Devonshire Feb 16

DEVONSHIRE 

LARGEST CIRCULATION DEVON GLOSSY, OVER 20,000 MAGAZINES ACROSS 870 OUTLETS FEB & MAR 16 FREE

CURIOUS TO KNOW IF 

YOU HAVE SOMETHING 

OF VALUE? 

It could pay to talk to Bonhams 

- Insurance and Probate Valuations 

- Home Visits 

- Specialist Valuation Days 

AN AMBER BEAD NECKLACE 

Consigned in the West Country 

Sold in London for £6,875 

ENQUIRIES 

01392 425264 

exeter@bonhams.com 

Bonhams 

The Lodge 

Southernhay West 

Exeter, Devon, EX1 1JG 

2 

bonhams.com/exeter 

Countryside, History, Prices Walks, shown the include Arts, buyer’s Events premium. & all things Details Devon can at: be found at bonhams.com 

DEVONSHIRE magazine.co.uk

CHARTERED BUILDING COMPANY 

CHARTERED BUILDING COMPANY 

Commercial 

Commercial 

New 

New 

Build 

Build 

Refurbishments 

Refurbishments 

Extensions 

Extensions 

Project 

Project 

Management 

Management 

I can, without hesitation, 

strongly I can, recommend without hesitation, N J Whittaker. 

Their strongly workmanship, recommend customer N J Whittaker. service, 

timekeeping Their workmanship, and efficiency customer are service, 

second timekeeping to none… and efficiency are 

second to none… 

Jill Swainson, Uplyme - Lyme Regis 

Jill Swainson, Uplyme - Lyme Regis 

Tel: 01404 43340 Fax: 01404 549535 

Tel: 01404 43340 Fax: 01404 549535 

Email: enquiries@njwhittaker.com 

Email: enquiries@njwhittaker.com 

Web: www.njwhittaker.com 

Web: www.njwhittaker.com 

Address: Unit 1 , Gt Western Business Park, 

Devonshire 

Address: Unit 

Rd, 

1 

Honiton, 

, Gt Western 

Devon 

Business 

EX14 1TA 

Park, 

Devonshire Rd, Honiton, Devon EX14 1TA 

BUILDING ON REPUTATION 

BUILDING ON A REPUTATION 

mydevonevents 3

DEVONSHIRE 

www.devonshiremagazine.co.uk 

LARGEST CIRCULATION 

DEVON MAGAZINE 

CONTRIBUTORS 

Nigel Jones, Helen Jones, Ted Gosling, 

John Fisher, Helen Mulvaney, 

Averil Quinain, Janet East, FCR Esgen, 

Richard Woodward, Natalie Bucklar 

and Hazel Fergie. 

EDITORIAL 

Nigel Jones (Editor) 

01395 513383 - Extension 1 

nigel@devonshiremagazine.co.uk 

Beech Royd, 6 Bennetts Hill, Sidmouth EX10 9XH 

Peak circulation over 20,000+ 

magazines (audited & guaranteed). 

870 ABC1 type outlets, see Google 

outlet map: http://bit.ly/K7JN4E 

ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION 

UK £15 OVERSEAS FROM £22 

MAGAZINE ISSUES 

Feb, April, June, Aug, Oct, Dec. 

All of Devon! 

Keeping an eye on the flock 

There’s great news in this landmark 

issue of Devonshire magazine. 

‘DOG POWER’ 

Taking photos at Yellingham Farm recently, 

a place with many dogs in residence, it 

struck home just how much our four 

legged friends manage to fit into our 

human world, neatly emphasised by 

Janetʼs sheep dogs making themselves 

useful, taking it upon themselves to 

round up some errant sheep. When 

you consider all the different jobs they 

undertake for us, itʼs quite staggering, 

drugs detection, guiding, tracking, 

guarding, rescue, health diagnosis, 

modelling, acting (yes -let us not forget 

the immortal ʻLassieʼ), the list goes on 

and on. Of course, theyʼre also our nicest 

companions, always happy to share our 

pork scratchings down the pub! 

DEVONSHIRE 

LARGEST CIRCULATION DEVON GLOSSY, OVER 20,000 MAGAZINES ACROSS 870 OUTLETS FEB & MAR 16 FREE 

Most significantly, we’ll no longer produce 2 regional versions 

of Devonshire magazine, instead there will be just a single, 

mass circulation issue covering ALL of Devon, available 

at over 870 high quality outlets, making this magazine the 

largest circulation Devon glossy bar none. For those in North 

Devon, there are also new outlets in Barnstaple and Bideford. 

‘Fluffy’ - by Nigel Jones 

Pony pictured on Dartmoor 

just up from Dartmeet 

DISCLAIMER The publishers of this magazine are 

not responsible for any costs, loss or damage suffered 

by any person, persons, or company as a result of any 

advertisement or article in this magazine. Adverts are 

accepted on the understanding that descriptions of 

goods and services are fair and accurate. All artwork 

is accepted on the strict condition that permission has 

been given by the owner for use in this publication. The 

opinions and comments expressed are purely those of the 

originators. We do not endorse any products or services 

advertised within this magazine. Whilst every effort is 

made to ensure that information is correct, the publishers 

take no responsibility for any errors or omissions. Any 

person or persons undertaking the circular walk featured 

within this publication does so entirely at their own risk. 

If you take children or dogs on the walk, they will require 

supervision. We strongly advise that prior to travelling to 

any of the events listed in our What's On sections, that 

you call the event organisers to check that the event is 

running at the times and dates specified. 

COPYRIGHT All material within this magazine are 

subject to copyright. Excepting adverts, all images 

within the magazine are copyright to N.Jones unless 

otherwise specified. 

THE EVENT BROADCASTING PLATFORM 

• EastDevonHub 

• DartmoorHub 

• MidDevonHub 

• WestDevonHub 

hub cast 

• SouthDevonHub 

• NorthDevonHub 

• SidmouthHub 

• ExeterHub 

Our commitment to producing high quality 

reader content will continue, with beautiful 

content coming into the magazine over 2016. 

If you regularly read the magazine, you’ll 

know countryside, history, wildlife and events 

are key areas where we focus our content. 

Incidentally, if you wish to ensure your copy, 

the Devonshire magazine can be posted to 

your door, just call 01395 513383 to subscribe. 

In this issue, John Fisher looks into the 

lives of two famous women who lived several 

doors apart at Exmouth - Lady Nelson and 

Lady Byron. I take you on a photographic 

excursion to Thurlestone and Burgh Island, 

with Thurlestone Hotel being featured in our 

March is a busy time for barn owls 

by Hanneke Coates 

Staycation. We also explore Devon’s Green 

Man, a pagan symbol that repeatedly can be 

found in churches across Devon, brought to 

you by writer Ian Parsons. And Janet East 

from Yellingham Farm talks about Daisy 

and her new arrival Henry. As ever, our 

extensive events calendar is brought to you 

by the HubCast network of websites that now 

operate across every region of Devon. 

After all the rain and mud of January, it’s 

wonderful to contemplate the onset of Spring. 

Scouring through old seed catalogues, 

checking through fishing tackle, greasing 

chains, etc, all stuff that can be done whilst 

waiting for the green explosion of April and 

May. We’re so lucky to live in Devon, it’s all 

here on our doorstep, beautiful coastlines 

and countryside. Let Devonshire magazine 

help you discover the hidden gems lurking 

amongst the 2,500+ square miles! 

Nigel Jones (Editor) 

PS - Does your organisation want free 

boosted exposure? We’re looking for links 

back to our websites throughout February 

and March, so if this is something you can 

provide, contact us on now 01395 513383. 

@DevonshireMag 

4

www.prestigefurniture.co.uk 

Battle Road, Heathfield, TQ12 6RY 

01626 830 707 

Conveniently situated just 1 minute off the A38 near Bovey Tracey 

Devon’s biggest and best furniture store since 1990

38 

Sidmouth SeasideSerenity Serenity 

B Beautifully l l situated ys i atedonth the east eeas Devon tD ev coast, oncoas Sidmouth t,S i d Harbour m thHar Hotel b ou enjoys rHotelen panoramic j oy sp views an or over am i cv i ewsov er 

S Sidmouth i d m than and dth the em magnificent n i Jurassic tJu r s Coastline. i cC tl The i n e.Th recent er introduction ecen ti n od of u 22 cti new onof bedrooms, 2 2n ewb ed r oom s , 

with ths stylish l i décor s hd ecoran and stunning ds n n new i n design ewd has es i welcomed g nh aswel a com relaxed edar coastal el ax elegance edcoas talel to this eg landmark cetoth hotel. i sl an d m ar kh otel 

B Book ooki in ntoon one eof the eh hotel’s 'sn new ewb bedrooms r sforN New England ewEn g l style an ds interiors, ty l ei n set ter against i or s ,s the etag town’s ai s timeless n tth etown charm. 'sti m el es sch 

2 nights D i n dinner, n , bed and d breakfast tfr from £149 £13 9 per p er couple, p le, per p night. er n i g ht. 

Tob book ooky your rs stay tayp please l eas call ecal 01395 l013 513 955132 252 quoting 52qu oti ‘Devonshire’ n g 'D s h i r e' 

www.sidmouth-harbour-hotel.co.uk 

Ter m san dC on d i ti on s :Val i du n ti l2 6thMar ch2 016.R atesar eb as edm i d weeks tay si naC ou r ty ar dr oom . 

S u p p l em en tsap p l yforu p g r ad i n gr oomty p esan dweek en ds tay s .R atesar ep r e-p ai dr atesan dcan cel l ati on sar en on -r efu n d ab l e. 

6 Countryside, History, Walks, the Arts, Events & all things Devon at: DEVONSHIRE magazine.co.uk

38 

50 

96 

34 

FEB & 

MAR 16 

ISSUE 33 

86 

DEVONSHIRE 

4. Editor's Letter 

The latest from the Editor. 

9. Letterbox 

Regional news snippets. 

10. What's On 

Sourced from HubCast. 

20. Great Night Out 

Enjoy great food & live music. 

23. Overnight Stay 

Magdalen Chapter, Exeter. 

24. A Love of Chocolate 

Gill Coates from Chocolate Amour. 

25. Food & Drink 

The pick of Devon's finest. 

29. Food Review 

The Jack in the Green, Exeter. 

30. Art Exhibitions 

Art events from HubCast. 

34. At the Capstan bars 

Artist Minnie Agnes Cohen. 

37. Nelson's Column 

By Devonshire's John Fisher. 

38. My Devon Wedding 

Great ideas for your special day. 

43. Fashion & Beauty 

Great places to indulge yourself. 

47. But here's the thing... 

More expounding by John Fisher. 

50. Staycation 

The Thurlestone Hotel. 

62. Name the Church 

Our competition with a twist. 

64. House & Home 

From old reservoir to a home. 

70. Bespoke Makers 

Devon based furniture makers. 

73. Book Worm 

Latest book reviews by Helen Jones. 

79. Ello Darlin 

Ed 'Stewpot' Stewart. 

80. Yellingham Farm 

'No... not the Landrover'. 

84. Equine Learning 

Equine care - Natalie Bucklar. 

85. The Old Vet'nary 

'End of an era' - K.Watson. 

86. Famous Residents 

The Beacon, Exmouth, by J. Fisher. 

92. Life Matters 

'Balloon' bereavement charity. 

96. The Green Man 

By writer Ian Parsons. 

98. Financial Planning 

With IFA Helen Mulvaney. 

mydevonevents 

7

Blackpool Sands - 1 mile from Offshore 

Sea, city and 

countryside 

Experience the best of 

the South West with 

Cavanna Homes 

5 

2 

3 

Plymouth 

Exeter 

1 9 4 

10 

11 

6 

7 

8 

Truro 

1 

Palstone Meadow 

South Brent 

8 

Rockbeare Briar 

Rockbeare 

Coming Soon 

2, 3 and 4 bedroom 

homes. 

Coming Soon 

Just 19, 3 & 4 bedroom 

homes. 

2 

504K 

Plymouth 

A development of 


homes. 

5 

Market Quarter 

Holsworthy 

Coming Soon 

A selection of 2, 3 and 

4 bedroom homes. 

9 

Primrose Hill 

Torquay 


homes. 

3 

The Boatyard 

Oreston 


high spec homes. 

6 

The Pines 

Torquay 

Just 14 two bedroom 

spacious apartments. 

10 

Fusion 

Paignton 

New Phase 

Coming Soon 

2, 3 & 4 bedroom homes. 

4 

Origins 

Dartington 


contemporary 

homes. 

7 

Aspects 

Dawlish 

Last remaining 

3 bed bungalow and 

4 bed townhouse. 

11 

Offshore 

Stoke Fleming 

Coming Soon 

3 & 4 bedroom new 

homes. 

Contact our Head Office on 01803 618688 

info@cavannahomes.co.uk 

www.cavannahomes.co.uk 


Letterbox 

YOUR NEWS TO THE EDITOR - LETTERBOX@DEVONSHIREMAGAZINE.CO.UK 

Michael Wignall gets underway at Gidleigh Park 

Gidleigh Park celebrated on Friday 

22 January, as a new era got 

underway with Michael Wignall’s 

first service at the iconic Devon hotel. 

Guests were welcomed with a chilled 

glass of Champagne and sat down to 

enjoy Michael’s brand new 10 course 

tasting menu, including dishes 

such as ʻOctopus pressé, Portland 

crab, smoked scallop roe emulsion, 

ginger and seaweed, radish and 

basil’, and ʻFresh ricotta lightly 

smoked, watercress, chargrilled 

ʻhen of the wood’, nasturtium and 

celeriac’. Supported by his new 

brigade in the kitchen, including 

eight chefs who have travelled to 

Devon with Michael to continue 

working alongside him, Gidleigh 

Park’s new Executive Head Chef. 

Simon Lloyd 

Visit Dartmoor is celebrating an 

exciting, successful year! 

We are an independent business 

partner (and also Tourism Delivery 

Partner) to Dartmoor National Park 

Authority and we LOVE our job 

of supporting and promoting a 

huge range of accommodation, 

activity and food providers! We 

host Business Showcase Days, 

networking events, and free training 

courses at some of the best hotels 

and venues on Dartmoor, and very 

Michael Wignall comments, “After 

months of planning, I’m delighted 

to have delivered our first service 

here at Gidleigh Park. Describing 

his own food as ʻmodern, technical 

and meaningful’, Michael has 

amassed an impressive list of 

awards and accolades during his 

career, including two Michelin 

stars and five AA Rosettes at his 

previous restaurant, The Latymer. 

All guests dining at Gidleigh Park 

for lunch before 24 March 2016, 

will be welcomed with a chilled 

glass of Champagne to celebrate 

Michael’s arrival. 

For further information or to book 

visit www.gidleigh.co.uk or call 

01647 432367 

Jenny How 

much enjoy visiting our advertising 

partners at their businesses. 

Our 2016 Visit Dartmoor Destination 

Guide has gone to Tourist 

Information Centres all over the UK, 

and is available by post or online. 

Showcasing what Dartmoor has to 

offer as a world class destination, 

the guide will soon be joined locally 

by a Delicious Dartmoor Food Trail 

and Map leaflet. 

Our Active Dartmoor Magazine is the 

perfect publication to demonstrate 

the wide diversity of activities that 

can be enjoyed all over the moor. 

We cover everything from extreme 

sports, to the best picnicking spots 

for a family in this high quality biannual 

magazine. 

We are so proud to have joined 

forces with Devonshire Magazine 

and their HubCast website network 

- what a fantastic resource for event 

organisers, who only need to upload 

details once and know it will be 

spread far and wide for them! Have 

a look at our Dartmoor Hub website. 

Editor - great to have Jenny and 

Simon at Visit Dartmoor onboard 

and taking over the DartmoorHub. 

co.uk website, yet another 

broadcasting channel for event 

promoters - everyone benefits! 

Hilary’s Marathon 

Acupuncture awareness week in 

March is related to sport and how 

acupuncture can help recovery from 

injury sustained in exercise. How 

appropriate that Hilary Sharp, an 

acupuncturist practising in East Devon 

is well ....jogging, with a lot of walking 

at the London Marathon in April 2016. 

Hilary is running for Brain Research 

as in 1989 she had a subarachnoid 

haemorrhage. Surgery resolved the 

problem, but left her with major daily 

headaches. It was acupuncture that 

resolved the headaches and allowed 

her to continue her life generally pain 

free. Hilary is offering treatment 

during acupuncture awareness week 

(7-13th March) @ £25 per treatment, 

donating the week’s income to: Brain 

Research via virginmoneygiving/Hilary 

Sharp. Hilary has clinics in Axminster 

Honiton & Charmouth, see page 92. 

Also on 2nd April, Charmouth Soup 

& a Pud £5 - Kids eat for FREE all 

proceed going to Brain Research. 

Jack Jones 

Get Microchipped 

The Dogs Trust Ilfracombe wish to 

remind all dog owners that the deadline 

for microchipping dogs is the 6th of 

April. Also, it’s required that all contact 

details on the microchip are up to date. 

DEVONSHIRE outlets 

now in Barnstaple 

and Bideford 

The great news is that Devonshire 

magazine is now available at outlets 

in Barnstaple and Bideford. We are 

looking for several additional people 

to help with delivery to pre-arranged 

outlets, and on a regular basis. So if 

you have a little time on your hands 

and would like to earn some extra 

cash please give us a call on 01395 

513383. Devonshire magazine is 

available at well over 870 outlets 

across Devon - it’s Devon’s largest 

circulation glossy magazine, with 

peak circulation in excess of 20,000+ 

copies per issue. 

Get your events seen by a massive 

audience - make sure youʼre on the 

HubCast website network. 

Total number of organisations registered 

on each HUB to promote their events. 

1826 East Devon 

2157 South Devon 

0874 Mid Devon 

1170 Dartmoor 

0504 North Devon 

0626 West Devon 

What's On in Devon? 

mydevonevents..co.uk 

To get your events into the 

HubCast websites and affiliate 

magazines, go to page 19 

9

© Matt Austin 

© Elena Fetisova 

GREAT NIGHT OUT on PAGE 20 

HAIRSPRAY at THEATRE ROYAL, PLYMOUTH 

TAMING of the SHREW - BOLSHOI BALLET 

the easy way to 

find interesting 

local events 

across Devon.. 

hub cast 

Just go to: 

eastdevonhub 

middevonhub 

southdevonhub 

dartmoorhub 

northdevonhub 

westdevonhub 

exeterhub 

sidmouthhub 

reconnecthub 

all above .co.uk 

You can even search 

down to village level 

Ballet 

SPARTACUS - BOLSHOI 

BALLET STREAM FROM 

MOSCOW 

20 Mar - Spartacus from the 

Bolshoi Ballet Moscow. A 

great show from the Ballet 

Corps, The Gateway, Fore 

Street, Seaton, 3.00pm. 

Children 

STORYTIME 

Until 01 Mar - Stories 

for under 5s, Kingsbridge 

Library, Ilbert Road, 

Kingsbridge, 10.30am to 

11.00am. 

LENTSHERD 

09 Feb - Lentsherd 

(pronounced ‘Lanshard’) 

is an old Clovelly Shrove 

Tuesday custom, Clovelly, 

Estate Office, Clovelly, 

4.30pm to 6.30pm. 

FAMILY WORKSHOP 

13 Feb - A family workshop 

aimed at ages 8 to 12 years 

creating your own story 

book, Thelma Hulbert Gallery, 

Elmfield House, Honiton, 

11.00am to 1.00pm. 

KNIGHTSHAYES 

13 Feb to 21 Feb - February 

half-term at Knightshayes, 

Knightshayes NT, 

Knightshayes, Tiverton, 

10.00am to 4.00pm. 

FEB HALF-TERM FUN 

13 Feb to 21 Feb - Join in the 

fun at Drogo this half term 

by following the trail around 

the garden, Castle Drogo, 

Castle Drogo, Drewsteignton, 

11.00am to 4.00pm. 

EVENT CALENDAR 

February & March 2016 

SUPER FUN HALF TERM 

13 Feb to 21 Feb - 2016: 

year of Super Sea Heroes 

at Living Coasts with a 

variety of activities, Living 

Coasts, Torquay Harbourside, 

Torquay. 

MEDIEVAL BEAST TRAIL 

13 Feb to 21 Feb - Track 

down the medieval beasties 

hidden around the estate 

walks, Buckland Abbey, 

Yelverton, 10.30am to 4.30pm. 

Ruth Molins, 

Exeter Symphoney 

Orcchestra 

ROLLER DISCO 

27 Feb - The Revolution 

Skate team return for 

their monthly roller disco, 

Hannahs at Seale-Hayne, 

Howton Lane, Newton Abbot, 

3.30pm to 9.30pm. 

FIND THE CLOVELLY 

EASTER CHICKS 

19 Mar to 28 Mar - Children 

receive a village map on 

entry on which to mark the 

location and number, Clovelly, 

Estate Office, Clovelly, 

10.00am to 5.00pm. 

BABBACOMBE MODEL 

VILLAGE EASTER EGG 

TRAIL 

19 Mar to 10 Apr - A 

chocolate treat for all 

successful young explorers, 

Babbacombe Model 

Village, Hampton Avenue, 

Babbacombe, 10.00am to 

4.00pm. 

EASTER FAMILY FUN AT 

KNIGHTSHAYES 

24 Mar to 10 Apr - 

Seasonal trail: explore 

the garden, Knightshayes 

NT, Knightshayes, Tiverton, 

10.00am to 5.00pm. 

CHILDREN'S EASTER FUN 

AT KNIGHTSHAYES 

25 Mar to 28 Mar - 

Cadbury Easter egg fun at 

Knightshayes, Knightshayes 

NT, Knightshayes, Tiverton, 

10.00am to 5.00pm. 

EASTER EGG HUNT AT 

ARLINGTON COURT 

25 Mar to 28 Mar - Enjoy 

our Cadbury sponsored trail 

with a chocolate egg prize, 

Arlington Court, Arlington, 

Barnstaple, 11.00am to 

4.00pm. 

CADBURY EASTER EGG 

HUNT 

25 Mar to 28 Mar - Follow 

the trail through the garden 

to find the clues to claim 

your bunny, Castle Drogo, 


10.00am to 4.00pm. 


HUNT 

25 Mar to 10 Apr - Discover 

hidden treasures and then 

claim your prize, Buckland 

Abbey, Yelverton, 11.00am 

to 4.00pm. 

Listings from hub cast network 

EASTER FUN & CADBURY 

EASTER EGG HUNT 

25 Mar to 10 Apr - Host of 

exciting activities around 

the garden, Coleton Fishacre, 

Brownstone Road, Kingswear, 

10.30am to 4.00pm. 


HUNT 

26 Mar to 10 Apr - Hunt 

down all the clues to win a 

Cadbury chocolate Egghead, 

A la Ronde, Summer Lane, 

Exmouth, 10.30am to 5.30pm. 

JACK AND THE 

BEANSTALK 

29 Mar - A new show for 

primary school children, their 

teachers, carers & families, 

Marine Theatre, Church 

Street, Lyme Regis, 3.00pm. 

DEAR CEDRIC TRAIL 

29 Mar to 10 Apr - Follow 

the trail around the garden to 

find Cedric Drewe’s postcard 

and stamps, Castle Drogo, 


11.00am to 4.00pm. 

Choirs 

PLYMOUTH AREA POLICE 

CHOIR 

04 Mar - Friday evening with 

the Police Choir, contact for 

details, Totnes Rotary Club, 

Totnes, 7.30pm. 

MALE VOICE CHOIR 

CONCERT 

12 Mar - Tamar Valley Male 

Choir, Bicton Overseas Agri 

Trust, St Peters Church, 

Budleigh Salterton, 7.00pm 

to 9.30pm. 

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 

Countryside, History, Walks, the Arts, Events & all things Devon at: DEVONSHIRE magazine.co.uk

What's On: Feb & Mar 16 

SOUTH WEST CHAMBER 

CHOIR 

19 Mar - Saturday evening 

concert at the Abbey directed 

by Stephen Trahair, Buckfast 

Abbey, Buckfast Abbey, 

Buckfastleigh. 

SIR JOSHUA REYNOLDS 

CHOIR 

23 Mar - Wednesday 

evening concert. John 

Rutter: Requiem, Sir Joshua 

Reynolds Choir, Ridgway 

Methodist Church, Plympton, 

7.30pm. 

Classical 

Music 

LUNCHTIME CONCERT/ 

RECITAL 

10 Feb - Tim Othen - piano, 

Glenorchy United Reformed 

Church, Exeter Road, 

Exmouth, 12.30am to 1.15pm. 

THE PEGASUS TRIO - 

ROMANCE AND TRAGEDY 

12 Feb - An evening of 

classical music for violin, 

voice and piano, Pegasus 

Trio, Glenorchy URC, Exmouth, 

7.30pm to 10.00pm. 

SIDMOUTH MUSIC: 

CAVALERI QUARTET 

13 Feb - Sidmouth Music: 

Cavaleri Quartet: Quartets 

by Webern, Szymanowski, 

Beethoven, Sidmouth Music, 

Manor Pavilion Theatre, 

Sidmouth, 3.00pm to 5.00pm. 





Trio, Southernhay Church, 

Exeter, 7.30pm to 10.00pm. 


RECITAL 

17 Feb - Samantha Muir - 

guitar, Glenorchy United 

Reformed Church, Exeter 

Road, Exmouth, 12.30am to 

1.15pm. 

HADELICH PLAYS 

TCHAIKOVSKY 

18 Feb - Bournemouth 

Symphony Orchestra, Great 

Hall, Exeter University, Exeter, 

7.30pm to 9.30pm. 

DIVERTIMENTO OBOE 

QUARTET 

18 Feb - SEATON MUSIC 

presents; Divertimento 

Oboe Quartet, The Gateway, 

Fore Street, Seaton, 7.30pm 

to 10.00pm. 

WEN WEN - VIOLIN, 

MINA BELDIMANESCU - 

PIANO 

19 Feb - Lunchtime concert. 

Works by Elgar, Smetana, 

Poulenc, Liu Tianhu, Honiton 

Festival, St Pauls Church, 

Honiton, 1.00pm to 2.00pm. 

THE PEGASUS TRIO - 





Trio, St Matthias Church, 

Torquay, 7.30pm to 10.00pm. 

CLAYHANGER STRING 

QUARTET WITH ALISON 

ROUTH 

20 Feb - Concert in support 

of The Art Fund. Programme 

includes Haydn and Schubert, 

Art Fund, St Stephen's 

Church, Exeter, 4.30pm to 

6.30pm. 

NORTHERN BRASS 

21 Feb - Accomplished brass 

quintet plays works by Ewald, 

Scheidt, Bizet & Kamen, 

NADSA Concerts, Courtenay 

Centre, Newton Abbot, 

3.00pm to 5.45pm. 

ISCA STRING QUARTET 

21 Feb - This fine amateur 

quartet presents a special 

concert at Sidholme, ISCA 

Ensemble, Sidholme, 


GILBERT & SULLIVAN 

CREAM TEA 

21 Feb - Including concert 

performance of TRIAL 

BY JURY & other excerpts, 

Seaton Choral Society, The 

Gateway, Seaton, 3.30pm to 

4.45pm. 


RECITAL 

24 Feb - Anna Cockcroft 

- viiolin and Pam Canter - 

piano accordian, Glenorchy 

United Reformed Church, 

Exeter Road, Exmouth, 

12.30am to 1.15pm. 

MUSIC IN THE CASTLE - 

THE ÉOLIENNE QUINTET 

26 Feb - 'New Generation 

Artist' Concert. Please visit 

our website for more details, 

Budleigh Salterton Ladies Choir 

Music in the Castle, James 

Wyatt Music Room, Exeter, 

7.30pm to 9.30pm. 

WHAT'S ON? 

Just go to one of 

these regional 

hub websites: 

eastdevonhub 

southdevonhub 

middevonhub 

northdevonhub 

westdevonhub 

dartmoorhub 

hub cast 

THE EVENT 

BROADCASTING 

PLATFORM 

A VERY SPECIAL VIOLIN 

RECITAL 

27 Feb - Two fine 

professional artists return to 

Sidmouth to give a special 

recital, ISCA Ensemble, 

Sidmouth Parish Church,, 


BSO - FIREBIRD 

03 Mar - Chausson, De 

Falla, Debussy & Stravinsky, 

Bournemouth Symphony 

Orchestra, Great Hall, Exeter 

University, Exeter, 7.30pm 

to 9.30pm. 

AS OUR SWEET CORDS 

AND DISCORDS MIXED BE 

05 Mar - Consortium5 

play their favourite English 

Renaissance recorder consort 

music, Totnes Early Music 

Society, St Mary's Church, 

Totnes, 7.30pm to 9.30pm. 

ISCA ENSEMBLE 

CLASSICAL CONCERT 

05 Mar - Classical Concert 

for Hospiscare, ISCA 

Ensemble, Sidmouth Parish 

Church, Sidmouth, 7.30pm 

to 7.30pm. 

PLYMOUTH UNIVERSITY 

CHAMBER MUSIC 

CONCERT 

05 Mar - Saturday evening 

concert at The House, 

Peninsula Arts, Plymouth 

University, Plymouth, 7.30pm. 

CONTINUED OVERLEAF... 

mydevonevents 11


1913-2016 

Over One Hundred Years of 

Service in South Devon 

DAY TRIPS 

LEAP YEAR MYSTERY DRIVE & AFTERNOON TEA 

Mon 29 Feb, £23 inc 

SPRING AT COTEHELE -Tues 8 Mar, £29.50 inc 

(NT Member £21) 

CITY OF CARDIFF - Sat 12 Mar, £22 

TREBAH GARDENS - Thurs 31 Mar, £30 inc 

DAY TRIPS FOR EASTER 

PORT ISAAC - Good Friday 25 Mar, £21 

THE ISLE OF PURBECK - Easter Monday 28 Mar, £21 

SHORT BREAK ‒ LAST FEW SEATS! 

HARROGATE & THE YORKSHIRE DALES 

Sun 18th to Thurs 22 Sep, 4 nights half board at the 

Yorkshire Hotel, Harrogate. Excursions incl. 

£350/person based on 2 sharing. 

6 Daneheath Business Park, 

Heathfield, Newton Abbot, Devon TQ12 6TL 

01626 833038 | bookings@greycars.com | www.greycars.com 

TRIO ISIMSIZ 

10 Mar - SEATON MUSIC 

presents;Trio Isimsiz perform 

Schubert & Dvorak for 

Seaton Music, The Gateway, 


to 10.00pm. 

SIDMOUTH MUSIC: 

MARIO MORA (PIANO) 

12 Mar - Sidmouth Music: 

Mario Mora (piano): Soler, 

Albeniz, Granados, de Falla, 

Liszt, Sidmouth Music, 

Knowle Council Chamber, 


CHORAL CLASSICS & 

SCHUBERT MASS IN G 

12 Mar - A concert of choral 

classics performed by the 

South Devon Choir, South 

Devon Choir, Central Church, 

Torquay, 7.30pm to 9.45pm. 

PLYMOUTH SYMPHONY 

ORCHESTRA 

16 Mar - Wednesday evening 

concert. Conductor Anne 

Kimber, with Daniel Lebhardt 

-piano, Plymouth Guildhall, 

Armada Way, Plymouth, 

7.30pm. 

CHARLOTTE ROWAN 

VIOLIN, CHARLOTTE 

STEVENSON 

18 Mar - Lunchtime Concert. 

Works by Wieniawski, 

Glazunov, Bartok and others, 

Honiton Festival, St Pauls 

Church, Honiton, 1.00pm to 

2.00pm. 

SACCONI STRING 

QUARTET 

19 Mar - Music by Mozart, 

Schubert and Fitkin, NADSA 

Concerts, Performing Arts 

Centre, Teignmouth, 7.00pm 

to 9.45pm. 

ORGANISATIONS 

tap into a massive 

audience using 

our network 

of What's 

On websites 

and affiliate 

magazines 

- totally free 

hub cast 

Call 01395 513383 

for more info. 

Collectors 

ANTQS & JEWELLERY 

VALUATION DAY - 

KINGSBRIDGE 

09 Feb - A no fee or 

obligation verbal appraisal of 

your Antiques & Collectables, 

Bearnes Hampton and 

Littlewood, Harbour House, 

Kingsbridge, 10.00am to 

1.00pm. 

ANTQS & JEWELLERY 

VALUATION DAY - 

TAVISTOCK 





Littlewood, The Bedford 

Hotel, Tavistock, 10.00am 

to 1.00pm. 

DEVON COUNTY ANTIQUE 

FAIR 

20 Feb - Large antiques 

and collectors fair, Matford 

Centre, Exeter City Council, 

Exeter, 9.00am to 4.30pm. 

THE TOY TRAIN & 

COLLECTORS FAIR 

21 Feb - Look for those 

elusive and hard to find toy 

and train collectors models, 

Westpoint Arena, Clyst St 

Mary, Exeter. 

ANTIQUES VALUATION 

DAY - LAUNCESTON 





Littlewood, Lawrence House 

Museum, Launceston, 

10.00am to 12.00am. 

ANTIQUES VALUATION 

DAY - TORRINGTON 





Littlewood, The Plough Arts 

Centre, Great Torrington, 

10.00am to 1.00pm. 

NEW animals arriving 2016 - 

Lynx, Wildcats, Pine Martens 

and Wolves! 

Meet our Red Squirrels, 

Otters, Birds of Prey & Wild 

Boar. 

Woodland playgrounds, 

restaurant. 

FREE animal talks & feeds. 

FREE ENTRY 

Join as a Wildwood member to enjoy unlimited visits 

all year round plus your first visit is completely FREE! 

READER OFFER 

Submit this voucher and claim 

One Child 

Goes FREE 

with a full paying adult 

Offer valid until 30th June 2016. Not to be used in 

conjunction with any other offer. Applicable to day entry 

only. May not be redeemed against membership 

C&C 02/16 

Family membership just £7 per 

month. Minimum term 12 

months. Bank details required. 

For full details visit our website: 

www.escot.wildwoodtrust.org 

Just 15 mins from Exeter. www.escot.wildwoodtrust.org 

Ottery St. Mary, Devon EX11 1LU 01404 822188 Charity No. 1093702 

12 



LOOKING FOR YOUR VALENTINE? 

Caroline Crowther is 

a truly local personal 

introduction agency 

helping you meet 

someone new in your 

area. We offer a long 

term personal service 

until you find your 

perfect match. 

www.carolinecrowther.com 

For a professional 

and personal service 

call 0800 180 4788 

or 01934 744788 

Lentsherd, Clovelly 

ANTIQUES APPRECIATION 

NIGHT 

07 Mar - Antiques 

Appreciation night in 

association with Honiton 

Fine Arts Society, Whittons, 

The Fine Art Auction Rooms, 

Honiton, 6.00pm to 8.00pm. 

EXCALIBUR FILM & 

FANTASY CONVENTION, 

TORQUAY 

19 Mar - Film, scifi and 

fantasy fan convention, 

South Devon Players, The 

Red House Hotel, Torquay, 

11.00am to 5.00pm. 

Comedy 

TOMMY TIERNAN 

12 Feb - Ireland's number 

one comedian, Tommy 

Tiernan: Out of the 

Whirlwind, Exeter Corn 

Exchange, Corn Exchange, 

Exeter. 

BRIAN CONLEY 

27 Mar - The multi-talented 

Brian Conley returns to 

the Babbacombe Theatre, 

Babbacombe Theatre, 

Babbacombe Downs, Torquay, 

8.00pm to 10.00pm. 

THE NOISE NEXT DOOR'S 

'NOISE IN THE HOOD' 

31 Mar - The Noise 

Next Door, Hannahs at 

Seale-Hayne, Newton Abbot, 

7.00pm to 11.00pm. 

Craft 

'A LA RONDE'S GOT 

TALENT' 

Until 12 Feb - Exhibition of 

arts/crafts. Creative staff & 

volunteers show their many 

talents, A la Ronde, Summer 

Lane, Exmouth, 10.30am to 

5.30pm. 

Fairs 

PLANT & GARDENING 

FAIR 

06 Mar - 30 stalls of plants 

and gardening sundries are 

bound to tempt you! Forde 

Abbey & Gardens, Historic 

House & Gardens, Chard, 

10.00am to 4.00pm. 

MOUNT BATTEN 

WEDDING FAIR 

20 Mar - Free entry, goody 

bag and parking. come and 

meet some local suppliers, 

Mount Batten Centre, 70 

Lawrence Road, Plymouth, 

11.00am to 3.00pm. 

ANDERTON AND 

ROWLANDS FUN FAIR 

2016 

24 Mar to 10 Apr - The fair 

is back in town. Enjoy all the 

fun on The Green this spring, 

Anderton and Rowlands 

Funfair, Paignton Green, 

Paignton. 

.co.uk 

sail - kite - kayak - surf - sup 

great deals on kayaks, clothing and accessories! 

from 

£270 

from 

£139 

inflatable 

free paddle 

from 

£399 

Full range 

of Kayak 

Fishing 

Equipment, 

Clothing & 

Accessories 

and much 

more in 

store. 

SARAH MILLICAN 

12 Feb to 13 Feb - Enjoy an 

evening's comedy with the 

very funny Sarah Millican, 

Plymouth Pavilions, Millbay 

Road, Plymouth, 8.00pm. 

GATEWAY COMEDY GROVE 

26 Feb - Gateway Comedy 

Grove presents the very best 

in stand up comedy from 

UK/Europe, The Gateway, 


to 10.30pm. 

CRAIG CAMPBELL 'DON'T 

LOOK DOWN' 

05 Mar - Brand new show 

from Canada's comedian 

Craig Campbell, Tiverton 

Community Arts Theatre, 

Bolham Road, Tiverton. 

DARTMOUTH COMEDY 

FESTIVAL 

08 Mar to 12 Mar - 10th 

year of the festival with an 

amazing lineup and cracking 

comedy, Dartmouth Comedy 

Festival, The Flavel & Other 

Venues, Dartmouth. 

MARK STEEL AT THE 

CORN EXCHANGE 

20 Mar - A new stand up 

show by Mark Steel: 'Who Do 

I Think I Am'? Exeter Corn 

Exchange, Corn Exchange, 

Exeter, 8.00pm. 

© Matt Austin 

Kiss Your Love 

Goodbye - Beehive, 

Honiton 

SUZANNE BREAKWELL 

WINDOW SHOWCASE 

14 Mar to 04 Apr - A display 

for Spring by paper artist & 

Festival exhibitor Suzanne 

Breakwell, Contemporary 

Craft Festival, Littlecote, 

Bovey Tracey, 9.30am to 

4.30pm. 

CRAFTY CASTLE CAPERS 

29 Mar - Get your hands 

dirty by joining in a variety 

of fun filled crafty activities, 

Castle Drogo, Castle Drogo, 

Drewsteignton, 11.00am to 

4.00pm. 

Festivals 

GENERAL 

ILFRACOMBE FILM 

FESTIVAL 

11 Mar to 13 Mar - Three 

days of films for adults 

and children of all ages, 

Ilfracombe Film Club, 

Embassy Cinema, Ilfracombe. 

MUSIC 

THE DEEP END 

10 Feb - The Deep End at 

The Royal Clarence, Seaton, 

The Deep End, The Royal 

Clarence, Seaton, 9.00pm to 

11.45pm. 

THE TEMPLE BROTHERS 

AS THE EVERLY 

BROTHERS 

13 Feb - £15.50, Exmouth 

Pavilion, The Esplanade, 

Exmouth, 7.30pm to 11.00pm. 

BANG! THE ULTIMATE 

POP SHOW 

15 Feb - Any fans of chart 

music must see this show!! 

Barnfield Theatre, Barnfield 

Road, Exeter, 7.00pm. 

yakima 

10% Off 

Hula 

scooter 

on presentation of 

* 

this advert! 

www.coastwatersports.co.uk 

* Discount Off rrp - Cannot be used in conjuntion with any other deal or offer. Does not apply to already discounted products 

unit 14, weycroft avenue, axminster ex13 5hu. 01297 533633 


mydevonevents 13


Tel. (01395) 

515551 

Sidmouth 

www.kennawayhouse.org.uk 

Opens * 

13th FEB * 

See website for details 

THE GREAT BRITISH SEASIDE HOLIDAY 

25 Feb - History talk by Sarah 

Obermuller-Bennett, 2.00-3.45pm, tickets 

£7 on the door. 

MEET THE AUTHOR: 

SIMON BRETT OBE 

16 Mar - Doors open at 7pm for 7.30pm 

start. Tickets: £12 including a glass of 

wine on arrival. 

FOR MORE EVENTS PLEASE 

CALL US ON 01395 515551 

IN THE PICTURE 

18 Mar to 19 Mar - Art Group Exhibition, 

9.30pm-4.30pm. 

APOLLO & THE ORACLES OF THE 

ANCIENT WORLD 

22 Mar - History talk by Ffiona Eaves, 

doors open at 2pm for a 2.30pm start. 

Tickets £7 on the door. 

Friday 19th February 

Chinese violinist, 

Wen Wen with 

Mina Beldimanescu 

accompanying will be 

playing violin sonatas by 

ELGAR, SMETANA and 

POULENC, together with 

‘A Fine Evening’ for Erhu 

and piano by LIU TIANHU 

Friday 18th March 

Young violinist Charlotte 

Rowan will be playing 

virtuoso pieces by Wieniawski, 

Glazunov, Sarasate, Bloch, Cyril 

Scott, Bartok, Lili Boulanger, 

Vitali and Bazzini accompanied 

by Charlotte Stevenson 

Both concerts are at St Paul’s Church, Honiton at 1pm, 

with lunch available in the Narthex from noon. 

All tickets unreserved are £11 at the door. 

www.thehonitonfestival.co.uk 

THE SIMON & 

GARFUNKEL STORY 

21 Feb - “Fantastic” - 

Elaine Paige, BBC Radio 2. 

“Authentic and Exciting” - , 



THE DEEP END 

24 Feb & 02 Mar - The Royal 

Clarence, Seaton, 9.00pm to 

11.45pm. 

DEVON PERFORMING 

ARTS FESTIVAL 2016 

28 Feb to 17 Mar - This 

popular annual event 

celebrates its 89th. season 

in churches in Exeter, Devon 

Performing Arts Festival, 

South Street Baptist Church, 

Exeter. 

THE SIMON AND 

GARFUNKEL REVIVAL 

BAND 

04 Mar - Tickets £17.50, 

Exmouth Pavilion, The 

Esplanade, Exmouth, 8.00pm 

to 11.00pm. 

TEIGNMOUTH CLASSIC 

MUSIC FESTIVAL 2016 

04 Mar to 06 Mar - Fourth 

classic music festival, 

St Michael's Church, 

Teignmouth, Den Promenade, 

Teignmouth. 

ALISTAIR BRAMMER - A 

MOTHERS DAY CONCERT 

06 Mar - £13.50 & £15.50, 



to 11.00pm. 

UNFORGETTABLE 

12 Mar - Tickets start from 

£19.00, Exmouth Pavilion, 

The Esplanade, Exmouth, 

8.00pm to 11.00pm. 

GALA CONCERT 

17 Mar - This is the finale 

of the 89th. season of Devon 

Performing Arts Festival, 

Devon Performing Arts 

Festival, Southernhay United 

Reformed Church, Exeter, 

7.00pm to 9.00pm. 

DAVID HAMILTONS ROCK 

N ROLL BACK THE YEARS 

18 Mar - £20.00, Exmouth 

Pavilion, The Esplanade, 


Mind Your Face, Cygnet Theatre 

Garden 

SNOWDROP WEEKENDS 

Until 28 Feb - Thousands 

of snowdrops will line the 

drive in welcome, and carpet 

the gardens, Forde Abbey 

Billy Elliot the 

musical 

& Gardens, Historic House 

& Gardens, Chard, 10.00am 

to 4.30pm. 

EARLY SPRING TRAIL AT 

ARLINGTON COURT 

13 Feb to 21 Feb - Fun 

trail through the grounds 

and discover nature as 

it's beginning to awaken, 

Arlington Court, Arlington, 

Barnstaple, 11.00am to 

4.00pm. 

GARDEN TALK “CLEMATIS 

THROUGH THE YEAR” 

16 Feb - Garden Talk“ 

Clematis through the Year” 

by Trevor Batten, Otterton 

Garden Club, Otterton Village 

Hall, Otterton, 7.30pm to 

9.00pm. 

EAST WORLINGTON 

HOUSE 

28 Feb & 06 Mar- Thousands 

of crocuses. Set in a 2 

acre garden with lovely 

views, NGS (gardens open 

for charity) Devon, East 

Worlington House, Crediton, 

1.30pm to 5.00pm. 

SHRUB PRUNING WITH 

JON WEBSTER 

01 Mar - Outlining the 

different reasons for pruning 

a wide variety of plants, RHS 

Garden Rosemoor, Great 

Torrington, 11.00am to 

12.30am. 

CROCUS WEEK 

05 Mar to 13 Mar - Crocus 

Week, when these jewel-like 

flowers will carpet the lawns, 

Forde Abbey & Gardens, 

Historic House & Gardens, 

Chard. 


14 



Thinking of letting 

your property? 

Relax and unwind with 

your loved ones... 

Book your perfect getaway in 

the beautiful South Hams with 

Blueriver Cottages. 

Blueriver 

Cottages 

01803 833682 

5 Anzac Street 

Dartmouth 

Devon 

TQ6 9DL 

www.bluerivercottages.co.uk 

01803 833682 

6-7 Hauley Road 

Dartmouth 

Devon 

TQ6 9AA 

01548 436406 

Unit 3 

The Anchor Centre 

Kingsbridge 

TQ7 1SB 

info@bluerivercottages.co.uk 

www.bluerivercottages.co.uk 

We can help you unlock your 

property’s full potential... 

whether Where holiday reaching or your residential! potential 

is a realisation not a dream 

Blundell’s Preparatory School 

• Holiday Cottage Rentals 

• Residential Lettings 

7+ Junior Scholarships 

• Global marketing and advertising 

Applications are now invited for 

• Locally Dartmouth owned and based 

Year 3 September 2016 entry 

• Superb Online Landlords/Owners reporting system 

• Over 20 years local knowledge Scholarship and experience Day Friday 4th March 2016 

• Established property management Closing service date for applications Monday 22nd February 

TEL: 01884 252393 

EMAIL: prep@blundells.org 

WEB: www.blundells.org/prep 

Blundell’s Preparatory School 

Tiverton, Devon EX16 4NA 

mydevonevents 

15

Bicton Park 

BOTANICAL GARDENS 

Devon’s most magnificent historic gardens... 

Sat-Nav 

EX9 7BG 

OPEN ALL YEAR 

Enjoy Bicton this Spring 

with membership from 

ONLY £15 per person 

EASTER 

Sunday/Monday 

Bunny Hunt & 

Colouring 

Competition 

See website 

SEE OUR GREAT EVENTS FOR 2016 ONLINE 

bictongardens.co.uk - Tel: 01395 568465 

Budleigh Salterton, Devon EX9 7BG 

WE CAN’T WAIT 

TO MEET YOU 

EXPLORE AND 

DISCOVER 

01395 578222 Sidmouth, Devon, EX10 0NU 

A charity registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales No. 264818 

0035_15_DS 


OTTERY ST MARY 

GARDENING CLUB 

08 Mar - Talk "Restoration 

of Hestercombe Gardens" 

David Usher, Ottery St Mary 

Gardening Club, The Institute, 

Ottery St Mary, 7.30pm to 

9.00pm. 

TALK: A VICTORIAN 

GARDENER REMINISCES 

11 Mar - A lively, informative 

and amusing talk about 

a Victorian Gardener, 

Kilmington Gardening Club, 

Kilmington Village Hall, 

Axminster, 7.30pm to 9.00pm. 

GARDENING STARTING 

FROM SCRATCH 

12 Mar - Learn some basic 

soil science & pruning 

skills/seed growing, RHS 



4.30pm. 

OTTERTON GARDEN CLUB 

- SPRING SHOW 

12 Mar - Otterton Garden 

Club, Otterton Village Hall, 

Otterton, 2.00pm to 5.00pm. 

GARDEN TALK A VIEW 

FROM INSIDE THE MET 

OFFICE 

15 Mar - Dr Jeremy Walton - 

“The Met Office - A view from 

inside”, Otterton Garden 

Club, Otterton Village Hall, 

Otterton, 7.30pm to 9.00pm. 

Markets 

FARMERS & COUNTRY 

BUCKFASTLEIGH 

FARMERS MARKET 

Thurs - At the Globe Inn 

car park every Thursday 

morning, 9am till 12 noon, 

Buckfastleigh Farmers 

Market, Near Globe Inn, 

Buckfastleigh, 9.00am to 

12.00am. 

YARCOMBE VILLAGE 

MARKET 

13 Feb & 12 Mar- Successful 

village market on second 

Saturday of the month, 

Yarcombe Village Market, 

Jubilee Hall, Yarcombe, 

10.00am to 12.00am. 

CULLOMPTON FARMERS' 

MARKET 

13 Feb & 12 Mar - Monthly 

farmers' market on second 

Saturday of the month. See 

website, Cullompton Famers' 

Market, Higher Bullring, 

Cullompton, 9.30am to 

12.30am. 

MANATON PRODUCE 

MARKET 

18 Feb & 17 Mar - A great 

market selling locally grown 

produce. 10.30am until 

12 noon, Manaton Produce 

Market, Manaton Parish 

Hall, Manaton, 10.30am to 

12.00am. 

INDOOR MARKET 

SOUTH MOLTON PANNIER 

MARKET 

11 Feb - A large range of 

stalls all undercover on 

Thursdays and Saturdays, 

South Molton Pannier Market, 

Broad Square, South Molton, 

8.30am to 1.00pm. 

NORTH DEVON ANTIQUE 

MARKET 

21 Feb & 20 Mar - Monthly 

antique market, 25 - 30 

sellers free parking..no 

admission fee, South Molton 

Pannier Market, Broad 

Square, South Molton, 

10.00am to 4.00pm. 

CULLOMPTON INDOOR 

MARKET 

Wed - Food & grocery, 

jewellery shop, arts & crafts 

supply shop, Cullompton 

Indoor Craft Market, Town 

Hall, Cullompton, 9.00am 

to 1.00pm. 

MARKET DAYS 

HONITON STREET 

MARKET 

Until 05 Mar - Tuesdays, 

Thursdays & Saturdays, 

Honiton Street Market, High 

Street, Honiton. 

AXMINSTER STREET 

MARKET 

Woodbury Dance 

Studio, Manor 

Pavilion, Sidmouth 

Thurs - Street market 

offering a wide selection of 

produce, Axminster Town 

Council, Silver Street/Trinity 

Square, Axminster, 8.30am. 

Heritage 

BAMPTON HERITAGE & 

VISITOR CENTRE 

Until 27 Feb - Centre is open 

Fridays and Saturdays during 

Winter months, Bampton 

Heritage Centre, St Micheal 

and All Angels, Bampton. 

HOME FRONT FASHIONS 

Until 15 Apr - Part of 

a four-year programme 

focusing on WWI's impact 

on the southwest, Royal 

Albert Memorial Museum - 

RAMM, Queen Street, Exeter, 

10.00am to 5.00pm. 

CREDITON AREA HISTORY 

SOCIETY TALK 

08 Feb - Talk on Family 

History by Eric Rodd. 

(CAHMS event), Crediton 

History Society, The Boniface 

Centre, Crediton, 7.30pm. 

VIRTUAL BURRATOR 

11 Feb - Preserving the 

areas natural and man-made 

heritage using advanced 

technologies, South West 

Lakes Trust, Burrator 

Discovery Centre, Yelverton, 

7.00pm to 8.35pm. 

EVENING LECTURE: HOW 

LONG WAS MY FURROW? 

03 Mar - Ploughing in 

Medieval Devon by Dr 

Richard Sandover of Exeter 

University, Devon Rural 

Archive, Shilstone, Modbury, 

7.00pm to 8.30pm. 

CREDITON AREA HISTORY 

SOCIETY TALK 

14 Mar - Talk on Myths & 

Tall Tales of the Moor by 

John Stuart, Crediton History 

Society, The Boniface Centre, 

Crediton, 7.30pm. 

GUIDED TOUR OF 

SHILSTONE, NEAR 

MODBURY 

15 Mar - Tour of Shilstone 

House and Gardens led 

by DRA archaeologist Abi 

Gray, Devon Rural Archive, 

Shilstone, Modbury, 2.00pm 

to 4.30pm. 

Opera 

ELLEN KENT'S TOSCA 

18 Feb - An Ellen Kent 

production of Puccini's 

Tosca, Princess Theatre, 

Torbay Road, Torquay, 

7.30pm. 

16 



LOCAL SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE 

KODO One Earth Tour, Plymouth Pavilions 

Rally 

& Motor 

WINTER STEAM FESTIVAL 

13 Feb to 21 Feb - Week 

of traditional branch line 

trains, South Devon Railway, 

Buckfastleigh Station, 

Buckfastleigh. 

BIRD HIDE ON WHEELS 

18 Feb - Bird Watching with 

Donald Campbell, Seaton 

Tramway, Riverside Depot, 

Seaton, 9.00am to 11.00am. 

EXPLORE SEATON 

BRANCH LINE TOUR 

20 Feb - Seaton Branch 

Line Tour, Seaton Tramway, 

Riverside Depot, Seaton, 

10.00am to 11.35am. 

ANTIQUE AND 

COLLECTORS FAIR 

05 Mar to 06 Mar - Antique 

& Collectors Fair at The 

Vintage Weekend at RHS 

Garden Rosemoor, RHS 



5.00pm. 

BIRD HIDE ON WHEELS 

06 Mar - Bird Watching with 

Ian Waite, Seaton Tramway, 


9.00am to 11.00am. 

EXPLORE SEATON 

BRANCH LINE TOUR 

19 Mar - Seaton Branch 

Line Tour, Seaton Tramway, 


10.00am to 11.35am. 

GRAND REOPENING OF 

NEW VISITOR CENTRE 

25 Mar - A special opening 

celebration on Good Friday. 

See Web, Coldharbour Mill 

Working Wool Museum, 

Coldharbour, Uffculme. 

Seasonal 

ALL INCLUSIVE HALF 

TERM FUN AT BECKY 

FALLS! 

13 Feb to 21 Feb - February 

Half Term Fun at Becky 

Falls, Becky Falls, Manaton, 

Manaton, 10.00am to 5.00pm. 

MUMS GO FREE AT BECKY 

FALLS ON MOTHER'S DAY 

06 Mar - Free Entry for 

Mums on Mother's Day with 

full-paying child, Becky Falls, 

Manaton, Manaton, 10.00am 

to 5.00pm. 

EGG INCLUDED THIS 

EASTER AT BECKY FALLS! 

25 Mar to 10 Apr - Children's 

Easter trail (with free egg), 

animal encounter shows, 

meerkats, etc, Becky Falls, 

Manaton, Manaton, 10.00am 

to 5.00pm. 

Shows 

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST- 

TRADITIONAL FAMILY 

PANTO 

17 Feb to 20 Feb - Thigh 

slapping, rib-tickling panto 

presented by Lyme Regis 

Pantomime Society, Marine 

Theatre, Church Street, Lyme 

Regis. 

TOPSHAM FILM SOCIETY 

19 Feb - Belle, Topsham 

Film Society, Matthews Hall, 

Topsham, 7.30pm to 9.30pm. 

MUSIC HALL TAVERN 

27 Feb - Tickets: £20.00, 



to 11.00pm. 

THE BIG CHSW VARIETY 

SHOW 

27 Feb - Charity fundraising 

show hosted by Exeter 

comedian Tank Sherman, 



TOPSHAM FILM SOCIETY 

04 Mar - The Theory of 

Everything, Topsham Film 

Society, Matthews Hall, 

Topsham, 7.30pm to 9.30pm. 

PSYCHIC NIGHT 

11 Mar - Psychic Night with 

Nikki Kitt, Barnfield Theatre, 

Barnfield Road, Exeter, 

7.30pm. 

BARNSTAPLE & DISTRICT 

DTS 

19 Mar - Agility Show 

organised by Barnstaple & 

District Dog Training Society, 

Grange Equestrian Centre, 

Inwardleigh. 

EASTER WEEKEND OF 

ENTERTAINMENT 

25 Mar to 28 Mar - Daily 

Show in the Station Gallery 

at 2.30pm, Pecorama, 

Underleys, Beer, 10.00am 

to 5.30pm. 

CHAMPIONSHIP CAT 

SHOW 

26 Mar - Cat show, craft 

stalls & trade stands, 

Westpoint Arena, Clyst St 

Mary, Exeter, 12.30am to 

5.00pm. 

Theatre 

MUSICALS 

CAVALERI QUARTET 

RECITAL 

13 Feb - Sidmouth Music 

present CAVALERI QUARTET 

RECITAL, Manor Pavilion 

Theatre & Arts Centre, Manor 

Road, Sidmouth, 3.00pm to 

5.00pm. 

SIDMOUTH TOWN BAND 

AND THE EXMOUTH 

SHANTY MEN 

20 Feb - Lions Club of 

Sidmouth present Sidmouth 

Town Band and The Exmouth 

Shanty Men, Manor Pavilion 



10.00pm. 

WHAT'S ON? 

Just go to one of 

these regional 

hub websites: 

eastdevonhub 

southdevonhub 

middevonhub 

northdevonhub 

westdevonhub 

dartmoorhub 

hub cast 

THE EVENT 

BROADCASTING 

PLATFORM 


A SMALL ENGLISH 

SCHOOL WITH A BIG 

INTERNATIONAL HEART 

• Small, traditional English independent 

school with an international outlook. 

• World class education - IB World School 

offering IB PYP, GCSEs and Cambridge 

International AS & A Levels. 

• Only school in South West offering 

IB Primary Years Programme 

• New Clavis Programme for Year 7 & 8. 

• November 2015 GCSE results: 

100% pass A*-C, 86% A/A*, 57% A* 

• Flexible Sixth Form with tutorial style 

approach. 

• Opportunities to study in South Africa, 

Hungary, Florida, Spain or South America. 

• Email contact.stjohns@iesmail.com or 

call 01395 513984. 

www.stjohnsdevon.co.uk 

@St_Johns_School 

stjohnsschool 

mydevonevents 17 

Devonshire magazine 270x91.indd 1 25/01/2016 10:12


WOODBURY DANCE 

STUDIO PRESENT 

PETRUSHKA 

27 Feb to 28 Feb - Manor 

Pavilion Theatre & Arts 

Centre, Manor Road, 


JESUS CHRIST 

SUPERSTAR (SCHOOLS 

VERSION) 

03 Mar to 04 Mar - Maynard 

School performance, 


Road, Exeter, 2.00pm & 

7.00pm. 

VARIETY BY THE SEA 

04 Mar - Slightly Fat 

Features present VARIETY 

BY THE SEA, Manor Pavilion 



10.00pm. 

SIMON AND GARFUNKEL/ 

THROUGH THE YEARS 

12 Mar - GB Promotions 

present SIMON AND 

GARFUNKEL/ THROUGH 

THE YEARS, Manor Pavilion 



9.45pm. 

JESUS CHRIST 

SUPERSTAR 

19 Mar to 26 Mar - Manor 

Pavilion Theatre & Arts 

Centre, Manor Road, 

Sidmouth, 7.45pm to 

10.00pm. 

ORGANISATIONS 

tap into a massive 

audience using 

our network 

of What's 

On websites 

and affiliate 

magazines 

- totally free 

hub cast 

Call 01395 513383 

for more info. 

KISS YOUR LOVE 

GOODBYE 

31 Mar to 02 Apr - A NEW, 

original comedy-thrillerromance-musical 

like nothing 

you've ever seen, WHOOPS, 

the beehive centre, Honiton, 

7.30pm to 10.10pm. 

PLAYS 

THE PRACTITIONER 

PROJECT PART ONE - 

BRECHT 

09 Feb to 10 Feb - Exeter 

College BTEC 90 Credit 

Diploma Performing Arts, 



STARSTRUCK 

09 Feb to 04 May - An 

Exciting Evening of 

Extraordinary Entertainment, 

Babbacombe Theatre, 

Babbacombe Downs, Torquay, 

8.15pm to 10.30pm. 

SNOW WHITE & THE 

SEVEN DWARFS (SEATON 

PANTO) 

11 Feb to 14 Feb - Snow 

White & the Seven Dwarfs 

(Seaton Panto) Seaton’s 

Exeter Philharmonic Choir 

popular panto is here, The 

Gateway, Fore Street, Seaton, 

7.00pm to 9.30pm. 

MACBETH 

24 Feb - Macbeth performed 

by just two actors, Marine 

Theatre, Church Street, Lyme 

Regis, 1.30pm. 

COVER STORY 

26 Feb - A psychological 

drama combined with a 

touching exploration of 

an unusual frien, Cygnet 

Theatre, Exeter, 8.00pm to 

9.00pm. 

FAKE IT 'TIL YOU MAKE IT 

26 Feb to 27 Feb - Bryony 

Kimmings & Tim Grayburn 

explore men suffering 

from clinical depression, 

Barbican Theatre, Barbican 

Theatre, Plymouth, 8.00pm 

to 10.00pm. 

CARTER DAVIES: SECRET 

AGENT 

05 Mar - Moonstone 

Theatre present CARTER 

DAVIES; SECRET AGENT, 

Manor Pavilion Theatre & 

Arts Centre, Manor Road, 


PETER AND THE WOLF 

20 Mar - Sunday afternoon 

play - a tale of childhood, 

alcoholism, faith & family, 

Marine Theatre, Church 

Street, Lyme Regis, 5.00pm. 

FOR MUCH, MUCH 

MORE EVENT 

INFORMATION JUST GO 

TO THE HUB WEBSITES 

Hannahs at Seale-Hayne, Newton Abbot, TQ12 6NQ 

Feel Fabulous in February 

Totnes Rare Breeds 

outstanding in our field 

After a long cold January, why not treat yourself to a little 

pampering and indulgence to get you in the mood for Spring. 

Come and relax in the beautiful surroundings 

of Hannahs at Seale-Hayne. 

Pamper break includes 

45 minute treatment 

(Hot stone back neck & shoulder massage, Rejuvenating Facial, 

Warm Bamboo Massage, Swedish back, neck and shoulder massage) 

Sauna and Swim 

1 night’s accommodation with ensuite 

2 course dinner in the Bistro | Breakfast in the Bistro 

Group Deal: 

If you would like to take this up as a group booking 

(over 4 people) we also offer the organiser a complimentary 

bottle of prosecco in your room! To book call 01626 325 825 

Terms & conditions apply. Offer runs 1 st - 29 th February 2016, excluding 13 th & 14 th February 2016. 

Subject to availability. Drinks not included. Not in conjunction with any other offer. 

Telephone: 01803 325 825 

www.discoversealehayne.org 

Dame Hannah Rogers Trust a registered charity no. 1148882 

Welcome to this small, family run attraction for a truly interactive 

and personal experience. Feed the naughty goats, touch the 

spines of a hedgehog and smooth the feathers of an Eagle Owl, 

plus so much more! A treat for the entire family. 

Contact us: 01803 840387 

contact@tontnesrarebreeds.co.uk 

18 


hub cast 

THE EVENT BROADCASTING PLATFORM 

HubCast - background 

It's been some 4 years since we started out on 

the HubCast project. I was always aware over the 

last 20 years of publishing magazines in Devon 

that many clubs, societies, charities, businesses, 

all investing time and effort hosting events, were 

frustrated with the difficulty of getting their events promoted - it was 

always a protracted job to get decent exposure, usually involving 

a 3rd or 4th party and much following-up by determined event 

promoters. The sheer logistics of gathering event information for 

my publishing business was daunting - our Sidmouth Diary/Budleigh 

Diary magazines used to contain event information (as you'd expect 

by their names), but we gave up after 5 years because of the time 

costs of collating, checking, formatting, etc. Even over the last 15 

years, with the incredible hold the internet's increasingly gained 

over everyone, there was no improvement in this situation on a local 

level. The local tourist based web portals didn't pick up on this need, 

promoting mainly the attraction based events for tourists. So HubCast 

was devised, and initially, I'd realised that there were big benefits for 

everyone by using an internet based model. Firstly, organisations 

can just log in to add their events which instantly go online gaining 

exposure, secondly, publishers accessing this information free via 

our webs server, can easily gather events for their magazine event 

listings, thus allowing organisations not just free online exposure, but 

also free, paper based exposure in magazines. What's unique about 

the HubCast approach is that we gather massive levels of detail from 

the community and we feed this into dedicated regional websites, 

which deliver event data pre-filtered to both local people and visitors 

selecting a specific region for their stay. Of course, our ethos is that 

we share this event information freely so that organisations can 

benefit across many formats of media. If you're an event organiser, 

we can help you access massive promotion effortlessly - all you need 

to do is ensure your organisation is registered. You'll then receive 

our deadline notifications of affiliate publishers in your area so you 

don't miss out on exposure for your events. 

Nigel Jones - MD 

Extra event exposure - for no extra effort! 

What an Exeter based organisation sees when they log in: 

It's amazingly powerful, saving time and effort. Just adding one 

event, will appear in all the Hubs ticked and also allow access to 

the magazines shown. If you're not registered, you're missing out! 

Affiliate Publishers 

DESKTOP 

SMARTPHONE 

TABLET 

Bridgend 

Porthcawl 

Above, some of the magazines that log into Hub websites to download events for their listings sections. Barry 

More affiliate publishers are due to come onstream shortly. If you have a query, you can phone 01395 513383 for assistance. northsomersethub 

Cardiff 

Penarth 

Weston-super-Mare 

Bristol 

Bath 

Co 

Trowb 

Illfracombe 

Lynton 

Minehead 

Wells 

midsomersethub 

Frome 

Wa 

Within the last couple of weeks, 

Visit Dartmoor has taken over one 

of HubCast's regional hubs, namely 

DartmoorHub.co.uk 

Padstow 

Port Isaac 

Tintagel 

Holsworthy 

Bideford 

Barnstaple 

Okehampton 

South Molton 

Chulmleigh 

Chagford 

Crediton 

HubCast's mission is the free 

Bodmin 

Liskeard 

supply of event information to as 

Paignton 

Newquay 

Saltash 

many media channels as possible, 

Plymouth Ivybridge 

allowing total integration and 

Looe 

mid-cornwallhub 

St Austell 

southdevonhub 

transparency of event information 

Kingsbridge 

for all organisations, large or small. 

Truro 

mydevonevents 

Bude 

Clovelly 

eastcornwallhub 

Croyde 

westdevonhub 

Tavistock 

northdevonhub 

Hatherleigh 

dartmoorhub 

Salcombe 

westsomersethub 

Tiverton 

middevonhub 

exeterhub 

Exeter 

Newton Abbot 

Torquay 

Brixham 

Exmouth 

Bishop’s 

Lydeard 

Wellington 

Honiton 

Taunton 

Bridgwater 

Chard 

Axminster 

eastdevonhub 

sidmouthhub 

Sidmouth 

Street 

southsomersethub 

South 

Petherton 

Crewkerne 

Ilchester 

Yeovil 

Beaminster 

Bridport 

Lyme Regis lymeregishub 

Sherborne 

westdorsethub 

Dorchester 

Regions now with coverage 

Coming by end of 2016 

northd 

Weymouth 

Bl 

westcornwallhub 

Falmouth

Great Night Out 

Enjoy FOOD and LIVE MUSIC at your local venue 

LIVE MUSIC 

BRIDGE JAZZ CLUB 

03 Feb - Pete Canter & Friends - Jam 

Session £6 or £4 jammers, Pete Canter, 

Exeter Phoenix, Exeter, 8.30pm to 11.00pm. 

T.REXTASY 

05 Feb - Relive the magic/music of T.Rex & 

Marc Bolan in this live rock‘n’roll concert, 

The Queen’s Theatre, 100 Boutport Street, 

Barnstaple, 7.45pm. 

ACOUSTICPLUS (OPEN MIC) 

05 Feb - Open mic all equipment supplied, 

The Marine, The Esplanade, Sidmouth, 

9.30pm to 11.00pm. 

RISK 

05 Feb - Free Live Entertainment...not to be 

missed! The Black Horse, 30 Fore Street, 

Sidmouth, 9.30pm to 12.00am. 

THE ADDERS & JET BLACK 3 

05 Feb - Acoustic singer songwriter, The 

Marine, The Esplanade, Sidmouth, 9.30pm 

to 11.00pm. 

CULPRITS 




PORT ISAAC’S FISHERMAN’S FRIENDS 

06 Feb - Singing from the Friends: no gang 

leader, no choirmaster & no holds barred, 



BARNFIELD BAR PRESENTS … 

FEBRUARY ROCK HOME 

12 Feb - Kick off THE HOMETOWN METAL 

ALLIANCE metal nights we have a heavy one 

for you! Barnfield Theatre, Barnfield Road, 


WHITNEY - QUEEN OF THE NIGHT 

12 Feb - Stunning celebration of the music/ 

life of one of the World’s greatest singers, 



ROCKFELLA 




SONGS FROM A SMALL TRAIN - 

COUNTERPARTS MTA 

12 Feb to 13 Feb - Fifty singers and 

musicians perform original songs of 

journeys and refugees.., Barbican Theatre, 

Barbican Theatre, Plymouth, 7.30pm to 

9.30pm. 

Adam Sweet 

LAZY LIZARD 

13 Feb - Free Live Entertainment...why not 

come down & celebrate Valentine’s day 

early! The Black Horse, 30 Fore Street, 


JUST MISBEHAVIN’ SWINGING JAZZ 

14 Feb - Swing jazz music and much, 

much more .., Just Misbehavin’, The Bank, 


CONCERT: SASKIA MOORE-GRIFFITHS & 

ADAM SWEET 

18 Feb - Afternoon double bill of two of the 

finest rising acoustic artists in S.W, Marine 

Theatre, Church Street, Lyme Regis, 2.00pm. 

EDGE 





19 Feb - Open mic all equipment supplied, 


9.30pm to 11.00pm. 

SMALL TOWN JONES 

19 Feb - Jim Jones aka Small town Jones, 

Cygnet Theatre, Exeter, 7.30pm to 10.00pm. 

STONEFOX 




GORDIE MACKEEMAN & HIS RHYTHM 

BOYS 

20 Feb - Fundraiser to launch Sidmouth 

Sea Fest 2016 with the best Country & 

Bluegrass, Sidmouth Sea Fest, The Gateway, 

Seaton, 7.30pm to 11.00pm. 

WHOLE LOTTA LED 

20 Feb - Now in their 19th year, the Led 

Zeppelin tribute band give a classic show, 

Tavistock Wharf, Canal Road, Tavistock. 

SECONDNATURE 




PETE CANTER TRIO 

26 Feb - Fine saxophonist and trio in the 

conservatory, Pete Canter, City Gate Hotel, 


DEAN MARTIN TRIBUTE NIGHT 

26 Feb - Unique tribute to the “King of 

Cool”, Cedars Inn, Barnstaple, Bickington 

Road, Barnstaple. 

EXTREME BAROQUE 

26 Feb - Extreme Baroque play a programme 

of 17th and 18th century music inspired by 

the , Sladers Yard, West Bay Road, West Bay, 

7.00pm to 10.30pm. 

Dining Offers 

20 

DINING OFFERS 

Brunch every Sunday 

per person | Sun | 10:00am-2:00pm 

Fine Italian Coffee & 

Homemade Ricarelli 

Dinners 

Thurs, Fri, Sat | 6:00pm to 9:00pm 

Table Bookings t. 01395 442676 

Make a night of it! 

AT16 Brasserie 

DINING OFFERS 

Homemade Pie Night 

DEVONCOURT 

£10.50 | per person | Mon | 6:30-8:30pm 

Italian Night (2 Courses) 

£13.95 | RESORT 

per person | Tue | 6:30-8:30pm 

Evening Steak Special & Glass of Wine 

£16 | per Weekly person | Wed Specials | 6:30-8:30pm 

Classic Fish Monday & Chip - Night Pie Night 

£9.50 A Selection | per person of Traditional | Thur Homemade | 6:30-8:30pm pies 

£10.50 

Evening Wednesday Carvery & Friday & Hot - Lunchtime Dish Selection Carvery 

£11.70 | per person £8.95 | Fri | 6:30-8:30pm 

Wednesday - Evening Steak Special 

with a Glass of Wine £16 

Table Thursday Bookings - Classic Fish t. & 01395 Chip Night 272277 £9.50 

Countryside, History, Friday Walks, - Evening the Carvery Arts, and Buffet Events & all things Devon at: DEVONSHIRE magazine.co.uk 

with Selection of Homemade Dishes 

£11.70 

Sunday – Lunch and Evening Carvery 

£10.95 

Book a dining table and enjoy live music at the venues below 

The Six Bells Inn 

DINING OFFERS 

Steak Meal including Wine 

£25.00 | two persons | Wed | 6:30-9:30pm 

2 Course Lunch (except Mon) 

£7.50 | per person | all week | 12-3pm 

Weekly Guest Ale 

£2.50 | per pint | all week 

Daily Specials available. 

Book now for Weddings and Birthdays! 


DINING OFFERS 

Curry Night Wednesdays 

£11 | per person | Wed | 6:30-9:00pm 

Pie and Pudding Thursdays 

£12 | per person | Thu | 6:30-9:00pm 

Sunday Lunch 

£12 | per person | Sun | 12:00-2:00pm 

Sunday Dinner & Dessert 

£12 | per person | Sun | 6:30-9:00pm 

Table Bookings t. 01395 513047

Live Music 


T.REXTASY 

The Queen’s Theatre, Barnstaple 

Saturday 06th February 

PORT ISAAC’S FISHERMAN’S FRIENDS 

The Queen’s Theatre, Barnstaple 


THE EDGE 

The Black Horse, Sidmouth 

CAVEMOUTH 

26 Feb - Originals and covers band, The 

Marine, The Esplanade, Sidmouth, 9.30pm 

to 11.00pm. 

HEADS SOUTH 

26 Feb - Part of ‘A Message From…’ live 

music series, Barnfield Theatre, Barnfield 


PETE CANTER’S LIGHTFLIGHT 

27 Feb - Latin Jazz with Saxophonist & 

composer, Pete Canter and Lightflight, The 

Tucker’s Jazz Club, The Tucker’s Arms, 

Axminster, 8.00pm to 10.00pm. 

PETE CANTER’S LIGHTFLIGHT 

27 Feb - Melodic, accessible and seriously 

groovy latin jazz quartet, Pete Canter, 

Tuckers Jazz Club, Dalwood, 8.30pm to 

11.00pm. 

ANGE HARDY LIVE IN CONCERT 

27 Feb - Award-winning folk singer Ange 

Hardy performs live - tickets @ £10, incl 

food, Friends of St Michaels, St Michael’s 

Church, Chagford, 7.30pm to 9.00pm. 

The 

Otterton 

DINING OFFERS 

Quiz Night 

3 Feb & 2 Mar | 8pm 

Valentines Menu 

13 & 14 Feb | 6.30pm - 9pm 

special menu. 

Cheese & Wine tasting 

£10 | per person | 18 Feb | 7.30pm 

join us for great fun in aid of Hospice Care. 

SKY LIZARD 




BRIDGE JAZZ CLUB 

02 Mar - Pete Canter & Friends 

Jam Session £6 or £4 jammers, Pete Canter, 

Exeter Phoenix, Exeter, 8.30pm to 11.00pm. 


04 Mar - Open mic all equipment supplied, 


9.30pm to 11.00pm. 

ROADHOGS 

04 Mar - Free Live Entertainment...not to be 



DAVE SHARP (FORMER MEMBER OF 

THE ALARM) 

04 Mar - Originals acoustic, The Marine, 

The Esplanade, Sidmouth, 9.30pm to 

11.00pm. 

‘THE SKIMMITY HITCHERS’ 

05 Mar - West Country All Stars Cider Night. 

The Skimmity Hitchers & support bands, 

The Gateway, Fore Street, Seaton, 7.30pm 

to 11.00pm. 

ABBA ARRIVAL 

05 Mar - ABBA Arrival – ‘The Ultimate 

ABBATribute Show’, Barnfield Theatre, 

Barnfield Road, Exeter, 7.45pm. 

BLUE ARSED FLY 




Just quote 'Devonshire' for the dining offers below 

DINING OFFERS 

6 course taster menu 

from £29.99 | per person 

Book the restaurant (28 guests) for 

your function or our Redvers Suite (80 

guests) for your wedding. 

BARNFIELD BAR PRESENTS … MARCH 

MAYHEM 

05 Mar - March Mayhem comes to Exeter 

with two of the finest hard rock bands 

around, Barnfield Theatre, Barnfield Road, 


ED SHEERAN TRIBUTE NIGHT 

11 Mar - A full Ed Sheeran experience 

at this Friday night show, Cedars Inn, 

Barnstaple, Bickington Road, Barnstaple. 

BAV’S KARAOKE 




THE 

MALTSTERS 

ARMS 

DINING OFFERS 

Buy one get one half price 

Take-away pizzas | Weds 

Roast Dinner & Desert 

£12 | per person | Sun | 12:00pm-6:00pm 

Mother’s day & Easter bookings 

now being taken. 

Matthew and Me 

WHITE SPIRIT 




NEVERTHELESS 





18 Mar - Open mic all equipment supplied, 


9.30pm to 11.00pm. 

JIM NEWTON’S FIFTY SHADES OF JAZZ 

19 Mar - Jim Newton’s “Fifty Shades of 

Jazz”, The Tucker’s Jazz Club, The Tucker’s 

Arms, Axminster, 8.00pm to 10.00pm. 

Continued overleaf... 

southdevonhub • eastdevonhub • middevonhub • northdevonhub • westdevonhub • dartmoorhub • exeterhub 

Table Bookings t. 01395 568416 



mydevonevents 21

Great Night Out 

Enjoy FOOD and LIVE MUSIC at your local venue 

Fairport Convention 

LIVE MUSIC CONTINUED 

ROCK THE NIGHT 




THE FRANK SINATRA HOLOGRAM SHOW 

19 Mar - Tickets: £18.50 Buy before 

31/12/15 and save £3.00! Exmouth 

Pavilion, The Esplanade, Exmouth, 7.30pm 

to 11.00pm. 

DAVID HAMILTON’S ROCK N ROLL BACK 

THE YEARS 

19 Mar - Legendary DJ and broadcaster 

David Hamilton comes to the Babbacombe 

Theatre, Babbacombe Theatre, Babbacombe 

Downs, Torquay, 8.00pm to 10.00pm. 

BLIMEY OH RILEY 

25 Mar - Originals 

Covers punk, ska, rock, The Marine, The 

Esplanade, Sidmouth, 9.30pm to 11.00pm. 

PETE CANTER TRIO 

25 Mar - Fine saxophonist and trio in the 

conservatory, Pete Canter, City Gate Hotel, 


ROCKFELLA 




STONEFOX 




REGGAE NIGHT (DJ) 

26 Mar - Reggae dj’s, The Marine, The 

Esplanade, Sidmouth, 9.30pm to 11.00pm. 

JAZZ AT KENNAWAY HOUSE IN THE 

AFTERNOON 

27 Mar - Pete Allen is back performing his 

NEW programme of ‘Jazz in the Afternoon’, 

Kennaway House, Coburg Road, Sidmouth, 

2.00pm to 5.30pm. 

RESTAURANT OWNERS! 

Would you like to promote 

your eatery in our Great Night 

Out section for FREE? 

Book in now with a quarter 

page or above and get your 

special Dining Offers Box 

and guaranteed inclusion of 

your live music events at 

no extra cost! 

To take advantage of this 

fantastic deal just call 

Hannah Trim on: 

01395 513383 Ext. 3 

Dining Offers 

22 

THE 

Sea Trout Inn 

DINING OFFERS 

Stags Bar: Pie and a Pint 

£7.50 

Restaurant & Snug: 

Moules & Frites with a glass of 

Prosecco 

£9.95 | per person | Mon 

Fish & Chips Special 

£12.95 | 2 portions | Thurs 

Book for Valentines! 

Running on both Sat 13th and Sun 14th 

nights. See our website for details. 

AWARD WINNING 

Marina Location 


waterfront bar bistro 

DINING OFFERS 

Pie and Pud Night 

£12.50 | per person | Mon 

Valentines Day Evening Set Menu 

£35 | per person 

Booking essential | 3 courses 

Mothering Sunday 

Treat your mum to breakfast, 

lunch or dinner 

Kick Back & Relax 

Great 

Jolly 

Jacks 

Food, Company 

& Location ! 

Chocolate 

Make a variety of luxury chocolates 

with a professional chocolatier 

Amour 

Fun, Relaxed, 

Informative 

Take home all you make! 

Full or half day courses held near 

Lyme Regis. 

For information call Gill at Chocolate Amour: 07717 887442 


grantgilli@aol.com www.chocolateamour.co.uk 

Countryside, History, Walks, the Arts, Events & all things Devon at: DEVONSHIRE magazine.co.uk 

tel: 01752 500 008 

www.jollyjacks.co.uk

MAGDALEN CHAPTER 

EXETER 

the best of Devon's eateries 

Highly 

Recommended 

DEVON 

SHIRE 

Top notch room with all the gadgets! 

Warm fires in reception 

Lovely, light and stylish dining area 

The ‘magic’ cocktails 

We bring you great stays from across Devon 

Overnight Stay 

The classy entrance 

Lovely bathing facilities 

We all know that Exeter’s one cool 

city, deep countryside a few miles 

outside, but all the facilities and 

amenities at hand in what has to be 

the most intimate city in England. 

There are many reasons to visit 

Exeter, shopping is excellent with 

all the main brands and stores in 

town. Dining’s equally great and 

and whistles such as mood lighting 

switch arrays, excellent bathing 

facilities, elegant large windows, etc. 

The bed was luxuriously large and 

comfortable, happily ensuring a good 

night’s sleep. Outside the room and 

on the ground floor, there are some 

funky spaces, such as the airy lounge 

area that’s a new addition to the back 

of the building as is the dining area 

Framboise Martini and Mootiny on 

the Bounty - absolutely delicious, 

particularly liked the innocently 

presented Mootiny. Top marks! 

Food was modern, interesting, 

visually appetising and most 

importantly, delicious, with a cleverly 

thought-out menu, they’re certainly 

on top of their game. It’d be hard 

to find any reason to venture out of 

Busy shaking the cocktails 

Venison, salt baked celeriac, 

walnut and prunes with kale 

Buffalo mozzarello, blood orange, 

pomegranate and coriander seeds 

MC’s puddings are delicious, 

delicate and light 

varied or you may be coming to 

town for the theatre. Our Overnight 

Stay features the Magdalen Chapter, 

located in the old Victorian Eye 

Infirmary. It’s a characterful and 

imposing building that makes for a 

great hotel, being grand inside and 

out. Our stay was in one of their 

ʻfeature’ rooms which was luxurious 

and spacious, having all the bells 

which is a modern, chic place to enjoy 

your food. Pre dinner, was enjoyed 

in the bar over several cocktails, and 

what cocktails they turned out to be. 

There’s always a worry that you get 

the ʻusual’ fruit juice with a bit of 

spirit thrown in, but here I have to 

say we were mightily impressed with 

the sophistication and flavour of our 

selection: Blueberry Bellini, Chocolat 

the hotel, particularly in the evening 

with the standard of cuisine coming 

from the kitchen, combined with the 

great ambiance of the hotel. 

If you’re coming to town for the 

weekend, it’s a great place to stay 

and can recommend it fully. Don’t 

forget to mention Devonshire mag 

when booking. 

Unusual, stylish and chic dining area 

mydevonevents 23

FOOD and DRINK 

are available to buy so that you can go home and 

start making your own chocolates without having 

to make a special shopping trip. 

Gill runs these home-based courses at least twice a 

month. Most are designed for those new to chocolate 

making but Gill also hosts intermediate courses 

for those wanting to develop their skills further. 

The courses are 

very ʻhands on’ 

and you’ll make 

approximately 

thirty 

chocolates on a 

half day course 

A Love of Chocolate 

Itʼs fair to say that most of us like chocolate. And the latest evidence revealed by 

Harvard University means you neednʼt feel guilty eating it in moderation. 

The courses cater for all ages from 9 upwards. The 

courses are not just for women as many of Gill’s 

budding chocolatiers are men. The atmosphere is 

very relaxed and the house, which is full of art and 

objets d’art, has been featured in several magazines. 

These home based courses are only a part of what 

Gill does however. She also caters for larger private 

parties if, for instance, a group of adults want a 

unique way to celebrate that special occasion. Gill’s 

courses are also very popular with hen parties, a 

fun way to experience something different before 

Chocolate can be called ʻone of your daily five’ 

as it is a fruit from the cacao tree. The beans, in 

their raw state, have many health benefits, can 

make us feel happier and have the qualities of a 

ʻsuperfood’. However, during the production of 

chocolates for boxes and bars, other ingredients 

are added that are the 

culprits of weight gain. 

For some people chocolate 

is a treat, for others 

it’s a regular part of 

their diet. For Gill Coates 

it’s an obsession. Not 

eating chocolates, although 

tasting is an 

essential part of what 

Gill does, but teaching people to make them. 

Gill came across chocolate making by accident 

when she was living in France and decided to 

go on a chocolate making course with the world 

famous Valrhona chocolate manufacturer in 2007. 

Following this inspirational course Gill wanted to 

Gill decided to go on a 

chocolate making course with 

the world famous Valrhona 

chocolate manufacturer in 

2007 

Teachers perks on ‘Easter Chocolates’ Course 2015 

share her love of chocolate making and began 

running courses in France sharing her knowledge 

of chocolate and its origins and teaching people 

how to make chocolates in all kinds of different 

shapes, sizes and taste varieties. In 2011 she and 

her husband returned to live in England and 

settled in Lyme Regis 

in Dorset. They renovated 

a property there, 

designing the kitchen 

specifically so that Gill 

could continue running 

her courses. She now 

runs regular classes for 

up to ten people at her 

home and for bigger 

groups in various locations across the South West. 

If you come on one of Gill’s courses you’ll start by 

learning about the origins of chocolate, tasting 

different varieties from around the world. Then 

you’ll make several varieties of chocolates using a 

range of ingredients and flavours. The courses are 

very ʻhands on’ and you’ll make 

approximately thirty chocolates 

on a half day course and 

about fifty on a full day course 

and, depending on how many 

you’re tempted to eat during 

the day, you gift wrap them 

ready to take home with you. 

A feature of the courses is that 

you will learn to make chocolates 

without having to buy 

expensive equipment, in fact, 

the equipment you use can be 

found in the drawer of any well 

stocked kitchen. She will also 

have a supply of top quality, 

inexpensive ingredients that 

A budding chocolatier at work 

the big day. Gill also runs children’s parties where 

chocolate making is tailored to the age of the 

group. All these courses can be held at different 

venues in the south west as long as the minimum 

facilities which Gill needs are provided. 

Gill also gives talks and demonstrations at a variety 

of venues in the South West; again, tailored to the 

group’s needs. 

Finally, a popular part of the service Gill offers is 

Gift Vouchers. These can be purchased if you want 

to give someone a very special gift. You purchase 

the voucher and Gill will personalise it with a 

message from you to the intended recipient who 

can then arrange to attend one of the courses to 

suit their diary. 

Contact Gill Coates at Chocolate Amour 

07717 887442 or email grantgilli@aol.com 

24 



THE 

Sea Trout Inn 

Warm welcome, 

exceptional food 

‘Stunning Family run 15th Century Coaching Inn close to the beautiful 

River Dart, 11 luxury en-suite bedrooms, cosy bars, log fires, beer 

garden and award winning restaurant. Let our family welcome your 

family to Devon’s best kept secret ‘ 

Situated in the picturesque South Hams village of Staverton near Totnes the Sea Trout Inn hotel 

and restaurant is an idyllic country retreat. There are 10 well appointed en-suite rooms plus 

our Annex Suite adjoining the Inn, all available for bed and breakfast. Perfect for couples and 

business people alike. The Sea Trout Inn offers an ideal place to stay, relax and wine & dine with 

friends, family or business colleagues. 

01803 762 274 Staverton, Totnes, TQ9 6PA 

info@theseatroutinn.co.uk www.theseatroutinn.couk 

Selling top quality produce from local suppliers 

Dean Court 

Farm Shop & Kitchen 

AWARD WINNING 

Marina Location 

Jolly 

Jacks 

waterfront bar bistro 

Kick Back & Relax 

Great 

tel: 01752 500 008 

Food, Company 

& Location ! 

• Delicious fresh food served all day 

• Friendly and welcoming • Traditional Sunday Lunches 

• Check website for live music & events 

• FREE secure parking • Dog & Child friendly 

• Lovely outside terrace 

www.jollyjacks.co.uk 

Mayflower Marina • Richmond Walk • Plymouth • PL1 4LS 

Meet the new owners: The Mason 

family of Sladesdown Meat in 

Ashburton, who specialise in free 

range meats. Pop in to say hello! 

We stock a wide range 

of fruit, vegetables, dairy 

products, cakes, preserves, 

pickles, chutneys, jams, 

olives, free range eggs, local 

wine, beers, Devon Cider 

and a variety of fruit juices. 

Donʼt forget to visit our 

Farmhouse Kitchen for 

breakfast, lunch or a spot 

of afternoon tea 

(last hot food 3.15pm). 

Open (Mon-Sat) Shop: 9am-5pm • Kitchen: 9am-4pm 

01364 642199 • Lower Dean, Buckfastleigh, TQ11 0LT 

mydevonevents 25


OPEN ALL DAY 8am - 11pm for breakfast, coffee, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner 

The 

Otterton 

Fresh food prepared & cooked on the premises 

using local ingredients from our own farm shop 

• Fish landed by our own fishing boats • Sunday carvery 12-3pm 

• Bar serving superb local real ales and fine wines 

• 15 quality rooms for bed and breakfast 

• Garden & childrens play area • Dogs welcome (designated areas) 

• Courtesy 7 seat minibus available locally with prior arrangement 

• Breakfast 8-11am, Lunch 12-2.30pm, Dinner 6.30-9pm 

FORE STREET • OTTERTON • DEVON • EX9 7HB 01395 568416 www.kingsarmsotterton.co.uk 

The Six Bells Inn 

Payhembury, Honiton EX14 3HR 

01404 841261 

www.sixbellsinn.co.uk 

THE 

MALTSTERS 

ARMS 

Matt, Sam & the staff welcome you to 

their family friendly village pub. 

Excellent fresh food cooked & prepared 

just for you at affordable prices. 

Book now for wedding and birthday celebrations! 

Food available: Lunchtimes 12 to 3, Evenings 6.30 til late 

Sunday Roast 12 to 4, Main Menu also available 

Sunday Evenings - booking only 

Closed - Monday Lunch 

Mother’s day & Easter bookings now 

being taken. Visit our website to view 

our current menu & events. 

www.themaltstersarms.com 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Award Winning Ice Cream 

Tea & Coffee • Homemade Cakes • Lunches • Ice Cream Sundaes 

We make Artisan 

Gelato ice cream 

on premises using 

local milk & cream 

GLUTEN FREE 

ICE CREAM? 

WE HAVE IT! 

Freshly baked scones 

and other goods 

made on premises 

every morning! 

FRESHLY 

GROUND COFFEE 

CROISSANTS 

Ice Cream 

made on premises 

- in many delicious 

flavours 

Old Fore St, Sidmouth 

EX10 8LS 01395 512635 

info@tasteofsidmouth.co.uk 

OPEN 8am 

UNTIL 9pm 

26 



Contemporary and stylish Café/ 

Restaurant on Budleigh Salterton 

High Street 

o 

o 

o 

Open daytime Wednesday to 

Sunday for breakfast, coffee, 

cakes and Lunch 

Open for Dinner every 

Thursday, Friday and Saturday 

evenings 

Open for Brunch every Sunday 

To book a table please call 

01395 442676 

Please visit www.bowmers.com 

for our opening times and menu 

Bowmers, 7 High Street, 

Budleigh Salterton EX9 6LD 

HOTEL 

A PLACE FOR 

EATING 

DRINKING 

AND MEETING 

WITH A VIEW OF LYME BAY 

PYNE'S SIDMOUTH DEVON 01395 513047 

WWW.BEDFORDHOTELSIDMOUTH.CO.UK 

2016 Wedding Special Offer 

Wedding Breakfast from £23.95 per person, Evening Finger Buffet 

from £11.95 per person with no room hire charges. Please contact 

our wedding coordinator to book a viewing or to request a brochure. 

Quote ʻDevonshireʼ 

to receive 10% OFF 

your taster menu. 

01392 272709 

BYSTOCK TERRACE, EXETER EX4 4HY 

www.queenscourt-hotel.co.uk 

mydevonevents 27


DEVONCOURT 

RESORT 

& 

APARTMENTS 

OUTDOOR POOL 

28 

Brasserie16 at the Devoncourt Resort has 

always been known for its good honest 

food and carveries. Sat in a beautiful 

location overlooking flower bordered 

green lawns with the sea as a backdrop 

you can enjoy tasty food and honest ales 

and wines. 

Open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, 

Teas n Coffees - Good food, good service, 

great taste! 

Weekly Specials 

Monday - Pie Night. A Selection 

of Traditional Homemade pies 

£10.50 

Tuesday - Selection of Italian 

Dishes. 2 Courses £13.95 

Wednesday & Friday - Lunchtime 

Carvery £8.95 

Wednesday - Evening Steak 

Special with a Glass of Wine £16 

Thursday - Classic Fish & Chip 

Night £9.50 

Friday - Evening Carvery 

and Buffet with Selection of 

Homemade Dishes £11.70 

Sunday - Lunch and Evening 

Carvery £10.95 

AT16 

A La Carte Menu and Bar Snacks 

Available Daily 

Brasserie 

DOUGLAS AVENUE 

EXMOUTH 

DEVONCOURT 

01395 272277 

www.devoncourt.com 

RESORT 

Countryside, History, Walks, the Arts, Events & all things Devon at: DEVONSHIRE magazine.co.uk 

Weekly Specials 

Monday - Pie Night 

Lifestyle 

health & fitness club 

• Fitness Gym 

• Indoor Heated Pool 

• Outdoor Heated Pool (May-Sept) 

• Far-Infra Red Sauna 

• Steam Room 

• Spa Bath 

• Aqua Fitness & Yoga Classes 

• Aerobics & AquaZumba Class 

• All-Weather Tennis Court 

• Sunshower (small supp.) 

• Snooker Table (small supp.) 

• Putting Green (May-Sept) 

SAVE ££S - bring this 

advert with you and 

save the joining fee! 

Memberships are available from 

as little as £5.29 per week. 

www.lifestyleleisureclub.co.uk 

Find us on Facebook: 

• Devoncourt Resort and Apartments 

• Brasserie16 at Devoncourt Resort 

• Lifestyle Health and Fitness Exmouth


The Restaurant Inspector 

Visits: 

Jack in the Green Exeter 

Jack in the Green 

Jack in the 

Green 

menu sampled 

Starters 

Mushroom Risotto with 

Truffle Oil & Parmesan 

Lyme Bay Crab Cake 

Flaming Creme Brulée 

Mains 

Maple Glazed Creedy 

Carver Duck Breast 

Roast Breast of Pheasant 

and Confit leg with 

Whisky Cream Sauce 

Pudding 

Chocolate, Cherry, Kirsch 

Cheeseboard 

Drinks 

House Malbec 

Tarka Otter Lager 

Superb food at this Gastro Pub 

The Jack in the Green is situated 

just outside Exeter on the 

eastward end and is a wellestablished 

eaterie with a solid 

reputation.Interestingly, the 

proprietor Paul Parnell, bought 

the pub in 1992, with limited 

funds, and was told by many 

that it was a disaster waiting to 

happen, particularly as the bypass 

was pending, meaning the end to 

the high levels of traffic outside 

the front. So, here we are, about 

a quarter of a century later and it 

has, and continues to be, a great 

success story. Of course, to be 

successful year in and year out 

Pub with a cosy, intimate feel 

over that duration is more than 

just good luck, it’s a combination 

of providing fine food and 

excellent service which has won 

out for Paul and the team over 

the years. Arriving at the ʻJack’, 

you’re aware it’s a cosy place with 

a great pub feel. Whilst waiting 

for table, a pint of the excellent 

Tarka was taken, a fine beer for 

slaking your thirst. First course 

was Lyme Bay Crab Cake and also 

Mushroom Risotto with Truffle 

Oil and Parmesan. Both were 

extremely tasty and thoroughly 

enjoyed, as was the Maple Glazed 

Creedy Carver Duck Breast and 

the Roast Breast of Pheasant and 

Confit leg with Whisky Cream 

Sauce - great mains, delicately 

cooked, the meat being moist and 

tender. Top marks to the head 

chef (Matthew Mason) and team! 

I’m a bit of a sucker for a good 

pud, and their Choc, Cherry & 

Kirsch more than satisfied my 

pud urge - blooming lovely. 

Their cheeseboard showed no 

skimming on ingredients, all 

high quality, tasty cheeses and 

accompaniments. A thoroughly 

enjoyable evening I can 

thoroughly recommend the ʻJack’ 

heartily to you all! Editor 

Maple Glazed Creedy Carver Duck Breast 

Roast Breast of Pheasant and Confit leg with Whisky Cream Sauce 

Otter Brewery’s Tarka is my favourite 

lager these days, it’s a clean, refreshing 

beer that’s thirst quenching and not 

overly gassy, with a great taste - a 

real pity more pubs don’t drop the 

usual mass, corporation produced 

lagers and replace with this. 

Mushroom Risotto with Truffle 

Oil and Parmesan 

Cheeseboard 

Chocolate, Cherry, Kirsch 

mydevonevents 29

Forthcoming Exhibitions 


Penelope Timmis - "Barry" 

Baxters Gallery, Dartmouth 

Vanessa Cooper - White Space Art, Totnes 

Lee Madgwick - 'Empress' - Hybrid Gallery, Honiton 

GALLERIES 

SOUTH WEST ACADEMY 

EXHIBITION 

Until 13 Feb - Exhibition of work 

by members of the South West 

Academy of Fine & Applied Arts, 

Thelma Hulbert Gallery, Elmfield 

House, Honiton, 10.00am to 5.00pm. 

BROOMHILL NATIONAL 

SCULPTURE PRIZE 

Until 20 Feb - Budding sculptors: 

NSP are now accepting entries 

for 2016. See Web for details, 

Broomhill Art Hotel, Muddiford Road, 

Barnstaple. 

PRIMARY COLOURS 

Until 24 Feb - A celebration of the 

creativity of young artists from 

13 local primary schools, Harbour 

House, The Promenade, Kingsbridge, 

10.00am to 5.00pm. 

RETROSPECTIVE OF ARTIST 

RICHARD SLATER 

Until 27 Feb - A Retrospective of the 

artist Richard Slater born London 

1927, Artmill Gallery, 83 Hyde Park 

Road, Plymouth, 9.30am to 5.00pm. 

EXHIBITION: BETWEEN 

THE MESS & THE 

MACHINE 

Until 28 Feb - A collection of work 

created by the students and staff at 

Coombeshead Academy, Hannahs at 

Seale-Hayne, Howton Lane, Newton 

Abbot, 10.00am to 4.00pm. 

COLOUR CODED 

Until 29 Feb - Devon Guild Members 

Ruth Broadway, Stuart Low and 

Angie Parker are three distinc, Devon 

Guild of Craftsmen, Riverside Mill, 

Bovey Tracey, 10.00am to 5.30pm. 

SHEILA COX 

Until 05 Mar - Sheila Cox is 

exhibiting her eclectic mix of works 

for the first time, Axminster Arts 

Cafe, The Axminster Arts Cafe, 

Axminster, 9.00am to 2.00pm. 

EastDevonArt.co.uk 

TheMarleGallery 

CONTEMPORARY FINE ART 

Exhibitions 

Mike Bernard RI 

Solo Show 

09 to 22 Apr 

“Scenes around Britain’s coast” 

Catalogue available 

01297 625257 

www.marinehouseatbeer.co.uk 

51 High Street Honiton 

t. 01404 43201 

www.hybrid-devon.co.uk 

In our gallery 

A Singular Vision 

19 Mar to 16 Apr 

Twenty artists reveal their singular 

vision in a diverse exhibition of 

new paintings. 

Old Fore Street, Sidmouth EX10 8LS 

info@eastdevonart.co.uk 01395 516284 

Spring Exhibition 

13 to 21 Feb then open at 

weekends until 20 Mar. 

Easter Exhibition 

25 Mar to 17th Apr. 

Art tuition available throughout the year. 

A selection of work may be viewed on-line at 

www.eastdevonart.co.uk 

www.facebook.com/eda.academy 

Open every day 11am-5pm & every weekend. 

Paintings 

Limited Edition Prints 

Designer Jewellery 

Ceramics 

Sculpture 

Limited Edition Textiles 

Call for exhibitors 

The Marle Print Show 

Victoria Place, Axminster, Devon, EX13 5NQ 

art@themarlegallery.co.uk 01297 639970 

www.themarlegallery.co.uk 

30 


Mairi Stewart - 'Reds and Stripes' 

The Marle Gallery, Axminster 

Simon Garden - 'Pointing Practice' - Sladers Yard, West Bay, Dorset 

Philippa de Burlet - 'Porcelain Bowl 3' 

The Marle Gallery, Axminster. 

Mike Bernard - 'Lyme Regis Harbour' - Marine House at Beer 

LANDSCAPE, PLANT AND 

BEE 

Until 12 Mar - From Urban to Moor, 

ink to plant juice. Four Devon Guild 

of Craftsmen members fe, Green Hill 

Arts, Fore Street, Moretonhampstead, 

10.00am to 4.00pm. 

EXHIBITION: LINE UP 

Until 16 Mar - Exhibition presenting 

monohrome objects in styled 

groups., Devon Guild of Craftsmen, 

Riverside Mill, Bovey Tracey, 

10.00am to 5.30pm. 

COASTLINE 

12 Feb to 02 Mar - See how Dorset 

and Devon artists paint, draw and 

photograph our coast, Town Mill Arts 

Guild, The Courtyard Gallery, Lyme 

Regis, 10.30am to 4.30pm. 

SPRING EXHIBITION AT 

EAST DEVON ART 

13 Feb to 21 Feb - West Country 

artists display their latest works. 

Open weekends until 20th Mar, 

East Devon Art, Old Fore Street, 

Sidmouth, 11.00am to 4.00pm. 


Town Centre, Axminster 

EX13 5NQ 

Open 10-4 Mon-Fri, 10-3 Sat 

info@artwavewest.com | artwavewest.com 

artwave west | 01297 489 746 

morcombelake | dorset | DT6 6DY 

Exhibitions 

Spring Exhibition 

04 Mar to 23 Apr 

The ever popular mixed show for Spring. 

A very dynamic show to kick start the 

Spring featuring 10 artists including the 

highly collectable Gallery Artist, 

Donna Goold. 

Open Wednesday to Saturday 10am-4pm 

Current Exhibition 

A Winter’s Tale 

Until 20 Feb 

Come and visit us! 

Contemporary Art 

Jocasta Jewellery 

Ceramics 

10am-4pm Tue Wed Fri Sat 

5 Cross Lane, Sidmouth 01395 576918 

Apple Tree Gifts 

Come and explore... 

A four room treasure trove of 

locally handmade art and craft, 

proudly supporting local 

artisans in the heart of 

Axminster. 

01297 598011 

www.appletreegalleries.co.uk 

South West Academy Exhibition 

Until 13 Feb - Work by members 

of the SWAc including Alan Cotton 

and Peter Randall-Page. 

Young Shoots Exhibition 

27 Feb to 09 Apr - A touring 

exhibition in collaboration with 

the Centre for Contemporary Art 

and The Natural World. 

www.thelmahulbert.com 

01404 45006 

mydevonevents 31

Forthcoming Exhibitions 


David Norman - Thelma Hulbert Gallery, Honiton 

David Inshaw - 'Winter, St Ives' - Sladers Yard, West Bay, Dorset 

PRINTMAKING 2016: OPEN 

EXHIBITION 

13 Feb to 09 Mar - Lyme Regis 

celebrates fine art printmaking in 

this special exhibition, Town Mill 

Arts Guild, The Malthouse Gallery, 

Lyme Regis, 10.30am to 4.30pm. 

YOUNG SHOOTS 

EXHIBITION 

27 Feb to 09 Apr - Touring exhibition 

in collaboration with CCANW, Thelma 

Hulbert Gallery, Elmfield House, 

Honiton, 10.00am to 5.00pm. 

SIX 

01 Mar to 05 Mar - Kingsbridge 

Community College A Level art and 

photography exhibition, Harbour 

House, The Promenade, Kingsbridge, 

10.00am to 5.00pm. 

WOMEN AND PEACE – AN 

EXHIBITION 

01 Mar to 31 Mar - Barnfield Theatre 

Front of House Gallery Free entry, 

Barnfield Theatre, Barnfield Road, 

Exeter, 10.00am to 4.00pm. 

ACROSS BOUNDARIES 

04 Mar to 16 Mar - Julie Oldfield 

explores the concept of boundaries in 

her mixed media paintings, Town Mill 

Arts Guild, The Courtyard Gallery, Lyme 


SPRING EXHIBITION 

04 Mar to 23 Apr - The ever popular 

mixed show for the Spring, Artwave 

West, n/a, Morecombelake, 10.00am 

to 4.00pm. 

CONNECTIONS: OUT OF 

THE BLUE 

12 Mar to 23 Mar - Colourful 

landscape, abstract and figurative 

paintings and playful bronze dogs, 

Town Mill Arts Guild, The Malthouse 

Gallery, Lyme Regis, 10.30am to 

4.30pm. 

'A TIME FOR ART' 

12 Mar to 25 Mar - Liz Smerdon 

& Sheila Minchin give a spring 

exhibition, A la Ronde, Summer 

Lane, Exmouth, 10.30am to 5.30pm. 

SLADERS YARD 

Contemporary British Art, 

Furniture & Craft. Licensed Café. 

gallery@sladersyard.co.uk 

DREAM VISIONS 

Until Sunday 28 February 

Recent paintings by 

ALFRED STOCKHAM ARCA RWA 

and his circle: DAVID INSHAW, 

SIMON GARDEN, STEWART GEDDES, 

STEPHEN JACOBSON, GEORGE TUTE 

Furniture by PETTER SOUTHALL 

www.sladersyard.co.uk 

Open daily. 01308 459511 

West Bay, Bridport, Dorset DT6 4EL 

Award Winning 

Picture Framers 

We now have a larger range of styles and 

materials than ever whilst still priding 

themselves on design and technical 

knowledge. FAB love a challenge and 

will frame almost anything! 

Bank Street, Newton Abbot, TQ12 2JW 

01626 335965 galleryfab.co.uk 

Mon to Fri 9am-5.30pm Sat 9am-4.30pm 

W W W 

g a 

l 

l 

. G A L L E R Y FA B 

e r y 

& 

P 

. C O 

I C T U R 

Frames & Boxes, Bank Street, 

Newton Abbot TQ12 2JW 

01626 335965 facebook.com/galleryfab 

. U K 

E 

F R A M 

E R S 

Art · Homeware · Giftware 

Art Greetings • Picture Cards Framing 

Greetings Picture Cards Framing • Giftware 

FRAMES & BOXES, BANK STREET, NEWTON 

ABBOT, Yvonne TQ12 2JW Coomber 

· 01626 335965 

Limited Editions 

facebook.com/galleryfab 

We now have even more 

framed limited edition prints 

by Yvonne Coomber in the 

gallery. Come and have a look! 

E X H I B I T I O N S 

Exeter: Tues-Fri 11.00-6.00 Sat 12.00-4.00 

Budleigh: Tues-Sat 10.30-5.00 Sun 2.00-4.30 

www.brookgallery.co.uk 01395 443003 

NEXT MAJOR SHOW 

North South East West 

18 Mar to 22 Apr 

The largest show of works by 

internationally acclaimed artist 

Norman Ackroyd CBE RA. 

Showing in Budleigh and Exeter. 

For this, other talks and events visit: 

www.brookgallery.co.uk 

32 


Donna Goold - 'Coastal View' - Artwave West, Morcombelake 

Jonathon Coudrille - 'Kelp Season' 

Brownston Gallery, Modbury 

Yvonne Coomber - GalleryFab, Newton Abbot 

Catherine Osbond - 'Last of the Rain' 

East Devon Art, Sidmouth 

Norman Ackroyd - 'Snowstorm, Cartmel Fell' 

Brook Gallery, Exeter 

Barry Seaforth - 'Days End Across the Exe' 

Apple Tree Galleries, Axminster 

for a chance to get your 

ART GALLERY EVENTS 

in this listings section, you 

need to enter your events 

into the HUB - it's free 

Just go to REGISTER 

ART EXHIBITION 

18 Mar to 19 Mar - 'In the Picture' 

Art Group Exhibition, Kennaway 

House, Coburg Road, Sidmouth, 

9.30am to 4.30pm. 

PERSPECTIVES 

19 Mar to 30 Mar - Three local 

painters showcase an eclectic mix of 

styles and subjects, Town Mill Arts 

Guild, The Courtyard Gallery, Lyme 


TREES: OPEN ART 

EXHIBITION 

19 Mar to 03 Apr - A varied 

exhibition featuring local artists' 

responses to the theme of trees, 

Harbour House, The Promenade, 

Kingsbridge, 10.00am to 5.00pm. 

A QUEST FOR 

TRANQUILLITY 

24 Mar to 30 Mar - Peaceful 

seascapes & tranquil portraits 

painted by local artist David 

Manners, Town Mill Arts Guild, 

The Malthouse Gallery, Lyme Regis, 

10.30am to 4.30pm. 

EASTER EXHIBITION 

25 Mar to 10 Apr - An exciting 

exhibition of a wide range of 

work from West Country artists., 

East Devon Art, Old Fore Street, 

Sidmouth, 11.00am to 5.00pm. 

83 Hyde Park Road, Plymouth PL3 4JN 

Tel: 01752 255020 

whitespaceart 

thebrownstongallery 

thebrownstongallery 

7 Lucius Street, 

Torquay TQ2 5UW 

01803 428626 

07522 509642 

GALLERY & FRAMING CENTRE 

EXHIBITIONS 

A Retrospecitve 

05 to 27 Feb - A retrospective 

exhibition of Richard Slater. 

Light on Grey 

01 Feb to 30 Apr - Contemporary 

landscape artist Saul Cathcart. 

Theatre Royal Plymouth. 

Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm 

Sat 10am-4pm 

In our Gallery 

Nature of the Beast 

20 Feb to 05 Mar 

Solo exhibition of new paintings 

by Vanessa Cooper. 

Affordable Art Fair, Battersea 

10 to 13 Mar 

Please contact the gallery for 

complimentary tickets. 

72 Fore Street, Totnes TQ9 5RU 

01803 864088 10am-5pm Tues to Sat 

www.whitespaceart.com 

What’s on in the gallery 

South West Academy Exhibition 

10 Mar to 02 Apr - Showcasing the 

wealth and diversity of talent from 

our region. 

The Colour of the Colour 

15 Apr to 07 May - Five artists who 

studied with Robert Lenkiewicz, 

Karen Ciambriello, Louise Courtnell, 

Diane Nevitt, Lisa Stokes, 

Yana Trevail. 

art prints sculpture jewellery 

art prints sculpture jewellery 

36 Church Street, Modbury, Devon PL21 0QR 

36 Church Street, tel - 01548 Modbury, 831338 Devon PL21 0QR 

tel - 01548 831338 

Black and White 

05 Feb to 18 Mar - An open mixed 

exhibition in 2 parts, each running 

for three weeks and featuring 

the work of several Devon based 

artists, as they explore this theme. 

We shall also be re-opening 

our recently refurbished ‘Secret 

Garden’ cafe,where you can enjoy 

our now famous Maisie’s blend or 

try out our new guest coffee along 

with some delicious chocolates. 

juliebrandon@artizangallery.co.uk 

www.Artizangallery.co.uk 

mydevonevents 33

EWAN WALTON 

Fine Artist 

ʻJackʼ 

ʻHenryʼ 

ʻDaisy and Patchʼ 

Top dog animal paintings on commission 

www.ewanwalton.com 

www.facebook.com/ewanwaltonart 

34 


‘Sidmouth Beach’ - 41cm x 56cm ‘Evening Light, Salcombe’ - 61cm x 76cm ‘The Cuillin Mountains, Skye’ 70cm x 100cm 

‘Beer Beach Summer’ - 70cm x 100cm 

MIKE BERNARD RI 

“With the artist’s eye” 

A solo exhibition of new works at Marine House at Beer 

Saturday 9 April to Friday 22 April 

Mike Bernard has a deserved reputation as 

an artist with a great gift for “framing” a view 

which deftly avoids the obvious, but with 

subtle artistic licence captures the mood, 

colour and spirit of the setting. Mike who was 

trained at the Royal Academy Schools and a 

member of the RI (patron HM The Queen) is 

one of Britain’s leading landscape painters. 

His collage style builds a sense of excitement 

and hidden expectation in his work. 

This is Mike’s fifteenth year as a leading artist 

at Marine House. This new group of paintings 

focuses on one of his great loves and a 

cornerstone of his reputation, the harbours, 

rivers and watering holes around Britain. 

Contact the gallery for a full colour catalogue 

and invitation to meet Mike on the launch day 

Saturday 9 April from 11.00am. Pictures will 

be on our web site from mid March. 

‘St Pauls and The City at Night’ - 51cm x 76cm 

www.marinehouseatbeer.co.uk Telephone: 01297 mydevonevents 625257 Fore Street, Beer EX12 3EF 

35

TheMarleGallery 

CONTEMPORARY FINE ART 

Victoria Place, Axminster, Devon EX13 5NQ 

Tuesday - Saturday 10am-5pm 

DEVONSHIRE 

LARGEST CIRCULATION DEVON GLOSSY, OVER 20,000 MAGAZINES ACROSS 870 OUTLETS FEB & MAR 16 FREE 

Amanda Beeching 

Original Paintings 

Limited Edition Prints 

Ceramics • Sculpture 

Designer Jewellery 

Limited Edition Textiles 

Hard to find a copy? 

Subscribe now by calling 

01395 513383 

Lynsey Adams 

Call for exhibitors 

The Marle Print Show 

01297 639970 

art@themarlegallery.co.uk 

www.themarlegallery.co.uk 

36 


A point of view! 

Nelson’s Column 

by JOHN FISHER 

menus, at the other end of the scale the equally 

enterprising Royal Mint is hoping the year 

ahead will be fortunate for them too. 

So all parties will be pleased to know that this 

promises to be a better than ‘fair to middling’ 

kind of a year for business, whether you are 

planning to mark the arrival of the Year of the 

Monkey with dim sum and fortune cookies or 

specially commissioned gold coins ranging 

in face value from £2 to £500 each. 

Monkey business 

DEVON’S 60-PLUS CHINESE RESTAU- 

RANTS and takeaways are not the only 

businesses looking forward to the start of 

the Chinese New Year on 8th February. 

As they throw open their doors to welcome 

guests eager to explore their special festive 

image courtesy BHF 

Name that tune and save 

a life 

DEVON SCHOOLCHILDREN are among the 

35,000 young people in the UK who are being 

targeted by the British Heart Foundation to 

show them what CPR can do to save lives in 

an emergency. 

It stands for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation 

and is the first aid technique that can be 

used if someone is not breathing properly 

or if their heart has stopped. 

Chest compressions and rescue breaths keep 

blood and oxygen circulating in the body. 

The British Heart Foundation used Vinnie 

Jones in its tv advert to show the beat you 

might adopt if you perform hands-only CPR 

to the tune of Stayin’ Alive by The BeeGees. 

Which tune you opt for might depend on your 

age: so Nellie the Elephant or The Archers will 

do just as well, providing you try to perform 

those life saving chest compressions at 100 

Traditionally the Year of the Monkey is 

associated with ambition, activity, smartness 

and adventure. But as you swing into the 

year or branch out to explore another tree, 

be on your guard for mischief. You know 

what monkeys are. 

Chinese restaurants abound in Yellow Pages 

whilst those gold coins can be mined only at 

www.royalmint.com . Oh, yes – and Gong Hey 

Fat Choy! to all our readers! 

-120 a minute. 

Just call 999, says the British Heart 

Foundation, then push Hard and Fast. 

Nil desperandum 

RESEARCHERS FROM EXETER UNIVER- 

SITY reveal it’s more dangerous for animals, 

humans included, to be too thin and risk 

starving to death, rather than too fat. 

Dr. Andrew Higginson said. “Storing fat is an 

insurance against the risk of failing to find 

food: for pre-industrial humans this was most 

likely in winter. This suggests New Year is 

the worst possible time to start a new diet.” 

FACT: Spring is about to be sprung. Start 

your diet in April and you will turn heads 

on the beach this summer. But in a nice way. 

Devon’s night of the wolf 

THE LAST WOLF IN ENGLAND was hunted 

to extinction in the 14th century but Devon’s 

fallow deer can still be spooked by the sight 

of what they take to be the eyes of a wolf 

glinting and moving towards them through 

undergrowth. 

It’s why so-called ‘wolf posts’ have been 

erected at certain places along the edge of that 

part of the A38 between Exeter and Plymouth 

which is wooded. 

The wolf posts are designed, not to reflect the 

light of a vehicle’s headlights back towards the 

driver but instead to angle it at 90- degrees and 

into the woods at the side of the road. A series 

of posts therefore can create the suggestion 

that the points of light are moving rapidly and 

the deer – or other nocturnal wanderer - is 

thus startled and turns tail. 

A Highways Agency report suggests that 

there may be as many as 20,000 road incidents 

involving deer in the UK every year (20% 

of them in Scotland) with perhaps 80% of 

the total happening at dusk or dawn. The 

same report also cautioned that over time 

the deer become familiar with the perceived 

threat – a question surely of who’s afraid of 

the big bad wolf? 

JOHN FISHER 

mydevonevents 37

FASHION & BEAUTY 

Your 

DREAM 

WEDDING 

in 

Devon 

Ensure your special day 

has the fairytale factor 

Veromia 

It's your special day, a day of celebration, a day to 

welcome friends and family, a day of pure joy and 

the first day of your new life! 

It doesn't get much better that hosting your wedding 

in Devon, one of the largest and most beautiful 

counties in England. Devon's also blessed with 

hundreds of ancient village churches, steeped in 

history, as well as historic sites, a large number 

of which have been registered for civil marriages. 

Of course, Devon's lucky enough to have some of 

the finest country house hotels in England with 

excellent chefs, superb facilities, beautiful grounds 

- many of which are more than happy to cater for 

your most demanding wedding requirements. An 

increasing number of these hotels have their own 

in-house dedicated wedding planners, who can 

liaise with you over every detail of your special day. 

Over the next few pages we've included some 

great Devon based companies such as hotels and 

venues, bespoke jewellers, bride and mother of the 

bride outfitters for your information and reference. 

38


Dress by 

Kenneth Winston 

39

DREAM WEDDING in DEVON 

Dream Weddings at Highbullen Hotel 

Devon is a county blessed with fabulous wedding venues, and they don’t 

come more fabulous than Highbullen Hotel’s Palazzo, a Tuscan inspired 

bespoke wedding facility that is able to cater for up to 400 guests. 

The beautiful gazeebo at 

Highbullen Hotel 

Highbullen Hotel Golf and Country Club 

is a stylish country manor house set 

amidst 125 acres of pristine North Devon 

countryside, it’s a luxury venue with 

everything you could wish for. There’s 

a real sense of space, where you can 

welcome guests in exclusive and beautiful 

surroundings, stroll out onto the lawns 

and enjoy the stunning views out across 

the valleys that fan out into the distance 

across to Exmoor. 

Highbullen Hotel itself is the ideal venue 

for smaller, more intimate weddings, 

being a grand old country house with 

elegant rooms and bags of character. 

The reception rooms are beautiful and 

you are also able to enjoy the large 

terrace and croquet lawns in the warmer 

months. Highbullen is licensed to host 

civil marriages, it's a truly stunning venue 

for your ceremony and celebrations. 

For larger weddings, Highbullen’s spectacular 

Palazzo building has many Italianate features 

mixed with state of the art facilities, which 

has been purposely designed to provide you 

with the best wedding experience you could 

possibly imagine. 

The Tuscan inspired Palazzo 

The Palazzo is the perfect venue, with the space 

and luxury to cater for everyone, enabling your 

wedding day to be enjoyed in an elegant and 

relaxed setting. 

If you wish to find out more about Highbullen 

Hotel’s wedding packages, you can talk to their 

Wedding Co-ordinator on 01769 540561 or 

email weddings@highbullen.co.uk 

Peninsula 

Marquees 

We supply the latest marquee designs for 

weddings, corporate events and parties 

Offering quality, affordable, marquee hire 

throughout the South West region 

t: 01395 263444 m: 07711 349727 

e: info@peninsulamarquees.co.uk 

Based in East Devon 

40 



Chittlehamholt Umberleigh 

North Devon EX37 9HD 

Highbullen Hotel, Golf and Country Club, home to the 

stunning Palazzo, the most unique wedding venue in the 

south west. Catering for small and large numbers of guests, 

Highbullen offers the perfect setting for your wedding day. 

To arrange a viewing and to discuss your options with our 

wedding planner, including finding out about details of 

our midweek £1,000 discounted honeymoon offer, please 

contact us quoting DEVONSHIRE16. 

Call: 01769 540 561 

Email: weddings@highbullen.co.uk 

For information and photos of the venue please go to 

www.highbullen.co.uk 

mydevonevents 41

DREAM WEDDING in DEVON 

Rodney Moorhouse Jewellers 

JEWELLERS 

The perfect place for 

your dream wedding 

Here at Rodney Moorhouse Jewellers we stock a beautiful 

selection of wedding rings in gold, white gold and platinum, 

ranging from plain bands to full hoops. 

• We offer a bespoke service 

where we can make your 

wedding ring to fit with your 

engagement ring. 

• New in stock we have a range 

of shaped wedding rings. 

• We also keep in stock eternity 

and engagement rings, also 

gifts for all occasions. 

10% discount 

with this advert 

If you have any questions please call us on 01803 550952 

or visit us at 26 Torquay Road, Paignton TQ3 3AB 

weʼre open Mon to Sat 9am-5pm 

www.rodneymoorhousejewellerstorbay.co.uk 

01884 836100 www.padbrookpark.co.uk 

Padbrook Park Hotel Golf & Country Club 

Cullompton, EX15 1RU 

Mothering Sunday 

Treat your mum to a 

fabulous Mothering Sunday 

Lunch, glass of bubbles on 

arrival 3 course lunch and 

gift for Mum 

£38.00 per person 

Easter Eggstravaganza 

Fish Friday Feast 

25th March 5 course dinner 

& Coffee & Sweets 

Easter Sunday Lunch 

27th March 3 course lunch 

Easter Afternoon Tea 

25th to 28th March, tuck 

into Chocolate treats, dainty 

sandwiches, Savouries & 

award winning Scones 

Morning Coffee, Lunches, 

Afternoon Teas, Dinners 

Private Car Park & award 

winning Gardens 

The 

Salty Monk 

t: 01395 513174 w: www.saltymonk.co.uk 

e: saltymonk@btconnect.com 

42 



Chapter 

Spring 

Summer collection 

Adini ◆ Brax ◆ FDJ ◆ Lebek 

Marie Mero ◆ Monari ◆ NYDJ 

Olivier Philips ◆ Pause Cafe 

Sandwich ◆ Just White 

Simclan Viccio 

◆ 

NEW THIS SEASON 

InWear ◆ Part Two 

JQ Jeans 

for a relaxed & enjoyable shopping experience 

Tel: 01395 579181 

www.chapterclothing.co.uk 

email: info@chapterclothing.co.uk 

Chapter ◆ Church Street ◆ Sidmouth ◆ Devon ◆ EX10 8lZ 

mydevonevents 43


 

 

in Lyme Regis 

Ladies fashion 

& Accessories 

35a Broad Street, Lyme Regis, DT7 3QF 

phone 01297 443824 - -www.onnishop.co.uk 

Looking forward to spring! 

our New Season ranges 

start to arrive soon, Sahara 

Two Danes, Flax, Cut Loose, 

Nila Rubia, Capri and all of 

ourregulars. Keep in touch 

at onnishop.co.uk, on our 

facebook page, or phone 

01297 443824 

Something special for your sweetheart 

this Valentines Day 

For more Jewellery, Online Shop and 

Jewellery Making Classes visit us at: 

victoriasewart.com 01752 220011 

39 Southside Street, The Barbican, Plymouth 

victoria sewart 

Picture framing 

Art & photographic frames, 

collectors boxes & cabinets. 

Call at the shop or phone 07833770569 

Winter opening hours: Monday to Saturday 10:00 to 5:00 

ALTERATION SERVICE AVAILABLE 

Jack 

says: 

To advertise 

call Hannah on 

01395 513383 Ext 3 

Absolutely 

stunning value! 

Stunning Value 

just Just £11 a week for 

this advert! 

Mass circulation, 

long shelf-life 

glossy advertising 

doesn't have to 

be expensive. 

On a monthly basis, 

our prices work out 

about a quarter of 

our main competitor 

It’s a ʻno-brainer’ 

Great shoe shopping 

in Sidmouth 

Just back from the Esplanade in Fore Street 

• Hairstyling for 

Men, Women 

and Children 

• Colouring 

• Smoothing/ 

Straightening/ 

Volume/Curling 

• Wedding Hair 

• Ear Piercing 

WHITE & SON SHOES 

@ SIDMOUTH 

01395 516618 

Team of professional and experienced stylists, specialising in all 

aspects of hairdressing. Stockists of Joico hair products. 

Established hair salon for 30 years, now under new ownership. 

47 The Strand, Exmouth 01395 271663 

44 



AUSTINS 

Department Store 

THE HEART OF SHOPPING IN NEWTON ABBOT 

LARGEST INDEPENDENT FAMILY RUN DEPARTMENT STORE IN THE SOUTH WEST 

COURTESY AT ITS CORE, BUILT ON TRUST 

FASHION 

GERRY WEBER 

FASHION STORE 

LINGERIE 

ACCESSORIES 

COSMETICS 

HOME STORE 

COOKSHOP LINENS CURTAINS 

MENS STORE 

TOY & CRAFT STORE 

TOYS 

LUGGAGE 

FURNITURE STORE 

AUSTINS 

Department Store 

ALL STORES EASILY ACCESSIBLE, PEDESTRIANISED AND LEVEL 

PRICE MATCH IN ALL STORES 

OPEN 11am - 4pm ON SUNDAYS WITH FREE PARKING 

Newton Abbot 

Devon 

TQ12 2DU 

mydevonevents Tel:01626 333444 

www.austins-uk.com 

45 

MUCH MUCH MORE IN STORE


THE COMPLETE DENTURE SERVICE 

and solutions for missing teeth 

A unique team approach under one roof; 

combining the technical expertise of registered 

dental technicians, with the reassurance and 

support from dental surgeons, dental hygienists 

and implant surgeons. 

We have a fantastic and professional environment 

for patients to come into. 

• New bespoke handcrafted 

dentures made in our in-house 

laboratory facilities 

• Friendly and professional advice 

• Consultation and also 

procedures available in the 

comfort of your home 

• Affordable treatment options 

without compromising outcome 

• Detailed oral health check 

included as part of your chosen 

treatment 

01395 441 383 

www.denturerepairsdirect.co.uk 

devon@denturerepairsdirect.co.uk 

East Budleigh Road, Budleigh Salterton EX9 6EW 

Beautiful bespoke ladies 

clothing for all sizes. All our 

designs can be created 

just for you, all handmade 

to order in our workshop. 

Accessories available. 

You can fi nd us down 

Mill Street (the road next 

to Natwest Bank) on 

the right. 

Look forward to 

seeing you! 

Julie 

38 Mill Street, Sidmouth EX10 8DF 

Sizes 14-34 

25% OFF ALL STOCK 

From 9th Feb for two weeks! 

Come and see our gorgeous 

refurbished shop in Mill Street, Sidmouth! 

(01395) 513209 www.overlygorgeous.co.uk 

Open Tuesday to Saturday 10.00am - 4.00pm 

Stockists of: Environ Skin Care 

Advanced nutrition programme • Espa 

bareMinerals • HD Brows • Jessica • Sienna-X Tan 

Enjoy the confi dence 

of beautiful teeth 

Gentle Dentistry Hygiene Care 

“Your hygienist mentoring in dental hygiene was 

excellent and proving more than helpful” 

“The environment is comfortable and attractive, 

what more could anyone ask for?” 

B O D Y A N D B E A U T Y 

Treat your 

loved one to 

a Seabrease 

voucher 

FOR HER 

20min neck and 

shoulder massage 

Express facial 

Nail tidy 

£50 

Enjoy this Valentine 

package with a 

complimentary 

glass of 

bubbly 

FOR HIM 

20min back 

massage 

Precision facial 

Man e cure 

£50 

BROOKVALE DENTAL PRACTICE 

6 King Street, Honiton, EX14 1AF 

Tel: 01404 44800 

MERRIFIELD DENTAL PRACTICE 

15 Mill Street, Sidmouth, EX10 8DW 

Tel: 01395 579932 

www.brookvaledental.co.uk | www.merrifielddentalpractice.co.uk 

Full range of body and beauty treatments 

Open Monday-Saturday late nights Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri 

(01395) 578 917 

seabrease@btconnect.com 

seabrease.co.uk 

Above Mocha Restaurant, just off Sidmouth Esplanade 

46 



But here’s the thing... 

pylons are being done away with all together 

and power lines buried under ground. First 

beauty spot in Devon to benefit from the 

work will be part of the Tamar Valley near 

Weir Quay. 

Burying cables in Devon 

IT’S ALL ABOUT REDUCING VISUAL 

IMPACT on the environment and it’s the 

start of a £500-million initiative being led 

by the National Grid. 

Artist’s impression of the new pylons: NATIONAL GRID 

New design electricity pylons will, over time, 

replace the old ones because they are also a 

third shorter, cheaper to build and can be 

erected in one day by a team of five people. 

In some parts of the country, specifically in 

areas of outstanding natural beauty (AONB) 

on Highgate Hill ) the first Iceland shop was 

able to come into being, in Oswestry in 1970, 

since when the business has never looked 

back – except perhaps to that cold day in 

1626 when it all began. “It’s an ill wind” as 

the proverb has it. 

Signs of the time 

The name “pylon” dates back to 1928 and the 

original latticework design by one Robert 

Blomfeld. It was a reference to the gateways 

of ancient Egyptian temples, through which 

the energy of the human spirit was thought 

to pass into the afterlife. 

It must have seemed a good idea at the time 

but it prompted an outcry from a hundred 

worthies, including Rudyard Kipling and 

John Maynard Keynes who signed a letter 

of indignation to the Times about Blomfeld’s 

intrusive erections. 

Just the ticket 

FAREWELL THEN finally – not to parking 

tickets, alas - but to old time Traffic Wardens, 

55 years after they were first empowered to 

issue £2 fines for parking offences “and help 

the public find parking spaces” and 53 years 

after the Beatles’ Lovely Rita Meter Maid. 

Unpaid police volunteers are replacing them, 

empowered to issue fixed penalty notices and 

even detain suspects for up to 30 minutes 

while a uniformed constable arrives. Details 

of Devon’s Police Volunteer Programme (PVP) 

can be found at www.devon-cornwall.police. 

uk. 

EVEN THE YOUNGEST of Devon’s Hippies 

are now in their 70s and don’t just live in and 

around Totnes anymore. They have spread 

out over the decades and can now be found 

drawing their pensions in almost any part of 

the 2,509 square miles of Devon’s hinterland. 

Frozen in thyme 

WHERE WOULD ICELAND BE without Sir 

Francis Bacon? Iceland the frozen food people 

that is – who are about to open two new stores 

in Devon shortly to add to their existing 855. 

For it was 390 years ago this April that the 

16th century philosopher died of pneumonia 

brought on whilst stuffing a chicken with 

snow – the earliest known experiments in 

refrigeration. 

Thanks to Bacon’s pioneering work in this 

field (it was actually a snow-covered field 

Those who frequent the saloon bar of The 

Weary Badger (somewhere in Devon) have 

remained cool during the county’s recent 

severe floodings even as they went about 

reminding fellow inmates that these watery 

occurrences were prophesised in the lyrics 

of the 1968 pop musical, Hair. 

Annoyingly they then break into, “When 

the moon is in the seventh house and Jupiter 

aligns with Mars, then peace will guide the 

planets and love will steer the stars – this 

is the dawning of the Age of Aquarius…” 

and so on. 

When questioned further they admit that the 

actual start of the Age of the Water Carrier 

remains in contention amongst them and 

at the time of going to press our call to the 

Environment Agency asking for clarification 

on the subject drew a blank. 

JOHN FISHER 

mydevonevents 47

Devon 

over 2,500 square miles 

by Marion of 

Illfracombe 

Lynton 

Croyde 

BARNSTAPLE 

Clovelly 

Bideford 

South Molton 

Chulmleigh 

Tiverton 

FLORIDA 

Holsworthy 

Lifton 

Hatherleigh 

Tavistock 

Okehampton 

Chagford 

PLYMOUTH Ivybridge 

Kingsbridge 

Salcombe 

Crediton 

Newton Abbot 

Torquay 

Paignton 

Brixham 

EXETER 

Exmouth 

Honiton 

Sidmouh 

We deliver over 20,000 magazines 

to 870 outlets across all of Devon. 

Chardstock 

Axminster 

Lyme Regis 

magazine coverage 

Florida - what does that conjure up in your mind? Many people would 

immediately think of Disneyworld and the abundance of Theme Parks 

for which the sunshine state is famous! But...Florida does have so 

much more to offer, with water sports, wildlife and scenery being high 

on the list. The Gulf Coast has some wonderful beaches with white 

“sugar” sand and calm waters, with Naples in particular being a famous 

fishing and dolphin watching destination. The avid Golfer will be well 

provided for with over fourteen hundred Golf Courses to choose from, 

many being of championship standard. Divers and snorkellers can 

enjoy watching beautiful tropical fish, various interesting wrecks and 

an underwater statue of Christ at Key Largo at the top of the famous 

Florida Keys, a string of tropical islands stretching 120 miles from 

the southernmost tip of Florida, between the Atlantic and the Gulf 

of Mexico. Drive the “highway that goes to sea” to reach the furthest 

point, Key West and along the way watch the amazing habitat of birds 

such as great white herons, spoonbills, ospreys, gulls and cormorants. 

Key West is renowned for its laid back atmosphere and as a destination 

for fishing, boating and scuba diving, and is also home to the Ernest 

Hemingway Exhibition. Generally, fishing, boating, kayaking and 

water boarding enthusiasts will delight in the many opportunities the 

sunshine state has to offer. For the Bass fisherman Lake Okeechobee 

An amazing undertaking, but this 

is the largest circulation Devon glossy! 

DEVONSHIRE 

Our reach is truly exceptional! 

If you're a business looking for the best value marketing 

package in Devon, call Hannah Trim on 01395 513383 Ext 3 

is the place to visit for a fantastic day’s sport. For those interested 

in human space flight, just an hour’s easy drive from Orlando on the 

Atlantic coast is Merritt Island, home to Kennedy Space Centre from 

where brave explorers ventured to the Moon on the famous Apollo 

missions and later 135 Space Shuttle launches. I have been lucky 

enough over the years to enjoy much of what Florida has to offer, 

but have to say that experiencing three launches and one return to 

Earth is hard to beat. Just a day at the Centre gives an interesting and 

educational overview of the whole space programme, including the 

International Space Station and the Hubble Telescope and of course 

it now houses the shuttle Atlantis in a remarkable exhibit for all to 

see. If you do decide to visit Florida be sure to pack an extra suit case 

to bring back all the goodies you are sure to pick up in the excellent 

shopping facilities, ranging from up-market chic boutiques on the 

Gulf coast to the many Malls and Factory Outlet stores elsewhere! 

Marion - TravelWorld 

48 


luxury 

EARLY BOOKING 

SAVINGS 

Classic Collection Holidays is a leading independent 

specialist tour operator providing 4H & 5H luxury 

hotel holidays to sophisticated destinations 

TENERIFE 

5H Roca Nivaria 

EARLY BOOKING OFFER 

7 nights from £937PP* 

B&B, departs Exeter 21 Jun 

Book before 15 Apr 

SAVE 

£134 ALGARVE 

per couple per week 

5H Real Marina Hotel & Spa 

EARLY BOOKING OFFER 

7 nights from £821PP* 

B&B, departs Exeter 1 Sep 

Book 120 days prior to arrival 

SAVE 

£94 

per couple per week 

**based on 2 adults sharing 

First Floor Offices, Pearl Assurance House 

17-18 The Strand, Exeter EX8 1AF 

Tel: 01395 265777 

5030 

PRIVATE 

TRANSFERS 

INCLUDED 

FLY FROM 

YOUR 

LOCAL 

AIRPORT 

mydevonevents 49

Thurlestone's elegant lounge, a great place to enjoy their extensive, traditional 

afternoon tea. It includes sandwiches, home-baked cakes and scones, served up 

on a tiered cake stand - it certainly makes a great occasion. 

Extensive facilities with indoor pool, jet spa, laconium, speciality showers, 

steam room, sauna, and fitness centre. There's also an outside pool, golf 

course, tennis courts, squash courts, badminton tables, croquet lawn. 

STAYCATION 

The Hotel balcony 

Thurlestone 

Near Kingsbridge & Salcombe 

South Devon 

Thurlestone 

Hotel 

01548 560382 

thurlestone.co.uk 

Thurlestone Hotel's a haven of peace and 

tranquility with excellent facilities, outstanding 

fine dining, stunning views and walks. 

It's often said it's great to 'get away 

from it all' and Thurlestone Hotel 

can certainly claim to have the 

perfect solution. The surrounding 

countryside and the hotel itself 

provide the perfect combination 

for both relaxation and enjoyment. 

Firstly, this section of South Devon 

coastline is stunning, the landscape 

of rugged cliffs, coves and beaches 

is unforgettable. I found myself 

tracking the progress of the sun 

across the landscape, and the ebb 

and flow of the tide across the bay. 

The hotel's the perfect place to 

watch these transitions play out, 

either from your bedroom, terrace, 

or from the panoramic dining room. 

Venturing outside the hotel, you're 

able to enjoy relaxed walks in a 

variety of directions, either down 

to the beach - there's a lovely little 

cafe where you can enjoy the views, 

or you can take the coastal path to 

Bantham Beach which provides you 

with a visual feast. Looking across 

from the headland, you are able to 

see Burgh Island and also watch the 

surfers enjoying the waves breaking 

across the bay. If the tide's out, you 

can enjoy a drink and sandwich at 

the ancient Pilchard Inn on Burgh 

Island (do watch the tide though) 

or the Sloop Inn at Bantham. We've 

provided a photographic feature 

following on from this Staycation to 

give you an idea of the countryside 

surrounding Thurlestone Hotel. 

The Hotel itself is excellent, blessed 

with great facilities, such as tennis/ 

squash courts, golf course, indoor 

and outdoor swimming pools, an 

extensive spa and fitness centre, the 

list goes on and on. It's great to have 

these facilities, especially if you have 

younger members of the family who 

Panoramic views (from the bedroom) with the unique Thurlestone Rock in the distance. Literally hours can be spend just sitting back and enjoying the views. 

50 


Thurlestone Hotel has delightful 

grounds and gardens, croquet on 

the lawn anyone? 

As you can see, the views from hotel bedrooms are panoramic and stretch across the countryside and coastline. 

There are beautiful walks right from the hotel. A particularly great walk takes you across the golf course, along 

the coastline to Bantham Bay and on to Burgh Island. See photographic feature overleaf. 

need to be kept occupied, allowing 

you to spend quality time together 

without distractions. 

Most rooms have superb views 

and balconies, these are carefully 

designed from glass and stainless 

steel so as not to interfere with the 

views from inside the rooms. This is 

very effective, allowing panoramic 

vistas from within the rooms. 

of the dining area is entirely glass, so 

as you enjoy your breakfast, you can 

peer out across the landscape - truly 

lovely. Of course, the next area to 

discuss is the dining at Thurlestone 

Hotel. This is an area where they excel, 

both in terms of the table service and 

the food. Attention to detail shines 

through, even with minor bits, for 

instance butter was served in a white 

of my pet hates!). Staff service at the 

table again was excellent, attentive, 

friendly, not intrusive - I was hardly 

aware my wine or water being topped 

up, easily some of the best table 

service I've ever had (incidentally, 

wine recommendations from the 

maître d'hôtel were spot on). 

Thurlestone regularly run gourmet 

stays at the hotel, if you love your food, 

every course was a treat. It proved a 

delight waiting for dinner time each 

evening, as the food was divine. If you 

wish to spoil yourself, I cannot think 

of anywhere better to do so - see the 

great Reader Offer below. 

Absolutely top marks to Thurlestone 

Hotel management and the staff. 

If one of your benchmarks for a really good holiday is fine food, I'm 

happy to tell you that Thurlestone Hotel provides the full fine-dining 

experience and is outstanding. Great provenance, all food is sourced 

from local farms, growers and suppliers wherever possible. 

I don't think Alfie's ever experienced hospitality like this 

before, to say he was totally bowled over would be an 

understatement. A special basket with all manner of 

biscuits, walk leaflets and even a beautiful yellow ball - 

absolutely top notch! 

Reader Offer 

Third night at 50% of 

our Winter Tariff 

Also 20% off prebooked 

beauty 

treatments in the 

Voyage Spa* 

*offer applies up to and 

including 24th March 2016 

Rooms throughout the hotel are 

delightful, my particular favourite was 

the dining room which is arranged on 

three levels, devised I should imagine 

to make the most of the views across 

the sea and countryside. The front 

porcelain ramekin, each topped 

with a waxed paper seal finished in 

gold hotel livery. In terms of dining 

space, you're given masses of your 

own space to dine without being 

squashed up against your table (one 

I can wholeheartedly recommend 

these to you. Many hotels claim 

to have the necessary 'fine dining' 

credentials, Thurlestone certainly has 

these in abundance. All I can say is I 

had the best lamb I've ever tasted and 

To access this offer 

you need to quote 

'THDevon' 

on 01548 560382 

mydevonevents 51

The view from the bedroom at Thurlestone Hotel looking south. 

52 


Thurlestone Church is just down the road from the hotel. There's been a church at this site for over 1,000 years, 

the current church being built in the 14th century. It's a beautiful church. 

Thurlestone's sandy beach is lovely in the summer months, gently shelving and not too busy either and there's 

a cute wooden café just behind the beach where you can sit and enjoy the views over a tea. 

The countryside is rural and unspoilt, with plenty of walks both along the coast and inland. 

mydevonevents 53

Thurlestone Rock's a unique landmark, it's great to watch the light 

and tide move around through the day. 

A beautiful thatched boathouse. The Avon estuary winds back into the 

countryside - incidentally, there are lots of stunning walks upstream on the Avon 

There's a peaceful charm to the countryside, unspoilt, with lots of open space. If 

you're a wildlife lover, don't forget to bring your camera and binoculars. 

54 


The light along this part of the coast can be dazzling. It's a rugged, 

interesting landscape that invites exploration and walking. 

Burgh Island 

Bantham Bay 

mydevonevents 55

The ancient Pilchard Inn. Once upon a time massive shoals of herring would appear along the coastline, a valuable food supplement and a 

source of much employment for local fishermen. The Pilchard Inn dates back to the mid 1300s - it's a 'Must See' place 

You can see Burgh Island in its entirety, it's well 

worth walking to the top for the spectacular views. 

The beach is called Bantham Beach (left) and is 

great for surfers, there's also a surfing academy which 

can provide lessons and hire. Also paddle boarding 

lessons and hire. Lifeguards are present on the beach. 

56 


The Pilchard Inn is situated on Burgh Island. The weird 4 wheeled contraption you can see is there to ferry people across the beach 

when the tide's in. Be careful not to mis-time your visit, you may become stranded - a great excuse for a pint or two! 

mydevonevents 57

The Roundhouse, Ilfracombe 

Blue Reef, Woolacombe 

William’s Cottage, nr Clovelly 

Share in our exceptional success 

Weez House, Croyde 

2016 promises great success for Marsdens Devon Cottages, the North Devon based holiday letting agency. For over 40 years, it has 

proudly delivered the highest standards of service to both its homeowners and holiday makers for its portfolio of over 350 VisitEngland 

graded holiday cottages throughout North Devon and Exmoor. Last month, it not only achieved outstanding booking levels but 

expanded its portfolio further to now include properties in Dartmoor, Torbay and South Devon. 

Excellent bookings from comprehensive marketing 

Letting through an experienced agent is the best way to achieve the 

highest possible booking levels, and Marsdens Devon Cottages’ 

booking record is outstanding. Many properties in the best locations 

achieve strong bookings throughout the year and the agency enjoys 

a returning guest rate of over 40%, compared with the industry 

standard of 28%. 

“There is always demand for high-quality accommodation, and 

Devon is a world-class destination attracting visitors from across 

the UK and beyond. It’s a testament to the quality of our properties 

and the hard work of our local team that so many visitors keep 

rebooking with us year after year” said Oliver McCarron, Business 

Development Manager at Marsdens Devon Cottages. 

Marsdens prides itself on promoting its ever growing portfolio of 

holiday properties through high ranking websites, regular direct mail 

and email campaigns to its huge database of guests and enquirers, 

and its attendance at national, regional and local shows and events. 

As more and more holidays are now booked online, Marsdens 

Devon Cottages invests heavily in online marketing and social 

media. It recently relaunched its website with a new look to not 

only improve its users’ experience but also to ensure greater 

compatibility with devices such as tablets and smart phones and to 

maintain high rankings on internet search engines. 

But for those that still wish to telephone, Marsdens Devon Cottages’ 

booking lines now offer longer opening hours to take calls from 

potential holiday makers late in the evening and over the weekends. 

Building on Success 

Marsdens Devon Cottages is always looking to expand its portfolio 

of VisitEngland graded self-catering properties it can offer its 

holiday makers in Devon and Exmoor. 

“We offer competitive commission rates for a bespoke professional 

service and high levels of bookings” said Oliver “If you have a 

property you feel would make a fantastic holiday home, please don’t 

hesitate to get in touch. The Marsdens property team is happy to 

provide a free, no obligation quotation” 

GOLD 

TRUSTED MERCHANT 

2015 

To enquire about letting your property 

as a holiday home with Marsdens Devon 

Cottages, call 01271 813777 or visit 

www.marsdens.co.uk 

58 


STAYCATION 

Arundell Arms, Lifton Lewtrenchard Manor, Lewdown Bayard Cove Inn, Dartmouth 

Highbullen Hotel, Umberley Cottage Hotel, Hope Cove Thurlestone Hotel, Nr Salcombe 

Want your hotel featuring in Staycation? call Nigel on 01395 513383 

Want a luxury, stress free holiday, without 

spending a couple of days at airports? 

The answer's simple - holiday in Devon 

With some of the most beautiful countryside in the world, world class hotels 

providing amazing food, superb service and facilities, all within a maximum 

of 60 minutes away in the car, why would you go anywhere else? 

DEVONSHIRE magazine is unique in allowing you to see your destination 

in high fidelity, and pre-visit. We do the work, so you can get 

the most from your thoroughly relaxing stay. 

Just go to Devonshiremagazine.co.uk 

/devon/lifestyle/holidays/staycation 

mydevonevents 59

The top of Burgh Island looking across Bantham Beach. 

If you enjoy the feeling of open space, and countryside, it's a 

great place to be. Lovely for dogs and kids too. 

60 


mydevonevents 61 

hub cast : EastDevonHub | SouthDevonHub | MidDevonHub | DartmoorHub | NorthDevonHub | WestDevonHub

Kindly sponsored by 

RICHMOND 

INDEPENDENT 

Financial Advisers 

See page 98 

Competition 

GUESS THE CHURCH 

The fabulous prize 

this issue is a bottle of 

the exclusive Ruby Red 

DEVONSHIRE 

For the correct answer to our question, the prize is a 

bottle of wine. Not that we're encouraging you to drink 

more than the Government's recommended weekly 

allowance of alcohol you understand, but we all know 

what the Government can do with their invaluable advice! 

The fabulous prize this issue is a bottle of the exclusive 

Devonshire Ruby Red from the Mole Valley Estates Vineyard in 

Devon. The winner will be one of a select band of individuals 

lucky enough to savour this premier quality wine. 

The winner is the first correct answer received to 

our question (below). 

Name the church in the picture - above? 

THE CLUE: t's great to wear a warm jumper on a frosty Spring day. A pity 

though, that one with arms long enough to cover the legs couldn't be found. 

I should imagine, perhaps, that the nearest gentlemen's outfitters could be 

found in Barnstaple that would suit? 

62 


St Peter's Church, Barnstaple 

mydevonevents 63

An old reservoir and a married couple! 

The story of how an old water reservoir made way for a spacious, low energy home 

The dream house - coming along nicely 

Russ and Emma 

Bob the Builder territory here 

M 

aybe it’s not so unusual 

these days to find a 

former service manager 

for Porsche and a performing arts 

teacher willing to give up their jobs 

in order to build a house, but for 

Russell and Emma this was no dream; 

they set out with determination to 

achieve a build, not only spacious but 

inexpensive as well as economical to 

run. Oh - and to build it themselves! 

This house had to have decent sized 

rooms that would be light and warm 

with a system that slashed those 

soaring energy bills. 

“So often you find people living in, say, 

the kitchen and having to heat the 

whole house to stay warm, paying 

maybe £200 a month on energy 

bills - it just doesn’t make sense” 

The only piece of affordable land 

they could find was an old water 

reservoir, one of a few that used 

to supply houses in Sidmouth. In 

use between 1933‒1968 the water 

tank itself is 22 meters square and 

2.5 meters deep, situated at the top 

of a hill within a tree protected area. 

“We decided to incorporate the tank 

into the design rather than build 

on the lid or fill the whole thing in, 

it seemed such a waste of space 

otherwise.” 

In order to maximise light in the 

house and sunshine in the garden 

the building was to be pushed up 

against the very back of the tank, 

making it South facing; the South 

West facing side of the roof being 

perfect for solar panels. 

The oak cruck frame being erected 

to form the main living area/kitchen 

Russell and Emma worked with a 

local architect to complete their 

ideas, deciding to keep the main 

living area at ground level with a 

lower ground floor of equal size plus 

another living space at mezzanine 

level. Nestling the building within 

the original walls of the tank meant 

extra protection and warmth from 

winter winds. 

Russ and Em needed a system 

for building walls that was super 

insulative, avoided any brick laying 

and less expensive than any timber 

frame set-up with all the extra costs 

of membranes and layers inside 

the walls. 

Extensive research led them to a 

local specialist for Insulated Concrete 

Forms. Polarwall is based in Exeter 

"and was by far the best option for 

us because we were able to cut the 

blocks to any size we needed, rather 

than be dictated to by the modular 

blocks that are produced by other 

companies". 

Using the plastic rails, polystyrene 

blocks and metal rebar Em and 

Russ reached the first concrete 

pour in under six weeks. The walls 

were then braced with metal bars 

and the concrete trucks arrived. 

Using a boom pump they poured 

systematically around the building 

down between the polystyrene and 

rebar to create the walls. 

“We had 3 concrete pours in all, 4 

trucks each time, that’s a lot of 

concrete! At the end of every pour 

there is a huge sense of achievement, 

the building is extremely solid with 

incredibly warm insulation inside 

and out. We would often stand 

against the polystyrene walls in 

the sunshine and feel the immense 

heat being reflected back into our 

bodies, how cosy this building was 

going to be” 

Once the walls were to full height 

and the first floor in place, the green 

oak frame could be erected. 

“ the oak cruck frame is the beautiful 

bit you want to live in; the Polarwall 

is the amazingly practical bit you 

build with that keeps you warm 

The only piece of 

affordable land they 

could find was an old 

water reservoir, one 

of a few that used 

to supply houses in 

Sidmouth 

and the house airtight.” 

One of the aims of this build was to 

keep the energy costs to a minimum, 

“not just to save the planet but to 

save our pocket” says Russ. Again, 

after exhaustive research, the couple 

found the best method for heating 

this building and providing hot water 

turned out to be a state of the art air 

source heat pump along with under- 


floor heating and a 4kw Solar PV, all 

items working in harmony, making 

the system extremely efficient. 

Evidence of this was recently 

confirmed after the house achieved 

an A+ rating during the test for it’s 

Energy Performance Certificate. 

For now, the ground floor level 

only requires finishing touches; 

the mezzanine is set up for a future 

conversion, to include bathroom, 

large bedroom and living area. 

The lower ground floor is open to 

so many options, “ right from the 

start, visitors to the build have 

all contributed their ideas, from 

Recording Studio to Spa, granny 

apartment to holiday lets ‒ you really 

have another whole house down 

there”. 

One of the benefits of a project like 

this is that those arriving to view 

the house, friends or otherwise, 

are immediately impressed and 

can see for themselves what has 

been achieved by two people in a 

relatively short space of time, along 

with occasional specialist help. 

The completed house, a vast spacious home with A+ energy efficiency 

So, you have to ask what's the next step 

for this intrepid couple, who've created 

this amazing building? 

Well, when not building Polarwall, Em 

teaches singing, dancing and fun-filled 

music classes to pre-schoolers in the local 

area. Find her at www.missmirandamusic. 

co.uk 

It's a simple system, rails with 

external blocks that act as 

formers and also as insulation 

Metal rods in the middle, just 

waiting for the concrete to be 

poured in the gap 

And Russ, he's has now setup his company 

Devon Home Build which will specialise 

in Polarwall ICF new builds, extensions 

and renovations. He also installs kitchens 

and bathrooms, working right through 

from design to completion and is keen 

to speak to you if you have a project 

where you think he may be able to help. 

See contact details for Russ (right). 

• Specialist in 

Polarwall ICF 

new builds 

• Extensions 

• Renovations 

• Kitchens 

• Bathrooms 

www.devonhomebuild.co.uk 

07957 240 574 

PROJECT DETAILS: 

Fusion of traditional Devon Green Oak with ultra modern Insulated 

Concrete Forms. 

The first level, in the bed of the old reservoir, with the red steel 

beam that will form the support for the first floor 

• Names: Russell and Emma Gray 

• Location: The Water House, Sidmouth 

• Property: New Self Build using Woolbrook Water Tank 

• Bedrooms: 3 plus 3 

• Bathrooms: 2 plus 2 

• Project started: October 2014 

• Project finished: January 2016 

• Size of house: 3 levels totalling 360sqm plus garage 42sqm 

• Finished value: £950,000 

• Build cost: with land purchase £600,000 

What's On in Devon? 

mydevonevents..co.uk 

65

HOUSE & HOME 

Tel: 01395 263898 

Email: info@homesbydesignexmouth.co.uk 

KITCHENS BATHROOMS BEDROOMS 

Celebrating 

30 Years 

of Business 

Specialists in design and installation with our own team of fitters 

Based on customer recommendation since 1985 

“Shaping dreams into reality” 

Established for over 30 years 

SHOWROOM AT: Salterton Units, Salterton Road, Exmouth EX8 2NS www.homesbydesignexmouth.co.uk 

devontiles 

& bathrooms 

NATURALLY CARING FOR YOUR HOME 

www.devontiles.co.uk 

23-25 Finnimore Trading Est, Ottery St Mary, Devon EX11 1NR 

Email: info@devontiles.co.uk Tel: 01404 811209 

STOVE SHOWROOM 

Discounts Available On All Major Brands 

Stove Sales - Solid Fuel, Gas, Electric 

Free Surveys And Full Installation Service 

Stove Spares, Repairs And Accessories 

Mantels, Hearths, Tiles, Fire Guards 

For a warm welcome, come and visit us at:- 

Unit 6, Park Court, Heathpark Industrial Estate, 

Honiton, Devon, EX14 1SW 

Tel: 01404 44777, Fax : 01404 44878 

Email: faradaystoves@googlemail.com 

www.faradaystoves.co.uk 

66

your essential home reference section 

Suppliers of Fine Italian Tiles 

• Bathroom room sets on display 

• Access to all brands of suites, showers and brassware 

• Exclusive Italian tiles on showroom display 

• Established family run business 

Visit our Showroom with free parking at: 

Unit One, Philip House, Honiton Road, Exeter, EX1 3RU 

Tel: 01392 367174 www.tiletrends.co.uk 

Crucial Trading from 

Wells Carpet Brokers 

Castle Hill, Axminster EX13 5PY 01297 33771 

Mon to Fri: 8.30am to 5pm Sat: 8.30am to 3pm 

wellscarpetbroker.co.uk 

FERGUS CLARK 

KITCHENS 

WOODLEY ’ S 

JOINERY LIMITED 

Specialist & Precision 

Woodworking 

Visit us at our 

workshops: 

Exeter Road 

Newton Poppleford 

East Devon 

EX10 0BJ 

• Casement & Sliding Sash Windows 

• Doors and Frames 

• Staircases - all shapes and sizes 

• Conservatories 

• Units, Bars & Counters 

• Moulding & Turning 

• Short & Long Productions Runs 

• Special Odd Size and One Offs 

Tel: 01395 568 666 

Fax: 01395 568 122 

Email: info@woodleysjoinery.co.uk 

The complete kitchen service 

Local, quality assured, bespoke kitchens to suit any 

budget. We offer you expert service from kitchen 

advice to supply and installation. 

Craftsmanship in Hardwood and Softwood 

www.woodleysjoinery.co.uk 

Joinery Manufacturers of Specialist & Period Woodwork 

Call us on 01404 813318 

or visit www.fergusclarkkitchens.co.uk 

21a Broad Street, Ottery St Mary EX11 1BY 

Quality service for 

almost 100 years from 

this local family business 

wood for good 

67

BESPOKE MAKERS 

Pippy oak table with self stored leaf with Windsor chairs 

Table £2,200, chairs £340 - By Oakfields Cabinet Makers 01404 46858 

www.oak-fields.co.uk see display advert 

Period made oak bookcases - any size or style 

3.5m oak £4,500 - By Oakfields Cabinet Makers 01404 46858 

www.oak-fields.co.uk see display advert 

Why choose the bespoke option? 

There are many reasons for going 

down the bespoke route and 

surprisingly, it's often nowhere near 

as expensive as you'd think. 

Firstly, 'heirloom' quality pieces, 

which can be passed on to family 

and friends, are high quality, handmade 

pieces that will last your 

lifetime and beyond. In contrast, 

buying mass-produced, churned 

out in the thousands - may not fit 

the bill, having neither the quality 

or individuality required. 

Secondly, there's much satisfaction 

to be gained with the bespoke route 

in terms of the ability to commission 

items that precisely fit your individual 

requirements. Certainly, if you shun 

today's buy-it and bin-it mentality 

and appreciate employing a local 

craftsman, then going bespoke is 

guaranteed to ensure much greater 

satisfaction. 

Buying lovely bespoke items for your 

home, built to last for generations, 

is definitely smarter than buying 

limited lifespan - mass produced. 

English oak & walnut 'half tester' bed - made to suit your mattress 

By David Lloyd Cabinet Maker - 01404 891800 

www.davidrlloyd.co.uk see display advert 

English oak kitchen centre island 

By David Lloyd Cabinet Maker - 01404 891800 

www.davidrlloyd.co.uk see display advert 

68


SIDMOUTH DESIGN ALEXANDRIA ROAD SIDMOUTH DEVON EX10 9HE 

01395 577558 www.sidmouthdesign.co.uk 

• Architectural and 

Planning Consultants 

• Property Maintenance 

in absentia 

• Project Management 

• Building Contractors 

• Kitchens and Bathrooms 

• Fireplace Specialists 

• Interior and Exterior 

Design and Redesign 

• Specially selected 

products online 

Do it once, 

do it right 

 

 

Kitchens, Furniture and 

Bespoke Joinery. 

I can make to your 

specifications whether 

fitted or free standing. 

A name you can trust 

A collection of my own work on display, specialising in 

country furniture made in Pippy Oak, new designs to 

complement your home all made at the workshop in Honiton. 

Tel: 01404 46858 10am to 5pm Mon-Fri 

Mount Pleasant Showrooms, Offwell, Honiton EX14 9RN 

www.oak-fields.co.uk 

69

If you are looking for inspiration then visit 

our superb updated showroom! 

Showcasing undoubtedly the areas most extensive collection of 

windows and doors. Whether itʼs Timber or Evolution Storm the great 

alternative to PVCu and aesthetically as close as you can get to Timber. 

Join us for a tea or coffee, you won’t be anything but impressed by our showroom! 

Authorised 

70 

Retail Partner

“Taking pains that is akin to genius” 

(Durafl ex Profi le: 3 facet porch comprising 

gable end frame, windows and door) 

‘Thank you for our new porch, it is perfect and 

we are delighted with it. Your installers were 

business-like and friendly and displayed that 

infi nite capacity for taking pains that is akin 

to genius. They deserve the highest praise. 

That indeed to all the team and kind regards 

to all who worked so hard on our behalf’. 

Mary Coles 

Sampford Peverell 

“We have both been so pleased” 

(Evolution Storm 2 installation: White wood grain with timber proportion sills) 

“We have both been so pleased 

with the windows, they look great 

and are very easy to maintain and 

clean. Friends can’t believe that 

they are not made from wood. 

“We highly recommend them”. 

Kay and Steve Hodges, 

Curry Mallet 

DuraLife has been established for many years and that in part is due to its ethos 

of supplying quality, attention to detail for extremely high installation standards 

and caring after sales service. 

With highly satisfied customers won over by the innovation, technology and in 

fact the most advanced products offered by the windows industry. 

Visit our website to view more amazing comments from our customers... Real local people. 

You will see why you can have total peace of mind when you choose DuraLife. 

You too can enhance the beauty and value of your home. 

Let us help you choose the RIGHT windows and doors. 

Contact us now, you won’t make a better call. 

Tel: 01404 41999 

Reme Drive, Heathpark, Honiton EX14 1SE 

www.duralifewindows.co.uk 

71

HOUSE & HOME 

www.lcarchitects.co.uk 

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

A R C H I T E C T S 

Panache 

I N T E R I O R S 

FRESH IDEAS INSPIRED THINKING 

AND THE EXPERIENCE TO MAKE IT HAPPEN 

Devon 01392 260490 Somerset 01984 640988 

 

 

 

01395 239200 

 

 

72

Helen Jones reviews new releases from Devon based authors 

by Stan Bagwell 

Compiled and edited by Christine Hardy 

This highly readable book is not only an account, in his own words, of 

a Devon fisherman’s life, but an accessible, entertaining and moving 

piece of social history. Stan 

Bagwell is widely known 

in and around East Devon 

and as a young boy, watched 

his father struggle to earn a 

living, fishing from Ladram 

Bay. He was determined to 

buy his own boat and build 

a successful fishing business. 

Even in his earliest 

memories, Stan’s strength, 

determination and humour 

are immediately evident and 

make for an absorbing and 

often moving read. His story 

brings the difficulties and 

challenges of the fishing community to life, through one family. His 

recollections of an East Devon childhood spent trapping and fishing 

with his uncles are particularly well observed and beautifully illustrated 

with many original photos, maps and diagrams. Stan’s memories span 

from 1940 to the present day and have been sensitively edited and 

compiled by award winning playwright and local author Christine 

Hardy. The book is sold entirely in aid of The Fishermen’s Mission 

charity £12.00 and is available online www.fishermensmission.org. 

uk - (search for) ʻAll I Ever Wanted’ or www.devonmuseums.net or 

The Lantern Shop and Paragon Books, Sidmouth. 

ISBN - none 

by C J Browne 

This is a psychological crime thriller is set in our own East Devon. The 

heroine of the story is the highly attractive Dr Kate Trevelyan, 

a successful career girl, who 

is surrounded by murder and 

intrigue when she is assigned to 

her company’s South west office, 

based here in Sidmouth. Some 

locations have had their names 

changed slightly but are still 

highly recognisable from the 

author’s description other 

places are completely fictional. 

The book plunges us into the 

author’s imaginary, nightmarish 

East Devon where immigrant 

towns become the focus of 

violence, demonstrations and 

murder. Although completely 

fictional, the book reminds 

us of very current issues; 

including new developments 

on AONB, local councillors’ 

involvement in this and there are also comments on the workings of 

the rural local police. For local readers, the characters visit a number 

of actual businesses during the book and this add some interest to 

the story. Maybe readers further afield might be tempted to seek 

them out and enjoy the beauty of the Jurassic coast. 

ISBN 9781517052799 

by Ted Gosling and June Richards 

Brixham has a long and interesting history, particularly relating 

to its fishing heritage, at one time being a highly productive and 

important fishing port. The choir was reputedly one of the finest in 

the west of England and it remains 

a picturesque and interesting place 

to visit and live today. Ted, author 

of over some forty books, takes us 

on a pictorial tour of Brixham with 

predominantly early 20th century 

photographs, along with co writer, 

June Richards. 

The book contains a range of unique 

images of Brixham, some wartime 

showing bomb damage, many early 

photographs of fishermen and their 

catches on the quay alongside their 

boats. If you’re keen on local history, 

the book is a ʻmust have’ for your 

library, a compelling, engaging publication 

that allows you to time-travel 

back to Brixham’s golden years. 

ISBN 9780750947923 

BOOK SIGNING - don’t miss meeting and getting a 

signed copy from author Ted Gosling Dartmouth 

Library - 13th Feb at 1.30pm. 

by The Jack in the Green 

The Jack in the Green is one of Devon’s best-loved restaurants. It’s 

transformation from a near-bankrupt, dilapidated roadside pub into 

somewhere consistently recognised by the AA, The 

Good Food Guide and Michelin 

is a remarkable tale of drive and 

determination spanning nearly 

24 years. This journey has been 

overseen by proprietor Paul Parnell 

and head chef Matthew Mason who 

between them have now spent a 

staggering £5.2 million on local 

food alone. 

This 168-page book is their story 

and features a supporting cast of 

suppliers, customers and friends. 

For the enthusiastic home cook 

there are 42 easy-to-follow recipes 

spanning 8 different chapters. 

Staying true to their roots as a 

country pub there is also a section 

on bar snacks featuring their own 

classic fish pie and a South American inspired chilli pork belly. 

As part of their ongoing support for the local community £5 from 

every book will be given to FORCE Cancer in Exeter. To order a copy 

please visit www.jackinthegreen.uk.com or call 01404 822240 for 

details on local stockists. 

73

HOUSE & HOME 

Totnes Tile & Bathroom Studio 

One of the largest selections 

of tiles in the South West 

• A beautiful range of wall and 

floor tiles including Ceramic, 

Slate, Stone & Mosaic 

• Bathroom Studio displaying 

traditional and contemporary 

suites from selected 

manufacturers 

• Underfloor heating specialist 

• Many exclusive ranges 

• Family Run Business 

• Under new ownership 

• Public and trade welcome 

Unit 1, Archant House, Babbage Road TQ9 5JA 

01803 865865 • www.totnestiles.co.uk 

Open Mon-Fri 8.30 to 5 Sat 9-4 

74


Quality Bespoke 

Furniture with a 

Difference! 

• Affordable quality furniture designed, 

build and fitted for your bedroom, 

kitchen, living room or study. 

• Local, reliable, professional and highly 

skilled specialist service. 

• Guild of Master Craftsmen. 

For a highly competitive FREE quote call 

07595 280383 or 01297 680267 

www.carpentrybydesign.co.uk 

Westgrove Joinery Limited 

Soft Options • Curtains 

• Blinds 

• Haberdashery 

Soft Options offers a comprehensive 

in-house service, from measuring to 

making and fitting of bespoke curtains 

and blinds. 

We offer fabrics and wallpapers from a 

wide variety of prestigious 

manufacturers. Wooden or metal 

poles and tracks. Tie backs, trimmings 

and cushions. As well as a vast 

selection of haberdashery. 

www.softoptionshoniton.co.uk 

91, High St, Honiton, Devon, EX14 1PG 01404 44638 

CALL US ON 

0800 644 0097 

From Inspiration to Installation 

Crafted in the heart of East Devon 

Windows, Doors, Staircases 

Tel: 01395 568123 | www.westgrovejoinery.com 

BEAUTIFUL RESIN BOUND DRIVEWAYS 

Over 25 years in the home improvement industry 

 

 

 

 

 

Hunthay Stor age 

@ Hunthay Business Park, Axminster 

Secure, containerised self-storage 

Suits business or domestic use 

Caravan or motorhome storage in secure compound 

Cassoa gold award. On site management 

Easy long day access - close to A35 

Workshops, offices, industrial units. 

Highly attractive 

Many design options 

Flexible 

Solvent-free 

Odour free both during 

and after application 

Restricts weed growth 

Produces stunning 

surfaces 

No loose stones 

Highly durable 

Environmentally friendly, 

biomass-based resin 

component 

SuDS (Sustainable Drainage 

System) compliant 

Non-slip (anti-skid) 

aggregates can be added 

For external or internal 

use (with suitable clear 

sealer) 

01297 33839 / 07779 550 771 

www.hunthay.co.uk jenny@hunthay.co.uk 

Drive Revive Southwest, Unit 4, 

Pound Lane Ind Est, Exmouth EX8 4NP 

75

HOUSE & HOME 

Designed to be different 

KITCHEN AND BEDROOM 

SPECIALISTS 

Unit 9 Bridford Road, Marsh Barton, Exeter EX2 8QX 

(Next to Market Carpets) 

Telephone 01392 213370 

www.deviell.co.uk 

Your local, professional, family business est. for 35 years 

Tytherleigh 

BATHROOMS & KITCHENS 

BATHROOMS 

WETROOMS SHOWERS BATHS TAPS 

BEDROOMS 

MODERN TRADITIONAL SLIDING 

FAMILY RUN 

INDEPENDENT 

BUSINESS 

www.tytherleighbathrooms.co.uk 

KITCHENS 

MODERN TRADITIONAL BESPOKE 

Live life with Colour 

Exmouth’s leading painting & decorating shop, open for 25 years 

& with over 30 years experience in the paint industry under our 

belts, we only select high quality products but without the price 

tag. Whilst providing the best quality products, we have also 

found gaps in the market for new products which are not only 

used by the public, but in the royal household too, earning us 

our Royal Warrant. To check out our products visit our website 

where new products are being added daily, including deals & 

exclusive promotions when you subscribe to our newsletter. 

www.wilsonspaints.co.uk 

FREE AT HOME DESIGN 

AND PLANNING 

TEL 01460 221639 

OPEN MON-FRI 9AM-5.30PM 

SAT 9AM-2PM 

FREE 

LOCAL 

DELIVERY 

To EX8 areas 

We offer supply only or we can fully project manage your 

bathroom or kitchen installation from start to finish! 

TYTHERLEIGH BATHROOMS LTD, CHARD ROAD, 

TYTHERLEIGH, AXMINSTER, EX13 7BE 

By appointment to 

Her Majesty The Queen 

Supplier of Coach Paints 

Wilsons Paints Limited 

The 

Exmouth 

Business Awards 

Best Independent 

Retailer Of The Year 

2015 

In association with 

The Old Fire Station, 1 Church Road, Exmouth, Devon, EX8 1RZ 

76


aerials 

H O M E M E D I A & N E T W O R K S 

security lighting wi-fi 

WORLD FAMOUS 

LUXURY 

CARPET 

SAVE 

UP TO 

DISCONTINUED 

REMNANTS 

QUALITY SECONDS 

OUTLET EXCLUSIVES 

% 

70OFF 

100’S OF LUXURY CARPETS 

BARGAIN PRICES 

>DIRECT FROM THE MANUFACTURER 

control music cinema 

97 Sidwell Street, Exeter. EX4 6RF 

t. 01392 491194 f. 01392 424044 

design@gullifordhifi.co.uk www.gullifordhifi.co.uk 

FACTORY SHOP 

Musbury Road Axminster EX13 8TJ 

01297 33993 axminstershop.co.uk 

Open Mon - Fri: 9am - 5.30pm Sat: 10am - 5pm 

HOME SOLUTIONS 

K i t c hens, B a t h r ooms 

& B e d r ooms 

pbhomesolutions.co.uk 

20 Fore Street, Seaton 

01297 22559 

77

HOUSE & HOME 

PLYMSTOCK CARPETS AND FLOORING 

5 Radford Park Road, Plymstock PL9 9DG 

www.plymstockcarpets.co.uk Tel: 01752 493355 

Mike Lovell of Plymstock Carpets and 

Flooring is pleased to be one of the 

specially chosen independent installers 

to offer the high quality range. 

He answers some of the most common 

questions from his customers. 

Q: What is Amtico? 

Amtico is the UK’s original luxury design 

floor company. It is unrivalled in its design 

capability and offers my customers the 

opportunity to create a totally unique floor. 

With over 4000 design options, we can create 

the ultimate experience in bespoke designs 

which will compliment any room type - we 

can look at the decor and furniture etc. to 

create a floor with unique and creative designs 

and colours which will compliment the room. 

Q: How does it perform? 

You can have the real look of wooden floors without 

the maintenance required of sanding, sealing polishing 

etc. The Amtico range of tiles look as good as ceramic, 

however they are warmer and softer to the touch 

with special design strips in between the tiles. These 

strips allow the grout lines to be added however will 

not discolour and stain like most grouting in between 

normal floor tiles. 

Q: What finishes are available 

with Amtico? 

Amtico offers Traditional, classical, 

contemporary and minimalist floors in a 

wide variety of options including wood planks, 

parquet flooring, tiles & abstract designs 

which makes it totally unique. 

Q: Does Amtico require specialist installation? 

Yes, we ensure that our fully trained installers carry out 

a preparation process prior to laying the floor, ensuring 

that our customers receive the floor and finish they desire. 

Q: What about maintenance? 

Amtico is a very low maintenance product and 

is also very tough and durable. The product 

comes with lifetime guarantee. 

Twyford 

blinds & curtains 

SIT & CO BUILDERS 

Property Solutions 

Always on time, on budget 

and to the highest standard! 

Manufacturers of blinds and 

curtains to your requirements. 

Vertical, Venetians, rollers, 

pleated blinds and shutters. 

Full curtains design and 

installation service, also full 

Upholstery service. 

For a free home visit call: 

01884 258271 or email: 

Twyfordblinds@live.com 

Unit 12 Lowman Way, 

Tiverton Business Park 

EX16 6SR 

We carry out the following services: 

property 

maintenance 

plastering 

decorating 

carpentry 

bathrooms 

kitchens 

roofing 

flooring 

fencing 

WE COVER THE WHOLE OF DEVON 

Do you have a requirement for a 

professional and general builder? 

Please contact us on: 07751 955774 

propertysolution@sitcobuilders.co.uk 

78

Ed 'Stewpot' Stewart - obituary 

Presenter of Crackerjack and BBC1's Junior Choice 

It must be over two months now since we heard the sad news of Ed's 

passing away. For me it was poignant, being a kid of the 70s, the impact 

of radio at the time was immense. TV was confined to the 'best' room - so 

radio was something that could be enjoyed in the peace of your bedroom 

without the annoyance of the old codgers. Of course BBC Radio 1 was King 

and the Sunday chart count down was 'de rigueur'. Top of the Pops was a 

weekly feast that never disappointed - truly a time of optimism, creativity, 

great music, all currently lacking from the British landscape. For me, the 

trannie* ruled supreme. 

Hong Kong whilst touring as a bass 

player in a band in 1961. 

Initially, he started work as a sports 

commentator, ending up as a disk 

jockey. Upon his return four years 

later to the UK in 1965, he became 

a DJ on Radio London (a pirate station), 

changing his name from Eddie 

Mainwaring to Ed Stewart. 

In 1967 he moved to BBC Radio 1 

and in 1968 moving to the Junior 

Choice programme, later becoming 

from the programme in 1983. 

Ed's trademark was the cheeky 'Ello 

Darlin' that was played regularly 

on his show. Ed's broadcasting career 

lasted over 50 year and he was 

'Look out for Look-in' - how it was advertised, with 

Stewpot on the cover. The Chopper incidentally, was a major sales 

success, although was the cause of many unfortunate accidents, 

particularly because of gearstick placement. It was rubbish to ride, 

but looked the part! 

Ed 'Stewpot' Stewart was born in Exmouth, 

the son of a Treasury solicitor, 

in 1941. Attending school at Eagle 

House School, Sandhurst, Berkshire 

and St Edward's School, Oxford, 

before beginning his broadcasting 

career on a local radio station in 

A 'Trannie' 

What was meant by the word 'trannie' in the 1970s. It's what all 

teenagers listened to on a Sunday evening in their bedrooms 

when the Official Chart Countdown was announced. 

a regular on Top of the Pops and a 

presenter on Crackerjack, broadcasting 

to millions of viewers. Ed moved 

to Radio 2 in 1980, presenting Family 

Favourites before being dropped 

known for his gentle, self effacing 

manner. This Exmouth boy will be 

fondly missed by many. 

Editor 

“Our personal attention assures your satisfaction” 

BATERS 

REMOVALS 

Export Packing & Shipping Full or Part Loads 

Fully Insured to BAR Standards 

Experienced, Friendly and Reliable Staff 

Professional Packing Local and Nationwide 

Containerised Secure Storage 

For the right move in East Devon, speak to Sue. 

Tipton St John, Sidmouth EX10 0JX 

Established 1950 

01404 812487 

batersremovals.co.uk 

Jack 

says: 

To advertise 

call Hannah on 

01395 513383 Ext 3 

Absolutely 

stunning value! 

Stunning Value 

just Just £11 a week for 

this advert! 

Mass circulation, 

long shelf-life 

glossy advertising 

doesn't have to 

be expensive. 

On a monthly basis, 

our prices work out 

about a quarter of 

our main competitor 

It’s a ʻno-brainer’ 

79

The diary of lady farmer, Janet East 

Janet on her trusty Fordson Dexta 

No... not the Landrover 

Daisy was the best, kindest 

cow I ever had the pleasure 

of owning. A complete gentle 

lady. She was a Friesian cross 

Hereford and as is typical of 

that cross, black with a wide 

white face, 3 white socks and 

white on the end of her tail. 

Goodness knows why I called 

her Daisy but I suppose it sums 

up everything she was - pretty, 

delicate and always there. She 

formed part of my small suckler 

herd and has always calved 

with relative ease. I love suckler 

cows as it is so natural for the 

calf to stay with its mum until 

its weaned many months later. 

I put her back in calf to a 

Blonde Aquitaine bull and was 

very excited at the prospect 

of new life on the farm. A cow 

is in calve for about 283 days, 

similar to us, in the region 

of 9 months, so I was fairly 

certain that the day was soon 

approaching when another 

beautiful calf was to grace our 

farm. 

I had her in a field near the 

house so that I could keep a 

close eye on her and it wasn’t 

long before the day arrived 

and she was showing sure 

signs of starting to calve. It 

is so important that the cow 

remains as quiet as possible but 

after a while, I started to feel 

Mum Daisy and calf Henry 

uncomfortable and wasn’t sure 

that things were progressing 

as they should. She was getting 

very agitated and clearly not 

getting on with the job as in 

previous calvings. A very good 

friend of ours was an excellent 

cowman and I was soon on my 

mobile calling him from the 

field and describing what was 

going on. 

I explained that Daisy has 

started calving and I felt 

slightly worried, she’s up and 

down like a yo-yo but isn’t 

making much progress. He 

was soon in his Landrover and 

appeared at the gate, smiling 

as always. By this time there 

was one front foot in evidence, 

but not the two that we wanted. 

Given that she had been trying 

for some time, Jo shared my 

concern that she was getting 

tired and our help was needed. 

We decided that we would try 

and catch her up in the pen I 

had erected in the corner, but 

she was having none of it. She 

was getting wound up which 

was completely the opposite to 

what we wanted. Jo suddenly 

ran to the car and produced a 

very long wound up rope. 

“What on earth are you doing?” 

“We need to catch her quickly 

and there is only one thing for 

it - I’m going to lasso her”. He 

was deadly serious. I couldn’t 

believe it. I just laughed. But I 

soon stopped laughing. What 

happened next was a sight I 

shall never forget. He wound 

80 


the rope above his head, John 

Wayne style and launched it 

some 10 to 15 metres in the 

air towards Daisy and it landed 

flat on the floor and she ran 

straight over it. I told him in 

no uncertain terms that we 

needed to get more help and 

quickly and to stop playing 

games. He ignored me totally, 

wound the rope back in at 

speed and launched it again 

and it was like watching a 

cowboy movie in slow motion. 

The noose came slowly down 

and seemed to hover a foot 

or so in front of Daisy low to 

the ground and her head went 

straight into it. Unbelievable. 

Totally unbelievable. Jo turned 

his head slowly towards me and 

smiled a wry smile, no words, 

just a smile. 

“That was amazing! Where 

on earth did you learn to do 

that?” “Don’t you remember, I 

spent many years farming in 

South America and the kids out 

there learn to lasso anything 

that moves as soon as they can 

walk ... chickens, dogs, cats and 

even each other - It was the 

best thing I ever learnt to do 

out there and a skill that saves 

the day on many occasions - 

just like today”. He laughed his 

cheeky laugh. 

Jo let go of the rope and Daisy 

just stood there. Very, very 

slowly Jo picked up the rope, 

wound it back in and slipped 

a halter over her head and we 

tied her too the nearest tree. 

In the furore, another foot 

This sheep's sick of mud! 

An unhappy Black Welsh 

Mountain Sheep 

had appeared. Jo quickly tied 

a rope around each foot and I 

wound them around my waist. 

We needed to get the head out 

as soon as possible. Daisy was 

still pushing thank goodness, 

so as quietly and carefully 

as possible, we pulled gently 

on the ropes, but we weren’t 

strong enough. Still no result 

and I was adamant that we 

needed to call the vet. 

“We need a ratchet, but we 

haven’t got one, but we’ve got 

my Landrover and we can tie 

the ropes to the bumper - that 

calf needs to be out”. 

Jo turned and started walking 

down the field, but he only 

managed a few steps before, at 

the top of my voice I shouted 

“We are not in South America 

now and you are not walking 

a step further towards your 

Landrover”. 

Jo stopped in his tracks and 

just whispered in his quiet 

unassuming way “Trust me - 

she will be fine”. Deep down 

I did trust him, otherwise I 

wouldn’t have called him... but 

Daisy didn’t! 

After hearing the words 

Landrover bumper, she had 

ideas of her own and let out 

this almighty bellow, gave one 

enormous push and the calfs 

head appeared. Bless her, I can 

just imagine her saying “no 

Landrover trick for me thank 

you, I’ll try a bit harder”. 

A beautiful golden coloured 

bull calf was born and seemed 

Janet East is the proprietor 

at Yellingham Farm, also 

running a Farmhouse B&B 

establishment 

none the worse for his journey 

into the world. Daisy turned 

slowly and began licking her 

new born and with in no time, 

the calf was up and searching 

desperately for the milk bar. 

A truly wonderful sight. 

Janet East 

www.yellinghamfarm.co.uk 

01404 850272 

FARM CALENDAR 

February - start lambing 28th 

• Check lambing supplies - lambing gel, tail rings, 

iodine, colostrum, antibiotics, twin lamb disease 

liquid, ear tags, coloured sprays etc. 

• Ewes due booster vaccination. 

• Build lambing pens and find feed/water buckets. 

• Find the radio and get my comfy chair ready. 

• Tea tray and kettle, (secret supply of chocolate). 

• Notebook and a pen that works. 

• Find my lambing thermals (did I wash them?). 

• Charity shop - old towels. 

March 

• Move ewes and newborn lambs into individual 

pens to mother up. 

• Number ewes and lambs (so it looks like a 

number!). 

• Keep good legible records (Boys practice your 

handwriting skills). 

• Ear tag lambs before turn out and ring tails. 

• Worm ewes before turnout. 

• Move feeders and hay racks out to fields. 

• Keep an eye on ewes teats. 

• Moan at the lads for not lamb proofing fields. 

Barn Life! - the horrible muddy months with rain upon rain has meant that 

sheep have been kept inside over much of the winter 

mydevonevents 81

MOTORING 

NEW RANGE ROVER EVOQUE CONVERTIBLE 

NATIVE TO THE WILD. 

ADAPTED TO THE CITY. 

AVAILABLE FROM £47,500 

Introducing the world’s first premium compact convertible SUV. The new Range Rover Evoque Convertible is perfectly adapted to the city. 

Featuring Land Rover’s new InControl Touch Pro Infotainment system and the very latest Terrain Response technology. All protected, of course, 

by the Land Rover 3-year warranty – so you can explore the urban jungle and beyond with complete peace of mind. 

Matford Land Rover 

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

01392 825825 

matford.exeter.landrover.co.uk 

Official Fuel Consumption Figures for the Range Rover Evoque Convertible Range in mpg (l/100km): Urban 24.8 (11.4) – 42.2 (6.7) Extra Urban 40.4 (7.0) – 55.4 (5.1), 

Combined 32.9 (8.6) – 49.6 (5.7). CO 2 emissions g/km: 201 – 149. 

The figures provided are as a result of official manufacturer’s tests in accordance with EU legislation. A vehicle’s actual fuel consumption may differ from that achieved in such tests and these figures are for comparative 

purposes only. The model pictured is a New Range Rover Evoque Convertible HSE Dynamic Auto with optional Phoenix Orange premium metallic paint (£600) and Black Design Pack (£2,000) 

at an on the road price of £50,100. 

DEVONSHIRE MAGAZINE 

82 


MOTORING 

Sidmouth Classic Car photos 

COMING UP THIS YEAR 

DEVONSHIRE TOWN FEATURES 

CITROEN SM 

BEAUTIFUL WALKS 

SONGBIRDS 

EXETER CATHEDRAL 

STAYCATIONS 

EXTENSIVE WHAT'S ON COVERAGE 

Call 01395 513383 to subscribe 

For previous features visit 

www.devonshiremagazine.co.uk 

mydevonevents 83

Horse 

Care 

Equine Learning 

by Natalie Bucklar 

Natalie Bucklar gives 

valuable advice on 

various aspects 

of horse care and 

welfare... 

Natalie Bucklar 

BSc (Hons), MSc (Equine Science) 

Natalie has owned horses for 

over 20 years and owns East 

Devon Riding Academy near 

Sidmouth. She has previously 

lectured in Equine Science to 

degree level and produced 

research for preparing Great 

Britains' equestrian teams for 

the Olympics. Natalie provides 

consultations in all aspects of 

Equine Science, and has fitted 

saddles for competitors at 

Badminton International 

Horse Trials. 

Biting: Part 2 

The study of equine behaviour is a 

huge subject, this can put people 

off learning and instead they 

reach out for a new supplement 

or a magic gadget that they hope 

will be a simpler key to rectifying 

problems. Although learning a 

better understanding of a horse’s 

thinking ability, with a concurrent 

commitment to improving 

the skill of giving signals and 

reinforcements takes more time 

and effort, it can reap fantastic 

rewards helping a huge number 

of common problems people 

encounter with their equine 

friends. 

The way a horse learns is directly 

related to survival. Horses are 

driven by food, company, shelter 

and freedom from pain. If they 

think they are in danger, they 

will remove themselves from 

a situation (for example run) 

or refuse to get in to one (for 

example they won’t load). At East 

Devon Riding Academy we teach 

children not to run near the horses 

by explaining that although we 

know there are no tigers living 

in Branscombe, if the horses see 

them running they might think 

that the children are running 

from a tiger about to eat them 

and then they will run too. You 

have to think like a horse, if their 

herd mates suddenly take off then 

they are unlikely to be the one 

who stands there waiting for the 

tiger. Even though they’ve never 

actually seen one, it doesn’t stop 

their instinct of thinking they’re 

about! 

In different situations, horses will 

either react to the rider/handler or 

the environment. If a horse is unreactive 

to a plastic bag, it is more 

under the control of the rider. If a 

horse spooks at the plastic bag, at 

that moment it is more under the 

control of the environment. To get 

the horse more under the control 

of the rider requires training, not 

punishment. If a horse won’t jump 

then whipping it will just associate 

an already scary object (the jump) 

with pain, leading to an even less 

likely chance of success. Through 

simplifying the problem (the 

Want to be notified of new HORSE CARE articles? 

Just Like devonshiremagazine.co.uk on Facebook! 

jump), giving appropriate signals 

that the horse understands at 

an appropriate time and taking 

the time to practise, you will 

have a much happier and safer 

horse, more compliant with your 

wishes. Again, it is important to 

think from the horses point of 

view. Just because he can jump 

a pole at 3 foot doesn’t mean he 

will automatically jump a set of 

planks or a whole course at this 

height if he hasn’t been trained 

accordingly. 

Horses learn well as a result of 

clear, consistent reinforcement 

of correct responses. An example 

of this is horses in many livery 

yards waiting at the gate to go in 

a stable each evening. This isn’t 

because they want to go in the 

stable, it is because every day at 

approximately the same time they 

are rewarded with something 

they want- food, which just 

happens to be in the stable. The 

owner has (often unwittingly) 

trained the horse to wait at the 

gate because they have clearly, 

consistently reinforced this 

behaviour with food. 

Horses can learn unwanted 

behaviours because they have 

somehow been rewarded for the 

incorrect response. If a horse gets 

through the electric fence and 

receives a reward of more grass 

or a friend or freedom, he will 

do it again. Turn the electric on 

and some horses will prefer not 

to get the reward so they don’t 

get a shock. Others will be so 

motivated by the reward they 

will work out a way to still get 

it, such as jumping the fence or 

in the case of one of my horses, 

kicking and breaking the posts. 

Rewards for the horse take many 

forms, including removal of pain, 

which is worth remembering if 

you are having problems when 

riding. Stop, think and analyse 

from the horse’s point of view and 

you will often see the problem 

and find a solution. Again, simplify 

the situation if need be, gain 

success then progress upwards. 

Simplification could be things like 

going slower, making a turn wider, 

3 poles instead of 5, 15 minutes 

instead of 30, 10 metres instead 

of 2 or vice versa. 

Alternatively, 

unwanted 

behaviours can be because the 

training has been insufficiently 

generalised. An example of this 

is a horse that will go through 

water at home but not when away 

from home because the water is 

a different version. In order to get 

the horse to go into any water, 

training requires exposure to lots 

of different water but progressed 

in simple steps- start with a 

puddle rather than a river! 

With many problems, groundwork 

can be a great solution or a starting 

point to a solution. It is a good skill 

worth learning for any rider, as 

an understanding of anatomy, 

movement, communication and 

reinforcement learnt through 

groundwork translates to many 

ridden and handling situations. 

Happy riding. 

East Devon Riding Academy 

Riding lessons for adults and children 

from 2 years of age. 

Pony mornings every week throughout the 

school holidays. 

We strive to make your hobby safe, fun 

and educational. Read our excellent 

reviews on Trip Advisor & Facebook. 

Natalie x 

www.ridingacademy.co.uk 

Telephone: 07771 903220 ~ Find Us On Facebook 

84 


The Old Vet’nary 

by Ken Watson 

End of an era 

a friendly, family practice 

When I was nearing the time of 

my demob from the army, I was 

summoned to appear before the 

Colonel to discuss my future career. 

When I said I hoped to become a 

vet, he observed that he did not 

think there was such prospect 

there since there were now very 

few horses. He could not have been 

more wrong, but in vet college the 

horse was still, by tradition, the 

prime subject. Luckily, I was to see 

the last days of the heavy horse. 

Just along the road from the 

Camden Town College, 200 heavy 

hoses were stabled under the 

arches at King’s Cross Station, Shires, 

Clydesdales, Percheron and Suffolk 

Punch. In Stygian gloom they rested 

thankfully overnight, four to every 

arch, lit by oil lamps: and in the halflight 

their shoes shot sparks as they 

trudged in from a hard day’s graft 

delivering goods to the railway’s 

customers. Then one morning they 

were gone, to be replaced by smelly, 

noisy, dangerous lorries. 

Everything was on the change in 

farming. Until then it was a way 

of life, but after the war, business 

stepped in. There were some big 

farms, but the majority were small. 

It was possible to live off 30-50 acres, 

with a few cows, pigs and some 

sheep. Some lived shambolic lives 

and dressed accordingly, but others 

wore immaculate tweed suits which 

they then covered with a brown drill 

coat - it was basically all the same. 

The flat cap of the poor farmer 

might be contorted into a twisted 

shape and redolent of many house 

pressed against the yielding flanks 

of generations of cows, but it was 

still the same as worn by the richer 

farmer. The brown coat, where 

had it gone? Worn by all, from the 

warehouseman to the managing 

director touring his factory. Yet 

remember that everyone wore a 

suit and tie, no matter how tattered 

and greasy. Many wore celluloid 

collars fixed by stud front and back. 

I always wore a white shirt, with 

separate Van Heusen collar. As I 

spent much of my day with one 

or other arm up to the shoulder 

in a cow’s rear end, my wife cut 

my shirt sleeves off flush with 

the shoulder. Even then my shirt 

was often stained. Latex gloves 

weren't available then, so my fellow 

assistant in Sidmouth, as he was 

allergic to bovine fluid tests, had to 

buy his own rubber gloves. I never 

found it necessary to even loosen 

my tie, let alone remove it. Put my 

'Wilson' 

...Providing the highest standards 

of professional veterinary care 

OPENING TIMES 

Monday - Friday: 8.30am - 6.30pm 

Saturday: 8.30am - 12.30pm 

Consultations by Appointment 

EMERGENCY SERVICE 

For out of hours veterinary attention 

or advice please ring 01752 700600 

PLYMOUTH 

01752 700600 

Burnett Road, Manadon, 

Plymouth PL6 5BH 

by Richard Woodward 

IVYBRIDGE 

01752 690999 

Cornwood Road, Woodlands, 

Ivybridge PL21 9JJ 

Part Time Clinic at Yealmpton 

jacket back on and I was fit to enter 

the lounge of a lord. The jacket! In 

it’s many pockets I could carry all 

the instruments I needed for the 

average consultation plus money, 

pen, notebook etc. Take modern 

man with his sweater and tight jeans 

and his wallet projecting enticingly 

from his back pocket. He takes half 

the consultation time to gather his 

tools together. 

Don't get the impression all was 

genteel and sedate. As a student, I 

did visits with a young vet who later 

rose to the top of the profession. He 

wore a pin stripe suit and worked 

so fast that I had to run to keep up 

with his frenzied pace. He would 

leave a house, jump into his car and 

be off, and I had to leap into the 

moving car or be left behind. No 

sea belts. A few years later I would 

learn the art of jumping into the 

car and driving off before even 

closing the door, using the car’s 

momentum to close it. You could do 

this because there were few other 

cars on the road, and also hurtle 

around country lanes, but if you did 

meet someone, the brakes of those 

days meant you rarely stopped in 

the same direction you intended. I 

always thought that Honiton High 

Street resembled a Wild West 

cowboy town with it’s wide vista 

and emptiness. There were even 

horse carts, and I sometimes saw 

a horse hitched up outside a shop. 

Such antics were needed because of 

the heavy workload we carried, on a 

five and a half day week, plus nights. 

This was a result of the absurdly 

low fees we charged, but also the 

continued on page 98 

mydevonevents 85

Part of the 

Royal Albert 

Memorial 

Museum 

collection - a 

gift from the 

Western Times 

Company in 

1952 

Views of Exmouth from the Beacon Walls, Devon by William H. Hallett, 1850 

The ladies who lived on the hill 

Two noble and extraordinary women, both bitterly betrayed by their 

famous but outrageously wayward husbands, came to live quietly in Devon 

at the beginning of the nineteenth century, looking for a retreat from the 

gossips and scandalmongers of London and Bath. 

AS CHANCE WOULD HAVE IT, 

Frances Lady Nelson, wife of the 

naval hero and Anne Lady Byron, 

wife of the poet both came to live 

a few doors from each other at 

numbers 6 and 19 the Beacon, a 

genteel and secluded row of fine, 

newly-built properties perched 

high above the then seaside fishing 

village of Exmouth. 

But history had not finished with 

either of them, even after the deaths 

of their spouses: Nelson from his 

wounds at Trafalgar in 1805 and 

Byron, the poet, in 1824 from 

a fever during the Greek war of 

independence. 

Lady Nelson suffered tragedy upon 

tragedy, losing two husbands: her 

first, Dr. Josiah Nisbet to a fever 

contracted in the West Indies where 

she had first met and married him, 

the second to her ‘Hero of the Nile’ 

husband lost to the embrace of 

‘that woman’, the notorious Emma 

Hamilton. But these events were 

only the beginning of suffering 

for a woman who never spoke 

ill of her husband and defended 

both his name and reputation 

throughout her life. Following her 

move to Exmouth, Frances lost not 

only her son by her first marriage 

– Josiah - but no fewer than four of 

her grandchildren, all of whom are 

buried with her at nearby Littleham, 

of which more anon. 

Maddening silence 

Lady Byron’s tragic lot was to lead to 

her fleeing with her infant daughter, 

Ada, when she believed, barely a 

year after her marriage, that she 

was wedded to a madman – a man 

whose countless well-documented 

sexual encounters with both men 

and women (including his half 

sister Augusta) would earn him 

the title of one who was “mad, bad 

and dangerous to know”. 

Like her titled neighbour a few steps 

along the elegant terrace at the 

Beacon, Lady Anne never maligned 

her husband: unlike Byron who 

slandered and wrote against her 

for the rest of his life, whilst she 

remained stoically silent - something 

that infuriated him. 

In fact it was not until after her 

death that her friend and confidante, 

Harriet Beecher Stowe, the 

American author of Uncle Tom’s 

Cabin and a lifelong campaigner 

against slavery and for the rights of 

married women, turned the tables 

on the Byron camp and spoke at 

length on behalf of her wickedly 

maligned friend in her book, Lady 

Byron Vindicated: 

During all this trial, strange to 

say, her belief that the good in Lord 

Byron would finally conquer was 

unshaken. To a friend who said to 

her, "O, how could you love him!" she 

answered, briefly, "My dear, there 

was the angel in him." 

She read every work that Byron 

wrote, read it with a deeper knowledge 

than any human being but 

herself could possess. The ribaldry 

and the obscenity and the insults, 

with which he strove to make her 

ridiculous in the world, fell at her 

pitying feet unheeded. 

Healing broken hearts 

So did those two ladies-in-exile on 

the sunny southern slopes of what 

was fast becoming one of Devon’s 

favourite resorts, confide in each 

other, over the garden wall? Did 

Fanny and Annabella (Lady Byron’s 

familiar name to her friends) share 

their innermost thoughts about 

their errant husbands? 

The answer is almost certainly 

‘no’. Although Society was fueled 

by gossip – then as now – Fanny 

86 


and Annabella were both, first and 

foremost, ladies, and this a time of 

manners, decorum and the strict 

observance of the social graces that 

prohibited all such interchanges 

between people of breeding and 

rank, face to face across the tea cups. 

cleaner and the bathing machines 

not so easily overlooked by curious 

passers-by. 

The Nelsons had known both places 

mined was her mother to paint the 

father out of her daughter’s life 

that Ada was not shown the family 

portrait of the man – which was 

safeguarding Ada was undoubtedly 

a chip off the old block. 

Instead they talked about the 

weather, their health, their children 

and in Fanny’s case, her grandchildren. 

Both performed good works, 

read books and newspapers, wrote 

letters, (Annabella was a good poet 

in her own right) entertained in 

their homes (as well as local hotels) 

over teas and suppers, enjoyed the 

occasional promenade and were 

regular visitors to the town and 

especially to Exmouth’s new and 

popular Assembly Rooms at the 

bottom of the Beacon which had 

become a magnet for local society. 

Ada Byron, Countess of 

Lovelace rests next to her 

father in the family vault at 

Hucknall, Warwickshire 

Horatio and Fanny Nelson loved 

Devon and honeymooned in 

Exmouth. These happy memories 

brought her back to live there 

after his death 

Fanny Nelson, pictured here 

in her final year, outlived two 

husbands, her son Josiah, and 

four of her grandchildren. She 

is buried at Littleham 

Both of course were also regular 

churchgoers and members of the 

congregation at the church of St. 

Margaret and St. Andrew at nearby 

Littleham. 

Exmouth then had a population 

of 2,000 or so and was just 15 

hours coach travel from Bath and 

20 or less from London and was 

well. They had spent part of their 

honeymoon to-ing and fro-ing 

between the newly emerging coastal 

resorts of East and South Devon. 

The year had been 1789, Fanny was 

then 28, and a widow with a young 

son, Josiah Nisbet, Nelson, 31 and it 

was almost certainly this memory 

of happier times that brought her 

back, aged 46, after his passing. 

kept hanging prominently wherever 

they lived, but covered in a green 

shroud - until her 20th birthday. 

Alas for Annabella’s best efforts: 

his genius did manifest itself in 

his daughter, not as a writer of 

poetry but as a scientist or ‘natural 

philosopher’ to use the language of 

the age. She worked with Charles 

Fateful encounter 

But the Byron’s were yet to arrive in 

Exmouth when, in 1815, the Napoleonic 

wars finally over, Fanny’s son, 

Josiah, (after a career in the navy 

where he had been the despair of 

his step-father) was given £1,000 

by his mother to set up a business. 

By 1819 he had extended its scope 

to Paris and on a return visit to 

Exmouth, met and married a personable 

young woman called Frances 

Evans, who had become companion 

to Lady Nelson at Number Six. 

Lady Byron - ‘Arabella’ to her 

friends, and the intellectual 

superior of her poet husband, 

who scorned her as ‘the 

princess of parallelograms’ 

already ‘a place to which the people 

of Exeter much resort for diversion 

and bathing in the sea’. 

In his book The Rise of the Devon 

Seaside Resorts, John Travis 

quotes a visitor who wrote, “walked 

among shoals of Exeter damsels, 

whose insufferable undress and 

ill-breeding justly exposes them 

to the contempt and derision of 

strangers”. 

It is perhaps why Fanny Nelson, who 

was a frequent sea bather, preferred 

to take her ‘dips’ at neighbouring 

Sidmouth, a carriage ride away, 

where the sea was undoubtedly 

Ada, the Byron’s daughter and 

a mathematical genius, was not 

allowed to look upon her father’s 

portrait until she was 20 

The Lady at Number 16 

Annabella arrived later in Exmouth 

and chose to live at Number 16, a 

property that was then a small but 

very select hotel. 

Her daughter Ada was brought up 

to study the sciences and logic – an 

unusual education for a woman in 

that era – in the hope that any artistic 

or poetic leanings or ‘amorous 

excesses’ inherited from her father 

in self-imposed exile, would not be 

allowed to flourish. 

Byron had died in 1824 when Ada 

was eight years old and so deter- 

Lord George Byron, poet, 

adventurer and libertine, who 

lived in self-imposed exile 

abroad, never to return after 

his wife divorced him 

Babbage, the mathematician and 

inventor who lived in Totnes and 

designed and built the world’s first 

‘calculating engine’ or computer. He 

was also a philosopher and believed, 

interestingly enough, that many of 

the ‘breakthroughs’ in understanding 

by the scientific mind came 

about through divine revelation. 

Ada, mathematical genius that she 

was, agreed with him. She once 

wrote to a fellow scientist, “I am 

often reminded of certain sprites 

and fairies one reads of, who are 

at one's elbows in one shape now, 

and the next minute in a form most 

dissimilar”. In spite of her mother’s 

In 1823 Fanny went to Paris and 

stayed with Josiah and Frances and 

their young family in their home in 

the Champs Elysee and did what 

most grandmothers are expected 

to do – baby sat whilst the parents 

travelled around Europe. 

But they were all together on Lake 

Geneva, where Fanny actually met 

Lord Byron, who took them rowing 

on the lake. To her horror one of 

the little ones fell in and was saved 

from drowning by Byron, a strong 

swimmer, who dived in after the 

child. 

Sad news from Paris 

Back in Exmouth what is nowadays 

called Nelson House, must have 

seemed suddenly large and empty 

to her, so she moved to a smaller 

property at the other end of the 

Beacon, in Louisa Terrace. 

Came 1830, and Fanny, now in 

her 69 th year was brought tragic 

mydevonevents 87

news from France. Josiah, her only 

child, had died suddenly – probably 

of heart failure brought on 

by ‘dropsy’ (oedema). She arranged 

for his body, together with three of 

his young children who had died 

previously and had been buried in 

a cemetery in Paris, to be exhumed 

and returned to Exmouth. 

As the coffins waited in the courtyard 

of a French convent there was 

a coup d’etat and Frances Nisbet 

and her remaining family were 

forced to flee the city, dressed as 

peasants. They managed to get 

back to England safely and made 

their way to Fanny’s London home 

at 23, Harley Street. 

Meanwhile the four coffins came 

back to Exmouth unexpectedly and 

were landed at the Temple Steps. 

What to do? In his book Exmouth 

Milestones (The Raleigh Press, 1948) 

Eric Delderfield writes: 

The Customs House officer had 

them removed to the house of Mr. 

Edmund Weller, then being built 

but not completed on the sea front 

where Alston Terrace now joins it. 

Being circular in shape it was to 

be called Beach Castle but forever 

afterwards it became known locally 

as Corpse Castle and subsequently, 

when it was only frequented by the 

town’s strays, as Cat’s Castle and 

was always thought of as being 

haunted. 

A year later Fanny Nelson died at 

Harley Street on 4th May 1831 

and who would say that it was 

not of a broken heart? Her body 

was brought from London and 

was buried beside her son and her 

grandchildren in the churchyard 

at Littleham. 

Her eldest grandchild, also called 

Fanny, later wrote of her grandmother’s 

good nature, and her devotion 

to her husband's memory and said 

she often kissed a miniature of him. 

Lady Nelson once confided to her, 

”When you are older little Fan, you 

may know what it is to have a broken 

heart”. 

The dove and the volcano 

Lady Byron left Exmouth and 

returned to London. She too was to 

suffer the intense pain of outliving 

her only child. Ada died in 1852 

after a long illness. She was 36 years 

old, the same age as her father and 

at her written request is entombed 

in the Byron family vault at the 

church of St. Mary Magdalene in 

Hucknall, Warwickshire. 

A portrait artist later wrote of the 

grieving mother, “There is a lambent 

sorrow about her, bland and touching, 

but she was no more fit for him 

than a dove for a volcano, poor 

Lady Byron. She looks as though 

she saw an inward sorrow. Perhaps 

his sublime head is always haunting 

her imagination”. 

Byron’s spirit it seems had haunted 

them both, wife and daughter, 

throughout their lives. 

JOHN FISHER 

Nelson House - on the Beacon, Exmouth. Famously 

Fanny Nelson used her own sedan chair to visit the 

town and seashore 

The Assembly Rooms: built 

in 1794 and once centre of 

Exmouth's social scene 

Byron Court - once home to Lady Byron and 

her mathematical genius daughter, Ada. The 

computer language ADA is named after her. 

hubcast 

We are after researchers for 

our what's on websites 

DEVONSHIRE 

Magazine Delivery People 

In Barnstaple Required 

We're after reliable people, who can work on a computer 

from home, that would like to help us compile organisations 

for the the ever-growing, free to use What's on websites. 

Good rates of pay, ideal for people looking for an extra bit 

of income, internet connection is a must. 

Call Nigel Jones or Charlotte Fergie if you’re interested in 

this work on 01395 513383 

Ideally for a husband and wife team, possibly retired 

and looking for extra income, our delivery round needs 

servicing 6 times yearly. Can you help? Great for couples 

as one can drive, the other drop off magazines. All outlets 

pre-agreed and very happy to receive the magazine - set 

delivery round so once you’ve learnt it, it’s super easy. 

Good rates of pay, doesn’t tie up all your time, but gives 

you extra income for things like holidays, etc. You need 

to be reliable and have a car with decent capacity, ideally 

an estate car. 

Call Nigel Jones or Charlotte Fergie if you’re interested 

in this work on 01395 513383 

88 


GARDENING 

Conservatories & Garden Buildings 

Endsleigh Garden and Leisure, Ivybridge 01752 690626 

Whether you want a greenhouse 

or just a pane of glass, a fabulous 

summerhouse, an honest garden 

shed, or an elegant conservatory to 

grace your home our friendly and 

professional team are happy to help. 

See our website for more information: 

www.cadleighgardenbuildings.co.uk 

We’ve been creating beautiful, award 

winning gardens for over 25 years. 

01404 831844 

www.tonybenger.com 

Burrow Farm Gardens, Dalwood, 

Axminster EX13 7ET 

timberventure 

Bespoke Modular Spaces 

• Holiday Lodges 

• Residential Park Homes 

• Granny Annex 

• School Rooms 

• Mobile or Permanent 

Dwellings 

• Beach Huts 

• Sporting Facilities 

• Cinema Rooms 

• Garden Rooms 

• Home Office 

• Bespoke Furniture 

Offering a one stop service, from 

planning application to turning the key! 

See our display 

at Fermoys 

Garden Centre, 

Ipplepen 

01803 414570 • 07713 165369 

www.timberventure.co.uk 

mydevonevents 89

THE GARDEN PARK 

at Newton Abbot 

Trago® 

Restaurant Complex... 

Treat your family to a hearty meal, tasty 

light snack or quick bite in our stunning fully 

licensed Tea Room & Restaurant Complex. 

Great views over our spectacular Garden Park! 

Just off 

the A382! 

Plenty of 

FREE parking! 

So much choice, so many surprises... 

At The Garden Park we have brought 

together one of Britain’s widest range 

of plants and gardening products. You 

will find everything that the discerning 

gardener could possibly need - and all at 

Trago’s everyday lowest prices! 

Chelsea in the heart of Devon... 

Famous West Country garden designer and 

multiple Chelsea Gold Medal winner, Paul 

Stone, has created a haven of tranquility 

amid the hustle and bustle of Trago’s retail 

store. Take a stroll around our beautiful 

themed gardens and be inspired! 

Drive Thru’ service... 

Our unique Drive Thru’ service means that 

you can collect any heavy items that you 

have purchased and we’ll help you to load 

your vehicle before you leave! 

Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri, Sat 9am - 5.30pm • Thurs 9am - 8pm • Sun 10am - 4pm 

TRAGO MILLS 

We also have stores at... 

NEWTON ABBOT • T: 01626 821111 www.trago.co.uk 

LISKEARD • T:01579 348877 • PL14 6HY 

DEVON TQ12 6JD 

off 90 the A382 to Newton Abbot Countryside, History, Walks, the Arts, Events & all things Devon at: DEVONSHIRE 

FALMOUTH magazine.co.uk • T:01326 315738 • TR11 3LG

D.C.B. Photography © 2015 

Tales of a Yokel 

Yarns from the inimitable FCR Esgen 

RECYCLING 

How wonderful it is that all of us are 

now recyclers. How did we ever cope 

with all that rubbish piling up in are 

back gardens years ago. Where did 

we put it all. What about the kitchen 

waste for instance that we carefully 

dispose of now in the right coloured 

box, and then take out to be collected 

on the right day at the right time, 

lest we forget that those who put out 

their waste at the wrong time can be 

fined. The answer of course is that 

we didn’t call it waste but compost, or 

at least that’s what it was after a few 

months on the compost heap. After 

which you didn’t need a box at all 

but a good strong spade to spread it 

over your garden to grow all those 

lovely fruit and vegetables that 

today takes you hours of queuing 

at the supermarket to buy. Ah, but 

you may counter, “what about nasty 

things like glass!” That wasn’t a 

problem either. Milk bottles were 

made of glass not plastic anyway 

so they were naturally recycled 

and seemed to go on forever. Soft 

drinks came in large glass bottles 

too, like the big corona bottles, and 

sharp eyed children made a fortune 

on Saturday mornings taking all 

the neighbours empties back to the 

corner shop at 3 pence a piece. Even 

glass jars had their uses and were 

always pressed into service by my 

mother for jam making. 

Now how about those other recycling 

boxes that we cling too in our green 

fervour. What do we do with all 

those bits of material for instance 

that we just chuck into them without 

a thought. Why not use some of 

them in that lost art of quilt-making 

or be thrifty and start darning your 

old socks like grandma used to do. 

Unfortunately, we cant sell any odds 

and ends left anymore to our local 

rag and bone man for a few coppers, 

as he didn’t pass the local health and 

safety regulations and is now just 

another job-seeker. © © 2016 

hoW does your 

garden develop? 

www.goodlifegardeners.co.uk 

T: 01404 850129 

oodlife 

G ardeners 

...rather 

beautifully 

with our 

landscaping team 

We would be happy to 

come and see you to 

discuss your gardening & 

landscaping requirements. 

mydevonevents 91

Bereavement for children 

Balloons 

Death changes everything and yet life goes 

on - Balloons covers Exeter, Mid & East 

Devon to be there for the children who are 

mourning the loss of a loved one. 

Life Matters 

Balancing the stresses of work and living 

with health and relaxation 

Life Matters 

Editor - Averil Quinain 

coachingholistic@gmail.com 

tel: 07891 447710 

01395 513383 

Averil is a Personal Life Coach 

and Business Development 

Coach. She works voluntarily 

for the Princes Trust as a 

mentor for young people, and 

for Oxfam as a school speaker. 

With a passion for inspired 

and responsible living, she 

also runs an organic natural 

remedy business. Averil 

trained at the internationally 

renowned CoachInc.com and 

is a member of the ICF. 

Bereavement is a distressing but 

common experience. Sooner or 

later almost all of us will suffer the 

death of someone we love. If we 

are young at the time of the death 

then it is often our first experience 

of bereavement and we can struggle 

emotionally and cognitively to cope 

with the loss. 

Children are often the ‘forgotten 

mourners’ in a household stricken 

by a tragic death. Adults might 

think that by not confronting the 

Mourning is necessary for healing to take place 

Children are often the 'forgotten mourners' in a household 

issue head-on, they somehow shield 

children from the pain; adults might 

think that children don't understand 

death, and therefore aren't affected 

deeply by it; adults might themselves 

be so caught up in their own grieving 

that they struggle to include and 

comfort children at such a raw and 

difficult time. 

Grief is the constellation of internal 

thoughts and feelings we experience 

when someone loved dies. Mourning 

is the outward expression of our 

grief, and mourning is necessary 

for healing to take place. But who 

can bear to sit alongside a mourning 

child and hear their story? 

Balloons, a small local charity 

covering Exeter, Mid and East Devon, 

was set up almost six years ago to do 

exactly that. Balloons has supported 

over 350 bereaved children and 

young people, and worked with 

in excess of 500 families; and 

awareness about their services 

continues to grow. 

PRACTITIONERS 

Allergy Advice 

The Devon Allergy Clinic 

01803 401001 

Acupuncture 

Sharp Acupuncture 

07738 630186 

Body Toning 

Body Style Exeter 

01392 428004 

Chiropody 

Pamper your feet at The Foot 

Friendly Clinic, 3 Miltons Yard 

Axminster EX13 5FE. Phone 

for an appointment on 01297 

625515 or 07946 213310. 

Open Tues/Wed/Thurs. 

Chiropractic 

Chiropractic Health Centre 

01297 35844 or 01404 549270. 

Hypnotherapy 

Pat Hoare 

01392 410090 

Life Coaching 

Is the treadmill of your life getting 

faster? You want to slow down, but 

can't? You want to change your life/ 

career/reach your full potential? 

www.goforitlifecoaching.com 

or contact Averil Quinain 

07891 447710 to arrange a 

free 30 min taster session. 

Insomnia 

Headaches 

Back pain 

Sciatica 

 

 

 

 

Clinics in: 

Honiton 

Axminster 

www.hilarysharp.co.uk 0773 863 0186 

hilarysharp@btinternet.com 

 

 

 

 

 

Over 35 yearsʼ experience - offers 

confidential therapeutic counselling 

for individuals and couples. 

 

01392 410090 • 24a Gandy Street, Exeter EX4 3LS 

pat@pathoare.eclipse.co.uk • www.caseconfidential.com 

92 


The Old Vicarage, Otterton 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

mydevonevents 93

continued... Balloons 

a safe space for grieving children to 

tell their grief story; to process anger, 

to unpack guilt and to rebuild a more 

constructive framework for coping. 

Families report that the positive 

impact of Balloons intervention lasts 

long after the 1:1 support had ended. 

‘We understand the complex pain that 

families go through, especially after a 

tragic and catastrophic death. Supporting 

vulnerable children and young people after 

bereavement is what makes us civilised 

as a society’ 

Sara Bennett, Balloons CEO 

Many of the referrals come from 

schools. Educational professionals 

note the negative impact that 

bereavement has on the child’s 

school attendance, engagement in 

lessons, compliance with homework, 

anger management and peer 

relationships. Allowed to continue 

unchecked, that unprocessed grief 

has a long term negative impact on 

Balloons supports children to find ways to manage feelings of 

anger, abandonment and guilt. 

children’s educational pathways. The 

largest group of children who are 

school excluded for bad behaviour 

before age 9 are those who have 

suffered a bereavement (Home 

Office). Educational professionals 

note that with the support of 

Balloons, children remain engaged 

with their studies and maintain 

positive, supportive friendships with 

their peers. They find ways of coping 

in school despite their grief and can 

continue their educational journey in 

a positive way. 

Balloons can’t stop the trauma 

of the death of a loved one from 

happening, but they can intervene to 

improve the chances of the affected 

children coping positively with their 

loss so that the long term negative 

consequences are minimised. In 

particular, Balloons supports children 

to find ways to manage feelings 

of anger, abandonment and guilt. 

Responses to bereavement are 

complex, and left alone to cope 

children can feel isolated, confused 

and overwhelmed. Statistics clearly 

indicate the huge spike in referrals 

to mental health support services 

for children affected by bereavement. 

Anxiety, depression, self-harm and 

suicide are significantly higher 

amongst bereaved children. Balloons 

uses creative interventions and builds 

‘I missed my mummy and I was afraid 

because she was gone. My Balloons lady 

let me talk about mummy when no one 

else could’ 

Grieving child - aged 8 

The grieving process is a journey and 

children need to know that adults will 

walk with them on this journey by 

helping them process their feelings. 

Allowing the child to talk about the 

hurts they are experiencing in their 

own way and at their own time is 

one of the best ways to teach a child 

positive coping skills for their grief 

and for life. 

‘Grief is not a disorder, a disease or a sign 

of weakness. It is an emotional, physical 

and spiritual necessity, the price you pay 

for love. The only cure for grief is to grieve’ 

Earl Grollman 

If you want to know more about the 

amazing work that Balloons does, 

you can contact the CEO, Sara 

Bennett, on 01392 826052 Email 

- sarabennett@balloonscharity.co.uk 

Allergy Clinic of the Year 2015 - Devon 

& Recognised Leader in Intolerances 

& Digestive Disorders - UK 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allergy Clinic of the Year 2015 - Devon 

& Recognised Leader in Intolerances 

& Digestive Disorders - UK 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you suffer from any of the complaints listed above, 

a simple one hour test could transform your life. 

Itʼs non invasive, quick, painless and immediate! 

 

 

 

 

 

01803 401001 / 07810 750940 

www.thedevonallergyclinic.co.uk 

The 

 

BODY ST YLE 

EXETER 

The Ultimate in Body Toning 

Join the new owners, Anne and Pauline, to 

browse ranges of jewellery, handbags and 

other accessories, whilst chatting with friends 

and losing inches all at the same time! 

Feel free to call to find out more. 

10 reasons to use Toning Tables 

Perfect for all ages 

A proven system for inch loss 

Stimulates circulatory system 

Relieves stress and tension 

Increases flexibility & mobility 

Improves posture 

Relaxing, gentle exercise in 

a comfortable position 

Ideal for any fitness level 

Assists with stiffness of joints, 

rheumatism, arthritis etc. 

They make you feel GOOD! 

01392 428004 

77 Fore Street, Heavitree, Exeter EX1 2RN 

94 


Individualised support 

24/7 professional care 

WWW.GRAYAREAS.CO.UK 

We care as much as you do. 

There’s nothing more important than knowing that your loved one 

is well looked after, which is why we provide the very best residential 

and nursing care in comfortable surroundings by the sea. 

Comfortable rooms, 

some with sea views 

Regular outings and 

entertainment 

Preston · Paignton Oldway · Paignton Chelston · Torquay 

To arrange a visit to one of our Torbay care homes and to discuss 

your family members individual care needs, please call 01803 522 148 

Fresh home cooked 

nutritious meals 

Tel: 01404 47696 

We want you to have the help and 

support you need to enable you to 

live as independently as you wish. 

At RV Care, our objective is to help 

you, or your loved one, live life to 

the full. We do this by offering the 

highest possible standards 

of personalised care, assistance 

and support. 

Don’t let age, 

disability, 

illness or 

injury 

hinder you. 

 

 

 

“We find the service 

from RV Care excellent 

in every way” 

“RV Care is 

professionalism 

at its best” 

“Nothing is too much 

trouble and the care 

given is exemplary” 

Our focus is, at all times, you. 

Your personal choices, dignity and 

confidentiality remain our priority. 

For further information please 

contact Clare Connor at: 

clareconnor@retirementvillages.co.uk 

mydevonevents 95

The Green Man 

hiding in the heart of Devon 

The middle of Devon is home to a mysterious figure 

that can be found hiding in some of the most 

picturesque churches in the county. 

Often hidden high up in the roofs of these 

magnificent medieval buildings, the carved 

images of the Green Man look down on the 

congregation and visitors alike. The Green 

there are conflicting 

arguments as to why 

the Green Man is so well 

represented in this part of 

the country 

Man though, is not a Christian figure, he dates 

from pagan times when trees and woodland 

formed the basis of our religions. Indeed, 

the area of Devon where he can be found in 

number is full of place names such as Nymet 

and Nympton, both of which are old Celtic 

terms meaning sacred groves. The Heart of 

Devon was once a very special place for tree 

worshippers. 

The image of the Green Man is that of a face, 

surrounded by foliage and with leafy shoots 

sprouting forth from the mouth, nostrils 

and sometimes even the eyes. These images 

are carved in to the oak bosses that brace 

the timber of the church roofs, they are 

sometimes also carved in to the Rood screens 

that separate the chancel from the nave. They 

are not always immediately obvious; the Green 

Man tends to lurk in the shadows. In the area 

around North Tawton and Bow in mid Devon, 

Green Man image displayed at 

the Bow based Heart of Devon 

festival 

several churches can be found that are home 

to the Green Man, whilst other parts of the 

county have none. Is it, perhaps, connected to 

the old sacred woodland groves that once were 

part of this rural landscape. It is tempting 

to think so; the importance of the area to 

past religions was underlined in 1984 when 

the soil marks of a large woodhenge were 

spotted, during an aerial survey, alongside 

the River Yeo on the edge of the village of 

Bow. The woodhenge dates back to the third 

millennium B.C and would have measured 

Green Man 

at Samprford 

Courtney 

photo by Bruce Gibbs 

96 


Green man at Spreyton church 


Green man at South Tawton church 


Three hares at Sampford Courtney 


some 45 metres across, making it a large 

and very important structure that would 

have been used for religious purposes. One 

writer, the late Roger Deakin, reflecting on the 

area around Bow, described the River Yeo as 

Devon’s river Ganges. 

The Green Man images would have been made 

by local woodworkers as they carried out the 

timber work in the construction of the areas 

churches. The creators of these images were 

talented craftsmen indeed, a look at the oak 

bosses of these churches will reveal a whole 

host of intricate designs, all carved by hand 

and dating from the 14th and 15th centuries. 

The skill of these unknown workers is further 

demonstrated in some of the churches by a 

design showing three hares sat around the oak 

boss. At first glance, these hares all appear 

normal, but a closer look reveals that there 

are only three ears between them, making 

them, perhaps, some of the oldest optical 

illusions in the country. 

There are conflicting arguments as to why 

the Green Man is so well represented in 

this part of the county, but most have their 

origin in the Celtic sacred groves of the area. 

When the churches of mid Devon were being 

constructed in medieval times, the pagan 

worship of sacred groves was still something 

that lingered in the local population. One 

theory is that the Christian church deliberately 

incorporated the pagan Green Man image 

into the new buildings to demonstrate to the 

local population that Christianity was their 

religion. The other theory is that the local 

population had strongly held views when it 

came to their sacred groves and they weren’t 

prepared to let them go easily. Could it be 

that the local craftsmen employed to build the 

churches deliberately created the images as 

an act of rebellion against the rigidly enforced 

doctrines of the church? 

The simple truth is that nobody really knows 

why these symbols are so prevalent in the 

churches of the area, for every theory put 

forward at least another two are proposed to 

contradict it. Whatever the reason for their 

existence, one thing cannot be argued with; 

the images of the Green Man are true works 

of art that should be enjoyed and celebrated 

by us all. 

By Ian Parsons 

The approach to Spreyton Church - the avenue of trees recalling the 

sacred groves that once dominated the area 


Sampford Courtney Church 


mydevonevents 97

MANAGING your MONEY 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Helen Mulvaney 

BA (Hons), Dip M, DipPFS 

Proprietor of Richmond Independent 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The pension 

fund cannot 

be accessed 

by the "child" 

until they 

reach age 55 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Old Vet’nary 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

98 


“Our personal attention assures your satisfaction” 

 

REMOVALS 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

QUALITY HOME 

IN S URAN CE 

CAN ’T B E RUS HED 

 

 

 

Peter Findlay 

Tax Consultant & Business Adviser 

01395 568568 peter_findlay@btconnect.com 

Unit 2, Dotton Farmstead, Newton Poppleford, Sidmouth. 

Tax returns 

from £130 (plus VAT) 

Accounts & tax returns 

from £210 (plus VAT) 

 

 

Covering all areas of accountancy - accounts preparation, tax returns, VAT, 

book-keeping, payroll, company and new business set-ups. 

Providing a friendly service for a variety of businesses large and small. 

Fixed fees, free initial consultation. 

Becausetimespenton a realconversation 

a lows us toappreciatethefiner details. 

Ca l01404 549 003 for a quoteor pop in 

N FU Ofi ,TheDutchBarn,W ce 

ood ha y es, 

Hon i ton,Devon EX 14 4TP 

Our agents areappointed representatives for generalinsuranceproducts and introducer appointed representatives for life,pensions and investments of 

NFUMutual.Our sta fintroducetoNFUMutualfor life,pensions and investments.NFUMutualis TheNationalFarmers Union MutualInsuranceSociety 

Limited (No. 1982).Registered in England.Registered Ofice:Tiddington Road,Stratford upon Avon,WarwickshireCV377BJ.Authorised by the 

PrudentialRegulation Authority and regulated by theFinancialConductAuthority and by thePrudentialRegulation Authority.Amember ofthe 

Association ofBritishInsurers. 

For security and training purposes,telephoneca ls may berecorded and monitored. 

mydevonevents 99

artisans and artists 

INTERIOR DESIGN 

Bespoke kitchen featuring brushed oak cabinetry, stone composite 

surfaces, Pearl Ashes Aga, bespoke Venetian settle, African salt 

sculptures, Fortuny lighting, French antique holy water font, 

Indian antique inlaid table. 

One of a kind interior design 

Oxford House West Street 

Ashburton Devon 

UK TQ13 7DU 

info@artisansandartists.co.uk 

00 44 (0)1364 653276 

artisansandartists.co.uk

Devonshire Feb 16

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?