West Magazine, March 4 2017 by DCMedia

04.03.17

new reasons to embrace the South West

WIN! A VIP night of music

Hello sailor! Set sail for this season’s nauticals

A FRESH START ‘The business idea that changed my life’

- pg 12

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‘And I’ve a nasty suspicion the next Bond will be considerably younger than me. This must be how Methuselah felt’ Chris McGuire is feeling his age, p46

GOING WILD Superb photography of the South West

OH BABY! Rosie H-W’s got some good news

[contents[ Inside this week... 6

THE WISHLIST Our pick of the best treats this week

JUST BETWEEN US... Rosie Huntington-Whiteley’s good news

MAKING A SPLASH The best new wellies, made in Devon

EARN YOUR STRIPES Fashion goes nautical for springtime

THANK YOU, MR STEIN Eat, play and love in Newquay

PHOTOGRAPHY GOES WILD Stunning shots from across the South West

ALL SHIP SHAPE Architecture from the water’s edge

JUST ASK GRACIE Our style guru solves your problems

EARN YOUR STRIPES Fashion goes nautical for springtime

BOOST YOUR WELLBEING Great ways to feel your best this week

YOUR STARS THIS WEEK Cassandra Nye has your new horoscope

SMALL BITES What’s hot in the South West foodie world

A WEEKEND IN NEWQUAY How to eat, play and love on Fistral Beach

SECRET WESTCOUNTRY Where to go, what to do

SHY OF RETIRING?

How to make the most of a new era 3

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[

MAKING A SPLASH

Wonderful wellies in south Devon

[ welcome [ Sometimes it’s the simple things that mean the most... hen I lived up in London, footwear was very important to me. I had high heels, higher heels and even higher heels. Today, however, I’m happily back home in the South West and my most treasured (and, may I say, priciest) footwear is my pair of Rudds riding wellies. Yes, they cost more than any of the fancy shoes gathering dust in my wardrobe but they really are great. Warm, comfy, easy to walk in and - unlike any other wellies I ever owned - you can also hop on a horse and ride in them without getting your feet jammed in the stirrups. They are the brainchild of Rachel Rudd, a smart mum-

[

of the week

of-two who lives in Salcombe, south Devon. Our lovely feature writer Anna Turns catches up with Rachel on page 12 today and hears her plans for even more wellies - farm boots and sailing boots. If they are as good as the riding version, they will be well worth a try, I’m sure. Elsewhere today, we meet Nigel Hicks, a National Geographic photographer who lives here in the South West. After taking pictures everywhere from Alaska to the Philippines, Nigel has turned his camera closer to home with a fabulous collection of shots from Cornwall to Dorset - check them out on page 16 today. Happy reading.

[

Yes, they cost more than any of the fancy shoes in my wardrobe...

@OneVoiceTeam

Lovely photoshoot y’day with @KathrynCMcleod & @stevenhaywood1 in @Princesshay for @HobbsVIP TO ADVERTISE: Contact Cathy Long: 01752 293017 or 07557 576668, clong@dc-media.co.uk

Becky Sheaves, Editor

EDITORIAL: westmag@westernmorningnews.co.uk Tel: 01392 442250 Twitter @wmnwest

COVER IMAGE: Steven Haywood

MEET THE TEAM Becky Sheaves, Editor

Phil Goodwin

Kathryn Clarke-McLeod

Gillian Molesworth

Cathy Long

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If you do one thing this week... Why not get your tickets for a truly wonderful evening of music? Exeter Philharmonic Choir is preparing for two major concerts alongside the Exeter Philharmonic Orchestra, both to be held in Exeter’s beautiful cathedral. First up is Verdi’s dramatic and emotional Requiem on Saturday March 18. Then on Saturday May 20 the choir and orchestra will perform Elgar’s The Dream of Gerontius, acclaimed as the composer’s finest choral work. The concerts celebrate the choir’s 170th season of choral singing in the city. Tickets from www.exephil. org.uk or by calling 01392 499211 and also on the door. Prices from £12 for unreserved side aisle seating to £22 for the front nave.

Win!

We have a pair of front nave seats worth £44 for the May 20 performance of The Dream of Gerontius to be won. The prize includes an invitation to the special post-concert reception in the cathedral’s Chapter House with drinks and light refreshments. To enter, send your name, address, phone number and email to Choir Competition, westmag@westernmorningnews.co.uk to arrive by March 17. Alternatively, you can post your entry to: Choir Competition, West magazine, Queen’s House, Little Queen Street, Exeter EX4 3LJ. Normal terms apply, West will not share your details. 5

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PINK Flamingo tealight holder £3 Primark

CUTE Mini handbag £35 Accessorize

the

wishlist It’s Valentine’s Day this Tuesday - time to go shopping...

Floral cushion £6 George Home

City loft chair £445 Furniture Village

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Wishlist

Japanese bowl £8.95 Dotcomgiftshop

Jenny Packham dress £199 Debenhams

LOVELY Boat neck jumper £249 Jigsaw

Glitter espadrille £25 Accessorize

Martini glasses £75 for a set of two Amara

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talking points MAGICAL

Becky Sheaves

Story of my life... Happy Days are here again, truly ’ve just been to the partre just recently. Quite frankly, it ents’ evening at my was good enough to transfer on son’s school. Hold on a to the West End – were it not for minute – should that be the fact that the performers need parent’s evening, as in one, geto stick around home to do their neric parent (in the same way that GCSEs and A Levels. you talk about goat’s cheese) or Among Mrs Davies’ alumni parents’ as in lots of us? Oh dear, from previous years is the young I need more education myself. But star actor Alex Sharp, who won I think I’ll go with the plural – a Tony on Broadway for his perLord knows there were plenty of formance of The Curious Incident us parents there, all milling about of the Dog in the Night-Time. So and hoping for good news. perhaps I should not have been But anyway. Can I just say a so surprised to see today’s sixthheartfelt thanks to the good teachformer Vicky Wyant giving a ers of Sidmouth sensational singing, College. They swaggering perare really, really formance as feisty And among great. This year Pinky Tuscadero in them, singing and has seen a real Happy Days. And uplift in my son Zak Robinson, 17, dancing away Luke’s effort and who played The in the chorus achievement at Fonz, has also ap- one of many school. peared just recently And it was a joy on TV’s Let It Shine. - was my own to see it paying His Fonz was hondear son Luke dividends, not estly better than to mention how the original Henry giving it his all very encouraging Winkler version – and supportive more complex, more all his teachers interesting and also are. They really are the unsung able to sing and dance brilliantly. heroes of our world, in my opinHappy Days, the new musical ion. “Can I have a quick, quick version, is all about being a teenword?” said Mr Trengove, his ager, leaving your home town, form tutor. Oh crikey, what has deciding what to do with your Luke done? “I just wanted to say life. For me, the show was almost how very proud I am of him. What unbearably poignant to watch, good progress he has made this because the young actors were year!” said Mr T. A lovely bloke depicting their own age group and and a great teacher, too. their own, very real, concerns. In other news, I have to give a And among them, singing and shout out to the school’s drama dancing away in the chorus, one teacher, Angela Davies. Her 32nd of many, was my own dear son (yes, really) annual musical show Luke giving it his all. I couldn’t for the school was a triumph at have been more proud. Happy Sidmouth’s Manor Pavilion theaDays indeed.

Becky Sheaves lives with her family on a farm in east Devon. Next week: Gillian Molesworth on life in north Cornwall

metallics Standing out on the Golden Globes red carpet just recently, actress Maggie Gyllenhaal’s gold and black Marc Jacobs gown was a total headturner. Full of old-school Hollywood glamour, the dress featured a plunging neckline and luxurious metallic embellishment. For a similar look, we love this maxi dress from Littlewoods. Maxi dress £120 www. littlewoods.com

steal her

style

OR MAKE IT YOUR OWN

OPTION A Glamour Embellished sleeve dress £68 Very

OPTION B Gorgeous Prom dress £20 Bonmarché

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04.03.17

MORE THAN WHAM! They might have risen to fame together as the early 1980s pop duo Wham! but Andrew Ridgeley wants the world to remember George Michael for much more than that. Andrew, who lives near Wadebridge in Cornwall, tweeted “@TheSun @DailyMailUK et al, stop referring to #GM as ‘Wham!’ singer, it’s a disservice to his memory”. Andrew now lives quietly in north Cornwall with his partner Keren

Woodward (pictured) who was also a member of an iconic 80s pop group, Bananarama. Paying tribute to his friend, he tweeted that George “had a voice that would transport you, he was the finest singer/songwriter of his generation”. Andrew has also tweeted to thank fans for their support since the tragic death of the star on Christmas Day at the early age of 53.

Just

between us Gossip, news, trend setters and more – you heard all the latest juicy stuff here first!

DOT’S WARTIME ROMANCE

[[ ‘Yes, there’s a baby on the way. We can’t wait’

MODEL MUM-TO-BE There’s exciting news for Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, who is expecting her first baby with her fiancé, the actor Jason Statham. The A-list model, whose family still lives near Tavistock where she grew up, released pictures of herself with baby bump, wearing nothing but a bikini to announce the news. The photos were taken on a tropical

beach by the proud father-to-be, 49. Rosie, 29, will be able to afford a nice long maternity leave if she chooses. Last summer, she entered the world’s highest-paid models list, tied in fifth position, and she also designs her own lingerie and nightwear range for M&S. Could a range of glamorous maternity wear be on the cards?

She’s known to us all as Dot Cotton in EastEnders, a woman you can’t imagine indulging in anything as frivolous as falling in love. But actress June Brown, who plays the redoubtable BBC1 soap opera character, turns out to have a much softer side than her character. Revealing all on the BBC Radio Four programme Desert Island Discs, June told of her wartime romance with a young man who lodged with her family after escaping from the Nazis in Belgium. “I was very much in love with him. And he told his mother he was going to marry me when I was 16,” June told presenter Kirsty Young. After he returned to Belgium as a secret agent for the Allies, the pair wrote to each other. Alas, June was to be left heartbroken when he went off and married someone else. “The letters just stopped,” she told Kirsty. Shame. 9

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Star: Champion surfer Lucy Campbell of Woolacombe is the new face of Korev lager

in pictures

Hello there: Wildlife ranger Gary Zammit of Portreath has rescued a hedgehog

Memories: Joanna Shepherd of Saltash makes special quilts to help people with dementia Beach life: It was 16C at Perranporth, surfing time!

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talking points A HISTORY

of the

WEST in

100

objects 34: MISERICORD

The best way to:

From a Westcountry church, 15th century

GET SINGING Good for your health and your spirits, singing aloud is a wonderful, sociable hobby. Here are some ways to get started… Singing lessons: . Teaching all levels of singing from beginner right up to advanced, Louisa Wilde has sung at numerous events including the Mayor of Chelsea and Kensington’s Charity Ball in 2014. Louisa’s lessons in Exeter can be tailored to you. Prices start at £20. To find out more email info@ singinglessonsexeter.co.uk Community choirs: SING Plymouth Community Choir began in November 2015, building on the success of SING Exeter which was launched in 2014. It’s a warm and welcoming group who get together on a Thursday night for the sheer joy of singing together. There are no auditions and you are not expected to sing solo - unless you want to! www. singdevon.com One to one tuition: Ella Turk-Richards runs one-day vocal workshops across Cornwall and Devon. You’ll learn everything from creative improvisation to performance technique, alongside confidence building for those who wish to sing in public. Prices start at £15 for half an hour. www.ellaturkrichards. co.uk Perfect harmony: Phoenix Singers are a friendly four-part harmony choir based in St Ives. Rehearsals are on Tuesdays at 7.30pm at the St. Ives Arts Club and cost only £3 per week. A lack of musical knowledge is no barrier to joining – all you need is a love of singing and a commitment to learn. www. phoenixstives.co.uk

Julien Parsons is the Senior Collections Officer, The Royal Albert Memorial Museum in Exeter. He says: Much of our knowledge of the Middle Ages comes from legal documents. And while they are a rich source of information on land, properties and disputes, they are not much good at illuminating everyday life half a millennium ago. In contrast, objects such as this carving offer us a tantalising glimpse into the reality of past lives. Misericords, or mercy seats, are tip-up ledges found in churches and cathedrals that allowed clerics to rest – half sitting, half standing – during prayer: medieval services were long-winded affairs. The fronts are often carved with

ornament, weird characters or domestic scenes (it would have been considered unseemly to sit on a religious image). Frustratingly, we do not know the exact origin of this misericord. It was removed by Harry Hems, whose firm worked in churches across the South West during the Victorian period, and no record was kept of its location. The carving is captivating. It features a seated woman and beside her a long-haired, kneeling girl. The girl is bent double with her face down, allowing the older woman to inspect the back of her head. It seems to be an intimate portrait of a mother nit-picking her daughter. Before the era of chemical shampoos, fine-toothed combs and nimble fingers were the most effective way of controlling head lice.

#34 This shows medieval head lice treatment On display in gallery 3, Royal Albert Memorial Museum, Exeter.

Competition winner: Congratulations to Mrs M Gale from Withleigh, Tiverton, who wins ESSE cookware worth £76 from the Hearth & Cook showroom in Exeter www.hearthandcook.com

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Interview

GivinG it some welly Rachel Rudd tells Anna turns why a fresh air lifestyle beside salcombe estuary inspired her new business venture ike so many people here in the Westcountry, I wear wellies a lot. When I’m going for a stomp at the beach, walking along the coast path, jumping in and out of boats or swishing through lots of muddy puddles with my children, I’m always in wellies. They usually split within the year and this disposable fashion ethos has never sat well with me. At last, there is a solution, and it’s not too far from home. Rachel Rudd, who lives in Salcombe, south Devon, is a natural problem-solver. When yet another pair of her wellies gave up the ghost, she set about finding a better way to make quality boots that really last. Now, she has created her own brand, Rudds Wellies, which are warm, comfortable and designed to withstand a hard-wear-

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photography: Steve Haywood

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ing rural lifestyle. “I am just outdoors constantly and I wanted boots I could wear all year round,” says Rachel. “My business has the tagline Crafted to Work’ and the boots are lifestyle-led - riding boots, farming ones and a sailing range.” Rachel tells me that her vision was “an idea that just wouldn’t go away” but it’s taken a lot of work to get off the ground. She lives in the coastal town of Salcombe with her husband Niall and her two children, Arlo (eight) and Ida (four). Her story starts in 2014, when she canvassed opinions from hundreds of people in the equestrian, farming and sailing worlds to find out what they really wanted from a pair of boots. “I have learned so much, all along the way, so now there’s nothing on my boots that hasn’t been asked for by the customers,” says Rachel. After a year of research, she left her job in July

2015 and tested the boots for 12 months. First to launch were her horse-rider’s boots in October 2016. After trialling hundreds of pairs with riders all over the country, these boots are designed so that you can ride in them as well as wade through mud or muck out a stable. They are neoprenelined for warmth and styled so as not to catch in stirrups. “Perhaps that stems from my healthcare background – I used to work in healthcare management. No medicine or drug ever comes out unless it has been trialled and tested. “Quality has always been the overriding ethos for me and it has delayed things massively because I’ve waited for the right things to come together,” explains Rachel. “I turned samples down until I was totally happy with them and also had them out in the field, forgive the pun, for 12 months, being tested - which had a massive impact on the time it all took.” But now she can stand at a trade

‘I feel much more confident now and this has been

an amazing adventure’

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Interview show and be confident in her product, with a long list of strong testimonials. Rachel says she always knew she wanted to run her own business and turning 40 was a catalyst to kickstarting this venture: “I feel so much more confident now than I did in my twenties and so far this has been an amazing adventure,” she says. Her work included sourcing an expert rubber chemist in the USA to create the special formula for each of her types of boot. So the sailing Rudds are saltwater-resistant, the farm boots resistant to milk and lactic acid and the horseriding boots are resistant to stable muck. Rachel also worked with Falmouth University on devising the extra-sturdy soles of Rudds Wellies. “Sixty per cent of people I surveyed said ‘we know we’re not supposed to ride horses in wel-

lies but we do’, so I devised a way to make their boots OK to wear for mucking out the stable and then also riding.” Riding Rudds are black, farming ones will be green and the sailing boots will be blue when they come to market later this year. The Riding Rudds cost £120 a pair and are guaranteed for 12 months. When she’s not working from home or whizzing around the country for trade shows, Rachel can be found on Salcombe estuary rowing one of the local club’s Cornish pilot gigs. “Another achievement for my 40th year was the London river race – we rowed 21 miles!” She and her family are firmly ensconced in Salcombe’s community, primarily through their passion for outdoor pursuits. Arlo is a regular at Salcombe Rugby Club mini’s and Ida loves horse riding.

The family’s favourite walk is down Beadon Lane from home to North Sands beach. “We’ll go down to The Winking Prawn for an icecream and then along into town for a hot chocolate or treats at Cranch’s sweet shop then back home. That’s how I love spending our day and we are always going for stomps down to the beach. That’s why we are in wellies all the time,”says Rachel. Rachel credits her life in south Devon with her business success. “I have been so inspired by all the entrepreneurs and creative people living here. It gave me the courage to start my own business,” she explains. “Everywhere around me people are doing things for themselves. So Salcombe’s identity and way of life inspires me to do something special, too.” www.ruddswellies.co.uk

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Dusk at Hartland Point, Devon

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People

Capturing

South West Photographer Nigel Hicks shoots for National Geographic all over the world and is a Fellow of the British Institute of Professional Photography. His latest project is closer to home, however - a book of his stunning pictures, all taken here in the Westcountry. Here, he explains why... igel says: I love the South West. It’s beautiful, there’s plenty of verdant countryside, the woodlands and moors are stunning, and the coastline is utterly magnificent - sometimes the beauty is so intense it actually takes my breath away. And this from a professional photographer who has spent much of his career exploring all kinds of environments around the world. Yes, the Westcountry has lots of towns and in summer the crowds on the roads can drive me nuts. But once I’ve parked up in some rural or coastal car park and have started walking, the madness quickly falls away behind me. This area has been quite lucky. Despite the summer crowds, population pressure is lower than in much of England and industrialisation

and pollution have been less intense, leaving plenty of quite healthy landscapes not only for us to enjoy but for wildlife (both plant and animal) to call home. I’m quite sure that anyone who has spent much time here appreciates its beauty but I’m not sure that many realise just how special it is. In our daily rush it’s all too easy to stop really looking and just take it all for granted. I believe it is so important that we don’t forget about what we have here, in our own backyard. So, for nearly two years I photographed the South West’s natural landscapes and wildlife, aiming to showcase the best, the most beautiful and the environmentally most important sights that this region has. The result is Wild Southwest: the Landscapes and Wildlife of Southwest England, a book filled with words and pictures that I hope give a good

overview of just how special the counties of Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset really are. Much of my career as a professional photographer has been spent touring the world for a variety of publishers. I spent a decade shooting for Dorling Kindersley’s famous Eyewitness Travel Guides and, in more recent times, I have worked extensively for National Geographic Creative, the publishing division of the USA’s National Geographic Society. The shoots have taken me as far afield as the glaciers of Alaska, the wilds of Patagonia, the volcanoes of Iceland and the Philippines, and the rainforests of Borneo and the Amazon. It has always been amazing, that’s for sure. But, until recently, all this travelling left little time to turn my camera on my own home area, 17

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People

Pentle Bay, the Isles of Scilly

which seemed something of an omission - and an irony. For several years I toyed with the idea of putting together a project of my own in the South West, but I could never quite crystallise what it should be. Things started to fall into place at a series of meetings I had with other National Geographic Creative photographers during one of the organisation’s annual get-togethers in Washington DC a couple of years back. The focus of discussion was - what next for photography? The overall conclusion was, be creative and local - put together own projects and localise them. Wild Southwest was born. Of course, creating a project is one thing. Getting it out there to the world and making it pay its way is quite another. Initially, I ran the idea past a couple of well-known publishers, but I got the reply I’d expected: they’d love a book on the whole of the UK, the rights to which could be licensed around the world, but not a less commercially attractive regional one. So, I used my own publishing company, Aquaterra Publishing, which until then had produced only calendars and greetings cards. Wild Southwest would be its first book.

It would be wonderful to be able to rush out there and start photographing everything at any time and all simultaneously. Alas, things don’t work that way. Not only can I not divide myself into multiple clones but also the seasons have to be followed. Grassland flowers - and many of their butterflies - have to be photographed in May-July, the heather heaths in August, the river estuaries and marshes with their over-wintering birds during the winter months. The rugged north coast cliffs are best captured during the autumn in order to catch the first storms and the wild mood that area deserves, and the Isles of Scilly I reserved for May in order to catch the breeding puffins and guillemots. There was a huge amount of planning, research, writing, and yes photography too. The summer months saw an endless series of 3 or 4

[

am starts, to catch the early morning light and - when photographing grassland flowers - those early, still conditions before the wind kicks in and starts waving the flowers all over the place. Wind is not the only enemy of the wild flower photographer, especially on Dorset’s chalk grasslands. With cattle and deer around, that long lush grass is home to some less welcome residents - ticks, and lots of them. Getting down low and very personal with many of the flowers could have only one consequence. Every trip to those grassland nature reserves was followed at home by a tick-picking session. I think the record for a single outing was 44, all removed one at a time by my (clearly devoted) partner! Ticks, scratches and stings notwithstanding, it all started to come together surprisingly well, with a large body of photography and text stead-

[

Every trip to grassland nature reserves was followed by a tick-picking session. I think the record was 44

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Valley of Rocks, near Lynton, north Devon

Puffins on the Isles of Scilly

Photographer Nigel Hicks

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People

An otter on Dartmoor

Bossington Hill overlooking Porlock, Exmoor

ily accumulating. If the ticks were something of a low point, there were plenty of high ones too - like the grey seal pup I stumbled upon in a cove near St Austell, just as it was making its way to the sea for the first time. Its impossibly cute face was totally at odds with the very nasty dog-like growl it gave me, quite sufficient to make sure that I kept my distance as the poor thing struggled across the sand towards the water. Exmoor’s red deer were quite obliging during the autumn rut, when Jochen Langbein, a professional deer researcher, lent me his stalking skills to enable us to get close. In the Scillies, Mark and Susie Groves in their wonderful rib, brought me across big Atlantic rollers to come in tight on puffins, razorbills and countless seals. They were quite understanding when at one point I just had to put the camera down and gaze quietly into the distance. Looking through 600mm of camera lens on a boat that is pitching on an ocean swell is not conducive to harmony within the body! Running in parallel with all the research and photography, our book designer, Exeter-based Andy Jones, was gradually piecing all the material together into what became a great design. Transforming what I could see on our computer screens into the physical book came down to a Singapore-based printer - sadly, even with all the courier and shipping costs included, it is still vastly cheaper to print a book in Asia than in the UK. Last autumn, the books finally arrived in the UK, bang on time, and allowing our distributor, Star Book Sales, to set to work getting the books into shops across the South West. So far, it has all gone really rather well. I’m now looking to the future to make Wild Southwest a huge success... Wild Southwest, £14.99, www.aquaterrapublishing.co.uk. www. nigelhicks.com.

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interiors

explore

food

fashion 21

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Interiors

all ship shape This quirky home in Cornwall is full of unique style, discovers Charlotte Dear itting overlooking a wooded valley near the village of Feock in southern Cornwall, this beautiful and unusual property is inspired by the nearby waters of Carrick Roads and Falmouth. “I bought the house in 2010,” explains the owner David Wilkinson, a businessman. “At the time, the property was just two years old, so it was a very different beast to my previous home - a Georgian farmhouse - which had required an endless list of jobs just to keep it standing. “The previous owner had removed a bungalow from the site and employed a local architect to build this innovative curved building,” David explains. The house is designed to be in keeping with the contours of the hillside into which it is built and also to echo its creekside location, as the building resembles a boat with two curved wings that join together at the bow. “What immediately become apparent to me was that the previous owner had not been able to finish the work to the same standard at which he had started it,” says David. So remedial work was needed to turn the house into a home. “I built a chimney breast in the large reception room so as to install a real fire. The kitchen was given a major overhaul and I moved the master bedroom from one end of the house to the other so that it gets the best views across the valley.” David also needed planning permission to add an annexe to the rear of the house to become an extra bathroom: “Altogether, it was probably around three years before I had the home I wanted.” The lower wing of the house is a striking 65feet long open-plan space, comprising the kitchen, dining and sitting areas. “I am often told that it now resembles a Californian-style Hollywood Hills

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Interiors

house but that wasn’t my intention at formed.” all,” admits David. “I was much more The master bedroom and bathroom influenced by Scandinavian style and have been decorated in an Oriental was aiming for tasteful simplicity. Al- style, with oriental wallpaper, an eggthough today, stocked full of pictures, shaped bath in the centre and floor-toornaments and books I’m not sure you ceiling windows lining one wall. could describe it as tastefully simple “I decided to follow a Japanese style at all!” throughout the master bedroom suite, The entire space is flooded with and had wardrobes designed specially, natural light through skylights and along with prints for the walls.” The French windows oriental theme conon both sides of the tinues outside, with room. At one end, the a Japanese garden. kitchen has a ceramic “I used to travel quite ‘I am often told tiled floor and a cenfrequently to Japan that it resembles tral island with bar on business and I a Californianstools. “I designed always admired the the island as a curved way the Japanese style Hollywood shape so that you can could take relatively Hills house but sit here and enjoy the small spaces and do views,” says David. wonderful things that wasn’t my French windows with them. intention at all!’ open out to a huge “In summer when terrace, the perfect the acers, azaleas and entertaining space. camellias are at their “When I bought the best and the sun is house I had the diswarming the slates tinct feeling that the patio didn’t look below, it’s a lovely place to be.” quite right. A landscape gardener The four-bedroomed house, named came to help me and discovered that Bryher after one of the Isles of Scilly, every last flag had been laid face is now for sale - an exciting opportudown!” remembers David. “Once they nity to enjoy a truly unique home. had been taken up, cleaned and re-laid Bryher is on the market with correctly the whole space was trans- Lillicrap Chilcott for £1.3 million

[[

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GET THE

LOOK

Aztec rug from £39 Very

Have fun with your home without breaking the bank...

The Cookhouse wall clock in kettle blue Newgate Clocks £70

fave! Fish ornament M&Co £10

Luxor chair £299 Very

Duck plate £6 cathkidston

Interiors_March4.indd 25

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Ask Gracie...

Want to look your best this week? Our styling expert Gracie Stewart of Exeter can help you fulfil your fashion potential in every possible way. All you have to do is ask...

The tomboy look Q

Rip knee boyfriend jeans £35 Very

I don’t like girly clothes but I’d like to look feminine, too - any suggestions? AC, Honiton

So you woke up feeling that pastels, dresses and stilettos are not for you? Join the club! What you need right now is tomboy chic. From high-top sneakers to boyfriend jeans, here’s my guide to achieving this cute, sassy look with ease.

ADIDAS originals crop hoodie £60 Littlewoods.com

High-top sneakers: This sneaker style looks best when teamed with something unexpected like a floral dress or a matching denim set. You can pick your poison depending on how tomboy you want to go that day. A hoodie: A stylish and cute hoodie will add a subtle cool edge to any look of your choosing and can look surprisingly feminine.

Argentias hightop sneakers £99.95 Moda in Pelle

Track pants: Not only is this still a major trend for 2017, but trouser-style track pants are a comfortable way to add that athletic-inspired element to your look without going overboard. Baggy jeans: They don’t call them boyfriend jeans for nothing. Just add a graphic tee and sneakers and your look is complete.

Oversized blazer: This is the easiest way to jazz up a simple pair of jeans and tee combo. The oversize element is what makes it extra cute.

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All the juice Q

What exactly are juice cleanses and would you recommend doing one? HS, Minehead

First things first: juice cleansing is a detox diet during which a person consumes only fruit and vegetable juices to obtain nutrition. The regimes focus on freshly-made, unpasteurised juice, so it’s fair to say that bottle of orange juice from Tesco isn’t allowed. These new-style cleanses usually contain about 1,000 to 1,200 calories a day and often include a nut-milk component to provide a small amount of fat and protein. Although I’ve never done one myself, many people swear by cleanses and report an improvement to their health, mood, and appearance. The scientific community, however, is less than enthusiastic about juice cleanses. Many scientists, dietitians, and doctors regard detox diets as less effective than fasting with water, and, there-

Radiance Cleanse from £199 for three days www.radiancecleanse.com

fore, a waste of money. That said, if you’re going to do one anyway, I would recommend consulting with your doctor first, or at the very least going along with a widely-recognised juice cleanse program such as the Rainbow Cleanse from Pureearth.

Purearth Cleanse from £195 for three days www.purearth.co.uk

Plenish Cleanse from £178 for three days www.plenishcleanse.com

Sheer perfection Q

Is there a right and a wrong way to wear the sheer trend? GB, Truro

See-through mesh-type fabrics are set to be a huge hit this spring/summer but it can be a tricky trend to pull off. Either you look as though you’re not wearing enough, or too much can result in you looking like you’ve been caught in a mosquito net. With that in mind, these simple rules will keep you on the right side of daring and ensure you don’t over-expose yourself. 1. Invest in sporty-chic lingerie for maximum coverage underneath. 2. Sometimes a sliver of skin is all that’s needed. 3. For the less adventurous, sheer panels can add interest to an opaque fabric. 4. When in doubt, opt for black.

Gracie’s shopping list

Gelsomina blouse £69 Monsoon

Sheer maxi dress £115 Topshop

Sheer striped midi skirt £65 Miss Selfridge

Charlotte’s Cult Collection £175 www.cultbeauty.co.uk Curated specially for Cult Beauty and a strictly limited edition, Charlotte’s Cult Collection is an all-star edit of seven bestselling products for eyes, lips and cheeks all contained within a beautiful embossed gift box.

Ojon Rare Blend Oil £30 www.escentual.com Transform your dry and dull hair into more luxurious locks with the Ojon Rare Blend Oil Total Therapy, a rich oil that restores health to thick, coarse and damaged hair.

Spirit Celestial Sports Tote £42 Accessorize Big enough for all your exercise essentials, this printed sports tote is a must for your stylish kit. With two short handles and a detachable long strap, it features an outer zip pocket as well as an inner slip pocket and mesh pouch – ideal for keeping everything organised.

Got a style or beauty question? Email Gracie Stewart at westmag@westernmorningnews.co.uk with the subject Ask Gracie

Gracie_March4.indd 27

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Hello, sailor autical style is a trend that is perpetually in fashion, particularly as the days get warmer and spring is on its way. Sailor chic looks best when it stays true to its origins - so avoid anything too obviously glammed-up. Instead opt for fishermen’s jumpers, striped tops, pea coats and loose trousers. The odd anchor piece of jewellery is an easy way in to this look, too. We love this cowl neck dress from East, which could work hard for you all summer long and go from day into evening with ease.

Cowl neck striped dress £59 East

Linen trousers £98 Jigsaw

Holiday hat £25 White Stuff

Skirt £22.99 Bon Prix

Nautical tote bag £34.99 Deichmann

Striped dress £100 Betty Barclay

Fashion_March4.indd 28

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Fashion

fave!

Cotton jumper £59 East

Anchor purse £2 Tiger

Shorts £29.99 TK Maxx

Espadrilles £49.95 White Stuff

Cotton t-shirt £8 Bonmarché

Fashion_March4.indd 29

24/02/2017 18:43:11

Wellbeing

the boost

Life just got better. Our wellness guru Charlotte Dear has handpicked the latest health secrets and expert advice to help you be your best self, every day

Finding your inner strength New to the region, Red Yew pilates and dance classes are run by expert tutor Stacy Weeks and offer something for everyone. Restricted to eight people, Stacy’s classes are individually focussed, and can help you gain power over your body and build core strength. Classes take place in Tiverton and Taunton and Stacy also offers special one to one sessions, starting from £35. For more information visit www.redyew.co.uk

Smart food Struggling to keep those mid-afternoon cravings at bay? According to experts, certain foods are guaranteed to keep us fuller for longer and stop us reaching for the biscuit tin or crisp cupboard between meals. So next time you head to the shops, add these stomach-satisfying items to your list: Edamame beans, soup, eggs, quinoa, broccoli, oats, vinegar, greek yoghurt, avocado and wholegrain spelt pasta.

EMBRACE Wednesday March 8 is International Women’s Day. This is an opportunity to celebrate the cultural and political achievements of women all over the world. It is also a chance to call for a better, more inclusive and gender-equal world. Either way, this important day shouldn’t go unnoticed, which is why various UK cinemas are screening Embrace, body image activist Taryn Brumfitt’s documentary exploring the global issue of body loathing. Forthcoming screenings will take place in Exeter, Plymouth, Newquay, Redruth and Lyme Regis. Find your nearest participating cinema at www.internationalwomensday.com

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Are you sweet enough? No matter which dieting guru you choose to follow, one ingredient we could all afford to cut out of our daily menus is sugar. Added sugars like sucrose and high fructose syrup contain a heap of calories and no essential nutrients. So why not make March the month you bid farewell to this empty food and appease your sweet tooth with natural substitutes like honey, monkfruit, brown rice syrup and date sugar?

Oh baby! Are you a new mother longing for some TLC and time away from home, but can’t bear to leave your baby behind? Overlooking Mawgan Porth in Cornwall, Bedruthan Hotel offers special Baby and Toddler Breaks designed to take the stress out of family holidays. Fully equipped with everything you could need from buckets and spades to pushchairs and sterilisers, this unique package includes two hours’ free childcare, breakfast in bed one morning and one complimentary night’s babysitting. Prices start from £478 for a two-night break. www.bedruthan.com

What’s coming up? Tweet us your wellbeing diary dates

@WMNWest or email westmag@westernmorningnews.co.uk 31

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Wellbeing

Facing a new beginning Retirement needn’t feel like the end, says our expert I’m retiring from my job as a teacher this summer and, at the age of 60, I should be looking forward to my leisure time, shouldn’t I? Instead I find myself getting anxious about what I am going to do with my time. How will I manage with no routine or sense of purpose? DL, Newquay

ask yourself if you are to discover your new focus and purpose. For some, it could be a hobby or a life-long dream. Others may find their passion in some higher purpose or in “giving back”. Whatever your passion, be sure to go and look for it - don’t just wait for it to turn up.

Transformational coach Tiffany Macedo-Dine says: While some race requires a period to the day they can Create a new of transition, finally step into the routine planning and fantasy-ideal of retirement, others Maintaining the discipline find the prospect of stopping work you had during working readjustment as daunting as moving to a foreign life into retirement is cruland! There is no magic wand or cial in keeping motivated instant fix to help deal with the and generating that muchanxieties of retirement. Like any other change needed momentum. A sense of routine is helpful in life, it requires a period of transition, planin cultivating a healthy lifestyle and there is no ning and readjustment. Here are my top five tips better schedule to stick to, than one you created to help turn the new phase of your life into the yourself ! best yet:

Staying mentally sharp is as important as staying physically fit. Learning can come in many guises from studying, to training to discovering a new craft. Whether it be learning a new subject or honing a new skill, never stop finding out what you don’t already know. You never know what you will discover.

own previous job title here) doesn’t quite work for you, then it’s time to think of your new introduction. How do you want people to know you? Perhaps you are a keen traveller, an avid gardener, a charity volunteer or maybe you lead a singing Like any other group. Whatever your interest, you are more than change in life, an ex-job title, so now is retirement the time to shout about it.

[[

Discover your new identity Figuring out how you will introduce yourself to people in your new phase of life is a great way to test out your new identity. If retired teacher, retired doctor, retired accountant (insert your

Find your passion

Don’t expect your passion to just pop up or arrive with a “surprise!” tag attached to it. You may have to seek and find it for yourself. What is it that makes you tick? What brings you fulfilment? These are the big questions you have to

Don’t stop learning

Stay socially connected Make time for the people in your life, old and new. Keep engaged with family and friends with visits and going out. Now is not the time to turn down invitations to parties, weddings or celebrations. Be present in people’s lives, be interested, celebrate with them and support them. Knowing you are still needed helps maintain your sense of purpose. You may have retired from your work but your role within your family is still valid. It’s important too actively to meet new people - a new crew that will perceive you in the way you are now and help cement your new identity.

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Food

SMALL BITES

Our pick of what’s on in the Westcountry food world right now A must for food lovers Michelin-starred Cornish chef Nathan Outlaw is among the big names at this year’s St Ives Food and Drink Festival. Now in its ninth year, the hugely popular festival includes TV stars taking to the stage, culinary experts, local street food and artisan producers. Tickets are £2 for a weekend wrist band which gives full access to all events and demos. Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 May www.stivesfoodanddrinkfestival.co.uk

Under the sea On Sunday March 12 the Fat Hen cookery school in Penzance will be hosting a seaweed foraging and cookery course. The one day workshop is designed for those of us who want to learn more about Cornwall’s edible seaweeds and how to incorporate them into your diet in a delicious way. The course is £95 per person and you can book your spot online at www.fathen.org/seaweed-foraging-cookery.

Treats on the run Making a difference Do some good while you’re cooking! HomeSense has partnered with renowned fashion and portrait photographer Rankin to create exclusive aprons for Red Nose Day 2017. The apron is part of a range of products available in HomeSense stores nationwide and online at www.tkmaxx.com and rednoseday.com. With at least £5 from every adult apron sale going to Comic Relief, the money will help people living incredibly tough lives in the UK and across Africa.

If you’re a fan of local food, drink and scenic running, it’s time to grab yourself a nibble, pour your favourite tipple and lace up your trainers as The Delicious Dart Trail is taking place on Saturday March 25. Starting at Totnes, south Devon, participants will run to the coastal town of Dartmouth, sampling a wide variety of the finest local produce along the way. By the time you reach Dartmouth, runners will have clocked up 15 miles of spectacular riverside trail and tasted more than a dozen different beers, wines, liqueurs, savouries and puddings. Entry is £40 per person and there are only 350 places available so make sure you get in quick. www.deliciousdarttrail.co.uk

Got some foodie news? Let us know on westmag@westernmorningnews.co.uk 33

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Enjoy

Your stars by Cassandra Nye This week’s sign:

Happy birthday to...

Brooklyn Beckham

Pisces people are selfless. They are always willing to help others, without hoping - or needing - to get anything back. Pisces is a Water sign and, as such, this zodiac sign is characterised by empathy and a deep emotional capacity. Their ruling planet is Neptune, which means Pisces are more intuitive than most and often have lots of artistic talent.

Born March 4, 1999 Eldest son to power couple David and Victoria Beckham, Brooklyn is a rising star in the modelling industry. More recently, the teenager found himself behind the camera as the photographer for a line of Burberry fragrance ads. Brooklyn is one of four siblings with brothers Romeo and Cruz, and little sister Harper. He’s played football for Arsenal’s youth team and its under-18 team. Though now he’s turning 18, it is time to move on. Who knows what this multitalented young man will do next?

PISCES (February 20 - March 20) Both personal and business contacts show promise. Having cleared the air by speaking your mind last week, you can now see a way forward. Trips away, even short ones, can bring big changes to your experiences and attitudes. Could we say that this is an ‘eye-opening’ week? Certainly! Love is up and down but in a strange kind of way it adds excitement.

ARIES (March 21 - April 20) Although your confidence is building throughout this month, keep a sharp eye on colleagues. Opportunities that can be yours will need swift action. Love is swinging from the trees, you just need to climb a few branches to get there. Yes, that little extra effort pays dividends! This weekend is kind of the calm before a busy period as far as work is concerned.

TAURUS (April 21 - May 21) Did last weekend’s encounter have you thinking of the past? Tricky one, this! Maybe you are not too sure of your future moves and this makes you hesitate to change things. That is wise as the weekend approaches. Keep busy with your lover or partner, exploring new places and ideas.

GEMINI (May 22 - June 21) Love and money seem to be going hand in hand at the moment. The Full Moon as the week begins allows a chance for you to set off for adventures out of your normal rhythm. Are you about to be dancing to a different beat? Going full steam ahead rather than taking a tentative approach could work very well for you now.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22) Cash flow eases to give you cause for optimism. This is not a signal to overspend, however. That need for adventure firing your imagination this week is calling for action rather than a spending spree! Love grows

stronger as the month progresses but there is a need to take off those rose-tinted glasses.

LEO (July 23 - August 23) In a sociable but very volatile week, passions run high. Expect perfection and you could be disappointed. Go with the flow and it can be an enjoyable ride! A Full Moon at the weekend is going to show up your finances, so getting them sorted is essential. Love is high on your list of priorities but there is some confusion.

VIRGO (August 24 - September 23) Love is never far from your thoughts right through this unusually relaxing week. A holiday planned together brings a closeness to the everyday. So you often work apart? That doesn’t mean you can’t share ideas. Don’t feel like being practical right now? Would you rather be ‘away with the fairies’?

LIBRA (September 24 - October 23) When love comes calling, a little extra effort helps. From midweek onwards you feel a strong urge to start something new in this area. When I say ‘new’ it could be someone from your distant past that pops up on your radar (or screen!) Rush around if you will, but keep the door open! There are more possibilities than you can see at the present time.

SCORPIO (October 24 - November 22) In a very social week, friends are supportive and fun. There is a definite

‘naughty’ streak about you so keep it exciting but safe! A trip out reminds you of someone in the past who made you laugh. Did this have a less than good ending? Some things are better just forgotten. Go with the flow but plan something entirely new to you for next week.

SAGITTARIUS (November 23 - December 21) Be careful to make the right decisions as this week begins. New loves and new experiences beckon but hold on to those pursestrings! If someone is really into you they will be wanting your time, not your cash. Having said that, it is a time of surprises and springboards to the future.

CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 20) Love and cash can flow easily together this week. You may be asked to agree to something that will give you extra work or responsibility. Stay sharp and delay decisions if you feel uneasy. Socially there is a forward movement that is pretty unstoppable. Something that you have wanted to do for some time is now possible.

AQUARIUS (January 21 - February 19) A possible new love is showing more promise than a recently unsettling encounter. Give your thoughts and feelings time to readjust. Prepare, this week, to speak your mind in the near future. Above all, don’t be taken for granted, just for the sake of keeping the status quo.

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27/02/2017 12:25:52

Summer style

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28/02/2017 14:01:17

Cook

Gluten-Free Caramel Hazelnut Cake By the chefs at Yeo Valley, Somerset: This delicious cake is great for people keen to avoid gluten, as it uses ground hazel nuts instead of wheat flour. This does mean it is not especially low in calories, though! Do try Yeo Valleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s organic cream in the topping, too.

Ingredients:

Method:

250g whole hazelnuts 4 eggs 150g caster sugar 1 tsp gluten free baking powder For the topping: 300ml double cream 75g hazelnuts 100g sugar 4 tbsp water

Bake the nuts at 160C until golden brown, before blitzing them up in a food processor.

Whisk together the egg yolks and threequarters of the sugar. Then whisk together the egg whites and the remaining sugar.

Fold the egg whites into the egg yolk and sugar mix then fold in the blitzed nuts and the baking powder. Pour the mixture into a buttered and greaseproof lined tin and bake in the oven at 160C for 20 -30 minutes, then take out and allow to cool.

For the topping, roast the hazelnuts, place them on a tray and bake at 180C for 5-6 minutes or until golden brown.

Put the water in a pan and add the sugar, heat over a medium heat until the sugar has dissolved then turn up the heat and gently bubble for 4 minutes or until you have a light caramel. Take off the heat and add the toasted nuts.

Immediately pour onto a baking tray that is lined with greaseproof paper. Allow to set and then remove from the paper and break up to use as a garnish.

Whip the cream until it is stiff. Cut the cooled cake in half and sandwich together with some of the whipped cream, place the cake on a serving plate, cover with more of the whipped cream and break over the caramel praline mixture.

Yeo Valley make delicious organic dairy products in Blagdon, Somerset. For more recipes see www.yeovalley.co.uk 36

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Drink

Happy h ur with drinks expert April Marks

April says: How many of us drink grappa on a regular basis? Not many, I bet, although there is a British version made right here in Devon. I recently had the pleasure of meeting its maker, the energetic and forward-thinking Cosmo Caddy, founder of Devon Distillery. Cosmo is the grandson of Maurice and Ruth Ash, who set up the Sharpham Trust which owns Sharpham vineyard in Ashprington. Cosmo grew up surrounded by grapes and, of course,

wine. His family holidays were often taken in Italy which meant Cosmo was introduced to grappa at an early age. The first of its kind in the UK Cosmo created his spirit in 2013, grappa is geographically protected therefore Dappa (Devon grappa) was born. Dappa is made from the red grape skins that are a by-product of making red wine. These skins are known as pomace. During the red wine production, the skins are fermented with the juice to impart their flavours and colour. When the fermented red grapes are pressed, alcohol soaks

This British version

of grappa is made right here in Devon

into the skins and remains there even after pressing. It is these skins that are collected and brought to Devon Distillery for processing. The pomace is placed into copper stills while still fresh (with 72 hours of fermentation) and distilled in small batches to produce a grappalike product. At 43% itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fragrant and spirity making it both a perfect digestif and accompaniment to an espresso. Cosmo is quite the perfectionist so the few batches that didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t quite make the grade last year are currently being made into limoncello and will be released later this year. Having tasted how good the Dappa is I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait to taste the limoncello. April Marks is co-founder of Regency Wines Ltd Exeter @regencywinesuk

Dappato Cocktail 35ml Dappa 2 tsp Amaretto 1 maraschino cherry Mix all the ingredients together with ice in a shaker then strain into a cocktail glass. Perch the cherry on the rim of the glass for a retro look.

PRODUCT OF THE WEEK Dappa This upcycled spirit is made from the left over red grape skins after fermenting English red wine - see main story. Currently available at Darts Farm in Topsham, the Shops at Dartington and Regency Wines.

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Drink Beer of the week Much as I loved Left-Handed Giant’s barrel-aged milk stout, my favourite of their tap takeover was a collaboration Sour Porter (6% ABV) with London’s Beavertown Brewery, owned by Robert Plant’s son, Logan. Apparently 20kg of raspberries went into the beer and these manifest themselves in a deep, rich, sour raspberry flavour that is light years from your usual tart fruit beer. Sublime.

Darren Norbury

talks beer LET’S FACE THE MUSIC AND DRINK St Austell Brewery Visitor Centre is now holding monthly music evenings in its wonderful bar area. Next up on Friday (March 10) are the Good Old Fashioned Lover Boys, from 8-11.30pm. A great chance to try a range of St Austell brews at source.

Top of the hops A native variety of Cascade has led to TG Redsell, of Kent, being named champion grower at the British hop awards. English Cascade is increasingly finding its way into British beers, notably down this way, Skinner’s English Pale Ale collaboration with River Cottage.

e know, do we not, that there are, ied, beige-headed brew. A treat for the eyes, yes, fundamentally, four ingredients in but oh, the aroma: it was like a luscious, full-bodbeer: barley, hops, yeast and water. ied, really fruity red wine, with that hint of wood These are great ingredients doing a on the side. And this was because the beer – in its fine job in breweries and home-brew normal guise as a great milk stout – had been makitchens around the world. Hats off to ‘em. tured in burgundy wine barrels. So, initially on But as I was standing in the HAND bar, in Falthe palate come these boozy berry notes, slightly mouth, the other night, at a brewer’s tap takeotart, before the lactose creaminess of the base ver*, I thought it’s time I drew your attention to stout makes itself known. But this is all framed an ingredient that’s rapidly gaining the reputaby the wood, with hints of leather in there too. If tion of the fifth Beatle. Wood. you’re not finding the descriptors Okay, okay, wood isn’t strictly of wood and leather attractive, I an ingredient. Let me tell you implore you to try some barrelI’ve known the context. The Tap Takeover aged beers because then, you’ll brewers add was by the three fellas behind get it. Really, you will. the hugely successful Left Wood-aged beers are becomwoody flavours by Handed Giant Brewery, out of ing increasingly popular in a actually adding, Bristol. range of barrels. Wine casks are Rich, the brewer, and his busipopular, while whisky and rum for instance, ness partners Jack and Bruce barrels add different dimencedar chips into were down for two or three days sions. Wood and beer doesn’t beer during the of the Cornwall experience, stop at barrel ageing, though – kicking off with a tap takeover I’ve known brewers add woody fermentation of their beers in HAND. (They flavours by actually adding, for also spent two days making colinstance, cedar chips into beer laboration brews with, respecduring the fermentation stage, tively, Verdant, in Falmouth, sometimes secondary fermentaand Harbour Brewing, near Bodmin). tion. It may seem barking mad, but the results They do the brews that these young turk brewcan be striking. ers love, such as American pale ale and a version *Tap takeover: when a pub or bar hosts a of a German Kolsch. But what really grabbed range of a brewer’s beer for a night or a short my attention was a barrel-aged version of their time, often taking over all the taps the venue has. milk stout, Lactose Tolerant. To begin with, I had These events are well worth looking out for: like a third of it, which was carefully decanted from mini-beer festivals. a standard tumbler into a long-stemmed wine Darren Norbury is editor of beertoday.co.uk glass. It was the perfect vessel for this black-bod@beertoday

[[

Beer_March4.indd 38

28/02/2017 13:14:26

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culture vulture Our pick of the most interesting and exciting things to see and do right now in the South West A touch of vintage flair The Bedruthan Mid-Century and Vintage Fair is set to take place on Saturday March 11 and Sunday March 12. Featuring an eclectic mix of mid-century homewares, furniture, antiques and collectables, there will be more than 50 stalls split across three levels all with stunning sea views. As well as their onsite restaurant there will be a pop-up tea room serving hot drinks and cake throughout the day. Tickets £3 in advance, £4 on the door. www.bedruthan.com/midcentury-and-vintage-fair

Taking to high seas

Beautiful paintings The Exeter Phoenix arts centre is soon to be showing an exhibition of recent paintings by the renowned British artist Eleanor Moreton. The exhibition, entitled A Cold Wind From The Mountains, features beautiful paintings by Eleanor, who was born in 1956 and studied for a BA in Fine Art at Exeter College of Art. Eleanor will also give a talk on her work at the show on April 22 at 2pm, which should be well worth a visit. From March 17 to April 30, entry free. www.exeterphoenix.org.uk

Captain Bligh: Myth, Man and Mutiny is an exhibition that remembers a notable Cornishman and significant national figure. To mark the 200th anniversary year of Bligh’s death, the exhibition tells the true story of the mutiny on The Bounty, challenging the more commonly known Hollywood depiction. The show brings to life one of the greatest small-boat survival stories in history, featuring relics from the voyage and a specially-built replica of the boat in which 18 men travelled 3,600 nautical miles. The National Maritime Museum, Falmouth from Friday March 17, adults £12.95 www.nmmc.co.uk

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Next week

NEXT WEEK IN WEST... Fresh! Why wide leg trousers are the way forward for fashion this spring. Plus: hot news for the coolest weddings in the Westcountry

Packing it all in... One Devon woman’s mission to give up plastic packaging

A bit Chile

Discover the perfect pinot noir

So secret Where to go for a really special day out in the South West

You’ll find West magazine in every Saturday’s issue of The Western Morning News 41

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Enjoy

Bodyboarding with Newquay Activity Centre

A WEEKEND IN...

Newquay You really can surf in winter, Sarah Pitt finds out, as she heads to Newquay for a weekend’s break among the waves he gigantic wave came crashing over my head, catapulting me off my comfy beginner’s surfboard. One moment, I was serenely surfing towards the smooth sands of Fistral beach. The next, I was upside down. Spluttering, I emerged from the waves, bumping up onto the beach. Around me, people were falling off their boards left, right and centre. Another beginner grinned at me conspiratorially as she whizzed towards the beach. It was, I realised, as I expelled a mouthful of seawater, all part of the fun. Newquay Activity Centre instructor Johnny Fryer – who won the title of British Surfing Champion on this very beach in 2010 – said the steady swell rolling in from the Atlantic was

“as good as it gets”. On a day like this he would normally be out among the pros, bobbing among the waves like seals, waiting to leap on the perfect wave. Instead, he was giving me and my boyfriend Carlo a taste of the sport which Newquay’s all about, www.newquayactivitycentre. co.uk. We had, up until this point, been admiring the breakers from a safe distance, from the vantage point of our comfy, warm room at The Carnmarth Hotel, overlooking Fistral beach. I was not wholly enthusiastic about leaping into the Atlantic in winter, given that I typically need coaxing into the sea even in July. But it turned out not to be half as achingly cold as I expected, thanks to the activity centre’s wetsuit, hat and boots. You

do need to keep moving, though. Carlo, in fairness, proved to be much more of a natural than me, and time and again he managed to get up on his feet. By the end of our session, Johnny assured him he was very nearly there. As for me, well, more practice is probably needed! When you’ve been surfing (or falling off) you need to refuel. And open all day on the beach is Rick Stein Fistral, www.rickstein.com, which serves fish, chips and curries to eat in or takeaway. Prices are reasonable, the atmosphere informal and you eat out of cardboard cartons at long wooden tables. For starters, we both had the Amritsari fish, fresh white fish in a crispy chickpea batter with a hint of chilli. For mains, my Goan chicken curry was fragrant and Carlo pro-

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The Carnmarth Hotel

nounced his spicy beef rendang to be very tasty. I was on the wagon, post-Christmas, so opted for Luscombe cool ginger beer, which had a delicate spiciness which went well with the curries. Carlo tried two local beers, Clouded Yellow from St Austell Brewery, which was lightly spiced, and Chalky’s Bite, named after Rick Stein’s late lamented terrier Chalky, from Sharp’s Brewery in Rock just down the coast. Pronounced deliciously smooth, this was his favourite. The Carnmarth, a friendly family-run hotel, proved to be the ideal base for our weekend in Newquay, with its beach views at a little distance from the town but still close enough to stroll around of an evening. Carnmarth Hotel combines the glory of a classic British cliff-top hotel with the best of modern facilities and furnishings to create breaks with an intimate, relaxed feel. Flanked by the golden majesty of Fistral Beach, Cornwall’s, and indeed the UK’s, premier

Tom Thumb Bar

[[ People were falling off left, right and centre. It was, I realised, as I expelled a mouthful of seawater, all part of the fun

Curries at Rick Stein Fistral

surf beach, and the craggy sweep of Newquay The Carnmarth Hotel has incredible sea views on three sides, and with Newquay Golf Links rolling away from the hotel front, this is a setting that’s very easy on the eye. It’s the perfect base for a surfing weekend and they have a terrific winter offer of £99 per person for two nights of dinner, bed and breakfast www.carnmarth.com until April 1. Newquay is keen to shake off its image as a party town for carousing youths and emphasise its family-friendly credentials. Our Saturday night out in Newquay saw us dipping into a couple of venues which offered much more than raucous stag and hen dos. First up we checked out very cool Tom Thumb bar www.tom-thumb. co.uk on East Street, offering cocktails with great names like The Captain is Legless. Carlo sampled

the Tom Collins, a mixture of gin, lemon juice and gomme syrup with lemon bitters, which was cocktail of the week. Later, taking a little side street down to the town harbour, we happened upon the rowing club, displaying a sign saying visitors were welcome. We walked in just as a band was tuning up. Cool As Funk helped everyone rock the night away in this friendly clubhouse which felt like a bit of real Cornwall. We were really made to feel welcome among the regulars. What a great night. Sunday saw us meandering along Fistral beach again to blow away the cobwebs before heading back to The Carnmarth for their legendary Sunday roast. I have never seen a bigger plate of roast beef, with majestic Yorkshire puddings, terrific value at £11.95. Leaving Newquay on Sunday afternoon, as the sun was setting, for an hour’s drive east back home we felt we’d been on holiday for a lot longer than just a weekend. We will be back. 43

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Bovey Castle

Moko, Gandy Street

My favourite: Walk: Living in Devon, we’re spoilt for choice so it’s really hard to pick just one. However, for proximity and opportunities to stop for coffee and cake, it’s hard to beat the section of the Exe Valley Way between Exeter Quay and Starcross. Depending on the time of year and how energetic I’m feeling, it might be a gentle stroll as far as the Double Locks, a longer walk to the café at Topsham Lock Cottage or I’ll keep going until I get to Turf Locks. I’ve yet to get all the way to Starcross! Place to eat: Cuba

My Secret Westcountry

Cantina in Gandy Street, Exeter. It’s a small independent that sits somewhere between a restaurant and a fast food place and is a great place to meet up with friends before heading out for the night. It has a really relaxed vibe and lovely, friendly staff. The seating upstairs is in a series of small rooms so you can end up having your own private dining experience. The short menu focuses on burritos and tacos and you can have them as mild or hot as you dare. They also do churros with dulce de leche and chocolate sauce – delicious and addictive.

Croyde beach

Cuba Cantina

Weekend escape: When the weather allows, I love heading down to the South Hams and exploring beaches such as Wembury or Bigbury. As long as you’re dressed for it, the middle of winter is just as good as a hot summer’s day – and far less crowded.

Helen Scholes

Beach: We don’t get up there as often as I’d like

Helen Scholes, 44, is marketing manager of Stagecoach South West and sits on the Exeter Business Improvement District board, advising on transport issues. She lives in Exeter and is married to Dave, with step-children Emma, 19, and Cameron, 17.

Shop: Moko in Gandy Street. It’s a treasure trove and has everything from clothes to furniture to jewellery to cards. Whenever I stop by to get a present for a friend, I usually end up getting myself a present too. They always look for products that are made in an ethical and sustainable manner so I can shop and feel good about it.

but the endless, wild expanse of the beaches at Saunton and Croyde is truly invigorating. Even in the height of summer, you can avoid the crowds and find a quiet spot.

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People

PHOTO: JOCK TODD

PHOTO: STEVEN HAYWOOD

Bigbury beach

Croyde beach, North Devon Double Locks by River Exe

View:

The views from the train between Starcross and Dawlish always gets me. As a child, I used to head to Cornwall on the train several times a year to stay with my Gran, so there’s nostalgia mixed with just enjoying watching the sun bounce off the waves and the sight of Lympstone and Exmouth over the other side of the River Exe.

Pub: The Angel in Queen Street, Exeter. Over the years, it’s been the setting for many a great night out and is also my husband’s favourite pub. He first took me there in the early days of our relationship when I lived in London and would visit Exeter just for the weekend. I therefore hold him entirely responsible for everything that’s ensued since. Food:

Roast dinner. It’s not original but it’s a hard to beat. I’m pretty good at making one myself, including Yorkshires from scratch, but sometimes it’s nice to have someone else do all the work. One of the best roasts I’ve ever had was at The Huntsman pub in Ide, near Exeter.

Drink: If

it’s not a cocktail at Doctor Ink’s (see below), then it’s got to be a really good coffee. One

of my favourite places to pick up a latte is the Exploding Bakery on Queen Street in Exeter. The challenge is to avoid buying one of their cakes at the same time.

Secret place: Doctor Ink’s Curiosities.

I don’t think this place is very secret any more but I stumbled across it last summer before it officially opened. It’s a gem hidden in plain sight on Exeter Quay and the décor is amazing – Gothic Victoriana complete with gold leaf walls, thick curtains and a painted ceiling. The cocktails are quite unlike any I’ve tried before and all made with incredible love and care. Each one has its own specific kind of glass, all kept chilled in their own special fridge. They come decorated with everything from fresh flowers to an individual twist of popcorn. They’re tiny little works of art.

Special treat: I’ve only been the once (unfortunately!) but, for my hen do, having tea at Bovey Castle really was special. Sitting out on the terrace on a glorious summer’s day and being waited on is something I could definitely get used to. Of course, the bottle of prosecco that replaced the tea helped! 45

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My life

Chris MCguire

Young at heart Chris Mcguire is feeling his age as time marches on to WWE wrestling. There’s a kind of relief in not pretending anymore. I was never much good at being young. Prematurely middle-aged is how I was often described. But now that it’s dawned on me that I am mathwasn’t. ematically middle-aged I’m It couldn’t be true, could it? I did not sure how to react. Should a bit of mental maths. It was perI start doing anything And I’ve a nasty fectly possible. There are, in life, differently? suspicion the milestones that seem to come out I considered next Bond will of nowhere to remind us we’re not getting a pipe. I getting any younger. You know the wouldn’t light it, be considerably ones: the first time we have a propas I find the smell younger than erly bad back, our first grey hair. disgusting but I me. This This was one of those moments. thought it might Yes, this week I discovered an old be a useful prop must be how school friend is now a head teachto have when Methuselah felt er. And, boy, did that make me feel making a point decrepit. in an adult It took me back to those Matrix manner. films with Keanu Reeves, where people inhabit What else could I do to fulfil a computer-game reality, appearing how they my not-young-any-more imagine themselves to be, not how they actually status? are. In the movies, Keanu, in reality a pasty ofI toyed with spendficer worker, appears as a leather-clad slick mesing time complaining siah type. Continuing this rather forced analogy, how bad contemporary the mental image I have of myself is more than music is, but then rea decade younger than my 37 years. I still get a alised I’d been doing shock when a greying and increasingly wrinkled that for years. The face that appears in the mirror. fact I called it contemDenial, as I’ve said before, is not a river in porary music should Africa. I am no longer a young adult. I’m just… an have been a give-away. adult. If my life were a vinyl album, I’d be ready To be honest, my to flip it over and play side two. The discovery new not-young status that a friend is a head teacher, a role I’ve always has mainly manifested associated with the mature and established type, itself in realising I’m brought home to me that I can no longer, in any older than people on the sense, be considered young. telly. I’ve stopped watching I can almost hear the tutting of some readHollyoaks completely. I’m ers, who may find themselves older than me and older than the current Superdon’t see my problem. It’s not a problem, just a man and I’ve a nasty suspicion realisation. I now know how Gary Barlow must the next Bond will be considerhave felt when he finally came to his senses and ably younger than me. This must realised that he is to dancing what Mary Berry is be how Methuselah felt.

t was one of those moments at which I wanted to sit down. Unfortunately the immediate vicinity didn’t facilitate parking my bottom. So I stayed standing, all the time wishing that I

[[

So what have I concluded from my new-found maturity? Not much, to be honest. The older I get the less I pretend to know. I just hope, when I see my old school friend, I can resist the urge to put my hand up before I speak to him. Chris Mcguire is a writer and new dad. he is maturing like ripe cheese and finds he really camembert it. @Mcguireski

NEXT WEEK: Phil Goodwin on love, life and parenthood in the South West 46

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