East Devon Coast and Country Dec 13

DEC to JAN 2014

PRICELESS

EAST DEVON

The

regional coverage Find me at 468 outlets...

East Devon's own magazine!

EXETER | E.DEVON | W.DORSET

LONG TERM CARE

RESPITE

CONVALESCENCE

Come and visit us and see our newly refurbished rooms and modern facilities DIGNITY

RESPECT

INDIVIDUAL CARE

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COMFORT

FRIENDSHIP

01395 442637

A family run home providing all levels of care with pride in our attention to detail.

From hotel services for the more able, to complex nursing care when required.

Our staff are our greatest asset. Our residents, their families and friends are our best advertisement.

Matron: Nicola Farley Email: nicola.farley@baycourt.net for What's On, visit: eastdevonhub 16-18 West Hill, Budleigh Salterton,.co.uk Devon EX9 6BS

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Valuations

Curious to know if you have something of value?

It could pay to talk to Bonhams

- Insurance and Probate Valuations - Home Visits - Specialist Valuation Days For expert advice or further information about our services please contact: 01392 425264 Bonhams The Lodge, Southernhay West, Exeter, Devon EX1 1JG Consigned in the West Country, sold in London for ÂŁ157,250.

Joseph Farquharson, RA (British, 1846-1935) The Shortening Winter’s Day is near a Close.

International Auctioneers and Valuers - bonhams.com/exeter

4

EAST DEVON

Coast & Country

CONTRIBUTORS

Nigel Jones, Ted Gosling, John Fisher, Judi Spiers, Katina Styles, Helen Mulvaney, FCR Esgen, Ardley Chic, Janet East, Amanda Crump, Averil Quinain, Natalie Bucklar-Green, Hazel Fergie.

COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS Seaton's Voice is headed by three brilliant ladies that have really put themselves out on a limb to transform Seaton's Town Hall into The Gateway. Read more about this local success story on page 64.

EDITORIAL

Nigel Jones - Editor 01395 513383

nigel@prestige-media.co.uk Beech Royd, 6 Bennetts Hill, Sidmouth Devon EX10 9XH

PRODUCTION Charlotte Fergie

charlotte@prestige-media.co.uk

Lauren Howard

lauren@prestige-media.co.uk

ADVERTISING:

Richard Woodward - 01395 513383 richard@prestige-media.co.uk

WHAT'S ON? eastdevonhub

Currenty 2,465 organisations registered for promoting their events (& growing)

MAGAZINE ISSUES

Published bimonthly: February, April, June, August, October, December.

COAST & COUNTRY UNRIVALLED COVERAGE

The magazines (East and South Devon) are available at over 948 high quality outlets from Lyme Regis to Plymouth.

Unlucky for some!

Most people think of winter as an anticlimax after the warmer brighter months and I know how they feel, the slide back into the 'dark' season takes some getting used to.

But there's something great about the festive season, even some 50 years later I still get a buzz.

There are so many great things synonymous with this time of year:- Sunday roasts, mince pies, snow, basking in front of a glowing pub fire, and even shopping visits down to my local town to enjoy all the twinkling lights and colourful window displays. Of even greater import are the New Year's resolutions, the trick here is to set your sights sufficiently high to allow for slight deviations, so at least you can make some minor gains.

Outlet Google map: http://bit.ly/K7JN4E

DIGITAL MAGAZINE

FREE to view all issues at: www.prestige-media.co.uk/ magazines.htm

ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION

UK £15 OVERSEAS FROM £22

DISCLAIMER The publishers of this magazine are not responsible for any costs, loss or damage suffered by any person, persons, or company as a result of any advertisement or article in this magazine. Adverts are accepted on the understanding that descriptions of goods and services are fair and accurate.

All artwork is accepted on the strict condition that permission has been given by the owner for use in this publication. The opinions and comments expressed are purely those of the originators. We do not endorse any products or services advertised within this magazine. Whilst every effort is made to ensure that information is correct, the publishers take no responsibility for any errors or omissions. Any person or persons undertaking the circular walk featured within this publication does so entirely at their own risk. If you take children or dogs on the walk, they will require supervision. We strongly advise that prior to travelling to any of the events listed in our What's On sections, that you call the event organisers to check that the event is running at the times and dates specified.

COPYRIGHT All material within this magazine are subject to copyright. Excepting adverts, all images within the magazine are copyright to N.Jones unless otherwise specified.

2013's been an odd year for me personally, some minor traumas, odd occurrences and some great things also, perhaps it's down to the number '13'. Apparently it's been a dreadful year for the wedding industry (superstition and '13' prevailing), but 2014's getting heavily booked.

One project this year that I'm particularly proud of is the East Devon Hub website

which we launched in February (development of the web platform took 18 months prior to launch). It's been a bit of a 'bottomless pit' in many ways for us as a company, but the net result is that between East Devon Hub and South Devon Hub websites, there are now over 2,470 organisations registered and using them (it's still growing daily). What helps tremendously is that these websites appear in the number 1 spot in Google search terms such as "What's On East Devon" (South Devon) or just "What's On Devon".

Event information from registered organisations is now being seen by a massive number of people which ultimately brings communities closer together through participation and involvement. By the way, if you have a smartphone, there's a great mobile version in which you can search down to town and village level. There are some great additions and improvements scheduled over the winter months, we'll keep you posted.

If you're looking to improve your fitness in the New Year, we're quite happy to pay you to get fit, we're looking for people who can deliver the Sidmouth Diary and Budleigh Diary magazines in each area. Call Lauren on Tel 01395 513383.

In the meantime, have a great Christmas.

We look forward to bringing you more great magazines in 2014.

Nigel Jones (Editor) @CoastCountryMag

Cover photo: Gittisham Winter 2012 Photography: © Nigel Jones

ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY

http://issuu.com/trouty/docs/environmental_policy

RECYCLING

When you've finished with this magazine, please recycle.

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

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Coast & Country

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Contents Dec-Jan

ISSUE NO 20

10. Forthcoming Events

34. Eating Out

66. Tales of a Yokel

Find out what's not to be missed.

East Devon's best eateries.

Yarns from the inimitable FCR Esgen.

16. Live Music Roundup

38. Winter Lodging

68. The Bombing of Exeter

Get the info on local live music!

Home living by Amanda Merchant

The 'Baedeker Raids' by John Fisher.

18. Art Exhibitions

45. Nelson's Column

72. The Old Vet'nary

Forthcoming events & art blog.

John Fisher's sage viewpoint!

Animal humour by Ken Watson.

23. Yellingham Farm

47. Flatbeare Views

73. Horse Care

Colourful tales from Janet East.

Ardley digs himself another hole.

Natalie Bucklar-Green.

24. Star Gazing

50. Kings of the Highway

75. Recapturing Christmas

With broadcaster Judi Spiers.

Horse-drawn wagons by the Editor.

Childhood memories from Ted Gosling.

26. Photo Shoot

54. Festive Events

76. Life Matters - Trampers

Mike Alsford at the Anchor Inn.

Events & shopping in East Devon.

Local beauty spots are now open to all.

28. Fashion & Beauty

62. Aerial Photograph

80. New Year, New You

East Devon's best retailers.

In East Devon - Guess where?

Katina discusses reinvention.

30. Shopping in Sidmouth

64. Perseverance & Success

82. Financial Planning

Great places to shop in Sidmouth.

Guy Peters visits The Gateway.

By local IFA, Helen Mulvaney.

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

7

EAST DEVON PROPERTY REVIEW 2013/14

SOLD

ANOTHER SUCESSFUL YEAR Chesterton Humberts Honiton office report another fantastic year of trading & as confidence in the UK property market grows, are predicting a very busy start in the New Year. We saw a huge increase in demand for quality properties with our applicant register increasing by over 80% on 2012, showing that purchasing property is finally back on the agenda.

Chardstock – Guide Price £695,000

SOLD

GETTING TO THE RIGHT BUYERS This year we have no doubt reaped the rewards of having a very strong national network & with over 60% of our buyers coming from out of our region, it is imperative that you market your property to the widest possible audience. Our network throughout the South East & 28 central London offices have seen a significant increase in demand & this has enabled their clients, many of whom are looking for a lifestyle change, to migrate West to the beautiful East Devon countryside.

Hawkchurch – Guide Price £1,750,000

WHO ARE WE?

SOLD

We believe that selling houses is as much about people as property. A bespoke personal service is our norm. Director Ian Lange FNAEA is one of the most experienced estate agents in East Devon with over 45 years in the business locally. Alex Coates MNAEA has been selling property in East Devon for over 10 years.

Our Honiton office staff have a combined total of over 75 years servicing clients & selling property in our area.

Beer – Guide Price £950,000

SOLD

WHAT OF 2014?

As the UK economy strengthens, predictions for 2014 look very positive & we anticipate that prices will begin to firm up throughout the year. We find that it is often the properties that come to the market before the spring rush that are most successful, so our advice is not to leave it too late as you will only have further competition from buyers. If you would like marketing advice for the New Year, please do not hesitate to contact us on the number below.

Farway – Guide Price £985,000

8 Honiton 01404 42456 Email: honiton@chestertonhumberts.com

EAST DEVON

Coast & Country

chestertonhumberts.com

Combe Wood House

Salcombe Regis, East Devon EX10 0JN Of architectural and historical importance adjoining Natural Trust woodland with magnificent sea and country views to the South and West, this wonderful three bedroom detached Grade II listed farmhouse is situated at the end of a private road, and is believed to have been constructed around 1560, of cob and stone elevations under a thatch roof.

rooms, cottage windows and doors and many substantial exposed beams.

The property has been significantly modernised blending quality additions with many lovely character features expected in a property of this period. There are two superb inglenook fireplaces in the reception

Please call our Sidmouth Branch for more information on 01395 578126.

Outside the gardens have been lovingly stocked and managed and provide an abundance of colour and interest throughout the summer, and are a perfect place to enjoy the quite stunning surrounding countryside and sea views.

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

9

FIND CHRISTMAS EVENTS on PAGE 54

BOURNEMOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

SANTA at SEATON TRAMWAY

Forthcoming Events December 2013 & January 2014

promote your EVENTS free on eastdevonhub .co.uk

Ballet

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 Sign up for event alerts, so you don't miss your favourite events.

SLEEPING BEAUTY (LIVE STREAMING) 22 Dec - Sleeping Beauty (live streaming from the Bolshoi), The Gateway, Seaton, 4.00pm.

MARK SIMPSON - CLARINET WITH RICHARD UTTLEY 05 Dec - A unique opportunity to hear a phenomenal performer live on stage, Seaton Music, Seaton, 7.30pm.

JEWELS

LUNCHTIME CONCERT

19 Jan - Jewels (live streaming Bolshoi Ballet), The Gateway, Seaton, 4.00pm.

11 Dec - Annabel Rooney, cello, Glenorchy United Reformed Church, Exmouth, 12.30am.

BOURNEMOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Children SNOWMAN HUNT Until 05 Jan - Snowmen are hiding at Escot.

Join our Snowman Hunt to find them!, Escot Park and Gardens, Ottery St Mary, 10.00am.

THE EXTRAORDINARY ADVENTURES OF MR BENN 11 Dec to 04 Jan - Full of catchy songs and astounding magic - for everyone aged 4 to 104, Northcott Theatre, Exeter.

PIRATE WORKSHOPS 21 Dec to 04 Jan - Pirate workshops before/after seeing the show - a variety of fun & activities, Exeter Phoenix, Exeter.

12 Dec - Conductor Kirill Karabits, with Renaud Capucon - violin, The Great Hall Exeter University, Exeter, 7.30pm.

BOURNEMOUTH S.O. CONDUCTOR CHRISTIAN CURNYN 19 Dec - Rebecca Bottone, Williams Towers, Samuel Boden, Christopher Purves & B.S.Choir, The Great Hall Exeter University, Exeter, 7.30pm.

20 Dec - The aim of the show is to make classical music wickedly funny & exhilarating, Northcott Theatre, Exeter, 7.30pm.

09 Jan - Local composer Gordon Langford features in the programme of this popular duo, Seaton Music, Seaton, 7.30pm.

EXETER CHORAL SOCIETY 11 Dec - J.S.Bach-Cantata 140 "Wachet auf" F. Schubert-Mass in G.John Rutter-xmas music, Exeter Choral Society, Exeter.

EAST DEVON

MENDELSSOHN ELIJAH

01 Dec - World-class stand-up from internationally acclaimed star of Live at the Apollo, Exeter Corn Exchange, Exeter, 7.30pm.

MARK THOMAS 14 Dec - 100 Acts of Minor Dissent, The Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis, 8.00pm.

FILM CLUB TOPSHAM FILM SOCIETY 06 and 20 Dec, 03 Jan - visit eastdevonhub for more info, Topsham Film Society, Topsham, 7.30pm.

SALMON FISHING IN THE YEMEN 11 Dec - Membership open to everyone. Film stars Emily Blunt, Ewan McGregor & Amr Waked, Budleigh Film Society, Budleigh Salterton.

ď ľ

18 Jan - Exmouth Choral Society will perform Mendelssohn's Elijah on

Coast & Country

JIMEOIN

Community

JOSEPH TONG & WAKA HASEGAWA PIANO 4 HANDS

07 Dec - Exeter Festival Chorus, The Band of Her Magisty's Royal Marines, J Dankworth, Exeter Festival Chorus, Exeter, 7.30pm.

Comedy

14 Dec - The UK's favourite political comedian heads to Lyme Regis on 14th December, Unavoidable PR, Lyme Regis, 8.00pm.

GRAFFITI CLASSICS

02 Jan - Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra New Year Viennese Gala, The Great Hall Exeter University, Exeter, 7.30pm.

Choirs

BOURNEMOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA 31 Jan - Conductor Kees Bakels - piano: Ronald Brautigam, The Great Hall Exeter University, Exeter, 7.30pm.

MARK THOMAS: 100 ACTS OF MINOR DISSENT

BOURNEMOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

WINTER GALA

10

Saturday evening, Exmouth Choral Society, Exmouth, 7.30pm.

Classical Music

December 2013 & January 2014

Forthcoming Events Tel. (01395) 515551 www.kennawayhouse.org.uk

SEATON TRAMWAY

ROB CRISP’S CHRISTMAS ART EXHIBITION

£5.00, Kennaway House, Sidmouth, 7.30pm.

06 Dec to 09 Dec - Four-day Art Show by local artist Rob Crisp, Late night launch, Friday, 5-8pm, Sidmouth, 10.00am.

KENNAWAY BOOK CLUB (MIXED GENRE)

JAZZ IN THE AFTERNOON 08 Dec - Pete Allen Jazz Band, Cellar Bar. Tickets £12.50 on door, Kennaway House, Sidmouth, 3.00pm-5.30pm.

THE LEES COTTAGE STORY 09 Dec - History talk with Phil Planel from the East Devon AONB. Tickets

Upcoming events

12 Dec - Mixed genre. Newcomers welcome, Kennaway House, Sidmouth, 2.30pm-4.30pm.

ANTIQUES VALUATION DAYS 09 Jan to 30 Jan - Four antiques valuation Thursdays in January by Bearnes Hampton & Littlewood, Sidmouth, 2.00pm.

Visit Santa by Tram

15th, 21st to 24th December

EVEN THE RAIN (MEMBERSHIP OPEN TO EVERYONE)

Mince Pie Magic and Turkey & Tinsel

6th, 13th & 20th December Unique heritage tramway and tourist attraction in the Heart of Lyme Bay, enclosed saloon cars decorated for the festive season travelling alongside the River Axe estuary giving a comfortable ride whatever the weather.

Opening Times over Christmas: 27th Dec 13 to 1st Jan 2014

01297 20375

www.tram.co.uk

Riverside Depot, Harbour Road, Seaton EX12 2NQ

08 Jan - Film starring Luis Tosar, Gael Garcia Bernal, Juan Carlos Aduviri, Budleigh Film Society, Budleigh Salterton.

Until 14 Dec - Alternate Saturday afternoon dinghy races. See web, Exe Sailing Club, Exmouth.

SIDMOUTH HOSPISCARE QUIZ

WINTER 2 RACES (MORNINGS)

06 Dec - Christmas Quiz in aid of Sidmouth Hospiscare. Fri 6 December. Call Di 512014, Sidmouth Hospiscare, Sidmouth, 7.00pm.

Until 08 Dec - Alternate Sunday morning dinghy races. See web, Exe Sailing Club, Exmouth, 10.00am.

THE GREAT LYME REGIS PUDDING RACE

ICICLE SERIES 1,2 & 3

07 Dec - Judy Spiers will cut the starting tape for the race in aid of Cancer Research, The Great Lyme Regis Pudding Race, Lyme Regis, 11.00am.

08 Dec to 29 Dec - Three Sunday dinghy events, with mince pie and trophy race on 15th December, Lyme Regis Sailing Club, Lyme Regis, 11.30am.

SEATON AND DISTRICT LIONS TABLE TOP SALE

BOAT LAUNCH

BOXING DAY SWIM 26 Dec - Quite a spectacle, raising a good amount of money for numerous worthy causes, Bridport Round Table, Bridport.

SIX SADDLES CYCLE EVENT 25 Jan - An ambitious sequel to 2013's very successful Six On Saddles cycle event, Otter Nurseries (OSM), Ottery St Mary.

Craft

on Mondays with needle and/or sewing machine, Beer Quilters, Beer, 2.00pm.

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

www.exeter.gov.uk/guidedtours

09 Dec - The next boat launch, Boat Building Academy, Lyme Regis, 10.30am.

LASER BOXING DAY RACE, WINTER SERIES ENDS 26 Dec - Mulled wine and bacon butties, Beer Sailing Club, Beer, 11.00am.

BOXING DAY 1 RACE 26 Dec - Dinghy race on Boxing Day, Exe Sailing Club, Exmouth, 11.00am.

Markets OTTERY ST MARY COMMUNITY MARKET

BEER QUILTERS Redcoat Exeter Living Ad 030712_Redcoat Exeter Living Ad 030712 03/07/20Until 30 Dec - Socialize & learn new skills

Red Coat Guided Tour

WINTER 2 RACES (AFTERNOONS)

FUND RAISING EVENT

14 Dec - Table top sale, Seaton & District Lions Club, Seaton, 10.00am.

Whilst in town, enjoy a FREE

Marine

CRAFT FAIR ON THE SEAFRONT 08 Dec - Over 40 stalls exhibiting art, woodturning, jewellery, jams, engraving, & more, Exmouth Pavilion, Exmouth, 10.00am.

CRAFT 4 CRAFTERS 30 Jan to 01 Feb - A great day out where all things are creative, Westpoint Arena, Exeter, 10.00am.

14 Dec - Ottery St Mary Community Market at the Institute on Yonder St 9:30-12:30, Ottery St Mary United Reformed Church, Ottery St Mary.

FARMERS & COUNTRY HONITON STREET MARKET 03 Dec to 31 Dec - Major street market. Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays. Check holiday period, Honiton Street Market, Honiton.

CONTINUED OVERLEAF

IMMODESTY BLAIZE

Friday 14th February - 7pm until 2.00am The British Icon of 21st Century Burlesque heads the spectacular cast of 'K&Q's Valentine's Burlesque and Boogie Ball' Tickets only £25pp. Riviera Centre Torquay TQ2 5LZ www.kinkyandquirky.com

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

11

December 2013 & January 2014

Forthcoming Events the natural place

WHAT's ON at CHRISTMAs ?

EXMOUTH FARMERS' MARKET

At Escot there’s a natural surprise waiting around every corner! Our snowman hunt is now on until 5th Jan. See how many you can find!

04, 11, 18 Dec - Wednesday market. Local produce including vegetables, Exmouth Farmers' Market, Exmouth, 9.00am.

AXMINSTER STREET MARKET 05, 12 & 19 Dec - Weekly Thursday market offering a wide selection of produce, Axminster Town Council, Axminster, 8.30am.

SEE PAGE 54 FOR FESTIVE EVENTS !

EXETER FARMERS MARKET 05, 12 & 19 Dec - Thursdays. Local producers of fruit, veg & food stuffs, range of crafts etc, Exeter Farmers' Market, Exeter, 9.00am.

INDOOR MARKET EXMOUTH INDOOR MARKET

EXMOUTH COUNTRY MARKET 06, 13 & 20 Dec - Home made products, tea and coffee available, Exmouth Country Market, Exmouth, 8.30am.

Until 31 Dec - Mon to Sat, indoor market with something for everyone.

Check holiday opening, Exmouth Indoor Market, Exmouth, 9.00am.

TOPSHAM MARKET

FARMER'S MARKET 14 Dec - Farmers market in on 2nd Saturday of the month. Contact Sharon 01823 681624, Throgmorton Community Hall, Dunkeswell, 10.00am.

07, 14, 21 & 28 Dec - Market every Saturday with approx. 30 stalls selling wide range of items, Topsham Community Market, Topsham, 8.30am.

MARKET DAYS

KILLERTON FARMERS' MARKET 21 Dec - Stalls selling fresh local produce from cakes to sausages. Mar-Oct & Dec, Killerton House, Broadclyst.

BRIDPORT FARMERS' MARKET 11 Jan - Offering a variety of local fresh, often organic, goods, Bridport Farmers Market, Bridport, 9.00am.

EXMINSTER MARKET 07 Dec - Varied mix of local food suppliers, handmade crafts and gifts, Exminster Market, Exminster, 9.30am.

SIDMOUTH COMMUNITY MARKET 14 Dec - Regular marketplace for small local producers, Sidmouth Community Market, Sidmouth.

CONTINUED OVERLEAF

4

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www.escot-devon.co.uk 01404 822188 Ottery St. Mary, Devon, EX11 1LU 12

EAST DEVON

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Coast & Country

December 2013 & January 2014

Forthcoming Events

“One of the 25 schools you should have heard of ” Country Life Magazine Autumn 2013

For further information: Tel: 01395 272148 E: admissions@stpetersprepschool.co.uk www.stpetersprep.co.uk

GO PLACES THAT NEVER CROSSED YOUR MIND ND THE NEW NISSAN MICRA TEKNA WITH ON BOARD POINTS OF INTEREST POWERED BY GOOGLE™ NissanConnect

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NEW MICRA RANGE. GO GET IT. FROM £99 PER MONTH.

BOOK A TEST DRIVE TODAY Hamilton Garage Church Street, Sidmouth EX10 9QP Tel: 01395 578 131 www.hamiltongarage.co.uk

Fuel consumption figures for New Micra range: URBAN 42.2-55.4mpg (6.7-5.1L/100km), EXTRA URBAN 61.4-78.0mpg (4.6-3.6L/100km), COMBINED 52.3-68.9mpg (5.4-4.1L/100km) CO2 emissions 125-99g/km.

Offers valid until 31 December 2013 at participating dealers only. Finance is available subject to status on eligible new vehicles in the UK. Guarantees and Indemnities may be required. Further charges may be made subject to mileage and condition if you elect to return the vehicle at the end of the agreement. Excess Mileage charged at 8p per mile. Rental stated is for Nissan Lease. Comparable payments are available on our personal contract purchase product, ask your dealer for details. Micra Visia Advanced Rental £2,480.56, followed by 35 Monthly rentals of £99, final rental £3,744.84. All figures are inclusive of VAT. Once you have paid the final rentals you can keep using the car by paying an annual rental of £50+VAT; if you choose Nissan Lease then you will never own the car. 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. Offer not available in conjunction with any other schemes or offers, terms and conditions apply please visit www.nissan-offers.co.uk or contact your local dealer for further information. Breakdown services provided by RAC Motoring Services and/or RAC Insurance Ltd. All prices include first registration fee and 12 months road fund licence. MPG figures are obtained from laboratory testing, in accordance with 2004/3/EC and intended for comparisons between vehicles and may not reflect real driving results.

(Optional equipment, maintenance, driving behaviour, road and weather conditions may affect the official results). Model shown is a new Nissan Micra Tekna 1.2. NissanConnect comes as standard with Micra Tekna, is an optional extra on the Micra Acenta and is not available on the Micra Visia. Parking Slot Measurement and i-Key are available on the Micra Tekna only. Google™ Points of Interest is available as part of NissanConnect only, requires subscription, compatible phone or device (not included with vehicle), and Wi-Fi or 3G connection, and relies on services provided by third parties outside Nissan’s control. Voice minutes, roaming charges and/or data usage may apply. Nissan is not responsible for any equipment replacement or upgrades, or associated costs that may be required for continued operation due to service changes. Google™ wordmark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Google Inc. Information correct at the time of going to print. Subject to availability.

Nissan Motor (GB) Ltd, The Rivers Office Park, Denham Way, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire WD3 9YS.

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

13

ALL-NEW RANGE ROVER SPORT PREPARING YOU FOR THE WINTER AHEAD

The fastest, most agile and responsive Land Rover ever With Land Rover at its heart, the all-new Range Rover Sport is adept on even the most challenging terrains.

The all-new Range Rover Sport is supported by an all-new suspension system that provides dynamic handling on and off-road and features the next generation Terrain Response® 2 that automatically adapts the vehicle’s settings to suit the terrain, delivering optimal performance in almost all conditions.

Call Matford Land Rover today to book a test drive.

Matford Land Rover

Waterbridge Court, Matford Park Road, Exeter, Devon EX2 8EL

01392 825825 matford.exeter.landrover.co.uk Official Fuel Consumption Figures for the all-new Range Rover Sport Range in mpg (l/100km): Urban 15.4 (18.3) – 34.0 (8.3) Extra Urban 29.1 (9.7) – 42.2 (6.7) Combined 22.1 (12.8) – 38.7 (7.3) CO2 Emissions 298 – 194 g/km.

The figures provided are as a result of official manufacturer’s tests in accordance with EU legislation. A vehicle’s actual fuel consumption may differ from that achieved in such tests and these figures are for comparative purposes only. Subject to availability and at participating dealers. Image for illustration purposes only. Details correct at time of going to press. E&OE.

EAST DEVON COAST & COUNTRY MAGAZINE

OTTERY ST MARY COMMUNITY MARKET 14 Dec - Community market held on last Saturday in the month, Ottery St Mary Community Market, Ottery St Mary, 9.30pm.

YARCOMBE VILLAGE MARKET 14 Dec - A successful village market.

Well stocked stalls selling fresh food, crafts etc, Yarcombe Village Market, Yarcombe, 10.00am.

Heritage CODED CLOTHES Until 08 Dec - A special selection of adornments from RAMM's World Cultures collection, Royal Albert Memorial Museum RAMM, Exeter.

QUAY HOUSE VISITOR CENTRE

Scan Me! To get instant access to these events and more, use your smartphone tablet to The worse the weather, the or better it gets! scan this QR - Off Road Driving Adventures from £99 code below.

ALL-TERRAIN DRIVING - Tackle muddy tracks, steep inclines & water - 1 Hour Thrills, Half Day & Full Day Adventures - SPECIAL SEASONAL OFFER

“Purchase a voucher and a guest can join them at half price” ( Conditions apply—See our website for details)

WEST COUNTRY TO WORLD'S END

Wessington Farm, Awliscombe, Honiton, Devon, EX14 3NU

0844 848 4471 westcountry.landroverexperience.co.uk

EAST DEVON

Theatre MUSICALS SIDMOUTH TOWN BAND CHRISTMAS CONCERT. 06 Dec - Theatre Concert, Manor Pavilion Theatre & Arts Centre, Sidmouth.

KEEP THE HOME FIRES BURNING. 18 Jan - Theatre musical, Manor Pavilion Theatre & Arts Centre, Sidmouth.

PLAYS A CHRISTMAS CAROL 04 Dec to 07 Dec - The annual Christmas production by the Lyme Regis Dramatic Society, The Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis, 7.30pm.

JANE EYRE 10 Dec to 11 Jan - Passionate and romantic drama for Christmas and the New Year, Cygnet Theatre, Exeter.

THE SNOW SPIDER

Until 03 Mar - Celebrating the spirit of adventure and enterprise of South West people, Royal Albert Memorial Museum RAMM, Exeter, 10.00am.

11 Dec - Io Theatre present a timeless Christmas show for both adults and young people, The Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis, 7.00pm.

IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF PETER ORLANDO HUTCHINSON

ALADDIN A FAMILY PANTOMIME.

04 Dec - A talk about the ANOB project In the footsteps of Peter Orlando Hutchinson, Axminster Historical Society, Axminster, 7.30pm.

KEYNOTE EVENING LECTURE: LEARNING AND THE ART 04 Dec - Prof Sam Smiles focuses on Tudor art, architecture and new ideas, Royal Albert Memorial Museum RAMM, Exeter, 5.30pm.

Land Rover Experience West Country

14

Until 29 Jan - Discover the history and development of the Quayside. Open weekends only, Quay House Visitor Centre, Exeter.

December issue

Coast & Country

28 Dec to 04 Jan - Theatre panto, Manor Pavilion Theatre & Arts Centre, Sidmouth.

JACK & THE BEANSTALK 11 Jan - , Budleigh Salterton Carnival Club, Budleigh Salterton, 7.30pm.

ROBIN HOOD 24 Jan to 25 Jan - Pantomime in aid of the cancer charity Force, Budleigh Buddies, Budleigh Salterton.

DEVONCOURT HOTEL &

APARTMENTS

HEATED INDOOR POOL

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.

CHRISTMAS GARDEN

HOTEL CHRISTMAS DISPLAY

FITNESS GYM

www.devoncourthotel.com

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

Some rooms have kitchenettes.

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.

L i fe st yle health & fitness club

• Fitness Gym • Indoor Heated Pool • Outdoor Heated Pool (May-Sept) • 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

www.lifestyleleisureclub.co.uk

01395 272277

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

Facebook: devoncourt hotel & apartments 15

Live Music

LIVE MUSIC EVENTS www.eastdevonhub.co.uk/live music

December 13 & January 14

POP

CLARE TEAL'S FESTIVE FIESTA

JAZZ

JUST MISBEHAVIN' BAND

09 Dec - Blend of seasonal swing, cheeky latin grooves & smattering of fireside ballads, Barnfield Theatre, Exeter, 7.30pm.

08 Dec - Five piece band playing a lively mixture of swing, jazz and dance music., Just Misbehavin', Exmouth, 3.00pm.

BUS STOP CAFE AT THE KINGFISHER COLYTON LIVE

UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL: CHARLIE BICKNELL

14 Dec - Bus Stop Cafe return to the Kingfisher for an evening of Rock and Pop Music, Bus Stop Cafe, Colyton, 9.00pm.

13 Dec - A fabulous evening of wine and song., The Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis, 8.00pm.

RAT PACK BOYS & BAND (NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY)

28 Dec - Ben Waters and his band rock the place like no-one else can., The Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis, 8.30pm.

31 Dec to 01 Jan - Rat Pack Boys (New Year's Eve party)., The Gateway, Seaton, 7.30pm.

BUS STOP CAFE 18 Jan - An evening of Rock and Pop Music at Heart of Oak, Bus Stop Cafe, Exeter.

JOEY THE LIPS 25 Jan - Joey the Lips, fantastic 10 piece soul band., The Gateway, Seaton, 7.30pm.

BEN WATERS BAND XMAS PARTY

Sunday 26th January 14 JOHNNY COPPIN & MIKE SILVER - The Public Hall, Budleigh Salterton EX9 6RJ

FOLK ROOTS & ACOUSTIC

MARTIN SIMPSON IN CONCERT 01 Dec - Top flight finger-style guitarist/singer/songwriter at the top of his game, Topsham Folk Club, Topsham, 7.00pm.

Here to help you find your keys SEASONAL SPECIAL OFFERS THROUGHOUT CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR

Scan Me!

photo courtesy of Johnny Coppin & Mike Silver

Two fabulous songwriters (Johnny was frontman and one half of the songwriting team of the late and much-lamented folk-rock band Decameron), two brilliant instrumentalists (Mike is proud owner of a huge collection of fabulous, quality guitars…) and two wonderful vocalists who were just meant to sing and harmonise together! Slightly lower key than recent full-on Budleigh Assorted Tunes band gigs, but a wonderful evening of charming banter and musical magic in prospect nonetheless… Tickets: £15/£17.50/£20 & £25 on the door. Box Office 01395 443419 or 07891 663044.

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

CONCERT BY ST DAVID'S SINGERS 04 Dec - Concert in aid of Hospital Radio Exeter., Cygnet Theatre, Exeter, 7.30pm.

JULIAN SHAW AT BY THE BAY 06 Dec - Live music and dining., Lyme Regis Festivals, Lyme Regis, 7.00pm.

To get instant access to these events and more, use your smartphone or tablet to scan this QR code below.

SINGERS' NIGHT 08, 15, 22 & 29 Dec - Singaround session. Musicians free entry, Topsham Folk Club, Topsham, 7.00pm.

THE ALBION CHRISTMAS BAND

songs,tunes and readings., Gypsy Music Promotions, Budleigh Salterton, 6.30pm.

BLUES

EARL JACKSON 21 Dec - A Rock 'n' Roll Dance Party, The Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis, 8.30pm.

ELKIE BROOKS 24 Jan - The British Queen of Blues is visiting Devon, Exeter Corn Exchange, Exeter, 8.00pm.

15 Dec - The Albion Christmas Band with a concert of seasonal ROCK/ H-METAL

154 Sidwell Street Exeter, EX4 6RT Tel:01392 436258 Email: pianoroom.exeter@gmail.com www.pianoroomexeter.co.uk 16

EAST DEVON

See more on eastdevonhub.co.uk now!

Coast & Country

GRAND ROTARY MUSIC CONCERT Until 26 Nov - A Fabulous concert presented by exceptional music students in aid of charity, Exmouth Community College, Exmouth.

FIND MORE MUSIC EVENTS ONLINE NOW Just to go eastdevonhub .co.uk To add on your own events, just go to register!

photo courtesy of Christophe Cohen

Fri 24th Jan ELKIE BROOKS - Exeter Corn Exchange www.elkiebrooks.com

photo courtesy of The Albion Christmas Band

Sunday 15th December, THE ALBION CHRISTMAS BAND The Public Hall, Budleigh S EX9 6RJ

Not quite sure what to expect, I saw Elkie recently in North Devon and was completely knocked out! I also sneaked in at the Corn Exchange when she appeared there last time round and watched the sound check. This lady belts them out like a good ‘un! Fabulous, gutsy voice and a rockin’ good band for the lady who once fronted the brilliantly-named Vinegar Joe… a ‘Pearl of a Singer’!!

Tickets £23.50, 01392 665938 or on-line at www.intelligent-tickets.com (5% charge per booking).

Sunday 1st December MARTIN SIMPSON Matthews Hall, Topsham (Topsham Folk Club)

www.youtube.com/user/analbionchristmas

The fifteenth consecutive year that Fairport Convention/Steeleye Span founder Ashley ‘Tyger’ Hutchings and the Albion Christmas Band have delighted audiences across the country with their ‘Rollicking evening of Christmas cheer, songs, tunes, readings and Seasonal Merriment’. Features Fairport Convention’s Simon Nicol, Simon Care on melodeon and egg-dance and the outstanding voice of Kellie While. The most fun you are likely to get invited to this Christmas! Tickets: £18.50/£21/£23.50 & £25 on the door.

www.martinsimpson.com

Box Office 01395 443419 or 07891 663044. www.facebook.com/gypsymusicpromotions photo courtesy of Martin Simpson

There is no doubt that after 35 years as a professional musician Martin is, right now, better than ever. Widely acknowledged as one of the finest acoustic and slide guitar players in the world, his interpretations of traditional songs are masterpieces of storytelling. His solo shows are intense, eclectic, spellbinding and deeply moving. Tickets £14 in advance or £16 on the night www.wegottickets. com/event/223247

FEATURED BAND:

Bus Stop Café

East Devon based Rock and Pop covers band Bus Stop Café have developed a loyal following across the County eager to have a good night out. The band play a mix of styles from early sixties pop, through seventies rock to eighties new wave and beyond.

Lead singer Mel Cole is as equally happy singing Fleetwood Mac as singing Adele and has the type of voice that holds an audience spell bound. Her vocals are complemented by a back line consisting of East Devon music scene stalwarts Allan Williams (Drums), Martin Caldwell (Bass) and Richard Woodward (Rhythm Guitar). Lead Guitar is provided by ex-Lazy Lizards Guitarist Paul Bacon a true virtuoso who can adapt his licks to suit any genre.

"Sidmouth's local favourite” experience and new influences, helping to keep an energy within the bands repertoire.

Their latest outings in the county will be at the Kingfisher in Colyton on the 14th December and at the Heart of Oak in Pinhoe, Exeter on the 18th January 2014.

Other shows already booked include two during Folk week in Sidmouth next August, several at the Black Horse, Sidmouth and one in Axminster at the Axminster Inn. All of Bus Stop Cafe's up coming gigs are posted on East Devon Hub and there are links to the Facebook page from here. Guitarist Richard says @ the hub is a hugely valuable tool to us, not only for promoting the gigs, but also to provide a great link for our fans to find out what we are up to.

Contact Allan to book on 07778 645873 facebook.com/busstopcafeuk

The band started out many years ago and have changed line up several times, with ex members such as Phil Evans, now a successful solo artist and Andy Cable the present owner of Axe Music in Axminster.

Each new member has brought with them a wealth of Photo courtesy of Mike Gormley

MUSIC CONTRIBUTOR WANTED!!!

Are you keen on live music? - we're on the lookout for someone to help compile music event features for this magazine and to help with live music listings on eastdevonhub If you're interested, please call Nigel on 01395 for What's On, visit: eastdevonhub .co.uk 513383 or email nigel@prestige-media.co.uk

17

Forthcoming Exhibitions December 13 & January 14

Simon Garden - 'Dog' - Sladers Yard

Amy Albright - 'Dendritic life' - Artwave West

Peter Barker - 'Luminous Beer Buoys' - Marine House at Beer

GALLERIES Open Tues - Sat 10.30 - 5.00

Sun 2.00 - 4.30

www.brookgallery.co.uk

01395 443003

EXHIBITIONS Sir Quentin Blake

Until 12 Oct - Exclusive collection of original prints and drawings.

The Good the Bad and the Ugly

25 Oct to 17 Nov - It is a privilege to welcome Brad Faine once again to open his first solo show with his original works at the gallery.

INSPIRATIONS FROM THE LAND AND SEA Until 10 Dec - Artists Favell BevanArti, Roger St Barbe and Catherine Osbond, Town Mill Arts Guild, Lyme Regis, 10.30am.

GEORGE GROSZ Until 14 Dec - From George Grosz' 1923 landmark suite Ecce Homo. Brook Gallery, Budleigh Salterton, 10.30am.

TheMarleGallery contemporary fine art & ceramics

Mark Lowman & Simon Ashby We are proud to announce our new gallery is open in Exmouth. There will be over 40 original works to see.

Opening hours: Wed, Thurs, Fri and Sat 9.30am - 5pm. We are also open 23 and 24 Dec. www.markloman.co.uk www.simonashby-art.co.uk

18

EXHIBITIONS....

The Marle Print Show - until 4 Jan A large selection of works from new and existing gallery artists including Royal Academicians and locals artists.

Including Peter Freeth RA, Anne Desmet RA, Anthony Dyson RE, Austin Cole RBA, David Risk Kennard, Howard Phipps, Martin Grover and Vicky Oldfield.

VALERIE BARDEN EXHIBITION Until 15 Dec - Paintings by Valerie Barden, The Art Room, Topsham.

SNOW TIME Until 21 Dec - Painting and sculpture created on a snow theme, Hybrid, Honiton.

AUTUMN EXHIBITION Until 21 Dec - Autumn Mixed Exhibition, Artwave West, Morecombelake, 10.00am.

FINE ART GALLERY BY MARK LOMAN & SIMON ASHBY Until 24 Dec - Affordable original paintings and prints by Mark Loman and Simon Ashby. Mark Loman & Simon Ashby Art Gallery, Exmouth, 9.30am.

PRESENT MAKERS Until 21 Dec - The ever popular annual selling exhibition of contemporary craft. Thelma Hulbert Gallery, Honiton.

hybrid art & design for your home and garden

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

Snow Time 23 Nov to 21 Dec Painting and sculpture created on a snow theme. Selected craft pieces and artists cards.

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

EAST DEVON

01404 45006

Present Makers 2013 Until 21 Dec - The ever popular annual selling exhibition of contemporary craft by leading South West makers.

Degrees of Animation

18 Jan to 1 Mar 14 - An Animated Exeter exhibition. www.thelmahulbert.com

Coast & Country

Art Galleries

Peter Barker - 'Beer Beach' - Marine House at Beer

Susanna Lance - 'Light Across the Estuary' - ISCA Gallery

Martin Grover - 'I say A Little Prayer' - Marle Gallery Alan Cotton - 'Snow-capped Everest, Tibet' info@artwavewest.com | artwavewest.com artwave west | 01297 489 746

WINTER ART EXHIBITION Until 31 Jan - Winter Art Show with recent paintings by leading artists, furniture and craft, Sladers Yard, Bridport, 9.00am.

COACH TRIP TO BRISTOL TO RWA 05 Dec - Coach trip to Bristol to see the Open Exhibition at RWA. East Devon Art, Sidmouth, 8.00am.

AXMINSTER ARTS SOCIETY & DALWOOD SPINNERS 02 Dec to 04 Jan - Axminster Arts Society exhibition: "At Home" and gifts

by Dalwood Spinners, Axminster Arts Cafe, Axminster, 9.00am.

WINTER SOLSTICE EXHIBITION 07 Dec to 06 Jan - Selected Devon Artists display new works. East Devon Art, Sidmouth, 11.00am.

TAONGA: MAORI TREASURES OF THE NATURAL WORLD 14 Dec to 08 Jun - A look at a small collection of Maori objects from the museum's collections, Royal Albert Memorial Museum RAMM, Exeter, 10.00am.

BLURRING THE BOUNDARIES: CAROLYN KING 04 Dec to 26 Jan - A fascinating journey across the boundaries between fine art and illustration, Lyme Regis ArtsFest, Lyme Regis, 11.00am.

EXETER'S FINE ART COLLECTION 04 Dec to 06 Apr - This display includes works by major artists of both the 19th & 20th centuries, Royal Albert Memorial Museum, Exeter.

THE GREAT AND THE SMALL 06 Dec to 08 Dec - The Great and The Small exhibition by Stray Dog Productions Lyme and Nepal. Lyme Regis, 10.00am.

Catherine Osbond - 'The White Hat' - East Devon Art

STRANGEST DREAM...

17 Dec to 16 Jan - Approaching the 100th anniversary of WW1, Brook Gallery turns its attention to. Budleigh Salterton, 10.30am.

DEGREES OF ANIMATION 18 Jan to 01 Mar - Our first exhibition of 2014 in partnership with Animated Exeter, Thelma Hulbert Gallery, Honiton.

morcombelake | dorset | DT6 6DY

Exhibitions Autumn Mixed Exhibition until 21 Dec Introducing four recent graduates selected from hundreds to exhibit with us; Louise Hildreth, Harriet Rees, Leanne Stephens and Kathryn Stevens.

Open Wednesday to Saturday 10am-4pm

exeter@surridgegallery.co.uk www.surridgegallery.co.uk 01392 477722

A warm welcome to the gallery With something for everyone, a visit to our gallery in Princesshay is a must this festive season.

We have a fantastic choice of limited edition prints, originals and sculpture from some of the world’s leading artists.

We also offer a gift wrapping and storage service.

11-15 Bedford Street, Princesshay, Exeter EX1 1GG

Old Bell House, Victoria Place, Axminster EX13 5NQ Open 10-4; Tues-Sat

Apple Tree Galleries A Variety of Local Artisans on Show A treasure trove of over 70 talented local artists and crafters exhibiting a wide variety of styles and media offering something for every taste.

Our comfortable Coffee Lounge provides locally sourced drinks and cake.

Our Classes and Workshops schedule is on our website.

Richard Adams - 'Winter Bonfire' - Hybrid

'Panic War and Peace' - Brook Gallery

Valerie Barden - The Art Room

EastDevonArt.co.uk

ISCA New Paintings New paintings now on the gallery and on our web from:

Ann Blockley Tina Stokes Tina Morgan Mike Bernard Charlie O’Sullivan Peter Barker

Contact the gallery on: 01297 625257

www.iscagallery.co.uk info@iscagallery.co.uk

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

EXHIBITION

Winter Solstice Exhibition

Christmas exhibition 7 to 22 Dec - New works for the winter show by selected West Country artists.

Opening Hours: Mon 12-4.30pm Tues-Sat 11am-4.30pm (Closed Thursday) 3 Chapel Street Budleigh Salterton EX9 6LX

S LADERS Y ARD Contemporary British Art, Furniture & Craft. Licensed Café. gallery@sladersyard.co.uk

GALLERY

www.marinehouseatbeer.co.uk www.steamgallery.co.uk

01297 598011 www.appletreegalleries.co.uk

01395 444193

07 Dec to 06 Jan An exhibition of selected Devon artists displaying new works in a wide variety of styles and media.

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 & every weekend.

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

WINTER SHOW

until 23 February All-star rolling group show including: David Atkins, Julian Bailey, Angela Charles, Tim Cumming, Simon Garden RWA, Janette Kerr PRWA Hon RA, Alfred Stockham ARCA RWA.

Petter Southall furniture. www.sladersyard.co.uk 01308 459511

Art Galleries

19

South Gate Gallery South Gate Gallery Specialist Picture Framers and Fine Art Dealers

Specialist Picture Framers and Fine Art Dealers

Shows of New Works by David Chambers Local marine artist David Chambers works in oil, using memory, historical documents and visits to coastal locations as his reference. David was born in Derby in 1946 and comes from a long family line of marine artists.

64 South Street, Exeter EX1 1EE Telephone +44(0)1392 435800 admin@southgategallery.co.uk Fine Art Trade Guild Commended Framer 20

EAST DEVON

Coast & Country

Marine House at Beer - Ann Blockley’s new collection

Amanda Popham - ‘Word on the Street’ - 40cms - £525

‘Over the Bramble Patch’ - 13.5x14ins - £725

‘Storm Pending’ - 12x17.5ins’ - £725

Ann Blockley presents her new collection Marine House at Beer is pleased to present the flower and nature studies of renowned Cotswold artist Ann Blockley. A professional artist for thirty years, Ann maintains the family tradition being the daughter of the inspirational artist John Blockley RI, PPPs, RWA, who’s style has had a profound influence on famous Devon artists such as Michael Morgan and Martin Procter.

Ann’s use of watercolour and inventive multimedia techniques produces wonderfully evocative works full of subtlety and mood as she interprets flowers, landscapes and animal studies. Notably in 2012 she won the Princess Michael of Kent award at

‘A Rose by Any Other Name’ - 20.5x20.5 - £1195

Fore Street, Beer, Devon

the Society of Women’s Artists (SWA) for the most outstanding watercolour at the annual show at the Mall Galleries in London.

Ann’s paintings command an international following reinforced by her publication of seven books on her chosen subjects the latest entitled “Experimental flowers in watercolour” published by Anova Press.

01297 625257

Marine House have just received a collection of new paintings from Ann, some illustrated here. They truly deserve viewing “in the flesh” and can also be viewed on www.marinehouseatbeer.co.uk

‘Lacy Hogweed’ - 17x12.5ins - £875

‘Wayside Weeds’ - 18.5x12.5ins - £895

marinehouseatbeer.co.uk

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

Tel: 01297 625257

‘Foxgloves’ - 12.5 x 12.5 - £725

Art Galleries

21

t r A Art Blog

New Fine Art Gallery open in Exmouth Exmouth artists, Mark Loman and Simon Ashby have opened a Gallery at Church Street, in Exmouth town centre. Launched on the 23rd of November, for the run up to Christmas.

Both artists love to paint the Exmouth area and paint from life as much as possible, which means taking their paints outside to paint direct from the subject, rain or shine. This presents a great and exciting challenge for any artist, as the painting has to be completed before the light changes, which can create a loose and spontaneous result.

Mark Loman has been painting in oils for the past ten years, twice winning the Norah Pearse prize at the Exmouth Art group summer exhibition and has also shown work at the Southwest Academy of Fine and Applied Arts (SWAc). He will be painting in the gallery on occasions. www.markloman.co.uk www.facebook.com/MarkLomanFineArt Simon Ashby has been painting since 2002 and prefers to work in Acrylic as they enable him to work quickly on location to capture the shifting scene before him; he also exhibits with the Exmouth Art Group and the SWAc. www.simonashby-art.co.uk

Donna Goold from Artwave West at Morcombelake

I

t is fantastic to visit art galleries whose independent spirit tests our minds, questions our existence and sends us back into the world with a fresh heightened awareness. In these places the commercial world has stopped for a minute to allow us into another more exclusive and meaningful place.

It was probably this drive that in 1943 led the inspirational Peggy Guggenheim to offer Jackson Pollock his first one man show.

An artist that had previously been mocked for his ‘dripping’ paintings that then went on to be a part of one of the most important art movements in history – Abstract Expressionism. This simply would not have happened without the backing and belief in his work.

heartfelt art and spend a great deal of our time searching for artists that can demonstrate that quality - whether they have just started out or have been making paintings for their entire life.

Coming up next in the Autumn Show we will display some very exciting new work by four recent graduates selected from hundreds to exhibit for the first time alongside several multi award winning artists. They show us the enthusiasm and commitment that is most important when making art. Ralph Waldo Emerson, the champion of Individualism once said ‘Artists must be sacrificed to their art. Like bees, they must put their lives into the sting they give.’

At Artwave West we have a passion for displaying honest and

artwavewest GALLERY AND STUDIOS

Both Donna Goold and her husband Martin are talented painters and occasionally display their work at the artwavewest gallery - Editor.

'The Pool of London' - Martin Goold

Blog

'Holiday Romance' - Donna Goold

22

EAST DEVON

Coast & Country

Art Galleries

g o l B

Janet East is the proprietor at Yellingham Farm, also running a Farmhouse B&B establishment www.yellinghamfarm.co.uk 01404 850272

by Janet East of Yellingham Farm

To be or not to be... a vegetarian?

B

eing a sheep and beef farmer, I am a meat eater and love it. My view is that God made our beautiful creatures to graze the grass of our fabulous highlands and lowlands so that we all can enjoy the stark contrasts of both wild and managed land. Not a view shared by all, particularly one of my most faithful B&B guests.

Denise and Jeff have been coming to stay with us for over 12 years now and absolutely love the farm. The farm would not be here without the B&B, and the B&B would certainly not be so successful without the farm - they are standing proof. Denise is a devout vegetarian and is very proud of it. We have numerous lengthy, heated, but good-humoured, debates on the merits of omnivores versus herbivores! Neither of us ever backs down. Bless her! They visit at least four or five times a year and I always do my best to persuade Denise of the benefits of eating our delicious, extremely well-cared for lamb and beef, but to no avail! So, just before Christmas last year, over breakfast (no proper fry up there - she even refuses to eat bread now in case it’s got lard in it!), I invited her to have a day with me farming to see what really goes on day to day. Knowing how much Denise loves the farm and, particularly, watching me work the dogs, the answer was an overwhelming yes.

“Denise, this is my last ditch attempt to persuade you to make the break and join us…”

“What an earth are you talking about?” She said.

“Becoming a meat eater of course! If I don’t succeed today I will leave you alone for life” She smiled! So, boots on, warm clothing, crook, dog and can of red spray, we were ready for our first job of the day.

The job was to go and draw some lambs, to which a very swift retort came that she was no artist! I laughed - she didn’t! Whilst we walked over the fields with Todd the dog bounding in front of us, I explained what the term “draw” meant - the selection of fit lambs for the abattoir. Denise pulled a face of sheer disgust, but allowed me to explain the three things we are looking for in a “fit” lamb. Firstly, weight - I like my lambs to be approximately 40kgs live weight. That means they will kill out at about 50% (18 - 20kg deadweight). Secondly, we have to get the “fat class” right, in other words, how much fat the

lamb is carrying - the supermarkets want it really lean. Finally, the “conformation” - a good shape, particularly a good rear end. The remark of “How ridiculous, what a load of nonsense” and a few other unrepeatable expletives followed. I was looking forward to the task ahead. The ice was broken as Todd was sent off to collect the sheep. Denise smiled in awe of my dog, who was magical to watch, as he gathered some 30 lambs and slowly, but with determination, brought them to the handling pen where we were standing. Penning them swift ly and closing the gate, they were ready for us to begin.

birds put on a superb show, their wattle going bright red and the feathers displayed, with every colour imaginable shining in the sun (trying to attract the ever-elusive female). The chat about fattening them was short, to say the least!

On our way back from our shopping expedition, I explained that I wanted to stop off at my neighbour who produces poultry for Christmas and have a quick chat. No problems she said - there would have been had I told her what the chat involved.

I asked Denise to wind down the window as we stopped outside my neighbour’s farm.

“Morning Brian… wanted to ask your advice on Christmas dinner.”

Laughing he said “You’re the cooks - not me!”

“We don’t want turkey or goose and certainly not pheasant or duck as we’re inundated with them from the boys’ weekend shooting.” More tut-tuts and groans from Denise, but, still in good humour, she suggested to Brian that Nut Roast is always an option. He smiled, not quite understanding the joke.

“Denise, you have a very important job. I will feel each one for fat and conformation and then we will weigh them. You are on the scales. Any lamb between 38 - 42 kilos, spray a red mark between its shoulders.”

“You are surely joking... I am the one who ultimately determines its fate? Let me remind you that I am a vegetarian who is on the point of becoming vegan!”

The job was completed with a lot of moaning.

I heard Denise at one point talking to the lambs telling them to breathe in, be under 38kgs and they would live to see another day. Whatever next! Fifteen lambs ready for the abattoir. A good hour’s work (normally only takes me half an hour on my own!).

We ended on a good note as Todd carefully drove them out of the pen back down the field.

Denise was once more smiling. Walking back home, I said our next job was a quick trip to Mole Valley Farmers to collect some Turkey fi nisher - another lengthy discussion ensued as I explained how we fatten our free-range Bronze turkeys for Christmas. One of Denise’s pleasures at the farm in December is watching the beautiful, colourful turkeys roaming the farmyard and fields, particularly when the cock for What's On, visit: eastdevonhub .co.uk

Finally, after much banter he asked “Have you ever tried Woodcock or Snipe? Lovely little birds. You often see them in the lane flying really low.” The smile was instantly wiped off Denise’s face as she started to understand where this conversation was going - I forgot to mention she is a very knowledgeable and keen ornithologist.

“Did you know maid, that Snipe and Woodcock are one of the few birds that you cook with the innards in place, and by the way, don’t forget to use their very long beaks to your advantage… pluck them, bend the neck around and shove the long beak up…”

He never got chance to fi nish, as the passenger door flew open and Denise walked the rest of the way home.

PS: I’ve kept my promise and left Denise to be a proud vegetarian - excuse the pun, but she is a “game old bird”.

Illustrations by Jim Stanes ©

23

RADIO DEVON 9.00 - 12.00 weekdays

STAR GAZING with

Judi Spiers

Well-known presenter, broadcaster and dyed-in-the-wool Devonian Judi Spiers gives COAST & COUNTRY readers a glimpse into the lives of the great and good.

Lynda La Plante There are book festivals springing up all over Devon and not only do they give a chance to up and coming writers but they bring lots of household and international names to the region. I had a great evening recently in North

Devon at Appledore Book Festival interviewing two writers at the top of their game whose career have taken fascinating paths.

comedienne, her slender black clad legs crossed and uncrossed a la Kenny Everett as she took her seat and launched into tales from her fascinating career. I first

One was Lynda La Plante and from the minute she walked down the aisle in St Maryʼs Church she had the audience in the palm of her hand. A natural born

met Lynda when she was Lynda Marchal the actress some 30 odd years ago and we were both at the Belgrade Theatre Coventry. She was playing Calamity Jane and was not exactly what the director had in mind; other girls in the cast looked and could sing far better.

But her energy brought standing ovations every night. She was a 4 foot nothing tour de force and I remember thinking “this girl will go far”. Little did I think in the direction her career eventually took.

A chorus of ʻSecret Loveʼ and an example of the string of Liverpudlian prostitutes she seems to have played over the years led to stories of writing for television.

First it was the ʻKids from 47Aʼ followed by the series that made her name ʻWidowsʼ about a bunch of women who plan a bank heist. I have seen Lynda when she writes, juggling sometimes three projects.

It can be quite disturbing like watching someone with multi personalities talk to themselves because she ʻdoesʼ everyones voice. She did actually write a

With such an interesting career, Lynda La Plante really knows how to hold an audience.

24

EAST DEVON

part for herself in ʻWidowsʼ but unwittingly wrote herself out!

After ʻWidowsʼ she became a sought after crime writer with a string of international best sellers

Coast & Country

ʻPrime Suspectʼ bringing her an Edgar Allen Poe Writerʼs Award for her work on the television series. ʻThe Governorʼ (in which she gave yours truly a part)ʼ followed, ʻTrial and Retributionʼ, ʻSupply and Demandʼ and ʻThe Commanderʼ all made by her own television production company.

I first met Lynda when she was Lynda Marchal the actress some 30 odd years ago

She continued to write books too at a phenomenal rate... which is why I always call her the Ernie Wise of the crime world “hereʼs one I wrote earlier.” Her latest book is ʻWrongful Death,ʼ part of the Anna Travis series, where you can see just why she was awarded an Honorary Fellowship with the Forensic Science Society, the fi rst non-scientist to be inducted into the professional body.

She might have begun the evening with a high camp performance but she ended on a deadly serious note analyzing how the Italian police and judiciary handled the murder case of British student Meredith Kercher. She certainly left Appledore with something to think about.

Lynda has of course has had great success with her adaptations on American television, so had lots to talk about later over dinner with my other interviewee that evening Michael Dobbs, author of House of Cards. House of Cards was one of the most successful British television dramas ever starring the late and marvelous Ian Richardson (who lived just outside Exeter) as FU Francis Urquhart. Well, 25 years later the Americans bought the rights and cast Kevin Spacey as FU (Frank Underwood) and it has recently

his latest hero is a millionaire Member of Parliament with a dark and bloody past picked up 3 Emmys. Michael is an Executive Producer on it and loves every minute he spends on

Jeremy Vine

Michael Dobbs

“When she was on her hands and knees in the downstairs loo, with a scrubbing brush!”

He also somewhat surprised all at dinner that night by bursting into a rather fi ne chorus of the Supremes ʻBaby Loveʼ!

Even though he’s the author of one of the most succesful Bristish TV Dramas, turns out Michael Dobbs is a very down to earth guy. Image by Jim Pascoe.

the set and rubbing shoulders with Hollywood royalty. Who would have thought the man they called ʻMrs Thatcherʼs baby -faced hitmanʼ when he was her Chief of Staff would get so excited about meeting Jodie Foster and Mickey Rooney which he did at the Baftas?

The Americans, I would suspect, are also rather lapping up Michael

who is now, to give him his full title, Lord Dobbs ofWylie also known as Baron Dobbs. Although, he told the audience, his children call him Baron Wasteland one of them actually suggesting Baron Loins! A very down to earth man he surprised the audience with his lack of grandeur explaining how he heard about his title in the local

with a plank of wood and had chewing gum placed on his seat by a Robert Mugabe aid. All of these stories are in his book ʻItʼs All News To Meʼ a book, which has taken Jeremy all over the country but as he told me prior to this years visit,

opposite of London, and I love it so much.”

“Appledore was the most fun right by the sea, so friendly and a great line up and they really take care of their authors,” adding, “some book festivals, I won’t name them, have got so big they are almost industrial and Appledore is very intimate.”

He loves Devon, but he certainly does his job well in London.

The television and radio journalist Jeremy Vine knows a thing or two about being shot at. He has also reduced a Prime Minister to despair, been robbed, attacked

Post Office and informed his wife she was a lady,

He returned this year to join Martin Bell and myself as a Patron. But itʼs not just North Devon, Jeremy is a fan of, as he was actually married in Tipton St. John, which is where his wife comes from.

“I go down there whole time” he told me, “because my relatives are still there. Devon is the

Jeremy is, I think, a rare breed in broadcasting. He is able to handle heavyweight interviews as he did on Newsnight and his lunchtime Radio Two show and despite the fact that he admits “I always destroy my brotherʼs jokes when I tell them” (his brother, of course, being the award winning comedian Tim Vine) he can tell a funny story. He demonstrated this on Radio Devon with a salutary tale concerning the new loos on trains where you press a button to open the door and press a button to lock it. Iʼll let him continue.

“Whilst in a seated position I heard this door click and watched in horror as it started to slide slowly open and two people at a table on the other side of the carriage looked over and quickly back again and I had at full stretch to reach the

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

Michael continues to write, his latest hero being a millionaire Member of Parliament with a dark and bloody past from his days spent fighting dirty wars in the British Army, Harry Jones.

Another series of the American House of Cards is currently being filmed and there is talk of Michael getting together with Adam Price the creator of the Danish political drama ʻBorgenʼ Not bad for someone who was once described by a reviewer as,

“A man who in Latin American times would have been shot.”

other wall. I hit the button and door started to close very slowly.

I was standing a minute later thinking how do I get out of this situation without dying of embarrassment? And the only consolation is that when I got out of the loo and started going back to my seat I passed the two women who had seen all this and I heard one of them say to the other: ‘Wasn’t that Jeremy Paxman?’”

As he says in his book “journalists need regular doses of humiliation!

Judi

You can hear Judi’s show on BBC Radio Devon at 9.00 till 12.00 noon on 103.4 MHz FM or on iPlayer at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/ radiodevon

RADIO DEVON 25

The Anchor Inn at Cockwood photo shoot

Joel Watch - Michael Spiers Rolex Datejust, £8,400 Clothing - John Lewis Giant Lambswool Burgandy Jumper, £85 Tommy Hilfiger Blue Checked Shirt, £80 Ruth Jewellery & watches - Michael Spiers Diamond Earrings from Rosabella collection, £1,945 Diamond Pendant from Rosabella collection, £1,650 Diamond Scatter Ring by Michael Spiers, £4,950 Diamond Tennis Bracelet by Michael Spiers, £7,950 TAG Heuer Aquaracer Watch, £2,995 Clothing - John Lewis Mint Velvet Charcoal Waterfall Cardigan, £89

Watches & Jewellery by

FASHION SHOOT CONTRIBUTORS MODELS: Steve Lane, Joel Mais, Ruth U’Ren, Harriet Hern

T R U R O

P L Y M O U T H

LOCATION: The Anchor Inn, Cockwood anchorinncockwood.com

MAKE-UP: Sarah Bennett sarah-bennett.co.uk

HAIR STYLING: Lindy Ewings hairbylyndyewings.co.uk

CLOTHING: John Lewis johnlewis.com

WATCHES: Michael Spiers michaelspiers.co.uk

PHOTOGRAPHY: Mike Alsford mikealsford.com

E X E T E R

T A U N T O N

michaelspiers.co.uk Michael Spiers Jewellers is an independent family owned business based in the south West.

We have sold exclusive jewellery, watches and accessories for more than 60 years, gaining a formidable reputation for not compromising on our service or the quality of our product.

With stores in Taunton, Exeter, Plymouth and Truro, we look forward to welcoming you to whichever showroom you choose to visit. Whether you are on the hunt for the perfect engagement ring, wedding bands, or a gift for someone special, our experienced and expert team will be able to assist you. We sell the world’s top brands and ensure they meet the highest expectation of our discerning clients.

Our team of master craftsmen in our workshops based in Plymouth and London create exquisite jewellery.

If you want bespoke jewellery, they can undertake a commission to create something completely unique for you. We belong to the Guild of Master Craftsmen and the National Association of Goldsmiths, and our diamonds and gems are ethically sourced.

Adam Spiers, Director, comments: “Buying a ring or a key piece of jewellery is a big decision because it is both a financial and emotional investment. Beautiful jewellery lasts a lifetime, so it is important to get it right, seek the right advice and know what you’re buying. You can’t beat the romance of a diamond but jewellery is not only an investment, but also an heirloom in the making for generations to come.”

stores are officially appointed Rolex agencies and we are proud to stock timepieces from brands including Rolex, Patek Philippe, OMEGA, Breitling, Tag Heuer, Bell & Ross and Tissot.

We have made some great friends and built up a very loyal client base across the region and beyond and our team of experts looks forward to serving our customers for years to come. We guarantee a warm welcome.

A luxury watch is the ultimate finishing touch for and across our network of stores in the South West, we stock an array of watch brands for all budgets and tastes. All our

Clothing by johnlewis.com

All clothing for this fashion shoot were supplied by John Lewis, Exeter. Garment fashions are detailed further on in this feature.

Continued overleaf

Joel: T R U R O

P L Y M O U T H

E X E T E R

T A U N T O N

Watch - Michael Spiers Rolex Yacht Master, £12,500

Clothing - John Lewis Ted Baker Natural Button Through Cardigan, £110 Tommy Hilfiger Blue Checked Shirt, £80

Harriet:

Jewellery & watches - Michael Spiers Diamond Earrings from Shimmer collection by Michael Spiers, £3,250 Diamond Ring by Michael Spiers, £7,950

Clothing - John Lewis Jigsaw Dusty Rose Sweater, £89

Steve: Watch - Michael Spiers OMEGA Seamaster Diver 300, £2700 Clothing - John Lewis Ted Baker Navy Double Breasted Coat, £279 Lyle and Scott Royal Red Scarf, £35

Harriet: Jewellery & watch - Michael Spiers Gucci Guccissima Watch, £395 Gucci Boule Necklet, £170 Gucci Boule Earrings £165 Diamond Ring by Michael Spiers, £7,950

In conjunction with:

Clothing - John Lewis Whistles Black Leather Biker Jacket, £295 Jigsaw Dusty Rose Sweater, £89

T R U R O

P L Y M O U T H

E X E T E R

and

T A U N T O N

Venue kindly provided by

The Anchor Inn anchorinncockwood.com The Anchor is situated at Cockwood, a charming and quaint location on the opposite side of the Exe Estuary to Exmouth. We wish to thank Scott and all the staff for their kind help whilst we were on location for the shoot.

Apparently, the Anchor was originally built as a Seamen’s Mission and was a known haunt of smugglers in times gone by, it’s certainly old and characterful.

It’s really great to see old pubs like this still in existence, since over the last decade, many have been refurbished to the point of losing their unique identity.

It’s a great location to visit (by the way) if you wish to savour a traditional pint in an historic location. The harbour is

called ‘Cockwood Sod’ and flows into the Exe through 2 historic bridges built

by Isambard Kingdom Brunel for the ill fated ‘Atmospheric Railway’ project. I visited in the summer for a pint and crab sandwich and spent a lovely hour relaxing by the harbour side

Joel: Watch - Michael Spiers Rolex Datejust, £8,400 Clothing - John Lewis Gant Lambswool Burgandy Jumper, £85 Tommy Hilfiger Blue Checked Shirt, £80 Barbour Olive Wax Jacket, £219 John Lewis Burgandy Birdseye Scarf, £35 Harriet: Jewellery & watch - Michael Spiers Rolex Datejust, £7,450 Diamond Stud Earrings by Michael Spiers, £3,500 Diamond Eternity Ring by Michael Spiers, £2,500 Clothing - John Lewis Four Seasons Navy Duffle Coat, £199 Ruth: Jewellery & watch - Michael Spiers Rolex Datejust, £11,500 Diamond Ring by Michael Spiers, £5,500 Clothing - John Lewis Jigsaw Light Blue Cable Sweater, £79

Fashion Shoot..

COAST & COUNTRY

VIEW PREVIOUS SHOOTS REED HALL, EXETER UNIVERSITY - VELVETEEN EMPORIUM A Grade II listed building was the perfect place to start off our fashion shoot adventure. The clothing, supplied by Velveteen Emporium is inspired by the bygone era for men and women which is known as Steampunk or Neo Victoriana. The owners, Jon and Julie said “Was great to meet you yesterday, looks like Mike has done it again, great images.”

velveteen.co.uk

|

exeter.ac.uk/reedhall

BUCKLAND ABBEY - TESS DESIGNS & KATE HIGHAM JEWELLERY Home to Drake’s famous Drum, Buckland Abbey was a truly beautiful place to hold this fashion shoot.

National Trust kindly granted permission to use the Abbey as the location for the Aug/Sept 2013 magazine. We collaborated with two Ashburton based businesses, Tess Designs and artisan jewellery designer/maker Kate Higham. See more at:

tessdesigns.co.uk

|

kate-higham.com

ANCHOR INN - JOHN LEWIS AND MICHAEL SPIERS Located alongside the charming harbour at Cockwood, the Anchor Inn was a characterful setting for this shoot. Winter fashions from John Lewis and exquisite jewellery & watches from Michael Spiers displayed warmly at this rustic and historic location.

See more at:

johnlewis.com

|

michaelspiers.co.uk

|

anchorinncockwood.com

August/September issue - Reed Hall, Exeter University AUG to SEPT 2013

Steampunk / Neo-Victoriana - Velveteen Emporium

PRICELESS

EAST DEVON

MODELS: Leila Eddakille (above) Lilli-May Webb (right) Jason Collins (left & below) Charlie Smith (left)

MODEL AGENCY Prime Model Agency, Devon

LOCATIONS Fashion: Reed Hall Exeter University Cover: Dawlish & Budleigh Salterton

MAKE-UP: Fashion Shoot: Sally Ewin Cover Shoot: Susan Thompson

CLOTHING / JEWELLERY VELVETEEN - velveteen.co.uk

PHOTOGRAPHY: Cover & Fashion: Mike Alsford 01626 864030 alsfordpictures.com

Velveteen Emporium www.velveteen.co.uk

We at the Velveteen Emporium sell what is called by some, Neo Victoriana or Steampunk clothes and jewellery. This combines the elegance and styling of a bygone era for men and women with the comfort and convenience of 21st century street wear.

A year on from when we opened our doors, we are leaving the shop now to take what we have created on the road in a bespoke trailer with stage frontage. Our aim is to reach as many people as we can in events across England, advertising our now on line shop, and hopfuly bring a little magic, theatre and wonder with our ladies and gentlemens clothing, plus hats and other fancy goods.

Our humble beginnings started at a charity event called BMAD (Bikers Make A Difference) in Paignton South Devon in May 2012.

After a number of events and many "do you have a shop?" we settled down at McCoys Arcade Exeter to create a small, but beautiful boutique environment for our collection of clothing from around the world.

The people behind Velveteen Proprietors Jon Massey and Julie Dunn sales@velveteen.co.uk

Fashion Shoot..

COAST & COUNTRY

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

EAST EASTDEVON DEVONCCoast oast&&CCountry ountry

26

We're on the lookout for clothing, jewellery, locations for our pictorial fashion shoot. If your company would like to participate, please call Nigel Jones on 01395 513383.

EXETER EAST DEVON WEST DORSET

27

October/November issue - Buckland Abbey (National Trust) OCT to NOV 2013

PRICELESS

In association with:

SOUTH DEVON

Buckland Abbey photo shoot MODEL: Jazz Furphy LOCATION: Buckland Abbey National Trust

GROUNDS OF BUCKLAND ABBEY Top by Sandwich £56.00 Matching scarf by Sandwich £36.50 Lagos Trousers by White Stuff £65.00 Cardigan by Sandwich £86.00 Leather bag by Owen Barry £100.00

MAKE-UP: Sarah Bennett sarah-bennett.co.uk HAIR STYLING: Lindy Ewings hairbylyndyewings.co.uk CLOTHING: Tess Designs tessdesigns.co.uk JEWELLERY: Kate Higham kate-higham.com

PHOTOGRAPHY: Mike Alsford alsfordpictures.com

CIDER PRESS Sabine Cardigan by White Stuff 47.50 T-shirt by Great Plains £20.00 Moonrise knit skirt by White Stuff £45.00 Navy leather bag £50.00

DRAKE'S DRUM Orsina dress by Masai £66.50 T-shirt by Great Plains £20.00

Clothing by www.tessdesigns.co.uk Stocking a range of labels that include the best contemporary womenswear, we have designs that give customers a bit more individuality and exclusivity than they'd normally expect to find on the high street. Our staff are knowledgeable and approachable, they're ready to help you find something great for a special occasion or for everyday wear. Colour and style advice can be given if required by the customer in order that you get the best purchase. Tess Designs are based in Ashburton at 6 West Street. Be sure to visit soon to see their latest ranges.

Jewellery by www.kate-higham.com Kate has a special affinity with the different qualities of the stones and precious metals she uses in a way that enables the stones, beads and metals she uses to work in harmony with each other. Kate pays particular attention to each client's individual requirements particularly with regard to skin tone, hair and clothing style, as well as the potential jewellery size. Kate's shop and studio is based in Ashburton and is open for browsing her latest range and also by appointment for those that wish to commission pieces for special occasions. If you have the time to visit whilst in Ashburton, you'll be sure of a very warm welcome.

Fashion Shoot..

COAST 18 & COUNTRY

1

SOUTH SOUTH DEVON DEVON C Coast oast&& C Country ountry

Want to get involved in our Fashion Shoot, call Richard or Nigel visit: on 01395 513383 .co.uk for for What's On,, visit: southdevonhub southdevonhub.co.uk

ORCHARD Farrow dress by White Stuff 45.00 19 Sergeant Parka Cardi by White Stuff 65.00

December/January issue - Cockwood & The Anchor Inn DEC to JAN 2014

photo shoot: The Anchor Inn at Cockwood

PRICELESS

SOUTH DEVON

FASHION SHOOT CONTRIBUTORS MODELS: Steve Lane, Joel Mais, Ruth U’Ren, Harriet Hern See bottom of page

LOCATION: The Anchor Inn, Cockwood anchorinncockwood.com

MAKE-UP: Sarah Bennett sarah-bennett.co.uk HAIR STYLING: Lindy Ewings hairbylyndyewings.co.uk CLOTHING: John Lewis johnlewis.com

Watches & Jewellery by

WATCHES: Michael Spiers michaelspiers.co.uk PHOTOGRAPHY: Mike Alsford mikealsford.com

Photography by

mike alsford mikealsford.com

michaelspiers.co.uk Michael Spiers Jewellers is an independent family owned business based in the South West. We have sold exclusive jewellery, watches and accessories for more than 60 years, gaining a formidable reputation for not compromising on our service or the quality of our product.

With stores in Taunton, Exeter, Plymouth and Truro, we look forward to welcoming you to whichever showroom you choose to visit. Whether you are on the hunt for the perfect engagement ring, wedding bands, or a gift for someone special, our experienced and expert team will be able to assist you. We sell the world’s top brands and ensure they meet the highest expectation of our discerning clients.

Photographer Mike Alsford is no stranger to the world of costume and lighting.

Extensively published in UK national newspapers and magazines, Mike has specialised in shooting picture publicity for some 75+ television productions involving photoshoots with many well known performers and professionals, ranging from household faces from our cherished soaps, through to eminent actors of TV and screen. The music world has also graced his lens.

Joel: Rolex Datejust, £8,400.

Ruth: Diamond earrings from Rosabella collection, £1,945, Diamond pendant from Rosabella collection, £1,650. Diamond Scatter ring by Michael Spiers, £4,950, diamond tennis bracelet

by Michael Spiers, £7,950, TAG Heuer Aquaracer watch, £2,995.

Joel: Rolex Yacht- Master, £12,500. Harriet:. Diamond earrings from Shimmer collection by Michael Spiers, £3,250.Diamond pendant from Shimmer collection by Michael Spiers, £2,250.

Diamond ring by Michael Spiers, £7,950.

Jewellery & watches - all supplied by Michael Spiers.

Clothing by John Lewis - see the digital magazine for details.

Gucci Guccissima watch, £395. Gucci Boule necklet, £170. Gucci Boule earrings £165. Diamond ring by Michael Spiers, £7,950.

Clothing by johnlewis.com All clothing for the fashion shoot were supplied by John Lewis, Exeter. For more information see the digital version of this magazine at eastdevonhub or southdevonhub.co.uk

Mike is available for promotional portrait shoots for musicians, actors and other performers, including models building their portfolio. He would also like to remind the business and corporate communities that quality portraits can add to effective PR. See more at www.mikealsford.com or call 01626 864030 and 07850 028641

Jewellery & watches - all supplied by Michael Spiers.

Clothing by John Lewis - see the digital magazine for details.

Left - OMEGA Seamaster Diver 300, £2700 - Michael Spiers.

Clothing by John Lewis - see the digital magazine for details.

The Models Supplied by South West Fashion and Models www.southwestfashionandmodels.co.uk Steve Lane

Harriet Hern

Joel Mais

Ruth U’Ren

The

regional coverage

Find me at 480 outlets...

1 South Devon's own magazine!

Photographer Mike Alsford is no stranger to the world of costume and lighting

Photography by

mike alsford mikealsford.com

Already extensively published in UK national newspapers and magazines, Mike has specialised in shooting picture publicity for some 75+ television productions involving photoshoots with many well known performers and professionals, ranging from household faces from our cherished soaps, through to eminent actors of TV and screen. The music world has also graced his lens.

Mike is happy to offer versatile promotional portrait shoots for musicians, actors and other performers, including models putting together their book.

He would also like to remind the business and corporate communities that quality portraits can add to effective PR. See more at:

www.mikealsford.com or call 01626 864030 and 07850 028641

IS YOUR BUSINESS INVOLVED IN RETAIL ?

Why not reach a massive regional audience through COAST & COUNTRY?

Tap into our amazing resource to gain valuable exposure for your retail business

MODELS southwestfashion andmodels.co.uk

PHOTOGRAPHY

MODELS PHOTOGRAPHY MASSIVE EXPOSURE (DIGITAL & PAPER) We can provide you with the whole package to promote your business. You get your products and brand featured in the fashion shoot within the magazine and also within the extended digital magazine. The rates for retailers are heavily subsidised, so there’s restricted availability - it’s operated on a first-come, first-served basis. Speak to Richard or Nigel on 01395 513383

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The Models Supplied by South West Fashion and Models www.southwestfashionandmodels.co.uk

Steve Lane

Harriet Hern

Joel Mais

Ruth U’Ren

Essential Therapies

in Lyme Regis

HEALTH & BEAUTY SALON

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

12th Consecutive Year of the Crown Salon Award Status.

35a Broad Street, Lyme Regis, DT7 3QF phone 01297 443824 - www.onnishop.co.uk Wishing all our customers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We look forward to welcoming all our regular & new customers over the festive season.

Ladies fashion & accessories by

Marja Putus Linda Ralston Harri Syrjänen Aino Two Danes Sahara Flax Sheppards Cut Loose Bianco Levrin Kate Higham Grizas Uno

Stockists of: Guinot, Sixtus, Jane Iredale, Nailtiques, Moor Spa, Masters Colors, St.Tropez, Australian Organics, Cosmecology, Branche d' Olive.

OPENING HOURS Mon-Fri: 9am-8pm Sat: 9am-5.30pm

100% Wool- 100% Warm

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

Weddings Costumes If you're planning a wedding in 2014, you need to hurry as many bookings have already been made for venues, dressmaking, etc. County Couture, based in Church Street, Sidmouth, tailor make ladies wear from bridal outfits to garments for special occasions. See images of work - left & right and advert below.

Weddings at Combe House

County Couture Designer/ Dressmakers

Bridal wear and evening wear is our speciality.

We also tailor make ladies wear outfits for the bridal party, fashion wear and separates.

Each client is assured of personal attention and an extensive range of luxurious fabrics is available to view. Alterations on all clothing.

For a dream wedding, Elizabethan Combe House near Honiton is a very popular venue. There are still dates available for 2014, either for the day, or for exclusive booking of the Hotel. Call Fiona for a coffee and a show around on 01404 540 400

Contact Lynsey Nice for an appointment: 01395 577852 www.countycouture.co.uk 10 Church Street, Sidmouth EX10 8LY

38

www.combehousedevon.com

EAST DEVON

Coast & Country

Overly Gorgeous We offer unique flattering and individual clothing for ladies of all sizes!

Of SIDMOUTH

When walking up the High Street in Sidmouth, you can find our shop by turning onto Mill Street (just next to Natwest bank). We are on the corner, opposite the car park.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Independent Department Store • Sidmouth f • EX10 8AR Market Place f • www.fieldsofsidmouth.co.uk Tel: 01395 515124 f

(01395) 513209 www.overlygorgeous.co.uk Open Tuesday to Saturday 10.00am - 4.30pm

38 Mill Street, Town Centre, Sidmouth

Hair Studio Wishing our customers a Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year!

Helen and her dedicated team offer a wide range of colourpallets, using Wella Koleston perfect & Matrix products.

With exciting options from:

• • • • • •

Ladies & Gents Hairdressing Cutting and finish Colouring/ Highlighting Perming Wedding Specialist Party/Prom Hair

Velvety Chocolate Browns, Fiery Rich Reds, Striking Copper Tones to Shimmering Blondes.

Tel: 01395 512 394 Open Tues-Sat 61 High Street, Sidmouth EX10 8LE for What's On, visit: eastdevonhub .co.uk

39

Sidmouth's Great Festive Shopping Really great independent shops providing you with an outstanding shopping experience...

Chapter - Church Street Chapter is an independent ladies boutique situated in picturesque Church Street. Brands sourced from all over Europe & the UK to give you a totally unique and individual look. Friendly honest advice in a totally relaxed environment.

Sidmouth has become known for its eclectic and independent boutique shops, which makes your shopping excursion all the more enjoyable.

Combined with a myriad of eateries, it certainly takes some beating!

Hair Studio - High Street Wishing our customers a Merry Xmasis and a Hair' season upon Happy New Year!

4homes

- High Street

Sidmouth's leading kitchen shop who supply complete fitted kitchens (see pic above) to all manner of kitchen accessories such as clocks, kitchen ware and kitchen accessories.

Your local kitchen & bathroom design specialist

 01395 578763  www.4homes.ltd.uk

12-14 High Street SIDMOUTH Devon EX10 8EL

kitchens . bedrooms . bathrooms tiles . floorin g . fu rn it u re h om e ac c e s s orie s

The 'Party us. Hair Studio offers many colouring options, add sparkle with Shimmery Blondes or striking Copper Tones.

Enhance natural colour with Rich Velvet shades or make a statement by bold flashes of Reds & Damsons. A warm welcome assured.

Helen and her dedicated team offer a wide range of colourpallets, using Wella Koleston perfect & Matrix products.

With exciting options from:

• • • • • •

CARDS @ 83 -

High Street

A brilliant, independent card specialist with a unique and exclusive range of cards as well as gift wrapping materials. Run by Penny Newland the shop is towards the top of the High Street and well worth seeking out for your card buying.

Ladies & Gents Hairdressing Cutting and finish Colouring/ Highlighting Perming Wedding Specialist Party/Prom Hair

Velvety Chocolate Browns, Fiery Rich Reds, Striking Copper Tones to Shimmering Blondes.

Tel: 01395 512 394 Open Tues-Sat 61 High Street, Sidmouth EX10 8LE

Coast and Country advert 91mm wide by 133mm high

- Church Street

PLEASE DO NOT SCALE OR DISTORT

- Market Square Fields is East Devon’s leading independent department store, located just a short walk from the seafront. The store offers a personal shopping experience, and a number of free services including hotel and home delivery, curtain measuring, bra fitting and gift wrapping.

Come and enjoy a friendly shopping experience in a relaxed atmosphere. We stock several ranges of high quality contemporary ladies wear and accessories at very affordable prices.New Stockists include Yest, Braintree, Dranella, Uno and Happy Rainy Days.

Woodforde's Perfumery

- Church Street

Why not get away from the mainstream store brands this year with a visit to Sidmouth’s connoisseur’s perfume shop? With expert help on hand, find that perfect scent from an exclusive selection of haute parfums, created by the world’s top perfumers.

Essential Therapies

HEALTH & BEAUTY SALON

115 High Street, Sidmouth, Devon, EX10out 8LB of Take the stress Tel/Fax: (01395) 578600 Christmas shopping this

year and shop at Essen-

12th Consecutive tial Therapies. We have a Year of the large and fabulous range Crown Salon of quality gifts at affordAward Status. able prices and a free gift

wrapping service. We Stockists of: Guinot, Sixtus, also offer gift vouchers for Jane Iredale, Nailtiques, Moor Spa, Masters Colors,treatments and products.

St.Tropez, Australian Organics, See our advertisement on Cosmecology, Branche d' Olive. the previous page.

40

County Couture

- Church Street

Bespoke bridal gowns, prom dresses and evening wear are the speciality of County Couture. Beautiful handmade dresses made in silks and satins.

EAST DEVON

Coast & Country

Overly Gorgeous

- Mill Street

Another unique shop that offers an array of flattering, off-the-peg individual clothing for ladies of all sizes. Additionally, bespoke garment making for special occasions. Seasonal stock clearance starts in December.

Winter Collection Exciting range of gift ideas for Christmas

Sandwich w Marie Mero w Simclan Mado et les Autres w Karen Cole Passport w Brax w Out of Xile Adini w NYDJ w SE Just White Pause Café

for a relaxed & enjoyable shopping experience

Tel: 01395 579181

"Le Parfum" by Lalique £95 (100ml)

Woodforde's Perfumery Church Street, Sidmouth

www.chapterclothing.co.uk email: info@chapterclothing.co.uk Chapter w Church Street w Sidmouth w Devon w EX10 8LZ

Mens Grooming Tied Up by Guinot

ESSENTIAL THERAPIES

Gift Ideas

Harri Syrjanen handbags

High Street, Sidmouth

'Luke' ring available in silver, gold or platinum

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

Ladies fashion & accessories by

Broad Street, Lyme Regis Marja Putus Linda Ralston Harri Syrjänen Aino Two Danes Sahara Flax Sheppards Cut Loose Bianco Levrin Kate Higham

Jewellery

by Gaby’s Italian Scarfs

by Passigatti Handbags by BOO Leather Belts

by Stephen Collins Gift Vouchers available

Castle Street, Exeter

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

Plume's new Spring and Summer 2014 Special Occasions range are available early New Year. Plume stock Presen, Carina, Frank Lyman, Tia, with a wide range of matching accessories, hats and fascinators.

See advert on page 57

41

BE RADIANT THIS CHRISTMAS

42

EAST DEVON

Coast & Country

hout d throug 4 il a v s r e 1 Off Jan Dec 13 &ention m t s ju Country Coast &

25% off Holistic and sugaring treatment with Vicky

15% off Hair Services with Michelle D

25% off Manicures and Pedicures with Michelle M

Inspirations Using our modern salon, our enthusiastic team will take care of you from the moment you walk in the door.

Enjoy a relaxed top-rated atmosphere while you have a hair cut, blow-dry, manicure, pedicure, massage or any another treatment on our extensive list. Emma & team allocate for men’s women’s and children’s hair. All welcome!

3 Culme Way Dunkeswell EX14 4JP 01404 891133

Unisex | Wedding Hair | Reflexology | Massage | Sugaring Manicure & Pedicure | Gift Vouchers | Late Night Openings | Free Parking

Outstanding marquees for exquisite locations

High Quality Dental Care Gentle dentistry Hygiene care Dental implants Dentures Whitening Sedation Nervous patients welcome Merrifield Dental Practice 15 Mill Street, Sidmouth EX10 8DW 01395 579932

info@merrifielddentalpractice.co.uk

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

Brookvale Dental Practice 6 King Street, Honiton EX14 1AF 01404 44800 info@brookvaledental.co.uk

Celebrate in Devon

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

43

Open throughout the

Festive Season

for relaxed informal dining, a celebratory meal or just morning coffee and cake!

Eating Out

Christmas Parties...

Perfect for lunch or dinner Lunch - Two/ Three courses £17/£19 Dinner - Two/ Three courses £19.50/£22.50

W

in East Devon

elcome to East Devon Coast & Country's eating out section which we hope will give you inspiration.

After all, everyone enjoys a meal out - it's a real treat. We're so lucky here in the Southwest with many lovely countryside and coastal eateries - enjoy!

Christmas Party night Friday 13th December Delicious three course meal followed by a disco £28 new years eve Celebrate with us - Dinner and disco £45

The Esplanade, Sidmouth, Devon EX10 8AR Tel: 01395 513320 • dukes@sidmouthinn.co.uk www.dukessidmouth.co.uk

Sidmouth Harbour Hotel... ...a stunning location matched with outstanding food

Sunday Lunch

Every Sunday we offer a very traditional 3 course lunch, which includes Roast Beef and all the trimmings, as well as coffee and mints 3 courses £19.50

Cream Tea

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

Enjoy an afternoon cream tea from only £6.00 in the comfort of our elegant lounges, or outside on the sun terrace, whilst taking in the magnificent views of Lyme Bay.

To book please call 01395 513252

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

For more information give us a call on 01395 513252 or email us at sidmouth@harbourhotels.co.uk

www.sidmouth-harbour-hotel.co.uk

44

EAST DEVON

Coast & Country

Venue:

The Restaurant

The Alexandra Hotel & Restaurant

Inspector

Working undercover in East Devon!

POUND STREET, LYME REGIS

Date of visit:

Friday evening 15/11/13

Q Starter: Chicken Liver Parfait with Fig Chutney and Toasted Brioche.

Q Mains: Pan Fried Brill with Roasted Salsify, Celery Cream and Potato Gallette.

Twice Baked Mushroom Soufflé with Roasted Salsify, Mushroom Velouté, Wilted Spinach & Mashed Potato.

Side Order: Triple Cooked Chips

Q Drinks: Merlot - House Pinot Grigio

Triple cooked chips Visiting the Alexandra is always a delight, they undoubtely have the best coastal dining views for many miles across the bay and the Hotel’s certainly an elegant place to eat. On this occasion we ate in the conservatory, it was delightful to look out at the trees in the garden illuminated with fairly lights.

Arriving at 8.45pm for dinner, we were seated in the bar whilst waiting for our table and handed the menu, which had an interesting range of food choices.

Starter was Chicken Liver Parfait, accompanied with fig chutney and

Pan Fried Brill toasted brioche. This couldn’t have been bettered and I can heartily recommend it to you.

For mains, we decided to try one of the vegetarian menu options, in this case the Twice Baked Mushroom Soufflé, which was a good choice - the soufflé having deep mushroom flavours whilst being light but satisfying and the velouté reinforcing the mushroom flavour. The mash was nicely seasoned and the roasted salsify was excellent.

The other main, Pan Fried Brill, was light and tasty, being cooked to perfection, the skin being beautifully crispy, whilst

Chicken Liver Parfait the meat was moist and sweet. This was accompanied with potato gallette and celery cream which was delicious.

Again this course was accompanied by roasted salsify, otherwise known as ‘poor man’s oysters’ a carrot-like root vegetable with a delicate flavour.

Triple cooked chips were taken as a side order, these were lovely, full of flavour and quite filling.

All in all it was a great dining experience in lovely surroundings, with warm ambience, excellent food and service.

Well done the Alexandra!

“We have been delighted with the response, it has certainly proved to be a worthwhile investment.”

J. Pike (Waitrose Sidmouth) whole page advert for year) closely monitored by external marketing agency

call Nigel on 01395 513383 for more info

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

45

THE BRITANNIA INN & RESTAURANT A traditional Devon Inn & Restaurant

in Knowle Village (EX9 6AL)

R WE PRIDE OURSELVES ON OU

just outside Budleigh Salterton

• FRIENDLY WELCOME • VALUE FOR MONEY • FRESH LOCAL PRODUCE OOD • FRESH LOCAL FISH & SEAF BLE • SNACKS & MEALS AVAILA • REAL ALES • GARDEN • VILLAGE SHOP

Winners of the SILVER AWARD in the Dining Pub Category for the TASTE of the WEST Hospitality & Retail Awards 2013 Tel: (01395) 445710 Email: thebritannia@btinternet.com www.innbritannia.co.uk

The HEART of the Community - Returns!

photo: Budleigh Journal

THE BRITANNIA INN & RESTAURANT

Since taking over the management of The Britannia last November, proprietors Jeff and Kate have really invigorated this local community facility in Knowle Village, just outside Budleigh Salterton. Within that time they've been awarded: Taste of the West 2013 Silver Award in the Dining Pub category, Community Hero Award 2013 South West Regional Award. They've also been nominated for the Countryside Alliance Award 2013.

Additionally, they are opening a Village Shop this November, which will be another great community facility, and they've also undertaken a complete makeover, both inside and out, with new signage and re-decoration.

What Jeff and Kate have done in effect is to re-invest in the future of this Community Pub for the good of the community and are hoping that with their continued support it will become the hub of the village once again!

Editor - I visited earlier this year and was genuinely impressed with the friendly welcome and atmosphere of this pub.

Kate and Jeff White

Bread Making Classes 2014 A BRILLIANT FESTIVE GIFT IDEA 27th January 9.30-4.30 24th February 9.30-4.30 Also, look out on eastdevonhub for courses later on in the year.

If you've eaten at The Holt in Honiton, you'll know about their bread, which is absolutely scrumptious. Why not discover some of their secrets and spend the day on one of The Holt's breadmaking classes. There's no need to be an expert breadmaker to attend the classes.

46

EAST DEVON

Coast & Country

SPECIAL FESTIVE TREAT Camel Valley Pinot Noir Brut These days it's worth looking close to home when it comes to classy fizz for special occasions.

This Cornish wine has an elegant strawberry aftertaste, often brut means soda bonedry which for me, can ruin the finish - there needs to be some sweetness to balance the deeper, possibly sour fruit flavours.

Nutty biscuity dryness, deep but subtle strawberry aftertaste.

Elegant, creamy filigree mousse.

One of those wines that at £27.50 a bottle is anything but cheap, it's not an affordable regular tipple, but if you have to treat yourself, this is the sparkling wine you want to go for, classy, long finish, elegant, deeply satisfying. Mon dieu!

- must have the Frenchies worried!

Open for Christmas lunches and dinner throughout the festive season

Christmas Parties Lunch Two/Three courses £18/£22 Dinner Two/Three courses £22/26 The Esplanade, Sidmouth, Devon, EX10 8AX

Reservations: 08000 48 17 31

Email: kd@hotels-sidmouth.co.uk www.hotels-sidmouth.co.uk Follow us on Twitter@KDHotel

half price Riverford organic vegbox *New customers only. When placing a regular order.

% 50 off *

organic vegbox delivered for only

£5.99 (normally £12.95)

www.riverford.co.uk/FHPB13 for What's On, visit: eastdevonhub .co.uk

01803 762059 47

1

LODGING

WINTER

A

s the nights draw in and the temperature drops, there is nowhere else we would all rather be than snuggled up in front of a fire in our own cosy living room.

Suddenly the longing for a light, airy and contemporary space changes, and it’s the perfect time of year to feel comforted by rich colour palettes and earthy tones.

The ‘Hunting Lodge/Gentlemans Club’ look can work extremely well, especially during the Winter months. Darker paints in berry colours and evergreens lend themselves perfectly to achieve the base of this ancestral scene.

Fabrics such as tartans, paisleys, flag prints and velvets all work wonderfully together to create a rich and warm environment, as do

leathers and fur items. An armchair upholstered in a tartan check fabric, belongs without question next to a roaring fire. Leather chairs also complete the look and the older and more used they become, the better. You can pick up a wing backed armchair from any local furniture supplier, and have it upholstered in a fabric of your choice from many local design houses or retailers - ‘de Le Cuona’ also stock some amazing paisleys, the patterns originating directly from archival designs.

I have found the loveliest contemporary Chesterfield-style sofa which is available in cotton or velvet fabrics in a huge range of colours, from ‘Love Your Home For Less’ for £1,627.00 Although the rage of antler wall accessories have at long last died down, the material can still be of interest in perhaps another form, such as a chandelier. There are some fabulous ones available from ‘David Hunt’, and again from local lighting retailers or design houses. ‘Alison At Home’ also stock a beautiful ‘Stag Study Lamp’ for £149.00, which would look simply fantastic.

Leather accessories are in abundance, from simple trinket boxes, umbrella stands, photo frames and log baskets to antique looking trunks with canvas detailing, such as the exquisite ones available from ‘Candle and Blue’. ‘Ralph Lauren’ specialise in this kind of range, their ‘Cantwell bar tray’ being the perfect item to have for your must-

2

38

EAST DEVON

Coast & Country

have whiskeys. For some traditional whiskey glasses with a twist, Dartington Crystal have designed the ‘Exmoor whiskey glasses’ which are sold at £42.00 for a pair.

No ‘Hunting Lodge’ would be complete without a toasty fire to keep you warm. The Sidmouth Design Company, Exeter Stoves and Chimneys and Grandissons of Ottery St Mary are all local businesses, dedicated to helping customers choose and fit the right fire/surround to fit every individuals needs.

3

directory Y HOME & INTERIORS Z

8

1. Antler 5 Light - David Hunt Lighting 2. The Salisbury Multi-fuel Stove - Chesneyʼs 3. Hudson Leather Snuggler - John Lewis 4. Set of Three Trunks - Candle & Blue

4

5. Sheepskin Rug - John Lewis

7

6. Super Chunky Throw - Pure Lana 7. Dartington Crystal Glasses

Finally, throw in some chunky knit blankets and fur products to complete the look and keep you cosy. Sheepskin rugs are available from many high street retailers, but are also widely available online for approx £50 per skin. ‘Homelosophy’ have designed possibly the chunkiest knit throw I have ever seen, although it does come at a price. Although I must say, once wrapped up in one of them you may not want to venture out again until Spring!

8. Gentlemanʼs Club - Timothy Oulton

A

6

manda Merchant (www.mandyjane.co.uk) 5

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

39

directory Y HOME & INTERIORS Z creating

light

and

space

since

1989

of Ottery St Mary

Fires, Fireplaces and Stoves Gas Fires

Stoves

Electric Fires

L O U I S E C R O S S M A N

Wood, Marble, Stone & Cast Iron Fireplaces all on display in our huge modern showroom

26/28 Finnimore Industrial Est, Ottery St Mary, EX11 1NR

tel: 01404 812876 web: www.grandisson.biz

A R C H I T E C T S

www.lcarchitects.co.uk

Devon 01392 260490 Somerset 01984 640988

From concept to completion...

• • • • • •

50

Unit One, Philip House, Honiton Road, Exeter, EX1 3RU Tel: 01392 367174 Fax 13922 367175 www.tiletrends.co.uk

Suppliers of an extensive range of exclusive Italian tiles Quality, style and innovation guaranteed Complete bathroom design and installation service Quality work delivered by professionals Family run Business established for over 20 years Ample free parking

EAST DEVON

Coast & Country

directory Y HOME & INTERIORS Z

Largest showroom in East Devon!

25% off all kitchens this sizzling summer.

35 years of quality service and expertise.

Phone us on 01404 44189 and be amazed.

Martha Mockford Kitchens.

EX14 3EP

SOFAROOMS

Handmade—Bespoke Sofas &Upholstery Made to Measure; Sofas, Chairs, Footstool, Headboards, Curtains, Roman Blinds & Soft Furnishings.

A Local Family Run Business. Made in Devon.

Bakers Yard, Alphinbrook Rd, Marsh Barton, Exeter, EX2 8RG SIDMOUTH DESIGN ALEXANDRIA ROAD SIDMOUTH DEVON EX10 9HE

01395 577558 www.sidmouthdesign.co.uk

01392 42 44 44

www.sofarooms.co.uk

Open: Mon to Fri, 9am—5pm. Sat by Appointment

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

51

directory Y HOME & INTERIORS Z

WOODLEY ’S JOINERY LIMITED

Specialist & Precision Woodworking

Visit us at our workshops: Exeter Road Newton Poppleford East Devon EX10 0BJ

• • • • • • • •

Casement & Sliding Sash Windows Doors and Frames Staircases - all shapes and sizes Conservatories Units, Bars & Counters Moulding & Turning Short & Long Productions Runs Special Odd Size and One Offs

devontiles

& bathrooms

Tel: 01395 568 666 Fax: 01395 568 122 Email: info@woodleysjoinery.co.uk

Craftsmanship in Hardwood and Softwood

www.woodleysjoinery.co.uk

NATURALLY CARING FOR YOUR HOME

Joinery Manufacturers of Specialist & Period Woodwork Quality service for almost 100 years from this local family business

www.devontiles.co.uk

wood for good

23-25 Finnimore Trading Est, Ottery St Mary, Devon EX11 1NR Email: info@devontiles.co.uk Tel: 01404 811209

Specialists in Hi-Fi and Home Cinema Solutions

From Survey to Installation • Wood & Multifuel Gas Stoves & Fires • Mantels & Fireplaces

97 Sidwell Street, Exeter EX4 6RF

EXETER (01392) 491194 www.gullifordhifi.co.uk • info@gullifordhifi.co.uk

For professional advice on hi-fi systems and separates, projectors, plasma & LCD, Home Cinema Design, Custom Installation, and New Build Surveys.

Home Automation. Digital Streaming Systems.

Demonstration Rooms.

We carry a selection from the following Suppliers: Amina, Anthem, Arcam, ATC, Audio Pro, B&W, Chord Co, Cyrus, Dynavector, Epson Projectors, Exposure, Geneva, Grado, Isoblue, Kog Audio, Linn, Lutron, Nad, Naim, Neat, Netstreams, Nuvo, Olive Hifi, Paradigm, Pioneer, Proac, Quadraspire, Rako, Rega , Simple Audio, Sonos, Speakercraft, Systemline, Wireworld, Yamaha

Clearview Stoves

Open Mon-Fri - 9.00-4.30pm, Sat 9.00-1.00pm • Tel: 01392 410903

Open Tues - Fri 9:30am - 5:30pm Sat 9:00am - 5:00pm • Closed Monday

Bakers Yard, Alphinbrook Road, Marsh Barton, Exeter, EX2 8SS info@exeterstoves.co.uk • www.exeterstoves.co.uk

52

EAST DEVON

Coast & Country

directory Y HOME & INTERIORS Z BESPOKE FITTED BEDROOMS

A X M I N S T E R

Probably the best selection of carpets and vinyl floorcoverings in the South-West. Famous brands such as Adams, Brintons, Axminster, Bronte, Crucial Trading, Cormar, Karndean.

KITCHENS & BEDROOMS LTD

Our prices are genuinely low all year.

Designed for you by...

Est. since 1988

PLANNING - DESIGN - INSTALLATION

Tel: 01297 631134 www.axminsterkitchens.co.uk Showrooms 5&6 St Georges, Chard, Axminster, EX13 5DL

In addition we are proud still to offer good old fashioned service.

Telephone: 01297 33771

Showroom with free parking at: Castle Hill, Axminster EX13 5PY Opening hours: Weekdays - 08.30 to 17.00 Saturdays - 08.30 to 15.00

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

53

Stone & more If you thought Mandarin Stone only sourced stone, then think again.

Our 276 page brochure contains our unparalleled natural stone range together with on-trend collections of Decorative & Glazed tiles.

A wide selection of stone for the home and garden Limestone, Slate, Basalt, Granite, Marble, Travertine, Sandstone, Terracotta, Schist, Outdoor Stone, Mosaics, Pebbles & Mouldings, Splitface, Porcelain & Ceramic, Stone Bathware, Decorative & Glazed Local showroom, Exeter 3 The Newton Centre, off Silverton Road, Thorverton Road, Matford Park, Exeter EX2 8GN 01392 824 180

Winter sale

Visit our showrooms throughout the UK Bath, Bristol, Cambridge, Cardiff, Cheltenham, Exeter, Marlow, Monmouth, Weybridge & Wilmslow

15% off everything* 1st Dec ‘13 — 31st Jan ‘14

For a free copy of our 2013 brochure 01600 715 444 info@mandarinstone.com Buy online mandarinstone.com

Classic Ranges from £15 m 2

* Excludes Classic & Discontinued lines

54

EAST DEVON

Coast & Country

A point of view!

Nelson’s Column

by JOHN FISHER

An end to grazing in Devon cinemas It will interest (but alarm) that unique breed

Budleigh on Mafia alert THE TUNA-CATCHING BUSINESS in the

from the back office to read that in tests the

Mediterranean having been muscled-in

half (that’s FIFTY PER CENT, guys!) of a

on by the Sicilian Mafia (according to the

cinema audience given popcorn to eat had zilch

EU Fisheries Inspectorate) perhaps it’s not

recall of the ads they had been fed on the big

surprising that small shoals of tuna seem to

screen whilst the other half – who were only

be fleeing the Med’ in their efforts to escape

permitted to chew their nails presumably –

the nets and clutches of what Italians call

trotted out everything expected of them at

l’economia sommersa and heading our way.

the end of the showing.

Witness the specimen tuna that was hauled

Back to the feature THERE ARE 770 CINEMAS in the UK and

ashore off the mouth of the River Otter at Budleigh Salterton earlier this autumn.

goodness knows how many actual ‘screens’.

How long will it take cinema advertisers

In Devon we can boast 60-something.

to cotton on to these facts? Will cinema

Honestly.

advertising in Devon eventually decline as a

This was a skipjack tuna and the first to be

result of these findings? Will the sales of hot

caught in British waters according to Mike

of them also sell cooked foods – which fact

food likewise cool off? Will sales of food in

Heylin of the British Record Fish Committee.

assaults the olfactory organs of the unwary

cinemas be confined to immediately prior to

All of them sell popcorn and drinks, many

the moment they join the ticket queue.

the main feature? It’s already being trialled

The 2ft long fish, was found in two-feet of

in California.

water by two local fisherman, Leo Curtis and

Olden-days people will remember when the

friend Ian Carrott who told a reporter that

only things one could buy to eat or drink at the

they had tried to direct it back out to sea but

pictures* were ice creams in tubs and orange

that the exhausted fish had died. This fact

squash sucked through straws.

nevertheless did not save it from being taken home and barbecued.

*EXPLANATORY NOTE: “Pictures” is what But as Il Commissario Montalbano* - that food-

Classic FM calls “the movies”.

loving police inspector of the imaginary town of Vigata, Sicily would say - “Where the tuna

Back to the future

swim, the Mafia will surely follow!”

Problem is, would the soundtrack of the

Now, thanks to the findings of research carried

forthcoming second part of the Hobbit trilogy

Budleigh’s promenade strollers might be wise

out by Cologne University, all of this could

THE DESOLATION OF SMAUG allow Bilbo

to keep their eyes open – for tuna as well as for

change and we may be at the dawn of a new

Baggins to be heard over the tummy rumblings

men in dark glasses carrying violin cases - as

golden age of cinema-going where people cook

of an audience deprived of food during the

the warmer waters return to lap Budleigh’s

and eat at home and then go to the pictures

film’s 210-minute running time?

pebbles again next Spring.

to watch films. Wouldn’t that be something? *And if you have just joined us – you can catch Chewing makes us immune to film advertising, their findings reveal. How so? Well, adverts

Pre-Christmas Cheer

up with the repeats of Montalbano on BBC4, Saturdays at 9.00 p.m.

imprint brand names on our brains because our lips and tongue automatically simulate the pronunciation of a new name when we hear it.

Every time we are given a new name our mouth subconsciously practices its pronunciation.

But this “inner speech” is disrupted by chewing: so says the Journal of Consumer

Overheard in the public bar of The Weary Badger, somewhere in Devon, last Sunday morning.

“It’s not right. He was eleven years with that Council and then right out of the blue they gave him the DCM.”

Psychology, a must-read mag’ for market

“DCM?”

research departments throughout The

“Don’t Come Monday!”

Wonderful World of Advertising.

Er, scusi? Che ha ordinato l’insalata di tonno?

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

55

THE CREAM OF THE CROP TALENTED, AWARD WINNING AND LONG ESTABLISHED BUSINESSES IN EAST DEVON

An Exeter-based company with more than 30 years' experience is leading the way in bespoke glazing - Aspect Windows Specialising in high-quality aluminium bi-folding doors, in a wide variety of colours, and tripleglazed windows, Aspect Windows prides itself on its customer service and quick turnaround.

Managing Director Steve Cooling said: “Our passion for innovation and commitment to new technologies, combined with the personal approach that comes from being a family business, is why so many architects, contractors and private customers choose Aspect Windows again and again.

“At Aspect Windows you can be assured of a friendly and professional service. We aim to offer traditional virtues of design, service, craftsmanship and respect for our customers, combined with a commitment to creating advanced products using the best in modern materials and technology.

“We recognise that your home is individual and, when it comes to making any improvements,

discerning customers will prefer quality products, purpose made to their specification and professionally installed, for total satisfaction.”

Aspect Windows can manufacture and supply British bi-folding doors in a range of 10 colours in as little as 7 days, not including installation.

This is one of the quickest lead times in Devon and Aspect prides itself on offering the best quality in design and innovation.

Aspect Windows also boasts an in-house Passivhaus Design Consultant, who can help to design your eco home using the latest in tripleglazed technology for windows and doors.

To speak to Aspect Windows about your project please call 01392 444233 or visit: www.aspect-windows.com.

Steve Cooling and Andrew Seller Aspect Windows 01392 444233

Evergreen Renewable Energy Energy costs keep rising, but so does the sun LOCAL

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Call for a free, friendly no obligation site survey.

Evergreen Energy are experienced NICEIC registered electrical contractors. All work is done with care and professionalism by qualified electricians. We carry out a range of electrical work including new installations, rewires, PAT testing, Inspection and Testing, etc.

Evergreen can design, supply and fit a range of the latest low energy LED lighting products for the home or business. LEDs are by far the most energy efficient way of lighting your home or business and are comparatively very cheap to run.

info@evergreendeal.co.uk 56

01297 443209

01297 443209 EAST DEVON

Coast & Country

www.evergreendeal.co.uk

GRAPHIC BY DARRYL JONES

directory Y HOME & INTERIORS Z

Panache I N T E R I O R S

Once a Year?

T

hey tell me it comes but once a year. My diary confirms this but each one seems to come quicker. Surely itʼs not just six months till Upside Down Plum Pudding Day?

Puzzled? Iʼm referring to the annual celebration that dates back to the dying embers of the 18th century when some Flatbeards were reluctantly relocated to Australia for allegedly poaching gloppets from the river running through the Bathwater Estate.

Rumour was rife at that time that unethical experimental animal breeding was being carried out there. The Flatbeare Five, as they became known, decided to liberate as many of these poor creatures as they were able. For their pains they received free passage on a prison ship.

June 25th was chosen as the day when their many progeny in New South Wales would join those in Flatbeare to commemorate our brave forebears who were forced to suffer Christmas Day on the beaches of Australia in the midsummer. They pitied us having to scoff our turkey in the freezing Devon winter and suggested a joint celebration so that we might also be able to indulge in plum pudding on the beach in the warmth of a British summer, possibly only marginally cooler than their midwinter. A trade began whereby we send them a crate of Rumblingtumʼs fi nest ale and they reply with upside down plum puddings. Over there the celebration is known as Warm English Beare Day. New technology provides the possibility of beaming our respective faces across the globe. Last year, the crowd of eager villagers gathered around Jackʼs super smart TV in the Pig

by Ardley Chic & Trampoline were able to bond with their Aussie cousins for the fi rst time. Great interest was also shown in the animal emblem of New South Wales, a weird creature with the beak of a duck, the legs of an otter and the tail of a beaver. They had to be joking.

They werenʼt. Old Silas, our most computer literate villager, investigated and decided it was a duck billed platypus. He also reported that when one of these creatures was sent back (deceased) from Australia scientists suspected it might have been stitched together by a humorous taxidermist. Or could it be that these strange beasts were liberated by the fearless Five and somehow managed to fi nd their way down under?

Bespoke Fitted Kitchens Bedrooms • Home Office • Bathrooms

01404 813590

www.panacheinteriors.co.uk see our display at the Aga Shop Darts Farm, Topsham

Itʼll soon be Christmas; let us hope for a more peaceful one in Flatbeare this time around.

Unfortunately last year landlord Jack went overboard with his decorations. He used to compete with the other three village pubs for the coveted ʻbest decoratedʼ award and it hadnʼt quite sunk in that the last of these - Ye Ferret & Codpiece ‒ had closed a year earlier. So come late September his pub was bedecked in fairy lights and illuminated penguins, polar bears and reindeers.

Unfortunately Rudolfʼs nose blew just at the vital moment when our womenfolk were slaving over a hot turkey.

Kitchens, Furniture and Bespoke Joinery.

I can make to your specifications whether fitted or free standing.

Or in this case a not-so-hot turkey. Jack was not popular; the entire village was plunged into darkness. The enraged womenfolk organised a boycott which lasted right into Boxing Day. Seasonʼs Greetings!

Ardley

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

57

directory Y HOME & INTERIORS Z

4homes

Your local kitchen & bathroom design specialist  01395 578763  www.4homes.ltd.uk

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kitchens . bedrooms . bathrooms tiles . fl o o r i n g . f u r n i t u r e home accessories

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Quality Bespoke Furniture with a Difference!

Affordable quality furniture designed, Coast and Country advert 91mm wide by build and fitted for your bedroom, 133mm high kitchen, living room or study.

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One of Devonʼs Leading Providers of

EAST DEVON

Coast & Country

Homes By Design Ad:Layout 1

10/01/2013

10:15

directory Y HOME & INTERIORS Z

Page 1

Tel: 01395 263898 Email: info@homesbydesignexmouth.co.uk

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AGENTS REQUIRED FOR ACCOMPANIED PROPERTY VIEWINGS

We pay the best rates for these areas If you have a little spare time and would like to earn some extra money, we’re on the lookout for people to deliver the Diary magazines in the Sid Valley and Budleigh Salterton areas on a bimonthly basis.

Agents required for the following areas: Exmouth, Exeter, Honiton, Topsham, Sidmouth, Budleigh Salterton, Axminster, Seaton and Lyme Regis.

Just call Nigel on 01395 513383

Call 01395 513383

(You also need to be based in area youʼre applying for)

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

59

Kingsof of the Highway Kings the Highway There was a time when horse-drawn wagons reigned supreme!

Wain: From the Old English waen, waegn related to Old Norse, vagn.

Left - Millers wagon built at the renowned Milford & Son, Thorverton, Devon - circa 1865, Fred tells me that they were the Mercedes Benz of the day.

We visit the Bicton Park Botanical Gardens museum to marvel at examples of the wainwrights' craft

T

here can be no scene more evocative of rural bliss than Constable's painting 'The Hay Wain'. But, there's no doubt that for many agricultural workers, life would have been an extremely hard drudge, punctuated by the changes and trials brought with each new season.

goods on a local basis, and that was by use of the horse drawn wagon.

Obviously the advent of the train facilitated cross county freighting, but locally, horse drawn wagons were still the only option, so you can imagine they were an extremely important part of landscape and economy.

Prior to the internal combustion engine, there was certainly only one way to transport crops, provision and

Wagon building technology required light weight, strength and durability, which over the centuries had time

60

EAST DEVON

to develop so that the manufacture became exacting and extremely skilful. The main material used for construction was seasoned timber, with the addition of ironwork in various instances, although this was a costly addition. Timber has its limitation, particularly when it comes to joining all the components together. Consequently jointing techniques were critical and the general framework was intricate

Coast & Country

and laborious to produce to the high standard required. There were no means to productionise in terms of machinery to speed manufacture, it was purely down to the skills of the wainwright.

Whilst visiting Bicton Park's Museum, I met Fred Lister, the resident curator.

He's a mine of information and told me there was a large variation between wagon design from county

Museum Curator - Fred Lister

Affectionately know as "Grandad" by regular visitors, Fred's a mine of information and can give you interesting background information on the artefacts within the museum's collection. He's been instrumental in helping to save and preserve many of the pieces on display which are of great historical interest and a real delight to see in this most interesting Museum collection.

Above - Wagon used originally on the Rolle Estate, a flat deck with high lades to increase capacity for hay. Most wagons were multi-purpose and attachments could be added to alter storage for whatever was required.

Left - Fred says that this is the same model wagon that you see in Constable's 'The Hay Wain' painting. Its construction is robust and liberal use of iron strapping removes the need for a complex framework to contain panel boards.

It would originally have been brightly painted, but due to treatment for woodworm infestation when it was rescued from an old barn by Fred, it's lost colour.

Apparently the wagon (in the painting) had been driven into the river Stour so that the joints on the wheels would swell and tightened up. It could also have been an easy way to cool down and water the horses at the same time.

Right - Sales leaflet from Milford & Son detailing the prizes and commendations received at various agricultural shows.

to county. For instance, wagons made in Devon tend to be much shorter in wheelbase compared to those made in the flatter counties such as Suffolk or Norfolk. Not surprising considering how narrow and steep some of our lanes are, manoeuvrability would have been an important attribute for the wagon.

A major and complex component of the wagon was the cartwheel, which

again required specialist skills. The wheelwright would have been kept busy repairing wheels, not surprising considering that most lanes and tracks would be rutted and full of stones, putting great stress on wheel components. I should imagine the great diameter of the wheels helped to smooth out the ride, but if you've been down our greenlanes after a torrential downfall, you'll have seen the deep ruts that can develop, these

must have been treacherous for drivers if a wheel dropped into one

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

of these on an a downward incline and with a full load.

61

Kings of the

Highway

Mike Rowland Wheelwright & Coachbuilder - (left to right ) Greg Rowland, Mike Rowland and George (apprentice).

Whilst visiting Bicton Park Museum, Fred advised me to visit Mike Rowland Wheelwright & Coachbuilder at Colyton, who've assisted with various restoration projects at Bicton Park- they're renowned craftsmen and are By Appointment to Her Majesty The Queen. It was a real treat visiting this local business, the depth of skills that Greg and Mike have mastered is truly astounding. They can tackle any project thrown at them, from gypsy caravans to cannon chassis restoration. Needless to say, their specialist services are in demand far and wide.

Above - The By Appointment crest proudly displayed at the front of premises.

Left - a cannon undergoing restoration at Mike Rowland's workshop.

62

EAST DEVON

Coast & Country

B icton Park BOTANICAL GARDENS Open all year except Christmas Day & Boxing Day

Some of the components used in wheel construction, note the stock with off set spoke mortices. The offset is to reduce the chance of cracking from the corner of the mortice to the next mortice. Elm was used for the stock due to its 'wavy' grain nature - this would help to prevent cracks from propogating from one joint to the next.

Right - a pile of precut felloes at Mike Rowland & Son. In a future issue of Coast & Country we'll be taking a look in detail at the craft of wheel building which is truly fascinating, particularly if you're keen on traditional skills and crafts.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Budleigh Salterton, Devon EX9 7BG bictongardens.co.uk - 01395 568465

Sat-Nav EX9 7BG

A Devon Ship Wagon circa 1850 at Bicton Park's Museum. An extremely fine construction with curvature from the bottom of the wagon body to the top rail. To achieve accurate mating of all the joints in this construction must have been a highly skilled endeavour. This example is extremely rare and well worth seeing - it's an important part of our heritage.

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

63

fd

Festive Events in East Devon

  JURASSIC ART AND CRAFT FAYRE

Until 01 Dec - A great opportunity to buy unique Christmas gifts by local artists and makers, Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre, Charmouth, 10.30am.

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING FAIR Until 01 Dec - Buy all your festive shopping in one go at the annual Christmas Shopping Fayre, Westpoint Arena, Exeter, 9.30am.

EXETER CHRISTMAS MARKET Until 19 Dec - This wonderful event is back for a 2nd year, Exeter Christmas Market, Exeter.

CELEBRATE AN INDEPENDENT CHRISTMAS

Until 24 Dec - Support our Christmas Shopping Challenge using Independent shops in Sidmouth, 9.00am.

COTLEY FARM CHRISTMAS

Until 24 Dec - Cotley Magic; REAL reindeer , quality Christmas trees & festive farm shop, Cotley Farm, Whimple, 10.00am.

SANTA'S CHRISTMAS FLOAT 02 Dec - Start of 2013 Christmas Float, Seaton & District Lions Club, Colyford, 6.00pm.

SANTA'S CHRISTMAS FLOAT (COLYTON)

03 Dec - Santa's Christmas float on Tuesday evening, Seaton & District Lions Club, Seaton, 6.00pm.

SANTA'S CHRISTMAS FLOAT

 A CHRISTMAS CONCERT

05 Dec - A Christmas Concert with Broadclyst Community Primary School Chamber Choir., Poltimore House and Grounds, Poltimore, 5.30pm.

FESTIVE FRIDAY

06 Dec - Santa will arrive in the square to receive letters & hear Christmas wishes, Axminster & District Lions Club, Axminster, 5.00pm.

THE SNOW BALL (GALA CHARITY EVENT)

SANTA IN HIS GROTTO

07 Dec - Exmouth Christmas Cracker. Illuminated Night Market, vintage fair, music, Exmouth Town Council, Exmouth, 0.00am.

OTTERY BOWLING CLUB XMAS FAYRE 07 Dec - Saturday morning Christmas fayre, Ottery St Mary Bowling Club, Honiton, 10.00am.

07, 08, 14, 15, 21 & 22 Dec Visit the real father Christmas in Devon, Bicton Park Botanical Gardens, Budleigh Salterton.

CHRISTMAS PANTO - ALADDIN & HIS MAGICAL LAMP

08 Dec - Santa Sunday Lunch Carvery & Christmas Pantomime - Oh yes it is!, Woodbury Park Hotel & Golf Club Ltd, Woodbury, 1.30pm.

SIDMOUTH LATE NIGHT SHOPPING

06 Dec - Hot Chestnuts, Father Christmas, Special Offers Music Hog Roast Entertainment, Sidmouth, 5.00pm.

SIDMOUTH MUSEUM LATE NIGHT FESTIVE OPENING

06 Dec - Wide range of interesting and unusual gifts, particularly books., Sidmouth Museum, Sidmouth, 5.00pm.

CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL

06 Dec to 08 Dec - Refreshments and Stalls, Proceeds to Church and Children's Hospice SW, Clyst St Mary PCC, Clyst St Mary, 11.00am.

EXMOUTH CHRISTMAS CRACKER

07 Dec - Exmouth Christmas Cracker, Exmouth Town Council, Exmouth, 1.00pm.

CHRISTMAS FAYRE

TREASURE ISLAND

THE GREAT LYME REGIS PUDDING RACE

64

EXMOUTH CHRISTMAS CRACKER

06 Dec - A magical experience: the gala charity event of Exeter's DVAAS, Exeter Castle, Exeter.

04 Dec to 24 Dec - Santa's Christmas float will be collecting Mon- Fridays throughout the area, Seaton & District Lions Club, Seaton.

04 Dec to 04 Jan - Adventure on the high seas for ages 5 and over. Also pirate workshops, Exeter Phoenix, Exeter.



All of these events have been provided by local organisations using:

07 Dec - Christmas Fayre, Honiton Hospital League of Friends, Honiton, 10.00am.

eastdevonhub .co.uk

07 Dec - Judy Spiers will cut the starting tape for the race in aid of Cancer Research, The Great Lyme Regis Pudding Race, Lyme Regis, 11.00am.

EAST DEVON

Coast & Country

This magazine goes to 470+ outlets in the Exeter, East Devon and West Dorset region and we want you to join in and take part.

It's free for everyone to use - all you need to do is go to Register!

d

ď –

LYME BAY CHORALE CHRISTMAS CONCERT

08 Dec - Exciting Christmas concert.

Unusual carols and audience carols. Finger buffet, Lyme Bay Chorale, Lyme Regis, 2.30pm.

JACK AND THE BEANSTALK

10 Dec to 11 Dec - Pantomime - a fun filled show for the whole family (main auditorium), Barnfield Theatre, Exeter.

CAROLS IN THE CATHEDRAL

11 Dec to 12 Dec - Carol concert given by The Exeter Philharmonic Choir with a guest soloist, Exeter Philharmonic Choir, Exeter, 7.30pm.

CHRISTMAS MARKET

12 Dec to 05 Jan - Two floors of Christmas gifts produced by local artists, Town Mill Arts Guild, Lyme Regis, 10.30am.

CHRISTMAS CONCERT

14 Dec - Christmas Concert. Haydn's Great Organ Mass and a feast of Christmas music, Ottery St Mary Choral Society, Ottery St Mary.

CHRISTMAS WITH THE CATHEDRAL CHOIR

14 Dec - Exeter Cathedral's professional choir returns for its popular seasonal concert, Exeter Cathedral, Exeter, 7.30pm.

SEATON ARTISAN CHRISTMAS MARKET 14 Dec - Seaton Artisan Christmas Market, locally sourced Christmas arts & crafts, Seaton Town Council, Seaton, 10.00am.

TUDOR CHRISTMAS

14 Dec - Celebrate a traditional Christmas, making traditional decorations etc, St Nicholas Priory, Exeter.

CHRISTMAS OPEN DAYS

14 Dec to 15 Dec - Rescued & restored refectory wing of 11th century St Nicholas Priory, Exeter Historic Buildings Trust, Exeter, 11.00am.

CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL 14 Dec to 22 Dec - St Michael's Church, Axmouth Christmas Tree Festival, Friends of Axmouth Church, Axmouth, 2.00pm.

CINDERELLA

14 Dec to 05 Jan - Magic land, where Cinderella must find true love with her Prince Charming, Exeter Corn Exchange, Exeter.

VISIT SANTA BY TRAM

15 Dec - Visit Santa By Tram, Seaton Tramway, Seaton, 10.20am.

A CHRISTMAS CONCERT

15 Dec - A programme of Christmas music, Seaton Choral Society, Seaton, 4.00pm.

EXETER CHILDREN'S ORCHESTRA

15 Dec - Get the seasonal spirit -orchestra returns with their annual Christmas concert, Exeter Corn Exchange, Exeter.

PRESIDENT'S CHRISTMAS PARTY

15 Dec - See web for venue of Sunday 15th December Christmas party, Honiton & District Lions Club, Honiton, 7.15pm.

CHRISTMAS CONCERT

15 Dec - Christmas Concert, Budleigh Salterton Male Voice Choir, Exmouth, 7.30pm.

CHRISTMAS WITH THE CATHEDRAL CHOIR

18 Dec - Exeter Cathedral's professional choir returns for its popular seasonal concert, Exeter Cathedral, Exeter, 7.30pm.

THE PANTOMIME, ALADDIN

28 Dec to 04 Jan - Traditional family pantomime directed by Heather Hodge, Sidmouth Amateur Dramatic Society, Sidmouth.

PANTOMIME: JACK AND THE BEANSTALK 10 Jan - Pantomime at West Hill! Wonder Productions 'Jack

and the Beanstalk', West Hill Village Hall, West Hill, 7.00pm.

PANTOMIME: JACK AND THE BEANSTALK 11 Jan - Pantomime at West Hill! Wonder Productions 'Jack and the Beanstalk', West Hill Village Hall, West Hill, 1.00pm.

PUBLIC CAROL SERVICE

18 Dec - Exmouth Community College Public Carol Service, Exmouth Community College, Exmouth, 7.00pm.

LYMPSTONE BAND CHRISTMAS CONCERT 20 Dec - Annual Brass Band concert filled with festive music, Lympstone South West Telecoms Brass Band, Lympstone, 7.30pm.

CHRISTMAS TREES

Traditional Christmas Farm Shop Local festive foods, gifts & decorations.

DICK WHITTINGTON

20 Dec to 04 Jan - Sensational songs, dazzling dance routines and a live band. Purr-fect treat, Barnfield Theatre, Exeter.

CHRISTMAS STORIES & CAROLS EVENING 21 Dec - Join us in this celebration of Christmas Spirit with story and song!, The Britannia Inn and Restaurant, Budleigh Salterton, 7.00pm.

COURTYARD CAROLS

21 Dec - Festive celebration with Otterton Church Choir. Hot mince pies and mulled wine, Otterton Mill, Otterton, 3.00pm.

VISIT SANTA BY TRAM

21 Dec to 24 Dec - Visit Santa

By Tram, Seaton Tramway, Seaton, 10.20am.

CAROLS ROUND THE TREE

23 Dec - Music by town band, hot chestnuts, soup & refreshments, all welcome, Lyme Regis Rotary Club, Lyme Regis, 7.00pm.

CHRISTMAS DAY SWIM RIVER CRUISE

25 Dec - Join us on Christmas Day to watch the annual Exmouth Swim, Stuart Line Cruises, Exmouth, 10.45am.

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

FOR A MAG ICAL CHRISTMA S TREAT COME &V IS OUR BEAU IT TIFUL REINDEER

OPENING HOURS: 10am - 6pm every day from 30th Nov - 23rd Dec and 9.00am - 12.00pm on Christmas Eve credit card facilities available.

1 mile from A30 Daisymount Junction nr Ottery St.Mary.

Cotley Farm, Whimple, Exeter T: 01404 823193 M: 07779 722421

www.cotleychristmas.co.uk

65

Independent

INVESTMENTS - PENSIONS - RETIREMENT OPTIONS Richmond Independent, Beech Royd, 6 Bennetts Hill, Sidmouth, Devon , EX10 9XH t. 01395 512166

Richmond Independent is a trading name of Investment & Financial Solutions Partnership LLP which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

66

EAST DEVON

Coast & Country

Home Sweet Home!

Browse paintings, limited edition prints, ceramics, unique h jewellery, lose yourself in vintage items, browse great kitche fabulous gifts or your perfect sofa and chairs... If you love b unique items for gifts, yourself or your home...

check out our listings to tempt y www.plume-devon.co.uk

Boho to Bijou, Budleigh’s 16+ inspiring ideas: fashion, food, furniture, fine art & so much more...

1.

2.

3.

The very best of European Fashion

A Cracking From Collection @toCarters Weddings Weekends

30 Fore Budleigh Salterton EX9 6NH Magimix Nespresso Pixie 19 BarStreet Electric in green £140.00 Open to Sat 10-5 Tel 01395 444270 1-NOV-13 - 31-JAN-14 £40 gift Mon card with purchase CARTERS: For your kitchen, home & garden 50 High St | 01395 442233 | www.cartersstoresdevon.com

Don’t Miss The Rowan Tree

Limited Edition Christopher Bear by Suki £59.00 + John Hanly & Co THE ROWAN TREE: Gifts, toys, homewares & Christmas decorat 7 Fore St | 01395 446066 | www.rowantreegifts.co.uk

4.

5.

Comfort and Style @ The O

Luxury European Solid Oak Sideboard Retail price £127 DEVONSHIRE SOFAS & OAK BARN FURNISHINGS + Knowle Hill | 01395 446484 | www.devonshiresofas.

Box of delights: Parada Fashions @ Blush Lingeri

Looking to find the perfect lingerie visit Blush, an individual shopping experience with someone who knows about fit & style.

PARADA FASHIONS @ BLUSH LINGERIE: 26 High St | 01395 442045

The Perfect Sparkling from Lily Farm Celebrate the Christmas spirit with wines from Budleigh’s local vineyard Lily Farm, winning medals for its superb wines.

LILY FARM VINEYARD: Dalditch Lane, Knowle What's On, visit: eastdevonhub .co.uk 01395 443877 |forwww.lilyfarmvineyard.com

6.

Mind Body & S 67

Home Sweet Home!

Browse paintings, limited edition prints, ceramics, unique hand crafted jewellery, lose yourself in vintage items, browse great kitchenwares, find fabulous gifts or your perfect sofa and chairs... If you love browsing for unique items for gifts, yourself or your home...

check out our listings to tempt you...

Boho to Bijou, Budleigh’s 16+ inspiring ideas: fashion, food, furniture, fine art & so much more...

1.

2.

3.

A Cracking Collection @ Carters Magimix Nespresso Pixie 19 Bar Electric in green £140.00 1-NOV-13 - 31-JAN-14 £40 gift card with purchase CARTERS: For your kitchen, home & garden 50 High St | 01395 442233 | www.cartersstoresdevon.com

Don’t Miss The Rowan Tree

Limited Edition Christopher Bear by Suki £59.00 + John Hanly & Co Ltd Throw £99.99 THE ROWAN TREE: Gifts, toys, homewares & Christmas decorations 7 Fore St | 01395 446066 | www.rowantreegifts.co.uk

4.

5.

Comfort and Style @ The Oak Barn Luxury European Solid Oak Sideboard Retail price £1275 Our price £956 DEVONSHIRE SOFAS & OAK BARN FURNISHINGS + COFFEE SHOP Knowle Hill | 01395 446484 | www.devonshiresofas.co.uk

Box of delights: Parada Fashions @ Blush Lingerie

Looking to find the perfect lingerie visit Blush, an individual shopping experience with someone who knows about fit & style.

PARADA FASHIONS @ BLUSH LINGERIE: 26 High St | 01395 442045

The Perfect Sparkling from Lily Farm Celebrate the Christmas spirit with wines from Budleigh’s local vineyard Lily Farm, winning medals for its superb wines.

LILY FARM VINEYARD: Dalditch Lane, Knowle 01395 443877 | www.lilyfarmvineyard.com

6.

Late Night Shopping

Mind Body & Soul Perfect Christmas treat for yourself or as a gift: massage and holistic therapy. Vouchers available.

CHRISTMAS GIFT OFFER call Paola 01395 444067

FRI 6 DEC 2013 | 6-9PM

68

Book a Special Festive Supper @ The Britannia Inn Knowle | 01395 445710 | www.innbritannia.co.uk EAST DEVON

Coast & Country www.budleighinbusiness.org.uk

7.

Festive Glamour @ Whitford Jewellery Individually hand crafted jewellery by commission or maybe one of our rings on display is to your liking for that extra special Christmas gift. Silver ring with white gold & diamonds £650 also available in silver with semi precious stones £250.

4 High St | 07939 057297 | www.whitfordjewellery.co.uk

8.

9.

10.

11.

Prints & gifts @ Talisman Canvas prints: Bespoke sizes available from £15 TALISMAN PICTURE FRAMING & GICLÉE PRINTING 32 High St | 01395 442251 | www.talismanframing.co.uk

A Spot of Lunch @ Tea & Tittle Tattle Choose from a range of award-winning homemade dishes all locally sourced!

4 Fore Street | 01395 443203 | www.teaandtittletattle.co.uk

Another d imension @ Brook Gallery Fine art sculptures & ceramics alongside fabulous fine art.

Fore Street | 01395 443003 | www.brookgallery.co.uk

Foody delights @ Delytes Deli

Hampers, Christmas cakes and other delicious goodies!

44 High Street | 01395 443182 | www.delytes.co.uk

14.

12.

Budleigh business directory

Christmas presents for food lovers from Rosehill Rooms & Cookery Luxury boutique B&B offers a range of cookery classes to suit all abilities. Gift vouchers are a perfect Christmas present!

30 West Hill | 01395 444031 www.rosehillroomsandcookery.co.uk

15.

Unique Fashion @ Plume A mix of exciting but wearable fashion from all over europe for parties, weddings and weekends.

30 Fore St | 01395 444270 | www.plume-devon.co.uk

13.

Sooth your feet @ Rolle Podiatry Ensure your feet feel great for the festive season, book a Christmas treatment. Plus a range of therapeutic massages. Vouchers available.

Rolle Rd | 01395 442437

Stay over @ Stoneborough House Treat yourself or your loved ones to a relaxing break at this fabulous Edwardian bed & breakfast. More shopping tomorrow?!

21A East Budleigh Rd | 01395 445923 | www.stoneboroughhouse.co.uk

16.

Chips on the beach from Premier Café

Finish off your shopping spree with award-winning fish & chips watching the sunset!* Take-away and licensed restaurant.

7 Chapel St | 01395 for What's On, visit: eastdevonhub .co.uk442962 | www.budleighfishandchips.co.uk

*Sorry, sunset cannot be guaranteed but it can be great!

69

Last night I had the strangest dream I’d ever had before, I dreamt the world had all agreed to put an end to war…

In the months leading up to the anniversary of the beginning of the The Great War, the war meant to end all wars, Brook has taken the opportunity to observe human conflict and examine the connection between the events and emotions that war engenders, and the art that is inspired by, and created in, its name.

This exhibition incorporates art produced in the last 100 years, looks at past and future of conflict and the images that represent it.

Brook’s interest in remembering these great conflicts however must ultimately be to facilitate peace. There are many examples of neighbouring societies that do not war against each other, and they appear to have worked in part by expanding the “us.” It seems that encompassing a common identity with other groups and transforming outsiders into insiders provides an effective way to overcome differences.

Official war artists have been appointed by governments for information or propaganda purposes and to record events on the battlefield but there are many other types of 70artists. These can include combatants war

The arts provide a language that has the capacity to transcend cultural boundaries, encouraging enhanced understanding and empathy, as well as strengthening connections between people. Artists and cultural practitioners encourage people to look at familiar situations through a different lens and enable them to see things in new ways.

Artistic and cultural work can inspire collaboration, opening the door to creative ways to bring people together where other disciplines, or more formal approaches, often fall short.

We hope that this eclectic mix of styles, genres, memories and sentiments will assist in the journey toward ‘an end to war’.

Representative artists include: Brangwin, Moore, Orr, Furstova, Mule, Sandal, Ardizonne and others

The works produced by war artists illustrate and record many aspects of war and the individual's experience of war, whether allied or enemy, service or civilian, military or political, social or cultural. The role of the artist and his work embrace the causes, course, and consequences of conflict, and has an essentially educational purpose.

Artists record military activities in ways that cameras and the written word cannot. Their art collects and distills the experiences of the men and women who endured in it. The artists and their artwork affect how subsequent generations view military conflicts, given their ability to related objects and events in their own visual language.

ideas that are activated by engagement by us as audience or participant.

Prior to the exhibition 21 Nov-14 Dec 2013, an exhibition of work by George Grosz, Ecce Homo ('Behold the Man'). An appropriate and relevant precursor to the First World War and the events which ensued.

Art in a situation of conflict can be a form of “making amongst the unmaking”, a phrase used by theatre director Jonathan Chadwick. Art can be a proposition, a challenge, a witness bearer. Art can make you see individual people - rather than aggressor or victim. It has the capacity to hold your attention longer than a news EASTatDEVON Coast column. Art its best art is& C anountry alchemy of

Brook Gallery, Fore St, Budleigh Salterton, Devon EX9 6NH 01395 443003 | art@brookgallery.co.uk

brookgallery .co.uk

TOP: Them and Us by Roderic Barrett, oil painting, 75 x 43 inch framed CENTRE: Mule-a Bullet in the Hand by unknown street artist

[song, written by Ed McCurdy 1950]

who are artists and choose to record their experiences, non-combatants who are witnesses of war, and prisoners of war who may voluntarily record the conditions or be appointed war artists by senior officers.

Merry Christmas! Celebrate with us... Bud leigh Salterton coast & culture FOR the perfect day out! where

combine

ii

i

ired of trawling the usual high Tstreet stores, we reveal some great

places where finding your perfect present will be a pleasure!

iii

Bracing sea air along the cliffs

great high street with individual A shops, Budleigh Salterton is a town

For a great walk to blow away the cobwebs take the path along the cliffs either side of Budleigh Salterton where you will explore a great stretch of coastline with dramatic views and more challenging walks.

VINTAGE HERITAGE INTERIORS HISTORY! A CHARM THAT’S HARD TO RESIST...

Stately stroll in town

with character, find... FASHION FOOD

Burn off with a

Christmas excess

ramble around

Budleigh

Salterton along the coast path plus

and

around

great walks the area

River wander

in

Starting at the end of town take the coast path up the river Otter towards Otterton and Otterton Mill, where you will see meadows and estuary combine, teaming with birds and other wildlife you may even be lucky enough to see an Otter or a Kingfisher. End your walk at Otterton Mill with its fabulous restored water mill and beautiful cafe and gift shop.

Coast:

Budleigh Salterton is the only town to be wholly within the ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ or ‘AONB’. The geology of the East Devon coastline is so special that it has also been designated as England’s first natural World Heritage Site, and Budleigh is at the very start of the Jurassic Coastline.

Culture:

Playing host to an enviable line-up of talent, Budleigh Salterton’s festival and events schedule is full and inspiring. Ranging from music & theatre to literary events, Active Budleigh to scientific pursuits, Food and Drink Festival to internationally recognised fine and applied art. Our festival and exhibition season begins in February and ends in November, just in time for the run up to Christmas and the late night shopping extravaganza. Not to be missed!

For current events in the Budleigh Salterton area visit dir.budleighinbusiness.org.uk and click on our guide for What's Onevents , visit: eastdevonhub .co.uk

vi

Love where you live and buy local ...

Bud leigh Buy Local Campaign: The

Bud leigh in Business Buy Local - is all about shopping in the great independent shops and businesses locally in Budleigh Salterton. Go on, give it a try – there’s a good chance you’ll want to go back. It’s about supporting local businesses be it furniture makers, farmers, accountants or bakers, delis, galleries and pubs; growers, producers and services. People who care about what they do, what they grow, what they make. And people like you who care about what they buy and where they shop. It’s about joining in with the local community and supporting our local businesses keeping our economy thriving.

Because when we do our towns become even more interesting to visit and most importantly great places to live and work in.

So who is Budleigh in Business?- Budleigh in Business is a not-for-profit organisation in Budleigh Salterton supporting local businesses and the community. Our members believe we can maintain a thriving town for the benefit of our residents and visitors alike. Budleigh in Business assists small businesses to showcase and promote themselves. For further information or to join Budleigh in Business contact us via our website at www.budleighinbusiness.org.uk facebook.com/WeLoveBudleighSalterton twitter.com/BudleighB

www.budleighinbusiness.org.uk 71

PHOTO CREDITS, THANKS TO: i, ii, iii Trudie Burne | iv Theo Burne | v Lucy Riley | vi Brian Ward | Budleigh Sunset on next page Michael Downes

Set against a stunning coastline, Budleigh Salterton offers a great opportunity to visit independent shops, owned and managed by local people. They offer an eye-catching range of brilliant items which have been selected for their uniqueness and will be treasured by the people who buy or receive them as gifts. Alongside the many interesting shops there are independent pubs, delis, cafes and restaurants so that your day can be spent meandering along the high street, enjoying a leisurely meal, followed by a great walk along the foreshore enjoying the wonderful views.

Take in the High Street and enjoy everything it has to offer followed by a sedate walk along the sea front, perfect for a relaxed day out.

v

iv

72

EAST DEVON

Coast & Country

In East Devon - guess where?

Answers to lauren@prestige-media.co.uk Winners get a free COAST & COUNTRY pen

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

73

Above - Directors Carol Manley, Annette Bentley and Elga Mackie

A Story of Perseverance and Success Seaton's Voice and The Gateway at Seaton Town Hall

Guy Peters

"There is a tide in the affairs of man which if taken at the flood leads on to fortune".

So spoke Brutus in Shakespeare’s play Julius Caesar. Well, there are three ladies in Seaton who took a tide at the flood. It all began with a meeting at Seaton Town Hall during 2009. This small occasion was to set in motion a tide of events which would make big changes in the lives of Carol Manley, Annette Bentley and Elga Mackie. The inspiration for those changes came with their desire to enhance and enrich the lives of the Seaton community as a whole.

At that time, Seaton Town Hall was long past its glory days. Unloved and gloomy, it had been losing the EDDC £30.000 a year over the previous five years. The original meeting attended by Carol, Annette and Elga was about another

74

building in Seaton. However, they soon changed their focus to the sorry state of the Town Hall.

From this moment, these adventurous ladies started to seriously think how they might bring the Seaton Town Hall back to life and make it a centre for the whole community to enjoy.

It was to be a slow and painstaking process. Step by step they evolved a plan. In the early stages, other people were involved but the amount of time and work alongside other commitments forced them to drop out. However, Carol, Annette and Elga persevered. Soon various members of the community were inspired by the obvious commitment of these three ladies. Volunteers came forward. Eventually, armed with a simple but effective plan, they approached the EDDC. The first meeting was positive and the three had a sympathetic

EAST DEVON

Coast & Country

hearing. It was suggested that they come back with a business plan.

It had always been their intention to put things on a proper business footing rather than to form a charity. They wanted to make the running of Seaton Town Hall a viable business venture.

It had to pay for itself. The first event, a pop concert, was paid for out of the pockets of these intrepid ladies and cost a few thousand pounds to stage. Would it work? Their hearts were in their mouths but they were driven by belief.

In the event, it was a huge success! This gave them some funds with which to work. Seaton Town Hall had begun to breath again - slowly but surely it started to come back to life.

‘Seaton’s Voice’ was formed as a Community Interest Company. Carol, Annette and Elga

An amazing performance by Joey the Lips

Halloween Night

were now the founder directors. The rate of the company’s growth took everyone by surprise.

Soon, the Town Hall was making demands on the time required by the three ladies that forced them to give up their full-time occupations. They accepted part-time salaries for full-time hours and were happy to do so. The cause was always more important to them than their own self interest. All along, the unique mixture of the ladies talents and experience had generated a powerful energy that was indomitable. Despite the amount of time and effort involved they loved the work.

large screen. The Bolshoi Ballet, the National Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company are just three which have been seen and enjoyed by visitors to The Gateway at Seaton Town Hall.

Seaton Town Hall gradually became a pleasant and inviting building that is full of character. A thriving hub for the whole Seaton community where all age groups can find flourishing activities. Currently, the Silver Screen, family matinee, ballroom classes, poetry group, writing group and many others benefit from a ‘Grow Your Own Community’ project. Groups are encouraged to try their own activities that allow them to raise enough funds to pay for the hire of a room or rooms within the hall. Seaton’s Voice also subsidise a Youth Programme. They work with the Lions to host eleven young leaders, a youth zone that meets once a week and supporting family activities. Older members and other support groups are being subsidised while Seaton’s Voice also help support stroke victims and their carers by working with other providers to hold coffee mornings. Furthermore, they are developing volunteers to support people with disabilities.

These events are now attracting people from far and wide and provide vital income which helps to ensure the survival of the Town Hall and can be ploughed back into the community for further projects.

'the unique mixture of the ladies talents and experience had generated a powerful energy that was indomitable'

are not sitting on their hands. They remain vigilant and bring a business like approach to everything they do. New initiatives by members of the community are constantly finding encouragement and support. New ideas are being considered in their brainstorming sessions around the boardroom table. The latest advertising and marketing techniques are being employed, such as The East Devon Hub that allows them to display the dates and details of forthcoming events to a very wide audience.

Also, the next generation of directors and their training is a subject close to their hearts. Carol, Annette and Elga readily accept that they will not be around forever.

I spent one hour and sixteen minutes talking to these three ladies. Never, have I encountered such positivity, such tenacity, such sincerity and such kindness. The room was filled with their

'the inspiration for those changes came with their desire to enhance and enrich the lives of Seaton' During the last four years, there have been talks, fitness activities for the over fifties - both able and less able and a Magic Moments memory café for people with dementia.

Early this year, they completed a fund raising campaign and secured a small grant from the Seaton Town Council to fund a live streaming project. The live streaming project has involved special equipment which allows live events from far and wide to be picked up from a satellite.

These spectacular events are then shown on a

An artist's view - The big screen displays the artwork as he draws The Gateway continues to feature live gigs. These prove to be as popular as did the first gig which provided the initial funds that kick started the whole project.

Carol Manley, Annette Bentley and Elga Mackie dared to take the tide at the flood and it did indeed lead on to fortune! Not fortune for themselves but for the Seaton Town Hall and the whole community of Seaton. However, they

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

combined energy and it was very infectious!

Upon leaving, I was treated to hugs from each and everyone working there. I came away feeling that I’d had a profound experience that touched at the very roots of humanity. The message seemed to be: All for one and one for all. It’s all about community! Guy Peters www.seatongateway.co.uk www.seatonsvoice.co.uk

75

hoW does your garden develop?

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www.greenfingers-gardencentre.co.uk 76

EAST DEVON

Tel: 01823 680133 Mobile: 07967 168245 www.tglandscapes.co.uk

Coast & Country

D.C.B. Photography © 2013

Tales of a Yokel

Yarns from the inimitable FCR Esgen AGENTS REQUIRED FOR ACCOMPANIED PROPERTY VIEWINGS

GROWING OLD DISGRACEFULLY by FCR Esgen I never really planned on getting old, it just crept up on me unawares. Of course I had read in books what happens as humans make that lonely decent into the great abyss. Bits start to fall off I was told, and the ones that don t need constant attention and oiling. Still there are compensations if you are one of the hapless Grecian 2000 brigade. One of these is that you tend to worry less about the future; this may be due

to the fact that you don t have one, or perhaps you cant remember what it is you were supposed to be worrying about in the first place. Either way its just easier to let events take care of themselves while you pour a second G&T and try to figure out one across in the local rag.

My next door neighbour, who is even more decrepit than I am, spends every Monday morning working out where he hasn t been

with his bus pass. This system worked very well for him until recently when his wife lost the list of places they had already visited.

So they had to start from scratch all over again, as they can only recall the town or village they ve been too when they get there. In an idle moment I worked out that if his wife lost the list every two years they would have enough pubs to visit for lunch within a twenty mile radius once a week until they both fell off their perch.

Agents required for the following areas: Exmouth, Exeter, Honiton, Topsham, Sidmouth, Budleigh Salterton, Axminster, Seaton and Lyme Regis.

(You also need to be based in area youʼre applying for)

Call 01395 513383

Want to be paid to get fitter?

MODELS

Garden Machinery SALES SERVICE REPAIRS

Your local independent specialist

If you are an amateur or professional model, please get in touch. Send a few photo examples to: enquiries@prestige-media. co.uk

We pay the best rates for these areas

WRITERS

You are welcome to submit editorial for this magazine, with a view to publication. nigel@prestige-media. co.uk Tel. 01395 513383

If you have a little spare time and would like to earn some extra money, we’re on the lookout for people to deliver the Diary magazines in the Sid Valley and Budleigh Salterton areas on a bimonthly basis.

Just call Nigel on 01395 513383

Colyton Antiques Centre

www.gardenkit.co.uk 01395 567514 Unit 2, The Old Sawmills, Colaton Raleigh, Nr Sidmouth EX10 0HP

FURNITURE COLLECTABLES STAINED GLASS LINEN BOOKS PRINTS PORCELAIN TOYS Tel 01297 552339

www.colyton-antiques-centre.co.uk

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: Model Garage for Handbuilt Model Cars www.modelgarage.co.uk

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

Old Station Yard, Station Road, Colyton EX24 6HA

77

The bombing of Exeter in the ‘Baedeker raids’

by John Fisher

A

CRASHED GERMAN BOMBER

buried deep in the earth at the bottom of a garden in Surrey was only fully excavated a few short years ago and provided a direct link to the bombing of Exeter in World War Two, in one of the so-called Baedeker raids.

Amongst the wreckage the excavation team found the remains of its young flight engineer, Frans Huske, 21. The rest of the crew had managed to bail out.

Close to his body they found a small bottle of French perfume, bought for his sweetheart the afternoon before he died perhaps and still with him when he climbed through the cockpit and into the cramped rear gun turret behind the pilot.

The aircraft was a twin-engine bomber called a Dornier 217-E, part of 1 Staffel, Gruppe KG2. This was known as 'Holzhammer' and boasted a distinctive black and blue ‘sledgehammer’ emblem on its fuselage. It had been based just across the Channel from Southampton – its target that night - when it had been shot down by an RAF night fighter. This was March 1943.

St James Chapel, part of the Catherdal, hit by one of the many bombs that fell on Exeter. The stained glass windows of the Cathedral had already been removed in 1940

A coroner’s inquest was held, a full 62 years after his death, and an internment was arranged at Chichester cemetery by the German War Graves Commission, where all such burials have taken place when no living relatives can be found in Germany.

Then something quite remarkable happened. As the graveside service began a very old man arrived by taxi. He was Willi Schludecker, an exLuftwaffe pilot with KG2 bomber group - a veteran of 127 bombing missions and nine crashes - who had accompanied a serving Luftwaffe Officer to the cemetery on this occasion to pay his respects to the fallen.

“We shall go out and bomb every building in Britain marked with three stars in the Baedeker Guide.”

Not only was he the man who had trained the crew of that aircraft, he had also taken part in three of the Baedeker raids over England in 1942.

York, Bath and Exeter.

78

(German propaganda broadcast, 24th April, the 19th day after Exeter was bombed)

EAST DEVON

Coast & Country

So how did this so-called Baedeker raid come about and why Exeter?

It took a further two years to reel in the personal story from the 87-year old pilot during subsequent flying visits he made to the UK, for flying was still his one great passion and he still enjoyed taking the controls of a friend’s light aircraft on these occasions.

In 1942, at the height of WW2, the UK and Nazi Germany began a series of tit-for-tat bombing raids against each other's cultural centres. The Luftwaffe used Baedeker tourist guides to single out targets with no military value but great historic and cultural importance, the destruction of which - so a German professor’s theory went - would demoralize the civilian population.

This followed on the heels of Hitler’s decision to intensify bombing of “soft” civilian targets like London - which was beginning to reel under that day and night onslaught.

Against this background it was on 28 March 1942, that RAF Bomber Command was allowed to hit the undefended medieval port of Lübeck on the Baltic coast. Some 234 RAF aircraft dropped 300 tons of explosives and incendiaries, destroying half the old town, killing 320 people and making more than 14,000 homeless.

Similar raids followed and Hitler ordered the Luftwaffe to repay the attacks in kind.

These he dubbed Vergeltungsangriffe or "retaliatory attacks".

First to be bombed was Torquay, then Brixham. Exmouth and its docks were hit in the third week in April 1942. But the first of what were about to be called the ‘Baedeker blitz’ raids against Exeter took place on the night of 23/24 April 1942, when 25 Junker Ju88 fighter-bombers flew up the River Exe before circling the city dropping parachute flairs to illuminate the targets.

Then they released high explosive bombs

One of the pilots responsible: Below - Willi Schludecker, who was a Luftwaffe pilot with KG2 bomber group responsible for the Exeter bombing raids.

An unexploded aerial mine at Culverland Road followed by incendiaries. This attack caused widespread damage and killed 70 people.

Terrible though it was, some believe it was only a reconnaissance mission compared with what was to come.

Willi Schludecker

It was the very next day that Nazi propaganda trumpeted that Exeter was only the beginning. The Luftwaffe, it pronounced, would now work its way through the Baedeker tourist guide.

That night Exeter was hit again and Willi Schludeker was part of this larger force, this time of Dornier 217-E bombers - the Holzhammer Squadron - that brought home the attack.

Normally based at Gilze-Rijen airfield in Holland, situated between Breda and Tilburg, his force of heavy Dorniers from Kampfgeschwader 2 (KG2) had moved down into Normandy in the afternoon where they were refuelled and loaded high explosives and incendiaries.

These ‘bomblets’ had fins but were little bigger than a vacuum flask: weighing only a few kilos each, they were designed to ignite on impact and burn chemically at intensely high temperatures. Falling by the hundreds onto the rooftops of shops, workshops and houses in wartime Exeter they were difficult to reach and caused tremendous amounts of damage.

Willi Schludecker joined the Luftwaffe in 1938

Willi Schludecker’s aircraft carried two 500kg and five 50kg bombs together with clips of these incendiary bombs. Because of its full load and the comparatively short distance it would travel to and from the target the aircraft was only partially fuelled for the round trip.

After scanning the reconnaissance photos that had been taken at first light the four-man crews boarded their aircraft in high spirits.

It was late evening when they crossed the French coast in a wide v-formation, flying at an altitude of little more than 50 metres (150 feet) to avoid being picked up by the radar stations at Plymouth and the cliff top antennae at Sidmouth.

It’s amazing how much of Cathedral Yard is left considering the desperate intent of the Nazi bombers

The sea was choppy and they flew in tight formation and complete radio silence was observed as they flew over the white-topped waves below them. They smiled but they were comforted, as always, by the sight of the two German air/sea rescue launches in position at the half way point and they did not make altitude until they were only for What's On, visit: eastdevonhub .co.uk

Willi Schludecker, holder of two Iron Crosses, died peacefully in hospital in Cologne on 17th June 2010, aged 90.

continued overleaf...

79

Looking northwards from the top of the cathedral. All the new buildings mark the city’s wartime devastation.

Photo: smalljim

a few minutes from the target and the signal was given by Aldis lamp from the leader to open their throttles and climb to 1,500 feet.

Parachute flairs were dropped to illuminate

The right hand wing of the incoming attack, using the cathedral as its point of reference, began to unload its 500kg bombs. Their purpose was to flatten buildings but also to destroy gas pipes and water mains for what was to follow. Then they circled the city to the east to observe their handiwork as the next wave came in.

This was a repeat of the first but now there were fires lighting up the night from warehouses ablaze at Marsh Barton on one side of the city and houses along Paris Street on the other.

The second wave, again lining up the cathedral in their bombsights began to drop the first of the thousands of incendiary bombs that were to fall that night before circling over Dawlish.

Exeter’s fire service had already placed static water tanks at what they hoped would be strategic locations around the city - and they needed them. A contemporary account by Exeter’s senior police officer said:

Exhausted firemen resting before resuming their fight against the flames the targets together with parachute mines – large high explosive cylinders fitted with timing devices which were designed to land softly and detonate on the surface rather than in the ground.

“The raid consisted of a violent attack on the City, with concentration on the shopping centre.

The raid was a mixed one, incendiary bombs, high explosive of large calibre and machine-

The top of Fore Street was flattened, looking towards the Cathedral

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gunning being intermingled. A strong wind was blowing and this undoubtedly had a very considerable effect on the spread of the fires which broke out... the fact remains that a very considerable portion of the city of Exeter is now a mass of ruins.”

The raid lasted for about 90 minutes. Large areas of Fore Street, Sidwell Street and Paris Street were flattened, fires burnt for days afterwards and the orange glow of the city burning could be seen from 30 miles away.

Enemy aircraft had bombed RAF Exeter on the 3, 5, 12 and 14 April with the result that many aircraft were either destroyed or damaged, whilst others had been deployed further afield.

Beaufighter night fighters were scrambled together with the Mark V Spitfires of the all-Polish 317 Squadron but to no avail.

The Dorniers finished off their night’s work by machine-gunning the city, killing firefighters, rescue workers and firewatchers - many of them shop assistants - positioned on the roofs of the shops in the city centre before they turned south, dropped under the radar again and raced back to base through the intense blackness over the Channel, “triumphant and singing marching songs” to each other over the intercom.

The Queen visits the damaged Cathedral

It was said that Exeter was one of the Jewels in England’s Crown in terms of architecutre, particularly from the mediaeval period.

The German raids destroyed much of Exeter.

About 70 people died in the raid, 20 were injured and the Germans returned home without loss.

It was the following day that the Nazi propagandist Baron Gustav Braun von Sturm used the word Baedeker in a broadcast for the first time.

He said: "We shall go out and bomb every building in Britain marked with three stars in the Baedeker Guide."

Spitfires and Beaufighters based at RAF Exeter defended the South West.

(RAF Exeter’s now Exeter International Airport which still has many of the features from WWII)

There was no respite. On 25 April it was Willi Schludecker’s KG2 Group that again led the attack on the fair city of Bath - for two successive nights. The 100-bomber raid that caused nearly 1,300 casualties and damaged 20,000 buildings.

German bombers returned to Exeter again in the early hours of 3 May, killing another 161 and injuring 500. The cathedral was hit again, the St. James’s chapel was destroyed but miraculously the main fabric of the building survived. But in total the bombings destroyed or seriously damaged 4,200 buildings. Again, the attackers got away Scot-free.

The KG2 Group came again in the early hours 4th May, 1942 with 20 bombers from their new base in Brittany, dropping sticks of incendiaries. An hour later there were 19 separate fires raging in the High Street, Sidwell Street and Fore Street.

As firefighters scrambled over rooftops to extinguish the incendiaries they were machine-gunned by Ju88 fighter-bombers, specially assigned for that purpose. Seventy minutes after they arrived the entire force had gone again, leaving an inferno behind them, along with 39 unexploded bombs and aerial mines. But the fires were now all but out of control.

Firefighters and ambulances raced to the scene from Torquay, Taunton and Plymouth.

When they arrived they found streets blocked by falling buildings that in collapsing, ignited buildings opposite whilst the already stiff southwesterly breeze intensified the fires, spreading sparks and burning embers ever further.

The Control Centre, located at the City Library in Castle Street became completely surrounded by fire had to be quickly abandoned and a million books and historic documents turned to ash.

19 times during the Second World War and thirty acres of the city were flattened.

Hundreds of shops, offices, warehouses stores, clubs and pubs were totally destroyed, along with 1,500 houses. A further 2,700 houses were seriously damaged and 16,000 sustained some damage.

But cities, at least, can be rebuilt and 68 years after the peace, that jewel has been re-set.

Our thanks to Barking Creek Film Productions, Surrey (01428 652300) for use of images and material from their forthcoming documentary, The Nine Lives of Willi Schludecker - currently in production.

That raid killed 156 people, men women and children, whole families sometimes, all in the one house, from the baby to the grandparents and 563 more people were injured, many of them seriously.

Later that day German radio reported "Exeter was the jewel of the West... We have destroyed that jewel, and the Luftwaffe will return to finish the job" Devon’s historic capital city was hit by enemy raiders

DORNIER Do 217E-4 bombers over South West England

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

81

'Wilson'

by Richard Woodward

Kerry Hornett

The Old Vet’nary

old, but definitely on the shelf. We don’t seem to have those these days.

by Ken Watson

So I calculated the weight of the cat and laboriously made up the injection.

Embarrassing Moments

She then presented the patient to me swathed in a large blanket which she held in her arms. The injection was very slow in action so I gave some more.

When I was young and newly qualified

and put the key in the ignition. It would

odd shallow breath. It is an irony that

I ran everywhere. Distance running

not fit! I looked around in surprise.

the elderly are slower to absorb any

was my hobby. I remember visiting a

My own car was in front. Identical!

drug because their pulse is weaker.

house in Furzehill, Sidbury. They all

They only came in Racing Green and

So I thought I had better do something

had long front gardens. I reached the

most people left their window down

to pass this embarrassing hiatus. So

front door at a fair lick and reached out

and even their keys in the ignition.

I said to her, “Why don’t you find a

for the knocker. However the client

I hopped out and into my own car.

cloth to bury him in while I hold him”.

must have seen me coming and she

Then I thought “My package”. So back

As I said it I put my arms around the

obligingly opened the door for me. I

to the other car, reached in for my

bundle and took a good grip. Still she

shot past her and ended up full length

goods and back again and off. Nobody

did not move, but gave me what I can

on the hall floor.

noticed anything and I am sure if they

only call an old-fashioned look. So

had they would have accepted my

in preparation for making a move to

One morning I was called to a cow with

explanation. Contrast this with my

pull the whole bundle away from her

Milk Fever at Tipton Mill. In those days

later years in Plymouth when even the

I wriggled my hands around to make

it was not only a working mill but also

slightest touch between cars might end

sure I had a good grip. It was only then

a farm and B&B. My arrival coincided

up with a punch-up and you will see

that I realised that I had both hands

with that of a family of holidaymakers.

how things have changed and how

well and truly up inside her sweater!

The teenage daughter said to her

much innocence we have lost.

Medium Reading for individuals and groups Call 01404 43522

www.linkwithanimals.co.uk

EQUINE EVENTS DEC 13 & Jan 14 ADULT & CHILDREN'S RIDING LESSONS & PONY CLUB Until 29 Dec - Quality riding lessons for adults and children from 2 years of age, East Devon Riding Academy, Branscombe.

CHRISTMAS EQUINE FAIR 07 Dec to 08 Dec - South West Equine Fair.

Check website in case of bad weather, Westpoint Arena, Exeter, 9.00am.

AFFILIATED DRESSAGE

mother, “Gee, look mum there’s the

- K.Watson

vet”. I walked nonchalantly around

When I was a student I was appalled

to the boot of my beat up old Morris

at the ways pets were put to sleep.

8 for my medical gear. It’s not easy to

So I was delighted that my first boss,

do nonchalant you know! I leaned far

Peter Steel at Sidmouth proved to be a

in to grab a bottle of Calcium. Now in

humane man. He had found that the

those days there was a thin metal prop

newly available barbiturates were the

which you lifted up and fitted into a slot

answer. But there were drawbacks.

to hold the boot lid. It was not always

We could only obtain it in capsule form.

reliable and, with everyone watching

This entailed emptying the capsules

it slipped out and the boot lid fell,

one by one into a saucer of warm water.

trapping me ignominiously beneath it.

Even then this solution was too crude

Pony mornings every week throughout the school holidays.

to inject intravenously.

Herald in Sidmouth High Street and

One day I was asked to euthanize a

went shopping. No difficulty parking

much loved elderly Siamese belonging

and no need to lock the car or even run

to a lady in Bickwell Valley. She was

the window up. Returning I jumped in

what was then called a spinster. Not

18 to 19 Jan - Public Equestrian event.

Check website for times & latest information, Bicton College, East Budleigh.

Correct, enjoyable & progressive lessons for adults and children from 2 years of age.

Once I parked my much loved Triumph

EAST DEVON

Reiki Master Reiki healing

This was working but the

patient still clung on to life with the

82

Animal Communicator Helping animals with emotional behavioural problems

www.ridingacademy.co.uk

Coast & Country

Horse Care Communication

HEAT yOur HOME THIs wINTEr

by Natalie Bucklar

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

Natalie Bucklar

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.

Rude and Crude Vs Suitable and Safe Imagine a scenario, you are in a library and you shout at a friend ‘Pass me that book’. There is a possibility you may get passed the correct book but the chances of an amicable transfer would greatly increase if you spoke quietly, nod your head in the direction of the book you want, you point or better still you actually describe the book in terms of appearance, title and author quietly and maybe with an additional ‘please’. Without the additional information and appropriate manners, how long would it take your friend to give you the correct book, if at all? Your friend may be used to your brusqueness, it may upset them or they may choose to ignore it but would it help a successful friendship if you communicated more fittingly?

Next, imagine you get a text message from someone that says ‘I can’t wait to see you later’. From your past

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experience with that person, this could mean anything from ‘I really want to see you’ to ‘I really want to see you so I can have a go at you for not mucking out properly’. Without additional information you are left guessing what the outcome will be when you see that person and you could waste minutes or even hours trying to work out exactly what they meant. You could ask for clarification but what if they ignore you or just repeat the same message?

Now translate these communication scenarios to you and the horse.

You would like to trot on, will your request be more successful if you ask appropriately and clearly or if you just flap your legs, metaphorically shouting? Flapping away is easier and quicker to learn but which method makes for a neater rider and a happier (and therefore safer) horse? You would like to ride a circle, will a pull on the rein suffice or would your horse perform a better circle of the correct size and shape, in a rhythmical and balanced way if you ask more subtly and with more information?

The principle is the same from a simple transition up to a complex set of turns between jumps. Yes, there are lots of ways to achieve the same end result but for a harmonious relationship with horses and a more accurate interpretation of our requests, clear communication of the appropriate intensity is important. Horses know a few words but we translate our requirements through our bodies. It takes time to train a riders brain and body to be able to ‘speak’ clearly, accurately and concisely. We cannot possibly expect to suitably, kindly and safely control a horse if we cannot position ourselves correctly and have the knowledge and ability to control our own bodies. This takes understanding and patience and above all, a willingness to create a partnership with horses, not a one way, bullying coercion. Remember, we all make mistakes anyway but it is very hard to communicate sorry to a horse. Natalie

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

83

Spain’s last major port in the south-west - and even though 400 years have elapsed, I have the feeling that Devon’s famed Tudor sea captain would somehow recognise the panorama now unfurling like a galleon’s mizzen sail.

El Draco

by John Phillpott

THE ROLLING PLAINS of Andalucia slip past our coach like the wake from the bows of a ship cutting through an ocean of brown and green.

On the horizon, the famed hilltop villages stand out gleaming white in the Spanish sunshine, framed by clusters of terracotta tiles and Moorish arches.

Winding roads thread their way through mile after mile of vineyards, rows of grape-laden plants plaiting the creamsplashed chalk loam over an undulating landscape.

This was once the frontier where Christian and Muslim endured an uneasy existence until the great expulsion of the Moors - The Reconquista - in the late 15th Century.

To our right, about a mile distant, is the village of Medina Sidonia. The man who gave this settlement its name led a great Armada against the heretical English in 1588. But today, we are visiting the town that will forever be associated with Englandís greatest sailor and the Spanish noblemanís arch-enemy... Sir Francis Drake.

For the primary colour now is blue, that of the Atlantic ocean.

And the skyline has become one of ships and harbour buildings. This is Cadiz,

84

But in this part of Spain, people have very long memories.

Our guide makes her feelings known in no uncertain manner, making few concessions to this coachload of British passengers.

Cadiz was attacked twice by English pirates, she hisses through the microphone. They stole our gold and burned many buildings.

Quite suddenly, I become unpaid ambassador for my native land. Surely, I say, Devon’s most celebrated son was only conducting a pre-emptive strike, a highly successful attack on the Armada ships as they lay huddled together, waiting for sailing orders.

No. The English were pirates.

Nothing more, she says between pleasantly-gritted teeth. I withdraw gracefully.

Modern Cadiz is an ancient town that has witnessed centuries of history, with a superb natural harbour dating back to the Phonoeciansí great trading voyages. It is not hard to imagine a forest of masts as galleons, carracks and supply ships sheltering from the Atlantic storms in 1587, the year of Drake’s attack.

But they had not reckoned on the skill, cunning and courage of the man known as El Draco...

Our coach has almost travelled the length of the road that skirts the harbour, but just as the ocean comes into view, the guide draws our attention to a small inlet bounded by a spit of rocks and sand.

EAST DEVON

In more muted tones, she explains that this was where the Earl of Essex landed in 1596 before sacking Cadiz. No talk about pirates this time.

Perhaps she could tell from my polite but insistent tone that national honour is at stake here.

mother still threaten their children with his ghost. If you persist in being naughty, El Draco will get you, say the exasperated mothers and fathers who can find no greater retribution than summoning up the terrible presence of the ultimate bogeyman...

Cadiz suffered the attentions of the English on three major occasions. Essex’s raid was a belt-and-braces affair to ensure that no future Armada would ever be strong enough to ever threaten England again.

A few months later, my wife and I are spending an enjoyable week in Exmouth, that beautiful East Devon port with so many Drake connections. Keen to find out more, we visit the Tourist Office seeking information about the seafarer’s links with the locality.

Just over 200 years later in 1797, Horatio Nelson’s fleet bombarded the town to discourage the Spanish who had allied themselves to Napoleon Bonaparte’s young French republic.

But it was the assault by Drake on Medina Sidonia’s battle fleet that would sow the seeds of ultimate disaster for King Philip of Spain’s Enterprise of England. And in doing so, a legend would be born.

Schoolchildren nowadays are not taught how the Tavistockborn seadog singed the King of Spain’s beard. But once, every English child was taught about the man who, more than any other of the great Elizabethan adventurers, ensured the survival of England as a nation state.

Considered old-fashioned today, and no doubt rather politically incorrect, many a tingle was sent down a schoolboy’s spine as he listened to tales of the flame-bearded apparition so feared by Spain in that last quarter of the 16th Century.

In fact, such was the Spaniards’ fright that they believed Drake had a magic mirror in which he could see their ships. He had colluded with the Devil, sold his soul to the powers of darkness.

Drake, in fact, was Hell on Earth.

And in this part of Spain, they fear him to this day. All around this coast, and in the depths of Andalucia,

Coast & Country

Overhearing our request, a charming gentleman engages us in conversation, eager to talk about Courtlands, Nutwell House and Buckland Abbey, all great houses associated with Drake.

Oh yes, Drake’s Drum, he says.

I understand it has been moved somewhere.

Nevertheless, say I, if England is ever in danger, no doubt it will beat loud and clear according to folklore.

Yes, he says, smiling broadly in recognition. I’m sure it will...

From Cadiz to Exmouth, across nearly a thousand miles of sea, the legend of Drake and the Golden Hind refuses to be swept away by the tides of time and history. Not even the grudging acceptance of a grimfaced Spanish guide can dim the brightness of England’s first great naval hero.

For such is the legacy of Sir Francis Drake, the Devon man born into poverty who would one day capture the imagination of Elizabethan England and its great queen... and more than 400 years later, still be remembered with awe by his former enemies.

Portrait of Sir Francis Drake, by Marcus Gheerhaerts the younger (1562-1636) © Plymouth City Council (Museums and Archives)

Ted Gosling reminises about his childhood days at Christmas

Recapturing Christmas Past

S

ometimes I think that our minds are like photographic plates on which childhood impressions are printed and memories, such as the smell of a bonfire, autumn leaves or an old Christmas Card can send us back in time to develop that plate.

Those Christmas cards that came in the postman's sack, carried through the snowy lanes and roads in those far-off days were not reckoned in earthly money, or by any ordinary standards of value.

They were endowed with the properties we gave them, the fragrance of summer flowers, music of carols and bird song, the cold of icicles and frost. They were not bits of cardboard with poor pictures and bad verse.

I gazed into them and saw what others did not perceive. To me, they were celestial gifts from another world, the world of imagination and fancy. My mother always told me that the words inside were even more important than the pictures and I believed her. From the time that I could read, I was hungry for words and, although I left school at the age of

In those days the Christmas display we saw would put to shame any of our local shops today.

There were great boxes of crystallised fruits, sugared apricots and peaches and boxes of chocolates with pictures on their covers.

There were slender boxes of dates and figs and French plums tied with dark ribbons, jars of ginger and sacks of Brazil nuts. I well remember the enormous cheeses and, if you were well-behaved, the grocer would give you a small slice to taste.

My mother always dealt with Louds the Butchers and, at Christmas, they always had a fine display of dressed poultry and meat carcasses hanging outside the shop.

This would have horrified the jobsworths we now call food inspectors, but in those pre-war days, we were free from the endless regulations that are the despair of 21st century England.

We always loved to visit the draper's shop of Ferris and Prescott in Sidmouth Street to see if we could find a new shirt for father's Christmas present.

One of the fascinations of Mr Ferris' drapery establishment was the overhead tramway which whisked the money across the shop to the cash desk.

14, I was lucky that my schoolmaster was an outstanding man. He drilled me and caned me, but from him I got a faint comprehension of things unfathomable and unknown.

Sometimes, an older type of Christmas card with the music or carols and glittering icicles and sparkling frosty bells, takes me back to pre-war Seaton when, with my brother and my mother, we paid a visit to the World Stores in Fore Street.

The assistant took the cash and screwed it into a little wooden casket, together with the bill. A smart pull at a handle and the casket would fly across a miniature railway system.

Christmas Card Designed by Tallalah Finnegan

Opposite the Town Hall, the Smith family had a shop which sold all sorts of stationery ware and daily papers. In an upstairs room they had a special display of toys, wind-up cars, model trains, dolls, whips and tops, hoops, marbles, skipping ropes and shuttlecocks.

For me, it really was a wonderland and for a short time they all seemed to be endowed with life.

I know that many of my old school friends will remember the annual Christmas visit to our school of Mr Gould, Chairman of Seaton Urban District Council and local businessmen. We all lined up to received an orange, a piece of Christmas cake and a sixpence - not a lot in modern terms, but, in those days of our youth, it seemed a fortune.

By the way, Mr Gould, always a generous benefactor to Seaton, paid for this out of his own pocket.

Those days are long gone, dissolved like a dew and mist, but December can still be a season of surprises, so why not try to recapture the Christmas spirit and start of this month, of all months, by showing goodwill to all and try to remember the true meaning of Christmas.

Happy Christmas to you all

In a minute or so it would make the return journey, with the change arriving back, notifying its presence with a bell-like clang.

On busy days, this system, working from all departments, was a wonder to see. for What's On, visit: eastdevonhub .co.uk

Ted Gosling

85

The South West's Beauty Spots Now Open To All - Trampers A charity is enabling people to adventure and explore outdoors, regardless of how far they can walk, through the use of a 'Tramper'.

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

PR ACTITIONERS

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 abo ve.

I’m looking for ward to hearing fro m you.

Chiropody

Nevil explores the paths at Penrose. It has enabled him and others to get out and enjoy the beautiful countryside.

M

any of us enjoy exploring the grounds of the South West’s beautiful country houses, park areas or coastal path. We are blessed with a wide range of places to visit, where we can experience the changes in seasons, colours and sounds of nature and the peace and quiet that this can bring.

Easy to manoeuvre, the Trampers are stable over a range of terrain and the simple, quick training makes them safe and easy to use. With the ability to go virtually anywhere, Trampers ensure independence and freedom, enabling users to adventure alone or as part of a family day out.

Frequently such walks lead to a tea or coffee shop, with views that can continue to be enjoyed over refreshments. Yet for many, this is where their outing begins and ends, due to being unable to walk even a small distance.

It is a scheme which is proving extremely popular with people of all ages who want to get out and enjoy the countryside, but previously were unable.

The Countryside Mobility scheme, run

by Devon charity Living Options Devon, is ensuring that the South West is a truly ‘accessible’ environment for everyone by improving access to the countryside for people with limited mobility.

For Nevil Salisbury-Rood, from Chard in Somerset, the Tramper has been life-changing. He said: “I really enjoy wildlife photography and I visited the Penrose Estate in Helston, Cornwall and used the Tramper because I can’t walk very far. It allowed me to get around part of the lake and out onto the South West Coast Path which is something I would never be able to do normally because of my bad leg. The coastal views are fantastic and I shot some great photos”.

BROADCAST YOUR COMMUNITY EVENTS TO THE WHOLE COMMUNITY There's a website now where you can publicise your community events to a massive local audience. It's called East Devon Hub. Also, if your events happen in the Sid Valley or the lower Otter Valley, then they're guaranteed to be included in either The Sidmouth Diary or The Budleigh Diary magazines.

If you enjoy community events, just take a look at:

eastdevonhub .co.uk 86

“Trampers are for everyone who wants to enjoy the countryside but can’t manage much walking. You do not have to be registered as a disabled person, or have a Blue Badge."

The scheme is proving to be extremely popular

Based on the principle of urban Shopmobility schemes, ‘Tramper’ all-terrain mobility scooters are now available at more than 30 countryside locations across Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire and Somerset with more to follow, making them increasingly simple and straightforward to gain access to.

EAST DEVON

The Trampers can go up and down slopes, over bumps and tree roots, through shallow puddles, mud and soft ground and are for use by anyone aged 14 or over who has a permanent or temporary condition that affects their ability to walk.

With a top speed of four miles an hour they can keep pace with the briskest walking companion.

James Maben from Countryside Mobility explains:

Coast & Country

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.

Chiropractic Chiropractic Health Centre 01297 35844 or 01404 549270.

Hypnotherapy Pat Hoare 01392 410090.

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 07891 447710 to arrange a free 30 min taster session.

“Trampers are for everyone who wants to enjoy the countryside but can’t manage much walking. You do not have to be registered as a disabled person, or have a Blue Badge. Many people have found that Trampers have given them back their freedom, enabling them to enjoy time outdoors alone, with their partner or on a family outing.

“With such a varied selection of sites now involved, people with limited mobility have some fantastic opportunities to get out and explore the region. There is something for everyone - from wild Exmoor moorland to peaceful country parks and beautiful sections of the South West Coast Path."

To use the Trampers, people simply choose their site and arrange their first visit. On arrival, they join as members of Countryside Mobility which costs £10.00 per year or £2.50 for 4 weeks. Training is provided on how to use a Tramper lasting approximately 15 minutes. They are then given a membership card, which enables them to use a Tramper at any partner site without the need for further training. continued overleaf...

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

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

87

COURSES & CLASSES CRAFT PAINTING IN OILS AND ACRYLICS

Until 09 Dec - A weekly class where you will learn how to paint in oils and/or acrylics, East Devon Art, Sidmouth, 11.30am.

CREATIVE MACHINE EMBROIDERY COURSE

Until 03 Dec - 5 week creative machine embroidery course. You can create all manner of items, Livingstone Textiles, Bridport.

HEDGEROW & GARDEN WREATH MAKING

06 Dec - A little festive inspiration with the wonderful Jan Waters of JW Blooms!, The Old Kennels, Dunkeswell, 10.00am.

ENCAUSTIC WAX PAINTING & PHOTO ENCAUSTIC Until 01 Mar - For the Love of Wax. Suitable for beginners and artists so come and be inspired! Dawn Brimicombe, Uplyme. 01297 444455

FOOD & DRINK RIVER COTTAGE BOOZE

01 Dec - Learn the delights of making your own alcoholic drinks, River Cottage HQ, Axminster, 10.00am.

ROSEHILL COOKERY ASIAN INSPIRATION DAY

06 Dec - Learn the secrets of making an amazing dishes using ingredients from Asia, Rosehill Rooms and Cookery, Budleigh Salterton, 10.30am.

BREAD BAKING BASICS

09 Dec - Learn how to bake bread in the beautiful surroundings of Monkton Wyld Court, Charmouth, 10.00am.

ROSEHILL COOKERY MEDITERANNEAN DAY

RIVER COTTAGE CHRISTMAS BREAD AND BAKING

ROSEHILL COOKERY CHRISTMAS COOKING

17 & 20 Dec - Christmas entertaining ideas, Rosehill Rooms and Cookery, Budleigh Salterton, 10.30am.

RIVER COTTAGE MIDWINTER FEAST

28 to 30 Dec - Festive dining at River Cottage, River Cottage HQ, Axminster, 12.00am.

NEW YEAR'S EVE AT RIVER COTTAGE

Prior to a Tramper being placed at a site, an access audit is completed by Countryside Mobility staff to ensure that the site is suitable and safe for use by Trampers. Each site provides maps and route advice for Tramper users and has a breakdown/recovery system in place if a user has a problem.

More Courses & Classes on:

eastdevonhub .co.uk

Making Time...

A creative course is the perfect gift, a day to relax, unwind and learn a new skill.

The Old Kennels in Dunkeswell offers beautifully printed gift vouchers and a wide range of courses, there really is something to suit everyone, from botanical drawing to bronze casting. Available online at www.theoldkennels.co.uk well worth a look.

The scheme is being developed through a partnership between organisations that manage countryside sites across the region including: Cornwall AONB Service, Devon County Council, Exmoor National Park Authority, Gloucestershire County Council, Dorset County Council, The Forestry Commission, Tamar Valley AONB Service, Royal Horticultural

THERAPEUTIC COUNSELLING

HYPNOTHERAPY AND SUPERVISION

Pat Hoare

SENIOR BACP ACCREDITED COUNSELLOR AND SUPERVISOR SENIOR G.H.R. ACCREDITED HYPNOTHERAPIST

HOME BAKED STOLLEN

11 Dec - The perfect home baked start to Christmas!, The Old Kennels, Dunkeswell, 10.00am.

13 Dec - Bread making for all abilities, Rosehill Rooms and Cookery, Budleigh Salterton, 10.30am.

Trampers can go up and down slopes, through mud over bumps and more...

31 Dec - See in the New Year at River Cottage!, River Cottage HQ, Axminster, 7.30pm.

10 Dec - Flavours of the Mediterranean, Rosehill Rooms and Cookery, Budleigh Salterton, 10.30am.

ROSEHILL COOKERY BREAD DAY

www.caseconfidential.com 24A GANDY STREET, EXETER EX4 3LS Tel. 01392 410090 pat@pathoare.eclipse.co.uk

Sharp Acupuncture Insomnia Headaches Back pain Sciatica Also safe for children

continued... Trampers

16 Dec - Learn how to make great breads and baked treats this Christmas, River Cottage HQ, Axminster, 10.00am.

Hilary Sharp LicAc.MBAcC. Clinics in: Honiton Axminster Charmouth

EAST DEVON

The scheme has been supported with a grant from Natural England as part of its Access to Nature programme, funded from the Big Lottery Fund’s Changing Spaces programme.

Full details about Countryside Mobility and a list of where Trampers are available can be found on the website www.countrysidemobility.org or by calling 01392 459222. You can also find out more by following them on Twitter @CMSouthWest or Facebook CountrysideMobility.

Further information: Access To Nature: The initiative has been supported with a grant from Natural England as part of its Access to Nature programme. Through this programme, it is Natural England’s ambition to create opportunities for people from all backgrounds to have greater access to our natural environment, which many of us can take for granted. www.naturalengland. org.uk/accesstonature The Big Lottery Fund: is the largest of the National Lottery good cause distributors and has been rolling out grants to health, education, environment and charitable causes across the UK since its inception in June 2004. www. biglotteryfund.org.uk

AXMINSTER

HONITON

01297 35844

01404 549270

Chard Street

193 High Street

Chiropractic Health Centre Gentle effective holistic treatment for the whole family Richard Stenning D.C. Michael Norris D.C. Louisa Wootton D.C.

www.hilarysharp.co.uk 0773 863 0186 hilarysharp@btinternet.com 88

Society, South West Lakes Trust, The Wheelyboat Trust, The RSPB and the National Trust.

www.wellbeingdevon.co.uk

Coast & Country

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

Personalised Care in the heart of Community

Magazine Coverage



OVER 470+ HIGH QUALITY OUTLETS ACROSS EAST DEVON, EXETER & WEST DORSET Marsh Madford

Smeartharpe

Rawridge

Clyst St Lawrence

Budlake

Payhembury Awliscombe Higher Tale Higher Buckerell Colestocks Aunk Cheriton Feniton Talaton Fenny Bridges

Clyst Hydon

Westwood

Broadclyst

Whimple Cowley

f • • • • • •

Dog Village

Clyst Honiton

Marsh Green

EXETER

Cherishing independence Promoting freedom of choice Gentle and dedicated staff Personalised care plans Varied activities and excursions Fresh, nutritious, home cooked food

Clyst St George

Topsham

Hawkerland

Newton Poppleford

Colaton Raleigh

Woodbury

Exton

Yettington

Pinn

Cotleigh

Wadbrook

Weycroft

Hamlet Offwell

Hawkchurch Marshwood

Widworthy

Axminster

Kilmington Shute

Northleigh

Blackpool Corner

Abbey Gate

Seaton Junction

Church Green

Raymond’s Hill Whitford

Faraway

Colyton

Musbury

Rocombe Uplyme

Southleigh Sidbury

Colyford

Sidmouth

Combpyne Axmouth

Harcombe

Rousdon

Pinhay

Lyme Regis

Dowlands

Sidford Salcombe Regis

Lower Holditch

Smallridge

Dalwood

Holditch

Tytherleigh

Alston

Wilmington

Lancercombe

Harpford Southerton Bowd

White Cross Woodbury Salterton

Chardstock Membury

Honiton

Putts Corner

Tipton St John

South Chard

Stockland

Monkton Combe Raleigh

Wiggaton

Metcombe Venn Ottery

Farringdon

Clyst St Mary

Book you r seasonal stay before th e of Decem end ber and enjoy 10 nigh for the pri ts ce of 7 *

Salston West Hill

Aylesbeare

Tatworth Furley

Gittisham Alfington

Ottery St Mary

Rockbeare

Pinhoe



Fairmile Coombelake

Wambrook

Beacon

Godford Cross

Luton Upton

Chard

Luppitt

Broadhembury

Colliton

Yarcombe

Upottery

Dunkeswell Kerswell

Cullompton

Howley

Newcott

Sheldon

Weston

Vicarage Branscombe

Beer

Seaton Area of coverage

Otterton

East Budleigh

Lympstone Withycombe Raleigh

Knowle

Budleigh Salterton Littleham

Exmouth

Dawlish

Call Carol on 01297 443513 for more information

Looking to give your business a boost?

Speak to Nigel or Richard on 01395 513383

Charmouth Road, Lyme Regis, DT7 3HH www.fairfieldhouse.co.uk for What's On, visit: eastdevonhub .co.uk

89

Business Advice

New year, new you, new direction...

}

Is 2014 the year for reinvention?

saturated market unless you have some exceptional ‘unique selling points’ which really set you apart from the rest. Alternatively, aim for a niche market where competition is less.

•

Written by Katina Styles, a director at Axminster Tool Centre Ltd •

Though you may be reading this whilst still being festively challenged, chances are you are sat amongst the debris of Christmas wondering what’s up next on the agenda. Whatever; the New Year tends to sweep in with thoughts of starting anew and resolving to achieve what didn’t come to pass in the previous twelve months.

So what better time to galvanise your ideas and strike out on your own by setting up a new business?

Statistics indicate that each year in the UK more than 500,000 people start a business of their own, for varying reasons, and whilst this can provide a rewarding and life changing existence there are no guarantees for success. However, a vast number of new enterprises do survive and thrive and if you follow the key stages carefully you will give your ‘baby’ the best possible start in life.

So, you’ve got an idea, now how do you transform that into a profitable business?

•

•

90

Market research is key - are there customers for your product or services out there? Talk to people, test it out, listen to feedback, gauge how much they are prepared to pay and, most importantly, be prepared to make changes ‒ you can’t afford to be too precious at this stage.

Take a look at the competition and evaluate their offering. You don’t want to enter an already over

•

•

Write a business plan - this is the blueprint which will define your route and be your passport to success. A word of caution, don’t be too creative here, you need to be realistic as you have to make a living, maybe pay some employees and be able to convince suppliers and funding agencies to work with you.

Get your team together and start developing relationships. Whether it is a partner with complementing skills to invest with you, or employees to undertake the dayto-day stuff you will need help, even a sole trader needs bankers, accountants, solicitors and suppliers. Taking it a step further decide what other assistance you may require e.g. IT experts, web designers and get them on board nice and early.

Employees are worthy of a special mention as these will take you into the realms of employment law, a legal minefield which cannot be ignored. You will also need to register with HMRC to ensure you cover pay, tax and national insurance in the correct way. The goal posts can frequently change and some good advice is essential.

If required, sort out your funding - lots of sources are available from bank loans to government backed schemes. Some carry more risk than others and may require some form of security so again it is imperative that you take advice and really understand anything you are signing up for.

That’s probably the major steps covered but there is a mountain of other stuff to consider from location and premises to the appropriate legal structure for your business right through to branding and marketing, and much more beyond. Most importantly, get all the help you can; masses of information is available free on the internet, just type in ‘starting

EAST DEVON

your own business’ and you will be amazed at what comes up! Business Link and Gov.UK are particularly useful, as are any national organisations relevant to your particular enterprise.

Starting your own business is a 24/7 challenge which will undoubtedly take you out of your comfort zone and, whilst sat in the comfort of your

own home over the Festive season, that may seem appealing it is not a resolution for the faint hearted.

That said the rewards and personal satisfaction of being in control of your own destiny are immeasurable and could well bring you a very Happy New Year.

Katina

Peter Findlay

Tax Consultant & Business Adviser 01395 568568 peter_findlay@btconnect.com Unit 2, Dotton Farmstead, Newton Poppleford, Sidmouth.

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ards 2013 Aw

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For a quotation call NFU Mutual in Honiton on

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Agent of The National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Society Limited.

Coast & Country

But here’s the thing...

A Merry Christmas?

Bah, humbug!

Wandering and wondering, lonely as a cloud – in the Sid Vale

FOR THOSE WHO HAVE JUST JOINED US,

commercially,” he says, adding, “They are

the story so far is that Keith Owen, a merchant

so much more graceful and delicate than the

banker whose late mother loved Sidmouth,

large garden varies which look so out of place

has left his £2.25m fortune to the town for

when used for road side planting and massed

community projects.

plantings in public spaces. Conservation of our

The Sid Vale Association's chairperson, Alan

Lilies, so beautiful, are so much a part of our

Darrant, said: "He said in discussion about

traditional Devon countryside.”

native plants is so important: and these Lent DON’T BE PUT OFF by the theme.

the fund that we should 'think outside the box, ‘Scrooge!’ is the National Trust’s inspiration

think big, plant a million bulbs! We've ordered

He is referring of course to Narcissus

for something of a house party to which Devon

over 150,000, including daffodils, snowdrops,

pseudonarcissus, the British wild daffodil and

is invited this Christmas holiday period, at

crocuses, and bluebells, which will be planted

the one immortalized in Wordsworth’s poem.

Killerton House, near Exeter.

on 40 sites. I think it will be quite stunning."

Once widespread in Devon's river meadows, it is now vastly reduced in numbers by modern

So wrap yourself in the warm green mantle of Dickens’s Ghost of Christmas Present but

Return of the native

farming practice.

whoosh yourself back in time to witness

Enter Sid Vale resident and countryside lover

It will be interesting to see whether or not

Christmas Past at a great Victorian mansion

George Woodward, championing the inclusion

George’s plea has fallen on stony ground and

dressed overall in preparation for the jolliest

of British native daffodil in the vale’s bounty.

we look forward to seeing what will pop up

“Modern agriculture has reduced their

going to press is that all the bulbs on order have

season of the year.

Just don’t be spooked if you bump into the

in the Spring. All we know for sure at time of numbers in the wild but they are available

been sourced from British growers.

Many a good tune

According to legend the piece of music chosen

old skinflint himself or some of the other merrier cast of characters from that immortal classic The Christmas Carol as you wander the house and perhaps partake of a mince pie or two along with a tot of mulled wine

by Titanic’s bandmaster Wallace Hartley and played by him as the ship went down on that

along the way.

fateful night of April 14th 1912, was Nearer my God to Thee. This hymn, was written by one Sarah Ann Flower back in 1841.

The complete story unfolds at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/killerton

It was a great era for writing hymns, witness the blue plaque on the wall of Berry Head House,

Scrooge’s happy ending!

And it was always said of him, that he knew

near Brixham. This records that it was here,

how to keep Christmas well, if any man alive

at his home in 1847, that Rev Henry Francis

possessed the knowledge. May that be truly

Photo: Bournemouth News

Lyte, Vicar of All Saints wrote that other great

said of us, and all of us! And so, as Tiny Tim

THE SO-CALLED ‘TITANIC’ VIOLIN sold at

hymn, also played by those courageous men

observed, God bless Us, Every One!” (Dickens,

auction for £900,000 recently reminded us of

in Hartley’s small ensemble, Abide with Me.

Christmas Carol)

a link to Devon’s musical past.

John Fisher

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

91

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.

MANAGING your MONEY

Her firm also provides a specialist annuities ser vice for people approaching retirement and newly retired, which operates nationally.

To find out more about her practice, you can view her company website at: www.richmondindependent.co.uk 01395 512166

Don't lose out in retirement

R

ecent figures from the

Helen Mulvaney

BA (Hons), Dip M, DipPFS Proprietor of Richmond Independent

RECENT NEWS *Helen's * recently been awarded the DipPFS

A combination of a few health or

Association of British

lifestyle factors might be enough

Insurers (ABI) suggest that

to give you an enhanced retirement

Here's a list of some of the lifestyle

for-all transaction - which makes

income.

factors and health factors that

it even more important to check

might qualify for an enhancement:-

everything.

1 out of every 2 people who retire could qualify for an enhanced annuity. Some retirees may be

Importantly, it has been estimated

able to increase their incomes by

that around 5 million people in

• high blood pressure

Fo r

40% (depending on their health

the UK are walking around,

• high cholesterol

Helen Mulvaney of Richmond

• weight problems

Independent (01395 512166).

and lifestyle situation). If you don’t shop around for your annuity and simply take the first one on offer then you might be missing out.

In fact, the National Association of Pension Funds (NAPF) issued a report in 2012 which suggested that by taking the first annuity on

If you don’t shop around for your annuity and simply take the first one on offer then you might be missing out.

m o re

d e t ails

co nt a c t

• smoking • previous occupation • alcohol intake • heart problems • diabetes

Richmond Independent is a trading name of Investment & Financial Solutions Partnership LLP which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

• or serious illnesses, for instance, cancer

offer pensioners could be losing up to £1 billion in retirement income.

with undiagnosed high blood

This isn't an exhaustive list and

pressure (source - the British

we recommend that you take

You might not think that you qualify

Heart Foundation). If you have

independent financial advice

for these enhancements but our

any doubts, a free blood pressure

which will focus on your personal

experience has demonstrated

check can be arranged at leading

situation.

that it's always worth considering

pharmacies.

you've bought an annuity you

lifestyle and any health conditions.

Remember once

can't undo it - so it's a once-and-

As more Independent Financial Advisors are leaving the industry, put off by a rapidly

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.

92

EAST DEVON

Coast & Country

changing sector and an ever increasing burden of compliance and continuing professional development, Sidmouth based Richmond Independent Financial Advisors are delighted to be celebrating twenty one years of business in East Devon.

Independent Providing Specialist Retirement and annuity Advice for the last 21 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

93

Penshurst Painted kitchen by Stoneham

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