table reservations are required Full Tea. Tea. for aAfternoon Full Afternoon

Tel: (01395) 514190 or 576856 2 Radway Place Sidmouth EX10 8TL

T: 01395 513252 www.sidmouth-harbour-hotel.co.uk

Sidmouth Harbour Hotel, The Westcliff, Manor Road, Sidmouth, Devon EX10 8RU

Open 7 days a week 12pm-2pm and 6pm-11pm

EAST DEVON

Coast & Country

24

Southern Cross ♦ Tea Rooms

♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Light Lunches Homemade Cakes Selection of Teas Delightful Tea Garden

01395 568439 High Street, Newton Poppleford Also Guest House

OpEn fOr: Coffees

Lunches Afternooon Tea

Dinner

The Esplanade, Sidmouth, Devon, EX10 8AX Tel: 01395 516367 / 513151 Reservations: 08000 48 17 31 Email: kingswoodanddevoran@hotels-sidmouth.co.uk www.hotels-sidmouth.co.uk Follow us on Twitter@KDHotel

Tea Rooms Light Lunches Homemade Cakes Selection of Teas Delightful Tea Garden Also Guest House

01395 568439 High Street Newton Poppleford

Packed with fresh fish and prawns in a rich, creamy sauce, topped with cheesy mashed potato and served with warm, crusty bread.

With fresh, locally sourced food, fantastic views out over Lyme Bay and the harbour, set menus that change regularly offering 2 courses for £9.95 and 3 courses for £13.95 available during the day or the evening, where else could you be? www.bythebay.co.uk

for What's On, visit: eastdevonhub .co.uk

25

What if?

What if you lived in Devon and could look into the future?

What if someone developed a very special kind of web site that was easy to access and put you in touch with what events are taking place in Devon – or better still that are going to take place in Devon. A web site you could access from your desktop, laptop, tablet or mobile phone?

Now wouldn’t that be useful?

What if you lived in Devon and wanted to promote a forthcoming event - for free?

And who are ‘you’?

You are the small local organisations promoting an event. You are a business promoting an offer. Maybe you’re a part of the tourism industry or a church promoting the use of its hall for meetings.

Whoever you are, if you are Devon-based and promoting an event to Devon you are welcome to use East Devon Coast & Country magazine's very own ‘hub’!

And did we mention that it was free?

eastdevonhub .co.uk Different spokes for different folks

EAST DEVON

Coast & Country

26

eastdevonhub .co.uk

Eating Out

Different spokes for different folks FOR THE PUBLIC 1. What's On Find out what's on across the region - desktop/tablet and mobile phones formats.

2. Courses/Classes If your organisation wishes to broadcast these, this is free to use. (business/ charity/voluntary or otherwise)

3. Volunteering So many people have free time and would like to volunteer, but finding volunteering opportunities again, is difficult.

4. Room to Hire Many parishes and villages have rooms that are underutilised, which isn't a good scenario, as maintenance costs and insurance costs are high . This facility will allow your organisation to have it's own web based bookings calendar that people looking for a room can search. The general consensus is that currently, finding a room to hire is a very difficult and time consuming job.

Hopefully, this new facility will make it relatively simple.

This service is free to use.

5. Event Feed Do you follow jazz, or perhaps are interested in village fairs/fetes. Well, you can subscribe to an Event Feed, and be kept up to date with events coming up over the next week. You'd receive a weekly email notice.

FOR THE EVENT ORGANISER 1. Profile Edit your organisational details that appear on the website.

2. Manage Events This is where you add in events, you can edit and delete out also.

in East Devon

Th

e Dairy Shop

3. Promo Box If you're a business and adding events, you can set a promotional offer using your own promo code. You can go in and change this daily if you wish. Great for enticing new customers.

4. Room to Hire Take advantage of our 'Room to Hire' search facility, you get your own electronic bookings calendar, it's easy to use and seamless for people looking for an empty room at a suitable time and date. You can have as many rooms as you like, give each a name and description, set the opening hours, and also show what facilities you have such as parking spaces, kitchen facilities, etc.

5. Email List Create your own addressbook of contacts that you wish to make aware of your events. Add your events into the hub, then use this function to easily let your contacts know of your new events.

6. Email Link Copy this link and paste it in to your own email client.

Then send it out to your address book. Recipients can click on this link and then go straight to your page of events. It's easy to use and very powerful.

10% o

when you mention Coast & Country from 1st Feb to 31st Mar

From continental breakfast, coffee to lunches and cream teas.

A warm welcome awaits in cosy, rustic surroundings.

5 Church Street, Sidmouth 01395 513018

Chocolate makes us smile

So spend a happy day making a variety of delicious chocolates with a professional chocolatier

Fun Chocolate Courses For All Ages You’ll take home at least 30 beautifully wrapped chocolates, (unless you eat them all first).

For information call Gill at Chocolate Amour: 07717 887442 grantgilli@aol.com www.chocolateamour.co.uk

At launch, there are 1,580 organisations registered with this website

We cur rentl y have 1, 58 0 organisations registered with this website: if you'd like your organisation to use this free promotional facility, please contact

eastdevonhub .co.uk

nigel@prestige-media.co.uk

for What's On, visit: eastdevonhub .co.uk

27

Local historian Ted Gosling looks back at our local heritage

The Philpots and Mary Anning

F

or the majority of people who visit the West Country, the image of Lyme Regis is conjured up by two ladies.

Meryl Streep, standing on the windswept Cobb, when she gave that memorable performance as Sarah Woodruff in the film "The French Lieutenant's Woman" is one. The other, of course, is Mary Anning wearing her bonnet, with a basket under her arm, collecting fossils.

Miss Anning (1799-1847), the fossil woman, lived in Broad Street and was the eldest child of Richard Anning, a carpenter and a Dissenter* of Lyme Regis. Although she made many important discoveries and helped her brother in the digging out of the first complete ichthyosaur, it would be stretching our imagination to call her one of the first woman scientists.. About this time, both well-known and obscure fossil collectors visited Lyme Regis and, although many of them found their main attraction in the fossil shop of Mary Anning and her mother, there were many others for whom the first interest was to examine the fossil collection

'What a load of coprolites' most of these claimants do not know the difference between an ammonite and a belemnite!

or museum belonging to the Misses Philpots. Who were these Philpots? A familiar name to our museum geologist,

Broad Street, Lyme Regis - where Mary Anning lived

Geoff Marshall, but I suspect a complete mystery to those of you brought up with the romantic story of Mary Anning.

John Philpot was a solicitor practising in London. In about 1805 he took a house at Lyme Regis for his four sisters. Three of them, Mary, Margaret and Elizabeth, settled there for life at Marley Cottage, number 1 Silver Street, which is now the EAST DEVON

Mariners Hotel. They soon began collecting fossils and the youngest of the sisters, Elizabeth, became the expert in this field.

The Sisters also took on a young protĂŠgĂŠe who was one day, rather unfairly, to become much more celebrated than they were.

This was, of course, local girl Mary Anning and, although the achievements of Miss Anning in

Coast & Country

her own right are remarkable, it was the Philpot sisters, with shrewdness and patience, who formed a collection of local fossils that became famous throughout Europe and is now one of the prides of the Oxford University collection.

The Philpots moved in a small circle of intelligent geologists who came to visit Lyme Regis at the time. To present day 28

geologists they read like a Roll of Honour: Rev William Conybeare, James Sowerby, famous for his books 'Mineral Conchology and British Mineralology; a book now fetching in excess of ÂŁ6,000 at book auctions: Professor William Buckland, born at Axminster, who wrote a prize-winning paper for the Royal Society and published in book form as 'Reliquiae Diluvianae': Professor Jean Louis Rodolphe Agassiz: Sir Roderick Impey Murchison: Professor Adam Sedgewick: Sir Charles Lyell: Henry Thomas De La Beche (pronounced Beach), and many others visited the town. I wonder what they would have thought of the claims to be the gateway to the Jurassic Coast, from every town from Exmouth to Swanage.

Buckland, known for his humour and eccentricity, would have remarked; 'What a load of coprolites' most of these claimants do not know the difference between an ammonite and a belemnite".

to a nephew, John Philpot and in 1880 it was presented to Oxford University by his widow. I have completed a list of the types of fossils in the Philpot collection, which are in the Oxford University Museum. They can be studied by any one interested, at Seaton Museum.

Although the Philpots were the most important and should be given precedence in terms of strict science, do remember that Mary Anning, a local girl of humble background and education, became one of the finest field searchers of the time.

This means that Mary Anning, that young maid from Lyme, who devoted her life to exploring those frowning and precipitous cliffs, will never be forgotten.

After all is said and done, she makes a romantic legend and a good story. *Dissenter - refers to a member of a religious body, for one reason or another, separated from the established church (Anglican).

Ted Gosling

Of the other image; Meryl Streep? Well although John Fowles, the author of 'French Lieutenant's Woman' lived in Lyme, film fame is momentary and by the 22nd century she will be long forgotten. But fossils! Well they are as old as time and for collectors in the future there will always be new and still rarer specimens to find.

The fossil collection of the Misses Philpots consists of about 400 specimens, mainly from the Lower Lias of Lyme and Charmouth. It was compiled during the first part of the 19th century during which time it was studied by the various prominent palaeontologists.

One of several illustrations depicting a solitary figure presumed to be Mary Anning, on a outing, scouring the shoreline for fossils

On the death of the youngest sister, Elizabeth Philpot, the collection passed

Fossil exhibits at Seaton Museum. Lyme Regis also has a fine collection of fossils.

Fossil Fish - DAPEDIUS It has a deep laterally compressed body, like that of a John Dory, but was enclosed in an armour of rhomboidal bony scales covered with enamel Found at Charmouth

One of several illustrations depicting a solitary figure presumed to be Mary Anning, on a outing, scouring the shoreline for fossils

for What's On, visit: eastdevonhub .co.uk

29

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EAST DEVON

Coast & Country

Granite Transformations manufacture and install Granite, Stone, Quartz and Glass worktops

30

ARTWORK BY DARRYL JONES

Nearly through the worst of the winter weather? by Tony Jackson

By long country tradition, February is deemed the bleakest month of the year. Winter is still dragging its heels and only a white sprinkling of snowdrops and the first crocus and primrose contain the certain promise of spring in the drier, dustier days of March. Then, the first green leaves with the promise of summer, uncurl in hedgerows and trees.

As I write this column, the near monsoon-like conditions which have assailed us through November and December have at last disappeared in favour of drier, brighter weather in the New Year. However, for bird life it has been a lean and hungry winter.

A mass movement of birds from Europe, including f ieldfares, redwings and bramblings, made their way to Britain in the mistaken belief that our countryside would provide richer pickings of berries and seeds than the European wintering grounds. However, the dreadful wet summer proved disastrous for hedgerow fruit and even acorns and beechmast were scarce. The result has been a limited supply of food for native birds, never mind incomers from overseas. In November waxwings from Scandinavia invaded this country in large numbers seeking wild fruit and berries but soon moved on when they found the harvest had failed.

However, over-winter supplementary feeding during the “hungry gap” to late March is an option which is now available to farmers through Stewardship schemes and could be a life-saver for desperate farmland birds this year. Under the scheme famers can be paid to provide additional grain during this period, either by spreading it on farm tracks or close to existing areas of over-wintered stubbles. In addition, feed hoppers, such as those used on game shoots, can also be employed to dispense grain.

Our weather is, as we all know only too well, increasingly fickle.

February is by tradition a month of rain, while March can be dry and dusty. Equally, both may see the countryside under a blanket of snow. Under these conditions, garden bird feeding is a vital life-line and should not be neglected. Today, there is a thriving industry catering for the needs of garden birds, with an extensive range of foods such as sunflower hearts, fat balls, flaked maize, millet, nyjer seeds and live

Harsh frosts are what we usually expect in February

or dried mealworms. Peanuts are very popular too, as they contain fat, but should always be bought from a reliable source to make sure they do not harbour a toxin (aflatoxin) which is poisonous to birds.

The garden owner can do so much towards sustaining not only bird life, but also insects, on which birds depend and flowers and fruit rely on for pollination. Now is the time to plan your garden for the months ahead, bearing in mind the needs of wild life, so much of which increasingly is dependent on gardens to survive.

Whilst nesting-boxes can be erected at any time of the year, February is the optimum month. Today, there is a wide variety of boxes available, many of which are over-decorated, over-elaborate and absurdly expensive. A plain, simple box with the appropriate sized entry hole for a particular species is all that is required. It should be sited so that the entrance is not facing prevailing winds, which means in a northerly or south-easterly direction in our part of the world, and there should be a clear flight path to the box. Boxes should also be sited where predators have cannot invade them -walls are often better in this respect than trees. Weasels, grey squirrels, rats and greater spotted woodpeckers are the prime enemies. Also try and place a box in a position where you can observe the action. This, after all is more than half the pleasure of a bird box!

DIARY DATES: Feb 11: Walk of about 5 miles for snowdrops. Guide Ian Waite.

Meet Otterhead Lakes car park (ST224741) Feb 14: Winter wildlife walk, Plymouth, in the Saltram National Trust estate. Contact Celia Ralph on 01752 892555.

Feb 19: Guided bird watching with Ian Waite 9am -11am. £12.50 per person. 01297 20326.

March 13: Dormice in Devon.

Illustrated talk at Bovey Tracey. Meet at RC Church hall, Ashburton Rd. 7.30-9.30 pm.

March 23: Walk in Holyford Woods for signs of spring with Mick Lock. 10.00 to 13,00. Meet Seaton Tower layby. 01297 551556.

March 30: Rockpool ramble at Wembury. Meet at Marine Centre 12.30. More info at www.wemburymarinecentre. org

Hanneke Coats-Hoorn

for What's On, visit: eastdevonhub .co.uk

31

Dreamy Storage Ideas Having recently read a study suggesting that a clean and tidy room may help sleeping, it got me thinking about how we can all go about this effectively and easily.

Above - Nordic House - vintage style zinc trunks set of three £130

Y

our bedroom is more than just the room that happens to house your bed - it is your personal area for sleeping, and a proper sleep environment is essential for a good night’s rest.

Whilst growing up we were forever being told to tidy our rooms, never truly understanding what the point of this was when it was only all going to be pulled out again in an hour or so. “A tidy room makes a tidy mind” my Mother would tell me, and it was years until I finally understood just how right she was.

Of course, it is only natural to collect things over the years, from clothes and shoes, to those annoyingly sentimental objects you just can`t throw away. I am a great believer in being ruthless when it comes to my annual clear out and

John Lewis - Chopin Sofa Bed in Silver £1400

We’re lucky in Devon to have really skilled, high-end cabinet makers that can make pretty much anything you need for your storage solution EAST DEVON

Coast & Country

32

directory Y HOME & INTERIORS Z

if I need to think about whether or not to keep an item then out it goes.

However, even if you are as ruthless as I am with the spring cleaning, it is inevitable that over time you will need more and more storage to house these acquired pieces.

If you are lucky enough to have a large room to work with, then you have plenty of storage options.

Fitted wardrobes are an ideal way of using space efficiently; and you can buy a wide range of these to suit your area on a budget from companies such as Ikea. Alternatively, if money is not an issue, then bespoke storage pieces from fitted wardrobes to a chest of drawers are available from many companies who specialise in bespoke storage. We’re lucky in Devon to have some really skilled, high-end cabinet makers that can make pretty much anything you need for your storage solution.

With space to fill in a vast bedroom, other aesthetically pleasing objects can be placed around, which can serve a double purpose, to look nice within the scheme but predominately to store things in them. Blanket boxes are a wonderful piece of furniture to have at the end of any bed. They provide a very large area for storage as well as being somewhere to sit down.

Many companies offer a range of bespoke wooden finishes and fabric choices for the top of the blanket box in order to fit in with any given room palette. Laura Ashley produce some of these, my personal choice being The Devon which retails at £250. Other fashionable items such as trunks stacked up in the corner of a room or used as bedside tables can act as wonderfully looking storage furniture. I especially adore the set of three zinc vintage style trunks from Nordic House which come at an extremely reasonable price of £130 for the set.

If space is an issue for you, then you may have to become a little more resourceful and clever with how you choose to extend your range of storage equipment. For a child’s bedroom, the most obvious thing to do would be to have a raised bed, such as the lovely Ashton Loft Bed from John Lewis which retails at £699. This will instantly leave you with a good bit of space to re-use for either toy storage, a study area or even a place to sit down in.

Other sleeping options are to use a sofa bed or a day bed in a small

Dulwich Day Bed £995 from The White Company room. These are fantastic as they only take up a fraction of the space but can be used multi-functionally.

Ikea have a nice range of day beds starting at around £260, some with

I am a great believer in being ruthless when it comes to my annual clear out, and if I need to think about whether or not to keep an item then out it goes!

hampers but are treated with a very contemporary wash of grey with leather straps. These retail at £65 per box. They also have many other sets of three storage boxes with different designs and colour ways which retail at £36 per set and are perfect to hold accessories such as jewellery, scarves or belts.

Remember to always make use of any over head space such as on top of free standing closets and shelves, but be careful not to cram things up there as it can look messy. Storage boxes look attractive and also hide any clutter you would not otherwise wish to see.

Of course, there are plenty of other options for cheaper storage solutions, such as he modular wall frame “Algot” range units from Ikea, which are simply hung on to

the wall. There are lots of different sections for this range, from a simple frame with baskets attached, retailing at £37, to a large fitting with rod and shoe organiser which can reach up to £170. Personally I feel that although storage is obtained through this system, it is all still visible to the eye, which ends up defeating half of the object.

Although it uses it up less space than a fully built piece of furniture, you still aren’t left with that clutter free and relaxing sleeping space which we all so apparently need.

With plenty of ideas and products available for a clearer and “tidy mind”, we certainly have no excuses left for not getting that fully good night’s rest!

Mandi Crump (www.mandyjane.co.uk)

wonderful storage underneath them already built into the design, three in one! John Lewis have some beautiful sofa beds such as the Chopin sofa bed in silver which retails at £1400.

Having a small room can get rather stressful when trying to keep it tidy all the time, but as long as you are organised and have enough containers to work with, there are ways to ensure that you use each and every available space in your room.

Divan beds are superb for storing things underneath, but if you have decided to go for a wooden or metal bed, then all is not lost, as there are some really lovely under bed storage options out there. Laura Ashley hold an exquisite range of wicker baskets and under bed storage, which look a little like large picnic for What's On, visit: eastdevonhub .co.uk

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33

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directory Y HOME & INTERIORS Z

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directory Y HOME & INTERIORS Z MANY SPECIAL OFFERS IN STORE...

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Bradburys. Be inspired.

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EAST DEVON

Coast & Country

38

S

ONE

YL J

ARR

YD IC B

Ardley Chic reveals more...

G

H RAP

Ne’er cast a clout... unless absolutely necessary!

H

ave you bought the 2013 Flatbeare Views calendar yet? Make haste, for I’m told there are frighteningly few copies of this glossy, professionally produced gem still available.

Those who have managed to obtain one will no doubt have already marvelled at the pecs of Mr January. But forget February and March, turn straight to April. Modesty forbids me to brag about my physique but my six pack has been much commented on and is now in great demand among local artists.

It was a huge honour for an outsider to be asked to pose for the Pig & Trampoline’s annual fundraiser. Mind you, it’s not something to be entered upon lightly and several questions needed answering before I’d venture into the ranks of the great unclothed. I’m not a prude, but my liberal tendencies were stretched to the limit when the photographer allegedly went down with some sort of lurgi and was replaced by, of all things, a woman.

This caused universal consternation among we twelve brave males but none wanted to be the fi rst to back out so eventually we succumbed, but with a ‘no sniggering’ proviso. I have to say I’ve never been so embarrassed in my life - well, perhaps just once, though I’m defi nitely not revealing details of that in an upmarket magazine.

But with no other photographer available at short notice and the future of Flatbeare’s last remaining watering hole at stake, one just had to swallow one’s pride and throw clothing to the wind.

day out in the countryside and sample his extensive range of real ales and crisps? After all, Flatbeare is only 10 miles or so west of Nether Scratchings; just follow your nose to the pig refi nery, through the sheep dip and veer left where The Scrawny Cockroach used to be ‒ you can’t miss it.

Times can be hard for a village pub just after New Year. We like to help Jack through the dark days before the summer visitors arrive and readily chip in our 50p’s for the meter to keep the roaring electric coal fi re alight in the bar. On long, dark winter evenings we huddle around the glowing embers and, if it’s not a night the television is on, tales are told and retold, none more so than the story of Old Silas and the Ghost Bus. One miserable night he was discovered after closing time in a ditch, mud besplattered and gibbering. He claimed he’d had to dive into it to avoid being run over by a speeding bus with a wide eyed driver whose maniacal laugh would haunt him to the end of his days.

There may well be a logical explanation. Silas had been imbibing Jack’s guest beer which was to cause mayhem in the village until it ran out. So we attributed this experience to an unwelcome alcoholic guest bringing to life a long forgotten memory of Arthur Hodgson and his charabanc.

It was vital for this year’s calendar to recoup losses on the 2012 production which featured a dozen of the fi nest customised silage clamps. To everyone’s surprise, sales were poor and landlord Jack eventually cut up the remainders for beer mats.

Some 15 years ago the village shop closed down when Madge Hedgecombe retired and reluctantly moved upcountry to live with daughter Julie and Julie’s ‘weasel of a husband’ (as Madge put it). The business became a summertime tearoom. This created a shopping problem, but luckily Arthur Hodgson stepped into the breach.

He owned a coach which he used for taking folk on outings to the seaside, moors etc. and he offered to drive once a week to the giant supermarket over Bobsleigh way, which is quite a trek but worth it I’m told.

Copies of this year’s potential collectors’ item can still be obtained from Jack at the P&T during opening hours. So why not have a

His fare was very reasonable but his speed wasn’t. His theory was to reach the destination as quickly as possible to

for What's On, visit: eastdevonhub .co.uk

avoid the need for toilet stops, since his coach wasn’t a luxury one with convenience.

Those who experienced his driving often complained later of recurring nightmares.

But we knew Silas had not really seen a ghost, for Harry was very much alive and working as a ferret inspector over in Cringeworthy.

His trusty vehicle had, mercifully, long since been condemned. That extra strong brew has never been invited back to the Pig; suffice to say it was known to make even strong men hallucinate and gibber.

Spring may be just around the corner, for lambs have been spotted scoffi ng daffodils, birds are fighting over mates and nest sites, and the lady wife has started browsing through house improvement magazines. It’ll soon be time for me to forsake the cosy bar for my summer quarters, the potting shed.

Not that I do any potting but it’s another refuge from the good lady’s demands. She has an endless list of springtide chores that need doing.

I usually stall for time on the pretence of repairing the lawnmower for the coming grass season, a complex procedure which involves acquiring new cutting blades and other spare parts. But this year she called my bluff by demanding a new one instead and was not satisfied with my suggestion of renting a goat, as she seemed to think it might eat flowers as well as grass. I patiently explained that I’d be too busy this year as my new found fame would doubtless lead to opening fetes, making after-dinner speeches and judging competitions. After a meaningful and sometimes heated discussion, I agreed to employ a part-time handyperson/gardener, to be paid out of my fees for public appearances.

But I shall not appear topless. The vest shall not be removed, unless absolutely necessary for fi nancial reasons.

39

directory Y HOME & INTERIORS Z Below - ALNOSPLIT: eye-catching textured door fronts sit perfectly with bright white units for the ultimate in contemporary styling.

Vintage grey/ High-gloss ultra white finish.

mixing it up in the kitchen

Kitchen trends for 2013 focus on the rise of the utilitarian, pared-down look with a neutral colour palette and the mixing of different materials and surfaces to create inviting visual effects.

"The era of a single, brightly coloured kitchen seems to have had its day for a while," says Andy Bradbury, owner of Bradbury's in Exeter, who has been designing luxurious ALNO kitchens for over a decade. "More and more customers

are choosing new styles like ALNOSTAR Cera

which features ceramic door and drawer fronts and combining this with striking units in glass, wood or a contrasting colour."

Adding interest to kitchen design through decorative patterns and textures is a trend which is set to take off in 2013. ALNO’s newest range, ALNOSPLIT offers a combination of bright white units with an elegant shingle effect door front created by textured wooden surfaces.

It’s not all chic and modern though; Devon

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remains a good market for handmade, English wooden kitchens. To cater for this, Bradbury’s offers traditional Stoneham kitchens, for those looking for a more classical kitchen design.

To discuss options for a modern or classic kitchen makeover with a designer, you can contact Bradbury’s on 01392 825940 or for inspiration visit: www.bradburysltd.co.uk

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directory Y HOME & INTERIORS Z

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for What's On, visit: eastdevonhub .co.uk

41

Are you currently improving your home - if you are, the digital version of this magazine is free to access, and most of the web addresses are live, which makes it easy for you to find out more about the products or services they offer by browsing them online.

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LOCAL, RECOMMENDED, INSURED AND EFFICIENT

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43

1

one of East Devon's great treasures Luppitt Church's Font

L

ast summer, on one of my exploratory trips, whilst visiting Luppitt, I came across St. Mary's Church.

Churches are great repositories of our local history, many date back centuries and are usually the single oldest building remaining in many of the villages and towns.

St. Andrews is a lovely church, perched up on the side of the valley, and it's a great place to visit, if only to get an interesting view of this ancient village.

The font at Luppitt, located in the centre of the tower floor, is truly magnificent, it's style is primitive and in terms of its age, historians are undecided whether it's late Saxon or very early Norman. What they do agree on is that this font is around 1,000 years old, give or take a few decades. Apparently, it's the oldest in Devon.

Oddly enough, the font wasn't always in the church, as a previous Vicar, the Rev. W.T. Perrott was digging a bank near the churchyard boundary, when he came across it. It's unknown whether it was buried for safe keeping or thrown out, but it's a real gem and is safely back inside the church for good.

As you can see from the carvings, they're very primitive in nature and also depict various stories, although it's difficult to know exactly what these are. It's entirely possible that these carvings could have been painted.

Possible descriptions of carvings:

1 I've sourced two different descriptions: (a) A hunting scene (b) Centaur fighting two dragons.

2 Again, two descriptions from different sources: (a) An early Christian saint was betrayed by a friend, and was murdered by a pagan chieftain. (b) A martyrdom in which two men drive a nail into a detached human head.

3 Description for the left hand face: (a) A group of dogs and a tree with dishevelled foliage.

3

There is also a brass inscription with part of a female figure of the 1430s on the reverse of the font.

EAST DEVON

Coast & Country

44

The views from the churchyard are lovely, it's positioned high up the side of the valley, the farm you see in the distance is on the opposite side. I'm always surprised how rusty corrugated iron roofing can be so harmonious!

1,000 years old!

The font is a real treasure and links the village of Luppitt back a millennium in time. Be sure to visit the church to see this great treasure.

St. Mary's Church St. Mary's Church has had much work carried out on it, particularly in 1880-81, when the chancel was rebuilt. More work was carried out in 1884 to the transept, so the outside has little of historical note apart from the west tower, which is diagonally buttressed and has a polygonal stair turret.

The font, situated in the floor of the bell tower

The church itself has a fine wagon roof with interesting medieval boss where beams meet in the centre.

The church still preserves the 14th century plan of nave and chancel arch, which leads into a narrower chancel and a pair of wide and shallow transepts*.

There's a Norman piscina (sacrarium) in the chancel - the piscina is a shallow basin generally built into the wall, with a drain to the outside. It was used for washing the communion vessels, and the water that was used sacramentally, gets returned to earth. The term piscina is a Latin word originally applied to a fish-pond, and was later used for natural or artificial pools for bathing and also for a water tank or reservoir.

In ecclesiastical usage it was applied to the basin used for ablutions and sometimes for other sacraments. * Transept - is defined as a transverse section of any building, which lies across the main body of the building. In Christian churches, the transept is and area set crosswise to the nave in a cruciform. *Nave - the nave is the central approach to the high altar i.e. the main body of the church. The longest nave in England is at Winchester Cathedral, measuring 279ft. *Chancel - the space around the altar in the sanctuary at the liturgical east end of a traditional Christian church building.

Please don't forget to make a contribution in the collection box before you leave the church. Many thanks. - Editor

for What's On, visit: eastdevonhub .co.uk

2

45

 157 High St, Honiton.

EX14 1LJ 01404 44399

WHAT'S ON IN HONITON Honiton Music Festival 22nd Feb - Honiton Festival presents a lunchtime Concert at St. Paul's Church, High Street, Honiton. A range of performances. Doors open at 12 noon, lunch available. Performance starts 1pm. Tickets £9 all seats unreserved, available from Honiton Tourist Information 01404 43716 or on the door.

Printmaking and Animation Until 2nd Mar - The New Year kicks off at the Thelma Hulbert Gallery with printmaking and Animation, part of 2013 Animated Exeter Festival. Free admission, donations welcome.

01404 45006

10am-5pm Open Mon-Sat www.yarrow155.com

Painting the Everyday 16th Mar to 27th Apr Celebrating the centenary of the birth of Thelma Hulbert (1913 - 1995) this exhibition focuses on Thelma Hulbert's still life paintings. This insightful collection of paintings will be complimented by the still life's of two leading contemporary painters from the South West, Jessica Cooper and Vanessa Bowman, revealing the continued fascination with capturing the everyday. Free admission, donations welcome.

EAST DEVON

Coast & Country

46

Nelson’s

Parting Shot...

China’. One large parish alone had a mileage of

HIPPOS FROLICKED in the warm shallow waters which once covered Devon

hedges that would have stretched in a straight line from Land’s End to Edinburgh and are therefore a marvellous subject for study”.

But it was Dr. Max Hooper of Nature Conservancy who developed a system for dating hedges - which you may wish to try on a hedge near you. It’s simple, and it adds a new element to a family walk.

First pace out a length of chosen hedgerow, Thirty to fifty paces should provide sufficient information to date it to within 50 years.

Walk along its length counting the number of different species of shrubs you can find.

Hooper’s hypothesis (tried and tested in many other parts of the UK) being that for every Photo - Cloudzilla

different species we can reckon a hundred years of life: so that a hedgerow that produces

Remains of the day

ten different species could be reckoned to be 1,000 years old - plus or minus 50 years.

WE DEVONIANS have been around for a long time, witness the palaeolithic caves in South Devon, the circles of stone huts we later lived in up on Dartmoor and the Honiton

Devon County Council estimates that “Devon

by-pass, once a happy hunting ground for hippos.

was relatively unscathed compared to other counties (England lost more than 155,000

Their mortal remains (now lodged decently in

into the ocean from whence we came. But don’t

miles of hedgerows before they began to be

Honiton Museum) were found in 1965 beneath

panic, it’s only isostatic adjustment and there

protected) and can be proud of the fact that

what is now the west-bound carriageway of the

are probably several more millions of years of

A30 Honiton by-pass and are proof, if proof

‘tilt and slide’ to be undergone before any of us

were needed, that there is nothing new about

it has more hedgerows than any other county - an impressive 33,000 miles”.

needs to move to higher ground.

climate change happening in Devon.

We’ve been through a lot together in more We are getting wetter again, we are getting

modern times too, since this part of the

warmer again and at this end of the island we

country was given the Celtic name of

continue to sink a little more each year back

Dumnonia meaning ‘people of the land’. Which suggests that we may have

Photo courtesy China Tourism

become farmers sooner than some of our hunter-gatherer neighbours. Certainly some of the field systems hereabouts are more than 5,000 years old, and are worth hanging on to, reckoned Devon’s own Professor W. G. Hoskins, who wrote in his classic English Landscapes:-

WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE? Kents Cavern, Torquay, has produced some of the oldest evidence of human activity in Britain with the discovery of stone tools used 500,000 years ago by Homo erectus each one an ancient Devonian 498,000 years before the county even got its name.

“Back in 1844 a surveyor calculated that the hedges in ten parishes in east Devon THAT DEVON SURVEYOR GOT IT WRONG: China’s Great Wall is 8,850 (5,500 miles) long!

JOHN FISHER

totalled 1,651 miles - ‘half as long again as the Great Wall of

for What's On, visit: eastdevonhub .co.uk

47

The Exeter Mail Coach attacked by a lion, painting after James Pollard

(Image courtesy Woolley & Wallis Salisbury Salerooms)

The year the lion attacked the Exeter coach DEVON’S GRIM WEATHER LAST YEAR WAS NOTHING COMPARED TO WHAT HAPPENED HEREABOUTS IN 1816 - writes John Fisher

THEY CALLED IT “the year without a summer” and it was also the origin of the expression “eighteen hundred and frozen-to-death”, and with good cause.

That darkest of years was 1816, made even more memorable perhaps in the West of England that autumn when the Exeter Mail Coach was attacked by a starving lion. But we are rushing ahead of ourselves.

It began in the year before, some 8,000 miles from Devon when Mount Tambora, a 13,000 foot Indonesian volcano erupted on 10th April, 1815.

It killed tens of thousands of people in the immediate vicinity and unleashed climatic changes around the world which brought about the deaths of many thousands more.

To this day, it stands as the world’s worst recorded volcanic disaster with 93 cubic miles of ash being spewed into the upper atmosphere within a few minutes, reducing the height of the mountain by 4,000 feet.

The ash clouds circled the globe in the upper atmosphere for two years, bringing un-seasonal snows, floods and droughts to the northern hemisphere - followed by famines, pestilence and disease. All of these touched Devon whilst some of the extraordinary sunsets triggered by the dust have been recorded in Turner’s most memorable paintings.

It rained in the West of England throughout that summer on 142 EAST DEVON

recorded days out of 153. There was snow on Dartmoor in June and lakes and ponds froze on high ground. Autumn came in cold, bleak and cheerless.

This then was the background to that one particular night in that extraordinary year - a cloudy but bitterly cold evening when the Exeter Mail Coach was attacked by a lion - or to be more precise, a lioness. This was the crack Quicksilver coach which had left Devonport before the sun rose that chill Sunday morning of 20th October, 1816, bound for London at a steady ten to twelve miles an hour, via South Devon, Exeter, Salisbury and Andover, picking up and dropping off mails along the way.

Coast & Country

Apart from the mails themselves slim leather satchels kept securely in the boot - the coach was lightloaded. People had come and gone as it rumbled across Devon, and by the time it reached Exeter there were just two people on board, both of them men and both seated inside. The only two souls braving the elements that short autumn day and long, bitterly cold night, were the coachman and the guard.

The guard’s duty was to stay with the coach from start to fi nish of the journey: the coachman on the other hand travelled 50 miles in one direction and then changed places with the coach coming in the opposite direction by stepping across

48

the gap between the two. Thus these men were experts on the roads they travelled and knew each twist and turn like the backs of their hands.

The coach’s lamps were lit at Shaftesbury as the sun set: two double-wicked road lamps to the front, showing that they were an approaching Mail, two double-wicked lanterns on either side which dimly illuminated the ground for a yard or so to left and right of the passenger doors, and a small covered light positioned just in front of the guard.

On that particular night this was one, Joseph Pike, who sat at the very back of the coach facing a wide wooden box with a hinged lid.

As the only Post Office employee aboard the mail coach, Pike wore an official uniform of a black hat with a gold band and a scarlet coat with blue lapels and gold braid. All this beneath a greatcoat and scarf of his own purchase. His guard’s light served three purposes. Firstly it enabled him to read “London time” from the sealed chronometer charged to his keeping by the Post Office and kept in a pouch slung around his neck: secondly it allowed him to sort the mail bags for each drop by reading their engraved brass labels and thirdly, it kept his hands warm.

At the bottom of the box were two pistols and a blunderbuss. Although 1785 was the last time a Mail coach had been held up by a highwayman, Act of Parliament decreed that they be kept fully loaded at all times.

The coachman meanwhile, whose name has been lost in the mists of time, steered his team of four horses through the inky blackness of the night, his way lit periodically through cloud by the occasional glimpse of a star and a two-day old new moon. But what we do know of him was common to all coachmen of that period.

Seated on a sprung board at the front right of the coach where he took the brunt of the weather, he probably took a tipple or two along the road at each stop to keep out the cold. Tradition has it that he should wear a soft, widebrimmed hat, sometimes held on by a long scarf which also wrapped twice round his neck before disappearing beneath a full-length overcoat. He wore calf-length leather boots and kept a short, sharp knife in the top of the right-hand boot which was used for cutting traces should a horse fall or become entangled in its harness.

He held the reins for all four horses in his left hand and as a consequence

their approach. The coachman could already see the yard at the front of the inn lit by lanterns and the small team of waiting ostlers who would change the team and get them on their way again.

Royal Mail commemorated the lion attack with a stamp issue in 1984

‘had a left-bicep like a cannon ball’.

His right hand held the whip.

The Quicksilver’s change of horses before their encounter with the lioness had been, ominously enough, at the still-renowned Red Lion Inn at Salisbury where our nameless driver had come in earlier, driving the Devonport-bound coach. One Thomas Trollope (brother of Anthony Trollope) wrote of one of these rapid changeovers of Mail coaches.

“It was a pretty sight to see the changing of the horses. There stood the fresh team, two on the off side, two on the near side, and the coach was drawn up with the utmost exactitude between them. Four ostlers jump to the splinter-bars and loose the traces; the reins have already been thrown down. The driver retains his seat, and, within the minute (more than once, within fifty seconds by the watch) the coach is again on its onward journey”.

The lead horse on this occasion we know was called Pomegranate, formerly a race horse which had according to Exeter’s Flying Post (which reported the story just three days later) developed such a bad temper in the racing stables that he had been sold to the owner of the Red Lion, a Mr. Weekes. After the change of horses the Quicksilver soon left the fl ickering yellow lights of the ancient city behind and headed out into the night again and across Salisbury Plain in the direction of Andover.

Next scheduled stop the Winterslow Hut (later to become The Pheasant Inn) a lonely halt then, as now, and “in the middle of nowhere” as that renowned man of letters, William Hazlitt later called it in the diary he kept when he lodged there.

As they crested the hill seven miles or so further along what is nowadays the old A30 and began the long fi nal descent towards the inn, Joseph Pike reached for his post horn, his “three feet of tin” and gave it the regulatory three double blasts to warn them of

It was at this moment that Pike, looking down to his right, spied what he took to be “a large calf” running alongside the coach and shouted a warning to the coachman. He in turn delivered a warning crack of his whip to whatever it was that was causing such distress to his “cattle”.

It was now, as the Quicksilver pulled into the yard, that all hell broke loose.

The lioness bounded forward and leaped onto the back of the offside leader, throwing its front paws round the neck of the terrified beast as it sank in tooth and claw. The horse, in its agony, reared and half fell to the right, almost toppling the coach, its front hooves lashing out in an attempt to free itself from the harness and deal with its attacker in the only way it could.

the door of the fi rst room they could fi nd. The brave coachman shouted to Pike for the gun and began to clamber down from the wildly rocking coach, reaching for his short-bladed knife.

Pike made a grab for the loaded blunderbuss in the box at his feet, and leaped from his seat. As his feet touched the ground and he straightened he turned to see a wildfaced man pointing a loaded pistol at his forehead.

“For God’s sake don’t kill her!” the man shouted. It was his lioness, the man screamed. She had escaped from his travelling menagerie and had cost him £500 and was “as tame as a rabbit” if he and his men could only get to her. At this point two men who had come running up with the owner released a mastiff dog which leapt onto the lioness and sank its teeth into one of its hind legs. The lioness now turned its attention to the dog and seems to have quickly dispatched the poor creature, killing it outright and dragging it off into the darkness

TEAMWORK: Guard and Coachman as portrayed by 19th century illustrator Fred Barnard for Charles Dickens’ Pickwick Papers Amid the terrified screams of the rearing horses and the shouts of the people in the yard both coachman and guard now saw the attacker as a lion.

As the ostlers ran for their lives, the two coach passengers leapt from its nearside door, fled into the inn, ran up the staircase immediately in front of them and locked and barricaded

for What's On, visit: eastdevonhub .co.uk

towards a wooden barn or granary (which is still there) towards the rear of the inn.

What then followed was subsequently reported in the Salisbury and Winchester Journal: continued overleaf

49

“Her owner and his assistants, after a short deliberation, followed her upon their hands and knees, with lighted candles, and having placed a sack on the ground near her, they made her lie down upon it; they then tied her four legs and passed a cord round her mouth, which they secured; in this state they drew her out from under the granary, upon the sack, and then she was lifted and carried by six men into her den in the caravan. To the astonishment of everyone who beheld this part of the transaction (which lasted about a quarter of an hour), the lioness lay as quietly

FREE walking tours with Exeter’s Red Coat Guides

at Bartholomew Fair in 1825 where the “lioness who attacked the Exeter mail coach” (and now 15 years of age) was still being exhibited, admission one penny.

Takings by the menagerie for that particular three-day fair were £90.

Of poor old Pomegranate, who had been foaled in 1809, there was no sign.

Disasters update MOUNT TAMBORA is still active with lava f lows and its dome continues to build inside the crater.

The last eruption, in 1967, was “small and not explosive”.

Free guided walking tours of Exeter take place daily, and are a great way to discover the city’s fascinating history and architectural treasures.

Led by Exeter’s Red Coat Guides, these passionate volunteers run a wide range of tours throughout the year, each focusing on a different aspect of the city’s rich history.

The tour programme includes ‘Canal Trips’ (June - August) taking in a boat trip to Double Locks; ‘Cathedral Close & Bishop’s Palace Garden’, giving a rare opportunity to witness the restoration of this historic garden, and ‘Churches, Cemeteries & the Catacomb’, where the mysterious Catacomb is explored by torchlight!

Other popular tours include, ‘Cathedral to Quay’, ‘Exeter’s City Wall’, ‘Ghosts & Legends’ and ‘Murder & Mayhem’, exploring sites of rebellion, riots, murder and hangings throughout the centuries.

Most tours depart from the notice board on Cathedral Green, opposite ABode Exeter (Royal Clarence Hotel), whilst quayside based tours depart from outside the Quay House Visitor Centre. Tours last approximately 90 minutes unless otherwise stated and are free of charge.

No booking is required, simply choose a tour, meet your guide and discover historic Exeter.

Visit www.exeter.gov.uk/guidedtours , call 01392 265203 or visit Exeter Visitor Information & Tickets, Dix’s Field for the latest tour programme.

The root cause of the climatic changes - Mount Tambora, a 13,000 foot Indonesian volcano erupted on 10th April, 1815.

It killed tens of thousands of people in the immediate vicinity as a lamb during her removal to the caravan; but when she was there she became sensible of the restraints she was under, and her rage was excessive till the cords which annoyed her were loosened”.

Did those two extraordinary men take a tot of brandy to settle their nerves after such an encounter?

You can bet they did, but it is testimony to the importance they attached to their duty and the efficiency of the postal service at the time that the whole incident only delayed the mail coach 45 minutes before it changed teams completely, re-instated the two fleeing passengers from their locked their upper room and continued on their route to London.

Allʼs well that ends well POMEGRANATE recovered and was bought from Mr. Weekes by the enterprising menagerie owner, George Ballard, who exhibited the pair of animals at Salisbury Fair that same week - and many other fairs over the following years.

“Ballard's Grand Collection of Wild Beasts" was still doing the rounds EAST DEVON

Coast & Country

In 1826, 10 years after the lion attack, the Quicksilver was still making the same run which, leaving Piccadilly at 8 p.m., arrived at Exeter at 12.34 next day; time, sixteen hours, thirty-four minutes.

Going on to Devonport, it arrived at that place at 5.14 p.m., or twentyone hours, fourteen minutes from London. There were no fewer than twenty-three changes of horse over the 216 miles and four changes of coachman.

Cost of the cheapest single fare?

Four old pennies per mile, plus 20 old shillings in tips to the coachmen (virtually obligatory) and guard. Total cost in today’s money, about £4.60, plus the cost of food and drink on the brief stopovers.

You can still travel by coach from London to Plymouth of course, but in this day and age the carrier will more than likely be National Express, who now has the lion’s share of the route, whilst the single fare, via Exeter is £29.90.

John Fisher

50

how does your Garden develop?

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To find out What's On in this region, visit: We are always looking for new properties to add to our portfolio. Please call for helpful tips, advice and a full marketing appraisal, free of charge.

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From Beer and Branscombe to Sidmouth and onto Budleigh Salterton our properties very well and arethrough here to assist with all your holiday requirements.

and Exmouth - you can be sure you are never far from the famed Jurassic coast.

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some cottages having obtained the coveted Gold Award.

We look forward to welcoming you to one of our beautiful holiday cottages soon!

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Tracy Gwillim- Managing Director Tracey Gwillim - Managing Director www.sweetcombe-ch.co.uk www.sweetcombe-ch.co.uk Tel: 01395 512130 Email: enquiries@sweetcombe-ch.co.uk Tel: 01395 512130 Email: enquiries@sweetcombe-ch.co.uk

Ghosts & Legends Heart of Exeter Cathedral to Quay Exeter Old & New Daily tours for Daily tours except Feb 13 25 &&Mar 26 Dec

www.exeter.gov.uk/guidedtours

for What's On, visit: eastdevonhub .co.uk

51

WHAT'S ON IN EXMOUTH

Tide Timetables

Lyme Regis to Exmouth Lyme Regis

Seaton Beer Sidmouth

Dogs are allowed on the beaches during February and March - please check local bylaws time 0239 0321 0409 0506 0020 0144 0312 0438 0549 0642 0021 0106 0145 0219 0252 0327 0404 0445 0536 0025 0223 0400 0502 0548 0624 0022 0048 0112 0146 0224 0307 0355 0452 0003 0130 0304 0432 0537 0627 0707 0043 0123 0156 0226 0256 0328 0403 0443 0542 0051 0253 0412 0505 0548 0626 0027 0058 0132 0212

mtr 0.8 0.8 0.9 1.1 3.6 3.5 3.6 3.9 4.2 4.5 0.5 0.5 0.6 0.8 1.0 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 3.2 3.2 3.4 3.7 4.0 4.2 0.9 0.8 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.8 0.9 1.1 3.5 3.4 3.5 3.8 4.2 4.4 4.6 0.5 0.6 0.8 1.0 1.1 1.3 1.5 1.6 1.8 3.2 3.3 3.6 3.9 4.2 4.4 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6

17 Mar - Bicton College.

10am - 4pm.

16 Feb - Valentine Dance. Dress to impress. Free Parking and Bar available. Entry £7. Call Jeannie for more information 01803 325905.

Exmouth Pavilion.

Exmouth

day 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Lambing Sunday

14 Feb - The Pavilion, Esplanade.

Talk by Marion Scott on past, present and future developments.

Dancing Duo with Henry and Jeannie

Budleigh Salterton

mnth Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar

U3A Talk 'Shelterbox'

time 0923 0958 1042 1142 0622 0750 0907 1013 1111 1203 0725 0801 0836 0912 0948 1021 1049 1115 1207 0655 0831 0943 1040 1130 1214 0656 0730 0805 0840 0914 0949 1032 1130 0604 0728 0846 0951 1048 1139 1226 0739 0810 0844 0917 0948 1007 1028 1111 1223 0727 0902 1004 1056 1141 1219 0704 0743 0824 0904

mtr 4.1 4.0 3.8 3.6 1.3 1.3 1.1 0.9 0.6 0.5 4.6 4.6 4.5 4.3 4.0 3.8 3.5 3.3 3.2 1.9 1.8 1.5 1.2 1.0 0.8 4.4 4.4 4.4 4.3 4.1 4.0 3.7 3.5 1.4 1.4 1.3 1.0 0.7 0.5 0.5 4.6 4.5 4.3 4.1 3.8 3.5 3.4 3.2 3.1 1.8 1.6 1.3 1.0 0.7 0.6 4.5 4.5 4.4 4.2

time 1505 1549 1639 1742 1302 1429 1556 1715 1815 1902 1252 1334 1410 1441 1513 1548 1626 1710 1807 1350 1528 1636 1728 1808 1840 1249 1311 1336 1410 1448 1531 1620 1721 1249 1418 1549 1704 1800 1845 1921 1309 1344 1413 1441 1512 1545 1621 1706 1812 1420 1544 1641 1726 1804 1843 1250 1319 1353 1433

mtr 0.8 0.9 1.1 1.3 3.5 3.5 3.7 4.0 4.2 4.4 0.4 0.5 0.7 0.9 1.1 1.3 1.5 1.6 1.8 3.1 3.2 3.5 3.8 4.0 4.2 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.8 0.9 1.1 1.4 3.3 3.4 3.6 3.9 4.2 4.4 4.5 0.5 0.7 0.9 1.1 1.2 1.4 1.5 1.7 1.8 3.2 3.4 3.7 4.0 4.3 4.4 0.6 0.6 0.7 0.8

time 2144 2223 2313 none 1903 2026 2136 2237 2331 none 1941 2017 2053 2128 2202 2228 2246 2320 none 1931 2056 2202 2257 2344 none 1912 1947 2022 2057 2132 2210 2257 none 1839 2001 2113 2214 2309 2358 none 1952 2024 2057 2127 2147 2201 2235 2327 none 2000 2123 2222 2311 2353 none 1922 2002 2042 2123

mtr 4.0 3.9 3.7 none 1.4 1.3 1.1 0.9 0.7 none 4.5 4.4 4.3 4.0 3.8 3.6 3.4 3.3 none 1.8 1.7 1.4 1.2 1.0 none 4.3 4.4 4.3 4.2 4.1 3.9 3.7 none 1.5 1.5 1.3 1.0 0.7 0.6 none 4.5 4.3 4.1 3.9 3.7 3.5 3.4 3.3 none 1.8 1.5 1.2 1.0 0.8 none 4.5 4.5 4.3 4.1

U3A Talk 'Medical Ethics' 14 Mar - The Pavilion, Esplanade Talk by Dr Karen Ricketts.

BEACHFRONT TEASHOPS AND RESTAURANTS WITH SEA VIEWS

Dancing Duo Henry and Jeannie 30 Mar - Pavilion Spring Ball.

Evening wear preferred. Free parking and bar available. Entry £7. Call Jeannie for more information on 01803 325905. 8pm - 11pm.

EXMOUTH INFORMATION CENTRE PLEASE NOTE - We're now at Travelworld, 3 Rolle Street, Exmouth.

01395 222299

LYME REGIS (01297) Alexandra Hotel 442010 Bay Hotel 442059

By The Bay 442668 SEATON Treats Cafe BEER Anchor Inn BRANSCOMBE The Sea Shanty SIDMOUTH (01395) The Clocktower Teas, home-made cakes and lunches 515319 BUDLEIGH S. Longboat Cafe EXMOUTH Channel View Cafe LYMPSTONE (01392) Swan Inn 270403 TOPSHAM Lighter Inn

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EAST DEVON

Coast & Country

52

DEVONCOURT HOTEL &

APARTMENTS

INDOOR POOL

GARDENS

Beautifully situated ‘Guest Accommodation’ set in four acres of sub-tropical gardens overlooking Exmouth’s two miles of golden sandy beaches, looking out to Lyme Bay and Start Point.

All rooms have en-suite facilities, tea/coffee, free wi-fi throughout, TVs with Freeview & DVD player.

Some rooms have kitchenettes.

FITNESS GYM

OUTDOOR POOL

All residents have full use of the leisure facilities in our health and fitness club. The facilities are open daily, from 7am to 9pm and are available 365 days a year to guests and members of our leisure club alike.

Lifestyle health & fitness club

• Fitness Gym • Indoor Heated Pool • Outdoor Heated Pool (MaySept) • Far-Infra Red Sauna • Cleopatra Steam Room • Whirlpool Spa • Aqua Fitness Classes • Aerobics Classes • All-Weather Tennis Court • Sunshower (extra charge) • Snooker Table (extra charge) • Putting Green (May-Sept)

Our sub-tropical gardens have direct access to the beach.

SAVE ££S - bring this advert with you and save the joining fee.

To view the facilities, please call or pop in to see us anytime.

Memberships are available from as little as £5.29 per week.

DOUGLAS AVENUE EXMOUTH

01395 272277

www.devoncourthotel.com for What's On, visit: eastdevonhub .co.uk

www.lifestyleleisureclub.co.uk

Shute Barton circular walk

East Devon Coast & Country

T

his walk starts at Shute Barton, which

roasting in the fireplace. It’s only open to the

up onto the wooded beacon (probably treeless

is owned by the National Trust. If you

public four times a year, so be warned. The

in times gone by, as was the case with fire

haven’t already visited Shute Barton, then I’d

National Trust can be reached on 01752 346585

beacons). There’s a permissive path that takes

say it’s well worth a visit. It’s a medieval manor

with regard to opening times.

you through a gate into the woods, you then need

house which apparently has royal connections

to cut diagonally across until you pick up a path

and is also supposed to have the largest fireplace

The walk takes you along some pretty little lanes

leading you along a hedgerow. Follow the path

in England. Of interest is the massive wooden

and footpaths which have interesting views of

until it is terminated by a track, take the track

pole that was used to mount animals on for

the Axe valley down to Axmouth. You then walk

downhill and follow back to Shute Barton.

EAST DEVON

Coast & Country

54

8 main road lane track footpath

<t

Shute Hill

o 5 A3

1

Shute Barton(nt)

6

7

+

< to C oly ton

Church

The Beacon

5

2

views of Axe valley down to Seaton

4

3

Shute House

DISTANCE: Just under 2 miles in total GOING: Wellies after rain advised, mildly steep in places, not for the infirm but children fine.

ADDITIONAL NOTES: Don’t forget that if you wish to see inside Shute Barton, you need to contact the NT with regard to opening times.

Liddon’s Dairy NEARBY FOOD & DRINK Colyton lies fairly close to Shute Barton and has several eateries. Of particular note is Liddon’s Dairy by Umborne Bridge which has a lovely outside patio area, and they also have a range of animals which can keep the kids preoccupied. Open from 29th March onwards.

Shute Barton NT

Shute Barton is a

medieval house with

royal connections (see NT website). It's open for 4 weekends every year.

It is well worth a visit, and is notable for having one of the largest firelplaces in England (in the kitchen) and also has spectacular roof beams and trusses.

Shute Barton

for What's On, visit: eastdevonhub .co.uk

55

Lovely tracks to walk - this one bathed in the evening sun

The lower Axe valley looking out to sea

EAST DEVON

Coast & Country

56

Looking East from the path

Dancing flies

It's always nice to spot a robin

A ginger tom, exhibiting a fine sense of balance

for What's On, visit: eastdevonhub .co.uk

57

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www.sidmouthgardens.co.uk East Devon Coast & Country e: service@sidmouthgardens.co.uk

58

Gift & Lifestyle Shop, ALL at one destination!

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A Celebration of Life in East Devon

59

A Time Before Beeching

by Mike Clement

The Branch Line to Lyme Regis Axminster station, branch bay platform - mid 1950s. Adams Radial tank No. 30582.

Crew photograph: Driver George Johns on platform with Locomotive superintendent 'Sam Smith'. from Exmouth Junction shed, Exeter. And on footplate, Fireman 'Grenville Morgan

Lyme Regis station, from the stop blocks - early 1960s. Station building and signal box

It was coming up to the Christmas of 1960, and I was about to leave school for good!

Having spoken to the then youth

the medical and eyesight examination

honestly say looking back now at

only intermediate station between

fifty one years ago, I wouldn’t have

Axminster and Lyme Regis) and

missed it for the world.

Axminster.

The line was 6 miles 59 chains. In

employment officer at Seaton, I

at Southernhay, in Exeter. I passed

I cycled to Combpyne station from

was all set to start a career on the

my medical and eyesight without any

Axmouth and met the lad I was taking

length, from Axminster to Lyme Regis,

railway, my life-long ambition. But

problems whatsoever, the eyesight

over from, Terry Guppy. Terry was

with Combpyne station situated 4

unfortunately, it had not turned out

examination was to determined

going to Exmouth Junction as an

miles , 21 chains from Axminster.

quite the way I had planned it.

whether you had any problems with

engine cleaner, and on passing out

colour blindness, this would have

as a fireman, he was hoping to fill the

That first morning as I arrived at

I had wanted to start my career as

Combpyne, I had to board the train

an engine cleaner, and then join the

and travel into Lyme, to meet the

elite band, working on the footplate

stationmaster Arthur Causley, who

of a steam locomotive. But there was

was in charge of us. I waited on the

a slight hitch in this, one had to be

platform talking to Terry Guppy as

sixteen years of age to become an

the 8.45a.m. from Axminster rolled in

engine cleaner, and to participate in

at 8.58 a.m. I went to get into the first

the necessary shift work involved.

carriage and I was told, ‘Not There’,

Also, I would have to go to the

get up on the footplate. At that time

Exmouth Junction locomotive depot

of course, the branch was still being

at Exeter, to work from there, and

worked by the ‘Adams’ 4-4-2 Radial

this would mean going into lodgings.

tank engines. And I climbed up on the footplate, What an experience.

As I was only fifteen years of age, I was given an alternative. I could take up the job of a junior porter advertised at Combpyne station on

Arriving at Combpyne, with a two-coach train from Axminster. Adams tank No. 30584, drifts in. Taken late 1950s, note Camping coach in siding

the Lyme Regis branch line. Then on

The driver was Tom Woodman, later to be Terry Guppy’s driver - this particular day he had an Exmouth Junction relief fireman with him. We

reaching the age of sixteen, I could

been a certain NO if working on the

vacancy for a locomotive fireman on

set off from Combpyne, with a brief

transfer back to the locomotive

footplate and looking out for signals

the Lyme Regis branch line.

opening of the regulator, and as we

department and take up the post as

at night, had this been the case.

The actual scenery on the Lyme

descended into a steep cutting, the

an engine cleaner. This is what I

And so it was I started my career on

Regis branch line was stunning,

regulator was shut and the large

decided to do, but first it meant taking

Monday 2nd January 1961. I can

especially between Combpyne (the

reversing lever

East Devon Coast & Country

dropped right

60

Combpyne station, was in the middle

A rare photo of Combpyne station house in white, and the booking office next door, taken on the 7th July 1959. Taken from the station paddock, camping coach in the background, looking toward Axminster

of nowhere really, one mile from Combpyne village, and just about over half a mile from the village of Rousdon, via ‘Green lane’ which everybody used. There was only the Station house and two railway cottages a couple of hundred yards up the road near to the station itself.

My duties would be six days a week, (winter service), early turn. 8.00.a.m. until 4.10.p.m. Monday to Friday.

And Saturdays 8.00.a.m. until 12.10 p.m. A total of forty five hours.

Late turn was from 1.45.p.m. until 9.20.p.m. Monday to Saturday, and was a total of forty five and a half hours. My wages were £3 10s. 6d. a week.

forward as we freewheeled down hill,

Uplyme, we went through another

train back to Combpyne, the 9.45

the fireman knocking on the injector

deep cutting, and then passed the

a.m. and commence my tuition as a

station house had neither mains

as we headed down toward Shapwick.

Devon/Dorset border, as we drifted

junior porter.

running water, or electricity. All

Tom chatted to me as we journeyed on,

down toward the lovely little wooden

like he had known me all my life, and

built station of Lyme Regis - ideally

Again I climbed up on the footplate

I immediately thought what a great

suited to the line itself.

I climbed

of the Engine, which

guy and took an instant liking to him.

down from the footplate, onto the

was number 30583,

I can still see his polished brass badge

platform, and met leading porter

and we set off with

in his cap, marked ‘ENGINEMAN’ S.R.

signalman Ralph Watkins, who

our two coach train. I

The S.R, Being Southern Railway. A

introduced himself.

was fascinated by the

He then showed me the door of the

which Tom set into

As we neared the end of our descent,

stationmaster’s office which I knocked

position as we started

Tom said to me - "look ahead", we

on, and was told to enter, I walked in

the climb out of the

were approaching the Nine Arch, 203

and saw an elderly gentleman sitting

station, out toward

yard long ‘Cannington Viaduct’, with

at his desk, he smiled and introduced

‘Cannington Viaduct’.

a maximum height of 93 feet above

himself as Arthur Causley. Again

Tom’s fireman was

the valley floor. We trundled over

I took an instant liking to him, he

a young man from

the viaduct, and then swung under

had a kind face and a gentle nature.

Exmouth Junction

‘Horseman’s hill’ toward the village

And we chatted for quite a bit and

shed's ‘Junior Spare

of Uplyme, and then passing through

then I was told to catch the next

pre-nationalisation cap badge.

The station at Combpyne, and the

water was brought in by 5 gallon water churns, a total of ten churns

big reversing lever

Gang’ link, called ‘Tony Brown’.

Lyme Regis station and signalbox with an Adams tank in charge, ready to work bunker first to Axminster. Stock number 373 seem to be old pull and push coaches, made redundant from either the Yeovil or Seaton branch lines. All the air pipes have been removed, leaving just the vacuum and steam heating pipes

We reached the viaduct and once over,

for the station house, and one two

the line steepened considerably, with

and half gallon churn for the station

the engine working hard on the climb

booking office. All these were filled

up to Combpyne station. We drifted

at Lyme Regis station, the churns

into the station, and coming to a halt

being placed in the guards van of the

I stepped down from the footplate,

train, and taken out by the junior at

and joined Terry Guppy once more

Combpyne. Of course this meant all

to start my training.

the toilets where the ‘Elsan chemical

This, then, was the beginning my

and station house was by Tilley

toilets’. All lighting at the station first day. At dinner time the late

Lamps with mantels, and fuelled by

turn lad came on duty, catching the

methylated spirit and paraffin.

1.38.p.m. off of Axminster, arrival time 1.51 p.m. At Combpyne, then on

One of the things that has always

into Lyme Regis. This lad was called

stuck in my memory at Combpyne,

Leonard Perry, (known to one and all Axminster station 1962, S-15 class runs into the station on an up-stopping train. Ivatt class tank has just arrived in the branch bay platform, with a two-coach train from Lyme Regis

as Nobby Perry).

A Celebration of Life in East Devon

continued page 76

61

Topsham from the air - Nigel Jones 2012

EAST DEVON

Coast & Country

62

for What's On, visit: eastdevonhub .co.uk

63

Sales Manager Tony Veasey with the new Nissan LEAF

Long established Nissan dealership Hamilton Garage, at Sidford, Sidmouth

THE MOTORING FUTURE COMES TO SIDMOUTH experience its winning combination of zero-emissions, ultra low running costs and effortless practicality.

A spacious and generously equipped family hatchback, the LEAF is capable of travelling up to 109 miles on a single charge which could cost as little as £2.03 on an overnight electricity tariff.

In addition, its zero-emission batterypowered motor means it’s completely exempt from road tax and the London Congestion Charge.

Tony said: “This is absolutely fantastic news for our business and for the region’s motorists.

Nearly 100% of the Nissan LEAF is made from recycled material

T

he future of motoring has arrived in Sidmouth after local car retailer Hamilton Garage was recently appointed to join Nissan’s expanding network of specialist EV (Electric Vehicle) outlets.

The exciting appointment means the Sidford dealership is now able to sell and service the groundbreaking Nissan LEAF - the world’s bestselling 100% electric car.

It fol lows a period of intensive

manufacturer-led training for dealership staff and the appointment of Tony Veasey as a dedicated Electric Vehicle Relationship Manager on hand to assist customers with all driving and ownership queries.

And Tony is predicting no shortage of interest in the stunning LEAF - the 2011 World and European Car of the Year - from potential customers eager to

EAST DEVON

Coast & Country

“By becoming a Nissan specialist EV dealer we have effectively made 100% electric motoring an affordable and practical reality for the motorists of Sidmouth”.

He added: “The Nissan LEAF is an incredible vehicle which drives and handles just like a conventionallypowered car. But the benefits are amazing. The running costs are super low while trips to the filling station and forking out for things like road tax and

OVER INCONCEIVABLE. UNTIL NOW The 100% electric Nissan LEAF represents a huge leap forward in technology, not to mention a huge saving in running costs. By swapping your conventional car for the LEAF, you can drive 10,000 miles a year for as little as £186, whilst an equivalent petrol car would cost £1,262.† Better still, the LEAF comes with a £1,600 Advanced Rental Contribution, 3 years’ Low Cost Servicing at £349 and 3 years’ Roadside Assistance. Remarkable. To find out more contact us today.

• 100% electric driving • Zero emissions whilst driving • Over 300mpg equivalent

THE 100% ELECTRIC NISSAN LEAF. GENERATING EXCITEMENT IN SIDMOUTH. FROM £25,990 OR £299 PER MONTH.‡

Nissan. Innovation that excites.

Book a test drive today Hamilton Garage Church Street, Sidmouth EX10 9QP Tel: 01395 578 131 www.hamiltongarage.co.uk Offers valid until 28 March 2013 at participating dealers only. LEAF can travel up to 109 miles per full charge (assuming 95% efficiency). Actual consumption/range may vary due to driving style, road condition, air conditioning and other factors outside our control. *This ‘equivalent’ figure is based on a price comparison. The average price of a gallon of petrol changes regularly. The latest information can be found in the latest AA fuel price report: www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/fuel/ (UK fuel prices provided to the AA by Experian Catalist).

The cost of powering the LEAF for one mile is 1.86p, based on British Gas Clear & Simple Economy 7 direct debit unit rates as at 16th November 2012 (assuming LEAF is charged for 7 hours overnight (night rate) and 1 hour in the daytime (tier two day rate). A daily standing charge of 17.579p also applies. Based on the information available at the time of going to print, for the same price as a gallon of petrol, the LEAF can be charged enough times to be driven over 300 miles. †Based on a 50mpg petrol-powered car driving 10,000 miles per annum. Finance is available subject to status on eligible new vehicles in the UK. Guarantees and Indemnities may be required. Rental stated is for Nissan Finance Lease. Comparable payments are available on Nissan Finance Preferences finance product – ask your dealer for details. ‡Advance customer rental £5,231 followed by 35 monthly rentals of £299, final rental £11,586, all figures inclusive of VAT and based on annual mileage of 10,000. If you choose Nissan Lease then you will not own the car. When you have paid the final rental at the end of the contract, you can keep using the car and pay an annual rental amount of £50+VAT. Finance provided by RCI Financial Services Limited, PO Box 149, Watford WD17 1FJ. You must be at least 18 and a UK resident (excluding Isle of Man and Channel Islands) to apply. Our dealership introduce customers to a limited number of finance providers including RCI Financial Services Ltd. Finance providers pay us for introducing you to them. Not available in conjunction with any schemes or other offers, please visit www.nissan-offers. co.uk or your local dealer for information. All prices include first registration fee and 12 months road fund licence. Information correct at time of going to print. Model shots shown are for illustration purposes only. Models subject to availability. Nissan Motor (GB) Ltd, The Rivers Office Park, Denham Way, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire WD3 9YS.

The drivetrain looks spartan, but the torque produced is equivalent to a 2.5-litre V6 petrol engine

With plenty of space, it's been designed with families in mind

congestion charges instantly become a thing of the past. “Plus, of course, LEAF drivers have the added benefit of knowing they are not adding to their carbon footprint and are helping the environment.”

The Nissan LEAF is available now priced from £25,900 (including a £5,000 government grant).

For more information about the Nissan LEAF or to book a test drive, visit Hamilton’s Sidford showroom or call Tony Veasey now on 01395 517050.

Running completely on electricity, the LEAF is innovative and affordable

for What's On, visit: eastdevonhub .co.uk

65

The Old Vicarage, Otterton

Residential care in a country house setting.

Rated as “Excellent” by the Care Quality Commission.

Professionally qualified staff on duty seven days a week.

We also provide for convalescence, respite, and holiday breaks.

For a brochure or appointment to view, please call the duty matron on:

01395 568208 email: tovotterton@btinternet.com www.theoldvicarageotterton.co.uk

EAST DEVON

Coast & Country

66

Tales of a Yokel

D. B. Photography

Yarns from the inimitable FCR Esgen

Bartering

By FCR Esgen

In England there is a long and distinguished history of bartering. The term is an all encompassing one for people who swap goods with each other, that are surplus to requirements, and seal the deal with a customary handshake. Of course, a person may just have a surfeit of one particular item; eggs say, and another who has run out of them, but has caught too many mackerel and would be willing to swap a few for half a dozen eggs. As long as the first person likes fish, a barter can be done. Both parties are happy because they and their families have obtained life sustaining foods for free, with no recourse to the need to go out and earn money to pay for these goods, or pay the tax that would be due on that money and also without the need to drive to a supermarket and stand in a queue for twenty minutes. This whole process creates time and space for the individual to breath mentally, as it were, and get off the endless materialistic round-about for a while and contemplate his or her navel instead of the car in front.

For instance, I picked half a stone of windfall apples from a local orchard one day, after asking the farmers permission I hasten to add, and swapped a dozen of them for a breast of lamb. The lamb when cooked, worked out at two delicious meals for a hearty person like me, just by spending ten minutes in the fresh, clean country air picking apples out of the long grass. The economics of bartering, as you can see, add up, but there is also the wonderful sense of self esteem and worth you get from being self sufficient and a distinct buzz from knowing that you are regaining control of your life and your destiny.

Minted Rib-Ticklers

By FCR Esgen

An old master butcher once told me a way of cooking breast of lamb that would melt in your mouth and even have Jack Spratt salivating.

Take one breast of lamb and chop into manageable ribs. Marinate ribs in mint sauce and ground black pepper.

Then BBQ or grill.

Alternatively, cook the ribs first and then pour over the sauce to taste.

Serve with a freshly made salad.

Add watercress or garlic to the salad if you want more spice, and as they say across the pond, ENJOY!

for What's On, visit: eastdevonhub .co.uk

67

Our Churches: the Past, Present and Future…

All Saints Church, East Budleigh, where Sir Walter Raleigh attended service as a child

A

spire at the centre of all our communities is something virtually everyone takes for granted. Regardless of whether they ever cross the threshold, amongst communities there is an unspoken desire to have a church in their locality for a variety of reasons.

chitectural design are manifold: the lantern tower at Colyton, the glorious wagon roof and fan vaulting at Cullompton, the chancel and nave vaults with their carved bosses and prominent effigies at Ottery St Mary, the spectacular rood-screen at Bradninch, the extensive collection

The importance of these buildings is undeniable, representing history, significant architecture and continuity through the generations; a place of quiet in times of personal crisis or thanksgiving at the end of a life; a place for celebration at a time of birth or marriage and even for those who do not attend regular services, they provide a spiritually uplifting occasion to come together with one’s neighbours at Easter, Festivals and Christmastide.

The treasures they contain are part of our rich heritage of craftsmanship, each one containing examples of skills rarely seen elsewhere, but of immense creativity and variety.

East Devon is one of the most fortunate areas of the country in so many ways, with the beauty of its coastline and countryside, enhanced in every community by the church in its midst. Fine examples of ar-

The amazing astronomical clock at St Mary’s, Ottery St Mary

EAST DEVON

of bench ends at East Budleigh, the stained glass windows at Dartington are just a few to whet your appetite.

There are superb examples of these in our other churches, together with pulpits, fonts, capitals, doors, not to mention the delights of green men (Woodbury is a good place to start) and gargoyles to amuse at every turn!

These are not the only gems to be found in our local churches. Praises should undoubtedly be sung for the rich tapestry of volunteers who work so hard to maintain, refurbish and enhance them day by day, year after year in myriad ways. The challenges they face are never-ending and constantly changing; illustrating considerable strength, ingenuity and determination in their fight against the elements impact on the fabric, the endless need to raise funds to cover running costs and the weighty load of increasing and complex regulations. And then – the tower shows a fault line, the tiles slip

– and amongst them is the Devon Historic Churches Trust, which is dedicated to funding repairs for the preservation of our glorious Christian architectural heritage.

Like our parish communities, it is a volunteer organisation working hard to raise funds so that a vital life-line of financial aid can be provided to our Devon churches in their time of need. The ethos of the trust is ‘never to say no’ to any application within its remit and being fully aware of the complex nature of so many applications for funding from a variety of sources, has a simple, easily accessible format for each church, to enable funds to be awarded with the maximum speed and the minimum of bureaucracy. This inevitably brings its own challenges to the trust and its search for funding from supporters via donations, fundraising activities and legacies is unceasing, but unwavering, knowing that their mission is too important to allow it to fail.

away, dry rot is found in the fabric – a multitude of horrors appear, all requiring extra grit and resources from these human treasures at the heart of our communities.

At times like these our churches need all the friends they can garner

There is, however, an important link between these two groups and that is the craftsmen who deliver the necessary skills sensitively, efficiently and cost-effectively; not only ensuring that the work required to these

Coast & Country

68

buildings of immense historical and cultural importance is carried out appropriately but also on budget.

Louise Crossman Architects is a prime example of best practice in the Westcountry and has an extensive portfolio of challenging projects completed successfully, not only in the heritage and conservation sector but also in a wider context with an impressive catalogue of appreciative clients. Added to this they have an enlightened approach to the charitable sector and encourage donations to worthwhile causes like the Devon Historic Churches Trust in return for an initial consultation.

So when you hear your church bells ringing out in your neighbourhood, it is good to remember this network of hardworking volunteers working day by day to ensure their church survives; the skilled professionals like Louise Crossman Architects who deliver the work required in enabling these unique and historic buildings to survive for future generations and the Devon Historic Churches Trust, dedicated to providing the vital financial support when it is needed.

Judith Kauntze - Trustee Devon Historic Churches Trust

LOUISE CROSSMAN ARCHITECTS PROVIDE A BOOST TO THE WORK OF DEVON HISTORIC CHURCHES TRUST

Louise Crossman A rchitects recently presented a cheque for £1,262.51 that had been collected by the Practice. For several years Louise Crossman Architects has run a scheme whereby a minimum donation of £25 is requested for an initial consultation for new projects or for ad hoc advice and the money is donated to a charity chosen each year by the Practice.

Other charities supported in this way and in previous years include

Pictured: Louise Crossman presenting the cheque to Lady Anne Boles, with Trustees from left to right Mr Hendrik Vollers, Col. Duncan Michie, Mr John Mills, Lady Burnell-Nugent, Mrs Rosemary Howell.

Age UK Somerset, Friends of Somerset Churches and Chapels, Shelter, and SeeAbility. Louise Crossman commented ‘All church buildings of whatever age are unique and their important historic fabric should be valued and cared for in such a way that their use can continue and that they retain their role at the centre of the community.

We are very pleased to have been able to support the Trust’s work in this way”.

Louise Crossman Architects was established in Withycombe, West Somerset in 1989 with a second office opening in Exeter in 2008.

The award winning practice has won wide recognition for the design and execution of buildings that show a high degree of care and consideration and has a reputation for providing imaginative, sustainable and cost effective solutions, with a sensitive, environmentally friendly approach.

The Devon Historic Churches Trust was established in 1972 to help with the preservation and maintenance of the 1,000 places of worship of all

denominations across Devon. It helps to ensure the survival and maintenance of Devon's county church heritage for the centuries to come. The Trust helps churches in use in both towns and the countryside by providing grants to assist with repairs, restoration, refurbishment and maintenance both inside and outside of historic churches within the Diocese of Exeter or County of Devon.

Lady Anne Boles, Chairman DHCT, thanked Louise Crossman for her very generous donation to the work of the Trust. She said that the Trust was being called upon by many churches and chapels of all denominations in Devon for help with their buildings. The very wet weather that we have experienced over the summer and autumn has brought a spate of leaks and related damage to many churches in towns and villages alike. Generous donations such as this from Louise Crossman Architects were therefore very welcome and would be quickly put to very good use.

One of St Mary’s elaborate relics Louise Crossman Architects already has an established track record in providing essential architectural advice regarding historic buildings in both Devon and Somerset. This relationship facilitates continuing dialogue and support, and not just when the repair or renovation is work done.

Further information please visit their websites: ww.lcarchitects.co.uk www.devonhistoricchurches.co.uk

St Mary’s, Ottery St Mary - an impressive edifice by any standards for What's On, visit: eastdevonhub .co.uk

69

Horse Care Thoughts Ahead?

by Natalie Bucklar-Green

Natalie Bucklar-Green gives valuable advice on various aspects of horse care and welfare...

Natalie Bucklar-Green

BSc (Hons), MSc (Equine Science)

Natalie has owned horses for over 20 years and owns East Devon Riding Academy near Sidmouth.

She has previously lectured in Equine Science to degree level and produced research for preparing Great Britains' equestrian teams for the Olympics. Natalie provides consultations in all aspects of Equine Science, and has fitted saddles for competitors at Badminton International Horse Trials.

Thoughs ahead for 2013?

Everyone can get stuck in a rut and at this quiet time of the year it's good to re-evaluate and make changes in order to move on. With that in mind, here are a few ideas to think about, which may give a different perspective.

Riding a horse is like carrying a leaky bucket full of water You need to get some water from (a) to (b), do you concentrate on fixing the leaks or just get on with it and carry the bucket anyway? If you take time to fix the leaks, progress on your journey will be slower but if you just carry on anyway without fixing the leaks, what’s the point of the journey

if you lose most of the water? So fixing the leaks is working on your riding skill, the skill that is actually needed, the whole point of riding. However, what happens is that you fi x one leak and another pops up, bigger or smaller. Sometimes this can bug you as rather than realising that you have fixed several leaks, it just feels like you are always facing a problem, not finding solutions. At this point many people will give up, but riding isn’t about the destination, saying ‘I’m off the lead rein/I can canter/I can go sideways’; it’s about the journey, how you do something. It can be argued that you can never really arrive at point (b) because as long as you ride there will always be leaks to fix.

Being in control One of the questions I am frequently asked is ‘When can my child come off the lead rein?’. This gives rise to the question ‘When is a rider in control?’. It certainly takes far more than a dozen lessons before someone can go from ‘passenger’ to ‘rider’. As a passenger we are not in control, so even if we are only walking, not being in control of a horse is a dangerous place to be! Being in control means placing the horse where we want it to be, not just being guided by an arena fence or following the bum in front. If we cut the corner in an arena, there is no great consequence, but do it in the countryside and we can fall down a hole. Control also means going at the speed we want and being able to communicate that desire effectively, be that faster or slower. Even if the horse chooses to stop when we haven’t asked him to, that means we are not in control.

A rider that isn’t in control sooner or later will have their luck run out, they can lose confidence quickly and parting company with their horse is

EAST DEVON

a likely result. It is unfair on a horse to one minute allow him to decide on your speed and direction and the next expect him to accept that we are in control. How confusing! A horse cannot be dependable if the goal posts are constantly moving. This can require immense discipline on the rider’s part in order to be consistent.

Sometimes it can also be difficult for the horse to understand what is an aid and what is an accidental request; can we control the horse’s body if we can’t control our own?

Warm plasticine versus cold plasticine Can you imagine the difference between warm plasticine and cold plasticine? It’s still the same material but it will take on a different feel and consistency just in response to temperature. When warm, plasticine is much more pliable, it’s softer and can be be made into more accurate representations of things. When cold, it is stiff, more likely to crack and can’t be moulded in to shapes so easily. Have you ever seen yourself ride? Are you warm plasticine or cold plasticine? One part of your body might be warm and another cold. Alternatively, you might not be plasticine at all; you could be concrete, jelly, wood, cotton wool or a combination of lots of these. What does your horse feel in his mouth, on his back, on his sides? How effective are you when asking your horse to do something? Could you be both more comfortable to your horse and more effective in your communication just by changing what you are made of or your flexibility?

It takes two to argue The bit is a foreign object in the horse’s mouth, an object that can

Coast & Country

cause both pain and damage once contact is taken on the reins. The rein aids should always be thought of as having a supportive role in controlling the horse’s direction and speed, they should not be the primary aid. It is very common for ridden horses to demonstrate one or several actions when ridden: opening their mouth, biting the bit, grinding teeth, leaning on the bit, snatching, pulling their head down, putting the tongue over the bit and so the list goes on! In response to these the rider may pull back, hang on the reins, use a stronger bit, strap the mouth closed and ditto, so the list goes on! This can be a chicken and egg situation, where who started it can’t be identified, however it is worth thinking that the horse wouldn’t do these actions for no reason and taking some time to identify and rectify the reason would undoubtedly lead to a more comfortable horse and greater harmony. The potential reasons would be a whole new long list too, but some of the most common include the horse trying to use his head and neck to balance, an uncomfortable bit or other tack, sharp teeth, an unbalanced rider, unrefined rein aids or inappropriate use of the bit.

So take this opportunity of a new year to assess your riding and the horse you ride. How could your partnership be improved? Are you effective, in control and safe, and is your horse comfortable, willing and happy? This doesn’t have to be done alone, even Olympic riders have an ‘eye on the ground’ to help them. Get yourself out of that rut and see what fun you could have on a whole new journey.

Happy New Year!

Natalie

x

70

EQUINE EVENTS Feb - Mar 2013

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for What's On, visit: eastdevonhub .co.uk

71

Here Comes the Bride Wedding Wishing Well Foundation Somerset-based, Naomi Thomas, founder of The Wedding Wishing Well Foundation, chats about the inspirational organisation helping to give people with terminal illnesses and life limiting conditions, the wedding day of their dreams

Life Matters Balancing the stresses of work and living with health and relaxation

‘Obviously’, she continues, there are many factors affecting the development of the disease such as lifestyle, weight, exercise and genetics. But if the younger generations are more aware of the issues relating to breast health and the development of breast cancer, more lives can hopefully be saved, before it is too late.’

The issues Naomi faced, from how to preserve her fertility, continuing to work for as long as possible and maintaining relationships are all still genuine concerns for younger women with the disease.

Naomi says, ‘When I was diagnosed I had to deal with all sorts of difficult issues, but it was just as tough for Graham. How partners cope with a breast cancer diagnosis and the rollercoaster of emotions that follow is often overlooked.’

Life Matters Editor - Averil Quinain coachingholistic@gmail.com tel: 01395 513383 07891 447710 Averil is a Personal Life Coach and Business Development Coach. She works voluntarily for the Princes Trust as a mentor for young people, and for Oxfam as a school speaker.

With a passion for inspired and responsible living, she also runs an organic natural remedy business. Averil trained at the internationally renowned CoachInc.com and is a member of the ICF.

Do you know an inspiring person who would share their story? Are you involved in a project that is making a difference to people’s lives? Contact me using the details above.

I’m looking forward to hearing from you.

Do you have anything interesting to tell us about?

We re particulary keen to hear from local charities and voluntary organisations about the good work they carry out in the com munity.

We d also like to hear from practitioners in the East Devon, Exeter and West Dorset area about

their treatments and serv

ices.

Do you have courses or group sessions you're running in the area, register now to get free promotion for these. Email us at charlotte@ prestige-media.co.uk

'The Cancer Rollercoaster’

Naomi and Graham on their wedding day

IN THE YEARS leading up to the launch of The Wedding Wishing Well Foundation, Naomi Thomas had been through more than most people contend with their entire lives.

At thirty years old Naomi is a happily married, mum of one and settled in the beautiful Somerset town of Wellington, with her new husband, Graham.

However, one thing you wouldn’t know about Naomi if you saw her in the street is that she is living with Secondary Breast Cancer, a disease which has transformed her life and the lives of others, in so many ways.

Looking back over her life choices, Naomi focused on her career decisions and admits she had not known what she wanted to do when she left school.

In 2005 she began working as a self employed Wedding Planner across the county of Devon. Life was going swimmingly, it seemed.

It was during this time Naomi learnt how to create the ‘perfect’ wedding for brides-to-be, from the dress, the venue, the flowers to all the little finishing touches which help make the day personal and extra special for all involved.

It was unquestionable; Naomi loved her

EAST DEVON

job, helping to ensure the big day would be a day never to forget. But after only four years pursuing her dream career and only three months with her fiancé Graham, Naomi’s world was turned upside down as she was given the devastating news that she had Breast Cancer. She was only 26.

Naomi admitted it was a diagnosis that she never thought she would hear.

‘It was terrifying,” she says. “Your world just falls apart, especially thinking of my loved ones.’ Despite these figures, it seems the awareness of breast cancer amongst younger women is not as prominent as it could be. Many young women, just like Naomi, simply believe that are not at risk of developing breast cancer. Furthermore, many are unaware that once diagnosed, a high percentage will be told they have the more aggressive forms, often resulting in higher mortality rates.

‘Young people need to be taught from an early age, the importance of knowing what is ‘normal’ for their breasts, knowing what to look and feel for, and actually checking for lumps and changes. If they do discover anything they must report any changes to their GP’s without delay’ says Naomi.

Coast & Country

But this news was just the beginning of a heartbreaking journey, for not only Naomi, but everyone close to her. After a gruelling series of treatments including an operation, chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy, Naomi had hoped she had beaten the disease and looked to the future with Graham.

Both were delighted when in early 2010, aged 27, Naomi discovered she was pregnant and expecting their first child.

Naomi explained how she felt very lucky to be carrying a baby, especially knowing chemotherapy can more often than not affect fertility in women.

Unfortunately, this excitement soon turned to devastation as only six days after her newborn son, Devon, came into the world in September 2010 Naomi was rushed back into hospital with a serious MRSA infection. It was during this time that doctors delivered the massive blow that the cancer had spread and that her back had broken in three places due to her bones being eaten away by cancer. Despite everything, Naomi soon had come to terms with the fact she now had incurable Secondary Breast Cancer.

It soon became apparent that this news came as an even bigger shock to everyone, especially after the initial hope that the treatment had worked.

Defiantly, Naomi bravely endured further treatment, only for surgeons to decide against operating on the tumour on her spine for various reasons.

‘You forget it’s happening to you,’ says

72

THERAPEUTIC COUNSELLING

HYPNOTHERAPY AND SUPERVISION

Pat Hoare

SENIOR BACP ACCREDITED COUNSELLOR AND SUPERVISOR SENIOR G.H.R. ACCREDITED HYPNOTHERAPIST 24A GANDY STREET, EXETER EX4 3LS Tel. 01392 410090 pat@pathoare.eclipse.co.uk

WANT TO FEEL FULL OF ENERGY & VITALITY? TRIED ACUPUNCTURE?

It is well-known that Acupuncture is very effective for physical health problems. However, you don’t have to be ill, in the conventional sense, to benefit from Acupuncture.

Many clients come to me for help with low energy levels, fertility issues, weight management or

Val Davis, B.Sc., Lic.Ac.

(Member of the British Acupuncture Council)

Clinics throughout East Devon

(01395) 578050

Acupuncture For general health problems, fertility, addictions, sports injuries, facial revitalisation acupuncture. Val Davis, B.Sc., M.B.Ac.C., Lic.Ac. 01395 578050 Chiropody

Another wedding helped along by WWW Foundation

Chiropractic For gentle, effective holistic chiropractic treatment for the whole family, the Chiropractic Health Centre 01297 35844 or 01404 549270 Cognitive Hypnotherapy Let Michelle Hague help you gain control of your life. Tel 01297 20144.

See display advert.

Promote your practice Appear in this section for only £12 Call Nigel on 01395 512166 or email nigel@prestige-media.co.uk continued on the following page

Naomi. ‘All I know is I won’t survive this and I just enjoy every day as it comes.

Over time I’ve come to terms with it.

It’s the people you leave behind I feel for’ she explains.

Despite Naomi struggling to cope with her recent diagnosis, looking after a newborn and dealing with her shocking news she bravely decided to try to focus on the future with her new young family.

Having had to cancel their wedding day due to the financial impact cancer has on people going through it Naomi decided to arrange a charity event in the town she grew up in, Sidmouth, Devon to lift her spirits. Naomi’s extraordinary story and the way the disease impacted her as a young woman soon caught the attention of local Wedding Planner Sam

Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy Clinical Hypnotherapy

The good news is that Acupuncture can help restore emotional and physical well-being, so that you can get on with enjoying your life.

WHY NOT BOOK AN APPOINTMENT NOW

PR ACTITIONERS

Pamper your feet at The Foot Friendly Clinic, 3 Miltons Yard Axminster EX13 5FE. Phone for an appointment on 01297 625515 or 07946213310. Open Tues/Wed/ Thurs and for evening appointments by arrangement.

addictions such as smoking.

Alternatively you may just feel unwell in yourself with no ‘get up and go’ or enthusiasm for life.

Williams. Unknown to Naomi, this event was to signal the first step towards her becoming the beaming Mrs Thomas, as she is today.

Through the enormous generosity of Sam, the local community and from complete strangers, a dream wedding was arranged with donations from wedding suppliers on 6th June 2012, Naomi and Graham eventually tied the knot in a beautiful ceremony at St Audries Park, Somerset.

Naomi admits, ‘It was a stunning day; one to cherish for ever. I loved feeling special for the day and getting the chance to marry the man who has supported me through so much. As I have always proclaimed, I am eternally grateful to everyone who made the day

possible; it really was a real group effort.’

Determined to put her experiences to positive use, Naomi set about ways to help others enjoy the wedding day of their dreams, just as Sam and her event planning business Perfectly Planned Events had enabled her to.

So, in early 2012, with this passion and determination right at the centre of what she wanted to achieve, The Wedding Wishing Well Foundation was born.

One thing Naomi thinks about a great deal is how, that despite the devastating impact cancer has on so many people’s lives, ‘it is magical how cancer brings people closer together and it is this fact which inspired me to help others in this way.’

‘The highs and lows of new beginnings’ However, as with any new venture, there are always challenges, as Naomi has found out: ‘One major challenge has been receiving the applications and the dealing with the range of emotions it stirs up. It is exciting to think we can help people have a fantastic wedding day but at the same time, it is difficult to think about the limited time couples will enjoy as husband and wife.’

‘Behind this upset, however,’ says Naomi ‘lays a desire to focus on the positive side of things in life. If The Wedding Wishing Well Foundation is able to help, in any way, make the couple feel complete, just as Graham and I did on our wedding day, I will be one happy lady!’ continued page 81

AXMINSTER

HONITON

01297 35844

01404 549270

Chard Street

193 High Street

Helping you to take control of your life Help with: Anxiety, Depression, Habits, Phobias, Confidence, Stress Insomnia, Pain, IBS, CFS/ME, Trauma, Relaxation, Panic Fear, Smoking, Self-Esteem & Weight Control

Clinics in: Exeter ~ Sidmouth ~ Axminster Michelle Hague BA(Hons)Cert ed D Hyp PDC Hyp

01297 20144 or 07761 773563

PDCBHyp MBSCH

michelle@haguemail.co.uk www.takecontrolofyourlife.co.uk

Chiropractic Health Centre Gentle effective holistic treatment for the whole family Richard Stenning D.C. Michael Norris D.C. Louisa Wootton D.C.

for What's On, visit: eastdevonhub .co.uk

www.wellbeingdevon.co.uk

73

British Acupuncture Council

Acupuncture Awareness Week 25th Feb to 3rd Mar is a week dedicated to understanding Insomnia and ways of treating it Acupuncture practitioner Val Davis

A

ccording to traditional Chinese philosophy, our health is dependent on the body’s motivating energy (qi) moving in a smooth and balanced way through a series of channels beneath the skin.

Acupuncture can affect the quality of qi, your body’s vital energy, by the insertion of very fine needles into specific points along these channels. This stimulates the body’s healing response and restores natural balance. Treatment is aimed at the root cause of your condition as well as your main symptoms. This approach helps with resolving your problem and enhancing your feeling of well-being.

You may notice other niggling problems resolve as your main health complaint improves.

The type of conditions that I mostly see in my clinics include the following: anxiety, depression, arthritis, back pain and sciatica, low energy levels, hormonal/ menopausal symptoms, pregnancy management, fertility problems, and addictions such as smoking.

Professional Acupuncturists spend at least 3 years training at degree level to become an Acupuncturist. We are then entitled to join the British Acupuncture Council and to use the letters Lic. Ac., B.Ac.C after our names. We also have public liability and professional indemnity insurance. Many of us have also studied at post-graduate level and are constantly updating our skills and experience.

Val Davis, B.Sc., Lic.Ac., M.B.Ac.C. (Member of British Acupuncture Council) (20 years experience) (01395) 578050 www.devonacupuncture.org.uk

I

nsomnia is the inability to get enough sleep to wake feeling refreshed and rested. This means it is the quality of sleep not the number of hours of sleep needed.

Insomnia can be described as a variety of different symptoms associated with sleep disturbances including; • • • • • •

Inability to sleep Difficulty getting off to sleep Frequent waking Restlessness Disordered sleep Dream disturbed sleep

Insomnia is the most common sleep disorder and approximately one third of adults experience occasional or persistent sleep disturbances. This can lead to serious impairment of daytime functioning.

The Good News is most cases of insomnia can be treated with a few change s that you can make for yourself.

• Try to identify all the possible causes (e.g. stress, health problems, anxiet y, recent traumatic experience, depression).

• Changing habits that disrupt sleep (e.g. eating late, coffee, alcohol and late night viewing of TV and/or internet).

• Use a sleep diary to identify insomnia inducing habits.

Writing down day/night time habits may allow you to identify a pattern.

You can address many common patterns through life style changes and improve your sleep. You may find taking Regular Exercise and Managing Your Stress more

Deborah Pearce

Hypnotherapy

effectively, that your sleep is much more refreshing.

The key is to experiment and use your diary as a jumping off point.

• Keep regular sleep schedule • Allow enough time to sleep e.g.

7-8 hours.

• Make sure the bedroom is dark, cool and quiet.

• Turn off TV, smartphone, tablet and computers at least one hour before bedtime as they can stimulate the brain and interfere with your body’s internal clock.

Other non-medical things you can do that may help you sleep include: A hot milky drink before bed A hot bath Lavender oil on your pillow Listen to some light music Have your partner give you a massage This year's Acupuncture Awareness Week focuses on insomnia and sleep disorders.

How does Acupuncture work?

Traditional acupuncture works on the mind, body and spirit levels.

The aim of the acupuncturist is to assist the body in balancing the energies of the mind, body and spirit, helping to enhance the patient’s own powers of recovery.

Scientific research suggests that acupuncture appears to increase the night time production of melatonin, which helps to ensure a proper night’s sleep. It may also have a calming effect on the central nervous system, as it can be used effectively to treat pain. Therefore insomnia can be treated in many other ways than taking medication.

INI

FR

EE

TIA

FR

LC

O

EE

N RELinclu SULT AX des ATIO AT ION N CD

Deborah Pearce HPD Clinical Hypnotherapist

e: dpearcehypno@gmail.com www.deborahpearce.co.uk EAST DEVON

Further information about acupuncture can be found at www.acupuncture.org.uk

• • • • •

Solution Focused Hypnotherapy Appointments available at: • Anxiety • Stress The Awareness Centre, Axminster • Confi dence issues Problems sleeping • • • The Good Life, Ottery St Mary • Ebdons Court Natural Health, Sidmouth • Self-hypnosis for childbirth t: 01404 813388 m: 07939 840788 DPH_0005 East Devon Coast & Country magazine Ad AW.indd 1

Hilary Sharp MBAcC. Lic Ac. www.hilarysharp.co.uk 07738630186

Coast & Country

30/04/2012 13:47

Life Matters PR ACTITIONERS Hypnotherapy Pat Hoare provides therapeutic counselling, hypnotherapy and supervision. 01392 410090. See display.

Anxiety, stress, fears, phobias, weight issues? Contact clinical hypnotherapist Deborah Pearce. See display.

Life Coaching Is the treadmill of your life getting faster? You want to slow down, but can't? You want to change your life/ career/reach your full potential? www.goforitlifecoaching.com or contact Averil Quinain coachingholistic@gmail.com 07891 447710 to arrange a fabulous free 30 minute taster session.

Rooms for hire Does your facility have rooms for practitioners to rent, or are you a practitioner looking for space? We have a free way to promote your requirements, call Nigel on 01395 513383. continued on the following page

74

Pinhay House Residential Care Home Lyme Regis, Dorset

How do you choose a future home for yourself or your loved ones?

How can you tell if the home you like will give the right level of care?

At Pinhay House we know the problems you face finding the right home, we understand your worries. Which is why at Pinhay you can be assured of receiving a warm sympathetic welcome.

After twenty four years caring for the elderly at Pinhay, we feel able to advise you and your family about the care that you are looking for. Our staff are trained

to the highest standards, both in-house and in gaining the new Diplomas in Health and Social Care (QCF). We specialise in the care of people with Dementia.

We have an Activities team working seven days a week to encourage the continuation of Life Skills amongst our residents; motivation and enthusiasm is high. Our excellent relationship with

local practitionerʼs assists us in planning and implementing our residents care, the satisfaction we feel from our success results in a highly motivated team and contented residents.

At Pinhay we can answer your questions and alleviate your concerns. Talk to us before you make any decisions.

Leading the way in Elderly Care Tel: 01297 445626

Email: info@pinhayhouse.co.uk

or visit www.pinhayhouse.co.uk

Sharp Acupuncture

PR ACTITIONERS Promote your practice Appear in this section for only £12 Call Nigel on 01395 512166 or email nigel@prestige-media.co.uk

Hilary Sharp LicAc.MBAcC.

Insomnia Headaches Back pain Sciatica

Clinics in: Honiton Axminster Charmouth

Get your classes listed on the eastdevonhub. co.uk website, totally free of charge Yes, get your workshops, classes, training listed on the eastdevon. co.uk website totally free. Contact charlotte@prestige-media.co.uk for more details

Do you have an interesting life story to tell?

If so, contact Nigel Jones so we can inclu de you in the magazine call 01395 513383

DISCLAIMER - All material in this magazine is copyright. The publishers are

Also safe for children

www.hilarysharp.co.uk 0773 863 0186

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.

hilarysharp@btinternet.com

for What's On, visit: eastdevonhub .co.uk

75

continued from page 61

were gathered round a blazing fire,

to an engine, with Tom and Terry

their overcoats steaming with the

on the ‘Ivatt’ tanks. One particular

damp, the glow of cigarettes in their

afternoon, I had come on duty for

mouths, and the reflection of the fire

the late turn, and climbed up on

silhouetting their weather beaten

the footplate with my two fellow

faces.

compatriots from Axmouth village, driver ‘George Johns’ and his brother-

Put the tray down there my son, says

in-law, fireman ‘Grenville Morgan’.

Dinor, pointing to an old table. From

George said to me, "how are you

his Tommy bag, he takes out a screw

getting on regards your transfer".

top bottle filled with milk. He then

I said "they cannot get anyone

proceeds to fill the five cups with

to fill the vacancy at Combpyne".

tea. Then he puts his hand inside

Nobby had already left to go into

his greatcoat pocket and with that

the butchery trade), and relief men

gleam in his eye that he always had,

were covering his duty.

he produces a bottle of Lamb's Navy The back of the Lyme Regis station from the approach road, again early 1960s

Rum, and tops up the cups. There

George said to me "you want to hand

you are my son, he says to me, "get

your notice in and start again." - ‘You

that down you". I had never tasted

would loose twelve months service,

was that the station house was

their two children, a girl and a boy.

rum before, but I could feel it going

but you would start at Exmouth

occupied by Bill and Mollie Fowler

The oldest, the daughter, was a real

down, the warmth making me glow,

Junction’, as a cleaner.

and their seven children, who were

cracker, and myself and Nobby both

as it did so. Dinor and the rest of the

thought indeed.

called - Susan, Ann, Robert, Linda,

fancied her and both decided to ask

gang just looking at me with broad

Marie, Philip and Elizabeth. You can

her out on a date. Now Nobby had

smiles on their faces. - I have never

I did hand my notice in and I did start

imagine what wash day was like and

just turned eighteen years of age

forgotten that experience.

again in February 1962 as a cleaner

bath nights as well, for the family.

and his father had just bought him a Before the Summer Service came

another story.

new car. It was a Triumph Mayflower

Food for

lad at Exmouth Junction. But that's

But not only that, but during the

saloon, a lovely looking job. I on the

into effect during June of 1961, the

winter timetable, ( late Sept to

other hand, just coming up to sixteen,

three Adams Radial tank engines

The Lyme Regis branch line, closed

early June) there were no trains on

was still relying on my bicycle. So

numbers 30582, 30583, and 30584.

in November 1965 and today much of

Sundays. So the family had to go

you can guess who won the date,

These were replaced on the Lyme

it lies buried under brambles, bushes,

from Saturday evening until Monday

Nobby and myself laughed about that

Regis branch line by the Ivatt class

and trees. But the memories are never forgotten. In my minds eye

morning with no water delivery. I

for years afterwards. Unfortunately

2-6-2 tank engines, 41307, 41308,

can assure you that every container

Nobby was to die in his early fifties

41320, and 41322 took over working

I can still picture standing on the

in the Fowler household was filled

of lung cancer. But he was always

the branch, turn and turn about,

platform at Combpyne, and hear the

with water, including the old copper

the life and soul of anything that

from Exmouth junction shed ( 72

laboured beat of the exhaust of one

tub for boiling the washing.

was going on.

A). During Sunday working on the

of the Adams tanks as it struggles

We

used to have some fun, I can tell you. But it was worked to a fine art.

One winter afternoon I was on the early turn, and it had rained

Sometimes, paraffin supplies would

practically all day, the time was about

run low and the station staff would

3p.m. And the branch permanent

be called on to get out supplies.

way staff were working on the

Likewise, with the coal for the

line in the vicinity of Combpyne

household fire, the Engine would

station. There were four of them,

supply a bucket full, or the station

Dinor Harrison, was the ganger,

coalhouse likewise.

But we never

and then there was Arthur Watson,

went short at the station. Mollie

Jack Guppy, (Terry's father) and

would cook us a plate of chips, and

Cecil Doble. At the western end of

plenty of tea was brewed - they were

Combpyne station there was situated

truly lovely times, everybody had

a Lengthman’s hut, this was a shelter

time for one another.

for the permanent way men. Dinor came to me and said, "put the kettle

During the summer months, May

on my son, and make a pot of tea,

to September, we had a camping

and bring it down to the hut, with

coach at Combpyne in the sidings.

five cups."

Cannington Viaduct. - looking toward Lyme Regis

branch Summer Service, myself and

We would supply this one with water

uphill from Cannington viaduct,

Nobby worked it so that one junior

slowly up through the cutting toward

and paraffin, etc.

I did this, put it all on a tray, locked

porter did a double shift, whilst the

Trinity road bridge, and then drift

the booking office door ( there was

other one had the Sunday off. That

into Combpyne station, travelling

It was in use a great deal. One

no train due) and went down to the

suited us fine. Time went on and

bunker first toward Axminster, with

particular fortnight we had a family

hut, it was still raining slightly. I

my sixteenth birthday came and

its two coach train.

come down from Wales, Colwyn bay

knocked the door and it was opened,

went. On the late turn I had been

Mike Clements

to be precise, Mr and Mrs Price, and

inside in the semi-darkness, the men

getting a bit of practise with firing

01297 23847

EAST DEVON

Coast & Country

76

Business Advice

}

DIVERSIFY OR FOCUS

Branch out or stick - which path should your business take?

Branching out is risky, especially if you take your business down a different • Natural progression - of ten already have a successful business opportunities present themselves success route. which you do not want to jeopardize, as your business develops and you but with careful planning, the right Katina Styles acquire a greater understanding people and structure in place, and of your customer’s needs. If you Axminster Tool Centre. Ltd COL-AD-HC1 Honiton 91x133_Layout 1 09/01/2013 10:04 Page 1 adequate finance available it can get keep getting asked for something you out of that sticky position and you don’t do there comes a time when it will make sense to do it!

Written by Katina Styles, a director at Axminster Tool Centre Ltd

W

hen it comes to developing an ongoing strategy one of the most pertinent considerations is whether or not you should diversify.

Of course, in the South West where so many businesses are dependent upon the tourism trade and its seasonal highs and lows this is of particular relevance and a change in direction may become necessary for survival. A consistent income stream throughout the year is vital for most businesses; if you do trade cyclically and do not make enough money during the feast periods to see you through the famine months you will have to take action.

This may require some ‘out of the box’ creativity on your part ‒ for example, what can an ice cream vendor sell in winter? Hot soup perhaps!

Often the catalyst for diversification is the point at which the growth in your core business is slowing or even stagnant; when you have reached a stage where you have done everything you can with your existing products or services and your existing customers. At this juncture, whilst you can decide to ‘stick’ and focus, for most it is the time to consider what can be done to enable growth, to secure sustainability and, ultimately, to facilitate higher rewards.

There are various diversification strategies, the most common ones being:

• Offer different products to your existing customer base - they know who you are, they trust you so are far more disposed to buying from you and, provided you have served them well in the past, they will be loyal to you.

Are your home and car insurance policies good enough?

• Extend into new markets - research dif ferent sectors into which you can sell your products and acquire new customers. This may necessitate some rebranding but if you move into naturally associated areas of business this should not be too onerous.

• Develop new products for new markets - the riskiest strategy of all. A leap into the unknown but potentially a huge opportunity to create wealth.

The benefits of diversifying are obvious but there are some downsides.

Diversification takes time, energy and money. It requires a lot of planning and the distraction could mean that you take your eye off the ball in respect of what you are already doing; lose focus and your main source of income could suffer. You also need to ensure that your business structure is capable of handling the new business; is it best to incorporate the new stuff within your current operation or do you set up a separate company? And don’t forget the people factor. Do you have the right managers in place and are you able to delegate effectively so that you are not overstretched?

Timing is crucial; in an ideal world your existing business should be stable and profitable as it will need to support your new strategy. However, you never know when a business opportunity may arise so in many ways there is never a right or wrong time to diversify. If it’s a survival strategy then that’s a different matter and you may have no choice, as long as you are not throwing good money after bad.

Call 01404 42051 for a quote or pop into the office to talk to us at NFU Mutual Office, Manor House, High Street, Honiton, Devon EX14 1LJ

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for What's On, visit: eastdevonhub .co.uk

77

THE CREAM OF THE CROP TALENTED, AWARD WINNING AND LONG ESTABLISHED BUSINESSES IN EAST DEVON

Team "Frog In Well Vineyard", looking firmly ahead to better things in 2013 My first year in business at Froginwell has reminded

casseroles and cream teas - all homemade and all

me very much of the first time I fell in love. The

excellent. Team Frog is made up of myself and

elation, the upset, the butterflies, the sleepless

super-talented chef Simon Benn, as well as our

nights. I also never expected it to take over my life

hard-working part-timer, Ness Prettejohn. All local

but in an endearing way it has and now I couldn’t

and all working to achieve the same goal - the

be without it. I am Kate Jenkins, 34 years of age,

success of Froginwell. We opened in May with

wife, mother of two little girls and manager of

absolutely no personal experience in retail and

family business Froginwell Vineyard & Cider Barn.

naively thought an ‘Open’ sign at the end of the

What is Froginwell exactly? The land was originally

drive would have the punters flocking in - funnily

bought as grazing for sheep, then we planted the

enough that wasn’t the case. Not only have we

cider orchard fifteen years ago and more recently

opened in the worst economic climate this country

the vineyard was planted in 2005. Now Froginwell

has seen for decades but we have had the most

is an immaculately presented Barn set on 20 acres

dismal summer on record and distractions such

Barn itself and even our first attempt at wine has

of rolling East Devon countryside which has an

as the Jubilee and the Olympics to contend with.

nearly sold out. People want to get married here

acre of vines and 2 acres of orchard. The inside

Despite all this doom and gloom we are still here

and 2013 brings our very first civil ceremony. There

has a warm and welcoming feel with a fabulous

- heads above water, looking firmly ahead.

is so much opportunity and we will fight to ensure

view overlooking the vineyard in summer and a cosy wood burner to warm the cockles in winter.

Kate Jenkins and family

Froginwell can remain a place where people can Team Frog are united in the belief that what we

come and relax and enjoy. (And the butterflies

have is something really quite special and this

still flutter every time the door opens...).

As well as selling our wine and cider we serve

is reiterated by our customers who tell us how

delicious food - everything from soup to warming

fabulous Froginwell is - the food, the cider, the

You can contact Kate on 01395 239900

Mums have it all Stitched up A1 Print & Stitch, at Heathpark, Honiton In April 2012, a business was started by three mums.

mind and infectious sense of humour she keeps

This was a completely new venture for each one

the wheels in motion.

and would stretch multi-tasking to the very limit.

The ladies in question are Karen Bralsford, Shelley

Next we have Shelley, the Sales Director, who

Roe-Lavery and Chloe Morter, and they work as

never leaves any stone unturned, like her spotless

three equal partners in the company A1 Print

house she likes to make sure that everything in

and Stitch Limited, which provides customised

the business is running smoothly and efficiently

garments and accessories for corporate, school

and brings warmth to the business with her kind

and personal wear. This includes screenprint, heat

nature.

press and embroidery for uniforms, ties, sports clubs, schools and every manner of industry

Lastly but certainly by no means least is Chloe, the

including high visibility clothing. There really

Design Director. Her cool, calm and slightly daft

is nothing that is out of reach for this company.

character is just what the company needs. She brings creativity and a breadth of knowledge in

Some people would say that three’s a crowd, but

all things design based, which lets the customer

not when it come to these three. Their personalities

know that they are going to get the best results.

Shelley Roe-Lavery, Chloe Morter and Karen Bralsford, A1 Print and Stitch Ltd

complement each other like cheese, wine (lots of it in their case). Take Karen for example, the Accounts

Website: www.a1printandstitch.co.uk

Director, she is a lady that will not sit and watch

E-mail: sales@a1printandstitch.co.uk

You can speak to Shelley, Chloe or Karen on Honiton 01404 45682

the world go by, with her engaging persona, sharp

EAST DEVON

Coast & Country

78

THE CREAM OF THE

If you're the proprietor of an excellent local business, make contact with Nigel Jones (01395 513383)

CROP

Renovating a barn, setting up a new business and becoming a mum - keeps Jenny busy Life-changing decisions have been second nature

three years have been full of excitement - the

for Jenny Luxton over the past three years! The

arrival of my gorgeous son, moving back to a

arrival of her son, Charlie, in 2010 heralded a new

place I adore and setting up my own business.

era for the 33 year-old, when she made the brave

I've loved every minute!” The hard work certainly

decision to leave the corporate world she had

paid off! Jenny passed her Diploma in Interior

built a successful career in and follow her dream

Design with distinction and also qualified as a

of setting up her own interior design consultancy.

consultant with the House Doctor Network. This additional training, combined with her natural

Not content with embarking on this exciting

flair for transforming spaces, has enabled Jenny

new venture AND being a new mum, she and

to become a real expert in home staging, de-

her partner Ian also took the plunge and relocated

cluttering and re-organising. My clients have

from the Midlands to Devon, where Jenny grew up.

been overwhelmed and are literally speechless

Jenny was no stranger to the world of interiors,

when they see the results - I've even had them

having headed up store visual & design teams

burst into delighted tears!”

for large high street retailers, but making the transition was a challenge nonetheless.

Jenny Luxton Interiors was launched last year, and her services cover everything from decor

Jenny Luxton

Studying with the British Institute of Interior Design

ideas to full home makeovers. Her mission is to

whilst also juggling nappy changes and renovating

help her clients to turn houses into homes, no

end result matters to me. "Your home is the one

her new barn conversion, proved difficult at times,

matter how great or small the project. “From

place that you can be you".

but Jenny has relished the challenge. “The last

the moment we meet, your aspiration and the

Contact 07903 888472

Popular Sidmouth deli and cafe (The Dairy Shop) sees new owners take the helm The term 'baptism by fire' springs to mind surrounding the acquisition of Peter and Linda's

Everything moved incredibly quickly and they

new business!

became the proud owners of their new business in the very height of the summer season - August

Having decided on a complete change of lifestyle,

2012!

they decided to make the move from Banbury in Oxford to East Devon. They desperately longed

It was the steepest learning curve that they have

to live by the coast and having family links in

both experienced, but they survived the busiest

the Honiton area dating back to 1786, they were

month of the year and during the past few months

particularly drawn to the surrounding area, so

they have made some interesting additions to the

had been looking at a variety of businesses for

range of locally-based food and drink that they

sale when they fell upon the perfect opportunity.

sell, and offer all customers those special little touches, even when just having a coffee, in a

Despite coming from diverse career backgrounds,

very cosy, relaxed ambience. This year, they'll be

Peter having been in business management and

slightly more prepared for the month of August.

Linda having worked in an area linked with the legal profession, they fell in love with the rustic

For more information on what The Dairy Shop

charm of The Dairy Deli and Cafe in Church

offers, see their display advert in our Eating Out

Street (lovingly referred to as 'the Bond Street of

section. Also, if you would like to get in touch

Sidmouth' because of its quaint and quirky shops).

with Peter and Linda, please call 01395 513018.

for What's On, visit: eastdevonhub .co.uk

Peter and Linda The Dairy Shop, Sidmouth

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Independent Financial Adviser Celebrating 21 years of Business in East Devon

Helen has been advising clients in the East Devon area for the past 21 years and specialises in the provision of retirement and investment advice.

Her firm also provides a specialist annuities service for people approaching retirement and newly retired, which operates nationally.

MANAGING your MONEY

To find out more about her practice, you can view her company website at: www.richmondindependent.co.uk

Retirement choices

01395 512166

RECENT NEWS *Helen's * recently been awarded the DipPFS

Warning handle with care!

Many people coming up to retirement will soon be making one of the most important financial decisions of their life.

Many would-be retirees may have large funds and therefore deciding on retirement options is important and will affect almost every aspect of their retirement. Often retirement option decisions are irrevocable and therefore the consequences will live with you throughout retirement. Many may not realise that there is not just one decision to be made, but in fact, a multitude of decisions. This is because there are many more

choices available nowadays and even if you feel that an annuity is the right product for you, it might surprise you to consider that there is an increasingly wide range of annuities available including enhanced, impaired and investment annuities. There is no doubt that this is a complex market and making sure that you have expert advice could be the best decision you make. Taking time and advice to carefully consider all the possibilities means that you have a much better chance of pinpointing the right option for you. Taking professional financial advice also means that you are more likely to

Need help managing your investments?

Our practice can provide risk graded advisory portfolios and a regular valuation and monitoring service using the latest technology.

We specialise in this service.

Approaching or in retirement?

For those approaching or in retirement, ensure that all your options have been considered. We research the whole market to find the most suitable annuity and retirement options. We specialise in this service.

EAST DEVON

Helen Mulvaney

BA (Hons), Dip M, DipPFS Proprietor of Richmond Independent

understand the advantages and the drawbacks of your decision.

For many people, understanding the myriad of legislative changes that affect this area of financial planning is a daunting experience and there's always a possibility that confusion or misunderstanding could adversely affect your decision if you decide to do DIY planning.

Finally, if an annuity isn't suitable, you also have the opportunity to explore an increasingly long list of alternative products, many of which are highly complex.

You can see that DIY retirement planning can be dangerous for all the above reasons. A further worry for DIY retirement planners is how to access the information that they need. I believe that you have to be careful how you source your information from the internet and the press since some of it may be out of date and some of it ill-informed.

Don`t forget commission is still paid to intermediaries if you opt to use a website for a nonadvised annuity service where you make your own decisions and therefore you might not be getting the perceived value for money. Advice provided by an

Coast & Country

independent financial adviser is now fee based and is very transparent. Not only do you benefit from professional advice but also all your administration and paperwork is expertly managed for you. This can take some of the stress out of the whole process.

Going through the advisory process is a journey which I believe has benefited many clients, some of whom started off with very predetermined ideas about what they wanted at outset and who, along the way, discovered that, in fact, there was a more suitable option for them that they didn't know about.

Independent financial advice may enable you to consider your options more widely and help you to arrive at your ideal destination.

For independent financial advice on retirement options please contact Helen Mulvaney on 01395 512166 Richmond Independent is a trading name of Investment & Financial Solutions Partnership LLP which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority

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Here Comes the Bride Wedding Wishing Well Foundation Continued from page 73

more applications flooding in, but with

When such fabulous projects support

an innovative idea and an impressive

people and their loved ones through

determination, there is nothing stopping

some of the most challenging of times

this mum of one.

in their lives, there is nothing more rewarding than giving something back

So, how can you help this worthy cause?

and putting a smile on everyone’s faces.

The foundation is going from strength

her into premature menopause and

to strength and with the support and

prolong her life as long as possible, she

generosity of not only suppliers and

explains that her plans for the future of

If you are a supplier, individual or

businesses, but individual fundraising

The Wedding Wishing Well Foundation

business and can offer your services for

Support this fantastic organisation

efforts, the project is really coming into

are simple. Naomi said she wants ‘to

free or at a reduced rate, The Wedding

today and spread the word about their

its own. ‘It’s going really well and I

spread the word about the project,

Wishing Well Foundation would love to

inspirational and dedicated mission with

cannot wait for our new fundraising

continue raising funds and awareness,

hear from you.

everyone you know.

teams in each county in the UK to be in

in turn helping more and more people

Whatever your niche or specialism,

full swing and generating vital funds so

in the same position as me’.

with your help you will be supporting

As the old saying goes, one good deed

we can continue the great work we do.’

She continues, ‘When I began the

this inspirational organisation, be it

deserves another

Still, as Naomi explains, ‘Of course,

foundation I wanted to help as many

through cake decoration, wedding dress

we need more money to develop the

people with terminal illnesses or life

supplies, food distribution, venue hire,

Contact details

organisation and such funding is vital

threatening conditions have the wedding

stationery, floristry or car hire. Any

The Wedding Wishing Well Foundation

for the foundation to continue in its

day they could only have dreamed of

wedding products, services or support

Wellington, Somerset

quest to ensure people can enjoy their

and I want this to continue.’

are always welcome and the foundation

www.weddingwishingwellfoundation.

perfect wedding day, without the stress,

It is clear that Naomi wants this project

continually searches for enthusiastic

org

uncertainty and financial burden that

to continue even after she is no longer

people to generate vital funds too;

cancer inevitably brings to families’.

around to see her project continue to

through donation, sponsorship or

thrive. ‘The foundation will be my

fundraising.

legacy and that makes me a very proud

As Naomi reiterates, ‘We cannot

has details of local charities

woman.’

continue with this fantastic project

and other local organisations

Looking forward to the future

So, why wait?

Don't forget that the eastdevonhub.co.uk website

With this in mind and as the foundation’s

without the generous incoming funds,

across the East Devon/Exeter/

Although Naomi now has to consume a

first year draws ever closer, it seems

so any help is always gratefully received

West Dorset region.

concoction of hormonal drugs to force

Naomi will be busier than ever with

and very much appreciated.’

Independent Providing Specialist Retirement and annuity Advice for the last 20 years in East Devon VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT:

www.richmondindependent.co.uk email: helen@richmond-ifa.com

OR CALL

01395 512166 Richmond Independent is a trading name of Investment and Financial Solutions Partnership LLP which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority

BEECH ROYD 6 BENNETTS HILL SIDMOUTH DEVON EX10 9XH

for What's On, visit: eastdevonhub .co.uk

81

Marine Parade Lyme Regis

Al fresco dining breakfast coffee cappuccino snacks lunch cream teas sandwiches dinner & drinks Daily 8.30am til late

Winter opening times vary, please call for details

t: 01297 442059 e: info@lymebayleaf.co.uk A Celebration of Life in East Devon www.lymebayleaf.co.uk

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