South Devon Coast & Country Oct 12

South DEVON

COAST & COUNTRY A Celebration of Life in South Devon

Covering South Devon

Oct-Nov 2012

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South Devon Coast & Country

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Contents Oct-Nov

4. Forthcoming Events

ISSUE NO 3

Find out what's on in South Devon.

34. Farm Life in Devon By noted local historian, Ted Gosling.

8. Live Music Roundup

36. Newton Abbot feature

Get the info on local live music.

An old English market town explored.

10. Art Gallery What's On

44. Fly Tying Close Up

Art gallery events across the region.

With Alan Riddell and Jack Jones.

14. Back to the Future

46. Walk on the Wildside

Home decor by Amanda Crump.

With wildlife artist Mike Hughes.

24. Tales of a Yokel

48. Life Matters

Yarns from the inimitable FCR Esgen.

Health and wellbeing issues.

CONTRIBUTORS

Nigel Jones, Mike Hughes, FCR Esgen, John Fisher, Amanda Crump, Ted Gosling, Philip Hawkins, Alan Riddell, Charlotte Fergie.

MAGAZINE

Editor and publisher: Nigel Jones tel. 01395 513383 email: nigel@prestige-media.co.uk Advertising call: 07760 175303 jenny@prestige-media.co.uk or 01395 513383 By post: 6 Bennetts Hill, Sidmouth EX10 9XH

South DEVON

COAST & COUNTRY A Celebration of Life in South Devon

26. I Love Shopping!

50. Cream of the Crop

We visit Teignmouth town centre.

Business stars from the region.

Salcombe estuary

28. Coast & Country Walk The river Avon upstream of South Brent.

Covering South Devon

A Celebration of Life in South Devon

Cover photo: N.Jones

Oct-Nov 2012

FREE

All images copyright N.Jones unless otherwise credited

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03/09/2012 11:20

Editor's Letter A warm welcome to the South Devon Coast & Country Magazine, the only regional magazine solely for South Devon.

Many thanks to all the readers who have written-in and emailed regarding this magazine. It's heartening to know that the effort that goes into producing this local magazine is really appreciated by the reader. Although the magazine is free to the public, we're very committed to ensuring that there's always lots to read and reference within the mag.

If you like the magazine, it would be much appreciated if you can mention it to local businesses and advertisers who fund this production, as this helps tremendously.

This issue sees us visiting the old market town of Newton Abbot, where there's much more to it than initially meets the eye. If you're planning a visit from afar, allow yourself enough time to have a good look around.

The Tourist Information centre is worth visiting also, as it's a mine of information.

South Devon Coast & Country

Event Organisers - you may notice that within the magazine we have a dedicated "What's On" section if you're an event organiser or publicist for your society, company, club, charity or organisation, please make contact so we can add you onto our system for event listings. Event listings are free of charge.

Advertising - Please contact: vivienne@prestige-media.co.uk Become a distributor - we're currently looking for reliable people . If you have a car and ideally a partner to assist, please call.

Have an enjoyable autumn.

Regards Nigel Jones (Editor)

2

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It’s a big decision and you need to feel confident in your surgeon.

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You couldn’t be in better hands.

A Celebration of Life in South Devon

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SPOOKY TOURS at POWDERHAM CASTLE

A CELEBRATION OF HONEY BEES

VIENNA FESTIVAL BALLET, PRINCESS THEATRE

October & November 2012

Forthcoming Events Xmas Events South Hams Arts Forum Christmas Bazaar 16th to 18th Nov - Harbour House, The Promenade, Kingsbridge.

Christmas Glass Decorations 17th Nov - Learn the basics of glass cutting and fusing to create a beautiful hanging glass Christmas decoration.

Devon Guild of Craftsmen, 10am.

Brixham Christmas Market 24th to 25th Nov - The Scala Hall, Brixham. 10am to 4pm.

Xmas Lights and Late Night Shopping 30th Nov - Modbury

Festivals Dartmouth Fishing Festival 6th to 8th Oct - A popular fishing festival with various competitions and other related activities.

Jubilee Walking Festival 8th to 12th Oct - Daily walks over the 5 days. Steam Railway and River Boat Company, Paignton and other areas.

Two Moors Festival 11th to 20th Oct - Enjoy sensational chamber performances in churches across Dartmoor and Exmoor.

Annual Autumn Festival 13th to 14th October, A celebration of all things autumnal. With food & drink

tastings, apple identification, apple pressing and much more! Free entry.

10am-4.30pm. Avon Mill Garden Centre

Stopher, landscape designer. Free entry, but please pre-book, as limited places.

11am-12 noon. Avon Mill Garden Centre.

Dartmouth Food Festival 26th to 28th Oct - Centred on the historic market square. You can enjoy good food, demonstrations, children's activities, wine tasting and much more.

Manson's Guitar Show 17th to 18th Nov - Exeter Corn Exchange.

Dart Drama Festival 9th to 12th Nov - The Flavel, Dartmouth.

7.30pm.

7th Annual Black Tie Charity Ball 6th Oct - Las Vegas themed Charity Ball in support of Macmillan Cancer Support, Help for Heroes, whose share of the money raised will be earmarked for the Recovery Centre at Plymouth, & Families for Children. Grand Hotel, Torquay.

Teignmouth Jazz Festival 16th to 18th Nov - Local and national artists feature many genres of jazz such as, Funk, Latin, and many more.

LOCAL EVENTS Cockington Apple Day 14th Oct - Showcasing the best in local foods, handmade crafts, apple varieties and ciders of course!

A Celebration of Honey Bees 20th Oct - The annual show of the Newton Abbot Beekeepers' Association.

The Avenue Church Hall, Newton Abbot.

Arctic Challenge Snow Ball 20th Oct - A charity ball raising funds for Rowcroft Hospice. Newton Abbot Racecourse. 7pm. £35.

Modbury Fireworks 5th Nov. Rethinking your garden 6th Nov - A 'design principles' talk by Jo

MAIN EVENTS

Trafalgar Day Service 21 Oct - the White Ensign will be flying over Exeter Cathedral during the annual Service to celebrate Lord Nelson’s great victory at Trafalgar in 1805, Exeter Cathedral, 11.00am.

Dartington Rua Macmillan Trio 4th Oct - Musical concert featuring Rua Macmillan (fiddle), Tia Files (guitar), and Adam Brown (bodhran). Full Price £12.

Student/U16 £5.

Interrogate! Festival 12th to 14th Oct - A fresh approach to looking at important social issues.

Inspiring people to take part.

South Devon Coast & Country

Halloween Ghost Tour and Hog Roast 31st Oct - Family-friendly tours of the buildings and grounds in the evening.

Also a delicious local Hog Roast.

Comedy Club 16th Nov - Dartington's first ever Comedy Club. Be entertained by a number of comedians from far and wide.

Great Debates 29th Nov - Debates on the subject of motoring. How can the means by which we travel fit into a sustainable rural community? Tickets £8.

Fairs Tavistock Goose Fair 10th Oct - Annual fair in Tavistock. It attracts market traders and showmen from all over the country. Enjoy various stalls and fairground activities.

Exclusive Wedding Fayre 12th to 14th Oct - Over a glass of bubbly, discuss your requirements with our dedicated team, meet the local wedding suppliers and much more! Entry is free.

Haldon Belvedere, Exeter.

Bampton Charter Fair 25th Oct - A historic charter fair, this traditional Devon event continues to attract local producers of foods, livestock, crafts and traditional skills.

The Rattery Craft Fair 4th Nov - This excellent and well respected fair showcases the work of 4

October & November 2012

Forthcoming Events selected local artists/makers. The Village Hall, Rattery. 10am-4pm.

Theatrical Plays Wyrd Sisters 31st Oct to 3rd Nov - The Little Theatre, Torquay.

Shakespeare's Macbeth 12 to 17 Nov - performed underground at Kents Cavern, Exeter. Times vary. £16.

Childrens' Entertainment Day Out With Thomas 27th to 30th Oct - Enjoy a day out with Thomas the Tank Engine at the Dartmouth Steam Railway.

Halloscream Week 27th Oct to 4th Nov - Family scare days at Woodlands Family Theme Park.

Hip Hop Workshop 29 Oct-3 Nov - Banxy Hip Hop Dance Residence, with a series of Workshops for 7+ yrs, Northcott Theatre, Exeter.

themed activities including pumpkin carving, and entertainment for the family.

The Big Draw A family drop-in and draw events as part of the National Campaign for Drawing.

Devon Guild of Craftsmen, Bovey Tracey.

Spooky Tours & More 28 Oct to 1 Nov - Hear fascinating tales of the Castle and its past residents as you are led by a friendly ghostly guide through the impressive Castle rooms.

Comedy POWDERHAM

castle

Deer Rut Safari & Cream Tea 2 to 25 Oct - Take a tractor ride into the deer park to see the fascinating behaviour of the deer, and enjoy a delicious cream tea. £10 per person.

Stephen K Amos 17th Oct - Stephen returns with his new show. Corn Exchange, Exeter. £17.

Stephen K. Amos 19th Oct - The maestro of feel good comedy and star of television and radio is back with his new stand-up show.

Ages 16+. Babbacombe Theatre, Torquay. £17.

Stewart Francis 24th Nov - Part of his brand new tour.

Enjoy a fantastic and hilarious new show.

Babbacombe Theatre, Torquay. £18.50.

CONTINUED OVERLEAF

Powderham Food Festival 6 Oct - Come and celebrate everything that’s great about food! Demonstrations, workshops, family fun, live music and of course fantastic food and drink. Open 10am to 5pm. Adult £4, Children under 12yrs Free.

Concert in the Music Room 26 Oct - A programme of music mainly

by Bach, and including two of the Suites for unaccompanied cello. To book please call 01626 890243. Concert starts 7.30pm. £14.

October Half-Term at Pennywell Farm 29th Oct to 4th Nov - Many Halloween

A Celebration of Life in South Devon

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October & November 2012

Forthcoming Events Jimmy Carr 25th Nov - Enjoy his brand new show "Gagging Order" at the Princess Theatre, Torquay. £26.

Carnivals South Brent Winter Carnival 24th Nov - Witness one of the largest processions in South Devon, featuring award-winning floats. Procession begins at 6pm.

Classical

Concerts Two Moors Festival Concert 15th Oct - Orchestra of the Swan.

Exeter Cathedral. Doors open 6:45pm.

Osilgi Maasai Warriors 6th Nov - Part of their UK tour in which they perform their tribal song and dance, whilst sharing their culture.

Exeter Cathedral. 1pm.

European Choral Classics 24th Nov - Roman Catholic Cathedral.

Plymouth. 7.30pm.

FARMERS &

Country Markets

Ashburton Local Produce Market Thursday/Friday/Saturday, 9am - 3pm, Tucker’s Yard.

Bovey Tracey Farmers' Market Alternate Saturdays, Union Square.

Buckfastleigh Farmers’ Market Thursdays, 9am-1pm. Town Hall.

Dartmouth Farmers’ Market 2nd Saturday of the month, 9am - 1pm, Market Square.

Dawlish Local Produce Market 2nd Friday of the month, 9am - 2pm, Piazza on the lawn.

Ivybridge Country Market Fridays, 8.30am - 11.30am, The Scout Hut, St Leonard’s Road.

Kingsbridge Country Market Wednesdays, 8am - noon.

Town Hall, Fore Street.

Kingsbridge Farmers’ Market 2nd & 3rd Saturdays of the month, 9am - 1pm, Town Square.

Newton Abbot Farmers’ Market Tuesdays, 9am - 4pm, Courtenay Street.

Teignmouth Local Produce Market 3rd Saturday of the month, The Triangle.

Tavistock Market The Pannier Market, Tavistock. Fridays from 9am-4pm.

Totnes Good Food Sunday 3rd Sunday, the Market Square.

Totnes Market Fridays and Saturdays.

MARKET DAYS Brixham Arts and Craft Market Every Saturday under the old fish market, Brixham harbourside.

Dartmouth Market Every Tuesday and Friday in the Market Square from Easter to October.

Exminster Market first Saturday every month, 9.30am12.30pm Ivybridge Market The Scout Hut, St Leonard's Road, Ivybridge. Fridays from 8.30am11.30am.

Kingsbridge Market Town Hall Foyer, Fore Street.

Wednesdays from 8.15am - 12noon.

Newton Abbot Outdoor Market The Market Square every Wednesday & Saturday 8am-4pm.

Collectors Totnes Flea Market Fridays - Civic Hall Square on Fridays.

Silver Collectables Sale 9th Oct - Eldreds Auctioneers and Valuers. Plymouth.

Bonhams Valuation Day 20th Nov - specialist valuation of family treasures, antiques or flea market finds! From 11am-2pm.

Hazelwood House, Loddiswell.

EXHIBITIONS Exeter’s Fine Art Collection Until 4th Nov - Some of the museums most famous paintings. Gallery 5, RAMM, Exeter.

Contemporary Crafts for Christmas 17th Nov to 31st Dec - Christmas exhibition. Riverside Mill, Bovey Tracey.

· 14 separate shops and cafes · The Haven Spa for a spot of pampering · Dynamic adventures for bookable outdoor activities · Crazy about Clay for bookable pottery lessons · Glass blowing Fri/Sat with lessons available

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TIME TO EXPLORE! A Celebration of Life in South Devon

7

Live Music Roundup 2nd Saturday - Acoustic Revue Night, The Huntsman Inn, Ide. 9pm.

3rd, 22nd Oct - Go Tell Alice, The Albert Inn, Totnes 7pm.

5th Oct - Out Of The Box, The Long Bar, Brixham 9pm.

5th Oct - Thick As Thieves, Silent Whistle, Ashburton 9pm.

6th Oct - The Lateshift, Upton Social Club, Torquay 9pm.

6th Oct - Rage, The Spinning Wheel Inn, Paignton.

6th Oct - Raspberry Fish, The Pier Inn, Paignton 9pm.

12th Oct - Go Tell Alice, The Wild Goose Inn, Combeinteignhead 9pm.

13th Oct - Roo Mckeller , The Railway Inn, Newton Abbot 9pm.

19th Oct - Kiss This!, The Farmers Union, Exeter 9pm.

19th Oct - Spaced Invaders , The Ship & Pelican, Exeter 9pm.

2nd Nov - The Sound, Kitty O'Hanlon's, Plymouth 9pm.

3rd Nov - The Vibes, Kitty O'Hanlon's, Plymouth 9pm.

3rd Nov - Joey The Lips, The Wellington, Ipplepen 8pm £TBC. 4th Nov - Sam, The Coach House, Paignton 5pm.

4th Nov - Dave Deeley, The Garden, Torpoint 4pm.

9th Nov - Eat The Rich , Kitty O'Hanlon's, Plymouth 9pm.

10th Nov - The Vibe , The Brass Monkey, Plymouth 9pm.

10th Nov - Hot Candy , Derriford Hospital Club, Plymouth 9pm.

10th Nov - Code Red , Black Jacks, Plymouth 9.30pm.

10th Nov - Eat The Rich , Ring O'Bells Chagford, Chagford 9pm.

10th Nov - Quite Brazen, The Bell Inn, Bovey Tracey 9pm.

11th Nov - Eddie Edrik, The Coach House, Paignton 9pm.

15th Nov - Soul Funktion , The Spinning Wheel Inn, Paignton 9.30pm.

16th Nov - The Heist, The Post Office Inn, Plympton 9pm.

16th Nov - Banana Thieves, Annabel's Cabaret & Discotheque, Plymouth 10pm £TBC.

BLUES

16th Nov - Triple Soul, Black Jacks, Plymouth 9pm £TBC.

3rd, 17th Oct - Benny Guitar Carr & The Hot Rats, The Royal Oak, Malborough 7pm.

17th Nov - The Sound , The Brass Monkey, Plymouth 9pm.

5th Oct - Cicoya Big Tree Blues, The Coach House, Paignton 9.30pm.

21st Nov - Go Tell Alice, The Albert Inn, Totnes. 7pm.

5th Oct - The Bail Jumpers, Dicey Reilly's, Teignmouth 9.30pm.

22nd Nov - Dodgey Practice, The Spinning Wheel Inn, Paignton 9.30pm.

6th Oct - Cut the Rug, Ring O'Bells Chagford 9pm.

JAZZ 1st Tuesday - Kingsbridge Jazz Club, each month at The Fisherman's Rest, Aveton Gifford.

2nd Sat - Acoustic Revue Night, The Huntsman Inn, Ide 9pm.

25th Oct - Simon Spillett, The Blue Vanguard Jazz Club, Gipsy Hill Hotel, Exeter.

3rd Nov - Take 4, The Ness, Shaldon, 7.30pm.

17th Nov - Take 4 at Teignmouth Jazz Festival, 5.30pm.

22nd Nov - Paul Sawtell, The Blue Vanguard Jazz Club, Gipsy Hill Hotel, Exeter.

FOLK ROOTS & ACOUSTIC 4th Oct - Josie Lloyd, Phonic Fm, Exeter.

12th Oct - 4 parts blue, Dicey Reilly's, Teignmouth 9pm.

12th Oct - The Mighty Camel Toe, The Jolly Abbot, Newton Abbot 9pm.

12th Oct - The Perfect Strangers, The Revelry, Exeter 9pm.

14th Oct - History Of Lies, Barrel House, Totnes 8.30pm.

19th Oct - The Johnsons, The Kings Arms, Kingsteignton 9pm.

19th Oct - WalkHards, The Sorry Head, Exeter 9pm.

7th, 21st Nov - Benny Guitar Carr & The Hot Rats, The Royal Oak, Malborough 7pm.

8th, 22nd Nov - Benny Guitar Carr & The Hot Rats, The Refectory Plymouth Gin, Plymouth 9pm.

10th Nov - Benny Guitar Carr & The Hot Rats, The Queens Arms, Tamerton Foliot 9pm.

10th Nov - The Bail Jumpers, New Quay Inn, Teignmouth 9.15pm.

5th Oct - Celine Dos Santos, Hatt's, Exeter 9pm.

6th Oct - Celine Dos Santos, Offshore Bar Restaurant, Torquay 9.30pm.

12th Oct - Decadence, Ye Olde Jolly Sailor, Teignmouth 9pm.

13th Oct - Los No Boss, The Famous Old Barrel, Exmouth 9pm.

13th Oct - Adam Isaac , Exeter Phoenix, Exeter 8pm.

14th Oct - Bug Zappa & Dick Scratcher, Ship Inn, Teignmouth 4pm.

19th Oct - Celine Dos Santos , Hatt's, Exeter 9pm.

4th Nov - The Levi Moretons, Ship Inn, Teignmouth 6pm.

7th Nov - Michael Semora, The Blues Bar, Plymouth 9pm.

17th Nov - Maggie Duffy & Mike Weed, Stokeinteignhead Village Hall, 8pm £TBC.

Photo courtesy of Roo McKeller

GENERAL

ROCK/H-METAL 5th Oct - K2, The Ferry Boat Inn, Teignmouth 9pm.

5th Oct - Chris Banderas, Blue Anchor, Brixham 9pm.

5th Oct - The Bohemains, The Barnfield Theatre, Exeter 8pm £17.

6th Oct - The EDGe, The Coach House, Paignton 9pm.

7th Oct - Chris Banderas, The Golden Lion, Newton Abbot 3pm.

7th Oct - Bozwellox, The Queens Head Hotel, Exeter 8.30pm.

12th Oct - CoverFire, (Rock Covers) , The Golden Lion, Newton Abbot 9pm.

12th Oct - Rude Tiger, (Rock) , Barrel House, Totnes 9pm £3.

South Devon Coast & Country

13th Oct - Rocket 88, Kirkham Street Sports & Social Club, Paignton 9pm.

13th Oct - Still Life, New Quay Inn, Teignmouth.

19th Oct - Vivid Sky, New Quay Inn, Teignmouth 9pm.

19th Oct - Secondnature, Royal Seven Stars, Totnes 9pm.

2nd Nov - Out Of The Box, The Coach House, Paignton 9pm.

2nd Nov - Conspiracy, The Spinning Wheel Inn, Paignton .

3rd Nov - Vicious Kitten, The Post Office Inn, Plympton 9pm.

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.

8

Photo courtesy of Joey the Lips

OCTOBER & NOVEMBER 2012

Live Music Saturday, 13th October ROO McKELLER, THE RAILWAY INN, NEWTON ABBOT

Saturday 3rd November 8pm JOEY THE LIPS, THE WELLINGTON, IPPLEPEN

Andrew Robert McKeller's love of music began at around the age of four, when his parents bought him a small toy piano which he absolutely adored. It wasn't until later in life though that he discovered his abilities as a singer/songwriter. Music was primarily a hobby to Roo for many years, not playing a dominant role in his life until the 1990s when he joined his first band. Since then, Roo has written songs and produced for many artists around the world. His abilities to write in any musical genre make him a very sought after producer/songwriter. When Roo isn't raising the roof at one of his shows, you will often find him in his production studio forging a new composition. If you don't want to miss him perform, he will be at The Railway Inn, Newton Abbot on the 13th October.

www.joeythelips.co.uk

Fast, fun, and furious, Devon-based 10-piece band Joey the Lips, formed in 1994, serves up Funky Soul, Blues and Disco Revue. They feature three high quality vocalists, a driving rhythm section, and a kicking horn section that won't stay still for a second. Vocalist Jimmy Alderson is the consummate frontman, an expert both at working the crowd and at audience interaction. It's a winning formula, and it's why the band is in great demand and will be headlining at several music festivals this year. For bookings and information: tel: 01752 771868 or 07747 840554 web: www.joeythelips.co.uk

Wednesday 17th October BENNY GUITAR CARR & THE HOT RATS, THE ROYAL OAK, MALBOROUGH

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

www.bennyguitarcarr.co.uk

Saturday 6th Oct 9pm THE LATESHIFT, UPTON SOCIAL CLUB, TORQUAY

Photo courtesy of: The Late Shift

www.thelateshift.co.uk The Lateshift, a five-piece covers band with a funky upbeat style, is the South West's premier band for weddings, functions and events. Based in the Exeter area they comprise Rockin Ricky (saxophones, percussion and backing vocals), Mike (lead guitar and backing vocals), Jen (lead vocals), Andy (bass guitar), and Steve (drums).

Their cool mix of classic songs spans the generations, and their aim is simple: 'Give the audience what they want.

The Hot Rats are a crazy little band from Kingsbridge, Devon with a taste for electric blues and roots music. No matter where you come from, no matter what the weather, The Hot Rats will get you up and dancing to their crazy music. This young and funky band perform their own original material alongside classic blues and roots music from Delta to Chicago. The songs are propelled by their relentless energy, which creates an ideal platform for the Hot Rats blues, boogie, punk and psychedelic influences. The band is made up of three brothers; singer/songwriter/ guitarist Ben Carr, funky walking bass player Tom Carr and drummer and percussionist Jimbo Carr. Besides being a very powerful 3 piece the guys are often joined by guest musicians on sax, trumpet, harmonica or guitar. An electrifying funky band with the sweat dripping off the edge of their noses.

Photo courtesy of Benny Guitar Carr

www.roomckeller.com

FEATURED VENUE

3rd Nov - Hot Candy, The Wheelers, Torpoint 9pm.

3rd Nov - Killing Amy, New Quay Inn, Teignmouth 9pm.

9th Nov - Rusty Angels, The Post Office Inn, Plympton 9pm.

9th Nov - Still Life, Dicey Reilly's, Teignmouth.

10th Nov - Jai Rock's, The Railway Inn, Newton Abbot 9pm.

10th Nov - Mojo, The Wheelers, Torpoint 9.30pm.

17th Nov - Crossfire, The Coach House, Paignton 9pm.

18th Nov - James Cann, The Coach House, Paignton 9pm.

18th Nov - Mercedes , Voodoo Lounge, Plymouth 9pm.

One World Cafe "A charming Cafe with a truly unique appeal" Set like a jewel in the heart of The English Riviera, nestled amongst the sunken Victorian gardens, against the backdrop of Torre Abbey and the beach, lay Torquay's best kept secret.

One World Cafe, premises known mostly as a Tea room since the late 1920s, now stands proud as a fully-fledged music venue after only ten shows, since new owners Lynn and Laurence took over in the summer of 2011.

performers and more left of centre acts.

With well known local acts such as Oxbow Lakes, Big Wave and Out of Platos Cave playing packed shows out on the terrace, One World Cafe is going from strength to strength. Now working in

Taking a model more commonly associated with the sunny terraces and cafe culture of the Mediterannean and adapting this to the historic and picturesque setting of the Devonian seaside, Lynn and Laurence put the emphasis on free, family friendly shows, whilst still championing local original acts across all genres from, jazz, contemporary guitar bands, african percussion, acoustic

A Celebration of Life in South Devon

association with The Attic Nightclub to host larger events over both venues, Torquays best kept secret may well be out of the bag. Abbey Park, Torquay. tel: 01803 297797 web: www.oneworldcafe.org.uk

Photo courtesy of Finnegan Travers

3rd Nov - Code Red, Millbridge Inn, Plymouth 9pm.

9

Forthcoming Exhibitions October & November 2012

David Barwick - 'Yarner Wood' - Harbour House

Helen Grimes - 'Summer Flowers' - South Hams Arts Forum

GALLERIES Laura Wall Book Signing Oct - A great opportunity to buy signed editions of ‘Goose’, prints and original art and have a chat with Laura herself.

Mayne Gallery, Kingsbridge.

Brian Crossley - 'The Garden' - Brownston Gallery

Fabian Perez - 'Dancer In Red' - Triton Galleries

River Erme Oct - Various Artists detail the Erme from the Source to the Sea. Lime Square Gallery, Ivybridge.

Mixed Exhibition Oct and Nov - a showcase of the best of the best South West artists and sculptors, Somerville Gallery.

Exhibition Showing Jeanette Smith, Alister Colley, Kerry Darlington, Kate Wyatt, Sam Toft, Howard Mills, Diana Tregaskis, Frames and Boxes, Newton Abbot.

Endless Summer

Celebration Exhibition

In Pursuit of Art

Until 6th Oct - the evolution of surfing by artist Kurt Jackson, Plymouth City Museum.

Until 31st Oct - 40 years of painting

by Brixham's Harbourside artists.

Paintings with a Maritime theme, Strand Art Gallery, Brixham

Until 15th Dec - Charles Eastlake's journey from Plymouth to the National Gallery, Plymouth City Museum.

Ice and Sand

Until 2013 - See an impressive selection of fine and decorative artworks from the Museum's permanent collections that either portray or were created by women, Plymouth City Museum.

Roy Lang Until 8th Oct - Moods of the Sea in Oils, The Flavel, Dartmouth.

Patrick Jones Until 13th Oct - The abstract painter's first one man show in the Southwest, Gloss Gallery, Exeter.

Colour and Light Until 20th Oct - An exploration of the two major influences of South West art led by supreme colourist Brian Crossley and supported by Barry Kelly, Gordon Frickers, and Nick Johnson, Brownston Gallery, Modbury.

Elemental Until 30th Oct - Molly Garnier and Michael Sole. Nature and the elements, both of landscape and the human form.

The Marle Gallery, Axminster.

Emma Carter - 'Breakwater Brixham' Lime Square

Until 31st Oct - Art from three continents at a small rural gallery, Coombe Farm Gallery, Dittisham.

Fine Art Collection Until 4 Nov - An exhibition of the city’s most famous paintings alongside important new acquisitions never before seen in Exeter. Gallery 5, RAMM, Exeter.

Rivers and Streams Until 4th Nov - Jem Southam’s images follow Devon’s River Exe from Exmoor to the Exe Estuary, The Devon Guild of Craftsmen.

Women in Art

Bob Barker 1st to 14th Oct - The Nationally renowned artist brings his unique style to the Gallery. New prints and originals will be available, Haddon Galleries, Torquay.

HannahART

An Autumn Medley of Media

1st Oct to 1st Nov - An exhibition of work created by attendees of our creative workshops. Dame Hannah Rogers Trust, Newton Abbot.

Until mid Nov - Featuring renowned local artist, Richard Thorn together with Caroline Barker, Martine O'Malley, and Tobie Loates. Avon Mill Garden Centre.

2nd to 7th Oct - Paintings by Jon Woolfenden. Large, striking paintings

South Devon Coast & Country

Boogie Nights

10

Robert Bevan (1865-1925) - 'Devonshire Valley No. 1' - RAMM, Exeter

Blue - Open Art Exhibition 20th Oct to 10th Nov - For full details of entry, pop into Harbour House for a brochure, Kingsbridge.

New Light on Newlyn 20th Oct to 12th Jan 2013 - This exhibition will explore the art that has been created in and around the Cornish fishing port of Newlyn, both past and present, Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery.

Molly Garnier - 'Silk Sheets' - The Marle Gallery

with an industrial theme, Harbour House, Kingsbridge.

Jane Faires 8th to 22nd Oct - Abstract Acrylics, The Flavel, Dartmouth.

4A 9th to 14th Oct - Paintings by David Barwick, Diana Miller, Annabelle Gregory SWA and Derek Symons, Harbour House, Kingsbridge.

halls throughout the beautiful South Hams. Free entry. See www.shaf.org.uk for full details.

Greg Ramsden 20th to 28th Oct - His latest works. An open studios event, part of the South Hams Art Forum, Coves Quay Gallery, Salcombe.

Stephen Bond Photography 22nd to 29th Oct - The origins of Food in South Devon, taken during the Dart Food Festival, The Flavel, Dartmouth.

Emma Jeffyres 26th Oct to 9th Nov - Solo Show, Ainscough Contemporary Art, Dartmouth.

R. O. Lenkiewicz- 'The Painter Holding Himself When Ninety' - Somerville Gallery

Doug Hyde

Something Magical

12th Oct - Triton Galleries, Dartmouth.

26th Oct to 24th Nov - A show full of enchantment led by the undisputed queen of sparkle, Yvonne Coomber.

Brownston Gallery, Modbury.

Annual Open Exhibition 19th Oct to 10th Nov - For the second time this year the South West Academy of Fine and Applied Arts (SWAc) lead the exhibition, Gloss Gallery, Exeter.

Stewart Edmondson 27th Oct (first view) - A solo exhibition of the Dartmoor artist displaying paintings of Dartmoor, the river Dart and the Scillie Isles. D'art Gallery, Dartmouth.

South Hams Arts Trail 20th to 28th Oct - Visit studios, workshops, galleries and exhibition

Richard Thorn - 'Drifting Summer Watercolour' - Avon Mill

TheMarleGallery contemporary fine art & ceramics 36 Church Street, Modbury, Devon PL21 0QR

EXHIBITIONS Until 20th Oct

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

Exhibition

Colour and Light: An exploration of the

Showing Jeanette Smith, Alister Colley, Kerry Darlington, Kate Wyatt, Sam Toft, Howard Mills, Diana Tregaskis.

26th Oct to 24th Nov

Our Gallery

enchantment led by the undisputed queen of sparkle, Yvonne Coomber.

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

two major influences of South West art led by supreme colourist Brian Crossley.

Something Magical: A show full of

01548 831 338 art@thebrownstongallery.co.uk www.thebrownstongallery.co.uk

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

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

River Erme October Various artists detail the Erme from the source to the sea.

Emma Carter November Oil paintings around the South Devon area, including Burgh Island and Berry Head.

A Celebration of Life in South Devon

EXHIBITIONS Elemental Until 30 Oct

Molly Garnier and Michael Sole. Nature and the elements, both of landscape and the human form.

Anticipation 3-24 Nov

Simon Cook solo show. The world distilled to the simple and beautiful.

Abstract using oils, gold and silver leaf.

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

11

Open Art Exhibtion 29th Oct to 12th Nov - Applications invited on the theme of The River's Story (poem by Brian Patten). Contact box office for an application form. The Flavel, Dartmouth.

Forthcoming Exhibitions October & November 2012

Helen Petit

Big Draw

20th Nov to 2nd Dec - Landscape explored through printmaking and pastel, oil and watercolour painting, Harbour House, Kingsbridge.

30th to 31st Oct - Join us for a family all day drop-in and draw event as part of the national Campaign for Drawing, Devon Guild of Craftsmen.

Fine Art Collection

John Skinner Nov - The Devon-based artist continues to capture the South West beautifully with his stunning paintings, Haddon Galleries, Torquay.

Emma Carter Nov - Oil Paintings around the South Devon area, including Burgh Island and Berry Head. Lime Square Gallery, Ivybridge.

George Beckerlegg Retrospective 12th to 26th Nov - The Flavel, Dartmouth.

14th Nov - official artist to the USA Olympic team. Triton Galleries, Darmouth.

SHAF Christmas Bazaar 16th to 18th Nov - Silver, jewellery, ceramics, basketry, driftwood art, glass, pewter and copper by members of the South Hams Arts Forum, Harbour House, Kingsbridge.

20 by 20 17th to 24th Nov - Professional artists, graduates, designers, sculptors, architects, ceramicists Jon Woollfenden - 'Disco Inferno part 1' Harbour House

Greg Ramsden SWAc- 'River Dart Home Reach' - Coves Quay Gallery

W W W. PA P E RW O R K S . U K . C O M

P A PE RW O R K S

3rd to 24th Nov - Simon Cook solo show.

The world distilled to the simple and beautiful. The Marle Gallery, Axminster.

1st Dec to 30th Mar 2013 - the exhibition will include city views, 20th century Devon landscapes and striking portraits. Gallery 5, RAMM, Exeter.

Roy Lang - 'Golden Touch' - The Flavel Art Centre

Fabian Perez Anticipation

and glassblowers come together to help raise money for charity in this Christmas exhibition. Gloss Gallery, Exeter.

South Devon Coast & Country

2013 Moleskine & PaperBlanks Diaries now in stock plus wide selection of Calendars for 2013 Greetings & Art Cards Gifts, Giftwrap and Ribbons

Come and see us at

63 HIGH STREET TOTNES DEVON

TEL 01803 867009

Art Galleries

12

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Do you want to be involved with Beekeeping?

T

he Newton Abbot branch of the Devon Beekeepers' Association are always pleased to see new faces! Now supporting over 100 members, their main purpose is to promote the importance of bees and beekeeping in the area.

While bees are perhaps most famous for producing honey, it is their pollinating behaviour which makes the largest contribution to our larder - for without this most efficient pollinator, there are many plants which would not produce fruit. Although other species pollinate flowers, the honeybee is particularly efficient.

Currently the branch are developing an Apiary, which

extends the area they lease. It also includes their wonderful new clubhouse for meetings and for members to discuss everything that's buzzing.

Help is always welcome at the branch apiary and there are always beekeeping events which need your support.

One of these events include their annual show 'A Celebration of Honey Bees' on the 20th October which will be held at The Avenue Church Hall, Newton Abbot.

For more information please visit: www.newtonabbotbees.org.uk or contact Barbara on: 01364 642313 barbara@speedwellquilts.co.uk

Eating Out

W

in South Devon

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

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

Thinking of Christmas?

• Visit Dean Court Farm Shop for your ideas • Our Butchery Department is happy to help with all your Christmas requirements, just take a look • Tempting fruit, vegetables, dairy produce, fresh baked bread and seasonal fare

LOWER DEAN, BUCKFASTLEIGH

Tel: 01364 642199

www.deancourtfarmshop.co.uk Opening times: Mon to Sat: 9am-5pm Wednesday Roast Thursday - Steak Special

ONE FREE COFFEE WITH THIS MAGAZINE

• Feeling exhausted? Visit our cafe where you will have a warm welcome • PARKING - so easy!

We look forward to seeing you soon

A Celebration of Life in South Devon

13

Y

Back to the Future

Z

I

t has long since been understood that our unsustainable plundering of the earth’s natural resources is taking its tole on our planet. Not only are the fossil fuels which we so readily rely on running out, but the environmental damage caused by using such fuels must stop before the outcome is catastrophic.

Not only that, but the rise of these fuels means that we are all seeking a cheaper alternative, and there is no better place to start than by ditching your conventional oil, gas, or electric heating system and replacing it with one of these eye-catching, highly efficient and environmentally friendly solutions.

The facts: A tree is made by the absorption of sunlight and carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The carbon dioxide produced by the burning of wood once the tree has been cut down equates to the carbon dioxide taken by the tree in the first place, ensuring a carbon neutral cycle. This is most unlike the burning of fossil fuels where the carbon released whilst burning greatly outweighs any carbon taken from the atmosphere in the first place.

Other benefits include having the look of a natural fire without any of the hassle, soot, smoke and smell issues, as well as the risk aspects of having an open flame within the home.

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South Devon Coast & Country

An open fire is estimated to be only about 20-25 percent efficient, but it can be even lower than that, which can effectively make your room even colder than before. This is due to most of the heat being sucked out through the chimney. A wood burning stove, however, can run at over 80 percent efficiency. This means that burning your logs in a stove rather than a fire can generate at least three times the amount of heat. In addition, if opting for a cooker stove, you can even boil a kettle or bake a cake whilst heating your home. In my opinion, the Esse Ironheart (seen left) is the sleekest cooking stove available (RRP ÂŁ3,695). Whilst an Aga may be your initial idea due to its iconic status within the country home, 14

directory Y HOME & INTERIORS Z

Above - Chesney Barrington cream enamel stove the Ironheart proves to be a firm favourite with the famous team at River Cottage, with its quintessential features of Esse`s famous cooker stoves and beautiful looking design.

There are so many fantastic stove producers around; Nestor Martin, Drugasar and Chesneys are probably my favorites, however, our local supplier Stovax also produce some wonderful looking and functional stoves, such as The Riva F66 Cassette (RRP £1,599) see image on right.

These are an easier and better alternative to wood logs as they are far less bulky and there`s no need to head out into the park or woodland whenever you run out of fuel! Briquettes burn better, produce more heat and last as long as top quality kiln dried logs. They also produce less local air pollution. You can buy

There are even kits available for you to use at home, using your recycled paper and cardboard pieces and creating fuel for your home with them. This involves a lot of soaking, clamping and drying, and to be honest, with the prices being so reasonable for packaged briquettes I`m not entirely sure it`s worth all the hassle!

If you are looking to buy a wood burning stove on a budget, you can easily grab a bargain on many online websites for as little as £250.00. These may not look quite as elegant as the pricier options, or may not be as efficient, however they are sure to be an improvement on whatever heating system you may have at present.

Another fantastic and relatively new idea on the market is the briquette.

these made up from various materials such as sawdust, wood chippings, rice husk and straw, although sawdust and wood cuts are the most efficient heat source. This source of fuel has risen in popularity, so much so that the chinese government succeeded in their target of one million tonnes last year in their programme to increase the production and use of Biomass Briquettes.

Mandi Crump (www.mandyjane.co.uk)

Stovax Riva 66 Cassette £1,599

A Celebration of Life in South Devon

15

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directory Y HOME & INTERIORSZ

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directory Y HOME & INTERIORSZ

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20

A point of view!

Nelson’s Column The nearer we live to the sea, the healthier we feel, people have told researchers.

(Photo: Bruno Girin)

Why it’s later than you think SO YOU LIVE IN DEVON, as close to the sea as you can manage. So far so good. You take plenty of exercise, enjoy a healthy lifestyle and are still puzzled by the fact that it’s already October and you are wondering where the year has gone. There is an explanation.

Time, according to the mathematician T.L.Freeman (sort of) speeds up with age and we need to think in terms of the relationship between actual age and effective age.

I do like to be beside the seaside WRITTEN IN 1907 by one John Glover-Kind,

dear old John Ruskin (a frequent visitor to

it wasn’t until this summer that the sentiment

Devon) wrote that the measure of any great

expressed in that particular Edwardian

civilization included the number and quality

music hall ditty was brought into sharp

of its public spaces and open places. For the

focus by the findings of the European Centre

most part, we, in Devon therefore, should

for Environment and Human Health at the

count ourselves lucky to be living in one

Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry

enormous green natural space flanked on

at the University of Exeter. (Phew!)

two coasts by the ocean.

They looked at data from 48 million people in

And with none of us on this island supposedly

England from the 2001 census and compared

living more than 71 miles from the sea, should

the distance people live from the ocean and

you ever find yourself in a pub quiz and need

His paper goes something like this. When you

their answer to a question about their health.

to answer precisely which spot is furthest

are 10, a year represents 10 percent of your life

People living less than one kilometre from

inland, you should quote Google, that fount of

and seems like a very long time. However, by

the briny were more likely to say they were

all knowledge, that tells us that it is Church

the time you hit 50, one year has reduced to

in “good health” than people living further

Flats Farm in Derbyshire. Latitude: 52º 43.6’N.

only two percent of your life, and hence seems

away. Lower stress and more opportunities

Longitude: 1º 37.2’W. Good health, everyone!

only one-fifth as long. Freeman suggests that

to exercise were suggested as one possible

a person’s actual age needs to be corrected for

explanation for this. But the lead researcher

the apparent length of a year.

Dr Ben Wheeler said many others had been suggested, including it being a more relaxing

So if Christmas and birthdays seem to come

environment.

round faster every year, maybe this is the time to start celebrating your effective age.

Then of course, wealthier and healthier people might be more able to move to the coast. The

The fact that it is already October and you

study also found that people from the poorest

forgot to get the chimney swept - along with

backgrounds benefited most from a coastal

remembering that you can take the dog

home, whilst there was little or no benefit to

back onto the beach again - has nothing to

the most affluent people.

But 112 years before Dr. Wheeler and his

JOHN RUSKIN loved living along the prom prom prom in Victorian Devon

do with any of this. Your year has flashed by (punctuated by torrents of intermittent rain most like) because that is simply the way of things.

colleagues came up with their findings,

A Celebration of Life in South Devon

21

GRAPHIC BY DARRYL JONES

Our resident wildlife and countryside expert talks about the great survivor of our countryside

by Tony Jackson

Beloved by many, loathed by some, no animal in these Isles is more readily identified with the countryside than the humble rabbit.

region and, notably, the Iberian Peninsula, the

100 million was estimated, despite the fact that

Norman invaders originally kept this excellent

around 40 million rabbits were being killed every

source of food and fur in warrens which were

year for their meat and fur. The cost to agriculture

often located on off-shore islands where the

was in the region of £50 million annually.

A source of classic children’s tales, preyed on

and two legged. One of the earliest references

Then, in 1952, the South American Myxoma Virus

by foxes, badgers, buzzards, stoats and man,

to such a warren is on the Isles of Scilly, while in

was harnessed by man and the hideous disease,

inflicted with a hideous disease which destroyed

1272 there is a record of 2,000 pelts being taken

myxomatosis, was launched into the countryside

99 per cent of the population in this country, the

from Lundy.

via a retired French physician, Dr Armand Delille,

animals would be safe from predators, both four

rabbit, despite all the slings and arrows, is the archetypal survivor.

who had obtained a sample of the virus from a It seems that those pioneer rabbits were less

Swiss colleague. Delille inoculated some rabbits

inclined to tunnel and dig than were later

and released them west of Paris. The disease

generations. Many warrens were established in

spread rapidly through Europe, reaching England

parks and other secure areas, particularly where

and Kent in October 1953. It spread like wildfire

light, sandy soil was available into which artificial

throughout the land, causing the most hideous

tunnels and pipes could be installed to encourage

misery and death to its victims. Infected rabbits,

breeding. Today, some traces of the ancient

their eyes and head grotesquely swollen with pus,

warrens can still be found in local names such as

blinded and suffering, could only be put out of

Dawlish Warren in Devon and Lakenheath Warren

their misery when discovered.

in Suffolk.

These warrens were maintained

well into the 17th century, but inevitably, feral

It has been estimated that 99 per cent of the rabbit

populations had long since been established via

population was destroyed by this disease, and

escapees into the surrounding countryside; there

though deliberately spreading it was made illegal

to establish the basic population which was to

by an amendment to the Pest Act 1954, there is

expand into vast numbers, invading every corner

no doubt that infected animals were dumped in

of every county in the British Isles.

order to spread the disease.

many aspects of the countryside, the rabbit or

The second half of the 19th century was notable

But the rabbit is a survivor! By the early 1970s

coney, like the grey squirrel, is historically an alien

for a huge population explosion of rabbits in

rabbits were once again appearing in the

species, introduced to Britain in the 12th century

this country. Agriculture was rapidly expanding

countryside and it soon became obvious that

as a source of food and fur by the Normans. There

and the expansion of game shooting led to the

immunity to the disease was being passed on to a

is no mention of the rabbit in Doomsday Book,

wholesale destruction by gamekeepers of the

rapidly expanding population. Many rabbits were

nor have any archaeological traces been found

natural enemies of rabbits. Rabbits, too, had

now choosing to live above ground, so avoiding

from Saxon times, while current evidence places

long since been a staple diet for country folk and

the worst attentions of the rabbit flea, the disease

the introduction of the rabbit sometime between

even in the 1920s and ‘30s, rabbit stew figured as

vector. Yes, most autumns see minor outbreaks

the reign of Henry 11 (1154-89) and Richard 1

staple rural fare. By the end of the 1930s it was

of the disease but it is now a spent force and the

(1189-99). It is even possible that rabbits were

estimated that the rabbit population was around

rabbit is once again a regular and, dare I say it,

brought to this country by returning Crusaders.

30 million and by the end of the Second World

much loved feature of our countryside.

Stemming originally from the Mediterranean

War, as a result of a lack of control, a figure of near

Yet despite its interwoven relationship with so

South Devon Coast & Country

22

Tales of a Yokel

Blackberrying

By FCR Esgen

D.C.B. Photography

When I was a boy in the sixties, life was quite different from what it is today in this century.

Our summer holidays were always spent outside, unless it was raining heavily, in which case we would go to the nearest friend’s house and watch one of the small black and white television sets that had children’s programmes in the mornings. Maybe Laurel and Hardy or perhaps Flash Gordon was on.

If the sun was out and it was late summer, my pals and I often went picking blackberries - “blackberrying” as it was then called. The back gate at the end of my parents’ large garden opened out into the vast green world of the Sussex Downs. There, we were free to ramble amount the brambles unchecked, at least until the thorns caught in our jumpers.

After eating our way through a few bushes we would start to put blackberrries in the various containers we had brought along with us; saucepans, plant pots, anything that was to hand was pressed into service as we strayed for miles along heath and heather for bigger and tastier specimens. At length, the gang of us would trudge our ruby-lipped way home to our mothers, who were ready to make use of our wild crop and turn it into such wonderful delights as stewed blackberry and apple or blackberry and raisin pie with thick custard on top.

CHARLES HEAD charleshead.co.uk

Yarns from the inimitable FCR Esgen

Old John the Farmer

By FCR Esgen

I think it was when I saw a man walking down the white line in the middle of the High St dragging a wheelie bin that I first really noticed Old John. Clad in brown corduroys, tweed jacket and flat cap, he looked every inch the country gent. For some reason though, he sported a pair of iridescent, orange running shorts-over his trousers. This, as one can imagine, set him apart from the other traffic. The wheelie bin was used to carry John's once fortnightly shop at the Spar, which consisted almost entirely of frozen ready-made meals and as he refused to pay his water bills, he also used it to extract water from the football club's outside tap at three o'clock in the morning. Old John had farmed half the wide bosom of Devon in his time. Born in the 1920s, he had been part of the last generation to use horses extensively on the land before the tractor consumed all.

John lived when gypsies still roamed the countryside in brightly painted wagons, leading their colourful lives. His mother never turned Romanies away when they sold heather at her door and would always give them something to eat.

Gypsies always repay kindness and when John's sister was dangerously ill, an ancient gypsy woman gave his mother some herbs which saved the girl's life, much to the local doctor's consternation as he had given up all hope.

Old John can still be seen on murky evenings stealing through the gloaming, bent crooked against the elements, against life, still believing in the saving power of herbs as a new devotee of Chinese medicine.

The Country Sports Shop Estate Agents covering Salcombe and the South Hams since 1902 Kingsbridge Salcombe Kingswear London 01548 852352 01548 843952 01803 752321 02076 294141

SHOT GUNS RIFLES AIR RIFLES GAME FISHING CARP FISHING COUNTRY CLOTHING Custom Built Rods for Game & Carp Fishing Hand Tied Flies for Reservoir, Lake & Stream Re-loading Equipment,

Heads, Primers & Powders Cartridges, Traps & Clay Shooting Accessories Lamping, Foxing & Deer Stalking Equipment

Unit 1 Heywood Estate, Pottery Road, Kingsteignton, Newton Abbot TQ12 3RS Tel 01626 367171 www.countrysportshop.co.uk www.thegunshoponline.co.uk

A Celebration of Life in South Devon

23

I Love in

SHOPPING

Teignmouth

T

here are some stunning, quirky shops tucked away in the seaside town of Teignmouth, a number of them having opened fairly recently, and all the shops are incredibly welcoming and helpful.

There are a wide range of products and services from excellent retail outlets ranging from handcrafted footwear and accessories, a sensational old- fashioned sweetshop, a craft shop with a difference, shabby chic vintage furniture, interiors and fabrics, a number of interesting art gallery/gift shops, hand-crafted jewellery and, not forgetting the very traditional book and card shop, where Badger the dog welcomes you in the doorway!

Fine bow fronted shops abound in Teignmouth Hand-crafted silver heart bangle ÂŁ70 from: Sylvia Armstrong, Gallery 8

SHABBY CHIC LANE Creative ideas for the home

Drawstring Leather Coin Purse ÂŁ16 from: Brodequin

50b Northumberland Place, Teignmouth TQ14 8DE

07889 971811 South Devon Coast & Country

24

Fresh Ground Specialist Coffee Shop

Oar Coat hook £24.95

from: Shabby Chic Lane

For New and Used Books, eBooks/ Audio Books, Book Tokens, Designer Greeting Cards, CD’s and DVD’s

Special Offer

Beach Hut Door Stop £9.60 from: Inspiration

10% off ordered new books and selected items Mention South Devon Coast & Country for discount.

Subject to availability.

01626 775436

43 Northumberland Place, Teignmouth, TQ14 8DE quaysidebookshop@gmail.com

Hand-crafted knee-high leather boot from £200 from: Brodequin

Fresh Ground Specialist Coffee Shop

Fresh Coffee in pleasant and friendly surroundings at a reasonable price and available to take away Beans to purchase whole or ground for you

2 Bank Street, Teignmouth 01626 879568

Three Hares Large Ceramic Plaque £24 from: Blue Indigo Gallery

A Celebration of Life in South Devon

25

South Brent - River Avon Walk

South Devon Coast & Country

A view across the moors looking northwards

O

ur South Brent walk in this issue takes you along the service road that follows the pretty river Avon upstream in the direction of the Avon Dam reservoir.

otherwise you could take the diversion across the moors (shown on the map - above right), which if you're feeling energetic is well worth the effort, as the views are great.

The walk starts in earnest from Shipley Bridge which is situated some 2 miles north of South Brent. It's necessary to drive along country lanes to get to Shipley Bridge, where there is ample parking.

The Avon is a lovely river, with much of it's course down to the sea being extremely picturesque. This stretch sees it tumble down off the moors and along the granite riverbed, the water being stained a strong tea colour, which, when it catches the light, can be spectacular.

The service road allows for easy walking uphill, and if you're feeling really energetic, you could possible follow it all the way to the top, where you will reach the side of the dam wall.

Alternatively, you can either walk as far as you wish in one direction and retrace your steps for an easy downhill walk back,

If you keep to the service road, you can take all the family on this walk without any problems, although cutting across the moorland is much more strenuous and should be undertaken by fitter members of the family.

South Devon Coast & Country

FOOD & DRINK The Oak Inn 01364 72133 Chef/ Proprietor who says they provide restaurant food at pub prices, with a range of real ales on offer.

Cows at Harpford

The Pack Horse Inn 01364 73308 The oldest existing public house in South Brent, having medieval origins.. Open fires, traditional pub food.

26

3

Walk Info

1. Park at Shipley Bridge.

2. Footwear - if you don't want to cut across the hill (point 3-4) then trainers are fine as you walk along a tarmac road.

3. If you wish to climb the hill (3 to 4), ankle support is advisable.

4. Dogs - lead necessary as livestock may be present.

5. Distance - total (including 3 to 4) is 1.7 miles. Walking to the dam and back is 3.5 miles.

2

4

River Avon

1 CAR PARK

Shipley Bridge

A Celebration of Life in South Devon

27

Above: if you take the trouble to treck up the moors, views are great Right: the river Avon, granite riverbed, beautiful tea coloured water Below: a youngster standing atop a tor!

South Devon Coast & Country

28

A Celebration of Life in South Devon

29

Above: you're getting close to the edge of the moors

Above: there's something very peaceful about moor walking

South Devon Coast & Country

30

Above: the river Avon

A Celebration of Life in South Devon

31

EXETER

Shillingford St George

SOUTH DEVON

COAST & COUNTRY

Dunsford

Kennford Doddiscombsleigh

Doccombe

Kenn Powderham

Moretonhampstead

DISTRIBUTION MAP

Trusham

Mamhead

Chudleigh

Ashcombe

Exmouth Bovey Tracy

Bishopsteignton Teignmouth

Kingsteignton

Shaldon Combeinteignhead

Newton Abbot Hele

Stokeinteignhead

Ashburton

Maidencombe

Denbury Kingskerwell

Ipplepen

Broadhempston

Buckfastleigh

Dean

Torquay

Marldon

Dartington Rattery

Berry Pomeroy

South Brent

Professionally controlled distribution across the south Devon region.

To become an outlet, speak to Vivienne Crump on 01395 568025

Paignton

Totnes Yalberton

Cornwood Wrangaton

Avonwick

Bittaford

Ivybridge

Stoke Gabriel

Diptford

Galmpton

Harbertonford Ugborough

Bickham Bridge

Plymouth

Morleigh

Yealmpton

Modbury

Allaleigh

Capton

Topsham Bridge

Holbeton Loddiswell

Mothecombe Kingston

Dartmouth

East Allington

Ashford

Wembury

Brixham

Dittisham

Ermington

Ashburton, Adrian Ager Ashburton, AJ Gibbons Ashburton, Ashburton Cookery School Ashburton, Bigpeaks.com Ashburton, Devon Dental Ashburton, The Fish Deli Ashburton, The Rising Sun Inn Ashburton, Tuckers Country Store Ashburton, Vintage Emporium Ashprington, Sharpham Vineyard & Dairy Ashprington, The Durant Arms Ashprington, Waterman’s Arms Aveton Gifford, Village Shop Avonwick, Avonwick Village Shop Bishopsteignton, Cockhaven Manor Blackawton, The George Inn Bovey Tracey, Simply Flowers Bovey Tracey, The Edgemoor Bovey Tracey, The Old Cottage Tea Shop Brixham, Brixham Theatre Bar Brixham, Deli Brixham, Churston Farm Shop Brixham, Hairlines Brixham, Harbour Way Dental Surgery Brixham, Heritage Museum Brixham, The Strand Art Gallery Brixham, Tides Restaurant Brixham, The Berry Head Hotel Brixham, Yacht Club Brixton, Venn Farm Nr Brixham, The Manor Inn Buckfastleigh, Buckfast Abbey Buckfastleigh, Buckfastleigh Post Office Buckfastleigh, Dean Court Farm Shop Buckfastleigh, Pennywell Farm Buckfastleigh, Rill Estate Chagford, Gidleigh Park Chagford, Mill End Hotel and Restaurant Chudleigh, Chudleigh Post Office Chudleigh, Diamond Cut Churston Ferrers, Churston Court Churston Ferrers, The Weary Ploughman Churston Ferrers, Three Corners N. Home Coffinswell, The Linny Inn Combeinteignhead, The Coombe Cellars Combeinteignhead, The Wild Goose Dartington, HDC Ltd Dartington, The Cott Inn Dartmouth, Bayards Cove Dartmouth, Blueriver Cottages Dartmouth, Browns Dartmouth, Cafe Alf Resco Dartmouth, D’Art Gallery Dartmouth, Danielli Dartmouth, Dart Marina Hotel and Spa Dartmouth, Golf & Country Club Dartmouth, Fingals Dartmouth, Flavel Art Centre Dartmouth, Flowersmiths Dartmouth, Gifts for gentlemen Dartmouth, Gilly’s Farm Shop Dartmouth, Glass!!! Dartmouth Dartmouth, Hansell Wilkes and Co Dartmouth, Harbour Dental Practice Dartmouth, Hillfield Country House Dartmouth, Made It Dartmouth, Richard Blake Dartmouth, Sails Restaurant Dartmouth, Signature of Dartmouth Dartmouth, Simon Drew Art Gallery Dartmouth, Stags

Dawlish

Bickington

Coldeast

Rew

Dawlish Warren

Heathfield

llsington

Dartmoor National Park

If you wish to locate a copy, please see below.

Newton Ferrers

Starcross

Lustleigh

Chudleigh Knighton

Brixton

Budleigh Salterton

Kenton

Haytor

THERE ARE OVER 420 OUTLETS FOR THE MAGAZINE ACROSS THE SOUTH DEVON REGION.

Topsham

Exminster

The Mounts

Aveton Gifford St Ann’s Chapel Churchstow Bigbury

Kingswear

Stoke Fleming Strete

Slapton

Kingsbridge

Bantham Thurlestone

Chillington Stokenham Torcross Frogmore

Malborough

Salcombe

Dartmouth, Taylor’s Restaurant Dartmouth, The Coastal House Dartmouth, The Cove Dartmouth, The Dartmouth Yacht Club Dartmouth, The Red Lion Inn Dartmouth, The Royal Castle Hotel Dartmouth.The Royal Dart Dartmouth, The Ship Inn Dartmouth, Trish Thomas Jewellery Dartmouth, twentysix Dawlish, Jeannie of Knightsbridge Dawlish, Langstone Cliff Hotel Dawlish, Pearson Ranger Dawlish, Shell Cove House Dawlish, The Smugglers Inn Dittisham, Dart Adventures Dittisham, Ferry Boat Inn East Allington, Keystone Ermington, West Country Cookers, Frogmore, The Globe Inn Galmpton, Greenway National Trust Cafe Halwell, Old Inn Harberton, Church House Inn Haytor Vale, The Rock Holbeton, Carswell Farm Ilsington, Ilsington Country House Hotel Ivybridge, Antique Bathrooms of Ivybridge Ivybridge, Cornwood P.O. Stores Ivybridge, Delamore Arts Ivybridge, Ivybridge Carpet Centre Ivybridge, Lime Square Art Gallery Ivybridge, The Back Centre Ivybridge, The California Country Inn Ivybridge, The Watermark Ivybridge, Woodlands Veterinary Group Ivybridge, Wrangaton Golf Club Kenton, Jo Talbot Bowen Kenton, Powderham Country Store Kingskerswell, Barn Owl Pub Kingsbridge, Absolute Dental Kingsbridge, Ashby’s Leisure Superstore Kingsbridge, Aune Valley Meat Limited Kingsbridge, Avon Mill Garden Centre Kingsbridge, Bartons Solicitors Kingsbridge, Beers LLP Kingsbridge, Bigbury Golf Club Kingsbridge, Brownston Gallery Kingsbridge, Buckland Tout-Saints Hotel Kingsbridge, Charles Head and Son Kingsbridge, Clearwater Financial Kingsbridge, For Your Eyes Only Kingsbridge, HAC Hair and Beauty Kingsbridge, Haven Spa and Therapy Kingsbridge, Herring Shoes Kingsbridge, Holywell Stores & P.O. Kingsbridge, KBB South West Kingsbridge, Kingsbridge Eye Care

West Prawle South Allington East Portlemouth Start Point East Prawle

Kingsbridge, Luscombe Maye Kingsbridge, Mansbridge and Balment Kingsbridge, Marchand Petit Kingsbridge, Peter Betteridge Sofa Expert Kingsbridge, Pure Beauty Kingsbridge, Red Earth Deli Kingsbridge, Selworthy Veterinary Group Kingsbridge, South Devon Chilli Farm Kingsbridge, South Moor Vets Kingsbridge, Squires Hair and Beauty Kingsbridge, The Art Cafe Kingsbridge, The Cottage Hotel Kingsbridge, The Cottage Kitchen Kingsbridge, The Cricket Inn Kingsbridge, The Hen House Kingsbridge, The Meeting Room Wine Bar Kingsbridge, The Old Bakery Kingsbridge, The Sloop Inn Kingsbridge, The Wood Shed Kingsbridge, Uppercutz Kingsbridge, Windeatts Solicitors Kingsbridge, Museum of Rural Life Kingskerswell, The Hare and Hounds Kingsteignton, Hair & Beauty at Rehab Kingsteignton, Newton Abbot Racecourse Kingsteignton, The Bell Inn Kingsteignton, The Country Sports Shop Kingswear, Charles Head and Son Kingswear, Royal Dart Yacht Club Kingswear, Kaywana Hall Lifton, The Arundell Arms Littlehempston, Red Post Equestrian Littlehempston, Waye Barton Farm Foods Loddiswell, Hazelwood House Longcombe, Longcombe Nursery Maidencombe, The Thatched Tavern Modbury, Aune Valley Deli Modbury, Devonshire Fine Art Modbury, Devon Rural Archive Modbury, Modbury Dental Practice Modbury, Nicholas Hair and Beauty Modbury, Nigel Frost Optometrist Modbury, Osteopathic Clinic Modbury, Shilstone House Modbury, White Hart Hotel Newton Abbot, Austins Department Store Newton Abbot, Beautytime H & B Newton Abbot, Burnham Nurseries Newton Abbot, D. J. Offord Newton Abbot, Dainton Park

South Devon Coast & Country

Newton Abbot, Darnells Accountants Newton Abbot, Devon Guild of Craftsmen Newton Abbot, El-Nashar Dental Care Newton Abbot, Fermoy’s Garden Centre Newton Abbot, Frames and Boxes Newton Abbot, Harveys Coffee Shop Newton Abbot, Martin Regan Hair Salon Newton Abbot, Molecare Veterinary P. Newton Abbot, Plant World Newton Abbot, Powderham Veterinary G. Newton Abbot, Quality Dental Care Newton Abbot, Rendells Estate Agents Newton Abbot, Sampsons Farm Hotel Newton Abbot, Stover School Newton Abbot, The Country Table Cafe Newton Abbot, The Country Table Cafe Newton Abbot, The Passage House Hotel Newton Abbot, The Pharmacy Cafe Newton Abbot, The Rock Gardens Newton Abbot, Timber Solutions UK Ltd Newton Abbot, Tudor Clinic Newton Abbot, Wrights Stationery Newton Ferrers, Luscombe Maye Paignton, Cherrybrook Dental Practice Paignton, Cherrybrook Medical Centre Paignton, Classic Floors Paignton, Eric Lloyd and Co Paignton, Haulfryn Health and Leisure Paignton, Palace Hotel Paignton, RSL Chartered B. Surveyors Paignton, Styles Garden Centre Paignton, The Blagdon Inn Paignton, Williams Hedge Estate Agents Plymouth, Foot Solutions Plymouth, Langdon Court Plymouth, Somerville Gallery Rattery, The Church House Salcombe, Amelias Attic Salcombe, Cater Cove Salcombe, Charles Head and Son Salcombe, Coves Quay Gallery Salcombe, Gallery 5 Salcombe, Jon Man’s Shop Salcombe, Reddish Marine Limited Salcombe, Salcombe Dental Practice Salcombe, Salcombe Eye Care Salcombe, Salcombe Interiors Salcombe, Tides Reach Hotel Shaldon, Hairazors Shaldon, Shaldon Approach Golf Shaldon, The Ness House Hotel Shaldon, The Shaldon Coffee Rush Slapton, The Tower Inn South Brent, Gildersleve Antiques South Brent, Royal Oak Inn South Brent, Salon 14

South Brent, The Health Centre South Brent, The Oak Inn Starcross, Atmospheric Railway Inn Starcross, The Galleon Inn Staverton, Gilboy’s Stoke Fleming, Pura Vida Stoke Fleming, The Green Dragon Stokeinteignhead, The Church House Inn Stokenham, The Tradesman’s Arms Stoneycombe, Bickley Mill Inn Strete, Strete Post Office Stokeinteignhead Community Shop Tavistock, Elford Fine Art Teignmouth, Denthom Teignmouth, Quayside Bookshop Teignmouth, Richmond House Surgery Teignmouth, Teignmouth Golf Club Teignmouth, The Fountain for Health Teignmouth, Tozers Thurlestone, Post Office & Shop Thurlestone, Thurlestone Hotel Torcross, Torcross Post Office Torquay, Aesthetic Answers Torquay, Bay Therapy Torquay, Blue Walnut Cafe Torquay, Corbyn Head Hotel Torquay, Cockington Galleries Torquay, David Youll Hair and Beauty Torquay, Driftwood Cafe Torquay, Haddon Galleries Torquay, Herbs and Honey Torquay, Imperial Museum Torquay, Museum Torquay, Orestone Manor Torquay, Powderham Veterinary Group Torquay, Quay Reflections Gallery Torquay, St. Marychurch Beauty Salon Torquay, The Dressing Room Torquay, The Lorrens Ladies Health Hydro Torquay, Waitrose Totnes, Amanda Marsden Salon & Spa Totnes, Antique Dining Room Company Totnes, Arbow Garage Totnes, Bishopston Trading Company Totnes, Conservatories of Distinction Totnes, Coves Gallery Totnes, Dartington Antiques Totnes, Devere’s Restaurant Totnes, Fat Lemons Totnes, Fit Healthy Happy Totnes, Fortescue Arms Totnes, Gitcombe House Cottages Totnes, H & B by Teresa Knight Totnes, Leatside Surgery Totnes, Luscombe Maye Totnes, Maisies Totnes, Manor Lodge Dental Surgery Totnes, Michelmore Hughes Estate A. Totnes, Monks Retreat Inn Totnes, New Walk Brasserie Totnes, NFU Mutual Totnes, Noble Chiropractic Totnes, Olsen Cafe Totnes, Paperworks Totnes, Robert Seymour and Assoc Totnes, Royal Seven Stars Hotel Totnes, Sarah Boutique and Breeze Totnes, Sea Trout Inn Totnes, Stoke Gabriel Stores Totnes, Teddy Bear Shop Totnes, The Kingsbridge Inn Totnes, The Maltsters Arms Totnes, The Shops at Dartington Totnes, The Steam Packet Totnes, Tiffany Totnes, Totnes Tile Studio Totnes, Totnes Wine Company Totnes, Waterside Bistro Cafe Bar Ugborough, Ship Inn Yealmpton, Luscombe Maye Yealmpton, The Rose and Crown Yelverton, Beau Boutique Yelverton, Moorland Garden Hotel Yelverton, Prince Hall Hotel

32

Local historian Ted Gosling looks back at Devon's heritage

Farm Life in Devon

Thomas family haymaking at Couchill C1924 - enjoying a lunchtime break

I

n Devon you can find the England of peaceful villages and sociable people; a place where cottages cluster round a church and farms sit down amid their solid acres.

plentiful supply of cider that was

were no aeroplanes and few lorries or

available during the break periods.

cars. Labour came cheap and village

Hay making is an important date in the

people were close with families working Friesian cows peacefully chewing their

on the same farm for generations and

cud also reect the tranquility of life in

before this age of machinery, every job

the Devon countryside. The Friesian, a

was done by hand. Hedging and ditching

foreigner to Devon, is a breed that was

were winter jobs, unfortunately the craft

Devon farmerĘźs calendar. Hay provides

developed in the Netherlands and it is

of hedge laying is now very much on the

much of the winter feed for farming

such an eďŹƒcient milk producer that its

decline, largely owing to labour costs.

stock, so getting the hay cut and dried

introduction has really destroyed our

takes top priority. At one time, the

native breeds. Before milking parlours

Devon is a county where hearts beat at

gathering and storing of hay played an

were installed, dairy farming was more

a different pace, a place where the true

important part in the countryside life

intensive. We all have a false image of a

Devonian know not only where their food

and most of the community gave a hand.

happy milkmaid sitting on a stool, hand

comes from, but that small farmers still

Before the Second World War, hay was

milking cows, but in reality it was a dirty

care more for the land than anyone else.

first cut with a horse-drawn mower, then

job and it took two men all their time to

Unfortunately, this could all change in

picked up using pitchforks and loaded

hand-milk thirty five cows. It was also

the future as large scale agri-businesses

onto the hay wagon. It was then taken

hard work, especially during the cold

aim more at the export market.

to the farm yard and stacked in ricks.

weather, when you had to fetch them in

The work was very laborious, yet

from muddy fields.

the workers pictured in hay making photographs always look happy. Their

The Devon countryside before the First

humour was probably helped by the

World War was so very quiet as there

A Celebration of Life in South Devon

Ted Gosling

33

N

EWTON

ABBOT

An Old English Market Town

By Philip Hawkins

Celebrating the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953 - a large gathering. St Leonard's Tower signfies the start of Newton Abbot in the early 13th Century and represents the true heart of the town. The Olde Tunne Shoppe hasn't changed much when you compare it to The Olive (right).

Although many historic buildings have been lost, driving along East Street and Wolborough Street can reveal some hidden gems.

Austins of Newton Abbot is “a very good place to buy a decent winter coat” - according that is, to my mother. Now, when I say mother, don’t imagine Les Dawson in drag, think more of a bespectacled Twiggy type who is no stranger to the likes of Harvey Nichols and Harrods! Compliment

indeed then from this discerning shopper, but this simple statement says rather more about Newton Abbot than one might initially think.

The fact is that Newton Abbot has been the place to go for a “decent winter coat” since medieval times. Of course, in those days clothing, blankets

and other such goods could not be bought in from fashion houses for next-day delivery to prominent department stores and Newton Abbot would not have needed to do so, for it possessed everything required to produce and tailor its own high quality cloth. In those days of yore, Devon was an important sheep rearing county and Newton Abbot was

South Devon Coast & Country

among the most successful of the towns who boasted thriving wool, cloth and leather industries. There were woollen mills, fullers, dyers, spinners, weavers and tailors, together with a wealth of tanneries and leather makers. The sheeps' hides were transformed into gloves, shoes, bags, saddles and other related goods for which there was a high demand.

34

Literally:

New Town of the Abbot An Old English Market Town

St Leonard's Tower is all that remains of the chapel supposedly built circa 1220

By Philip Hawkins

21st Century, pretty much the same today. The upstairs of The Olive was previously the old courthouse where sessions were conducted, one of the rooms downstairs being used as a jail cell. Staff at The Olive tell me that it's haunted. Children have been heard through the walls next door when there weren't any, being occupied at the time by an elderly couple. Apparently it was a school many years ago!

For the people living in the many villages on the moors surrounding the town who wanted to buy or sell virtually anything of consequence, going to market was an essential part of life and being a market town Newton Abbot’s annual cloth fair was a much anticipated major event, drawing people in from near and far like a proverbial vortex. In 1724

Daniel Defoe, author of Robinson Crusoe and the father of the English novel wrote that “Newton Abbot had a thriving serge industry that sent goods to Holland via Exeter.”

For all we know, the eminent Mr Defoe may well have had the odd garment or two from Newton Abbot hanging in his own wardrobe. Vickery’s Mills, in particular, became an

important employer in the town right up until 1972 when social and industrial evolution finally took its toll and the business closed. However, fear not, for Newton Abbot has high street stores a plenty to keep the population clothed.

If you should find yourself wandering the High or other streets of Newton Abbot

A Celebration of Life in South Devon

(suitably attired of course) I would urge you to take some time to note at least a little of the extensive local history.

Probably the most recognisable landmark being that of St Leonard’s Tower, situated at the top of Courtney Street in the centre of town.

The tower is all that remains

35

N

EWTON ABBOT

An Old English Market Town

St Leonard's Tower bell

If only we could travel back in time, to see Newton Abbot before the German bombers, town planners and property developers got their hands on it. There had been talk of demolishing the tower, as it was seen as a traffic nuisance, but thankfully, Councillor Arthur Shobbrock stepped forward. In 1968, an appeal was started to rescue the tower and after much work, the bells were to ring again. I suspect many a fine old building has been lost to 'improvements'. Whilst visiting Ye Old Cider Bar, I was aghast to see an old Georgian property with signs posted, declaring it was to be demolished. Have no lessons been learnt?

Between the two World Wars, Devon became a popular holiday destination with many Germans. Their knowledge of Devon was used by the German High Command to plan bombing raids. You may ask why the Germans would bomb sleepy rural Devon? Apparently, they thought that by stopping supplies to Plymouth's Naval Dockyard, they'd wreak havoc. They were unaware that Plymouth could also be supplied by the alternative route running across Dartmoor.

The site of the old Market Cross, where, after landing at Brixham, William of Orange's first treasonable declaration was made by Rev. John Reynell.

The old tower door

of the medieval chapel of St Leonard which was founded in 1220 and it is open to the public every Wednesday from mid-May to the end of September. Adjacent to the tower is a plaque which marks the spot where the first declaration of the newly arrived William III, Prince of Orange was read in 1688 and reads thus- “The first declaration of William, Prince of Orange, the glorious defender of the Protestant Religion and the liberties of England, was read on this pedestal by the Rev John Reynall, Rector of this parish, on November 5th 1668.”

William actually arrived first in Brixham and reached Newton Abbot on the 6th

November where he stayed overnight at Forde House before progressing on to London to assume England’s throne.

Forde House itself is situated in the south-east corner of the town and has, since it was built in 1610, played host to several important people, among them King Charles I and Oliver Cromwell. The house is now owned by Teignbridge District Council and is used as office and conference space, as well as being available for special events and is a popular venue for weddings. The house has an interesting ‘E’ shaped floor plan which is thought to be in honour to the memory of Elizabeth I.

South Devon Coast & Country

It would be a misconception to assume that Newton Abbot is purely the sum total of a fascinating and vast history, too vast in fact to record here. True, there are many sites of historical importance and stately houses within the vicinity, all waiting to be discovered should one wish to do so, but Newton Abbot is still very much an important commercial centre, the largest in south Devon and is positively bristling with activity.

The multitude of markets is considered to be ‘the best in the west’ and encompass a number of weekly events.

The historic Butter Market Building houses a Pannier 36

Forde House - built in 1610, has played host to King Charles I, Oliver Cromwell. Today it's owned by Teignbridge District Council and is available for conferences and weddings.

Market which offers a plenteous assortment of exciting stalls, selling everything from fruit and veg, plants and flowers to CD’s, DVD’s, PC’s and accessories.

There is an impressive array of bric-a-brac stalls, where many go in search of that elusive antique which just might turn out to be the next star on the Antiques Road Show!

The Market Hall and Food Hall are open six days a week and there is very little that you won’t find there. The outdoor market operates in Market Square on Wednesday and Saturday. The Farmers Market is in Courtney Street every Tuesday, with livestock auctions being held in the Market Square on Fridays.

All of these are but a smidgen of what Newton Abbot has to offer and we must not forget to extend our gratitude to St Leonard in whose honour is held the annual Cheese and Onion Fayre.

Starting in 1269, originally the main produce sold was cheese and onions although a much wider selection of food stuffs are now on offer to tickle your taste buds. So if you like cheese and you think you know your onions, this event is one not to be missed!

Bradley Manor - an unspoilt medieval manor house built c1419 by Richard and Joan Yarde. It's now a National Trust property and is open midweek (see NT website). It lies in a secluded, wooded valley with the river Lemon to the west. It was the manor house of Newton Bushel. Two markets ran from 1300, the lower ground was Newton Abbot market, the higher being Newton Bushel. In 1633 the two markets merged under the ownership of Bradley Manor. For 750 years, there have been thriving markets in Newton Abbot.

Bradley Manor has its own chapel with wagon roof and carved bosses. The Manor has a two-storey hall with the solar at the north end, which also has a gallery overlooking the chapel.

A Celebration of Life in South Devon

37

N

EWTON ABBOT

An Old English Market Town

The Pharmacy, a well-known local haunt for tea / coffee and cakes.

Thankfully the interior has been retained, giving it a real olde worlde feel.

The decoratvie exterior of The Pharmacy

I wonder whether there are any Bibbings still in the Newton Abbot area?

Wolborough Street, some fine old buildings including the almshouses.

Tourist Information have a great booklet called "Historical Buildings Trail"

If, however, you are not too sure about your onions, you might like to pay a visit to the Passmore Edwards library to do a little research, but before you go in, pause a moment to admire this impressive building which opened in 1904, for its like is a rare find in a Devon town. The style is elaborate Renaissance and much use has been made of terracotta mouldings over the doorways and windows.

Designed by Cornishman Selvanus Trevail and built in part thanks to a generous donation from John Passmore Edwards, this building would look equally at home in France or Italy.

For anyone who is not preoccupied with researching onions, there are even more markets to be explored at Newton Abbot racecourse, which is also very much a concourse that hosts an abundance of scheduled events. There are monthly car boot sales, antiques, arts fairs and various toy and train fairs to mention but a few.

The course enclosure offers picnic space, large bar areas and of course betting facilities with a close up South Devon Coast & Country

view of the racing action. The course itself is a flat, oval tight left-handed circuit of approximately one mile and there are seven fences to a circuit. Newton Abbot can boast of being the leading summer jumping racecourse in the UK. It covers a nine acre site and has a full racing calendar throughout the year, with meetings on various days, evenings and weekends. The paddock enclosure offers exclusive access to the Paddock Grandstand, award winning Post and TerraceRooms restaurants as well as all public areas and bars. All things considered, this is not a bad place to spend a pleasant day out, whether it is for the markets or to indulge in a flutter on the gee-gees and enjoy the thrill of the race.

Should you be lucky and your flutter pays off, there are plenty of places to celebrate in town, not least being Ye Olde Cider Bar in East Street which uniquely sells only cider, Perry, country wines and soft drinks. I am pleased to be able to tell you that the old custom of limiting women and holiday makers to half-pint measures has long since been forgotten. Whilst 38

What was formerly "The Globe Hotel", is now part of the Austins Department Store. It was rebuilt in 1840 by request of the Earl of Devon. Architect - Charles Fowler. The rebuild included provision of a new ballroom and Ostler's facilities. The architectural style is Itallianate, and you can see that the portico has four Tuscan columns which are very fine.

on the subject of a tipple, it is well worth noting Tuckers Maltings. This is the only working traditional Malt house in the entire UK that is open to the public. It offers the visitor hour-long guided tours from the Barley to Beer centre.

the main rail centre for South Devon, not only providing excellent local services, it's easily reached by inter city trains from various parts of the country.

Being perfect for commuters, and also enabling easy access for visitors, there is quite a lot for them to find once they arrive,

The Maltings produces malt for over thirty breweries and enough to brew fifteen million pints of beer a year, for which I and many others will be eternally grateful. In April every year, the maltings host a three-day beer festival where over two hundred different real ales can be sampled.

This alone seems to me to be quite enough to boast about, but it is not enough for Newton Abbot, in fact there seems to be no end to the town's list of achievements and attractions.

Not only does the town occupy an enviable position in the glorious Teigh Valley surrounded by some of the most beautiful countryside in Britain, it is also a place that very much refuses to stop growing in the nicest possible ways.

With its long history railway industry, Newton Abbot is still

such as; Decoy Country Park situated on the edge of town, Prickly Ball Farm Hedgehog Hospital - a real favourite with children. There is Plant World and Orchid Paradise, a true delight for all you gardeners out there. Well worth a visit is Ugbrooke House which stands amidst a fabulous garden

Ye Olde Cider Bar in East Street - it's said to be one of four remaining original cider bars in the country. Take note, it's not a pub. In times gone by, there were alehouses selling only beer and cider bar houses, just selling cider and perry.

Way back, this was a farmhouse, where you'd walk out onto the orchards on the other side of the building.

A Celebration of Life in South Devon

39

N

EWTON ABBOT

An Old English Market Town

designed by non-other than Capability Brown and it really is a smasher!

There is also Stover Country Park, which has a Ted Hughes Poetry Trail, combining art with the country side is typical Ted Hughes who I am sure would approve and I would defy anyone not to enjoy it.

Canonteigh Falls is England’s highest waterfall which everyone should see, especially the avid photographer who would be thrilled by what they will find there. There is a cutting edge Centre for Contemporary Arts and the Natural World at the top of Haldon Hills, together with the renowned Haldon Forest.

This list is in danger of going on forever and not wishing to use a forest's' worth of paper making

How about a day at the races - Newton Abbot has a charming racecourse with the river Teign flowing round the north western side. There's also a lovely walk at the other side taking you through Hackney marshes and down along the Teign where it opens out into the estuary. it, you can find out about all these and many more from the local tourist information centre or the Council offices.

The town centre itself is well equipped with all the usual amenities required, not only for the tourist but also to support its own thriving local community which include; a good choice of highly regarded schools, a selection of supermarkets, a very well represented High Street and an excellent fitness and leisure centre with a swimming pool. Most importantly of all Newton Abbot is a town that benefits from what seems to

be genuine affection from its inhabitants and is watched over by a District Council that appears to be committed to ensuring that whilst continued growth is to be encouraged, any future developments, industry and commerce will be an enhancement to this town that is most definitely the ‘Hub’ of south Devon.

End

John Lethbridge was a remarkable man who almost single-handedly revolutionised the marine salvage industry. He's believed to have spent his early life as a wool merchant in Newton Abbot. Lethbridge developed this diving machine by his own efforts and ingenuity. It revolutionised underwater salvage. This recreation is on show at Newton Abbot museum.

Visit the Award-Winning Orchid Specialists

Orchid Paradise at

Burnham Nurseries Isambard Kingdom Brunel was closely involved with the Great Western Railway (famed as the Holiday Line, taking many people to the resorts of the South-West). The train pictured above, was 'broad gauge' (7ft) which was at odds with 'standard gauge' (4ft 8"). You can understand why Brunel was keen on broad gauge, as it gave faster, smoother running and allowing more spacious capacity with greater comfort, but ultimately it lost out to standard gauge. Amazingly, the entire track was converted to standard gauge over the weekend of 21-22 May 1892 by gans of workment. The museum at Newton Abbot has an excellent display of all things train and GWR, as well as other fascinating historical information on the town.

1000s of orchids for sale in the Orchid Shop and Nursery.

• Papazuluʼs Coffee Shop & Gifts.

• Orchid Clinic day Sat 20th Oct. • Groups welcome, tours available.

• Open daily 10am to 4pm.

• Free Parking.

Forches Cross, Newton Abbot Tel: 01626 352233 www.orchids.uk.com

South Devon Coast & Country

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

40

A Celebration of Life in South Devon

41

To tie or not to tie with Alan Riddell

T

he art of combining wool , wire and poultry feathers to create something that we believe we can use to outwit fish, has been in existence for centuries. Despite the fact that the most effective flies have probably been invented and come into popular usage many years ago, anglers still try to create something they believe hasn’t been seen before – either by the fish or other anglers.

It is very definitely an achievement to catch a trout on a fly that you have tied yourself, but it can be quite a journey before that happens. The winter evenings can also pass much quicker when tying and it always creates an air of anticipation waiting for the season to start.

There are, however, a few questions that need to be addressed before that decision to tie is reached, and a cheap way of obtaining flies is not one of the answers. The one overriding element in tying your own is “choice”, and this where you are able to use the correct hook and materials required for a particular pattern. An important issue is whether you have a good environment to work in as it can be discouraging if you have to spend a great deal of time getting everything out and clearing up every time. Of course, good lighting is important but a decent angle poise lamp with a daylight bulb is usually adequate. I have been fortunate to have a very tolerant wife and have managed to get away with tying within sight of the television! I am afraid that very rough hands are not good as I have

Alan Riddell - fly tying, with Jack Jones keeping an eye on proceedings! seen material shredded before it has reached the hook by “abused hands” trying to handle it. My hands have not really had to suffer “hard work” and also, being a musician of sorts, I have been able to preserve them. In addition, with the aging process there can be a deterioration in eyesight, but if you are not sure, have an eye test and take it from there, as headaches generated by eye-strain are just not worth it.

Having made the decision that you will now take up the challenge you have set yourself, you should try and avoid some of the pitfalls when it comes to choice of tools and materials. Over the years, engineers have created wonders of their art to hold the hook whilst tying, costing in excess of £200. The majority of vices, irrespective of cost, tend to rely on the lever principle and a cam to close the jaws, but I do tend to prefer the reverse principle. I use one which has the jaws permanently closed under pressure and they are opened by a lever similar to that of a motor-cycle clutch, and this vice allows me to change hook size without any adjustment and it will hold hooks from size 20 up to at least 5/0 . That really does cover everything you might need from small stream dry flies up to saltwater or pike flies.

From a commercial point of view it also saves time, but from a novice tier’s perspective it makes holding the hook a simple operation which does not detract from the actual tying process. This vice retails at less than £50.

Scissors are probably one of the most abused items not just in fly tying but quite often in life generally and subsequently it is wise to invest in a good pair of fine curved scissors for the routine work, but have a cheaper straight pair for cutting

heavier materials such as heavy wire or quill stems. Other tools are really a matter of choice and need according to what you are tying. A whip finish tool and hackle pliers are usually the next requirements.

The major difficulty arises though in choosing hooks and materials. Over recent years there have been many developments with synthetics as some of the natural materials in use at the turn of the 20th Century are either protected or extinct. There are however, still some natural items that are the by-product of either pest control or the food chain, but if you

Fly in the process of being tied South Devon Coast & Country

42

are offered squirrel tails, pheasant tails or similar “wild” items, they must be disinfected and dried properly. I have lost expensive feathers through unexpected visitors migrating in drawers, and moth balls here are essential and can be obtained in crystal form for fly tying.

Bouts of bird ‘flu in Asia have impacted on the feather market, and stocks of the Indian style of cock and hen capes have suffered as a direct result. If you intend to tie dry flies for the rivers it is preferable to use genetic hackles. These feathers come from specially reared birds to produce stiffer, longer and more specific hackles, primarily used for high quality flies required to float high. Whilst a whole neck cape can cost in excess of £50.00 , half capes are available from some suppliers and that will help in acquiring the range of colours needed to achieve a selection of flies. There have also been packets of mixed genetic hackles which is an even more cost effective way of obtaining a selection. It is worth knowing that up to 8 flies can be tied with one single hackle from a genetic cape.

You are now also in control of the foundation for the fly – the hook.

There are many good makes out there, and you can be quite specific on the pattern according to the fly. In the last three years barbless hooks have become commonplace alongside catch and release fishing on more stillwaters and there are some very good patterns out there.

Most “recipes” for flies will either give a specific brand and pattern number or a description of the hook most suitable for that fly and as your knowledge grows, you will develop an instinct for hooks and also your own preference for brand and style.

As you may have worked out, I have talked specifically about individual items, and that it is far better to obtain specific items that you will use. Tying kits are out there and look very nice, but cannot give you the cross section of items you require, as you will end up with materials you don’t need or even worse – tying flies you don’t really need or would use. It is therefore an essential part of the process to sit down and list your usual patterns and then the components which should culminate in a specific shopping list. I would suggest that you go to your local shop for advice if you are not sure about what you require.

I hope that I have not been too negative, but I have found that most people who have thought about tying their own have actually gone out and done it. It is very much where you want to take it to, be it just to supplement the more complex patterns commercially available with simpler ones from yourself, or to reach the levels of making such realistic examples that they look like they will crawl off the table.

Getting Started Tools:

• Vice • Thread bobbin • Hackle pliers • Whip finish tool Materials: • Feathers • Tying thread ls

• Selection of wires and tinse

If you need advice on fly tying equipment or materials, Alan from The Country Sports Shop is happy to help on 01626 367171 or galanriddell@hotmail.co.uk

seatrout tube flies

Cock and hen capes twisted around the hook to form the fly hackles

The "take"

A Celebration of Life in South Devon

43

Walk on the Wildside

By Wildlife Artist Mike Hughes www.mikehugheswildlifeart.co.uk

October/November October/November

October heraldsthe the arrival Autumn and although October heralds arrivalofof Autumn, athough ititcan can still be warm, there is a noticeable drop in still be warm, there is a noticable drop intemperature temperature when the sun goes down. Autumn is a season of change when the sun goes down. Autumn is a season of change for our native wildlife with many species disappearing to for our native wildlife with many species disapearing to warmer parts of the world, or to spend the winter months warmer parts of the or to spend the winter months in hibernation.

Yetworld, it also signals the arrival of thousands in hibernation. it also signals the arrival of thousands of birds fromYet Scandinavia and Iceland, many of which of birds from Scandanavia and Iceland, many of which will will spend time on the coastal estuaries of Devon. spend time on the coastal estuaries of Devon.

As As well well as as thousands thousandsof ofwading wadingbirds birds and wildfowl wildfowl arriving arrivingon onthe thecoast, coast, inland the yields and farmland inland the fields and farmland of Devonof Devon home to large become become home to large numbers of numbers of Redwing and Fieldfare.

Redwing and Fieldfare. Having bred in Having bred in northern Europe, over northern Europe over a million of these a million of these thrushes head to thrushes headwinter. to the UK every winter. the UK every

Feeding ininlarge flocks on berries, such Feeding large flocks on berries, such as Hawthorn, they stayUKin as Hawthorn, they will staywill in the the the following untilUK theuntil following spring. Onspring. clear On clearnights winter nights, for winter listen out listen for theout high the high pitched ‘tseep’ call of the pitched ‘tseep’ call of the Redwing Redwing on its migration. on its migration.

Winter Waxwing, exotic arrivals from Scandanavia

Another inland migrant to looktoout for Another inland migrant look out for is the Waxwing, this exotic is the Waxwing, this exotic looking bird looking birdup could turn up anywhere could turn anywhere throughout throughout the winter.

Numbers the winter. Numbers vary dramatically var y year, dramatically year, each depending oneach the severity depending on the severity of the of the weather and the availability of weather and the availability of food in its native Scandanavia. a infood its native Scandinavia.

JustMost a few few birds make it to Devonbut but on birds will will make it to Devon, on ‘irruptive’ years is is a possibility of ‘irruptive’ yearsthere there a possibility of seeing many more.

Withlove their seeing many more.

With their of love of berries, often berries WaxwingWaxwing can oftencan be found be in parks, aroundestates industrial in found parks, around industrial and estates and even car supermarket car even supermarket parks! parks!

By the end of October most of our summer visitors will have left, butof there By the end of October most our are still many birds that stayleft, withbut us summer visitors will have all year round. species there are still These many resident birds that stay with allto year These resident tendus not be round. so reliant on the flying species tend of not be sofeeding reliant insect harvest theto summer, on the flying insect harvest of the on seeds, berries and grubs. With the summer, on seeds, trees nowfeeding losing their leaves berries it is an and grubs. With the trees now losing ideal time to spot these home loving their leaves, it is an ideal time to spot feathered many these homefriends lovingespecially featheredasfriends, of them will as visiting gardens in search especially many of them will of food.gardens in search of food. visiting Autumn is also a busy time for our Autumn is alsoThroughout a busy time for native mammals.

October our mammals.

Throughout andnative November Hedgehogs and October hedgehogs Dormiceand will November, start hibernating.

These and dormice will start hibernating. are our only two true hibernating These are our only two true species, although bats will enter a state hibernating species, although bats of torpor most of winter. our will enterfor a state ofthe torpor forAll most other mammals out and about of the winter.

Allwill ourbe other mammals will be out and to about looking for looking for food get them through food to get through the next the next fewthem months until spring. few months spring.

Other thingsuntil of interest to look at for in this period include: the return of Other things of interest to look out the Atlantic Salmon to their spawning for in this period include the return of grounds, reappearance of fungi the Atlanticthe Salmon to their spawning in our woodlands and grassland and grounds, the reappearance of fungi course the spectacle of grassland our beech inofour woodlands and and, of as course, the spectacle our woods their leaves turn from of green beech woods as their leaves turn to yellow to orange. from green to yellow to orange.

South Devon Coast & Country

Dates for the Diary Things to do in the South Devon Countryside Medicine Makers 3 October 2012 Growers Organics, Kitley, Yealmpton Led by Sara Hills Connect with the plants of today and the wise women of old as we walk the hedgerows with a view to making wild medicine to treat our friends and families.

Booking essential, call 01752 872960 email: sarahills@hotmail.co.uk .

Time: 9.30am start, duration 3 hours Price: Adults £20, small children free Birdwatching Walk for the Inexperienced at Dawlish Warren Sunday 21st October 2012 Morning walk around the Warren looking at sea birds and waders at their high tide roost.

To book call 01626 821344 or e-mail: john@morsey.f2s.com Time: 10.00am to about 1.00pm Price: Free but donations welcomed Beginners Birdwatching Walks at Slapton Ley Saturday 10th November 2012 A visit to one of the best wildlife sites in the South Hams. The morning will be spent at Slapton Ley looking at ducks, grebes and sea birds.

To book call 01626 821344 or e-mail: john@morsey.f2s.com Time: 10.00am to about 1.00pm Price: Free but donations welcomed

44

A point of view!

Nelson’s Column A funny thing happened on the way to the Cathedral!

“No wonder Exeter Cathedral’s Book of Riddles is kept under lock and key, some of them are positively unrepeatable!” chortles John Fisher.

What am I? (Riddle 38) I was alive but said nothing; even so I die.

Back I came before I was. Everyone plunders me, keeps me confined,and shears my head,

Riddles aren’t necessarily jokes of course, but

bites my bare body, breaks my sprouts.

it helps if they raise more than a knowing smile

No man I bite unless he bites me;

from the audience. Those that have survived

many there are who do bite me.

through an age when few, if any, were written down can only have survived because of their

More? Well, you asked for it:

popular appeal. “Go on, Ulfric, tell us the one about the onion again!” So the funnier the better, the wittier the better - and of course,

More ‘what am I?’ (Riddle 17)

this being Anglo Saxon England, very often the cruder the better.

My garment is darkish. Bright decorations,

Some of those in the Exeter Book of Riddles

I mislead the stupid and stimulate the foolish

THE OLDEST JOKE in the English language

may have only existed orally for hundreds of

toward unwise ways. Others I restrain

goes something like this:

years before they were written down. It was

from profitable paths. But I know not at all

given to the library by one Leofric, the first

that they, maddened, robbed of their senses,

“Prithee, varlet, What eatest thou?”

bishop of Exeter and is the largest collection

astray in their actions - that they praise to all

“Why, sirrah, ‘t is venison.”

of Old English literature in existence. Little

men

“Venison thou sayest? Is that deer?”

wonder that it is kept securely under lock and

my wicked ways. Woe to them then

“Nay, sire, ‘t is but two groats a pound!”

key. It contains secular and religious poems

when the Most High holds out his dearest gifts

and other writings, along with a collection of

if they do not desist first from their folly.

red and radiant. I have in my raiment.

Boom boom!

94 riddles.

Which only goes to show perhaps that there

Home for Christmas

wasn’t much to laugh at in Anglo Saxon

Chuckle in the chapel The actual burial place of Bishop Leofric

England, where life was nasty, brutal and short.

Part of it - a 128-line riddling twist of a poem

On the other hand, as a guest of the local chief

called The Seafarer - was let out on loan to

beneath the Cathedral, but his monument

in his Great Hall you did at least get to lean back

London earlier this year where it could be

of white Purbeck marble is to be found on

after your roast boar and mead to listen to a

viewed, under glass, at the British Library. If

the south side of the Lady Chapel - whilst

stand-up poet, who rounded off the roasting

you didn’t get to see it there it will probably be

his other monument - the priceless gift of

and the rousting with a repertoire of riddles.

no consolation to know that it is now safely back

humour he bequeathed to the place - is

in Devon’s capital again in time for Christmas,

stored safe and sound and is part of the

but again not on public display.

Chapter Library, which contains 30,000

We made it our mission therefore to scour its

constant use by students and scholars.

copyright. The publishers are not responsible for any costs, loss or damage suff ered 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 eff ort 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 specifi ed.

books and 50,000 documents and is in 113-odd pages on behalf of readers, to give them a taste of what they might have missed. So why not ditch the Christmas cracker jokes this yuletide and instead, snatch a mike, leap up

Guessed the riddles? Here’s a clue...

onto a table somewhere and hit your audience of choice with one or two of the following freshly filched funnies from the book-of-the-show that had our Anglo Saxon forebears thumping the groaning board and whistling for more. Hold on to your sides.

ANSWERS: Riddle 38 - Onion, Riddle 17 - Wine (The last three lines are about Communion wine).

DISCLAIMER - All material in this magazine is

the mirth-bringer is lost somewhere

A Celebration of Life in South Devon

45

Life Matters

Discovering the Gateway to Heaven at Hospiscare

Editor - Sali Mustafic tel: 01395 513383

with Guy Peters Imagine, if you will, a gateway to heaven.

It is surrounded by angels. The job of these angels is to ensure a person’s last days on this earth are as comfortable, pain free and as happy as possible.

Research shows that creativity and the arts can make a significant contribution to health and wellbeing. I am keen to find out more and would love to know what you think.

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

I’m looking forward to hearing from you.

Do you have anything interesting to tell us about?

Weʼre particulary keen to hear from local chariti es and voluntary organisations abo ut the good work they carry out in the community.

Hospiscare does its best to make the most of every moment for their patients.

W

hen the time comes, these angels hold people’s hands and guide them, very gently, into the next world.

It’s a fantasy isn’t it? Well, no actually.

The gateway I am talking about is in Exeter. It is the Exeter Hospiscare. The angels, are the doctors, nurses, health care assistants and general staff there.

A dedicated team who have found their vocation and love the work they do.

When someone close to you is diagnosed with a terminal illness that Weʼd also like to hear from gives them just weeks to live, you might practitioners in the feel helpless and hopeless. Here is South Devon area about their someone you love dearly and you can treatments and services. do nothing except sit and watch them die. It is tough. However, if they are lucky enough to find their way into the Exeter Hospiscare, you can rest assured that their last days will be the best they possibly can be.

Fur t h e r m o r e , as a relative or close friend, the Hospiscare staff will be as concerned with your welfare as they are with the patient b oth dur ing and after the A patient happily ordering his own meal event. There cooked on site to meet special dietary are quiet rooms conditions and requirements

where one can talk to genuine and caring staff and a lovely garden for both patients and relatives. Free guest rooms allow relatives or close friends to stay overnight when necessary. A bereavement councillor is on hand to help with the inevitable grief that follows the death of a loved one.

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

has been considered for the general welfare of the patients, relatives and close friends. Visitors are allowed to stay as long as they wish and come and go as they please. There is a quiet time in the first half of the morning when the staff attend to the patients’ ablutions. However, if one happens to be there early or has stayed overnight, the garden is a pleasant refuge or there is the coffee shop or a visitor’s lounge with T.V. The staff never make a visitor feel in the way.

As if all this isn’t enough, complimentary therapists visit the Hospis and offer free treatments. Massage is very popular and can range from a simple hand massage to back and neck or more. Everything is designed to ease the patients’ stay and make them as comfortable and happy as possible. Some of the therapists

There is a peaceful chapel and a kind and caring chaplain. However, it is not essentially a Christian retreat, people of all faiths are welcome here and cared for with the same love and professionalism afforded to anyone else. Nothing is too much trouble for the staff.

The patients are offered a varied menu each meal time which is served on a tray that always has a little pot of fresh flowers on it. If a An IPU nurse making a bed patient decides they can’t in the family room. eat it after all, it is never a problem and no one ever shows impatience or even offer treatments to help relieve the attitude. If a patient wants something stress of relatives and friends! to eat out of mealtimes, it is readily supplied. Relatives and friends can avail If you imagine the atmosphere of the themselves of the coffee shop where Hospis to be sombre, think again. meals can be ordered. Every detail

South Devon Coast & Country

46

ds Retirement Hom n a l t s e We

SITUATED IN THE LOVELY TEIGN ESTUARY Specialist staff care for patients throughout Exeter, mid and East Devon, including a 24/7 helpline for patients in the community.

People do not tiptoe around with heads bowed and sad looks on their faces. On the contrary, the staff smile a lot often laughter rings out along the corridors and on the wards; there’s a generally happy feel to the place. Both patients and relatives find this a great relief. Furthermore, there’s a generally relaxed pace to life here. This is not your frantic hospital ward, understaffed with doctors and nurses rushing from pillar to post. The staff are plentiful and time is available for every patient. Nothing is too much trouble. The doctors visit the patients every morning and check on their progress. The nurses and health care assistants keep an eye on patients throughout the day and night.

Everyone is on first name terms. It all feels intimate and warm. None-theless, the degree of professionalism is second to none. The Hospiscare team are masters at controlling pain enabling the patients quality of life to be as good as possible for as long as possible.

Among the volunteer staff, who are to be found in various departments, are the flower arrangers. It is their job to keep the constant supply of flowers around the wards looking good, fresh and abundant. Flowers come from supermarkets, funerals and those sent or brought in by relatives, friends and well wishers. The colourful displays brighten up the place and speak of the open countryside. The wards too are always fresh and clean and are kept that way by other volunteer staff.

The Hospiscare is not just about the dying. Patients are sometimes brought here in order to assess them and stabilise their condition. Once a balance is achieved with the right medication, patients often return home. There is a Day Centre too where patients can enjoy lunch and a chat in the lounge.

Other staff based here, go out into the community and look after patients who have chosen to stay in their homes. It

“All your staff are brilliant” - Jan “Thanks for the wonderful care” - May “Your smiles keep me going” - Glenda “...lots of love and personality” - Shirley

Winter activities programme out now Warm welcome for all Transport available in and around Teignmouth Open Lunches on first Wednesday of month

Call Liz

01626 773007 Westlands Retirement Home, Reed Vale, Teignmouth TQ14 9EH

www.westlandsretirementhome.co.uk is a comprehensive service run and managed by dedicated people who all love their work.

My dear sister died here recently. I was overjoyed that her last days were surrounded by love and such professional and caring people. I needed their love too and found it.

Thank you, thank you, thank you Exeter Hospiscare.

Each year, in order to maintain this level of care and professionalism, Hospiscare need to raise 4.8 million pounds. Not easy in a growing recession. If you want to donate or help in any way, their contact details are:

Dryden Road, Exeter, EX2 5JJ. Tel: 01392 688000 www.hospiscare.co.uk

an Do yo u have stor y fe li g in st re inte ? ll to te t Nigel If so, contac can e w so s Jone the include it in e in magaz 3383 call 01395 51

A Celebration of Life in South Devon

47

THE CREAM OF THE CROP TALENTED, AWARD WINNING AND NEW BUSINESSES IN SOUTH DEVON

British Master Florist receives award at Buckingham Palace Multiple award winning and supremely talented British Master Florist, Sachiko Hojo Smale has opened her first shop, Hojo Floral Design in Modbury. This is the culmination of a very exciting and eventful year for Sachiko, which has seen her achieve the coveted status of British Master Florist (the highest qualification in the UK), win a medal at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and be presented to Princess Anne at a City & Guilds award ceremony in Buckingham Palace, for her outstanding studies to achieve her Master Diploma in Professional Floristry.

Sachiko first came to the UK from her home near Tokyo in 1996 to improve her English and to start her career in floristry, which she studied at City College, Plymouth. She met and married her husband and has stayed in the UK ever since. “I love living in England and I decided to build my new professional career in the South West, which is particularly beautiful”.

Sachiko has many years of experience in British, European and Ikebana (traditional Japanese floristry) and she has created a unique innovative style that blends and harmonises these diverse traditions. “I believe that I am the only qualified Ikebana practitioner in the South West and it is fascinating to see how this very traditional skill, which is huge demand by top floristry designers worldwide, influences so much of modern floristry design in the UK and Europe.”

Sachiko’s designs can incorporate a wide range of multi-cultural or historical themes and are all individually crafted to suit the largest corporate event or a smaller more intimate occasion.

Sachiko Hojo Smale and her husband Philip, Hojo Floral Design, Modbury, 01548 830642 Weddings are a particular speciality and Sachiko really enjoys working with the bride and groom to achieve a magical effect for the special day.

Unique & British, hand-made boots, shoes and products all made in Teignmouth Working together at Brodequin Shoemakers are Laura Scott and Gill Cornish, who first met and learnt their trade over twenty five years ago when they both worked for a local shoemaker. Eventually they decided to branch out into business on their own and Brodequin Shoemakers was born in 2002.

“We choose the name Brodequin because we felt it was a very distinctive and unusual name, which reflects our leather work creations. It is also a name that has been used throughout history since medieval times to describe a variety of different styles of boot”.

All the products at Brodequin Shoemakers are

meticulously crafted by either Laura or Gill using traditional shoemaking and leatherworking techniques in their workshop, which is situated in the historic and picturesque seaside town of Teignmouth. You will also get their personal attention in their shop when ordering.

Mostly, the products are made to order to your specifications. When ordering footwear they will be made to measure to ensure a good fit. Leather is such a tactile material and they love creating new designs and putting together new combinations of colours. With over fifty colours and finishes of leather to choose from, the possibilities are endless. All of their designs are either traditional or original to themselves and are made to last using the finest quality materials. So, whether purchasing footwear, bags, pouches, purses or belts they will become more beautiful with age, providing a constant pleasure to use.

Their website which was launched in 2005 has proved very popular , especially the custom shoe picker, where you can drag and drop colours onto

South Devon Coast & Country

Laura Scott & Gill Cornish Brodequin Shoemakers Teignmouth, 01626 776341 various styles to give you a better idea of what colour combinations work well together.

To see an example of what they can create, see our Teignmouth Shopping pages in this issue.

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If you're the proprietor of an excellent local business, make contact with Jenny De Placido (07760 175303) or Vivienne Crump (01395 568025)

THE CREAM OF THE

CROP

Customer demand has led to second branch opening in Exeter Align Chiropractic Posture and Wellness Clinic was founded by Dr. Catherine Crane, an Australian born Chiropractor, who moved from Brighton to Devon three years ago to start up the multi faceted health and wellness centre, which incorporates Chiropractic, Postural Rehabilitation and Wellness care treatments; including Alexander Technique, Sports Rehabilitation Therapy, Pilates, Holistic Massage, Shiatsu, Kinesiology, Acupuncture, Vortex Healing, Counselling, Wellness Coaching and Hair Mineral and Toxic Element Testing.

Dr Catherine was inspired to become a Chiropractor 14 years ago, after a severe whiplash injury induced by a sky diving accident left her with severe neck pain. “The sky dive accident had left me in so much pain and immobility and there was nothing more the medical profession could do for me except offer me painkillers”, said Dr. Catherine. “So I was recommended a Chiropractor and immediately felt the benefits. From that moment on, I knew I wanted to be able to help others in that way.

Align Chiropractic opened in the prestigious road

of Devon Square in November 2011, and is the first clinic of its kind in the whole of the South West to offer the specific Chiropractic technique that Dr. Catherine has trained in, called Advanced Biostructural Correction. ‘We pride ourselves at offering new cutting edge Chiropractic techniques that are primarily focused on postural re-correction. The patient can literally see in the mirror their new straight posture as they leave.’

‘Our mission is to provide a professional, friendly and caring Chiropractic health care service. In addition we aim to provide a holistic service with access to multidisciplinary professionals, tailored to meet the clients individual needs. This is what makes us so unique in this area; our holistic and wellness approach.’

Align are proud to announce that in October they will be expanding to a second premises in Exeter, as there was such a demand for their service and many travelled the distance to use their services.

The new premises is set on Queen street and

Dr Catherine Crane Align Chiropractic Clinic Newton Abbot, 01803 814329 the premises is shared with Hypnotherapist Mike Uttley.

New owners re-open Totnes Tile Studio, following on from success at Torbay Totnes Tile Studio re-opens with new owners!

After a successful career in banking came to an end following the birth of her daughter, Kathryn decided the time was right to explore new avenues and none appealed more than getting involved in husband Andrew's family business, based in Torquay. The business (the House of Tiles) specialises in tiles and under floor heating.

This proved a perfect fit, as Kathryn could balance bringing up their children whist helping out Andrew and his family. Kathryn soon discovered she had leanings towards the design side of the business, whilst enjoying the interaction with customers.

Seven years on and many of those early customers remain loyal, seeking Kathryn's ideas on design and layout.

Recently, one of Kathryn and Andrew's trade customers decided to move on to pastures new, meaning an opportunity existed to take over his

business in Totnes. Whilst a major challenge, it was one that couldn't be resisted and Kathryn and Andrew were very soon the new owners of the Totnes Tile Studio.

The task in hand is big and to share the work load Kathryn and Andrew were delighted to enlist the services of Graham to help run the bath and shower showroom. Graham has 13 years experience in the tile industry and is extremely knowledgeable in bathroom design, not to mention being a specialist in wet rooms, which fits well with the business.

Kathryn, Andrew and Graham welcome both the public and trade to their premises where they will be more than happy to discuss individual requirements.

The show room is open 8.30am to 5.00pm from Monday to Friday and on Saturdays from 9am to 4pm. Unit 1, Archant House, Babbage Road, Totnes TQ9 5JA.

A Celebration of Life in South Devon

Kathryn Knight Totnes Tile Studio Totnes 01803 865865

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A Celebration of Life in East Devon

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