South Devon Coast and Country Feb 14

PRICELESS

FEB & MAR 2014

SOUTH DEVON

COASTand COUNTRY

Find me at

480 Outlets The

regional coverage 1

00 £1

ne re Fe off br er Sp w sp ua th ec se ite ry ro ial lf- b an ug fu re d ho nd ak M ut s in a ar ch Te g n rm r d s a es p nd i e co de r m nd n iti t a on s n of sa w e f pp i n ly th t thstay is s f ad or ve rt

Lincombe Manor

Residential and Nursing Care Home

Rated “excellent”

by CQC 3 regulators

A superb care home facility set in the beautifully landscaped grounds of a Grade II listed mansion with breathtaking sea views over Torbay.

Affordable luxury care in stylish accommodation with modern facilities in a stunning location.

Round the clock professional quality care to meet all dependency needs.

Live life at your own pace confident that support is available whenever you need it.

Long or short term stays • Individual bedrooms • En-suite walk-in wet rooms • Beautifully decorated • Library • TV lounge • Quiet room • Sun terrace • Magnificent sea views • Fine dining • Freshly prepared food • Events • Daily activities • Use of Manor House Club facilities including bar, bistro and gym

Unrivalled quality care in luxurious surroundings Permanent or respite care from £795 per week How to find us

Princess Theatre

2

Lincombe Manor Care Centre SOUTH DEVON Coast & Country Middle Lincombe Road, Torquay, Devon, TQ1 2AF

For more information call

01803 389800 or visit

www.manorlife.com

CONTRIBUTORS

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

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

ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY

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

WHAT'S ON? southdevonhub

Currenty 2,550 organisations registered for promoting their events (& growing)

MAGAZINE ISSUES

Published bimonthly: Feb, April, June, Aug, Oct, Dec.

SOUTH DEVON

COASTand COUNTRY UNRIVALLED COVERAGE

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

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

A DYING HABIT The other day an aquainance assuredly informed me that people are too idle to read these days, the most they can manage is just to look at pictures.

For those of you that have an interest in reading and also in Devon's extremely rich heritage, you may find the Haccombe Church feature of interest.

There are nice pictures for the rest!

The Haccombe Church feature is only available in the digital magazine at southdevonhub.co.uk

Brixham's Brill!

At this time of year, you have to tell yourself that it's not long now till spring. Really the countdown has started, with the nights slowly getting lighter and birds getting noisier, you know spring's not far away.

Every year this strange ebbing and flowing of the evening light occurs, punctuated by the clocks shuffling backwards and forwards, thankfully we're now getting towards the end of the long dark tunnel that is winter!

I'd like to thank the Perkes family for providing the model (Ellie Perkes) and trawler pictured in our cover shot.

Obviously it's been taken in Brixham - a thoroughly unique town that we're featuring in this issue of COAST and COUNTRY. Professional photographer Mike Alsford was at the helm - of the camera that is, with Angela Holmes on makeup and styling.

I spent 2 really enjoyable days round Brixham and would like to thank all the people that helped with the compilation of this feature. If you visit after you've read the Brixham feature, you certainly won't be disappointed.

One of the problems we're well aware of here at the office is that of magazine supply. We continually get calls and emails asking where copies can be found, not surprising considering that most of the stock has gone from outlets within about 3 days (we print and distribute over 10,000 copies). If you visit our Google map of outlets, this shows you all the places stocking the magazine, which currently all across South Devon, from Plymouth to Exeter - 480 outlets in total.

Another alternative is to read the magazine on your tablet or computer - all you need to do is go to southdevonhub website and click on the latest digital copy which appears top right. Alternatively, if you really must have the printed magazine, you can subscribe to guarantee your copy - this costs £15 for the year and is proving popular - we have a growing list of subscriptions, our most far flung currently being New Zealand!

Incidentally, you may have noticed a slight change to the cover - the magazine's name is South Devon Coast and Country, although many people call it just COAST and COUNTRY which is an easier abbreviated version. The magazine is South Devon's only regional publication, incidentally, we're shortly coming up to our 2nd birthday.

I hope you enjoy this issue, please keep your letters and emails coming in.

Nigel Jones (Editor)

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.

@CoastCountryMag PRICELESS

FEB & MAR 2014

SOUTH DEVON

COASTand COUNTRY

Cover photo: 'A Trawlerman's Daughter' at Brixham Harbour

by Mike Alsford Makeup and Styling

by Angela Holmes Model: Ellie Perkes Don't miss our 14 page feature on Brixham starting page 30

Find me at

480 Outlets The

regional coverage 1

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.

for What's On, visit: southdevonhub .co.uk at Berry Head, The UK's shortest lighthouse

Brixham. It's just 5 metres tall although it stands 58 metres above mean sea level

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FEB MAR 2014

Contents ISSUE NO 11

6. Forthcoming Events

18. Star Gazing

45. But here's the thing...

Find out what's not to be missed.

With broadcaster Judi Spiers.

Pure conjecture from John Fisher.

10. Live Music Roundup

20. Tuckenhay Walk

46. One Year On

Get the info on local live music!

Illustrated walk with the Editor.

southdevonhub is getting bigger!

12. Art Gallery Events

26. Budget Boutique

48. The Devil's Hoof-prints

Forthcoming art exhibitions.

Home living by Amanda Merchant.

Devon's greatest unsolved mystery.

15. Nelson's Column

30. The Brixham Feature

John Fisher's sage viewpoint!

A fascinating and historic fishing town.

17. Gifted with Love

44. The English Garden

Gift ideas for this Valentine's Day.

4

Tips for gardeners this Spring.

SOUTH DEVON COASTand COUNTRY

Finding inspiration...

4000 sq ft Showroom Working Displays Professional Design Studio Total Project Management

RGC Collingwood Road Dartmouth TQ6 9JY Open Mon - Fri: 8am - 5pm Sat: 8am -12pm And by personal appointment

01803 834622 rgcinspirations.co.uk

RGC Inspirations for What's On, visit: southdevonhub .co.uk

5

Kitchens ● Bathrooms ● Interiors

JONATHAN DIMBLEBY at THE FLAVEL

LION KING at THEATRE ROYAL, PLYMOUTH

SPIRIT OF THE DRUM - HANNAH's at SEALE HAYNE

February & March 2014

Forthcoming Events Events listings powered by: southdevonhub .co.uk

Ballet

WORKSHOP: SHADOW PUPPET MAKING

Children

VIENNA FESTIVAL BALLET: CINDERELLA

TALES FROM THE WILD, WILD WEST

12 Mar - Vienna Festival Ballet is proud to present their new 2014 Spring Ballet, Exeter Corn Exchange, Corn Exchange, Exeter, 7.30pm.

01 Feb - A 'National Storytelling Week 2014' event, Plymouth City Museum & Art Gallery, Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery, Plymouth, 1.30pm.

THE ROYAL BALLET - SLEEPING BEAUTY

BANANAS IN PYGAMAS

19 Mar - Royal Ballet Sleeping Beauty, Flavel Arts Centre, Flavel Place, Dartmouth, 7.15pm.

16 Feb - B1 & B2 bring a banana-riffic new show to life, Plymouth Pavilions, Millbay Road, Plymouth, 1.00pm.

BOLSHOI: THE GOLDEN AGE

FREE FILM SCREENING: THE CROODS (PG)

30 Mar - Season of live broadcasts of ballet from the Bolshoi Theatre, Moscow, Exeter Picture House, 51 Bartholomew Street West, Exeter, 4.00pm.

18 Feb - Family fun for the holidays!

Plymouth City Museum & Art Gallery, Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery, Plymouth, 1.30pm.

KNIGHTS ADVENTURE TRAIL

Want to know what's on ?

Then just visit southdevonhub!

18 Feb to 20 Feb - Calling all noble knights and brave princesses to come on a quest!, Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust, Occombe Farm, Paignton, 10.00am.

DROP-IN WORKSHOP: INSPIRED BY NATURE 19 Feb - Family craft session!, Plymouth City Museum & Art Gallery, Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery, Plymouth, 10.30am.

KIDS COOKERY SCHOOL - GO ITALIAN! 21 Feb - Try our Italian masterclass for kids, Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust, Occombe Farm, Paignton, 10.00am.

FREE FILM SCREENING: TURBO

southdevonhub .co.uk 6

22 Feb - Family friendly fun for the holidays!, Plymouth City Museum & Art Gallery, Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery, Plymouth, 1.30pm.

22 Mar - Make a puppet in the shape of a letter which will feature in a short film, Devon Guild of Craftsmen, Riverside Mill, Bovey Tracey, 1.00pm.

SCHOOL OPEN DAYS HANNAHS ADVENTURER'S CLUB 17 Feb to 23 Feb - Our new club with activities for children, aged 5-12, Hannahs at Seale-Hayne, Howton Lane, Newton Abbot, 10.00am.

TRINITY SCHOOL OPEN DAY 11 Mar - Tuesday open day. Tours at 11.00am. and 14.00pm. Phone 01626 774138, Trinity School, Buckeridge Road, Teignmouth.

SOUTH DEVON COLLEGE OPEN EVENING 26 Mar - Wednesday open evening for all courses, South Devon College, Vantage Point, Paignton, 5.00pm.

Choirs THE CANDLELIGHT CONCERT 25 Feb - Seasonal music by Exeter Cathedral's professional choir, Exeter Cathedral, 1 The Cloisters, Exeter, 7.30pm.

SALVE REGINA - MUSIC IN HONOUR OF THE VIRGIN 29 Mar - Sacred choral music from the 12th to the 21st century, with organ interludes, South West Chamber Choir, Buckfast Abbey, Buckfastleigh, 7.15pm.

Classical Music SILVER TIP DUO - FLUTE AND HARP 08 Feb - Silvertip Duo - Flute and

SOUTH DEVON COASTand COUNTRY

Harp, Flavel Arts Centre, Flavel Place, Dartmouth, 7.30pm.

THE ROYAL OPERA - DON GIOVANNI 12 Feb - The Royal Opera House Live - Don Giovanni, Flavel Arts Centre, Flavel Place, Dartmouth, 6.45pm.

HEROES & SUPERHEROES 13 Feb - More music from the movies: Robin Hood,The Magnificent Seven,The Incredibles, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, The Great Hall, Exeter, 7.30pm.

CONCERT: MARK BEBBINGTON 13 Feb - 21st International Concert Series 2013 -2014, Plymouth City Museum & Art Gallery, Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery, Plymouth, 1.00pm.

BEN & ALFIE 13 Feb - Ben & Alfie New Acoustic Music, Manaton Parish Hall Committee, Parish Hall, Newton Abbot, 7.30pm.

MAKING FILMS WORTH HEARING 17 Feb - Exeter Recorded Concert Society Third Monday evenings of each month, Exeter Recorded Concert Society, Southernhay United Reformed Church, Exeter, 7.30pm.

PIANO & VIOLIN RECITAL 19 Feb - Piano & Violin recital, featuring Vivaldi, Tchaikovsky, Elgar & many more..., Duo Elegance, St. Mary's Church, Totnes, 1.00pm.

BEETHOVEN'S FIFTH 27 Feb - Rui Pinheiro and Jennifer Pike, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, The Great Hall, Exeter, 7.30pm.

BEETHOVEN SYMPHONY NO 9 08 Mar - Joint concert with Exeter

“Open your world up at Trinity”

February & March 2014

Forthcoming Events 05 Mar - A Wednesday evening of stand-up comedy, B-Bar, Barbican Theatre, Plymouth.

TRPCESKI PLAYS CHOPIN

THE 7TH DARTMOUTH COMEDY FESTIVAL

13 Mar - Chopin Piano Concerto No.1 and Rachmaninov's Symphony No.2, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, The Great Hall, Exeter, 7.30pm.

05 Mar to 09 Mar - Very popular Comedy Festival starting on the 5th March by Josh Widdicombe, Dartmouth Comedy Festival, The Flavel & Other Venues, Dartmouth.

HARMONIES FOR SPRING

RUSSELL BRAND

17 Mar - Exeter Recorded Concert Society, Exeter Recorded Concert Society, Southernhay United Reformed Church, Exeter, 7.30pm.

Collectors

Come to our Open Day

Tuesday 11th March, tours at 11:00 and 14:00 Buckeridge Road, Teignmouth, Devon, TQ14 8LY

AUCTION OF ANTIQUE & LATER FURNISHINGS 04 Feb - Auction of antique & later furniture, art, clocks, ceramics, glass & jewellery, Eldreds Auctioneers & Valuers, 1 Belliver Way, Plymouth, 11.00am.

CLUB MEETING - CLUB COMPETITIONS

Tel: 01626 774138

enquiries@trinityschool.co.uk www.trinityschool.co.uk CHA RITY OPTIMISM CONFIDENCE

TRINITY SCHOOL

Day and Boarding. Nursery to Sixth Form A caring, family environment in Teignmouth Trinity School (Teignmouth) is a company limited by guarantee (registered in England; company number 1399560) and a registered charity (number 276960). Registered Office: Buckeridge Road, Teignmouth, Devon. TQ14 8LY. UK

Drive away a new Fiesta from only £4,385.66

STAND-UP/COMEDY NIGHT

Sympony Orchestra. Proceeds to Army Benevolent Fund, Exeter Philharmonic Choir, Exeter Cathedral, Exeter, 7.30pm.

13 Feb - Competition Night, Torquay & Teignbridge Stamp Club, St Michael's Church Hall, Kingsteignton, 7.30pm.

CLUB MEETING - SPEAKER 27 Feb - Speaker: Tony Elliott Spain, Torquay & Teignbridge Stamp Club, St Michael's Church Hall, Kingsteignton, 7.30pm.

EXETER RECORD & CD FAIR, CORN EXCHANGE EXETER 08 Mar - Lots of dealers having masses of good quality Vinyl Records, CD's to purchase, Exeter Record & CD Fair, The Corn Exchange, Exeter, 9.30am.

CLUB MEETING - SPEAKER 13 Mar - Speaker - David Oats (Dave's Stamp Show), Torquay & Teignbridge Stamp Club, St Michael's Church Hall, Kingsteignton, 7.30pm.

CLUB MEETING - SILENT AUCTION 27 Mar - Silent Auction, Torquay & Teignbridge Stamp Club, St Michael's Church Hall, Kingsteignton, 7.30pm.

08 Mar - Russell Brand - Messiah Complex, Plymouth Pavilions, Millbay Road, Plymouth, 7.30pm.

Community BEWARE OF MR BAKER (2012) 03 Feb - Cinema, Peninsula Arts, Plymouth University, Plymouth, 7.00pm.

BRITISH ANIMATION AWARDS PUBLIC CHOICE 04 Feb to 20 Feb - Cinema. Tuesday 4 February, Thursday 13 February, Thursday 20 February, Peninsula Arts, Plymouth University, Plymouth, 7.00pm.

SCI-SCREEN PRIMER (2004) 10 Feb - Cinema, Peninsula Arts, Plymouth University, Plymouth, 7.00pm.

WE STEAL SECRETS: THE STORY OF WIKILEAKS 17 Feb - Cinema, Peninsula Arts, Plymouth University, Plymouth, 7.00pm.

SCI-SCREEN CHILDREN OF MEN 10 Mar - Cinema, Peninsula Arts, Plymouth University, Plymouth, 7.00pm.

FILM CLUB TORBAY FILM CLUB 04 Feb - To Kill A Mockingbird directed

by Robert Milligan, Torquay Museum, 529 Babbacombe Road, Torquay, 7.20pm.

JANE EYRE 14 Feb - Friendly & sociable society.

Friday screening at 8pm. Doors open 7.15pm, Chudleigh Film Society, The Woodway Room, Chudleigh, 7.15pm.

TORBAY FILM CLUB

Comedy MIRANDA HART 04 Mar to 05 Mar - One of the funniest actresses on television, Plymouth Pavilions, Millbay Road, Plymouth, 8.00pm.

Finance Example: Total Cash Price ........................................£9,720 Cash Deposit ............................................£3,886 Deposit Allowance ..................................£500* Total Deposit ............................................£4,386 Amount of Credit .................................... £5,334 Charge for Credit ..................................£489.66 Finance Facility Fee ....................................... £10 Purchase Fee ................................................... £10 Balance of Amount Payable ........ £5,843.66

Swanson Ford

Clay Cellars Studio, Pottery Road, Newton Abbot, Devon TQ12 3BN

01626 352 000

Total Amount Payable .................. £10,229.66

Monthly Payment (GMFV due in 25 mths)None

GMFV ........................................................... £5,334 Initial Payment ......................................£499.66 Mileage Per Annum ..................................6,000 Excess Mileage Charge .............6.0p Per Mile Term ......................................................25 Months Rate of Interest .................................. 4.5900% APR.................................................................. 4.9%

www.swanson-ford.co.uk

* Deposit allowance only available when financed by Ford Credit. Deposit can be made up from cash or part exchange.

Finance subject to status. Guarantees and indemnities may be required. Terms and conditions apply. Pictures for illustration purposes only.

Calls could be recorded/montored for training purposes. Cars must be registered by 3ist December 2013.

Clock and Watch Repair Expert and professional repairs to all types of clocks and watches.

A wide rage of watches and clocks also available for sale.

D. J. Offord

01626 364766 5 Union Street Newton Abbot

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

04 Mar - Mary and Max director: Adam Elliot, Torquay Museum, 529 Babbacombe Road, Torquay, 7.20pm.

GREENFINGERS 14 Mar - Friendly & sociable Friday screening. Doors open at 7.15pm. 8.00pm start, Chudleigh Film Society, The Woodway Room, Chudleigh, 7.15pm.

TORBAY FILM CLUB 01 Apr - Cave of Forgotten Dreams -follows an exclusive expedition into Chauvet Cave, Torquay Museum, 529 Babbacombe Road, Torquay, 7.20pm.

FUND RAISING EVENT MEN'S DAY OUT 01 Feb - Calling on local men to sign up for a new charity event, St Luke's Hospice, Turnchapel, Plymouth.

TALK & PRESENTATION ANY QUESTIONS? WITH JONATHAN DIMBLEBY 10 Feb - Any Question? With Jonathan Dimbleby, Flavel Arts Centre, Flavel Place, Dartmouth, 7.30pm.

CONTINUED OVERLEAF

7

southdevonhub .co.uk

THE BAYEUX TAPESTRY: AN EMBROIDERED TALE

Outstanding Preparation for Top Senior Schools Record Scholarship, Senior School and Common Entrance Success in 2013

Open Day 7th March from 9.30am Open Day 7th Experience the School andMarch its Outdoor Learning Programme:

Shackleton Award Scheme and Forest School

Co-ed Prep and Pre-Prep for ages 3 to 13 Day and Boarding (from 7 years)

Success Takes Many Forms

26 Feb - An illustrated talk by Mark Cottle. Non members welcome, KEDFAS, Methodist Church, Kingsbridge, 7.00pm.

DAWLISH & TEIGNMOUTH CAMERA CLUB EVENING 26 Mar - Wednesday evening club meeting - an evening with Peter Hayes FRPS, Dawlish & Teignmouth Camera Club, Holcombe Village Hall, Dawlish, 7.00pm.

Fairs MIND BODY SPIRIT FAIR 01 Mar - Retail Stalls Readers Healers Therapists Aura Camera Free Parking & Free Talks, Plymouth Psychic Development, Woolwell Centre, Plymouth, 12.00am.

PRIM AND PROPER GIFT FAYRE 22 Mar - Perfect place to purchase Mother's day gifts or relax with a beauty treatment!, Shoreline Events, Livermead Cliff Hotel, Torquay, 10.00am.

Markets FARMERS & COUNTRY

www.mounthouse.com

KINGSBRIDGE FARMERS' MARKET 01, 15 Feb - Average of 30 stalls selling a range of local produce, Kingsbridge Farmers Market, Town Square, Kingsbridge, 9.00am.

Tavistock, Devon, PL19 9JL

KINGSBRIDGE COUNTRY MARKET 05, 12, 19, 26 Feb - Range of genuine home made produce, Kingsbridge Country Market, Town Hall Foyer, Kingsbridge, 8.00am.

EXETER FARMER'S MARKET 06, 13, 20, 27 Feb - Wide range of West Country produce, Exeter Farmers' Market, South Street/Fore Street, Exeter, 9.00am.

BUCKFASTLEIGH FARMERS MARKET 06, 13, 20, 27 Feb - Huge range of products, fresh fruit/veg, dairy products, preserves & crafts, Buckfastleigh Farmers Market, Near Globe Inn, Buckfastleigh, 9.00am.

1913-2013

One Hundred Years of Service in South Devon DAY TRIPS Sat 15th Feb - Ikea, Bristol or Cribbs Causeway £23.00

KINGSBRIDGE FARMERS' MARKET 01, 15 Mar - Average of 30 stalls selling a range of local produce, Kingsbridge Farmers Market, Town Square, Kingsbridge, 9.00am.

KINGSBRIDGE COUNTRY MARKET

Mon 3rd Mar - Mendips Meander £21.00

05, 12, 19, 26 Mar - Range of genuine home made produce, Kingsbridge Country Market, Town Hall Foyer, Kingsbridge, 8.00am.

Wed 12th Mar - Bideford and Barnstaple Pannier Market £21.00 Thurs 20th Mar - Plymouth and Tavistock £18.00

SHORT BREAKS 1 to 4 Apr 2014 - Isle Of Wight inc Osborne House. £230 per person* 15 to 18 Aug 2014 - Liverpool Weekend inc Beatles Tour& Port Sunlight £265 per person* *Single supplement applies

6 Daneheath Business Park, Heathfield, Newton Abbot, Devon TQ12 6TL 01626 833038 | bookings@greycars.com | www.greycars.com

8

PLYMOUTH FARMERS MARKET 22 Feb - Twice monthly farmers' market, Plymouth Farmers Market, Sundial, Plymouth, 8.00am.

BUCKFASTLEIGH FARMERS MARKET 06, 13, 20, 27 Mar - Huge range of products, fresh fruit/veg, dairy products, preserves & crafts, Buckfastleigh Farmers Market, Near Globe Inn, Buckfastleigh, 9.00am.

PLYMOUTH FARMERS MARKET 08, 22 Mar - Twice monthly farmers' market, Plymouth Farmers Market, Sundial, Plymouth, 8.00am.

and unusual products, Totnes Market, Civic Hall & Car Park, Totnes.

TEIGNMOUTH LOCAL PRODUCE MARKET 15 Feb & 15 Mar - Offers a wide range of fresh local produce, Teignmouth Local Produce Market, The Triangle, Teignmouth, 9.00am.

Heritage TORQUAY'S FIJUAN CONNECTION Until 22 Feb - Learn about the fascinating history, tradition & crafts of Fiji (Perigal Room), Torquay Museum, 529 Babbacombe Road, Torquay, 10.00am.

BILL DOUGLAS CENTRE Until 28 Mar - Museum dedicated to the History of Cinema and Popular Culture. Open week days, Bill Douglas Centre, The Old Library, Exeter.

WEST COUNTRY TO WORLD'S END Until 02 Mar - Celebrating the spirit of adventure and enterprise of South West people, Royal Albert Memorial Museum RAMM, Queen Street, Exeter, 10.00am.

TALK: PLYMOUTH UNDER THE EARLY STUARTS 11 Feb - A local history lecture, Plymouth City Museum & Art Gallery, Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery, Plymouth, 1.10pm.

Opera RUSALKA, BEAMED LIVE FROM NEW YORK MET OPERA 08 Feb - Opera by Dvorak beamed live to the Picture House, Exeter Picture House, 51 Bartholomew Street West, Exeter.

PRINCE IGOR 01 Mar - New production of Borodin's Prince Igor, Exeter Picture House, 51 Bartholomew Street West, Exeter.

WERTHER, BEAMED LIVE FROM NEW YORK MET OPERA 15 Mar - New production of Massenet's opera, Werther, Exeter Picture House, 51 Bartholomew Street West, Exeter.

LA TRAVIATA 25 Mar - Tuesday evening performance of Verdi's La Traviata by the Welsh National Opera, Theatre Royal Plymouth, Royal Parade, Plymouth, 7.15pm.

BOULEVARD SOLITUDE 27 Mar - Thursday evening opera performance sung by the Welsh

Get your events listed now!

Add your events free, just go to REGISTER

MARKET DAYS TOTNES MARKET Until 01 Feb - Friday & Saturday market offering a feast of bargains

SOUTH DEVON COASTand COUNTRY

southdevonhub .co.uk

February & March 2014

Forthcoming Events National Opera, Theatre Royal Plymouth, Royal Parade, Plymouth, 8.00pm.

MANON LESCAUT 28 Mar - Friday evening performance of Puccini's opera sung by the Welsh National Opera, Theatre Royal Plymouth, Royal Parade, Plymouth, 7.15pm.

LA TRAVIATA 29 Mar - Welsh National Opera's Saturday evening performance of Verdi's La Traviata, Theatre Royal Plymouth, Royal Parade, Plymouth, 7.15pm.

Shows

Theatre MUSICALS THE LION KING Until 15 Mar - An explosion of glorious colours, stunning effects and enchanting music, Theatre Royal Plymouth, Royal Parade, Plymouth.

100 YEARS OF GREAT BRITISH ENTERTAINMENT 26 Mar to 29 Mar - 1914-2014 One Hundred Years of Great British Entertainment A KATS Revue, KATS, Malborough Church Hall, Kingsbridge, 7.30pm.

ROBIN COUSINS' ICE

PLAYS

19 Feb to 23 Feb - Speed, style, glamour and grace: skating like you've never seen before, Westpoint Arena, Clyst St Mary, Exeter.

CUBE THEATRE - AUBADE (OH BAD)

BRENDAN COLE 07 Mar - Brendan Cole A Licence to Thrill 2014, Plymouth Pavilions, Millbay Road, Plymouth, 7.30pm.

SPIRIT OF THE DRUM 15 Mar - Kagemusha Taiko present a spectacular and dynamic stage show, Hannahs at Seale-Hayne, Howton Lane, Newton Abbot.

THE BIG CAKE SHOW 28 Mar to 30 Mar - Baking extravaganza with baking celebrities from across the UK, Westpoint Arena, Clyst St Mary, Exeter.

AW MaARD rin W a L IN oc NI ati NG on

19 Feb - Cube Theatre - Aubade (Oh Bad), Flavel Arts Centre, Flavel Place, Dartmouth, 7.30pm.

THE LATE EDWINA BLACK BY WILLIAM DINNER & WIL 19 Feb to 22 Feb - The Late Edwina Black Written by William Dinner & William Morum, Teignmouth Players Amateur Dramatic Soc, The Carlton Theatre, Teignmouth, 7.30pm.

A COMEDY AND VARIETY NIGHT IN AID OF THHN 21 Feb - Comedy and Variety Event for Local Charity, Babbacombe Theatre, Babbacombe Downs, Torquay, 8.15pm.

Jolly Jacks

waterfront bar bistro

Kick Back & Relax

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Food, Company & Location !

• Food served all day from 9.00am - 9.00pm • FREE secure parking • Regular live music & jazz • Delicious Sunday Lunches • Dog & child friendly tel: 01752 500 008

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9

Live Music Roundup

Live Music February & March 2014

JAZZ

POPULAR

ULTIMATE ELTON & THE ROCKET BAND 08 Mar - The Uk's foremost Elton John tribute act, Babbacombe Theatre, Babbacombe Downs, Torquay, 8.00pm.

THE AUSTRALIAN PINK FLOYD SHOW 10 Mar - The European 'Set The Controls' tour heads to Plymouth Pavilions, Plymouth Pavilions, Millbay Road, Plymouth, 7.30pm.

THE GREAT AMERICAN SONG BOOK CONCERT 15 Mar - The Great Amercian Song Book Concert, Brixham Town Band, Brixham Theatre, Brixham, 7.30pm.

JUST MISBEHAVIN' 14 Feb - Swing dance music and much, much more......, Just Misbehavin', The Sorry Head, Exeter, 9.00pm.

FOLK ROOTS & ACOUSTIC

BEN & ALFIE 13 Feb - Ben & Alfie New Acoustic Music, Manaton Parish Hall Committee, Parish Hall, Newton Abbot, 7.30pm.

RUMOURS OF FLEETWOOD MAC 2014 21 Mar - Rumours of Fleetwood Mac present 'Fleetwood Mac Forever' world tour, Plymouth Pavilions, Millbay Road, Plymouth, 7.30pm.

photo courtesy of Fairport Convention

BLUES

BLACK DIAMONDS 21 Feb - Five piece rhythm and blues band from Plymouth, The Wharf, Tavistock.

Wednesday 12th February FAIRPORT CONVENTION Exeter Corn Exchange www.exetercornexchange.com

Hailed as the originators of British folk-rock music, Fairport Convention has been among Britain's best-loved bands for over 45 years. With a vast musical repertoire to draw on, this concert by Fairport Convention will feature a mixture of longestablished favourites and new material performed with virtuosity and passion.

Fairport Convention features Simon Nicol on guitar and lead vocals, Dave Pegg on bass and backing vocals, Chris Leslie on fiddle, mandolin, bouzouki and lead vocals, Ric Sanders on violin and Gerry Conway on drums and percussion. £20 7.30pm (doors 6.45) BOX OFFICE: 01392 665938.

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

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

Peninsula Marquees

01 Feb - Whitesnake tribute Band, The Wharf, Tavistock.

BEATLEMANIA 15 Feb - Fab Four Tribute Band, The Wharf, Tavistock.

HI-ON MAIDEN

ELO AGAIN 28 Feb - ELO tribute band with over 1200 performances under their belt plus Top of the Pops and Radio, The Wharf, Tavistock.

Offering quality, affordable, marquee hire throughout the South West region

m: 07711 349727

e: info@peninsulamarquees.co.uk Based in East Devon

10

BOX OF SNAKES

22 Feb - The Official Iron Maiden Tribute Band! The Wharf, Tavistock.

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t: 01395 263444

ROCK/H-METAL

EXETER RECORD & CD FAIR, CORN EXCHANGE EXETER

08 Mar - Lots of dealers having masses of good quality Vinyl Records, CD's to purchase., Exeter Record & CD Fair, The Corn Exchange, Exeter, 9.30am.

SOUTH DEVON COASTand COUNTRY

Find more Live Music Events online

Monday 31st March ALISON MOYET Princess Theatre, Torquay

Find more live music events on the hub, and add your own by registering online at:

www.princestheatre.org.uk

southdevonhub .co.uk photo courtesy of Ultimate Elton

Saturday 8th March ULTIMATE ELTON JOHN & THE ROCKET BAND Babbacombe Theatre, Torquay, Devon TQ1 3LU

The Mintues is a new album by world-renowned musical icon Alison Moyet, who has achieved sales of more than 20 million, both as a solo artist and half of duo Yazoo. It was written with and produced by Guy Sigsworth, known for his work with Frou Frou, Robyn, Björk, Goldie and Madonna. It finds Alison’s voice strong and seductive on a collection of exceptional songs.

Experimental, captivating and entirely cohesive, this is beauty with an edge. Tickets from £29.

photo courtesy of Alison Moyet

photo courtesy of Ben & Alfie

www.babbacombe-theatre.com

Thursday 13th Feb BEN & ALFIE www.benandalfie.blogspot.com Parish Hall, Manaton, Newton Abbot, TQ13 9UJ

Some tribute artists’ look like their idol, some sound like their idol. Paul Bacon as Sir Elton John does both! Close your eyes and you won’t believe your ears, open your eyes and you won’t believe them either! You simply won’t find a closer tribute to Sir Elton John. Established as the foremost Elton John tribute act in the UK, the Band present an uncannily accurate reproduction of the classic live shows of one of music’s most successful artist. Tickets £16, show starts at 8pm.

Ben and Alfie are a young talented duo whose repertoire is entirely original. Throughout their lives they have picked up many different musical influences which shape the music. These include Western and Eastern European Folk, Jazz, Classical, West African and South American influences. Their music has a strong folky feel, yet the textures of classical music are also evident in their stylish compositions. The duo are fast establishing themselves as one of the hottest talents around. Show starts at 7.30pm Venue & Box Office: 01647 221478.

FEATURED BAND:

Babbacombe Theatre Something to suit everyone...

In 1938 the BABBACOMBE DOWNS CONCERT HALL was built at a cost of £8,000 and it remained virtually unchanged for almost 50 years, until the present management took over in 1986 when improvements started to be made to enable more lavish productions to be staged.

During the mid 1970's John Redgrave's ‘Summer Spectaculars’ were to make a significant impact on variety entertainment in the Bay. It was then the current owner, Colin Mathews became involved with producing shows which over several seasons into the mid 80's starred Bernie Winters & Schnorbitz, Dana & Paul Shane. Having worked with some of the biggest names in the world of entertainment for over 30 years, Colin now actively seeks out new and versatile performers for his productions which, together with his youth policy, has resulted in the discovery and development of young talent with success nationally and in the West End.

The very first concert here was on the afternoon of 27th May 1939 with the Earnest Gross Municipal Orchestra and BBC Baritone John Steabben, followed that evening by the opening night of the first summer show, Cabaret Revels with tickets at 3/-, 2/- and 6d.

Since the war the theatre had seen many years of successful summer shows and it has the reputation of hosting household names on the threshold of their careers, including in 1955/56 Bruce Forsyth, who headlined. Other well known names include David Nixon, Ted Rogers, Ray Allen, Norman Vaughan and Roy Hudd.

See above for information on Ultimate Elton John & The Rocket Band who will be performing at the Babbacombe Theatre in March.

photo courtesy of The Rocket Band, part of the Ultimate Elton John performance

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

11

Forthcoming Exhibitions February & March 2014

Alexandra Jacobs - 'Red Barn' - SWAc

Devon Crocker-White - 'Patrice Holloway' - Kaya Gallery

Michael Morgan RI - Marine House at Beer

GALLERIES PLYMOUTH SOCIETY OF ARTISTS

EXETER'S FINE ART COLLECTION

Until 13 Feb - Local art exhibition at Plymouth City Museum & Art Gallery, Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery, Plymouth, 10.00am.

Until 06 Apr - This display includes works by major artists of both the 19th & 20th centuries at the Royal Albert Memorial Museum RAMM, Queen Street, Exeter, 10.00am.

SAUL CATHCART Until 22 Feb - Saul Cathcart, new work. Artmill Gallery, 83 Hyde Park Road, Plymouth, 9.30am.

EXHIBITION - NARRATIVE REMAINS Until 23 Mar - Exhibition of mixed craft work exploring the link between words and making. Devon Guild of Craftsmen, Riverside Mill, Bovey Tracey, 10.00am.

TAONGA: MÄORI TREASURES OF THE NATURAL WORLD Until 08 Jun - A look at a small collection of Mäori objects from the museum's collections at the Royal Albert Memorial Museum RAMM, Queen Street, Exeter, 10.00am.

What’s on show at the gallery

Exhibition MICHAEL MORGAN RI April 5 to 17 A solo show of earlier works.

Contact Marine House for more information by emailing: info@marinehouseatbeer.co.uk or calling 01297 625257.

12

SOUTH DEVON COASTand COUNTRY

Latest originals from

Brian Pollard, David Gray and Jane Vaux.

Plus Northern Soul Icons by Dave Crocker.

Come and visit us at the Barbican, Plymouth. www.kayagallery.co.uk 01752 267474 53 Southside Street, The Barbican, Plymouth

Greg Ramsden SWAc - 'Eastportlemouth from the Salcombe Ferry' - Coves Quay Gallery

EXHIBITION: PETER RANDALL-PAGE 01 Feb to 10 May - New Sculpture and Works on Paper. Plymouth City Museum & Art Gallery, 10.00am.

SOUND BITES: ROBERT LENKIEWICZ 07 Feb - An exclusive art exhibition: Robert Lenkiewicz, Nahem Shoa Hannahs at Seale-Hayne, Howton Lane, Newton Abbot, 7.00pm.

PRIMARY COLOURS 08 Feb to 26 Feb - An exhibition celebrating the creativity of young artists in the South Hams at Harbour House, The Promenade, Kingsbridge.

ROBERT LENKIEWICZ - EXHIBITION

VI Form. Harbour House, The Promenade, Kingsbridge, 10.00am.

DRAWING FROM THE WILD: WORK OF JACKIE MORRIS 08 Mar to 31 May - New animal illustrations inspired by museum's natural history collections at Torquay Museum, 529 Babbacombe Road, Torquay.

THE KENN ART AND CRAFT EXHIBITION 2014

Michael Morgan RI - Marine House at Beer

22 Mar to 23 Mar - The Kenn Art Show features work by both amateur and professional artists, Kenn Art Show, The Kenn Centre, Kennford, 10.00am.

08 Feb to 23 Mar - A private family collection - Family Matters - life behind the artist. Hannahs at Seale-Hayne, Howton Lane, Newton Abbot, 10.00am.

TOUR: THE WORK OF PETER RANDALL-PAGE 12 Feb - A guided tour of 'Peter Randall-Page: New Sculptures and Works on Paper' at Plymouth City Museum & Art Gallery, 1.00pm.

Joseph Hillier -'Sleeper a' - Artmill Gallery

Events listings powered by:

southdevonhub .co.uk

TOUR: THE WORK OF PETER RANDALL-PAGE

to get your ART GALLERY EVENTS in this listings section, you need to enter your events into the HUB - it's free

15 Feb - A guided tour of 'Peter Randall-Page: New Sculptures and Works on Paper' at Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery, Plymouth, 11.00am.

You’re potty if you don’t!

VI SIONS 04 Mar to 08 Mar - Fine Art, Photography & Textiles from Kingsbridge Community College

Just go to REGISTER Alexandra Jacobs - 'Starting again' - SWAc

Louise Bougourd - The Flavel

83 Hyde Park Road, Plymouth PL3 4JN Tel: 01752 255020

Fine Art Trade Guild Award Winning Guild Commended Picture Framer and Gallery

New to the Gallery Becky Bettersworth, Anita Jeram and Helen Craig.

Also Local, National and International Originals and Signed Limited Editions, Ceramics and Art Clocks.

10 Bank St, Newton Abbot 01626 335965 framesandboxes.co.uk

15 Glanvilles Mill, Ivybridge t. 01752 698119 www.lime-square.co.uk

On display in the gallery...

Fused glass wall art, ceramics, jewellery, mounted and framed prints, clocks, fused glass dishes, coasters, sun catchers, wood products, handmade greetings cards, monthly exhibitions and much more.

Open Monday - Saturday 9am - 5.30pm

26 Torwood Street, Torquay TQ1 1EB 01803 296064

The gallery...

A visit to Triton Galleries will surely inspire any art lover. We have a fantastic selection of original artwork and collectable limited edition prints from some of the worlds most acclaimed artists.

To find out about who is exhibiting, please get in touch with us. www.tritongalleries.co.uk torquay@tritongalleries.co.uk

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

GALLERY & FRAMING CENTRE

EXHIBITIONS Saul Sathcart - Until 22 Feb Sauls new work is inspired by his passion for his beloved wild North Cornish Coast.

Joseph Hillier - 29 Feb to 29 Mar Best known for his monumentally scaled sculpture for public sites in the UK. Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm Sat 10am-4pm

13

MICHAEL MORGAN RI. A RARE AND GREAT TALENT A solo show of earlier works

Saturday 5 April - Thursday 17 April There are few artists who command the following and enthusiasm for their work as Michael Morgan. Although anno domini has caught up with him and he no longer paints, demand for his extraordinary paintings continues to grow.

While the works are small, they more than make up for it in intensity, catching the viewer’s attention from across the room even if they are adjacent to a large bold abstract! It is often observed that Michael reinvigorated the watercolour medium with his bold foreground and inventive texturing. His theme of lonely buildings and remote locations seems to create

Fore Street, Beer, Devon 14

a sense of escapism in the viewer, a place where the soul can be at peace.

Marine House at Beer has represented Michael since we started. We continue to promote his work and this special show of more than 30 earlier paintings which we have reacquired and which starts on April 5th 2014 will present a rare opportunity to purchase works from a fine collection.

marinehouseatbeer.co.uk 01297 625257 and SOUTH DEVON COAST COUNTRY

01297 625257

Art Galleries

A point of view!

Nelson’s Column

by JOHN FISHER

Pass the gravy So do our tv cooks spend half their lives trying to find unusual ways with gravy or whatever, always “with a twist’. Where do they find “their” material? Well, not to put too fine a point on it, the majority of them have come from elsewhere – “recycled” is the word most of us would prefer, “pinched” being a little too un-savoury perhaps.

To many cooks HURRAH! FOR `DEVON’S CHARITY SHOPS and the good work they do, not only in filling in what would otherwise be gaping holes in our battered high streets but for the wonderful array of recycled fare they put before us.

Susan Meredith of the Charity Retail Association told us that at the last count they had 300 member shops in the county – a 30 per cent increase on 2008.

Push through the clothing racks this February and it’s cookery books you will find most in evidence in the non-clothing section. This glut of big picture cook books always follows the clear-out of last year’s must-haves, we are told, to make way for the new.

And it’s been going on for a long time. Witness this from Mary Cole’s famous book The Lady’s Complete Guide, compiled by her in a great house in the West of England and published in 1791.

If all the writers on Cookery had acknowledged from whence they took their receipts, as I do, they would have acted with more candour by the public. Their vanity to pass for Authors, instead of Compilers, has not added to their reputation.

Meanwhile, just up the road in Ottery St. Mary, Devon’s most famous poet had something similar to say on the subject of recipe compilers filching other people’s stuff.

Plagiarists are always suspicious of being stolen from - as pickpockets are observed commonly to walk with their hands in their breeches’ pockets.

and Beautiful”, a composition which also has a strong Devon connection. It was written in 1846 by Mrs. C.F. Alexander and first appeared in her book Hymns for Little Children. She also wrote the Christmas carol “Once in Royal David’s City” but we digress.

My dear mother KEITH OWEN, who gifted his fortune to be turned into flowers for Devon’s beautiful Sid Vale in memory of his mother (see last issue) was not the only son of Devon so to do.

Witness the famous church clock face at St. Peter’s at Buckland-in-the-Moor. Instead of numbers, the clock face reads: “MY DEAR MOTHER.” Made by John Smith & Co of Derby it was installed in 1930 at the behest of the then Lord of the Manor, William Whitley.

On the quarter hour the clock chimes his mother’s favourite hymn “All Things Bright

Composer, poet and mother, Mrs. C. F. Alexander

All Things Bright and Beautiful is said to have been inspired by lines from Coleridge’s The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, “He prayeth best, who loveth best; All things great and small; For the dear God who loveth us; He made and loveth all.”

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

Hardly cricket PRECISELY HOW MANY cricketing vicars there are in Devon has yet to be counted.

Perhaps not enough to make up a full side in the forthcoming match between the Anglican Church and the newly formed Vatican XI but Devon has always had a reputation for having more than its fair share of sporting vicars and Lambeth Palace may already be scouting the county for demon bowlers and devilishly good batsmen.

Historically, Devon has always had plenty of sporting clerics. In the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries many of them in the Exeter diocese not only hunted regularly, a couple of them actually kept their own packs of hounds.

Between the wars the vicars at Whimple turned out regularly for the local cricket team, a team with a reputation for winning more matches than it lost. The village was of course the home of Whiteways Cider and surrounded by cider orchards. If they could win the toss the Whimple boys always put the visitors in to bat first. Then they gave them a slap up lunch with as much cider as they could drink. The rest was a doddle.

When Whimple went in to bat in the afternoon many of the visiting team’s fielders could do little more than curl up and doze at silly mid-off or nod-off over by the site-screen or anywhere else they could get their heads down.

Such tactics are hardly sporting but they worked very well for the home team for many years.

The Church of England XI take on the Vatican XI at Lord’s in September, 500 years after the two churches parted company. It could be another sell-out.

John Fisher

15

Victoria Sewart Contemporary Jewellery Gallery Showcasing over 50 British designers Show your sweetheart how much they mean to you with something special this Valentine’s Day.

Want to get involved in our fashion shoots?

POTENTIAL MODEL? Would you like to build your modelling portfolio? To put your name forward, enter your events into southwestfashionandmodels. co.uk and click on apply.

For more Jewellery, Online Shop and Jewellery Workshops (including ‘Making Your Own Wedding Rings’) Visit us at:

www.victoriasewart.com

PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS Want your business featured on our Cover and in the Fashion section? We're on the lookout for clothing, jewellery and locations for our pictorial fashion shoot. Call Nigel Jones on 01395 513383.

01752 220011 39 Southside Street The Barbican Plymouth

PUBLICITY & PROMOTIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY Mike Alsford

CORPORATE & PR: PORTFOLIOS for Performers & Models PORTRAITURE for Business Promotion

www.mikealsford.com 01626 864030 mike@mikealsford.com 07850 028641 Mike Alsford has been well published in all national newspapers and many leading magazine titles. Much of his work has involved shooting picture publicity for television and film productions (mainly dramas), with clients including all ITV companies, the BBC, Channel 4, Five, Sky and various independent producers.

Mike is also a frequent photographer for Coast & Country Magazine.

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SOUTH DEVON COASTand COUNTRY

Valentine’s Day feature

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

Heart Necklace

Ortigia Fico D'India Perfume Oil Artisans and Artists, www.bathetheworld.com

Platinum Heart with Oval Cut Emerald, £1200, Kate Higham Artisan Jeweller

Wide Seed Rings

Sterling Silver ring - £145 Sterling Silver ring with 22ct Gold plate - £200, Victoria Sewart Contemporary Jewellery Gallery

COCKHAVEN MANOR SE VALENTINE 4 COUR E NC DA D AN ER DINN y 15th Friday 14th & Saturda .50 £27 ry ua br Fe BOOK EARLY! ide the back cover ins e Se for more information

'I Love You'

Tiny Ceramic Dishes, £9.50, Jaz Interiors

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

17

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.

I

Trivial Pursuit game written with help from the band s former bass guitarist Bill Wyman.

Up until now in this column I have written about those who are considered to be famous celebrities but they are not always the most interesting people. In fact in the last few weeks of 2013 I spoke to two people who have had the most incredible lives, for very different reasons, but who, in all probability you will not have heard of. One is my old friend Brian Highly, the other is a woman I actually saw competing in the BBC 2 quiz Eggheads. Her knowledge, her demeanor fascinated me. I Googled her and was stunned by her story. She is Iby Knill who at 90 is one of the last remaining survivors of Hitler s AuschwitzBirkenau concentration camp and she is due to come down to Colyton, East Devon this March. But fi rst to Brian.

After becoming a school teacher, Brian swapped the academic life for that of pub landlord. His pub folk club led him into music promotion and he co-organised the

notorious Krumlin Festival in 1970.

Known as the biggest pop music disaster in history, the Krumlin Festival site was declared an official disaster area when thousands of music fans ended up suffering from exposure due to unseasonal August weather with torrential rain and temperatures falling to

Photo © Brian Cheffers-Heard

m not sure how far into the New Year you can continue to say it but Happy New Year!

Brian managed to drive the ice cleaning Zamboni machine through the restaurant wall

Brian Highly

who managed to make it onto the stage in front of the world s pop media before the storm struck. The rest, as they say, is history.

Brian Highly is probably best known as the man who spent 25 years writing the questions for Trivial Pursuit at his former home in Newton Poppleford, but everyone can fi nd out much more about his life now that he has published a memoir on Kindle.

This is not the story of someone who hasn t done very much of interest but a laugh-packed volume tracing Brian s life from the back streets of Halifax to his latest Rolling Stones

18

near freezing. Although had it not been for Krumlin, there might not be Glastonbury or Isle of Wight festivals today. A report on the festival s excellent organization, and considering it was a worse case scenario, was instrumental in the government rejecting the Night Assembly Bill set to ban future festivals. Krumlin cost Brian everything, but he had promised an unknown artist the chance of a lifetime appearing alongside some of the biggest names in pop. The unknown he chose was Elton John

From the back streets of Halifax to a Zamboni machine, Brian’s memoirs ‘In Pursuit of Trivia’ are well worth reading

SOUTH DEVON COASTand COUNTRY

As assistant manager at an ice rink, Brian managed to drive the ice cleaning Zamboni machine through a restaurant wall while preparing the surface for up and coming skater Robin Cousins. The owners of the ice rink had asked Brian to come to Exeter to close one of their nightclubs, they told him he would be in Devon for about five weeks.

That was 35 years ago and he s still

here. Sting and the Police made an early appearance at the privately owned Routes club, close to the Exe bridges along with top punk bands of the era including the Pretenders and the Stranglers, but pop promotion wasn t to be Brian s most exciting job. Following pop came a stint as script writer for the Spitting Image satirical TV series and a job as editor of an Exeter newspaper which included face-to-face encounters with the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh.

The Duke told Brian he loved Devon so Brian cheekily offered to swap houses but HRH pointed out he wouldn t be able to afford their electricity bills. A chance meeting and his varied career, My trivial career he calls it, led him to the coveted job of writing the questions for Trivial Pursuit with regular meetings in New York, Toronto and Barbados getting to know many household-name celebrities along the way.

Photo © Brian Cheffers-Heard

Brian with Paloma Faith at Glastonbury

But don t get the idea that this is a story of a celebrity dahling , the real charm of Brian s book comes in the chapters in which he tells of Saturday morning cinema, the last days of music hall and the tradition of cinder toffee and baked potatoes on Bonfi re Night along with the Coronation and the country s obsession with Brumas the bear!

In Pursuit of Trivia by Brian Highly costs £1.53 from

Iby Knill Iby, one of the few remaining surviors of Hitler’s AuschwitzBirkenau concentration camp, has taken 60 years to tell her harrowing story.

Now at 90 years old, she is touring the country and is holding an open event at Colyton this March.

I hadn t expected any such light relief during my chat with Iby Knill, but when I commiserated over her team s loss on Eggheads she replied with a wonderful guttural chuckle,

“I must admit I still feel sore that for one question we didn’t win £36,000” adding shamelessly, “I had been misinformed by my late husband!”

who had lived through it could answer that question. Iby found herself saying, “I was there.”

with the rifle butt of a German soldier.

“You literally do not think Then there was the promise made about yesterday or anticipate on her last night in Auschwitz. She tomorrow” she explained, “you was due to leave the following live for the moment” adding, morning having volunteered to “oddly it is a philosophy that travel as a nurse with a slave labour I carried on with and that is transport of 500 women. One of probably why I have managed to the twins on whom Mengele was survive until now.” experimenting crawled onto her bunk and asked her to promise to I asked her about forgiveness... tell the world what was happening. her answer,

No famous names either in Iby s book The Woman Without a Number but plenty of infamous “I promised, who wouldn’t in “I don’t feel that I cannot forgive ones. It tells how as a young those circumstances?” because, if I hate, I only destroy Jewish girl in Czechoslovakia myself.” her parents smuggled her across An educated woman, Iby spoke the border to Hungary fearing several languages which allowed But if she could speak to any of persecution by the Germans and her to at least communicate with those who had perpetrated such how she was caught by security the guards. The language, which horrors she would ask, police, imprisoned and tortured, might have saved the lives of and eventually sent to Auschwitz. millions, was oddly enough Latin. “What have you done with your It is a story that took Iby 60 years She explained how the camp was life since then? Have you done to tell and as you might expect cleaned up in preparation for the anything to redeem what you it is in places a harrowing read, visit by a representative of the have done?” in fact even her children fi nd it Pope. When no one was watching, impossible to read, but it is a story she told him in Latin, not to believe An amazing woman... although I that should be told. what he saw. suspect Iby would not see herself in those terms. If you get the “I tried to put all the past in the His eyes might have widened but chance to hear her when she visits box throw the box in the sea and as we now know, nothing was done. St Andrew s Church Colyton March throw the key away “ she explained 12th I urge you to take it. but, “my arm was twisted by my It is impossible to comprehend tutor when I was taking an MA in how someone could hold onto their Judi theology when I was 79 years old.” sanity after experiencing what the inmates of those camps did. Each The class had been discussing time she and her fellow prisoners You can hear Judi’s show on the difference between sin and were sent to the showers they BBC Radio Devon at 9.00 till evil and attempted to construct didn t know whether there would 12.00 noon on 103.4 MHz FM a line with sin in one column be water or gas. We didn t speak or on iPlayer at: and evil in the other. A class of the brutality although Iby did http://www.bbc.co.uk/ member asked where the mention that on one occasion her radiodevon holocaust would go and the left thigh was closely acquainted tutor replied that only someone RADIO DEVON

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

19

Tuckenhay circular

The

SOUTH DEVON COASTand COUNTRY walk

The river Dart Estuary has many interesting and beautiful creeks along the estuary from Totnes to Dartmouth. I’d been meaning to visit the Tuckenhay / Bow area as a friend had told me how picturesque it was. I have to say that on arrival I was not the least bit disappointed.

Travelling down from Totnes to Asprington, then through Bow and round the corner to Tuckenhay was a visual feast, just so much natural beauty that it’s hard to take it all in. All incredibly unspoilt and what

up and down the creek - they have a distinctive pink tinge that comes from the local red soils.

buildings you do come across all seem to be fit beautifully in place.

The day we visited was one of those outstanding warm July days when clear, sunny skies prevail and

trees positively glow - lime greens to syrupy golds and everything inbetween.

An interesting feature at low tide are the mud flats that are visible

SOUTH DEVON COASTand COUNTRY

Another point of interest, particularly if you have children to keep entertained, is that you can hire kayaks and canoes locally. Canoe Adventures are one company that operate from Tuckenhay and they’re worth a call, although be aware that if the tide’s really low, it can be difficult getting from boat to shore.

Hope you enjoy it! - Editor

Crownley Wood

Perchwood Creek Bow Creek Maltsters Arms

Tuckenhay footpath green lane lane/road

Start

Lane thill o H

Corkscrew Hill

Cornworthy Cross

Abbey Cross

Walk information 1. Parking - the walk can be started from where ‘Start’ is shown on the map above.

2. Footwear - assuming dry conditions, trainers or boots advised.

3. Dogs - lead necessary as livestock may be present although there are plenty of places to let the dog(s) off the lead.

4. Distance - a gentle walk with one steep incline, it’s approximately 2 miles in total (circular).

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

Gatehouse remains

Abbey Roa d

Quarry

SOUTH DEVON COASTand COUNTRY

Doggies Ahoy!

Don’t know what it is about Tuckenhay, but dogs were seemingly everywhere - on the quayside, in the mud, in boats, wearing lifejackets, scrounging titbits and generally enjoying life to the full.

Tuckenhay and Bow Creek are truly lovely places to amble about and this walk gives you a really good excuse to visit the Maltsters Arms to enjoy a drink whilst enjoying for What's On, visit: southdevonhub .co.uk the views up and down the creek.

SOUTH DEVON COASTand COUNTRY

Outskirts of Dawlish Fraser & Wheeler Estate Agents are delighted to be instructed to market this well-presented spacious and versatile semidetached home with a separate annexe which is set in approximately an acre of land, with stunning views to open

countryside. The main residence has five bedrooms with uPVC double glazing, oil fired central heating, large gardens, ample parking and a DOUBLE GARAGE. The annexe has good sized accommodation with two bedrooms, uPVC double glazing, oil fired central heating and its own garden.

A viewing is strongly recommended.

Please contact Fraser & Wheeler on 01626 862379 or alternatively please pop into the office at the top of Queen Street in Dawlish.

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

LODGING

WINTER

Artificial Blue Hygrangea M&S, £7.50

Y

I

s your bedroom a space of bland colour, dated lighting, furniture and soft furnishings?

Have you been put off by the cost of tackling such a huge project? I can show you how to achieve an elegant and boutique styled room for under £200!

The room featured above is an example of how to turn a now somewhat dated magnolia room into one which would not look out of place in any upmarket townhouse hotel or designer bedroom. This room has a duck egg, pale grey and white colour scheme. The refurbishment could easily have cost over £900 to create if each product had not been so carefully sourced.

26

Budget Boutique Z

Spending money on a couple of key pieces is essential in keeping the room looking expensive as a whole. In this case, the wallpaper and emulsion paint have been bought from Laura Ashley during a half price sale. The timeless hydrangea wallpaper design has been chosen as it is a perfect match with the existing green carpet which cannot be replaced. A contemporary palette of pale dove grey has been used on the walls and then all of the old pine furniture pieces have been stripped and painted white with a waxed coating for protection.

The savings made on the curtains were quite phenomenal, with these duck egg, pencil pleated, fully lined curtains from Dunelm Mill coming in at £34.99, and a 180cm white wooden pole for just £9.99! The curtains were four inches too

SOUTH DEVON COASTand COUNTRY

long, but the small job of taking them up using bonda web meant that they now fit perfectly and the low price hasn`t had to compromise the room’s design.

To fully complete the room, a quilt or throw would be a final touch together with some new smaller pieces of furniture to allow more room.

The Coleton Quilt from Laura Ashley would

Coleton Quilt £75 (half price) Laura Ashley

directory Y HOME & INTERIORSZ

Sorrento Duck Egg Cushion - £6.99, Dunelm Mill Bevelled Silver Mirror £34.99, Dunelm Mill

Sorrento Duck Egg Pencil Pleat Lined Curtains £34.99, Dunelm Mill

cost £75.00 during a half price sale, and a Hemnes chest of drawers from Ikea would cost just £100.00.

Room Costs Breakdown of

To create a room like this on a limited budget you need to select your items extremely carefully. Choosing where to spend the bulk of your budget is important, whether it be on a feature wall or a feature piece of furniture. If you wish to refurbish your bedroom on a budget of £200, there wouldn’t be room to spend anything on new flooring.

Painting floorboards is a brilliantly cheap way of creating a new floor colour. If you don`t have any, carefully working with the existing flooring is paramount to creating a polished finish within your room design.

f sale) (during 50% of roll - £18.00 Laura Ashley ap Egg Wallp er ck Du ea ng ra • Hyd 2.5L - £14.00 rey Emulsion G ve Do le Pa • Dunelm Mill - £9.99 ain Pole 180cm • White Curt ncil Pleat Pe d ne Li orrento • Duck Egg S 4.99 Curtains - £3 9 e Backs - £3.9 Ti o nt re or S g Eg .99) £6 ck x • Du ions (2 orrento cush • Duck Egg S £13.98 ion - £14.99 • Velvet cush 9.99 d Mirror - £3 lle ve • Swept Be - £12.99 ts an nd pe with 4.98 • Ceiling Shade £3 (2 x £16.99) • Table Lamps

A

manda Merchant (www.mandyjane.co.uk)

197.90 TOTAL - £

Birkeland £200.00, Ikea

Artificial Hydrangeas in Slate Pot M&S, £25.00

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

27

directory Y HOME & INTERIORSZ 01626 852050 sales@fosterville.co.uk

jaz interiors

Fosterville Ltd is a well established local company which has been supplying building materials to the Building & Landscaping industry since 1999

Whether you require the usual aggregates like limestone or granite, concrete ballast or drainage stone, or sands for building, plastering or paving, our helpful team at Fosterville will be pleased to assist in getting you the right building materials for your project.

A range of French inspired, vintage style, distressed furniture and gif ts in store

Fosterville Quarry and Recycling Centre is open to the Trade & Public and we can be found in the heart of the Clay Pits over near Kingsteignton, Newton Abbot.

mon-fri 9.30am to 5pm sat 9.30am to 2pm

© 2012 Fosterville Ltd Quarry & Recycled Aggregate • Sand • Cement • Block • Gravel Fosterville Ltd. The Recycling Centre, John Acres Lane, Newton Abbot, Devon. TQ12 3GP

T: 01626 852050

16 fore street, ivybridge 01752 894012

jazinteriors@btinternet.com facebook.com/jazinteriorsivybridge

E: sales@fosterville.co.uk

TA M A R S E C U R I T Y Totnes Tile & Bathroom Studio One of the largest selections of tiles in the South West

One of Devonʼs Leading Providers of

• A beautiful range of wall and floor tiles including Ceramic, Slate, Stone & Mosaic • Bathroom Studio displaying traditional and contemporary suites from selected manufacturers

• Underfloor heating specialist • Many exclusive ranges • Family Run Business • Under new ownership • Public and trade welcome

Domestic and commercial fire and security solutions Bespoke systems tailored to suit your every need Call us for a chat about cost effective Security Solutions

01395 222999/ 01392 368830 www.tamarsecurity.co.uk

Unit 1, Archant House, Babbage Road TQ9 5JA 01803 865865 • www.totnestiles.co.uk Open Mon-Fri 8.30 to 5 Sat 9-4

SOUTH DEVON COASTand COUNTRY

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directory Y HOME & INTERIORSZ

Bradburys. Be inspired.

Strata kitchen by Stoneham

Tel: 01392 825940 www.bradburysltd.co.uk Bradbury’s, Denbury Court, Matford Park, Exeter EX2 8NB

Marble ❖ Granite ❖ Slate ❖ Travertine ❖ Quartzstone

QUALITY STONE QUALITY CRAFTED

plymouth stone SERVING THE WEST COUNTRY SINCE 1909

01752 706388

www.plymstone.co.uk sales@plymstone.co.uk

A fourth generation family business founded in 1909 supplying bespoke natural stone products for the home Showroom Open Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm, Saturday 9am - 4pm and Sunday 10am -2pm 109 Efford Road, Plymouth PL3 6NG

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

29

Brixham

COASTand COUNTRY visits this fascinating and historic fishing town Brixham, loved for its brightly painted cottages heaped around the harbour, is the mother of the fishing trade; “beam trawling” originated here and trawlermen from the port established the industry in harbours as far away as Grimsby and Hull in the 19th Century. Then there were more than 300 red-sailed smacks operating out of Brixham and today there is still the constant coming and going of fishing boats, great and small: Lofty diesel powered trawlers and small crabbers return to unload their glistening catch, stock up on ice and hope for keen prices at the auctions, several hours before breakfast.

In Brixham you can buy almost anything; “ individual” is the word which springs to mind, rather than “High Street”. Frequent bric-a-brac sales under the shelter of the Old Fish Market by the harbour are a

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It's amazing when you look at this picture and at the one above, the buildings seem pretty much unchanged

SOUTH DEVON COASTand COUNTRY

Brixham - formerly Brioc's village Brioc - old English personal name Ham - an ancient term for village

brilliant hunting ground for bargain seekers while the Town band plays there on warm summer evenings.

Over the year there are many festivals and celebrations, often with massive firework displays. Fishing is celebrated with the amazing Trawler Race, with ‘Fishstock’, when the Fish Market is thrown open to the public, and with the Heritage Regatta when the harbour is crammed with vintage craft and the Bay full of centuries of sail.

Meanwhile Cowtown, the farming side of Brixham , has its own Carnival, as do the Pirates and the Shanty singers. Lucky people can get to hear the beautiful clear voice of Brixham’s own singer/songwriter Maggie Duffy, amongst other famous names.

The whole family can swim in one of the last sea-water pools in the country, an art deco gem, Shoalstone Pool, which was threatened with closure but was fiercely fought for, with great success. I used to swim there at night,

float on my back and watch the moon through my toes, when I was a child.

For those who prefer to be on, not in the water, many boats can be booked from the harbourside: a there-andback trip to Torquay on the “Western Lady” ferry is a great excursion on a sunny day.

famously anchored nearby in 1815 when every available boat in the Bay came out to watch him walk the deck of the Bellerophon. Apparently he thought Brixham was full of smugglers

who might take his side, but instead ended his life in undignified exile on St Helena.

The Berr y Head Hotel, where

For adventurous souls there is cliff climbing, kayaking, shark fishing round the wrecks where giant eels lurk, or striding for miles along the South Devon coastal path with its seabird colonies and stunning views.

Berry Head Nature Reserve boasts rare orchids and butterflies, and at dusk Great Horseshoe bats sweep out of the quarry soaring away towards the town: the organised Bat walks are an unforgettable experience.

On the “Head” there are massive fortifications from Napoleonic times, said to be the best preserved in the country. Napoleon himself was

Once there were more than 300 red-sailed smacks operating from Brixham

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

31

Brixham COASTand COUNTRY “Abide with Me” was written, has a magnificent clifftop position looking out across Torbay. This is a wonderful place for a wedding reception, to drop in for a meal, a drink, or an impromptu snack watching the glowing harbour lights come up as the sun sets.

Brixham guesthouses are famous for their welcoming hospitality to visitors while Brixham Holiday Homes has cottages to suit all budgets for those who prefer the self-catering route.

There is also a long tradition of teaching youngsters to sail in the port. The Yacht Club organises every aspect of competitive sailing and there are well established sailing schools offering RYA qualified tuition in a variety of dinghies and small craft suitable for all skill levels. As a bonus, while sailing or while enjoying a drink at the Yacht Club, you can sometimes see some of Brixham’s other friendly residents: the seals and dolphins.

Going out with the Heritage Fleet

William of Orange landed at Brixham in the winter, then marched on to Exeter to wait for military support before moving eastward. It was all about religion - William wanted to maintain the Protestant faith. James II was obsessed with the idea of a Roman Catholic England. To this day, Brixham's motto is "I will maintain". William went on to become King William III Prince of Orange

The cover photo

PRICELESS

FEB & MAR 2014

I'm sure you'll agree that the person featured on the cover picture is a good-looking Devonshire lass. Her name is Ellie Perkes and she has a very strong Brixham connection in that her family, the Perkes, are 5th generation fishermen and fish merchants. Sean (pictured with Ellie) and his eldest brother, run a fish export business sending fish all over Europe on a daily basis (France, Belgium, Italy, Germany), as well as supplying the UK wholesale markets. They're the only local exporters operating from Brixham. Sean's other brother, Graham, has five trawlers that fish out of Brixham (the cover photo was taken on one of them). Sean's 48 years old and married to a local police officer, Sarah, and they have four children Ellie 22, Jake 17, Molly 18 and Jack 12.

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gives a real ”hands-on” feel of how it was to sail a hundred years ago.

Some of the beautiful fishing smacks - Pilgrim, Leader, Provident, Regard, Golden Vanity and Vigilance - can be found moored at the Heritage Pontoon, being worked on by teams of volunteers. The enthusiasm and determination of different groups has saved these wonderful vessels for the future and Trinity Sailing are in the forefront of the new campaign to save ‘Torbay Lass’, one of the last remaining sailing smacks, which is in danger of being scrapped. There is history wherever you look in this town: Winner of the national 2013 Telegraph Family Friendly Award, Brixham’s gem of a Museum has a warm hearted welcome for adult visitors and researchers, families and children. As for eating out -whether it be fish, tapas, a Devon cream tea or a vegetarian lunch- there are a range of cafes, each with their own distinctive style and clientele. One of the pleasures of Brixham is sitting by the harbour eating the freshest

SOUTH DEVON

COASTand COUNTRY

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480 Outlets The

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SEE YOUR TOWN OR BUSINESS FEATURED IN COAST and COUNTRY MAGAZINE Call either Nigel or Richard on 01395 513383

SOUTH DEVON COASTand COUNTRY

haddock and chips out of the paper as an alternative to the widest choice of restaurants, many of which have beautiful views to match their seafood menus. After dinner, evenings are full of romantic moments as couples stroll by the glittering waterside, and gaze at the moonglade across the Bay.

The Napoleonic Fort at Berry Head Brixham is a place where memories are made, which is why so many people return to the harbour over and over again: there is always something new to do and explore while the call of the sea never changes.

by Clare McComb

Whilst you're in Brixham A visit to the Brixham Heritage Museum is a treat not to miss.

Their displays cover a wide range of Brixham's history, with some excellent exhibits. It's quite difficult to believe that spotted hyena and wooly rhinoceros used to live in Brixham, but they did - you can see teeth and bones that were found locally. Incidentally, the spotted hyena were much larger than the African ones due to the cooler climate.

Torpedo Boat Model Brixham, having a ship-building industry at the time, made Torpedo boats - one of the reasons that it was bombed during the WWII

"Abide With Me" Revd Henry Francis Lyte became the incumbent of the newly built All Saints church. Eventually he settled at Berry Head House (now Berry Head Hotel) with his wife and four children.

A prolific hymn and poem writer, he's known for "Abide With Me" and "Praise My South the King of Heaven"

2nd World War & Brixham ents

Brixham suffered in the war, with 10 incid ------- ------- 1942 ------- ------- --

e.

27th Mar - 2 H.E.* bombs, the Harbour, little damag huls 31th Mar - 3 H.E. bombs, the Harbour. The coal ganda propo n Germa The time! this sank City" "London liner! hailed it, however, not as a coal vessel but as a 2 6th May - 1 H.E. bomb fell in the Harbour. 1 death, sank. boat small 1 and lties casua 18 s, injurie s seriou . 1 14th May - 4 H.E. bombs (3 in Harbour, 1 on Quay) sank. boat small 1 and ed casualty, 15 houses damag 12th June - bombs in sea.

18th June - 2 H.E. bombs fell on Higher Furzeham, 153 14 casualties, 1 garage and 2 houses destroyed, ed. properties damag

INTERESTING TOYS ON DISPLAY Meccano - Sooty Some great toys on display from the 50s and onwards, brings back such memories, not a Xbox game DVD in sight!

12th July - 2 H.E. bombs fell in Harbour. 1 Dutch minesweeper damaged. sea.

29th July - 2 H.E. bombs fell harmlessly in the ------- ------- 1943 ------- ------- -am. 8 21st Jan - 4 H.E. bombs fell on Bolton Street/Parkh ed. damag rties prope 400 lties, casua fire 28th Jan - Night raid of bomb and machine gun a and ated evacu were s House y.

- damaging a baker low and rest centre opened. Church damaged, a bunga *H.E. - high explosive several houses.

Head of Church Guild Staff St Mary's Brixham 1766

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

33

Brixham COASTand COUNTRY

Soak up Brixham's martime history, it's the mother of the fishing industry where there was once more than 300 red sailed smacks operating from the harbour.

The fort at Berry Head is an impressive landmark, built to defend Britain against the Napoleonic naval invasion.

Walk out onto the Brixham breakwater causeway, there are great views to be enjoyed of Brixham, Torbay and also of the yachts and trawlers sailing in and out of the harbour and marina.

Said to be the shortest lighthouse in Britain, but also one of the highest, it's only 5 metres high, but it is situated 58 metres above mean sea level. It's a great place for walks.

Top Tip! The Berry Head Hotel is a great place to relax and enjoy the spectacular views, particularly from the patio in summer, where you can watch the sun going down - it's truly lovely.

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SOUTH DEVON COASTand COUNTRY

Suggested Itinary • Visit the museum and/or shops down the High Street.

• Stroll along the harbour and view the Heritage Fleet and the Golden Hind replica.

• Take lunch in the town or at the historic Berry Head Hotel.

• Visit Berry Head's Napoleonic wars fortifications and enjoy spectacular views back across Torbay and down the coast (incidentally, a great place to walk your dog up here, but keep them on the lead if you get close to the cliffs).

• Visit The Smuggler Story to find out how Brixham's economy was boosted by this illicit local industry.

• Walk out along the causeway to enjoy fine views.

• If you're a camera buff, don't miss visiting Mifsuds in Bolton Street, it's one of the UK's leading camera shops - they have some great camera kit.

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

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Brixham art galleries, shops, cafes, boutiques

Brixham Sewing Box 01803 883342

Oats of Brixham 01803 858542

Sheepskin & Suede 01803 853031

A wide range of fabrics, haberdashery, trimmings, knitting, sewing machines & repairs, alterations, mending, classes and workshops, and an ordering service are available.

Local, organic, fairtrade, ethical. Quality products from fresh food to natural cleaning. Welcoming café with emphasis on special diets. Bringing the best to Brixham.

Purveyors of fine sheepskin rugs and accessories for over forty years. Woolana lambswool joint warmers and leather goods to suit every pocket.

Sally Fisher - Oats of Brixham

Nicky Stevenson - Nicky Stevenson Gallery

Serena - Latitude Clothing

A great shop if you’re into healthy eating. They sell healthy foodstuffs and have a cafe at the back.

A great gallery displaying a colourful range of artwork including her own excellent paintings.

Some really lovely clothing in this boutique, with a great range for all the family.

www.brixhamsewingbox.co.uk

Find us on Facebook

www.sheepskinandsuede.co.uk

The Bay Coffee Company 01803 882700

Nicky Stevenson Gallery 01803 431055

Doris by Karen Miller 01803 882850

Situated on the picturesque Brixham harbour, enjoy our locally made delicious cakes, pastries and great coffee!

36 Open 7 days a week 8am - 6pm.

Passion, originality and excellence. With a variety of media and styles, our gallery is a pleasing and visual feast for all.

Doris on Brixham Marina, where you will find Beautiful Driftwood Sculptures, Stunning Driftwood Tables, Lovely Lighting and of course our signature Driftwood Trees.

www.thebaycoffeecompany.co.uk

www.nickystevensongallery.com

SOUTH DEVON COASTand COUNTRY

www.devondriftwooddesigns.com

Brixham art galleries, shops, cafes, boutiques

Latitude Clothing 01803 857004

No Six Gift Boutique 01803 856716

The Black Cat Cafe 01803 411834

Stocking a wide range of lifestyle clothing, footwear and accessories for men, ladies and children, for all budgets and sizes upto 4XL. Friendly and professional service.

Unique, quality, crafted gifts, for every age and every pocket at the “loveliest little gift shop in Brixham”.

The Black Cat Cafe in Brixham is Torbay's leading vegetarian cafe serving homemade bread, tarts, cakes and soups. We hope to see you soon!

www.latitudeclothing.co.uk

6 Fore Street, TQ5 8DS

www.blackcatcafebrixham.co.uk

Great shopping in Brixham If you haven’t visited Brixham, you’re missing out on some great little independent shops.

The COAST and COUNTRY team were all struck by how friendly everyone is. Brixham’s community is a close one and you can certainly feel it when talking to the town’s shopkeepers, they all know each other and happily tell you about other shops in the town.

Brixham has a really diverse range of shops, and the best way to find out more is to take a trip into town and do some rummaging around in the shops, possibly with a break for lunch at one of the great restaurants or cafés.

The quality of products these shops sell is staggering, just look at the beautifull display at ‘Doris’ at Brixham Marina (right)

Doris by Karen Miller - just such a beautiful display, seriously artistic to say the least.

That’s Brixham for you, an extremely diverse and interesting town with a strong history.

EMMA STONE OPTICIANS Successor to

HUNTS OPTICIANS 10 Bolton Street Brixham TQ5 9DE

Optometrist & Contact Lens Practitioner

The Lytehouse 01803 411677 www.lytehousebrixham.co.uk

Family friendly Cafe, Tapas Wine Bar, Restaurant.

Serving delicious food at great prices. Lunches, Cream Teas, Steaks, Tapas and Wine, Live Music, Comedy.

A wide range of prices on Designer Frames for Adults & Children

NHS and Private Sight Tests

for What's On, visit: southdevonhub .co.uk Tel:

01803 852749

Email: info@emmastoneopticians.co.uk

37

Above - seagulls always know where food's available

38

Below - the view from Berry Head Fort - you can see the end of the breakwater and lighthouse at the point with Paignton in the distance

SOUTH DEVON COASTand COUNTRY

And Whilst in Brixham

Top tips for doggy fun - sausage tit bits from the kind lady at Tides Restaurant (my walkers had coffee and homemade brownie which they seemed quite pleased with) followed by tug of war on the slipway (showed that labrador how it's done!) or a walk up Berry Head followed by lunch in the town or at the Berry Head Hotel (walkers allowed in the lounge as long as they don't disgrace themselves).

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

39

BRIXHAM TRAWLER AGENTS LTD

www.bxta.co.uk 01803 882325 FISH AUCTIONEERS, SUPPLIERS OF FUEL AND ICE New Fish Quay, Brixham, Devon TQ5 8AW 01803 882325 www.bxta.co.uk

• Brixham fish market is the most advanced fish market in Europe, fully equipped with the latest equipment and technology.

• The new market halls were completed in 2010.

• We support Britain's fisherman, taking fish from ports all over England and Wales, subject only to quality.

• Dealing with some 45 species of fish.

• Renowned for it s qualit y throughout Europe.

• Fish is landed on the Quayside,

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where it is transported to purpose built chillers prior to being moved to the state of the art fully chilled market. The fish is then sorted by species and grade, then iced and laid out ready for auction 6am Monday-Friday.

• Brixham has a unique auction that is faced up with the ever popular traditional shout auction, supported by the latest bespoke IT technology.

• This results in a fully compliant fast turnaround of both fish and documentation.

SOUTH DEVON COASTand COUNTRY

Brixham's unique Heritage Fleet Leader

Provident

Trinity Sailing operate a small fleet of historically important sailing vessels, which are run out of Brixham During the winter months, walking around the inner harbour, you are likely to see a team of volunteers and crew members working on the refit of Leader, Provident, and Golden Vanity.

During Trinity’s busy season, which runs between April and October, the boats are moored on Brixham’s Heritage Pontoon where locals and tourists are given a chance to take a closer look at the vessels.

Trinity provide traditional sailing holidays on all their vessels, with trips around the south west, northern France, the Scillies, the Channel Islands, and the west coast of Scotland.

Both novice and professional sailors are invited to head out to sea on some of the finest classic ships still in use, drop anchor in secluded bays, or picturesque harbours, and be treated to freshly prepared breakfast, lunches and evening meals.

People can book voyages by the berth, or charter the boats for their own private trips, guided by Trinity’s expert crew.

This year Leader will be joining more than 100 vessels from the across the globe, taking part in the Tall Ships Races, sailing around Holland, Norway and Denmark.

Golden Vanity provides Duke of Edinburgh residential voyages, along with offshore RYA courses.

Trinity is a not-for-profit charity organisation, with the money raised from the cruising side of the business invested in maintaining the historic vessels - which are all part of the National Historic Fleet and provide offshore sail training for disadvantaged young people from across the country.

Leader, built in 1892, was one of the largest of the Brixham trawlers, known, despite their ketch rig as the Big Sloops. She is rigged now just as she was when she fished under sail, more than 100 years ago.

Provident, built in 1924, is slightly smaller than Leader and is one of the medium-sized Mule class of sailing

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

Golden Vanity trawler. She fished out of Brixham for 10 years before being sold to a wealthy American and converted to a private yacht.

Golden Vanity, built in 1908, is the smallest of the boats, and is a gaff cutter built to the lines of the smallest class of sailing trawler, known as Mumble Bees.

To find out more about Trinity, visit www.trinitysailing.org To request a 2014 brochure call 01803 88 33 55.

41

The girls out for a paddle in Trojan at Brixham Harbour

A big thank you to Brixham The COAST and COUNTRY team would like to say a big thank you to the Brixham community and particularly to Clare McComb for helping put together this feature.

The digital version of this magazine will go permanently online so that locals and visitors alike can view on tablets and PCs.

John Chancellor

Brixham

A Retrospective Exhibition of his life and work at Brixham Easter weekend 19th, 20th and 21st April 2014

COASTand COUNTRY

Professional cleaning of carpets, upholstery and much more!

Despite being almost 30 years since his death, many South Devon readers will remember Brixham maritime artist, John Chancellor.

His extraordinary paintings established him as one of the most talented maritime painters of all time and his work is renowned internationally.

John lived in Brixham for over 20 years until he died in April 1984.

To commemorate the 30th anniversary of his death, his family is holding a three-day Retrospective Exhibition of his life and work in Brixham Town Hall, from 19th to 21st April 2014.

His daughter Tessa says “As a family we are very proud of him and it seems natural to host this exhibition in his home town of Brixham". www.johnchancellor.co.uk

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"Coasting" - John Chancellor

"From under their noses" - John Chancellor

SOUTH DEVON COASTand COUNTRY

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THERE ARE OVER 480+ OUTLETS FOR THE MAGAZINE ACROSS THE SOUTH DEVON REGION.

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Why Plenty of Fresh Air and Exercise Contribute to Academic Success

Mount House School Success Takes Many Forms

In today’s highly competitive world much emphasis is placed on academic success from a very early age. However, from time immemorial the benefits of fresh air and exercise on cerebral success are well recognised and documented.

"Mens sane in corpore sana” or "a healthy mind in a healthy body" as the Romans believed, still has much resonance today. Educators in the UK have long believed in the relationship between the stimulation of fresh air, good oxygen intake and the less tangible non-physical refreshment enjoyed by pupils who are able to experience the outdoors during a school day – both in structured and unstructured games play.

Patrick Savage, Headmaster of Mount House Prep School in Tavistock, Devon makes the point that, for children aged 3 through 13, there is no doubting the benefits of plenty of physical activity in pleasant green surroundings. “At Mount House the pupils have the opportunity to take 2 to 2½ hours of exercise – most of it out of doors – every day. The physical exercise varies from playground games to games practice and structured PE class work and year round Forest School. The pupils are also taken on exciting co-curricular trips regularly – including important venues of key historical significance such as Buckland Abbey (home of Sir Francis Drake). This undoubtedly plays a significant part in helping our pupils to achieve academic

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

success – including outstanding scholarship, Common Entrance/Senior School exam success on an ongoing basis.”

A recent study undertaken by Dundee University and the University of Strathclyde confirmed that children who carried out regular exercise did better academically at 11 and at 13 (and also in their GCSE exams at 16). The authors of the study claimed that every 15 minutes of exercise improved performance by an average of about a quarter of a grade…and thus it was possible that children who carried out 60 minutes of exercise every day could improve their academic performance by a full grade – for example, from a B to an A. As one Mount House mother reports “It is always heartening from a parent’s perspective to know that, even during times of academic focus (eg exam weeks), our children are still encouraged to continue their games and PE at Mount House – it seems to help my children and their friends to relax, re-focus and face the next exam refreshed.”

End text Mount House School is an Ofsted and ISI ‘Outstanding’ Independent Prep and PrePrep (co-ed 3 – 13 years) offering nursery, day and boarding provision. Mount House has an exceptional record in preparing pupils for the senior schools of their choice. Open Days: Friday 7th March 2014 / Saturday 10th May 2014.

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Sales Parts Service Hire

English Garden the

February can be a bleak and bitter month and many of us are quite content to stay in by a warm fire and dream of warmer times, when we can be sat in the deck chair chomping on a freshly picked ripe tomato.

But beware, March is just around the corner with its foot eager to press the growth accelerator in the garden and suddenly you are into spring with no time to get every thing done.

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So if it is too nasty to go out, spend some time planning out a few early tasks. If you grow your own veggies, work out where you are going to plant the various types. A bit of crop rotation keeps the bugs guessing and allows the soil to recover. After a heavy crop of say potatoes, plan in some legumes (peas and beans) which will add nitrogen back into the soil.

Speaking of potatoes, and I often am, February is the time to get chitting. This involves placing the seed potatoes some where light but cool, so that they develop small shoots. This will give them a head start when planted. And remember the old gardener’s tip when to plant, of placing an exposed elbow on the soil to test for warmth. If it's too cold to expose your elbow it's too cold to plant.

The other obsession I have is Chillies. I’m mad about them

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and it’s a good idea to start them off early indoors or in a heated propagator to get as long a growing season as possible.

Speaking of growing, your grass will be starting soon so check regularly, I find that once I cannot see the greenhouse it’s time to get the mower out. Start off on quite a high cut gradually taking the height down week by week.

Bare root fruit can still be planted, but don't be tempted to plant bedding plants until the danger of frost has gone. Instead maybe try some Jerusalem artichokes. Not only do they produce a good vegetable but will also add a splash of colour to the summer garden.

It is also a good time to add a bit of fertiliser around the base of roses, clumps of perennials and trees as they will soon be racing away and will need all the goodness they can get.

Now I think I’ll get back to that seed catalogue and dream of those first tomatoes.

John Oliver Villiers

But here’s the thing...

IMAGE courtesy of National Portrait Gallery

biscuit if you know where to go) and the 15-20 minutes or so it now takes to shuffle to the front of these queue at peak times.

Optimum windows of opportunity for rating and dating are 11 in the morning or four in the afternoon when the systems for serving hot drinks breaks down completely. Counter staffs that have been serving the queue brightly and efficiently now suddenly and inexplicably disappear without trace, leaving solitary colleagues to cope.

Cheaper Speed Dating for Devon WITH SPRING just around the corner, Speed Dating in Devon is on the increase. So too is the amount of time it takes to queue for tea or coffee in any of Devon’s large department stores. These two facts when correlated can be used to advantage by those seeking to improve their lot, both socially and financially.

Home is the sailor A FINE PORTRAIT of the man once voted Devon’s most famous son – Sir Walter Raleigh - has gone on display in Exeter’s Royal Albert Memorial Museum (RAMM) alongside his son, known in the family as Wat.

Compare the £25 for a typical Speed Dating session lasting about an hour with the £1.75 asked for a cup of tea in one of those big stores (which price sometimes includes a little round

Raleigh’s father - another Walter - was once imprisoned in the tower of Sidwell Street church (some 800 metres as the crow flies from the RAMM building) by rebels who were besieging the city during the Prayer Book Rebellion of 1549.

When the church later demanded he return what was rightfully theirs he handed over the gold and silver but told them that it was too late to return the cloth. His wife, Catherine Champernowne, had cut it up and turned it into curtains for their four-poster bed.

This method is not perfect. It may take two or even three sessions to find the LifePartner-Of-Your-Choice but it is cheaper than Speed Dating and does away with the embarrassment of being rejected by a succession of sometimes quite undesirable singles, met above a pub.

Next issue: Top ten chat-up lines for coffee queues in big Devon department stores.

of ladybirds and butterflies in many other parts of the country conform to a long-term trend in which spring has gradually arrived earlier in the UK.

The portrait, on loan from the National Portrait Gallery and part of the museum’s presentation West Country to World’s End – the West Country in the Tudor Age runs until 2nd March and is well worth a visit.

When the king’s army came to the rescue and the rebels fled, old Walter helped himself to various pieces of gold plate and some lengths of rich altar cloth the rebels had plundered and stashed away in the base of the tower. Playing his Get-Out-Of-Jail-Free card skillfully, Walter filled his saddle bags with as much of the loot as he could carry and headed home to Hayes Barton near East Budleigh.

This then is the opportunity the observant single has been waiting for to join the queue strategically, behind the potential date-of-choice and begin to engage in casual conversation for the next 15 minutes.

Is winter the new spring?

DEVON’S MILDEST and wettest winter in years led to many signs of an early spring reports the Woodlands Trust which has some 69 woodlands listed in the county.

By the middle of January it had received a surge of early sightings from its network of nature watchers and reports of birds nesting, snowdrops flowering and hazel coming into bud were widespread and came especially from Teignmouth, Kingsbridge, Crediton and Sidmouth. These together with the appearance for What's On, visit: southdevonhub .co.uk

Over the last 25 years flowers have bloomed up to 12 days earlier than previously and the seasonal timing of reproduction has shifted forward by 11 days between 1976 and 2005. However Woodlands Trust scientist Dr Kate Lewthwaite warned, “Species fooled by warmer weather into early activity, blossoming or breeding, such as frogs, could be vulnerable to the sort of freeze not uncommon in February or March.”

The Met Office’s four-week forecast for February is that it will be cold and if last Spring is anything to go by Devon would be well advised to follow the old adage of ne’er casting a clout till May be out.

JOHN FISHER

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Bishop Grandisson - said to be represented in this tile.

The Royal Arms of England Richard 1

Haccombe St. Blaise “HACCOMBE, in the hundred of Wonford and in the deanery of Kenne, is an extraparochial chapelry, about four miles from Newton Abbot” ~ Excerpt from the Domesday Book Devon has some of the finest churches in England and you really are missing out in a big way if you fail to discover these treasures.

I always liken church visits to time travel, there are literally no other places where you can get such an uninterrupted view of tangible history, in some cases reaching back a thousand years.

Above - Alabaster Effigy to Edward, eldest child and only son to Sir Hugh and Lady Philippa Courtenay. This was a controversial Heart Burial which was forbidden by Pope Boniface VIII (read further in main editorial).

When you finally reach the church, you certainly feel like you’ve arrived at a place hidden from the outside world, the church is really well worth the trouble taken to find it and the drive down is idyllic.

Sir Stephen de Haccombe built the church when he returned from the Holy Land in 1233, although the current building incorporates additions made by his grandson and was dedicated by Bishop Grandisson.

Haccombe St. Blaise is an absolute gem, the effigies are particularly unique in the quality and amount of remaining paintwork - most of them would have been brightly painted and gilded when they were originaly created.

St. Blaise

Set in an enclosed valley, the name Haccombe derives from the Saxon coombe (vale) and hoege (hedge), also the Anglo-Saxon oec (oak) so the translation would ‘enclosed valley of oaks’.

Certainly a church dedicated to St. Blaise is rare, there being only 3 other dedications to him at Sussex, Cornwall and Oxfordshire. St. Blaise, Bishop of Sebaste in Armenia was martyred in 316AD. His flesh was torn with wool combs and then he was finally beheaded. He became

Below - beautiful mediaeval tiles are on show, including one (centre) said to represent Bishop Grandisson.

Remarkable effigy showing original painting which was common practice, many effigies have lost their paint over the centuries. It’s thought to be Isabella, wife of Jordan de Haccombe.

Imagine the shock of colour and opulence most parishioners would have experienced each time they attended Mass. She holds a ‘missal’ - a book containing all the instructions and text necessary for the celebration of Mass throughout the year.

Right - effigy thought to be the church’s founder, Stephen de Haccombe. It’s fantastic to be able to see some of the original paint still in place. He built the church on his return from the Holy Land.

Probably a distortion of the Arms of Beaumont of Gittisham

It’s staggering to think what an intrepid venture it would have been to embark on the Crusade and travel to the Holy Land, you can’t have anything but admiration for his nerve!

the patron saint of cloth workers and woolcombers. Apparently, on the way to prison, he miraculously drew a fish bone from a child’s throat. He is also the patron saint for disorders of the throat. The church was dedicated to St. Blaise after Stephen de Haccombe had visited his shrine at Ragusa (now Dubrovnik).

Heart Burial This is a type of burial where the heart is interred apart from the body, which was an ancient practice showing special reverence towards the heart for its association with the soul, affections, courage and conscience. This practice was banned by Pope Boniface VIII (12941315). Considered one of the finest effigies in England (see photo far left), Stephen de Haccombe’s son, Edward, is exquisitely modelled from alabaster - probably from a school of alabaster carving in London because there’s striking similarity between this effigy and similarly styled and clothed ones in Westminster Abbey.

Mediaeval Tiles In Exeter in 1973, a mediaeval tile kiln was excavated in Holloway Street. It is thought to have made tiles for the Cathedral and for churches and houses locally, tiles found at Exeter and Haccombe share similar designs. Haccombe also has about a dozen designs unique to itself. Haccombe has an exceptional collection of tiles. - Editor Sources: The Church of St. Blaise guidebook - if you’re a history buff, buy one when you visit, it’s well written and packed with fascinating historical facts.

Inside St. Blaise, effigies in the foreground to Sir Hugh Courtenay and his second wife, Philippa. St Blaise is a fascinating church, well worth a visit (if you do, don’t forget to leave a donation towards the upkeep).

This cross is made from the timbers of the Mary Rose which sank in 1545. The Mary Rose trust gave two small pieces of timber to Haccombe church in memory of Sir George Carew who was lost on board. Sir George’s wife witnessed the disaster alongside Henry VIII and the Duke of Suffolk at Southsea Castle. Apparently, netting over the deck to prevent French boarding parties trapped many as the ship went down.

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It's never been easier to find out What's On in South Devon, from Plymouth to Exeter Just type into Google - 'What's On South Devon' or 'South Devon Hub' and away you go, event information from every type of organisation and category, not just tourist based events, but a massive range of local events from all the clubs, societies, charities, businesses in your area.

Promote your organisation's events - FREE

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All you need to do is register your organisation, then you can add as many events as you wish into the HUB. There's also an eastdevonhub website - if you have Exeter based events and enter them in the hub, they'll appear in both websites simultaneously.

Did you know that many of the events entered into the hub make it into our magazine titles (see right) giving additional exposure.

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There's a strong possibility that they will also appear in the What's On sections of these magazines free

This allows you to rapidly add recurring events that carry the same details apart from the date being different. So, say you have a weekly event, add it once, then under Manage Events click the d DUPLICATE at the bottom of the orange event box - the event is duplicated, but the date is advanced by 7 days. (important - to access the d DUPLICATE facility, your event needs to have a date range of a single day) Top tip, you can use this feature for monthly or quarterly reccuring events, just manually change the date and click submit.

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A chilling account of Devon’s greatest unsolved mystery de-frosted by COAST & COUNTRY writer John Fisher

The Devil’s hoof-prints SOMEONE OR SOMETHING ‘with cloven hooves’ travelled silently across South and East Devon on a bitterly cold night 159 years ago this February and left its prints in the snow in a hundred mile trail.

tracks for some miles through several parishes and records that both the size and the distance between the footprints were uniform. He measured them as being eight and a half inches long and said that they ran in a straight line.

Who or what it was remains a mystery to this day but theories abound: these include suggestions that the tracks were made by a donkey, a kangaroo, an ape, various small animals including badgers, rabbits, hares, birds (with cloven hooves?), a team of practical jokers, some kind of natural electrical phenomena (as yet unknown), a meteorological balloon trailing a weighted lanyard, mass hysteria, a sea monster, a laser measuring device beamed down from a UFO, 400 Romanies on stilts – not to mention Old Nick himself.

He also pointed out that although the change in temperature would cause the snow to melt and the track enlarge as a consequence, this would be perfectly obvious to the observer who would also clearly see the tracks of other known animals in the immediate area. The prints he took the trouble to track, measure and describe were unknown to him.

But before getting totally side-tracked perhaps it might be best to start with the Times of London, which printed this first account of this great Devon mystery in its issue of February 16, 1855.

MAKING HIS ESCAPE SpringHeeled Jack, as pictured by a contemporary ‘penny-dreadful’

Extraordinary Times Considerable sensation has been evoked in the towns of Topsham , Lympstone, Exmouth, Teignmouth, and Dawlish, in the south of Devon, in conseque nce of the discovery of a vast number of foot tracks of a most strange and mysterio us description. The superstitious go so far as to believe that they are the marks of Satan himself; and that great excitement has been produced among all classes may be judged from the fact that the subject has been

descanted on from the pulpit.

It appears that on Thursday night last there was a very heavy fall of snow in the neighborhoods of Exeter and the south of Devon. On the following morning, the inhabitants of the above towns were surprised at

discovering the tracks of some strange and mysteriou s animal, endowed with the power of ubiquity, as the foot prints were to be seen in all kinds of inaccessible places - on the tops of houses and narrow walls, in gardens and courtyard s enclosed by high walls and palings, as well as in open fields. There was hardly a garden in Lympstone where the footprints were not observed.

The track appeared more like

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that of a biped than a quadruped, and the steps were generally eight inches in advance of each other.

The impressions of the feet closely resembled that of a donkey’s shoe, and measured from an inch and-ahalf to (in some instances) two-and-a half inches across. Here and there it appeared as if cloven, but in the generality of the steps the shoe was continuou s, and, from the snow in the centre remaining entire, merely showing the outer crest of the foot, it

must have been convex.

The creature seems to have approach ed the doors of several houses and then to have retreated, but no one has been able to discover the standing or resting point of this mysterio us visitor. On Sunday last the Rev. Mr. (G.M.) Musgrave (the vicar of Withycombe Raleigh) alluded to the subject in his sermon, and suggested the possibility of the footprints being those of a kangaroo,; but this could scarcely have been the case, as they were found on both sides

of the estuary of the Exe. At present it remains a mystery, and many superstitious people in the above towns are actually afraid to go outside their doors after night.

SOUTH DEVON

Eye witnesses Many years later letters sent at the time to the Illustrated London News by the above mentioned Reverend gentleman – and marked by him “not for publication” - revealed that he had not believed a word of the escaped kangaroo story but had repeated it because so many of his parishioners believed this to be a supernatural occurrence. What we do have to thank him for are his drawings of the footprints which accompanied his letter and which were published - anonymously.

The snow tracker Another correspondent with the ILN was a young man called William D’Urban of Countess Wear, Exeter, who was later to become the curator of the Royal Albert Memorial Museum in Exeter. He had spent time in Canada and was an experienced tracker of animals in the snow. By his own account he followed the Devon

Coast & Country

Others added to the general aura of mystery by claiming that when the track met an obstacle, like a wall or a building or even a haystack, it would stop on one side and start again on the other as though whatever it was had leapt over the obstacle.

Later reports even talked of the track stopping on one side of the two-mile wide Exe estuary and then starting off again on the other. This was true but there is no evidence that anyone actually followed the same track across the thin ice.

Reliable observer and experienced tracker William D’Urban had no explanation Just as chillingly perhaps is the recollection of another Reverend, this time J.J. Rowe of Marychurch, Torquay who said that he knew of a hunt that had followed the tracks for some distance and into a wood, at which point the hounds suddenly came tearing out again, “baying and terrified”

Dawlish area showing distance hoofmarks tracked on 9th February 1855 Road or track River Approx trail of hoofmarks

Letʼs get serious One hundred miles in a single night?

Surely this was the work of more than one, er.... more than one what?

A contemporary commentator on the mystery (and talking about one particular stretch of tracks) pointed out that “ to cross 40 miles, supposing steady progress and a generous 14 hours of darkness, with the generallyreported stride of eight inches would require the perpetrator to move at the rate of six steps per second”.

But several accounts make it clear that the trail was broken at a number of places. Another clerical gentleman, the Reverend H.T. Ellacombe, who came to Exmouth a few years after the event, was told by his parishioners that “there were marks in the middle of a field, insulated - without any apparent approach or retreat.”

KANGAROOS were favourite for a while. Two were kept in a private menagerie in Sidmouth owned by a Mr. Fische and one of these had escaped, reported the Exeter Flying Post. But kangaroos cannot jump 14feet and leave a totally different track when they do finally land. Anyway, the story later turned out to be untrue when Mr. Fische declared that neither of his kangaroos had escaped and could certainly vouch for their continued incarceration on the night in question.

from the continent. But these being either web-footed or clawed the question remained what kinds of bird leave footprints “like a donkey hoof” or “closely resembling a donkey’s shoe” as witnesses observed.

SMALL DONKEYS then remained prime suspects, especially since they tend to plant their feet in an almost perfect single line. But quite how they had managed to get into fenced gardens, leap barns and haystacks or balance along walls was never satisfactorily explained.

BADGERS attracted a lot of attention.

They are nocturnal and can cover long distances in search of food – but a badger’s prints are staggered and show both their pads and claws in the imprints. Next?

HOT AIR or not there was the balloon story of course – but this came later. It was claimed by some that the Navy at Plymouth had released “a top-secret weather balloon” from Devonport and were keeping quiet about it.

What had happened, claimed the proponents of this particular bit of intelligence was that its handlers had somehow lost control of it and it had moved eastwards during the hours of darkness, trailing a line beneath it to which was attached an iron weight of some kind which left its mark in the snow.

GYPSIES was one of the more novel claims, made as late as 1973 by one Manfri Wood in his book In the Life of a Romany Gypsy. He wrote that the whole thing took 18 months to plan and was the work of 400 gypsies from seven Romany tribes. They walked across the snows on 400 pairs of specially prepared “measuring-stilts” he said. Their purpose was to scare away what he called “rival tribes of Didekais and Pikies” – “pagans all” – who were fervent believers in the devil and had eyes on moving into the west country.

Also in Exmouth a W. Courthope Forman said, “The footprints came up the front garden to within a few feet of the house, stopped abruptly and began again at the back within a few feet of the building.”

Spring-Heeled Jack was probably more than an urban myth in early and mid-Victorian Britain. He was never caught and there were probably several of them, halfbaked mischief-makers all, in various parts of the country, who read the newspaper stories and set up their own franchises, copying each other.

Many newspaper reports (the first in 1837) contain descriptions of his bizarre appearance – tall, skinny, dressed as the devil and with sharp claws “and eyes like red balls of fire”. His forte was to leap out of the darkness onto a hapless victim (usually female) in a lonely place, to tear at their clothing and faces with steel-like claws before leaping away again into the blackness of the night.

This ability to make enormous jumps gave him his nick-name.

Spring-Heeled Jack‘s activities diminished as the century wore on but his memory was kept alive in many of the best selling pennydreadfuls of the day. Warnings to the young to be home before dark “else Spring-Heeled Jack’ll get you!” lasted well into the Edwardian era in Devon, as elsewhere.

Which brings us back to Devon in 2014 and these still dark February evenings with none of us any the wiser as to what or who crossed our fair county that snowy night long ago.

The most likely answer is that there is probably no single explanation. The ‘hoof-prints’ in the snow were like as not made by animals or birds or both.

Sometimes even, as the stories of the devil got around , by mischief makers out to torment their neighbours.

Suspects BIRDS seem to be the most likely candidates in much of this and there were lengthy exchanges on the subject in both local and national newspapers. There had been foul weather along the east and south coasts several days earlier and large numbers of birds had come ashore

But a very real fear among many of the common folk of rural Devon was that the notorious Spring-Heeled Jack had left London and was now roaming the narrow lanes of the county and ready “come dimpsey” to pounce on any poor soul as was stupid enough to unbolt their doors and venture out into the dark.

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Scale of Inches

SKETCH OF HOOF-PRINTS

Until a solution is found then the story of the Devil’s Hoof-prints is probably best filed away alongside Crop Circles, the Bermuda Triangle, the Loch Ness Monster and maybe even Things That Go Bump In the Night.

John Fisher.

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

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Cockhaven Road, Bishopsteignton - Halfway between Newton Abbot and Teignmouth

COCKHAVEN MANOR

Cockhaven Manor is renowned for fine foods; we combine this with excellent function facilities to ensure we tailor your special occasion to your exact requirements.

One of Devon’s most popular venues for Weddings and Civil Ceremonies. You can now get married at Cockhaven Manor in our garden gazebo, looking down to the Teign Estuary or Indoors in one of our function rooms WEDDINGS: Now is the time to book for 2014 Our main function suite has its own bar with a ‘meet & greet’ area so your guests can be welcomed with a drink, in style. We hope that the sun will shine on your Wedding day so that you can use the French doors to the garden and enjoy photographs and drinks, alfresco. For the celebration meal, our function dining room can cater for up to 90 guests having a sit-down meal with traditional top table and sprigs. In the evening, we will switch to party mode and with a large dance floor; your guests can increase up to a maximum of 140 for the buffet and dance. Every couple is special to us and we tailor the wedding to meet your requirements and budget, rather than insisting on a ‘one size fits all’ package. For more information come and speak to the wedding co-ordinator Peter Phipps, or the resident owners Roy and Mandy Extance.

Spring/ Summer/ Autumn 2014 Midweek Weddings Special £2,699 A quality wedding at a first class venue need not break the bank if you opt for our “inclusive midweek Reception” The price includes a 3 course roast beef wedding breakfast with a choice of starter and dessert for up to 70 people.

Red wine, white wine and orange juice will be offered to your guests on arrival and again with starter and main course.

With your cake (not included) we will serve coffee with a mint and a glass of bubbly for the toasts.

Birthdays / Anniversaries / Christenings: If you want a smaller and more intimate occasion then our 16th century, beamed Gallery Suite is ideal. We can accommodate up to 26 guests around 1 large table or up to 36 on smaller tables.

Over a coffee, we will be pleased to arrange a menu to suit your requirements. A 3-course menu including a choice of starter and a choice of dessert can cost as little as £16.50 per person and no extra charge for the room.

Cockhaven Road, Bishopsteignton Halfway Between Newton Abbot and Teignmouth

CALL 01626 775252 for details

W hite tablecloths fu l ly colou r co - ordinated table flowers,welcome board, serviettes and table letters will ensure the perfect setting and be highlighted by 8 groups of 3 colour co- ordinated helium balloons, top table dressing and a balloon arch over the top table.

In the evening the party mood can come into full swing with a hot and cold buffet, disco and a private bar for up to 120 people.

The disco and bar will continue until carriages at midnight.

The bride and groom can round off their day by retiring to their four poster room and two further double or twin rooms are included in the price together with a sumptuous 3 course full English breakfast the following morning.

Extra guests up to a maximum of 20 would be charged at £25 for the whole event (wedding breakfast, drinks,and buffet) and extra double or twin rooms at £75 (for two people including full English breakfast).

Available Saturday 5th April due to cancellation.

SOUTH DEVON COASTand COUNTRY

52 50

01626 775252

www.cockhavenmanor.com

COCKHAVEN MANOR For The Best Of West Country Food

Cockhaven Manor is famed for its excellent service and mouthwatering food. From February to March, you can enjoy a 2-course lunch for just £9.95, or a fantastic 3-courses for £12.50.

Experience some of the best value and quality West Country food.

Perfect for a business lunch, social get together or just a warming winter meal by the fire. The Winter Warmer Lunch menu is available every lunchtime Monday to Friday. A sample is shown but the menu changes daily.

WINTER WARMER MENU 2 Courses £9.95

3 Courses £12.50

Cream of Leek and Potato Soup Fan of Melon with Fresh Fruits and Sorbet Field Mushroom with Prawns in Garlic Butter topped with Herb Breadcrumbs

Food fit for a King Although Head Chef David Baldwin has returned to his West Country roots here in Bishopsteignton, the experience of catering for lavish London banquets can be recognised in the combination of exquisite cuisine and the finest of West Country produce. An extensive a la carte menu is supplemented by fresh fish and specials board, so whatever your taste you will find something to excite your taste buds, and all at tremendous value-for-money prices!

Cockhaven manor now has Dinner Jazz evenings on the last Sunday of every month February 23rd - Frog Island Jazz March 30th - Metropolis Jazz £17.50 for a 3 Course Dinner plus Coffee & Jazz Why not make a night of it?

Mention the Jazz and get £10.00 discount on the price of B&B. Table reservations - Tel 01626 775252 or email enquires@cockhavenmanor.com

Cockhaven Road, Bishopsteignton Halfway Between Newton Abbot and Teignmouth

CALL 01626 775252 for details

Country Pâté with Onion Marmalade, Green Leaves and Melba toast ***** Traditional Devon Roast Beef and Yorkshire Pudding With Roast Potatoes & Fresh Vegetables Pork Steak with a Mustard, Brandy, Honey and Cream Sauce Served with Fresh Vegetables & Potatoes Cold Meat (or Cheese & Fruit) Platter Served with Full Salad & New Potatoes Sheppard's Pie Topped with Mashed Potatoes and Cheddar Cheese Served with Fresh Vegetables Roasted Butternut Squash stuffed with Spinach, Somerset Brie and Red Peppers Served with Salad and Garlic Bread ***** Apple and Raspberry Crumble with Custard Lemon and Sultana Parfait Dark Chocolate Brownie with a Creamy White Chocolate Sauce Key Lime Pie with Lime Sorbet Our Winter Warmer Menu changes daily and is available through February and March - Monday to Friday Lunchtimes VALENTINE 4 COURSE DINNER AND DANCE Friday 14th & Saturday 15th February £27.50 BOOK EARLY!

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

53 51

artisans and artists INTERIOR DESIGN

Landing Pad! - interior by Susan Folwell at Artisans and Artists featuring bespoke upholstered pelmet and hand sewn curtains in Malabar Kabuki 02 with bullion fringe to the leading edge, linen voile in Les Creations de la Maison Gin 2, pair of antique salon chairs upholstered in G端ell Lamadrid Tivoli 22, satin scatter cushions in Linwood Calamine, small front cushions in Mark Alexander Long Island, bespoke framed antique prints

by J M Ahivasi are part of a rare collection of 57 hung print room style throughout this upper landing area, a carved marble female torso stands on a mirrored low table, Italian tanned cowhide, bespoke radiator cover with rattan inserts, walls and woodwork Paint and Paper Library Sand II - IV

Put art at the heart of everyday life

Oxford House West Street Ashburton Devon UK TQ13 7DU

info@artisansandartists.co.uk 00 44 (0)1364 653276 artisansandartists.co.uk