Devonshire magazine November December 2018

NOVEMBER & DECEMBER 18 

DEVONSHIRE 

Countryside, Wildlife, History and Events

Valuations 

- Insurance and Probate Valuations 

- Home Visits 

- Specialist Valuation Days 

2 

Bonhams 

The Lodge 

Southernhay West 

Exeter 

Devon, EX1 1JG 

ENQUIRIES 

01392 425264 

exeter@bonhams.com 

bonhams.com/exeter 

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

AN EMERALD AND DIAMOND 

PENDANT/NECKLACE, BY 

HENNELL, FIRST QUARTER 

OF THE 20TH CENTURY 

Consigned in the West Country, 

sold in London For £1,328,750 * 

* Prices shown include buyer’s premium. Details can be found at bonhams.com

Whittaker 

Commercial 

New Build 

Refurbishments 

Extensions 

Project Management 

I would like to thank you all for 

your hard work and effort. The 

finished product is superb and a true 

representation of everyone’s input. 

Paul Rose Architect, MRM Design Studio 

01404 43340 

enquiries@njwhittaker.com 

www.njwhittaker.com 

Unit 1, Gt Western Business Park, 

Devonshire Road, Honiton, 

Devon EX14 1TA 

BUILDING ON A REPUTATION 

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What’s on in Devon 

3

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Profit from over 25 years 

experience of advising clients 

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Joined-up advice to help 

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implications and options for 

passing on pension funds to 

your family. 

COMPETITION 

Guess the location 

Win a prize of £50 if you can 

identify the location in the 

photograph at the top of 

this advert. Just email your 

answer to: letterbox@ 

devonshiremagazine.co.uk 

The answer will be 

published in the next 

issue of Devonshire 

magazine. Previous 

answer: St. Goven’s Chapel, 

Pembrokeshire. 

Prize awarded for first 

correct answer only. 

RICHMOND 

INDEPENDENT 

richmondindependent.co.uk 

PROPRIETOR 

HELEN MULVANEY 

BA(HONS), Dip M, DipPFS 

Tel. 01395 512166 

Beech Royd Bennetts Hill 

Sidmouth Devon 

Richmond Independent 

is a trading name of 

Investment and Financial 

Solutions Partnership LLP 

which is authorised and 

regulated by the Financial 

Conduct Authority 

4

From the Editor 

USE IT LOSE IT 

Is it me, or do the internet based businesses seem to have an 

extremely unfair advantage over retail shopping, and indeed many other 

business sectors today. So often it’s reported in the newspapers just how 

little tax the internet giants pay to operate in our country. More worrying 

is the lack of action by politicians to redress the balance in favour of our 

beleaguered high street retail. No surprise really, the internet companies 

have cash to splash, particularly on consultancies around Westminster, 

and of course our politicians are like pigs at the trough! 

However, we all do it, shop online that is, so it’s no good 

pointing any fingers is it? NO, but there’s an easy way we can all help, 

it’s called shopping, but with your feet, not a mouse in sight - and it’s 

infinitely more healthy and enjoyable, especially when followed up by a 

spot of lunch. None of us want our own towns to have endless lines of 

empty shop windows displaying nothing but To Let signs. It’s simple - go 

shopping in your local town. 

Shops - we’re running our Shop Local scheme again this year, 

free Shop Local posters are available to display in your window 

just call 01395 513383 for copies. 

Nigel Jones 

PS - please don’t miss our competition - a meal for two with wine 

at the lovely Sidmouth Harbour Hotel (see p50). 

LARGEST AUDITED CIRCULATION 

COUNTY MAGAZINE FOR DEVON 

900 ABC1 type outlets, see Google 

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

ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION: UK £32 

MAGAZINE ISSUES 

Jan, Mar, May, July, Sept, Nov. 

@DevonshireMag 

CONTRIBUTORS 

Nigel Jones, John Fisher, Helen 

Mulvaney, Ken Watson, Janet East, 

Christopher Taylor, Natalie Bucklar, 

Emma Moore, Richard & Jayne Eley. 

OFFICE 01395 513383 

letterbox@devonshiremagazine.co.uk 

Beech Royd, 6 Bennetts Hill, Sidmouth EX10 9XH 

Production: Charlotte Fergie - option 2 

charlotte@devonshiremagazine.co.uk 

Sales: Hannah Trim - option 1 

hannah@devonshiremagazine.co.uk 

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. 

www.devonshiremagazine.co.uk 

5

38 

Our stunning waterfront location is the 

perfect setting for your wedding celebration. 

Enjoy our award winning cuisine 

accompanied by dramatic golden sunsets. 

6 

Tel: 01395 513252 

www.sidmouth-harbour-hotel.co.uk 

Sidmouth Harbour Hotel, The Westcliff, Sidmouth, Devon EX10 8RU

54 

14 

36 

70 

 

 

 

 

94 

DEVONSHIRE 

Devon’s Countryside, Wildlife, History & Events 

5. Editor's Letter 

The latest from the Editor. 

9. Letterbox 

News from across Devon. 

14. The Countryman 

By Christopher Taylor. 

16. What's On 

From the HUBCAST. 

34. Fashion & Beauty 

Indulge your inner self. 

36. Devon Xmas Present 

By Devonshire’s John Fisher. 

38. Snow Scene 

By the Editor - river Otter. 

40. Great Night Out 

Enjoy great food & live music. 

42. Overnight Stay 

The Imperial Hotel, Barnstaple. 

44. Food Review 

Alexandra Hotel, Lyme Regis. 

46. Food Review 

The Clock Tower, Sidmouth. 

50. Dream Destination 

Sidmouth Harbour Hotel. 

54. Amsterdam 

A visit with the Editor. 

62. Art Exhibitions 

Brought to you by HUBCAST. 

70. St. Martin's Church 

Britain's most important church. 

75. Nelsonʼs Column 

By Devonshire’s John Fisher. 

79. But hereʼs the thing... 

John Fisher expounds. 

86. A Growing Trend 

Garden rooms - David Matthews. 

88. Equine Learning 

Gastric Ulceration - Natalie Bucklar. 

89. The Old Vetʼnary 

3 Marmalade Cats - Ken Watson. 

91. Life Matters 

Barleclose with Neil Dowding. 

93. Interview - Tom King 

By Susan Gebbie. 

94. Devonshire Walk 

Venn Ottery with the Editor. 

98. Financial Planning 

Stalling longevity... - H.Mulvaney. 

7

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Harvest the benefits of full fibre. 

Find us gigaclear.com/harvest Call us 0370 224 0300 

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

Letterbox 

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

Chris Simpson 

wins Michelin Star 

Andrew Brownsword Hotels 

is celebrating following the 

announcement that Chris Simpson 

of Gidleigh Park has been awarded a 

Michelin star, following the release 

of the Michelin Guide 2019. 

Awarded to Chris in person at 

the prestigious ceremony held 

on Monday 1 October at the BFI 

IMAX cinema in Waterloo, the guide 

inspectors commented that Chris 

“has made a confident start at this 

beautiful hotel”. 

Chris Simpson commented, “I’m 

absolutely delighted to have been 

awarded a Michelin star. Whilst 

in the past I have celebrated many 

times, leading kitchens to win both 

one and two stars, this is the first 

time I’ve been awarded a star for my 

own kitchen and it is a huge honour. 

As well as congratulating all the 

kitchen team, whose dedication and 

continued efforts have delivered this 

accolade, I would also like to thank 

everyone at Gidleigh Park who all 

play their part in creating a brilliant 

experience for all of our guests”. 

Stephanie Hocking, CEO Andrew 

Brownsword Hotels, comments, 

“Huge congratulations to Chris and his 

team on being awarded a Michelin 

star, which is fantastic recognition 

for his outstanding cooking. Having 

been long been aware of Chris’s 

exceptional talent, we’re delighted he 

has settled in so well at Gidleigh Park 

and we look forward to exciting times 

ahead, as he continues to flourish”. 

www.gidleigh.co.uk 

Searegs new facility 

A training provider that runs 

commercial maritime training courses 

has moved in to a brand new, state-ofthe-art 

facility at Turnchapel Wharf 

on Plymouth’s waterfront. SeaRegs 

Training specialise in commercial 

maritime training including survival 

and first aid for entry level seafarers 

right up to Stability, Navigation and 

Radar for Masters with notable clients 

including the Port of London Authority, 

the International Sailing Federation 

and other maritime institutes around 

the world. Led by Directors Simon and 

Vicky Jinks, SeaRegs Training has taken 

occupancy of a new business unit at 

Turnchapel Wharf, Plymouth. The 

facility includes a modern workshop, 

classrooms facilities as well as a 

Transas simulator suite for pilotage 

and navigation exercises. 

www.searegs.co.uk 

Chapter Clothingʼs ongoing success 

In March this year, Sidmouth 

based independent boutique 

Chapter Clothing was taken 

over by new owner, Eileen Ellis 

(pictured right). Eileen has since 

held numerous fashion shows 

for charity and continues to grow 

Chapter’s ongoing success. Eileen 

is keen to raise awareness about 

Tamar Security celebrating over 30 years 

One of the South West’s favourite 

family run security companies, 

Tamar Security, is celebrating over 

30 years in the security industry. 

Their vast experience in installing 

and maintaining security systems 

for domestic, commercial and 

industrial clients over the past 30 

years has led them to be one of 

the leading providers in the South 

the importance of shopping local 

and supporting local high street 

retailers. “At Chapter, we cater for 

the discerning shopper who is 

looking for that something different. 

We also provide a friendly, personal 

service to help shoppers find the 

perfect outfit” says Eileen. 

www.facebook.com/Chapterclothing/ 

West. Tamar Security has won 

sought after accreditation from 

the National Security Inspectorate 

as a Gold standard company, and 

has since gained accreditation in 

Quality Management Systems to 

ISO9001:2015. These standards 

recognise a consistently high level 

of customer care and service, and 

not only assure customers of quality 

fitting and equipment, but are 

recognised by all leading insurers. 

Although the company has grown 

substantially over the years, the 

quality of customer service remains 

paramount. 

Tamar Security’s service engineers, 

office staff and telephone response 

team are highly experienced and 

most have been with the company 

for many years, including Managing 

Director Martin Shearer, who 

started in 2001 as a trainee alarm 

technician. 

“We find customers really value 

continuity of service and that 

familiar friendly voice on the end 

of the phone; they also find seeing 

their regular engineer each time 

their service is due very reassuring” 

says Martin. 

www.tamarsecurity.co.uk 

Refurb at Quayside 

A series of extensive improvement 

and refurbishment works at Quayside 

Leisure Centre have taken place, 

marking a major financial investment 

in improving local leisure facilities. 

Led by the UK’s leading sports and 

leisure charity, Fusion Lifestyle, the 

improvements were designed to 

significantly modernise the centre, 

while also improving and enhancing 

the experience for its members. 

Improvements have been made across 

the centre, and just some of the exciting 

changes which have taken place include 

a complete refurbishment of the gym, 

which now includes the latest in new, 

industry leading fitness equipment– 

including new cross-trainers, free 

weights and treadmills. Members 

can also look forward to taking part 

in group exercise classes in the centre’s 

new spin studio, which includes stateof-the-art 

spin equipment, or in the 

newly refurbished fitness studio. One 

of the other biggest new additions is 

the creation of a new soft play room 

for young children. 

www.fusion-lifestyle.com/centres/ 

quayside-leisure-centre/ 

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9

www.laurenceassociates.co.uk 

Devon, Somerset & Dorset 

01579 340 900 

Cornwall 

01872 225 259 

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

Letterbox 

Burn Right campaign sweeping the country 

A local chimney sweep is backing a 

national campaign to help reduce 

pollution and keep homes safe. 

James Holbrook from Heritage 

Chimney Sweeping based near 

Axminster, has signed up to the 

Burn Right campaign. 

The Burn Right campaign was 

formulated by chimney sweeps 

and professionals in the solid fuel 

industry to educate people on how 

to use their wood burners and multifuel 

stoves correctly. If not properly 

operated, appliances can not only 

pollute the atmosphere, but also 

pose a risk to life and property. 

James Holbrook, of Heritage 

Chimney Sweeping, said: 

“The Burn Right campaign has come 

at a critical time, as the government 

is looking closely at emissions from 

domestic fires.” 

“The root of the problem is that wood 

is often not burned at a high enough 

temperature. If it’s not hot enough, 

then unburned fuel vapours travel 

up and out of the chimney causing 

unnecessary pollution. There is a 

real lack of awareness with some of 

these issues and many people who 

use a stove don’t even know there 

is a problem, let alone think that 

they might be a part of it.” 

The design of the stove and the 

moisture content of the wood are 

two factors that affect the burning 

temperature, if the air supply is 

closed off too much, the wood 

can’t burn hot enough. Closing 

the air off too much does not save 

fuel, it wastes fuel. The Burn Right 

campaign is being spearheaded by 

professional chimney sweeps across 

the country: “I’m pleased to be one of 

them. We have a unique perspective 

of the stove, the fuel, the chimney 

and the customers burning habits 

and can advise accordingly.” 

For further information visit 

heritagechimneysweeping.co.uk. 

or www.BurnRight.co.uk 

Shop Local Campaign 

DEVONSHIRE magazine is running 

the Shop Local campaign again this year. 

The campaign was originally launched 

in 2014 by Devonshire magazine to 

encourage people to support their local 

high street shops. This is an important 

message, now more than ever especially 

with Christmas on the way and online 

shopping set to yet again increase its 

share of the festive shopping market. 

Walking past empty shop windows is 

a reminder to us all that we need to 

ensure we support our local town high 

street. “Why should I worry about 

this” - you may ask, well if you’ve ever 

visited a town that has died, it feels 

like the light has literally gone out - 

a depressing sight that tells you the 

town is dead. If your business would 

like to have a poster or refresh your 

existing poster, please email letterbox@ 

devonshiremagazine.co.uk 

Independent Retailer of the Year winners 

When Living and Lifestyle Mobility 

won an Independent Retailer of the 

Year Award at Exmouth Business 

Awards at the end of May, the 

Competition - a meal for two 

If you’re a foodie, or even if you 

just enjoy spending quality time 

with your partner over a meal, don’t 

miss the competition in this issue of 

Devonshire magazine on page 50. 

The prize is a meal for two with 

a bottle of wine at the Sidmouth 

Harbour Hotel. If you haven’t 

visited, it’s true to say that the 

company’s owner Sarah Ford, put 

it down to her team’s hard work 

and compassion. 

‘Harbour’ is something of a dining 

destination. Superb views with chic, 

elegant dining space in their Upper 

Deck Restaurant, a truly great place 

to relax. It’s extremely simple to 

enter the competition, just go to: 

www.devonshiremagazine.co.uk/win 

The competition was fierce as 

70 local companies contended 

across 12 award categories for the 

prestigious accolades. Located on 

Exmouth’s Brixington Parade, Living 

and Lifestyle Mobility opened it’s 

doors in April 2015 - and has since 

gone from strength to strength. 

L&L’s showroom is unique within 

the industry. While many mobility 

shops look clinical, it has stepped 

away from this conventional model. 

L&L is accredited by Devon County 

Council to provide NHS prescription 

equipment to those who require 

extra care in the home. 

livingandlifestylemobility.co.uk 

Swing into Christmas 

at Exeter Racecourse 

Swing into Christmas at Exeter 

Racecourse, which will be hosting 

three of its renowned parties on 

December 8th, 14th and 15th. This 

year swing singer Neil Barclay’s 

fabulous songs will accompany the 

evening followed by a disco until 

midnight. Tickets for the parties cost 

£40 each and include arrival drinks, 

a three-course dinner, and a photo 

booth and the sensational music. 

Guests will also receive two free 

race tickets to enjoy a day at Exeter 

Racecourse in 2019 worth £34. 

Since 2013, Exeter’s Christmas parties 

have become a rich Devon tradition, 

with businesses, individuals and 

friends delving in year after year to 

enjoy the warm ambience, delicious 

food and fantastic entertainment. 

To book, call Michelle Thomas 

on 01392 832599 or visit 

www.Exeter-racecourse.co.uk 

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11

For customers who expect 

more from their estate agent. 

Each member of our specialist team of coast and countryside property agents is dedicated to 

providing more; from expert advice to exemplary service, from instruction through to completion. 

marchandpetit.co.uk 

SOUTH HAMS 

LEADING 

ESTATE AGENT 

DARTMOUTH 

01803 839190 

KINGSBRIDGE 

01548 857588 

MODBURY 

01548 831163 

NEWTON FERRERS 

01752 873311 

SALCOMBE 

01548 844473 

TOTNES 

01803 847979 

LETTINGS 

01548 855599 

LAND & NEW HOMES 

PROFESSIONAL & AUCTIONS 

PRIME WATERFRONT & COUNTRY HOUSE 

12 

01548 233100 

Countryside, History, 01548 Walks, 855596 the Arts, Events & all things Devon at: 01548 855590 

DEVONSHIRE magazine.co.uk

Nigel Jones reviews new releases from Devon based authors 

by David Gilman 

Xmas 

present 

idea 

DEVONSHIRE 

c o m m e n d e d 

by Tim Pears 

Xmas 

present 

idea 

DEVONSHIRE 


Another in the Masters of War Series from Devon author David Gilman. 

Thomas Blackstone is the central character as usual, who sees his 

name blackened, his son hunted and his men slaughtered in one 

rip-roaring, action packed 

historically based story. 

The 1300s were a time in 

English history when, having 

captured King John II of 

France, Edward III agrees 

a treaty that sees England 

gaining massive tracts of 

France. But France is torn 

apart with mercenary bands 

and uncooperative French 

lords, meaning that gaining 

control over the lands 

ceded is proving extremely 

difficult. 

If you haven’t read any of 

David’s Master of War series, 

I can heartily commend 

them, just great reading 

that keeps you engaged all 

the way through. 

This paperback costs £7.99 

It’s a much vaunted book - upon opening this copy some thirty three 

glowing quotes from all manner of media. This book is the final 

instalment of an epic West 

Country trilogy written by 

Tim Pears. 

There’s a fascinating level 

of detail in sections that’s 

staggering, although so 

neatly in context that the 

picture painted by your mind 

is rendered in technicolor. 

For instance, where Leo (the 

central character), having 

enlisted in the Royal Navy, 

is anchored up on-board in 

the Forth of Firth in 1916. 

Some of the detail of daily 

life on-board is engrossing. 

Written beautifully, reading 

is effortless and has 

much evocation threaded 

throughout. 

Superb, you will not be disappointed! 

Hardback RRP £16.99 

ISBN 9781784974527 ISBN 9781526607942 

by David Will 

Xmas 

present 

idea 

DEVONSHIRE 


magazine 

Xmas 

present 

idea 

DEVONSHIRE 


A book from another Devon based author, David Will. Gemmano 

is the story of an Italian family during the latter stages of WW2. 

When Mussolini is deposed and the Italians abandon Germany, 

they become subject to the Nazis’ 

rough treatment. British Allies are 

hotly pursuing the Nazis through 

mountainous terrain, through the 

village of Gemmano where the story 

is based in Northern Italy. 

The central character is a Tony 

Mazzanti, considered slightly ‘odd’ 

by the villagers, he appears to have 

a special healing gift which he’s 

kept hidden, but at eighteen years 

of age they begin to emerge. 

The book was inspired by David’s 

conversations with witnesses 

of battle during his visits to the 

village, and their horror at being 

caught helpless between two 

foreign powers. 

A good read! 

If you’re looking to buy a present for someone that can be enjoyed 

across the whole year, Devonshire magazine makes a lovely and 

thoughtful present. 

Six high quality issues are published 

across the year, with an 

emphasis on countryside, wildlife, 

history, travel and event information. 

The magazine carries 

approximately 20 pages of What’s 

On information per issue, sourced 

from HUBCAST making it invaluable 

for the reader, ensuring 

none of the great events in Devon 

are missed. 

Devonshire magazine is widely 

recognised in the county for the 

interesting, eclectic, rich content 

contained within, particularly 

with respect to high fidelity photography 

of countryside. 

Subscription is £32 for the whole 

year, ensuring Devonshire will be 

delivered directly to the address of your choosing. 

Cost £9.99 from ThunderPoint Publishing 

ISBN 9781910946428 

To order, phone 01395 513383 

ISBN 9780956950864 

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13

Th e C O U N T R Y M A N 

Short eared owl 

CHRIS TAYLOR 

The COUNTRYMAN 

Chris lives with his wife, Brianne, 

in north Devon at the confluence 

of the Mole and Bray Rivers. 

Raised on a farm, with a degree in 

Agricultural Zoology, Chris moved 

into Farm Management and more 

recently into Estate Management 

and Consultancy. Over the past 

50 years his passions cover all 

aspects of the countryside, wildlife, 

conservation,agriculture and 

country pursuits. 

Photos copyright C. Taylor 

Our changing seasons 

Blackberry 

Chicory 

Cornflower 

What do the months of 

November and December 

hold in store this year? Summer 

seemed to continue well into 

October and the normal September 

storms waited until mid-October 

to descend on us. Whilst writing in 

mid-October, with the temperature 

at 17 degrees C at 9.00 AM, 

storm Callum is overhead. Could 

it possibly be snowing hard in 

some 6 weeks time, as back in 

2010? Our weather doesn’t seem 

to hold the seasonal patterns I 

recall over my lifetime. I only 

wish. As a great farming friend 

once told me when I entered farm 

management, keep a detailed 

diary of all the dates of harvest, 

sowing, fertilizer applications and 

weather and ground conditions 

etc., etc. I did, but frustratingly, 

I never wrote down with any 

regularity what the wildlife was 

up to. The distinctive call of the 

arrival of the Brent geese was 

always around 17th October when 

farming down in Sussex. This was 

like clockwork and was recorded 

and eagerly awaited, heralding 

in autumn. 

before their long migration 

south. Thumbing through my 

more recent diaries, I notice 

that from mid-October I have 

we will not see them until we get 

into November, especially if our 

more northern regions have as 

many rowan and hawthorn berries 

You can see that Christmas approaches! 

Ragged The harvest Robin 

I always record the first swallows 

to arrive and the last to leave. 

Unusually, I saw none in October 

this year. The odd few would 

normally be around to now 

normally seen the first few 

migrants from Scandinavia, 

members of the thrush 

family: redwings and fieldfares 

but none yet. I think it fair to say 

as we have this year. There is much 

folk lore about such bountiful 

quantities of wild fruit and how 

we are in for a hard winter. If 

there is an element of truth to 

14 

14

Ponies on Exmoor 

You guessed it, the drought - ground parched 

this, we must be in for plenty of 

bad weather. Not only are the 

hedgerow trees laden with fruit, so 

too are the apple orchards and this 

year it seems difficult to give away 

any of the multitude of apples that 

did colour the sagging branches of 

nearly all the trees. This has been 

Well camouflaged on the rocks - seals 

Salmon leaping weir on Mole, which has now been removed 

a great, even the best for crop for 

many years. Storm Callum left few 

remaining on the trees and I look 

forward to see what wildlife will 

benefit from all that is not stored, 

used for juicing or given away. 

So far, the neighbours bullocks 

have got in on several occasions 

and there is evidence of a few roe 

and red deer, badgers as well, all 

dinning to their hearts content on 

many different varieties. This I am 

happy to put up with, that’s until 

they start to eat the apple trees or 

as has happen before, the red stags 

used the few unprotected trees to 

rub their antlers on. Is this a form 

of aggression in the rut or are they 

just marking their territory? I am 

not sure, but this often removes 

most (if not all!) the bark and thus 

the trees die. Having grafted and 

continued page 60 

Countryman's Diary 

November and December 

1. Put any old apples or peelings out for 

the birds when the cold sets in along 

with those seeds. 

2. As the red deer rut seems late this year, 

you may still hear the stags well into 

November. 

3. Sea fishermen are now allowed to keep 

a Bass a day until the end of the year, 

make sure they are big enough! 

4. Try to get down to the estuaries to see 

the over wintering waders. These can 

be many thousand strong on the Taw 

and Torridge estuary children will be 

captivated! Please Keep your dogs under 

close control. 

5. Our grey seals give birth in late autumn/ 

early winter, so there is always the 

chance of seeing the white pups at this 

time of year on a isolated coastal walk. 

Lugging the fodder 

15 

15

TAR BARRELS at OTTERY ST MARY 

CHRISTMAS EVENTS FROM PAGE 23 

TEIGNMOUTH JAZZ FESTIVAL 

hubcast 

Event broadcasting: 

EVENT CALENDAR 

NOVEMBER and DECEMBER 2018 

the easy way to 

find interesting 

local events 

across Devon.. 

Just go to: 

hubcast.co.uk/ 

eastdevon 

middevon 

southdevon 

dartmoor 

northdevon 

westdevon 

exeter 

sidmouth 

reconnect 

You can even search 

down to village level 

Are you using 

HUBCAST 

for promoting 

your events? 

Auctions 

SALE OF ANTIQUES & 

INTERIOR FURNISHINGS 

06 Nov - A regular auction 

of furniture, pictures and 

interior effects, Eldreds 

Auctioneers & Valuers, 1 

Belliver Way, Plymouth, 

10.30am to 1.00pm. 

ANTIQUES & INTERIORS 

AUCTION - EXETER 

06 Nov - Antiques & 

Interiors, Bearnes Hampton 

and Littlewood, St. 

Edmund’s Court, Exeter, 

10.00am. 

SPORTING & 

COLLECTORS’ 


14 to 15 Nov - Bearnes 

Hampton and Littlewood, 

St. Edmund’s Court, Exeter, 

10.00am. 

SALE OF ANTIQUES & ART, 

WINES & SPIRITS 

20 Nov - Quarterly auction 

of quality antiques with 

wines & spirits and 20thC 

design, Eldreds Auctioneers 

& Valuers, 1 Belliver Way, 

Plymouth, 10.30am to 

4.00pm. 



27 Nov - Antiques & 

Interiors, Bearnes Hampton 

and Littlewood, St. Edmund’s 

Court, Exeter, 10.00am. 

20TH CENTURY & 

CONTEMPORARY 


04 Dec - Bearnes Hampton 

and Littlewood, St. Edmund’s 

Court, Exeter, 10.00am. 

SALE OF SILVER, GOLD, 

JEWELLERY & WATCHES 

04 Dec - Christmas auction 

of jewellery, watches, 

silver, gold & objects de 

vertu, Eldreds Auctioneers 

& Valuers, 1 Belliver Way, 

Plymouth, 10.30am to 

4.00pm. 



11 Dec - Antiques & Interiors 

including Jewellery, Bearnes 

Hampton and Littlewood, 

St. Edmund’s Court, 

Exeter, 10.00am. 

Looking 

for festive 

events, 

Christmas 

light switch 

ons and 

more? 

See page 23 

SALE OF ANTIQUES & 

INTERIOR FURNISHINGS 

18 Dec - A regular auction 

of furniture, pictures and 

interior effects, Eldreds 

Auctioneers & Valuers, 1 

Belliver Way, Plymouth, 

10.30am to 1.00pm. 

Ballet 

ROYAL BALLET LIVE: LA 

BAYADERE (12A) 

15 Nov - Natalia Makarova’s 

production of this 19thcentury 

classic ballet, The 

Beehive, Dowell Street, 

Honiton, 7.00pm to 10.15pm. 

Children & 

Family 

HALLOWEEN 

THE ROGUES GALLERY 

HALLOWEEN SHOW 

03 Nov - Rogues Gallery 

& Revmarc presents ‘The 

Rogues Gallery Halloween 

Show’, The Rogues Gallery, 

Brixham Theatre, Brixham, 

7.30pm to 10.30pm. 

BONFIRE NIGHT 

GRAND FIREWORKS 

DISPLAY 

03 Nov - Grand Fireworks 

Display in Tavistock 

Meadows organised by the 

The Lions Club of Tavistock, 

Tavistock Meadows, 

Tavistock, 7.00pm to 7.30pm. 

FIREWORKS IN FORDE 

03 Nov - Set against the 

historic backdrop of Forde 

Abbey, watch a spectacular 

firework, Forde Abbey & 

Gardens, Historic House & 

Gardens, Chard, 5.30pm to 

9.00pm. 


CHILDREN'S EVENTS 

BOOKWORMS MAKE 

BOOKS 

17 Nov - Join children's 

Author/Illustrator Clare 

Elsom, Exeter Literary 

Festival, Devon & Exeter 

Institution, Exeter, 10.30am 

to 12.30am. 

ACCORDING TO ARTHUR 

18 Nov - Join PaddleBoat 

Theatre Company in an 

interactive book reading, 

Exeter Literary Festival, 

Barnfield Theatre, Exeter, 

10.00am to 11.00am. 

LIGHT UP TUNNEL CARD 

WORKSHOP 

08 Dec - Create a unique 3D 

Tunnel Christmas Card which 

will also LIGHT UP! Thelma 

Hulbert Gallery, Elmfield 

Clock and 

Watch Repair 

Expert and professional 

repairs to all types of 

clocks and watches. 

A wide range of watches 

and clocks also available 

for sale. 

D. J. Offord 

01626 364766 

House, Honiton, 11.00am to 

3.00pm. 

Choirs 

OPEN ACCESS FOLK 

CHOIR 

07 Nov - Open access Folk 

Choir - no auditions, Wren 

Music, Stowford Community 

Hall, Sidmouth, 7.30pm to 

9.30pm. 

LEST WE FORGET - 

ARMISTICE CENTENARY 

CONCERT 

10 Nov - Choral concert to 

remember the Armistice and 

those who fell in the Great 

War, South West Chamber 

Choir, St Andrews Minster, 

Plymouth, 7.00pm to 9.00pm. 

CONTINUED OVERLEAF... 

5 Union Street Newton Abbot

What's On: Nov and Entries Dec 18 are currently 

invited for our next 

Fine Art Auction on 

29th & 30th January 2019 

St. Edmund’s Court, Okehampton Street, Exeter. EX4 1DU 

T: 01392 413100 W: www.bhandl.co.uk E: enquiries@bhandl.co.uk 

hubcast 

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17

Remember, remember! 

Remember, remember! 

The fifth of November, 

The Gunpowder treason and plot; 

I know of no reason 

Why the Gunpowder treason 

Should ever be forgot! 

Guy Fawkes and his companions 

Did the scheme contrive, 

To blow the King and Parliament 

All up alive. 

Threescore barrels, laid below, 

To prove old England's overthrow. 

But, by God's providence, him they catch, 

With a dark lantern, lighting a match! 

A stick and a stake 

For King James's sake! 

If you won't give me one, 

I'll take two, 

The better for me, 

And the worse for you. 

A rope, a rope, to hang the Pope, 

A penn'orth of cheese to choke him, 

A pint of beer to wash it down, 

And a jolly good fire to burn him. 

Holloa, boys! holloa, boys! make the bells ring! 

Holloa, boys! holloa boys! God save the King! 

Hip, hip, hooor-r-r-ray! 

Interiors Garden Renewables Self Build 

SAVE THE DATE 

SAT 6 & SUN 7 APRIL 

WESTPOINT EXETER 

MEDIA PARTNERS 

MAGAZINE 

DEVONSHIRE 

An excellent read! 

✔ Free Entry with Online 

Registration * 

*Online Registrations open January 2019, 

or £4 per person, under 16’s free 

✔ Indoor Event 

✔ Free Parking 

✔ Free Seminars 

✔ Meet the Expert 

✔ Café Facilities 

✔ Special Offers 

f 

southwesthomeshow.co.uk 

l 

18 

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

What's On: Nov and Dec 18 

CALM AFTER CHAOS 

01 Dec - Haydn Nelson 

Mass, Williams Tsunami 

Requiem & Lauridsen O 

Magnum Mysterium, South 

Devon Choir, Central Church, 

Torquay, 7.30pm to 9.45pm. 

SIDMOUTH MUSIC - TRIO 

MARTINU 

17 Nov - Trio Martinu (piano 

trio). Music by Martinu, 

Mendelssohn, Dvorak, 

Sidmouth Music, Sidmouth 

Parish Church, Sidmouth, 

3.00pm to 5.30pm. 

PHILIPPA MO: PARTITA, 

FANTASIA, CAPRICE 

24 Nov - Philippa Mo 

Internationally acclaimed 

British violinist plays solo, 

Sladers Yard, West Bay 

Road, West Bay, 6.30pm to 

10.30pm. 

Tel. (01395) 

515551 

Sidmouth 

www.kennawayhouse.org.uk 

Classical 

Music 

ORCHESTRAL CONCERT 

WITH PAL BANDA - 

CELLO 

10 Nov - The Isca Ensemble 

welcomes the renowned 

Hungarian cellist, PAL 

BANDA, ISCA Ensemble, 

Sidmouth Parish Church, 

Sidmouth, 7.30pm to 9.45pm. 

EXETER PHILHARMONIC 

CHOIR CONCERT 

10 Nov - Bruckner Mass in 

E minor and Rutter Requiem 

with instrumentalists and 

soloist, Exeter Philharmonic 

Choir, Exeter Cathedral, 

Exeter, 7.30pm to 9.30pm. 

THE LISNEY BRIGGS DUO 

(PIANO - FOUR HANDS) 

16 Nov - An exciting 

programme of music for 

Piano - Four Hands, NADSA 

Concerts, Courtenay Centre, 

Newton Abbot, 6.30pm to 

9.45pm. 

All the event 

listings in this 

magazine are 

supplied by: 

hub cast.co.uk 

Totally free 

to use - we 

also supply 

event listings 

to magazines 

across Devon 

EXETER SYMPHONY 

ORCHESTRA - WINTER 

CONCERT 

24 Nov - Britten, Vaughan 

Williams & Elgar, Exeter 

Symphony Orchestra, 

Southernhay United 

Reformed church, Exeter, 

7.30pm to 9.40pm. 

THE DREAM OF 

GERONTIUS - ELGAR 

25 Nov - With the 

Plymouth Philharmonic 

Choir, Plymouth Symphony 

Orchestra, Plymouth 

Guildhall, Plymouth, 7.30pm. 

STEVEN DEVINE & KATE 

SEMMENS: TUNEFUL 

VOICE 

30 Nov - Music for 

fortepiano and voice from 

Haydn and Mozart, Totnes 

Early Music Society, United 

Free Church, Totnes, 7.30pm 

to 9.30pm. 

SIDMOUTH MUSIC: EMILY 

SUN, JENNIFER HUGHES 

01 Dec - Emily Sun 

(violin), Jennifer Hughes 

(piano):Schubert, Grieg, 

Faure,Tchaikovsky, Sidmouth 

Music, Sidmouth Parish 

Church, Sidmouth, 3.00pm 

to 5.30pm. 

MUSIC IN THE CASTLE - 

MESSIAH 

14 Dec - With Powderham 

Consort & Divertimento, 

Music in the Castle, James 

Wyatt Music Room, Exeter, 

7.30pm to 10.00pm. 

MEET THE AUTHOR - SIR DAVID 

HEMPLEMAN-ADAMS 

08 Nov - Britain’s greatest adventurer. 

Tickets £13, doors 7pm for 7.30pm. 

FARMERS’ MARKET 

10 Nov - Local artisans selling their 

beautiful handmade products in our 

Cellar Bar, 9am-1pm. 

Comedy 

COMEDY: JAMES 

ALDERSON 

29 Nov - "James lights up 

the room like a pyromaniac 

in a fireworks shop!" Russell 

Kane, The Beehive, Dowell 

Street, Honiton, 8.00pm to 

10.00pm. 

WILLOW WREATH WORKSHOP 

23 Nov - All materials provided. Leave 

with a beautiful Willow Wreath for 

yourself or as a gift, 10am-1pm. Book: 

01395 519746. 

CHRISTMAS FAIR 

07 Dec to 09 Dec - Including Late Night 

Shopping. Lots of stall selling locally 

made crafts, food and art. Drinks and 

light snacks available, 10am-5pm. 

CALL 01395 515551 FOR MORE INFORMATION AND EVENTS 

Community 

REMEMBRANCE 

CONCERT 

07 Nov - British Legion's 

annual remembrance concert 

with Brixham Town Band, 

St Mary's Church, Brixham, 

7.00pm to 9.30pm. 

REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY 

SERVICE 

11 Nov - Procession through 

the town centre and service 

held at the War Memorial, 

Newton Abbot Town Council, 

Newton Abbot, 10.00am to 

11.30am. 

ANNUAL ARMISTICE 

PARADE AND SERVICE 

11 Nov - Brixham Town Band, 

Brixham cenitaph, Brixham, 

11.00am to 12.00am. 

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Living & Lifestyle 

MOBILITY 

01395 260075 

sales@livingandlifestylemobility.co.uk 

Brixington Parade, Churchill Road, Exmouth, EX8 4JS 

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19

What's On: Nov and Dec 18 

Fairs 

MICHAEL HALE 

COLLECTORS FAIRS. 

03 Nov - Michael Hale 

Fairs, America Hall, Exeter, 

10.00am to 4.00pm. 

TRAVELWORLD CRUISE & 

HOLIDAY SHOW 

04 Nov - Exciting Cruise & 

Holiday Show, Travelworld, 

Woodbury Park, Exeter, 

10.00am to 3.00pm. 

THE BEEHIVE CRAFT 

FAIR 

10 Nov - Something for 

everyone at the Craft Fair 

taking place at The Beehive, 

Dowell Street, Honiton, 

10.00am to 3.00pm. 

PSYCHIC AND 

WELLBEING FAIR IN 

TORQUAY 

17 Nov - Mind, Body, 

Spirit - Therapies, Readings 

and Gifts fair. Free entry & 

parking, Discovery, Belgrave 

Beefeater, Torquay, 1.00pm 

to 6.00pm. 

ANIMAL AID'S 

CHRISTMAS FAYRE - 

SOUTH WEST 

24 Nov - An amazing array 

of animal friendly products, 

food gifts & information, 

Animal Aid, Exeter Corn 

Exchange, Exeter, 10.00am 

to 4.30pm. 

ANTIQUES FAIR 

24 Nov - Antiques and 

Collectables Fair, Newton 

Abbot Racecourse, Newton 

Road, Newton Abbot, 9.00am 

to 2.30pm. 

FESTIVE & LOVELY FAIR 

25 Nov - A chance to pick up 

unique Christmas gifts, Miss 

Ivy Events, Two Bridges 

Hotel, Princetown, 10.30am 

to 3.30pm. 

MIND BODY SPIRIT FAIR 

25 Nov - Mind Body Spirit 

Fair Everyone Welcome! 

East Devon Mind Body 

Spirit Network, Budleigh 

Salterton Public Hall, 

Budleigh Salterton, 10.30am 

to 4.30pm. 

ASHBURTON MAKERS' 

MARKET 

01 Dec - Affordable quality 

crafts and gifts brought 

direct to you from local 

makers, Ashburton Makers 

Market, St Andrews Church 

Hall, Ashburton, 10.00am 

to 4.30pm. 

SEE MORE EVENTS 

FOR YOUR LOCAL 

AREA ON 

HUBCAST.CO.UK 

Theatre 

MUSICALS 

TREASURE ISLAND12 

29 Dec to 05 Jan - Annual 

family pantomime fun, 

Sidmouth Amateur Dramatic 

Society, Manor Pavilion 

Theatre, Sidmouth, 6.30pm 

to 10.00pm. 

PLAYS 

PRIVATE PEACEFUL 

10 Nov to 11 Nov - The 

Exmouth Players present 

"Private Peaceful", Exmouth 

Players, 10 Bicton Street, 

Exmouth, 2.30pm to 10.00pm. 

CROSSINGS - NEW PLAY 

BY DEIDRE KINAHEN 

22 Nov - Marking the end of 

WW1, entertaining Pentabus/ 

New Directions show with 

music, Villages in Action 

Lustleigh, Lustleigh Village 

Hall, Lustleigh, 7.30pm to 

9.45pm. 

SHERLOCK HOLMES - 

HOUND OF THE 

BASKERVILLES 

03 Dec to 08 Dec - Salterton 

Drama club presents 

Sherlock Holmes’ most 

spine-chilling mystery, 

Salterton Drama Club, 

Salterton Playhouse, 

Budleigh Salterton, 7.30pm 

to 10.00pm. 

QUAYSIDE 

LEISURE CENTRE 

NOW FULLY OPEN AFTER 

MAJOR REDEVELOPMENT! 

• NEW GYM with latest 

industry leading equipment 

• NEW SOFT PLAY AREA 

great fun for the children 

• NEW INDOOR CYCLING 

STUDIO 

• NEW RECEPTION AREA 

• NEW CAFÉ 

• REFURBISHED SPORTS HALL 

Quayside Leisure Centre 

Ropewalk, Kingsbridge, TQ7 1HH 

01548 857100 

• REFURBISHED STUDIO 

• POOL VIEWING GALLERY 

RE-OPENED 

PLUS: 

• 2 GREAT POOLS 

• SWIMS SCHOOL 

• SQUASH 

• BOWLS 

• BADMINTON 

Powered by Fusion Lifestyle, a registered charity committed to promoting the benefits of healthy lifestyles. 

NEW 

Soft Play 

area 


20 CONTINUED OVERLEAF...

Devonshire Christmas 

It's great to Shop Local! 

hubcast 

.co.u k 

Find out what’s on in Devon 

21

Greenfingers 

GARDEN CENTRE 


 

 

 

Just £6.99 per child 

Including a balloon, badge & gift with entry 

10am ‘til 3pm 

Every weekend from 17 th Nov ‘til 16 th Dec 

PLUS Thursday 20 th to Sunday 23 rd Dec 

Quizzes with prizes for adults & children too! 

Face Painting on the first two weekends! 

If you require special assistance please call in advance to let us know you’re visiting 

Pottery Road, Bovey Tracey, TQ13 9DS 

01626 835285 • www.houseofmarbles.com 

BAUBLES AND BUBBLES 

CHRISTMAS PREVIEW 

01 Nov - Its the official 

preview of Juul at Home's 

Christmas and Festivity 

Collection. B, Juul at Home, 

37 Fore Street, Ilfracombe, 

4.00pm to 10.00pm. 


07 Nov - Our popular annual 

Christmas Fair in aid of Devon 

Air Ambulance, Lewtrenchard 

Manor, Lewdown, 10.00am to 

3.00pm. 

MICHAELMAS FAIR 

08 Nov - A chance to do some 

early Christmas shopping with 

many unusual stalls and gifts, 

ABF The Soldiers' Charity, 

Powderham Castle, Kenton, 

Exeter. 

PRESENT MAKERS 2018 

10 Nov to 22 Dec - A 

celebration of excellence 

in South West making from 

across South West, Thelma 



5.00pm. 

ADVENT FAIR & CRAFT 

MARKET 

17 Nov - A magical day for all 

the family at the South Devon 

Steiner School, Hood Manor, 

Dartington, 10.00am to 4.00pm. 

CHOOSE A TREE WEEKENDS 

17 Nov to 24 Nov - Handpick 

your very own Christmas Tree! 

Cotley Farm, Cotley Farm, 

Whimple, 10.00am to 3.00pm. 

CHRISTMAS SWAGS, 

GARLANDS & TABLE 

DECORATION 

20 Nov - Social Evening & Talk 

on ‘Christmas swags, garlands 

and table decorations’, 

Otterton Garden Club, Otterton 

Village Hall, Otterton, 7.30pm 

to 9.30pm. 

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING 

FAYRE 

23 Nov to 25 Nov - Do ALL 

your Christmas shopping under 

one HUGE roof! Hale Events, 

Westpoint, Exeter. 

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS 

SWITCH ON 

24 Nov - Annual Newton Abbot 

Light Switch On, Newton 

Abbot Town Council, Newton 

Abbot, 5.00pm to 7.00pm. 

SIDMOUTH LIONS LADIES/ 

FLAPPERS FESTIVE FAYRE 

24 Nov - The stalls feature 

Gifts, Cakes, Preserves, Toys, 

Books, Jigsaws, Bric-a-brac, 

Sidmouth Lions Club, Flappers 

Festive Fayre, Sidmouth, 

10.00am to 12.05am. 

SIDMOUTH LIONS LADIES/ 

FLAPPERS FESTIVE FAYRE 

24 Nov - The stalls feature 

Gifts, Cakes, Preserves, Toys, 

Books, Jigsaws, Bric-a-brac, 

Sidmouth Lions Club, Flappers 

Festive Fayre, Sidmouth, 

10.00am to 12.05am. 

CONTINUED... 

22 


Glow 

15 November - 5 January 

Thursday - Saturday until 8.00pm 

New route and extended to the Lake for the first time. 

Delicious two course Simple Suppers 

(booking highly recommended). 

Great Torrington, Devon EX38 8PH Tel 01805 626810 

For tickets, offers and Simple Supper table reservations 

rhs.org.uk/rosemoor 

RHS Reg Charity Find No. out what’s 222879 on in / Devon SC038262 

hubcast 

.co.u k 

23

Sponsored by 


LANTERN MAKING 

WORKSHOP 

24 Nov - Design and create 

your own lantern, Thelma 



3.00pm. 

ADVENT FAIR IN AID OF 

CHILDREN’S HOSPICE SW 

24 Nov - The Old Market, 

Dartmouth, 10.00am to 3.00pm. 

CHRISTMAS BAZAAR 

26 Nov - A variety of items 

made by our members, 

Sidmouth Patchers and 

Quilters, Masonic Hall, 

Sidmouth, 10.30am to 1.00pm. 

MON 3 DEC 2018 - SUN 6 JAN 2019 

Box Office: 01392 72 63 63 

www.exeternorthcott.co.uk 

FESTIVE TEA DANCE 

25 Nov - An afternoon 

in our Ballroom with live 

entertainment and festive 

treats, The Duke of Cornwall 

Hotel, Plymouth, 12.30am to 

2.30pm. 

CONTINUED... 

Registered Charity No. 1151620 

Gold, Frankincense and Mare 

Fayre 

Join us for our 

festive 

Christmas fayre 

with crafts, stalls 

and Santa 

The fun starts at 10am, December 9th 

at our Coombe Park Visitor Centre 

For more details visit 

www.mareandfoal.org or join us on 

Facebook 

at www.facebook.com/mareandfoal/ 

24 


Ho!Ho!Ho! - We’ve got another great show! 

DO ALL YOUR CHRISTMAS 

SHOPPING UNDER ONE HUGE ROOF. 

⋆ You’ll enjoy browsing around 300 stalls displaying 

1000s of new lines and amazing seasonal offers! 

⋆ Meet dozens of talented local craftspeople 

⋆ A diverse mix of importers, manufacturers and 

wholesalers with exciting new ranges 

⋆ Fabulous fashions, accessories and jewellery 

⋆ Try before you buy! Superb food & drink area 

with scrummy puddings, confectionery, liqueurs ... 

⋆ Gadgets, hobbies, sports, toys and household goods 

⋆ Entertainment ⋆ Ongoing daily demonstrations! 

23 years of putting the fun back into Christmas shopping! 

WESTPOINT, EXETER 

DEVON COUNTY SHOWGROUND EX5 1DJ - 1 mile from Junction 30 

FRIDAY 23 - SUNDAY 25 NOVEMBER 

OPEN FRI & SAT 9am-5pm / SUN 9am-4pm 

Admission £4.00, Seniors £3.00, 16 & under FREE 

www.christmasshoppingfayre.com 

CSF-Devonshire Magazine-printad-260x182mm.indd 1 09/10/2018 10:37 


25 

hubcast 

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TREES OF LIGHT SWITCH 

ON 

30 Nov - The switching on 

of the Trees of Light on the 

front of Tavistock Town Hall, 

The Lions Club of Tavistock, 

Tavistock Town Hall, Tavistock, 

7.00pm to 7.30pm. 

DROP IN FAMILY 

WORKSHOP 

01 Dec - Family workshop 

making fabric tinsel 

enjoy a glass of mulled wine/ 

minced pie, Thelma Hulbert 

Gallery, Elmfield House, 

Honiton, 11.00am to 3.00pm. 

AN ENGLISH CHRISTMAS 

01 Dec - Concert of 20thcentury 

English music by 

Vaughan Williams, Elgar and 

Britten, Exeter Bach Society, 

Sidwell Street Methodist 

Church, Exeter, 7.30pm to 

10.00pm. 

CONTINUED... 

SWING INTO 

CHRISTMAS 

8th, 14th, 15th DECEMBER 

ARRIVAL DRINKS 

3 COURSE DINNER 

ENTERTAINMENT BY SWING SINGER NEIL BARCLAY 

DISCO UNTIL MIDNIGHT 

PHOTO BOOTH 

£40 PER PERSON 

DRESS CODE – SWING OR CHRISTMAS GLAMOUR 

EXETER-RACECOURSE.CO.UK | CALL THE TEAM ON 01392 832599 TO BOOK 

26 

28307 Exeter Christmas Party Devonshire Magazine Advert 182x127.indd 1 10/10/2018 17:23 


Come 

and explore 

our exciting new 

shopping area. 

Open Now! 

A magical 

starts at 

Bernaville 

Nurseries 

( 

W 

hether you’re looking for the finest plants, furniture, fresh foods, 

clothing or ideas for your home and garden, you’ll find them along 

with inspirational gift ideas and festive accessories at Bernaville. Come 

and explore our nursery and welcome the festive season in with style! 

Call 01392 851326 • www.bernaville.co.uk 

hubcast 

FIND US ON THE A377 JUST OUTSIDE EXETER 

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Bernaville 

Nurseries 

FAMILY RUN SINCE 1957 

27

For more information please call us on 01297 442010 

For more information please call us on 01297 442010 

 

Devonshire 

There’s lots going on this 

Festive Season... 

There’s • Festive lots going lunch on this / afternoon Festive Season… tea 

 

• Wreath making workshops 

• Festive Lunch film / Afternoon and supper Tea 

Wreath nightsMaking Workshops 

• Festive Christmas Film & Eve Supper 

carols nights and readings 

Christmas in our 18th Eve Carols century & 

chapel readings in our 18th 

Century Chapel 

 

 

 

 

Thinking of having a 

? 

We Thinking have of a private having a dining Christmas rooms Party? 

and We have will private arrange dining rooms everything and will arrange for 

you, please call to discuss the 

everything for you, please call to 

many options on offer. 

discuss the many options on offer. 

_______________________ 

Our 

 

 

Our Christmas Day Lunch 

www.hotelalexandra.co.uk/occasions/christmas 

www.hotelalexandra.co.uk/occasions/christmas 

01297 442010 

is the best way 

to enjoy is the best a way stress to enjoy free a 

Christmas! stress free Christmas! 

.co.uk 

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* Discount Off rrp - Cannot be used in conjuntion with any other deal or offer. Does not apply kayaks or electronics 

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

CHRISTMAS SPECIAL 

01 Dec to 02 Dec - Visit 

Santa's grotto on the Mine 

train. Christmas story 

and crafts, PRE-BOOK! 

Morwellham Quay, Address, 

Tavistock, 10.00am to 4.00pm. 

A MAGICAL CHRISTMAS 

FESTIVAL 

01 Dec to 02 Dec - A magical 

weekend to get you in the 

Festive spirit! Miss Ivy Events, 

Kitley House Hotel, Yealmpton, 

10.00am to 4.00pm. 

POP-UP VINTAGE 

01 Dec to 27 Dec - Recycled 

and up-cycled vintage goods 

for that special Christmas gift, 

Town Mill Arts, The Courtyard 

Gallery, Lyme Regis, 10.00am 

to 4.00pm. 

HARBERTONFORD’S 

CHRISTMAS CRAFT AND 

ART FAIR 

02 Dec - Harbertonford’s wellloved 

Christmas Craft and Art 

Fair, The Village Hall, Totnes, 

10.30am to 4.30pm. 

TREE OF LIGHT SERVICE 

02 Dec - Sidmouth 

Hospiscare and Sidmouth 

Parish Church Tree of Light 

Service, Sidmouth Hospiscare, 

Sidmouth Parish Church, 

Sidmouth, 6.00pm to 7.30pm. 

CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL 

05 Dec to 09 Dec - Sponsors 

sought for our Christmas Tree 

Festival this year £25 per tree, 

St Andrew’s Church, 1 Carlton 

Court, Newton Abbot, 2.00pm 

to 7.30pm. 

DEVON VOICES (LAST) 

CHRISTMAS CONCERT 

07 Dec - Come along to a 

wonderful Christmas concert 

performed by Devon Voices, 

Friends of All Saints Church, 

All Saints Church, East 

Budleigh, 7.30pm to 9.30pm. 


07 Dec to 09 Dec - Christmas 

Fair in our Cellar Bar, 

Kennaway House, Coburg Road, 


SIDMOUTH LATE NIGHT 

SHOPPING 

07 Dec - Christmas Late 

Night Shopping Event, a key 

date in their festive calendar! 

Sidmouth Chamber of 

Commerce, Sidmouth Town 

Centre, Sidmouth, 5.00pm to 

8.00pm. 

NEWTON ABBOT 

CHRISTMAS FAYRE 

08 Dec - Fabulous Family Day 

out - lots of lovely Christmas 

Gift & Craft Stalls, Newton 

Abbot Racecourse, Newton 

Road, Newton Abbot, 10.00am 

to 4.00pm. 

28 


Christmas 

nothing says merry christmas more than handmade 

give something different this christmas 

we have a wide selection of gifts & jewellery 

handmade by uk makers 

SHALDON SINGERS 

CHRISMAS CONCERT 

08 Dec - Works by Haydn, 

Parry and Goodall, and 

carols for choir and audience, 

Shaldon Singers, St Peter’s 

Church, Shaldon, 7.00pm to 

9.30pm. 


08 Dec to 09 Dec - Visit 






CHRISTMAS COFFEE 

MORNING AT THE 

BLACKMORE 

08 Dec - Christmas Coffee 

Morning at The Blackmore 

Theatre, Exmouth Players, 

10 Bicton Street, Exmouth, 

10.00am to 12.00am. 

MUSIC FOR ADVENT 

08 Dec - Music for Advent, 

West Devon Chorale, Plymouth 

R C Cathedral, Plymouth, 

7.30pm to 9.30pm. 


09 Dec - Featuring Handel's 

Messiah choruses including 

the Hallelujah Chorus, Seaton 

Choral Society, Seaton Gateway, 

The Town Hall, Seaton, 4.00pm 

to 5.30pm. 

FESTIVE & LOVELY SHOW 

09 Dec - A chance to pick up 


Ivy Events, The Imperial Hotel, 

Torquay, 10.30am to 3.00pm. 

CHRISTMAS WREATH 

WORKSHOP 

11 Dec - Make a Christmas 

wreath from natural materials 

to adorn your front door! 

Thelma Hulbert Gallery, 

Elmfield House, Honiton, 

2.00pm to 4.00pm. 

CAROLS IN THE CATHEDRAL 

11 Dec to 12 Dec - Exeter 

Philharmonic Choir with 

Chaconne Brass and Milly 

Forrest - soprano, Exeter 

Philharmonic Choir, Exeter 

Cathedra, Exeter, 7.30pm to 

9.30pm. 

LANTERN PARADE & 

CHRISTMAS STREET FAYRE 

12 Dec - Annual lantern parade, 



8.30pm. 

CHRISTMAS SOCIAL 

13 Dec - Christmas social, 

Newton Poppleford Garden 

Club, N P Pavilion, Newton 

Poppleford, 2.30pm to 4.30pm. 

baxtersgallery.co.uk 

12 foss st, dartmouth tq6 9dr 01803 839000 info@baxtersgallery.co.uk 

MAGAZINE DISTRIBUTORS 

WANTED 

We're looking for reliable people with 

a car to deliver our magazine. 

Main areas of 

interest include the East Devon area. 

If you're interested, please call us 

on 01395 513383 or email 

letterbox@devonshiremagazine.co.uk 

CONTINUED... 

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29

Avon Mill 

Café • Garden Centre • B&B 

Gifts • Local Art & Crafts • Boutique 


Independent Garden Centre, Café & Shops, 

hidden in the Avon Valley….. 

Cosy Café • Great gift ideas 

Dogs welcome • Plenty of parking 

Loddiswell • Kingsbridge • Devon • TQ7 4DD 

www.avonmill.com 

artisan 68 The Square Chagford, Tel: 01647 432414 of Russia's Music Colleges, 

artisan 68 The Chagford, Tel: 01647 Violin & Piano Duo 432414 

'Elegance', 

artisan 68 The Square Chagford, Tel: 01647 432414 

Countryside Team, Seaton 

An extensive range of hand made Dartmoor pottery, Wetlands, wood 

Seaton, 10.30am to 

3.00pm. 

turning, forged iron, felt, paintings jewellery and our own leather 


studio offering unique artisan made wares and a 

15 

warm 

Dec to 24 Dec - 

welcome 

Visit 

artisan artisan 68 68 

The 

The Square 

Square Chagford, 

Chagford, Tel: 

Tel: 01647 

01647 432414 

432414 

An extensive range of of hand made Dartmoor pottery, wood 

An extensive range of hand made Dartmoor pottery, wood 



studio offering unique artisan made wares and a warm welcome 


VIOLIN & PIANO 

CHRISTMAS RECITAL 

14 Dec - Violin and Piano 

Christmas Recital by graduates 

Lupton House, Brixham, 

7.00pm to 9.00pm. 

ANNUAL SELL-OUT 


15 Dec - Christmas Music for 

An extensive range of hand made Dartmoor pottery, wood 

all, Sir Joshua Reynolds Choir, 

Harewood House, Plymouth, 

An extensive range of hand turning, made forged Dartmoor iron, felt, pottery, paintings wood jewellery and our own leather 7.30pm to 9.45pm. 

turning, forged iron, felt, studio paintings offering jewellery unique and artisan our own made leather wares and a warm welcome 


REINDEER TRAIL AND 

CHRISTMAS CRAFTS 

15 Dec - Father Christmas 

needs your help! East Devon 







15 Dec - Christmas concert 

with violin, vocal and piano 

compositions, Violin & Piano 

Duo ‘Elegance’, St Michaels 

and Archangel church, 

Teignmouth, 5.30pm to 7.00pm. 

SEATON WETLANDS 

SNOWMAN TRAIL 

15 Dec to 06 Jan - How many 

wooden snowmen can you find 

hiding around Seaton Wetlands, 

East Devon Countryside Team, 

Seaton Wetlands, Seaton, 

10.00am to 4.00pm. 

FESTIVE FOOD, DRINK & 

GIFT MARKET 

16 Dec - A chance to pick up 


Ivy Events, Tavistock Pannier 

Market, Tavistock, 11.00am 

to 4.00pm. 

MAYORS CAROL SERVICE & 

CHRISTMAS STREET FAYRE 

19 Dec - Join your town 

councillors for some carols, 



8.30pm. 

CHRISTMAS ORCHESTRAL 

CONCERT DOUBLE 

CONCERTI 

22 Dec - The Isca Ensemble 

with EMMANUEL BACH violin 

and JOEL MUNDAY violin, 

ISCA Ensemble, Sidmouth 

Parish Church, Sidmouth, 

7.30pm to 9.45pm. 

TWIXT CHRISTMAS AND 

NEW YEAR CÉILIDH 

27 Dec - South Brent Folk’s 

great annual céilidh to dance 

off the winter blues, South 

Brent Folk, South Brent Village 

Hall, South Brent, 7.30pm to 

11.00pm. 

MERRY CHRISTMAS 

FROM THE TEAM AT 

DEVONSHIRE! 

30 


MEET FATHER CHRISTMAS! 

Wednesdays from 24th November 6-8pm 

(excluding 7th) £4.50 per child. No booking necessary. 

Follow us on Facebook to find out more! 

THE DORMY HOUSE, CHURCH STREET, SIDMOUTH EX10 8LZ 

01395 708351 info@ebenezerschristmasshop.co.uk 

facebook.com/ebenezerschristmasshop 

Rodney Moorhouse Jewellers 

wishes you a very 

Merry Christmas! 

Pick a star from our Christmas tree and 

reveal a discount from 10% to 20% 

LOOKING FOR LOVE THIS CHRISTMAS? 

www.carolinecrowther.com 

f 

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. 

For a professional 

and personal service 

call 0800 056 3179 

or 01934 744788 

Newbridge 2018 

Decoration 

£30 

The Royal 

Copenhagen Tree 

£60 

01803 550952 

26 Torquay Road, 

Paignton TQ3 3AB 

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31

Christmas gifts 

A selection of unique gifts from across Devon 

VICTORIA SEWART GALLERY 

Plymouth 01752 220011 

www.victoriasewart.com 

jewellery@victoriasewart.com 

AVON MILL 

Loddiswell 01548 550 338 

www.avonmill.com 

avonmill@avonmill.com 

BAXTERS GALLERY 

Dartmouth 01803 839000 

www.baxtersgallery.co.uk 

info@baxtersgallery.co.uk 

DEVON HAMPERS 

Lifton 01566 784494 

www.devonhampers.com 

sales@devonhampers.com 

HOUSE OF MARBLES 

Bovey Tracey 01626 835285 

www.houseofmarbles.com 

enquiries@houseofmarbles.com 

SIDMOUTH GIFTS 

Old Fore Street 01395 512874 

www.sidmouthgifts.co.uk 

sidmouthgifts@btinternet.com 

CRAFTY JAY 

Honiton 07724 108708 

www.etsy.com/shop/craftyjayuk 

judith@craftyjay.co.uk 

THEMLA HULBERT GALLERY 

Honiton 01404 45006 

www.thelmahulbert.com 

info@thelmahulbert.com 

THE ARUNDELL ARMS 

Lifton 01566 784666 

www.arundellarms.com 

reservations@arundellarms.com 

32 


Treat someone special this Christmas! 

LEAF LEATHER AT ARTISAN 

Chagford 01647 432414 

www.leafleather.co.uk 

leafartisanleather@gmail.com 

WM GUITARS 

Ashburton 01364 652333 

www.wmguitars.com 

enquiries@wmguitars.com 

EBENEZERʼS CHRISTMAS SHOP 

Sidmouth 01395 708351 

www.facebook.com/ 

ebenzerschristmasshop 

COAST WATERSPORTS 

Axminster 01297 533633 

www.coastwatersports.co.uk 

customerservices@coastwatersports.com 

ERIN COX 

Exeter 01392 660836 

www.erincox.co.uk 

info@erincox.co.uk 

EMILYʼS CHOCOLATES 

4 New St, Sidmouth, 

Devon, EX10 8AP 

01395 579966 

GALLERY USALA 

Seaton 07542074404 

www.facebook.com/Galleryusala 

ursala@tiscali.co.uk 

KATE HIGHAM 

Ashburton 01364 652155 

www.kate-higham.com 

mail@kate-higham.com 

WHITE AND SON SHOES 

01395 516618 

Fore St, Sidmouth EX10 8AJ 

GALLERY USALA 

Paddington from life size 

to the smallest 5 inches 

for a wonderful gift 

RODNEY MOORHOUSE LTD 

Paignton 01803 550952 

www.rodneymoorhousejewellerstorbay.co.uk 

moorhousejewellers@gmail.com 

ARK POTTERY 

Ottery St. Mary 01404 812628 

www.arkpottery.co.uk 

ark.pottery@mypostoffice.co.uk 

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33

FASHION & BEAUTY 

Marble winter collection: 

selected lines available from Chapter, Sidmouth 

 

 

Christmas Collections 

Come and see our dazzling jewellery 

collections this Christmas! 

Chapter 

Autumn Winter 

“unique collections” 

“innovative designs” 

“luxurious wearable pieces” 

“rare, self indulgent” 

For more Jewellery, Online Shop and 

Jewellery Making Classes visit us at: 

www.victoriasewart.com 

01752 220011 (Gift Vouchers Available) 

39 Southside Street, The Barbican, Plymouth victoria sewart 

Beautiful 

clothes at 

affordable 

prices 

Lebek ◆ Brax 

Marie Mero ◆ Marble 

Olivier Philips ◆ Just White 

Pause Café ◆ Frank Lyman ◆ Luna Shoes 

Jewellery ◆ Accessories 

01395 579181 

info@chapterclothing.co.uk 

Church Street ◆ Sidmouth ◆ EX10 8lZ 

34 


Est. 1959 

www.brookvaledental.co.uk 

FASHION & BEAUTY 

'Tis the season to 

sparkle! 

The party season is now upon 

us, so it's time to start thinking 

about your festive wardrobe. 

When it comes to Christmas, the 

perfect party dress is essential 

so it's a great excuse to invest in 

a new dress. Embellished pieces 

and sparkles are storming the 

high street this season and 

showstopping sequins can 

dramatically glam up your look. 

Never underestimate the little 

black dress, it's still a timeless 

classic and a wardrobe staple 

during the party season. 

There is nothing like warm, 

comforting knitwear to see 

you through the cold weather. 

Whether it's cosy, oversized 

knits for cold winter days or 

sparkly jumpers for a night out, 

jumpers are winter wardrobe 

essentials and easily able to 

match with any style of outfit. 

Whether buying clothing for 

a Christmas party or as a gift, 

it's important to remember to 

support your local town this 

Christmas. There is nothing like 

seeing the quality of the clothing 

in person and it's also a great 

excuse to stop for a mince pie 

or lunch in-between shopping! 

Great shoe shopping 

in Sidmouth 

Private Dentists 

that let you enjoy the confi dence 

of a beautiful smile. 

Just back from the Esplanade in Fore Street 

WHITE & SON SHOES 

@ SIDMOUTH 

01395 516618 

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.merrifielddentalpractice.co.uk 

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35

Charles Dickens’ 

Devon Christmas Present 

CHARLES DICKENS did not invent ‘traditional’, old fashioned Christmases 

of course, the kind that many of us still enjoy revelling in today (and 

so beloved of greetings card manufacturers): that particular garland rests 

more fittingly on the noble brow of Victoria’s husband, Prince Albert. 

His wholesale import of the age-old German 

Christmas, complete with feasting, merriment 

and the lighted tree itself, hung with sugar plums 

and barley sugar canes were readily embraced 

by the new, romantic era, ushered in by its new 

Queen with her young family. 

But it was Dickens, that literary genius and 

social commentator of the Victorian age who 

not only promoted Christmas in this form, he 

did so by creating his immortal morality tale, 

A Christmas Carol. 

Having lived and worked in Devon as a young 

newspaper reporter, he returned to the county 

at the height of his fame to give one of the first 

ever public readings of this perennial classic in 

August, 1858 at the Royal Public Rooms, in the 

heart of the City of Exeter. 

He afterwards wrote to his sister-in-law that the 

good people of Devon packed the place to the 

rafters and he wished that he had been able to 

book the venue again. 

“We had a most wonderful night at Exeter. I 

think they were the finest audience I have ever 

read to. I don’t think I have ever read, in some 

respects, so well, and I never beheld anything 

like the personal affection which they poured out 

upon me at the end. It was really a remarkable 

sight, and I shall always look back upon it with 

pleasure.” 

The reporter from the Flying Post was impressed 

by the great man’s performance, as well he might. 

“Mr. Dickens possesses great dramatic ability, 

wonderful powers of facial expression, and a rich 

sonorous voice, of which he is a perfect master‒ 

changing it from the rough tones of Scrooge to 

the sweet and delicate key of Tiny Tim with an 

easy and remarkable facility.” 

Yet here, more than a century and a half after 

A Christmas Carol when that crowd streamed 

out into the High Street, laughing and crying in 

turn at the end of the performance, it still seems 

an extraordinary way for such a story to begin. 

“Marley was dead: to begin with. There is no 

doubt whatever about that. The register of his 

burial was signed by the clergyman, the clerk, 

the undertaker, and the chief mourner. Scrooge 

signed it. And Scrooge’s name was good upon 

‘Change, for anything he chose to put his hand 

to. Old Marley was as dead as a door-nail.” 

Extraordinary that is until, we are reminded of 

the novel’s subtitle, often dropped by publishers 

in later editions “A Christmas Carol. In Prose. 

Being a Ghost Story of Christmas.” 

36

Devon’s winter weather in the early and mid- 

1800s, like most of the rest of southern England 

was extreme. Sheep on Dartmoor were still 

being dug out of snowdrifts as late as April on 

successive years in the 1830s. Stagecoaches and 

their unfortunate passengers had to be rescued 

from monumental snowdrifts: roads were made 

impassable and rural communities were sometimes 

cut off for weeks at a time. 

In 1814, when Dickens was just two years old, 

the Thames had frozen over in London and its 

citizens marked the event with The Great Frost 

Fair which saw coaches travelling on the frozen 

river between the City and Westminster whilst 

an elephant promoted a circus by being walked 

to and across the ice at Blackfriars. 

It has been suggested that these and similar 

weather related events during his formative 

childhood years - before his father was torn away 

from the family and thrown into debtors prison - 

made a deep and lasting impression on him that 

manifested in many of his writings: particularly 

in the Pickwick Papers and most pointedly in A 

Christmas Carol itself. 

Was the book then really an invocation of his 

childhood of Christmases with his family? Many 

believe that it is. 

Charles Dickens 

Catherine Dickens 

Dickens quit his life as a reporter in 1834, bid 

farewell to his drinking companions at the Turk’s 

Head tavern next to Exeter’s Guild Hall and left 

Devon for London, to write full time . But he came 

back to the county often, and married Catherine 

Hogarth, a pretty, Scottish lass then living in Exeter 

and the daughter of his one-time newspaper editor. 

Dickens was 24 and she just 21. 

Charles John Huffam Dickens preceded her on 9th 

June 1870, aged 58. His grave is to be found at 

Poets’ Corner, Westminster Abbey but his greatest 

monument of course is his literary work. 

Of these, A Christmas Carol remains the most 

popular, internationally. As a book it has never 

been out of print. 

On television it has appeared scores of times and 

in various guises since it was first transmitted by a 

New York tv channel, WABD ,on 20 December 1944. 

There have been 22 film versions since the first 

one-reeler attempted to tell the tale in 1901. That 

is if you include The Muppet Christmas Carol 

(1992) with Michael Caine as Scrooge and Kermit 

the Frog as Bob Cratchit. 

But to the arguably sublime from the wonderfully 

ridiculous, the last words on this subject must 

surely go to the great man himself. 

 

“If I could work my will,” said Scrooge indignantly, 

“every idiot who goes about with ‘Merry Christmas’ 

on his lips, should be boiled with his own pudding, 

and buried with a stake of holly through his heart. 

He should!” 

 

But here, finally, is Charles Dickens himself, 

speaking to the reader in the voice of one of the 

key characters of the tale. Fred. 

Fred? You will remember (or might care to know) 

that Ebenezer Scrooge had a sister, called Fran, 

who had died in childbirth, bringing this, her only 

child into the world. 

Having tried, unsuccessfully to persuade his uncle 

to join him and his wife to share Christmas dinner 

with them, Fred tells the unrepentant old miser: 

“The only time I know of, in the long calendar 

of the year, when men and women seem by one 

consent to open their shut-up hearts freely, and to 

think of people below them as if they really were 

fellow-passengers to the grave, and not another 

race of creatures bound on other journeys. And 

therefore, uncle, though it has never put a scrap 

of gold or silver in my pocket, I believe that it 

has done me good, and will do me good; and I 

say, God bless it!’” 

John Fisher 

It was 1836, the same year that he had published 

his first literary success, The Pickwick Papers. (The 

character of The Fat Boy is based on a potman at 

The Turk’s Head). 

Within a few years he had become an international 

literary celebrity but although the couple had 

10 children the marriage was not a happy one. 

Nevertheless, Catherine found time, between her 

confinements, to write her own best-seller - a 

cookery book - which in an age of long book 

titles was called What Shall we Have for Dinner? 

Satisfactorily Answered by Numerous Bills of Fare 

for from Two to Eighteen Persons. 

Catherine Dickens died on 22 November 1879 aged 

64 and was laid to rest in Highgate Cemetery in 

London with her infant daughter, Dora, who had 

died in 1851 aged nearly eight months. 

37

38

snow on the otter - 18th march 2018 

© nigel jones 

39

Great Night Out 

Enjoy FOOD and LIVE MUSIC at your local venue 

LIVE MUSIC 

THE JAKE LEG JUG BAND 

03 Nov - The Jake Leg Jug Band brings the 

authentic sounds of 1920’s and 30’s America, 

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

Axminster, 8.00pm to 10.00pm. 

PERFECT STRANGERS 

03 Nov - The Black Horse, 30 Fore Street, 

Sidmouth, 9.30pm to 12.00am. 

NIGEL PRICE WITH THE MARTIN DALE 

QUARTET 

04 Nov - Guitar star plays great jazz 

standards backed by fine quartet. Plus Big 

Band! Plymouth Jazz Club, The Royal British 

Legion Club, Plymouth, 7.15pm to 10.30pm. 

MUSIC NIGHT: HONEST JOHN & RAY 

BEAVIS 

04 Nov - Blues, Rock and Popular classics, 

The Point, 14 Pilot Wharf, Exmouth, 6.30pm 

to 8.45pm. 

KINGSBRIDGE JAZZ CLUB AT AVETON 

GIFFORD 

06 Nov - John Maddocks Jazzmen present a 

unique evening of popular classic trad jazz, 

Kingsbridge Jazz Club, The Fisherman’s 

Rest, Aveton Gifford, 6.30pm to 10.00pm. 

PHILIP CLOUTS TRIO 

07 Nov - Philip Clouts with this trio, playing 

jazz standards, Latin jazz and originals, 

Fougou Jazz, Fougou Jazz at Churston Golf 

Club, Brixham, 8.30pm to 11.00pm. 

Kirk Key’s Lime Pie, Rockfish 

THE 

COTTAGE 

THE 

COTTAGE HOTEL 

& RESTAURANT 

HOTEL 

HOPE COVE SOUTH DEVON 

& RESTAURANT 


THE 

COTTAGE 

THE 

COTTAGE HOTEL 

& RESTAURANT 

HOTEL HOPE COVE SOUTH DEVON 

& RESTAURANT 


THE 

COTTAGESOUNDS LIKE THE SEEKERS 

HOTEL 

& RESTAURANT 


THE 

COTTAGE 

HOTEL 

& RESTAURANT 


BRIDGE JAZZ CLUB 

07 Nov - Pete Canter & Friends Jam Session, 

Pete Canter, Exeter Phoenix, Exeter, 8.30pm to 

11.00pm. 

SWING JAZZ NIGHT 

09 Nov - Five piece swing band, Just 

Misbehavin’, The Sorry Head, Exeter, 9.30pm 

to 11.45pm. 

EVOLVER 



10 Nov - In 1964 The Seekers came to Britain 

capturing the nation’s hearts, Brixham Theatre 

CIO, Brixham Theatre, Brixham, 7.30pm to 

10.00pm. 

Ben Carr 

JUST MISBEHAVIN’ 

11 Nov - Swing jazz to finish your weekend 

in style, Just Misbehavin’, The Point Bar & 

Grill, Exmouth, 6.00pm to 8.30pm. 

ROCKFELLA 



THE MATT CARTER QUARTET WITH 

LEIGH COLEMAN 

17 Nov - Matt Carter, Leigh Coleman, Tom 

Drewett & Gary Evans - soul & blues 

evening, The Tucker’s Jazz Club, The 

Tucker’s Arms, Axminster, 8.00pm to 

10.00pm. 

STONEFOX 



DUTTY MOONSHINE BIG BAND 

17 Nov - 14-piece Jazz trained big band 

fronted by Grime MCs. Not the usual 

big band, Pigs Nose Inn, East Prawle, 

Kingsbridge, 8.00pm to 11.30pm. 

PETE ALLEN, HONORARY CITIZEN OF 

NEW ORLEANS 

18 Nov - Pete Allen presents a slick, fastmoving 

show of happy, traditional jazz, Pete 

Allen, Sidholme Hotel, Sidmouth, 3.00pm 

to 5.30pm. 

THE SUSSEX JAZZ KINGS 

18 Nov - Great traditional jazz by a talented 

& highly entertaining band, Plymouth 

Jazz Club, The Royal British Legion Club, 


SKY ENSEMBLE AT NORTH DEVON JAZZ 

CLUB 

19 Nov - Superb jazz septet playing folktinged 

original music by Pete Canter, Pete 

Canter, Beaver Inn, Appledore, 8.30pm to 

11.00pm. 

OPEN ACCESS FOLK BAND 

19 Nov - Open access Folk Band for acoustic 

instruments, Wren Music, Victory Hall, 

Broadclyst, 7.00pm to 9.00pm. 

SHEELANAGIG 

23 Nov - ‘High octane stuff…Would liven 

any party and keep the floor full’ - fRoo, 

James H Soars Media Services, The Barrel 

House, Totnes, 7.30pm to 11.00pm. 

THE CRAVING 



ROCK THE NIGHT 



PETE CANTER TRIO 

25 Nov - Excellent jazz with fine saxophonist 

Pete Canter & Friends, Pete Canter, Point 

Bar & Grill, Exmouth, 6.00pm to 8.40pm. 

THE 

COTTAGE HOTEL 

THE 

& RESTAURANT 


COTTAGE HOTEL 

& RESTAURANT 


THE 

COTTAGE HOTEL 

Make a night of it! 


& RESTAURANT 

Book a dining table at the venues below 

Dining Offers 

THE 

COTTAGE HOTEL 

THE 

& RESTAURANT HOPE COVE 

COTTAGE HOTEL SOUTH DEVON 

40 

& RESTAURANT 

DINING OFFERS 

Festive Lunch - 3 course & Coffee 

£20.50 | per person | Mon-Sat | 12-2pm 

Festive Dinner - 3 course & Coffee 

£22.95 | per person | every day | 7-8pm 

Devonshire Cream Teas 

£6.60 | per person | all day every day 

NEW! Lobster Pod Bistro 

Our new casual dining area just above the 

beach. 12noon-9pm (last orders). Advanced 

booking advised, if making special journey. 

THE 

COTTAGE HOTEL 

& RESTAURANT 

Table Bookings t. 01548 561555 

HOPE COVE 

SOUTH DEVON 

HOPE COVE 

SOUTH DEVON 

The 

Otterton 

DINING OFFERS 

Breakfast (Open to non-residents) 

Daily | 7-10am 

Full Menu & Specials 

Daily | 12-2.30pm & 6-9pm 

Sandwich menu available until 9pm 

Sunday Carvery 

Sun | 12 - 8pm 

Book now to avoid disappointment. 


DINING OFFERS 

Curry Night Wednesdays 

£14 | per person | Wed | 6:30-9:00pm 

Pie and Pudding Thursdays 

£14 | per person | Thu | 6:30-9:00pm 

Sunday Lunch 

£14 | per person | Sun | 12:00-2:00pm 

Sunday Dinner & Dessert 

£14 | per person | Sun | 6:30-9:00pm 



••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 

DINING TOPOFFERS 

SECRET MENU 

Mussel Madness 

£10 | per person Mussel | pint Madness of Devon rock, £2.90 

1lb 4oz mussels, unlimited fries & bread £10.00 

Shack Classic 

Add a pint 

Fish 

of Devon 

Pie 

Rock for £2.90 

£14 | per person | glass of Shack 

Sauvignon, £2.90 

Shack Classic Fish Pie 

Shack Trio withof unlimited Fish & roast Chips veg £14.00 

£14 Add | per a glass person of the | Shack pint of Sauvignon Salcombe for £2.90 

Pale Ale, £2.90 

Chef’s Sponge Shack Trio of the of Day Fish & Custard Chips 

£3 | per person | glass of Dessert Wine, 

£2.90 

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 

Beer battered prawns, breaded plaice & grilled catch of the day. 

Served with unlimited chunky chips & minted mushy peas £12.50 

Add a pint of Salcombe Pale Ale for £2.90 

Table Bookings Finish it allt. off01548 with.... 810876 

Chef’s Sponge of the Day & Custard 

£3.00 

Add a glass of Dessert Wine for £2.50

Live Music 

Wednesday 7th November 

PHILIP CLOUTS 

Churston Golf Club, Brixham 

Sunday 18th November 

PETE ALLEN 

Sidholme Hotel, Sidmouth 

Saturday 17th November 

DUTTY MOONSHINE BIG BAND 

Pigs Nose Inn, East Prawle 

LATE SHIFT 



TANKUS THE HENGE & SUPPORT: JESS 

MCALLISTER 

30 Nov - A Tankus the Henge live experience 

is something to behold, The Beehive, Dowell 

Street, Honiton, 8.00pm to 11.00pm. 

THE DRAT PACK 

02 Dec - Jazz, jump-jive, swing & Latin 

band with Charismatic singer Adam Moran, 

Plymouth Jazz Club, The Royal British 

Legion Club, Plymouth, 7.30pm to 10.30pm. 

MUSIC NIGHT: HONEST JOHN & RAY 

BEAVIS 

02 Dec - Blues, Rock and Popular classics, 

The Point, 14 Pilot Wharf, Exmouth, 6.30pm 

to 8.45pm. 

OPEN ACCESS FOLK BAND 

03 Dec - Open access Folk Band for 

acoustic instruments, Wren Music, Victory 

Hall, Broadclyst, 7.00pm to 9.00pm. 

JULIEN MARGA QUARTET 

05 Dec - Julien Marga is a French guitarist 

influenced by Pat Metheny and Keith Jarrett, 

Fougou Jazz, Fougou Jazz at Churston Golf 

Club, Brixham, 8.30pm to 11.00pm. 

BRIDGE JAZZ CLUB 

05 Dec - Pete Canter & Friends 

Jam Session, Pete Canter, Exeter Phoenix, 

Exeter, 8.30pm to 11.00pm. 

POETRY AND MUSIC 

07 Dec - Poetry and Music Ann Gray with 

Pam Zinnemann-Hope supper from 6.30 for 

8pm start, Sladers Yard, West Bay Road, 

West Bay, 6.30pm to 10.00pm. 

THE 

MALTSTERS 

ARMS 

DINING OFFERS 

Rump Steak & a bottle of red wine 

£25 | 2 persons | Mon | 6-9pm 

Christmas Lunch Special 

Roast Turkey and Christmas Pudding 

£14.95 | Tue-Sat | 12-2pm | 04-22 Dec 


WRECKING BALL 

07 Dec - The Black Horse, 30 Fore Street, 


BAD EDUKATION 



CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS WITH NICK 

THE FISH 

08 Dec - Join us for a Fishy Christmas. 

Fantastic menu, Cocktails and Dancing, 

The Oyster Shack, Milburn Orchard Farm, 

Bigbury, 6.00pm to 12.00am. 

Just quote 'Devonshire' for all dining offers 

DINING OFFERS 

Early Diners Offer: 20% off 

Tues-Fri | bookings only 6.30-6.45pm. 

(T&Cs apply. Please call for more 

information or see neilsrestaurant.com) 


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Sounds Like The Seekers 

Roasted Beef, Highbull en Hotel 

DINING OFFERS 

Christmas Parties for Lunch & Dinner 

from £16.50 | per person | Dec 

Handmade Pizzas 

Buy 1 get 1 half price | Mon-Sun | 6-9pm 

Fish & Chip Fridays 

£15 | 2 persons | Fri 

2 Course Lunches 

£15 | per person | Mon-Thurs 

More details on website. T&Cs apply to offers. 


JUST MISBEHAVIN’ 

16 Dec - Swing jazz to finish your weekend 

in style, Just Misbehavin’, The Point Bar & 

Grill, Exmouth, 6.00pm to 8.30pm. 

KEVIN GRENFELL’S JAZZ GIANTS 

16 Dec - Great music & fun with Kevin 

Grenfell’s highly entertaining band, Plymouth 

Jazz Club, The Royal British Legion Club, 


PETE ALLEN’S JAZZ IN THE AFTERNOON 

16 Dec - Pete Allen, Honorary Citizen of 

New Orleans, with full seven-piece jazz 

band, Pete Allen, Sidholme Hotel, Sidmouth, 

3.00pm to 5.30pm. 

LAST EXIT 



CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS WITH BEN 

GUITAR CARR 

21 Dec - Join us for a Benny Christmas 

with 3 course menu, glass of Bubbles and 

Dancing, The Oyster Shack, Milburn Orchard 

Farm, Bigbury, 6.00pm to 12.00am. 

ROADHOGS 



SKY LIZARD 

31 Dec - Celebrate the New Year with us! 

Fancy Dress optional! The Black Horse, 30 

Fore Street, Sidmouth, 9.30pm to 12.00am. 

SEE MORE ON 

www.hubcast.co.uk 

Do you have great 

performances 

planned in 2019? 

Add them to 

hubcast.co.uk, it’s free 

and it’s how we bring 

in events into the 

magazine! 

hubcast 

41 

hubcast regional websites: • eastdevon • middevon • southdevon • northdevon • westdevon • dartmoor • exeter

FOOD and DRINK 

Imperial Hotel 

BARNSTAPLE 

We bring you great stays from across Devon 

Overnight Stay 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- Editor. 

The river view rooms have great views and are extremely comfortable 

with everything you could want provided in the room 

The bathroom, fairly traditional but 

clean and fully appointed 

42 


Great Devon eateries 

By Richard & Jayne Eley 

THE 

MALTSTERS 

ARMS 

A great pub for every week of the year! 

 

Ringmore 

his very individual thatched 

pub is well-named, located 

down a narrow lane in the 

rather remote South Hams 

village of Ringmore. 

The surrounding countryside 

is amongst the most attractive 

in our beautiful County. 

Dating from the 13th century, 

settling in a comfy chair. The 

food has a fusion feel, and has 

deservedly given the Journey’s 

End a destination reputation. 

The 

Journeyʼs 

End 

Ringmore 

Come and join us in our traditional village pub. On top 

of our delicious regular menu, we have ever-changing 

seasonal specials such as our succulent slow-braised lamb 

shank or a baked sea bass fillet with chive and shrimp sauce. 

We also boast beautiful home-made desserts to finish 

off your meal in the perfect way. 

We are now taking Christmas bookings so 

do not hesitate to get in touch! 

THE 

COTTAGE 

HOTEL 

Visit our website to view our current menu & events: 

www.themaltstersarms.com 

& RESTAURANT 


Lobster Pod 

Bistro now open 

 

 

THE 

COTTAGE 

HOTEL 

& RESTAURANT 


the pub has an interesting 

interior of log fires and memorabilia: 

one of those pubs 

that you walk round before 

Bigbury on Sea 

Bantham 

So this is not just an unusual 

and characterful pub, but one 

providing high quality fare. 

The Journey’s End Inn is dog 

friendly. 

THE 

COTTAGE HOTEL 

& RESTAURANT 


A charming traditional family-run hotel in a spectacular 

coastal location. Relaxing holiday atmosphere with excellent 

cuisine and an established reputation for hospitality and 

service. With sun terraces and gardens down to the beach. 

Winter Warmer breaks or short Breaks from 

£62 per person per night with dinner, bed and breakfast 

THE 

COTTAGE HOTEL 

OPEN & TO RESTAURANT 

NON-RESIDENTS 

HOPE COVE 

SOUTH DEVON 

Hope Cove, Kingsbridge, Devon TQ7 3HJ 

01548 561555 ◆ info@hopecove.com ◆ www.hopecove.com 

Lobster Pod Bistro now open 

Booking now for 

Festive Meals 

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continued on page 94 

43

The Restaurant Inspector 

Visits: 

Alexandra Hotel 

Lyme Regis 

Alexandra 

Hotel 

menu sampled 

The beautiful new conservatory, with views out across the lawns to the horizon 

Elegant dining with views! 

Starter 

Flaming Creme Brulée 

Spiced courgette and 

chickpea fritter 

Mains 

Pan roasted Cornish hake 

with braised pork belly 

Sous vide fillet of 

Pithayne Farm beef 

Pudding 

Baked white chocolate and 

raspberry cheesecake 

Drinks 

2012 Chateauneuf du Pape 

Destination dining in Lyme 

Dining is not just about the food, surroundings and 

views are equally important for your dining experience 

For the ultimate dining experience, 

you need good company, beautiful 

surroundings, low key service, 

comfortable chairs and great food. 

On this occasion the company was 

provided by my wife (as always), 

the surroundings were the recent 

new conservatory on the front of 

the Alexandra hotel facing directly 

out to sea. There are relatively few 

dining places along the East Devon 

coast where you can experience a 

peaceful sea view, so there’s much 

to commend the Alexandra on this 

aspect alone. 

When it comes to a really important 

and often forgotten aspect - seating, 

so many dining establishments seem 

to totally forget about the need for 

comfortable seating. Those chairs 

with near vertical, straight backs are 

instruments of torture and can really 

mar the diners’ enjoyment, so it was 

a relief to have a lovely sea-facing 

table with comfortable seating. 

Their conservatory is a beautiful 

place to spend quality time 

dining and when it comes to 

the quality of food served, it 

was, as you’d expect, of a high 

standard. 

The Alexandra Hotel’s dining 

provision certainly provides a 

relaxed and memorable dining 

experience - top marks! 

Editor 

The Pope’s new castle, that’s the literal 

translation. Around Chateauneuf du Pape, 

more wine is produced in this one southern 

Rhone area than for the enire northern 

Rhone region. Let us not forget that once 

upon a time the Popes resided in Avignon, 

becoming great lovers of Burgundy wines. 

44 

Top - Pan roasted Cornish hake 

and braised pork belly 

Below - Spiced courgette 

and chickpea fritters 

What can beat a view out to sea whilst 

dining? Here in the conservatory 

of the Alexandra Hotel restaurant, 

looking across the lawns 


Top - Baked white chocolate 

and raspberry cheesecake. 

Below - Sous vide fillet of 

Pithayne Farm beef


Book online now at www.oystershack.co.uk 

or call us on 01548 810 876 

The Oyster Shack, near the estuary, Milburn Orchard Farm, 

Stakes Hill, Bigbury TQ7 4BE 

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45

FOOD and DRINK 

The Restaurant Inspector 

Visits: 

The Clock Tower 

Connaught Gardens, Sidmouth 

The 

Clock Tower 

Restaurant 

menu sampled 

Starters 

Goats cheese bon bons, 

cauliflower puree, spiced 

carrots & pea shoots 

Beetroot, fennel & halloumi 

salad with citrus dressing 

Flaming Creme Brulée 

Mains 

Scallop & king prawn 

tagliatelli in a rich crab bisque 

Wild mushroom ravioli, 

pesto & parmesan crisps 

Pudding 

Rich dark chocolate mouse, 

vanilla cream & brandy snap 

Lemon & ginger posset with 

cardamom shortbread 

Scallop & king prawn tagliatelli in a rich crab bisque 

Time flies at the Clock Tower 

A place thatʼs famous place for lunches, teas and delicious 

giant sized cakes - now thereʼs a restaurant where you can 

dine in the evening 

A memorable place for many 

people visiting Sidmouth are the 

Connaught Gardens, in particular 

a visit to the Clock Tower for a 

lunchtime meal or tea and cake. 

Where they really excel is in the 

cake department, 

when you order a 

cake, the portions 

are enough to feed 

a family of four. 

But now it’s possible 

to dine in the 

evening at the Clock 

Tower. The team 

there, there headed 

by Justine Fraser, have opened 

up a restaurant, so great news for 

Sidmouth as there are even more 

dining choices for the consumer. 

Amuse bouche 

Dining upstairs means that you 

can stare through the gothic arch 

windows out across the bay, little 

glimpses, and it’s a unique space 

that does make for an interesting 

dining occasion. 

On to the food, you 

can see that there are 

some adventurous 

dishes on the menu, 

and execution of 

these was carried 

out with aplomb! 

The food was all 

cooked to a high 

standard and was extremely tasty 

to boot. All I can say is well done to 

Justine and the team at the Clock 

Tower. Editor 

Beetroot, fennel & halloumi salad with citrus dressing 

Rich dark chocolate mouse, vanilla 

cream & brandy snap crown 

Lemon & ginger posset with 

cardamom shortbread 

Lovely gothic windows through which 

to enjoy the fine views of the bay 

Goats cheese bon bons, cauliflower puree, 

spiced carrots, radish & pea shoots 

Wild mushroom ravioli, pesto & parmesan crisps 

46 



The 

Otterton 

Fresh food prepared & cooked on the premises 

using local ingredients from our own farm shop 

• 15 quality rooms for B&B. From £90/night per double room, 

including full English breakfast • Dogs welcome (designated areas) 

• Children’s play area • Extensive Gluten Free menu 

• Fresh food using local ingredients from our own farm shop and fish 

landed by our own trawlers whenever possible 

• Food served 12pm-2.30pm and 6pm-9pm Monday to Saturday 

Quality carvery Sundays Noon-8pm • Reservations recommended. 

• Bar serving quality local real ales & fine wines 

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

DON'T MISS OUR FANTASTIC COMPETITION 

a meal for two and wine at the SIDMOUTH HARBOUR HOTEL 

See page 50 for more information 

A place for eating, drinking & meeting 

• WITH A VIEW OF LYME BAY • 

Tuesday to Friday 20% Discount 

for Early Diners 

T’s & C’s Apply, see website for details 

Open for Dinner Tuesday to Saturday from 6.30pm 

Live online booking at neilsrestaurant.com 

Radway Place, Vicarage Road, Sidmouth, EX10 8TL 

Tel. 01395 519494 | Email. bookings@neilsrestaurant.co.uk 

Pyne's Sidmouth Devon | 01395 513047 

www.bedfordhotelsidmouth.co.uk 

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47

Festive 

Dining Guide 

Celebrate Christmas and enjoy a little seasonal indulgence 

Devon has some great eateries and venues with delicious menus available throughout the festive season, 

perfect for Christmas celebrations, parties and festive family meals during the run up to Christmas. 

Take a look at our suggestions below - make sure you book well in advance to secure your table. 

THE KINGS ARMS AT OTTERTON 

Otterton 01395 568416 

www.kingsarmsotterton.co.uk 

EXETER RACECOURSE 

Exeter 01392 832599 

www.exeter.thejockeyclub.co.uk 

JOLLY JACKS 

Plymouth 01752 500008 

www.jollyjacks.co.uk 

THE OYSTER SHACK 

Bigbury 01548 810 876 

www.oystershack.co.uk 

THE MALTSTERS ARMS 

Woodbury 01395 232218 

www.themaltstersarms.com 

BERNAVILLE NURSERIES 

Cowley 01392 851326 

www.bernaville.co.uk 

48 



award winning restaurant • award winning marina 

Great 

Kick back & Relax 

Food, Company 

& Location! 

The 

sublime 

Primus 

Malbec 

2013 

Jolly Jacks, the perfect venue for your Christmas festivities. 

Amazing food, great Christmas menu, warm and cosy ambiance, 

friendly, welcoming and fun; Jolly Jacks has it all! 

CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR’S EVE BOOKINGS NOW BEING TAKEN 

• FREE secure parking • Dog & child friendly 

Tel: 01752 500 008 • www.jollyjacks.co.uk 

Mayflower Marina • Richmond Walk • Plymouth • PL1 4LS 

The Church House Inn, Churchstow 

Christmas 

Parties 

Festive lunch & dinner 

2 courses, coffee & mince pies, £16.50 

3 courses, coffee & Mince pies, £19.95 

Complimentary mulled wine 

Tel: 01548 852237 

hello@churchhouse-churchstow.com 

www.churchhouse-churchstow.com 

Red, red wi.... ine 

What is it about red wine, can there be anything as enjoyable 

if you've picked a really good one. Conversely, if you've 

made an error in your choice and picked something awful, it 

can literally sour your evening (I assume you're not a daytime 

drinker!). I've found myself suffering the after effects even up to 

four days after drinking some really bad stuff - not that it tasted 

bad, just I assume how it'd been grown at the vineyard, I suspect 

that cheap wines support overly liberal use of pesticides, which 

make their way into the wine. 

Back in the 80s, a famous song from 

that reggae band UB40 extolled 

the virtues of red wine (in terms of 

forgetting painful relationships), I 

have to laugh though, because there 

were some truly awful wines in this 

country in the 80s and the ability to 

buy something half decent from a 

shop was more often a miss than 

a hit. Not only would you be heartbroken at 

the breakup of your relationship, but possibly 

feeling very ropey from the after effects of the 

wine. Shop bought stuff was diabolical, so often 

it'd already turned to vinegar before opening, 

those canny European growers had recognised 

somewhere they could get rid of all their bad 

harvests - incidentally, what ever happened to 

the Wine Lake? I suppose in those days it really 

paid to use a reputable wine merchant, but you 

were talking serious money per bottle. Today the 

quality of wine is practically on another planet - I 

suspect the need for a merchant has diminished. 

If you're a UB40 fan and also a red wine drinker, 

there's a treat in store for you here because they 

have their own wine you can purchase at £28.50 

per bottle - one perhaps for Christmas. Editor 

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49

One of the most beautiful coastal locations in Devon 

Dream Destination 

SIDMOUTH HARBOUR HOTEL 

The terrace of 

the Sidmouth 

Harbour Hotel, 

looking out 

across Lyme Bay 

- the views are 

sublime! 

50 


SIDMOUTH HARBOUR HOTEL 

Occupying what must be the most commanding positions 

in the town, the views from their dining area and patio are 

stupendous on a warm summer day or evening. Winners 

will be able to enjoy a most memorable dining occasion! 

COMPETITION 

Win a Meal for Two 

in the Upper Deck Restaurant 

A bottle of wine is also included in the prize. 

All you need to tell us is at which hotel the Upper Deck Restaurant is situated? 

Submit your answer: www.devonshiremagazine.co.uk/win 

Closing date for competition is the 15th December. 

Terms and conditions for competition are on the website. 

Peak and Salcombe Hills 

The coastal footpath is literally just across the 

road from the hotel, taking you up to Peak Hill 

and Mutters Moor. 

A readymade break is waiting 

for you at Sidmouth: beautiful 

walks, a great town with 

interesting shopping and a 

fantastic, luxurious base at 

the Sidmouth Harbour Hotel. 

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51

y Hannah at 

Lynton 

Illfracombe 

Croyde 

BARNSTAPLE 

South Molton 

Clovelly Bideford 

Chulmleigh 

Tiverton 

Hatherleigh 

Holsworthy 

Crediton 

Chardstock 

Honiton 

Axminster 

Devon 

over 2,500 square miles 

Okehampton 

EXETER 

Sidmouh 

Lyme Regis 

Chagford 

Exmouth 

Tavistock 

Newton Abbot 

Torquay 

Paignton 

PLYMOUTH Ivybridge 

Brixham 

Kingsbridge 

Salcombe 

With a peak circulation of 

over 20,000 magazines reaching 

900 outlets across all of Devon. 

An amazing undertaking, but this 

is the largest circulation Devon glossy! 

DEVONSHIRE 

Our reach is truly exceptional! 

Proud to be 

truly independent 

Lifton 

Hello there, my name is Hannah and I am proud to 

say that my family and I own and run Travelworld in 

Exmouth and Sidmouth. 

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

package in Devon, call Hannah Trim on 01395 513383 Ext 1 

Exceeding All Your Expectations 

Specialists in Executive Travel 

All UK airport & dock transfers, corporate business 

travel & chauffeured services for that special 

occasion... Weddings, Anniversaries & Birthdays. 

Our vehicles include: 

Mercedes E250 & Luxury 8 seater Ford Tourneo 

mini cab. 

For a restful 

journey we provide; 

complimentary WiFi, 

refrigerated 

water, blankets and 

head pillows. 

Local runs undertaken 

by prior appointment 

Please contact us with your requirements 

Call Barry Gardner on 07925 933100 

I just wanted to take this 

opportunity to tell you a little 

about our business and how we 

believe we are unique in today’s 

travel industry. Travelworld 

have been in operation in 

Exmouth for nearly 40 years 

and continue to be one of 

Devon’s oldest family owned 

and independent local travel 

agencies. We were incredibly 

proud earlier this year to be 

able to open a second branch 

in nearby Sidmouth which is 

happily flourishing. 

Our team of consultants are 

highly experienced and we 

love to help our clients plan 

itineraries to make their travel 

dreams a reality. We want our 

clients to share the same 

excitement, the same sense 

of discovery and the same 

sense of freedom we get when 

travelling. 

In short, we still find travel far 

too exciting and inspiring to be 

just another high-street shop, 

and too concerned that our 

customers' holidays should 

be exceptional, individual 

and trouble-free, than to be a 

faceless internet outlet. 

We are extremely proud to be 

truly independent - constantly 

venturing from the beaten 

track to seek out the opinions 

of local experts and pooling 

our vast knowledge of the 

world to discover culturally 

unique experiences that 

make the difference between 

a week away, and a life-time’s 

memory. Our reputation for 

concierge style, dependable 

service, professional advice 

and individual care could 

only have been built with this 

wealth of travel expertise and 

knowledge. 

Expertise and knowledge 

that assure our clients of 

an outstanding, individual, 

experience each and every 

time they visit us. 

Happy Travels! 

Hannah and 

The TRAVELWORLD team 

52 


Introducing your friendly travel experts 

Hannah Burford 

Managing Partner 

since 2005 

24 years’ experience 

Christine Reed 

Manager, 

Sidmouth Branch 


Yvonne Bickle 

Manager, 

Exmouth Branch 


Jackie Rees 

Assistant Manager, 

Exmouth Branch 


Marie Cowdrey 


Lauren Kemp 


Julie Denner 


Your truly local independent travel agent 

Travelworld is a local independent travel agent offering a huge range of holidays. 

Our dedicated travel experts are committed to sourcing the perfect holiday just 

for you, from package holidays, cruises, touring, tailor-made itineraries, skiing, rail 

holidays, city breaks weddings & honeymoons and much more! 

Book Great Rail Journeys, Titan, Riviera, Newmarket Holidays and Saga with us - 

prices are no different, but we add the extra value to your booking! 

The place where holiday dreams are made! 

Exmouth: 01395 265777 

www.travelworldexmouth.co.uk 

Open for you to come in to discuss your holiday requirements in Exmouth and Sidmouth between 

9.30am and 5pm Monday to Friday and 9.30am to 1pm on Saturdays. 


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Sidmouth: 01395 262270 

www.travelworldsidmouth.co.uk 

53

Tulips & Windmills 

NETHERLANDS 

Windows are important to the 

Amsterdammer ('Mokummer' 

in Dutch), no ugly modern 

skyscrapers to ruin the sky 

line here. Just take note of 

how the massive windows 

dominate facades of buildings, 

there's something very 

cheerful about it all. 

AMSTERDAM 

Venice of the North 

'River View by Moonlight' - Aert van 

der Neer circa 1640/50 on view at the 

excellent Rijksmuseum. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

54 


© CCI 2018 

Amsterdam has excellent sea links, 

essential for any trading dependent 

nation in the days before the train. 

You can see that the city is very well 

connected to the open sea. 

If you're a lover 

of maps, the 

collections at the 

Maritime Museum 

are exceptional 

(see further on). 

PARS on map is 

Persia (in Greek), a 

province of Iran. 

Amsterdam has 

many beautiful 

and interesting 

independent 

shops, it's a great 

place to just 

amble! 

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NETHERLANDS 

Early in the year, leaves yet to sprout on the trees, bicycles stacked up on the railings - you must 

remember to be careful crossing, bicycles creep up on you silently from all directions. 

Reliquary 

decorated with 

Christ, saints 

and angels of 

gilded copper, 

inlaid glass 

and enamel 

originating from 

Limoges, circa 

1200-1250. 

Body Worlds 

If you've an eye for the 

gruesome, then a visit to 

Body Worlds (right) is highly 

recommended. Human bodies 

dissected, arteries and muscle 

tissue replaced with resin, 

showing the physiology of 

the human body in gruesome 

detail - an absolute must! 

Rijksmuseum 

The most visited museum in 

the Netherlands, the Rijksmuseum 

is the Dutch national 

museum. It was opened in 

2013 after a ten year renovation 

project costing €375 

million. The Rijksmuseum 

should figure highly on your 

list when visiting Amsterdam. 

Above and below, a couple of 

the exhibits from the museum. 

One of the selection of early Dutch paintings at Rijks Museum 

Your eyes don't deceive you, stripped 

of skin and fat, an actual cadaver 

painstakingly preserved to show the 

physiology of the human body. 

56 


No visit to Amsterdam would be complete 

without popping into the house where 

Rembrandt lived and worked for twenty 

years, between 1639 to 1656. The 17th 

century Dutch interior has been lovingly 

Rembrandt House Museum 

and meticulously reconstructed providing 

a unique experience of Rembrandt, the 

Netherlands' greatest artist. The Museum 

also contains an almost complete collection 

of etchings by Rembrandt. 

Herbal Products 

Something you cannot fail to notice are the 

numerous shops and cafés pedalling cannabis 

in all shapes and forms. Your nose will quickly 

tell you when you come across someone 

smoking this very pungent weed. The photos 

below show some of the products available from 

retail outlets if you're of a mind to partake. 

The impressive building of the Amsterdam Centraal station which is actually the second 

largest railway station of the Netherlands, used by up to 160,000+ passengers a day. The 

building was designed by Pierre Cuypers in the Gothic Renaissance Revival style, with the 

roof superstructure being of cast iron. The station was first opened in 1889 and quite closely 

follows the style of the Rijksmuseum. 

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NETHERLANDS 

NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM 

Amsterdam 

A veritable gem for those interested 

in maritime history is the National 

Maritime Museum (Het Scheepvaartmuseum 

in Dutch). Housed in what 

was once a naval storehouse named 

's Lands Zeemagazijn built in 1656. 

The range of exhibits is impressive, 

from a fully restored sailing vessel, 

through to a cartography department, 

where you could literaly spend a 

couple of days milling around admiring 

the artistry. Also they have a 

beautiful collection of model sailing 

ships, complete with sales and rigging 

which have been built at quite a large 

scale, some standing height. 

Of particular merit is their ship figureheads 

section, I've can honesty say 

I've never seen anything like it. The 

detail lavished on these is a real eye 

opener, with all manner of modelled 

characters. A very common theme 

seems to be ladies with full bosoms 

on display. If you peer over to the 

top right it's evident what I'm saying 

here. Riebald humour would have 

been the mainstay of mariners who 

would be at sea in harsh conditions 

for months, even years at a time, 

without the presence of women. The 

Het Scheepvaartmuseum is a most 

engaging place for those who love 

their history. 

An early compass made 

by Ioannes van Keulen in 

Amsterdam. 

Maps were elevated to being 

works of art, the lavish detail 

and artistry is staggering. 

The beautiful model ship 

department of the museum. 

58 


The magnificent 

Dutch Royal Barge, a 

breathtaking display of 

gilded splendour. 

A Roman centurion figurehead. I 

wonder what the name of the ship 

would have been that had this fine 

figurehead at the bow. 

You get the feeling that our maritime predecessors enjoyed a 

riebald sense of humour. These figureheads are fairly blatant, 

I particularly like the lady sporting the fine hat and feather. 

These figureheads would make ships easily recognisable, 

particularly with illiterate sailors. 

The Het Scheepvaartmuseum to give it its proper Dutch name, a wonderful place for visitors with an interest in maritime 

history, if you have the time you may find you wish to visit over a couple of days as there's much to admire. 

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continued from page 15 

Th e C O U N T R Y M A N 

planted these trees some 20 years 

ago, this is so disheartening and 

even more so to have to replant. 

Easily rectified! Just get down and 

finish laying the boundary hedge 

this winter, this may stop intruders 

next apple harvest season. 

I now try to lay sections of hedge on 

a 10-year rotation. This is slightly 

quicker than most, however, I 

do so for a very good reason; a 

huge sense for satisfaction and 

achievement once completed. Also, 

the by-products are essential. Last 

year’s produced bushy hazel pea 

footing without making a noise and 

announcing their presence to all. 

Some 10 years ago, when in the 

veg patch mid-November, my 

attention was drawn to a lot of 

splashing and water disturbance 

on the River Bray some 80 metres 

away. I paid little or no attention at 

first assuming the local mallards 

were in some form of dispute. As 

it endured for several minutes 

I heeded more notice and soon 

released it was spawning salmon. 

Though I still have never seen this 

at close hand, I watched from afar 

The importance of apple trees in your garden, 

and indeed, winter feeding for birds when they really need it. 

best gravels on all the Taw system 

and that’s why it is thought to be 

the best spawning tributary of the 

river Taw. The drought of this last 

summer has meant salmon and sea 

trout fishing on all Devon’s rivers 

has been particularly bad. On the 

Mole, the worst I can remember, 

very few salmon have been caught, 

so we have little or no indication 

of the salmon population in the 

rivers this year. Thus, the only way 

fishermen have any idea of salmon 

stocks is by locating and counting 

the redds. This is not easy, last 

year the river Bray was often too 

high and the water too coloured 

to even see the base of the river, 

however, if the water has the right 

clarity then the gravel disturbance 

can be easily noticed. So, if a crisp 

November riverside walk takes 

your fancy this autumn, keep an 

eye out for these redds and get a 

glimpse of the part of the salmon’s 

life cycle that occurs in our rivers. 

Wildlife encounters such as 

seeing the salmon spawning or 

just finding evidence of their 

presence, even hearing or, better 

still, seeing the last of the red 

deer rut in early November are 

so rewarding. The effort to get 

out on often not the most pleasant 

days of the year should be part of 

all the lives of those that live in 

this county. To that end, I try to 

provide a few photos of some of 

the exhilarating encounters I have 

had recently. One of the best was 

watching an adult peregrine with 

prey in its talons teasing it’s young 

away from the security of their 

nesting site. I witnessed this along 

the cliffs between Combe Martin 

and Watermouth in September 

unfortunately, I didn’t bring the 

camera out in my very small kayak! 

In the constant pursuits of photos 

of close encounters none could 

have been better than my latest. It 

was the last week in October and 

this article had to go to press and 

I needed more photos. Luck was 

on my side! Off to the moor on a 

cloudy, still warm afternoon, surely 

something of interest would show 

up. I was expecting a really special 

stag or better still, two big boys 

with antlers locked… it wasn’t to 

be. However sat on a lichen covered 

and weather old fence post, I came 

across the most obliging short 

eared owl some 15 metres from 

where I was and here is the last and 

best photo (page14). Christopher. 

sticks, slightly bent hazel runner 

bean poles, and plenty of small 

ash for kindling for the wood 

burner. I get a great pleasure 

of seeing the hedge stock proof. 

Once completed, the interlocked 

branches provide sheltered 

nest-sights for many birds and 

the red deer don’t like climbing 

through the tightly interwoven 

laid branches. I suppose it is 

difficult to find sound footing on 

the top of the banks and it must 

be almost impossible to get a firm 

and enjoyed the rest from forking 

over the soil. November is the best 

month to see the female salmon 

cut a redd, which is to loosen an 

area of river bed gravel, forming a 

shallow depression in the fist-sized 

gravelled areas close to the tails 

of pools where the water flow is 

even. This requires a lot of effort 

on their behalf. Once done, the 

male or cook fish releases his 

milt to fertilize the eggs which 

then stick to the stones ready to 

develop. The river Bray has the 

60 


The South Devon 

Experts 

Letting your holiday home? 

Blueriver Cottages is a truly local holiday letting agency who 

market over 200 properties across South Devon. Here are some 

of the reasons why our home owners choose – and remain – with us: 

• High booking levels and competitive commission rates result 

in the best income for you 

• Strong online presence across multiple booking websites 

• We are a local, South Devon-based team backed by the national 

marketing expertise of a larger company 

• Bespoke property management services to suit your needs - 

we can manage as much or as little as you’d like 

• Guaranteed income for cancelled bookings 

• Large database of loyal customers 

Please contact us if you would like to find out how we can help you. 

info@bluerivercottages.co.uk bluerivercottages.co.uk 01803 833682 

With offices in Salcombe, Dartmouth and Torquay 

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61

NOV & DEC 18 

art exhibitions 

DEVON 

EXHIBITIONS 

SHOOTING THE BREEZE 

Until 04 Nov- An exhibition of 

paintings by Sue Ifould and 

handmade books by Gaynor 

Williams, Harbour House, The 

Promenade, Kingsbridge, 10.00am 

to 5.00pm. 

LOOKING FOR JEFFERY EDWARDS 

Until 17 Nov- We are delighted to 

be showing a selection of past and 

brand new works, Brook Gallery, 

Foreshore House, Budleigh Salterton, 

10.30am to 5.00pm. 

EXHIBITION: GREAT ARTISTS GREAT 

TEACHERS 

Until 17 Nov- Exhibition celebrating 

the 250th anniversary of the Royal 

Academy of Arts, The Arts Institute, 

The Levinsky Gallery, Plymouth. 

KABOOM! HONITON! 

Until 21 Nov- A series of silkscreen 

prints inspired by Honiton's shops, 

pubs & galleries, Ross Penwill, 

Artist-Printmaker, The Red Room, 

Honiton, 7.00am to 6.00pm. 

DEVON VOICES 1914-1918: HOME 

FRONT STORIES 

Until 06 Dec- Exhibition exploring 

Devon’s unique First World War 

history, Royal Albert Memorial 

Museum - RAMM, Queen Street, 

Exeter, 10.00am to 5.00pm. 

Michael Morgan - 'Bamburgh Castle' - Marine House at Beer 

Studio Gallery 

E X H I B I T I O N S 

In the Cafe Gallery 

Light on Water 

13 to 18 Nov 

An exhibition of Mark’s paintings 

at the Cafe Gallery. 

Ocean Studios, Royal William Yard, 

Plymouth PL1 3RP 

www.markfielding.co.uk 

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

www.brookgallery.co.uk 01395 443003 

From City to the Sea 

30 Nov to 04 Jan 

An exhibition combining etchings 

by Louise Davis and line prints by 

Gail Brodholt to make a glorious 

exhibition this Christmas. 

For this, other talks and events visit: 

www.brookgallery.co.uk 

Exhibitions 

Aspirations 

04 to 10 Nov - 10am-4pm, free entry. 

Wild Thing 

15 Nov to 04 Dec - Paintings and prints 

of wildlife, 10am-4pm, free entry. 

Christmas Art & Craft Exhibition 

07 to 09 Dec - Fri: 10am-late, 

Sat & Sun: 10am-4pm, free entry. 

01395 515551 Coburg Road, Sidmouth 

www.kennawayhouse.org.uk 

Amanda Popham 

Inspiration in Clay 

03 to 16 Nov - Solo show 

of new works at Steam Gallery. 

www.steamgallery.co.uk 

01297 625144 

62 


CANADIANS IN DEVON 1914 - 1918: 

WAR PHOTOGRAPHER 

Until 06 Dec- Exhibition of WW1 

photographs originally exhibited at 

RAMM in 1918, Royal Albert Memorial 

Museum - RAMM, Queen Street, 

Exeter, 10.00am to 5.00pm. 

CURIOSITY SHOP: LOOKING WITH 

OLDER EYES 

Until 09 Dec- Exhibition of art by 

older people in Exeter City Council 

housing in the city, Royal Albert 

Memorial Museum - RAMM, Queen 

Street, Exeter, 10.00am to 5.00pm. 

'ATMOSPHERE’ EXHIBITION BY 

ALISON JOHNSON 

03 Nov to 18 Nov- Alison will 

be in the gallery to discuss her 

work with you, Host Galleries, 

12 Whimple Street, Plymouth, 

9.00am to 5.30pm. 

ART EXHIBITION 'ASPIRATIONS' 

04 Nov to 10 Nov- Art Exhibition 

by local Artists, 'Aspirations', 

Kennaway House, Coburg Road, 


Jeannette Hayes - 'Two trees 3' - Artwave West, Morcombelake 

CONFERENCE: WOMEN LEADING 

CHANGE 

11 Nov- A multidisciplinary 

conference for women exploring 

how we can lead change, Bridging 

the Worlds - Christa Mackinnon, 

Duke of Cornwall Hotel, Plymouth, 

10.00am to 5.30pm. 

BODY LANGUAGE 

13 Nov to 18 Nov- Drawings and 

paintings from the Friday Life 

Drawing Group at Harbour House, 

Harbour House, The Promenade, 

Kingsbridge, 10.00am to 5.00pm. 

AFTER EIGHTIES CELEBRATION OF 

FOUR ARTISTS 

17 Nov to 20 Jan- Fred Cuming RA, 

Alfred Stockham RCA RWA, Robin 

Rae RCA and Richard Batterham, 

Sladers Yard, West Bay Road, West 

Bay, 10.00am to 4.30pm. 

ARTIST IN RESIDENCE: DAVE ROPER 

20 Nov to 25 Nov- See the art 

gallery transformed into a working 

art studio, Harbour House, The 

Promenade, Kingsbridge, 10.00am 

to 5.00pm. 

DEMENTIA-FRIENDLY GALLERY 

TOUR: DEVON VOICES 

21 Nov- A friendly, relaxed tour of 

the exhibition Devon Voices 1914- 

1918: Home Front St, Royal Albert 

Memorial Museum - RAMM, Queen 

Street, Exeter, 10.30am to 12.30am. 

YOURWAY SUPPORT - MEMBERS 

EXHIBITION 

24 Nov to 29 Nov- Host Galleries 

are proud to collaborate with 

'Yourway', a local support 

facility for people with learning 

disabilities, 12 Whimple Street, 

Plymouth, 9.00am to 5.30pm. 

Mark Fielding - 'Small pleasures, Grand Canal' 

WINTER ART FAIR 

02 Nov to 21 Nov- Festive artwork 

by members of Town Mill Arts, Town 

Mill Arts, The Malthouse Gallery, 

Lyme Regis, 10.30am to 4.30pm. 

NOVEMBER EXHIBITION 

02 Nov to 23 Nov- Works of Pauline 

Talbot., Artizan Gallery Cafe Venue, 

Artizan Gallery, Torquay, 12.00am to 

6.00pm. 

DORSET ARTISTS 

02 Nov to 28 Nov- A showcase of 

artwork about Dorset created by 

talented Dorset-based artists, Town 

Mill Arts, The Courtyard Gallery, Lyme 

Regis, 10.30am to 4.30pm. 

AMANDA POPHAM SOLO SHOW 

03 Nov to 16 Nov- New ceramic 

sculptures by British earthenware 

sculptor Amanda Popham, Steam 

Gallery, Fore Street, Beer, 11.00am to 

5.00pm. 

DRAWN TOGETHER 

06 Nov to 11 Nov- Collaborative 

paintings by students in Anita 

Reynolds' workshops, Harbour 

House, The Promenade, 


TALK: CHANGE & CHALLENGE AT 

THE ROYAL ACADEMY 

08 Nov- Sir Charles Eastlake's 

Presidency (1850-65), with 

Dr Susanna Avery-Quash, The 

Arts Institute, Theatre 2, Roland 

Levinsky Building, Plymouth, 

7.00pm to 8.00pm. 

AUTUMN EXHIBITION 

09 Nov to 15 Dec- An enthralling 

mix of artists for the last show 

of 2018, Artwave West, A35, 

Morecombelake, 10.00am to 

4.00pm. 

Alan Cotton - ' Cyprus - Summer Landscape' - Brockhill Studio 

What's On in Devon? 

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63

NOV & DEC 18 

art exhibitions 

DEVON 

Simon Fowler - 'Dartmoor' - GalleryFAB, Newton Abbot 

A SUNDAY AT STUDIO 36 

25 Nov- A day of art, music and lively 

conversation, Studio 36, 36 Denmark 

Road, Exeter, 11.00am to 6.00pm. 

PRESENT MAKER 

27 Nov to 09 Dec- A Christmasthemed 

exhibition of arts and crafts, 

Harbour House, The Promenade, 


SON & MOTHER 

29 Nov to 05 Dec- Showcase of 

abstract landscapes, Town Mill Arts, 

The Malthouse Gallery, Lyme Regis, 

10.30am to 4.30pm. 

FROM CITY TO THE SEA 

30 Nov to 04 Jan- Joint exhibition 

featuring work by Louise Davies 

and Gail Brodholt, Brook Gallery, 

Foreshore House, Budleigh 

Salterton, 10.30am to 5.00pm. 

W W W 

. G A L L E R Y FA B 

. C O 

. U K 

E R S 

thebrownstongallery 

thebrownstongallery 

51 High Street Honiton 

t. 01404 43201 

www.hybrid-devon.co.uk 

Shepherd’s Delight 

Until 17 Nov - Paintings by 

Richard Adams. Sculpture by 

Joe Lawrence. 

Deck the Halls 

24 Nov to 22 Dec - Gallery artists 

create works fit for the season and 

all year round. 

info@artwavewest.com | artwavewest.com 

artwave west | 01297 489 746 

morcombelake | dorset | DT6 6DY 

Exhibitions 

Autumn Exhibition 

09 Nov to 15 Dec 

An enthralling mix of artists 

for last show of 2018. 

Open Wednesday to Saturday 10am-4pm 

g a 

l 

l 

e r y 

& 

P 

I C T U R 

Frames & Boxes, Bank Street, 

Newton Abbot TQ12 2JW Tues-Sat 

01626 335965 facebook.com/galleryfab 

E 

F R A M 

Art · Homeware • Picture · Giftware Framing 

Greetings Cards 

Greetings Cards • Giftware 

Picture Framing 

FRAMES & BOXES, BANK STREET, NEWTON 

ABBOT, TQ12 2JW · 01626 335965 

Beautiful art works 

facebook.com/galleryfab 

and original gifts 

So nice you’ll want to keep 

them for yourself! 

Exhibitions 

Julie Ellis 

Serendipity 

02 to 17 Nov 

Winter Exhibition 

Exciting mixed show! 

24 Nov to 22 Dec 

art prints sculpture jewellery 

art prints sculpture jewellery 

36 Church Street, Modbury, Devon PL21 0QR 

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

tel - 01548 831338 

64 


Gail Brodholt - 'Alice Underground' - Brook Gallery, Budleigh Salterton 

ALAN COTTON CHRISTMAS STUDIO 

EXHIBITION 

01 Dec to 02 Dec- Alan Cotton will 

open his studio for two days on the 

first weekend in December, Alan 

Cotton, Brockhill Studio, Colaton 

Raleigh, 10.00am to 5.00pm. 

EXHIBITION: FREQUENCIES 

01 Dec to 14 Dec- Arts and 

Humanities MA Show, The Arts 

Institute, The Levinsky Gallery, 

Plymouth. 

ART EXHIBITION AT OUR CHRISTMAS 

FAIR 

07 Dec to 09 Dec- Art Exhibition 

at our Christmas Fair by Rob 

Crisp, Kennaway House, Coburg 

Road, Sidmouth, 10.00am to 

5.00pm. 

Thelma 

Hulbert 

Gallery 

Thelma 

Hulbert 

Gallery 

Thelma 

Hulbert 

Gallery 

Thelma 

Hulbert 

Gallery 

Julie Ellis - 'Morning Sunlight' - Brownston Gallery, Modbury 

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Get your 

Art Gallery Events 

into these listings by 

adding your events 

into the HUBCAST - 

it's free - just REGISTER 

hubcast.co.uk/devon 

A selling exhibition of contemporary craft 

Present Makers 

A selling 

2018 10 November – 22 December 

exhibition of contemporary craft 

Thelma Hulbert Gallery, Elmfield House, Dowell Street, Honiton, Devon EX14 1LX 

A selling exhibition 10 November of contemporary 

01404 – 22 45006 info@thelmahulbert.com December craft 


Tuesday – Saturday 10am – 5pm 

10 November Present – 22 December 

Main image: Jo Whiteley Top image: Alex Brooks Middle image: my Bear Hands Bottom image: Becca Williams 

Thelma Hulbert Makers Gallery, Elmfield 2018House, 

Present 

GALLERY ARTBOX 

Dowell St, Makers Honiton, EX14 2018 1LX 

A 

selling exhibition of contemporary craft 

0000_A4 poster 2018.indd 1 16/10/2018 17:07 

Tuesday–Saturday, 

selling exhibition 

10am–5pm 

of contemporary craft 


10 November – 22 December 

Looking to promote your gallery’s 

upcoming art exhibitions to 

Devon’s art lovers? 

Appear here for just 

£6.50 plus vat per week! 

Call Hannah on 01395 513383 

01404 45006 info@thelmahulbert.com 

Images: Jo Whiteley, Alex Brooks, My Bear Hands and Becca Wiliams 


What's On in Devon? 

Present Makers 2018 

Tuesday – Saturday 10am – 5pm Thelma Hulbert Gallery, Elmfield House, Dowell Street, Honiton, Devon EX14 1LX 





Main image: Jo Whiteley Top image: Alex Brooks www.thelmahulbert.com 

Middle image: my Bear Hands Bottom image: Becca Williams 




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Present Makers 2018 

10 November – 22 December 

01404 45006 

info@thelmahulbert.com 

thelmahulbert.com 


FREE ADMISSION 

Donations Welcome 





0000_A4 poster 2018.indd 1 0000_A4 poster 2018.indd 1 16/10/2018 17:07 17:07 



TH0004_THG magazine advert.indd 1 18/10/2018 14:16:45 

0000_A4 poster 2018.indd 1 16/10/2018 17:0 

65

LOCATION: 

Brockhill Studio 

Colaton Raleigh 

Devon EX10 0LH 

Alan Cotton 

STUDIO EXHIBITION 

1 st and 2 nd December 2018 10am to 5pm 

Transylvania - The Vegetable Garden at Miklosvar 

Oils on Canvas 51 x 61 cm 20 x 24 ins 

Two summers ago Alan Cotton travelled 

to Transylvania to gather new ideas for his 

paintings. For many it is a land of legend 

and mystery, but for Alan it was an amazing 

discovery of a landscape and way of life 

largely unchanged for centuries. The 

wildflower meadows, hayricks and village 

cultivation provided rich material for a series 

of paintings of this pastoral landscape. For 

this studio exhibition he has produced a 

collection of new Transylvanian paintings 

together with work from Provence, Venice, 

Piemonte and Hartland in North Devon. 

The exhibition is open for two days only, 

when the artist will be there to welcome 

anyone who would like to visit the studio 

and see his work. 

66 


Solo show of new pieces at Steam Gallery, Beer 

 

Inspiration In Clay 

Saturday 3 November to 

Friday 16 November 

Our annual highlight of new works by the 

celebrated sculptural potter Amanda Popham 

is with us again! This is our fifteenth year 

showcasing her unending innovation and creativity. 

The show of 60 new works has now become 

an established highlight of Steam Gallery’s year. 

As always, collectors greatly anticipate 

this event. Most pieces can be viewed 

on our website and can be secured 

now by simply contacting the gallery. 

However, nothing can surpass the 

impact and sheer joy of seeing the entire 

grouping displayed at the exhibition. 

Amanda Popham - ‘Sunday Afternoon’ - 36cm - £575 

Please join us and catch up with Amanda 

on launch day Saturday 3 November 

from 11.00am. 

Amanda Popham 

‘Giddy Up Pussy Cats’ 

29cm - £775 

Steam Gallery, Fore 

Street, Beer, EX12 3JB 

01297 625144 

www.steamgallery.co.uk 

Amanda Popham - ‘Looking at the Little Birdies’ - 56cm - £795 

Michael Morgan - ‘Bamburgh Castle III 2009’ - 10.5x10.5 ins - £5350 Michael Morgan - ‘Bamburgh Castle I, 2003’ - 12.5x12.5ins - £6450 

Michael Morgan - ‘Lighthouse VIII’ - 10x8ins - £4350 

 

Marine House at Beer has long been the centre 

for original paintings by the distinguished 

Devon artist the late Michael Morgan. 

We continue to acquire his work which 

(1928 - 2014) 

remains in high demand. Here we present 

three of his special coastal scenes currently 

available. For enquiries please contact the 

gallery on 01297 625257. 

Fore Street, Beer, EX12 3EF Marine House 01297 625257 Steam Gallery 01297 625144 

info@marinehouseatbeer.co.uk What’s on in Devon marinehouseatbeer.co.uk 

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67

Tuscany - Cherry Orchard in Evening Light at Strove 91 x 102 cm (36 x 40 ins) 

Alan Cotton, 

one of Britain’s 

most distinctive 

landscape artists, 

has travelled to 

many parts of the 

globe to discover 

new subjects for 

his paintings. 

His explorations have taken him from Morocco to 

Tibet, where he went as Expedition Artist to Mount 

Everest with Sir David Hempleman-Adams. As Tour 

Artist, Alan also travelled with His Royal Highness 

the Prince of Wales to Australia, New Zealand, 

Sri Lanka and Fiji. When working in Transylvania, 

paintings from which feature in this exhibition, he 

was privileged to stay in The 

Prince of Wales’ cottage. 

Alan has produced paintings 

from all these exotic places, but 

it is to Provence in the South 

of France and Tuscany and 

Piemonte in Italy that he returns 

again and again. Sometimes 

film crews accompany him and 

there have been a number of 

television films of Alan working 

in these regions. The first, “A 

Step or Two Away the Picture 

is Complete” for BBC saw Alan 

working in his studio, along 

the Otter Valley and in Brittany. 

Two half hour programmes 

called “Cotton on Canvas”, 

Alan Cotton's 

beautiful 

Provence - Bonnieux From Tom 

Stoppard's Garden in Lacoste 

77 x 61 cm (30 x 24in) 

landscapes 

narrated by Hugh Scully, were made for ITV 

and these was filmed amongst the hill towns of 

Provence, the orchards of Tuscany and beside the 

canals in Venice. 

There have been two illustrated biographies by 

Art Historian Jenny Pery “On a Knife Edge” and 

“Giving Life A Shape” and a 

new book “Drawn to Paint”, 

currently in production, which 

shows how his drawings form 

the basis for his paintings, will 

be launched at the Private View 

of his London Exhibition with 

David Messum in September 

2019. 

Alan is Hon. Professor of Arts 

at the University of Bath and a 

founder member and President 

Emeritus of the South West 

Academy. He also received an 

Honorary Doctorate from the 

University of Exeter for his “... 

outstanding contribution to 

the Arts”. 

68 


Ear cleaning is a vital task for a mother, mum here 

is Rosie and Lily the grateful recipient. Sadly, Lily 

is now deceased, and having met her, I can say it's 

Down at Yellingham Farm 

a great tragedy as she was such a lovely little dog 

with a great character. Below, Janet East onboard 

her trusty Fordson tractor. 

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69

This scepter'd isle 

ENGLAND 

St Martin's Church, Canterbury 

Probably Britain's most important Christian site 

Up and down the land there are literally 

thousands of churches, in fact over 37,500. 

St Martin's church at Canterbury holds 

an extremely important place in Britain's 

Christian history and it's easy to forget just 

how significant the church remains in the 

Christian world. 

Firstly, it's the oldest extant* church in Britain, 

it's also the first church founded in England 

and the oldest church in the entire English 

speaking world, so to say it's significant 

would be something of an understatement. 

Although the Celts in Britain had widely 

converted to Christianity by the 3rd and 

4th centuries, the post-Roman invasion by 

Angles, Saxons and Jutes meant that pagan 

religions were returning to dominance, 

certainly as Kent was one of the counties 

bearing the brunt of these invasions, 

Christianity was being to relegated to 

the native Celts. To stem this ongoing 

pagan invasion Pope Gregory the Great 

despatched a mission to England with 

the purpose of converting the invaders 

to Christianity. He sent Augustine who 

departed from Rome in May 595, but 

he became so daunted by the task that 

he returned to Rome in July, begging 

permission to abandon the mission. After 

being made an abbot, he was instructed to 

complete the task originally given to him. 

In early 597 Augustine landed on the 

Isle of Thanet. He made his way to Canterbury, 

meeting up with the Saxon (and 

pagan) King Aethelberht and his wife 

Bertha. Bertha was already a Christian, 

being the daughter of the King of Paris, 

and it's known that she used St Martin's 

Church as her private chapel for worship 

before Augustine's arrival in England. 

King Aethelberht was later baptised in 

this church. 

It's interesting to note that the Venerable 

Bede said of St. Martin's church that it had 

been in use since the late Roman period, 

although it had subsequently fallen into 

70 


Your ENGLAND 

Aethelberht - first English 

king to convert to 

Christianity, was king of 

Kent. In the ninth century 

Anglo-Saxon Chronicle 

Aethelberht is referred to 

as Bretwalda. 

On the right is the 

oldest part of the 

church where you can 

see the bare Roman 

bricks and Saxon 

stonework. 

disuse. Undoubtedly it would have seen both 

Celtic and Roman worshippers meaning that 

in reality the church is most likely to be even 

older than the stated year of Augustine's 

arrival in 597AD. 

Augustine, with the help of Queen Bertha, 

managed to get King Aethelberht to agree 

to the allocation of land and subsequent 

construction of an abbey (later to be known 

as St. Augustine's Abbey). 

The church itself, as with most churches, is 

an amalgam of construction through the 

ages, although it's easy to spot the Roman 

bricks used in parts of the building. If you 

visit, there's information within the church 

that tells you exactly where the earliest part 

of the church is located. 

If you're a church lover, St. Martin's Church 

must go onto your wish list of most historic 

churches visited. 

Nigel Jones 

(extant* - in continuous use) 

St. Augustine's Abbey, or rather, what's left of it. There's an excellent mini museum on site which is run 

by English Heritage. There is a charge for entry, but it's a fascinating and extremely historic site that 

you will really wish to visit once you've been to St Martin's church which is about half a mile up the road 

Inside St. Martin's, the lower end in fact. It's 

fairly basic inside, but you have to be awed by 

the history and significant visitors to which this 

humble church has been privy, including a Saxon 

king and St. Augustine. 

The font for performing baptisms. It's said that 

king Aethelberht was baptised here in 597. The 

font has been constructed out of a well head from 

the Cathedral cloisters. 

It's a well-trodden path and you'll walk in King 

Aethelberht and St. Augustine's footsteps, taking 

you back beyond fourteen centuries of English 

Christian history. 

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71

DEVONSHIRE HOME 

The Prince of Terriers 

DEVON'S ONLY BREED OF DOG 

It's true, the Parson Jack Russell is Devon's only breed of dog (unless you know otherwise?). It's 

a formidable animal, all the feisty character of a terrier JR with the long legs of the Parson, it was 

originally bred by Parson John "Jack Russell" to chase foxes. The Parson was based at St. James's 

church, Swimbridge in North Devon and here you can see Alfie Jones pictured outside. 

72

In association with the HOME DESIGN YEARBOOK 

DEVONSHIRE HOMES 

A great source for local, Devon based businesses 

that can help you with your home project 

in association with 

Available to buy direct on 01395 513383 or via Waterstones, WH Smith or Amazon. ISBN 978 1 5272 1212 1 

73


Be Inspired 

Christmas Nutcrackers 

with Colwin Way 

Saturday 10 th November 

Upcoming store event... 

Be inspired to turn your own decorative Christmas nutcrackers this season, 

at this special free demonstration in our Axminster store. 

International woodturner and Axminster Skill Centre tutor, Colwin Way, provides 

a step-by-step guide to crafting these traditional German nutcrackers. His knowledge 

and informal presentation style have made him one of the most popular woodturning 

demonstrators in the UK - don’t miss this rare opportunity to see him in our Live Workshop! 

Free event 10am-4pm. Please register your interest on 

website - just search ‘Axminster’ 

Visit our store soon to experience the ‘Axminster difference’ 

and discover just how much we share your passion. 

Search axminster.co.uk or call 01297 302370. 

74 

The Trafalgar Way, Axminster, Devon EX13 5SN 9.7/10


A point of view! 

Nelson’s Column 

by JOHN FISHER 

kicking our way through drifts of leaves 

in reds, yellows, oranges, golds and browns 

this autumn instead we seem to enjoying 

a surplus of, well - a surplus of just plain, 

common or garden browns. 

And it’s all down to our 

deciduous trees and 

shrubs having been 

seriously dehydrated 

this summer, the RHS 

tells us. That lack of 

moisture has starved 

leaves of a number 

of essential sugars 

because trees have 

been unable to build 

up their reservoirs of these sugars that are 

needed to trigger colour changes. 

“Autumn is a second Spring 

when every leaf becomes a flower!” 

BEAUTIFULLY PUT, by one Albert Camus*, 

the French philosopher, author, and Nobel 

Prize Winner for Literature, who clearly 

had never experienced the kind of hot, dry 

summer we experienced in Devon this year. 

Whilst we could normally expect to be 

*Not to put the poet in Albert Camus down, 

we should add in his defence that he was 

born, raised and studied in Algiers and may 

not have experienced an Autumn amongst 

deciduous trees until he lived in Paris in his 

early 20s and came up with that very pleasing 

line in our headline. 

A storm named Kevin? 

EVERY STORM NOW HAS A NAME - and no 

bad thing because it increases our awareness 

of these weather extremes the Met Office 

informs us. But some sound stormier than 

others, do they not? 

A storm called Ragnar for example (we made 

that one up) sounds much more threatening, 

surely, than one called Kevin, which we did 

not make up. 

The complete list of storm names for 2018- 

2019 issued jointly by the Met Office and Met 

Eirean reads as follows: Ali, Bronagh, Callum, 

Deirdre, Erik, Freya, Gareth, Hannah, Idris, 

Jane, Kevin (we told you), Lily, Max, Niamh, 

Oliver, Peggy, Ross, Saoirse, Tristan, Violet 

and Wyn. 

If some of those names sound a tad unfamiliar 

(or even unpronounceable) it is because the 

list has been compiled from suggestions by 

members of the public, with the weather 

experts selecting the names “that reflect 

the nations’ culture and diversity of both 

the UK and Eire”. 

To save you looking it up, Saoirse is 

pronounced, Seer-sha or Ser-sha. 

All our yesterdays 

FOOTPRINTS IN THE SAND is the title of a 

new book written by Rivers Carew, the last of 

the Carew baronets to have lived at Haccombe, 

the family seat in East Devon and spanning 

some 30 generations from 1086-1945. 

And if that sounds like some kind of history 

book that might be a little musty after one 

thousand years in the telling, think on. 

The book will have wide appeal, especially 

to Devonians, old and new, because it also 

reflects the rich social history of county life 

as it does this remarkable family. how they 

lived, loved and died. 

Sir George Carew went down with his ship, 

The Mary Rose and Thomas Carew was a 

famed Cavalier poet and the family even has 

links to Christopher Columbus. 

Footprints in the sand 

ISBN 978-1-9998074-4-3 

is published by DuBois 

Publishing, Cambridge in 

hardback and paperback. 

An e-book version is also 

available on Amazon 

Kindle . 

Author, poet, journalist, broadcaster, 

historian and storyteller, Sir Rivers Carew. 

by JOHN FISHER 

75

YEARBOOK 

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76


new look design 

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aerials 

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77


YEARBOOK 

Panache 

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Westgrove Joinery Limited 

Carpets | Karndean | Wood | Vinyls | Bespoke Rugs 

 

From Inspiration to Installation 

Crafted in the heart of East Devon 

Windows, Doors, Staircases 

Tel: 01395 568123 | www.westgrovejoinery.com 

Come & see our vast selection of 

floorings over 2 showrooms 

All at competitive prices 

01297 33771 

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Castle Hill, Axminster EX13 5PY 

78 



But here’s the thing... 

PRE-CHRISTMAS QUIZ 

Whether you were one of 

that number or not, with 

Christmas just around the 

corner, we thought some 

of its findings were worth 

summarising here. 

Five things people say loneliness is. 

1. Having nobody to talk to. 

2. Feeling disconnected from the world. 

3. Feeling left out. 

4. Sadness. 

5. Not feeling understood. 

Firstly, a THIRD of us often 

or very often feel lonely. 

Being alone is not the same 

as being lonely. 

Young people can feel lonely 

with such intensity because 

they have less experience of 

regulating their emotions 

and this might be only the 

first or second time they’ve 

felt lonely in their lives and 

they haven’t had the chance 

to learn that loneliness often 

passes. 

It may be comforting to 

know that there is now 

an appointed ‘Minister 

for Loneliness’, her name 

is Tracey Crouch. 

ANSWER TO QUIZ 

What, asked Jimmy Durante, 

is the opposite of loneliness? 

SOME 2,800 WEST COUNTRY FOLK were 

among the 55,000 who took part in the recent 

BBC survey into loneliness. 

People feel ashamed about 

feeling lonely but these same 

people can score higher on 

empathy. 

People who say they often 

feel lonely report poorer health. (One in five 

GP appointments are thought to be brought 

about as a result of loneliness). 

Olden days readers will recall that the 

much loved American entertainer Jimmy 

‘Schnozzle’ Durante once said that “the 

opposite of loneliness is happiness” and 

sang about it on the last three minutes of 

the soundtrack in “Sleepless in Seattle”. 

You can hear it again on youtube by tapping 

in Jimmy Durante, Make Someone Happy. 

poet found himself in Teignmouth and had 

some fairly unromantic things to say about 

his three month stay. 

The weather kept him indoors, much of his 

time spent writing, including one piece of 

what he called ‘doggerel verse’ about the 

town itself. 

Stirring stuff 

STIRRING THE CHRISTMAS PUDDING is 

as much a chore as it ever was -which is why, 

many centuries ago women hit on the bright 

idea of calling it ‘a tradition’ and that every 

member of the family might make a wish as 

they stirred. Hmm! 

Stir-up Sunday this year is Sunday, 25th 

November. Alternatively Harrods “Decadent 

Christmas Pudding” this year can be had 

for £24.00 plus £5.95 for delivery. Saves all 

that stirring. 

Season of mists and 

mellow rainfulness? 

EXACTLY TWO HUNDRED YEARS AGO 

this December, John Keats the Romantic 

“Being agog to see some Devonshire, I would 

have taken a walk the first day, but the rain 

would not let me”. 

“The green is beautiful, as they say, and pity 

it is that it is amphibious - mais! but alas! the 

flowers here wait as naturally for the rain 

twice a day as the mussels do for the tide”. 

Especially sensitive were those Romantics 

when confronted with Nature. 

JOHN FISHER 

hubcast 

.co.u k 


79


 

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 

prices from £9.99 /sqm 

Axminster, EX13 8TJ | axminstershop.co.uk 

80


 

The Great Alternative to PVCu 

Like wood. Not wood. 

Authentic Timber Joint 

Evolution’s timber-look joint closely replicates the classic joinery methods used in the 

production of traditional windows with each window inished by hand. This unique 

joint has all the beauty of natural timber, but all the strength of a modern weld. 

Offering all the aesthetics of timber but maintenance free with no painting. 

Our superb showroom showcase undoubtedly the area’s most extensive collection of windows 

and doors. The perfect environment to browse and discuss your plans for your home. 

You are welcome to call in today. 

For total peace of mind the choice is clear, you won’t make a better call. 

Authorised 

Retail Partner 

4/5 Reme Drive, Heathpark, Honiton EX14 1SE www.duralifewindows.co.uk Tel 01404 41999 

81


YEARBOOK 

DEVON LEATHER CARE 

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DESIGNING FOR PEOPLE 

Project Management/Full Refurbishments/ 

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Spatial Planning/Mood & Concept Boards/3D Visuals 

Flooring/Soft Furnishings/Upholstery/Lighting/ 

Artwork/Accessories 

Residential & Commercial Projects 

www.sophielouisainteriors.co.uk 

01392 214817 sophie@sophielouisainteriors.co.uk 

WHATEVER THE LEATHER 

Cleaning and restoration for leather furniture, 

leather bags, cases, leather car, boat and 

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Whether you are looking for cleaning, repair, 

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EXTENSIVE AND 

PERMANENT CHANNELS OF 

EXPOSURE ACROSS DEVON: 

Jack 

says: 

Professionals: architects, 

property developers, 

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sector showrooms and all 

estate agencies in Devon. 

Major booksellers and 

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To advertise 

call Hannah on 

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82


The Specialists in Timber 

Including Listed & Conservation 

Our superb showroom showcase undoubtedly the area’s 

most extensive collection of timber windows and doors. 

The perfect environment to browse and discuss your 

plans for your home. You are welcome to call in today. 

For total peace of mind the choice is clear, you won’t make a better call. 

Tel: 01404 41999 

4/5 Reme Drive, Heathpark, Honiton EX14 1SE 

www.duralifewindows.co.uk 

83


 

exeter extensions 

EXTENSIONS | DRIVEWAYS | ROOFING | BEDROOMS | KITCHENS | BATHROOMS 

We have an amazing team of surveyors, project managers 

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84

Premium, Sleek, German Engineered Kitchens 

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85

GARDENING 

 

A 

Growing 

trend 

There is a growing trend for garden rooms, 

whether it be for home working, art/music 

studio, teenage den, home cinema, music room, 

she shed, man cave or granny annex. 

With a little imagination you can create a haven 

for work or leisure, improving the quality of your 

home and working life. 

There are a number of companies that design, 

build and install garden rooms ranging from 

‘glorified sheds’ to high end, fully insulated 

rooms suitable for year-round use. Depending 

on the specification, level of service, size of 

building and site preparation, expect prices 

to range from £350/m²- £2000/m². Generally 

speaking you will get what you pay for. It’s 

important to research the market carefully 

and view buildings before buying whenever 

possible. When obtaining quotations, ensure 

that you get a detailed specification sheet so 

you can compare prices on a like-for-like basis 

and be sure of exactly what you’re getting for 

your money. 

With a relatively speedy build time, not to 

mention the disruption associated with a typical 

home extension, garden rooms have proven to 

be a cost-effective alternative to an extension. 

Garden rooms can be an aesthetically pleasing 

focal point to your garden that can serve many 

purposes. Unlike an extension, a garden room 

can provide serenity - an obvious benefit when 

working from home. 

A well-designed 

garden room will 

comprise of a 

number of layers 

including vapour 

barriers, breathable 

membranes and 

ventilated air spaces. This prevents warm 

moist air from inside the building escaping 

and condensing on colder surfaces within 

the structure. This in turn ensures the whole 

Garden rooms are 

generally considered 

to be a permitted 

development, not 

normally needing 

planning permission 

structure remains dry, preventing timbers rotting 

and ensuring longevity. For this reason, it is 

important that any insulation is installed correctly 

within a structure that has been designed to 

be insulated. 

Unlike a shed, a well-constructed garden room 

requires a solid foundation to prevent differential 

settlement and/or the building blowing away in 

the next storm. Some companies will provide 

a suitable foundation whilst others will require 

you to provide a concrete raft foundation on 

which they can install your garden room. 

Garden buildings are generally built using 

timber frame or structural insulated panel 

systems, normally pre-fabricated and installed in 

around five to ten days depending on building 

specification. 

A well-designed building should have a minimum 

life expectancy in excess of twenty years and 

will certainly add value to your property. When 

buying a garden room, make sure that the 

cladding, roofing, windows and doors come 

with guarantees and always invest in the best 

that your budget will permit. 

Garden rooms are generally considered to be a 

permitted development, not normally needing 

planning permission. There are exceptions and 

limits to this rule and ultimately the onus is on 

the property owner to ensure that any necessary 

approvals have been obtained. For further 

information you can visit www.planningportal. 

co.uk 

Building regulations will not normally apply 

if the floor area of the building is less than 30 

square metres and 

contains no sleeping 

accommodation. 

Once again there 

are exceptions and 

limitations to this 

rule and it would 

be prudent to check 

with building control 

when planning a 

garden room. 

David Matthews 

86 


GARDENING 

 

ALL 

our garden 

rooms come 

with long term 

warranties 

Specialists in HOME OFFICE, let us help 

solve your space problems 

Would you like more space? 

Inside Out Gardens Rooms based 

in Ivybridge, South Devon is a small 

family run business dedicated to the 

design and construction of superior 

garden rooms. 

These rooms can satisfy a wide range 

of living requirements whether it be 

for home office, art/music studio, 

teenage den, she shed or man cave. 

Our attention to detail is second 

to none and we are confident you 

won’t find a better solution to your 

needs for a garden room. We invite 

all prospective customers to visit one 

or more of our projects. This gives 

you the opportunity to meet past 

customers, see our buildings standing 

the test of time and performing as 

they should. After all, year-round 

comfort is essential in a garden office! 

01548 550122 www.insideoutgardenrooms.co.uk 07872 641933 

hubcast 

.co.u k 


87

Horse 

Care 

Gastric Ulceration 

by Natalie Bucklar 

Gastric Ulceration 

in Horses 

At this time of year there are 

many reasons why horses can 

be more prone to gastric ulcers. As 

time in the field often decreases 

and horses spend more time in 

the stable, the ‘little and often’ 

trickle feeding that is needed 

for gastrointestinal health can 

become compromised. Horses 

left in confinement overnight 

can finish their forage provision 

in a few hours, leaving them 

without food for several more. 

As the horse’s stomach continually 

produces acid, when no forage is 

present, less saliva is produced to 

buffer the acid and the acid will 

attack the stomach lining instead. 

If there is inadequate grass in 

the field and the horse isn’t fed 

additional forage outside, this too 

can contribute to this increasingly 

common problem, as can cereal 

feeds. 

Natalie Bucklar 

BSc (Hons), MSc (Equine Science) 

Natalie has owned horses for over 

30 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 horse management, 

training and problem solving using 

a force-free, science based approach. 

Sadly, Equine Gastric Ulceration 

Syndrome (EGUS) often begins 

at a very young age. Sudden 

weaning is a huge contributory 

factor and a recent study found 

the prevalence of gastric lesions 

increase to an unbelievable 98% of 

foals within two weeks of weaning. 

EGUS can affect any type of horse, 

with other studies showing 93% of 

racehorses, 65% of performance 

horses and 54% of leisure horses 

to be affected. 

Medication is often 

required to aid recovery 

and good management 

is vital to help treat and 

prevent the condition 

Signs of EGUS include changes 

in behaviour, poor performance, 

difficulties when riding, refusing 

to jump, weight loss, colic, fatigue, 

grumpiness, teeth grinding, crib 

biting, loose droppings, dislike 

of the girth being done up and 

being cold backed. Some horses 

very obviously exhibit there is 

a problem, whilst others only 

show one or two mild symptoms, 

however, some horses with 

ulceration don’t demonstrate 

these symptoms at all. A full 

veterinary examination is needed, 

(including a video endoscopy) 

to evaluate the location and the 

extent of the internal damage. 

Medication is often required to aid 

recovery and good management 

is vital to help treat and prevent 

the condition. A low starch, high 

fibre diet, trickle feeding, less 

stabling, reducing stress and 

not exercising the horse with an 

empty stomach are all positive 

management strategies. Fibre 

in the stomach prior to exercise 

helps to prevent the acid splash. 

Unfortunately, EGUS is often a 

man made problem, so as with 

many conditions, prevention is 

better than cure. It can be fatal, 

particularly for foals, and at the 

least causes chronic discomfort 

for horses of any age. 

If you suspect that your horse 

may have EGUS, it is important 

to consult a specialist equine 

vet who can assist you with 

helping your horse to recover. 

Without appropriate treatment 

and management, the horse will 

continue to suffer and can exhibit 

dangerous behaviour due to the 

discomfort. However, if managed 

appropriately, horse’s can recover 

and consequently they become 

healthier and happier partners. 

Seasons Greetings! 

Natalie x 

WE BELIEVE QUALITY HOME 

INSURANCE CAN’T BE RUSHED 

We’ll invest time to help you ensure 

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Devon EX14 4TP 

Want to be notified of new HORSE CARE articles? 

Just Like devonshiremagazine.co.uk on Facebook! 

Agent of The National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Society Limited. 

88 


The Old Vet’nary 

by Ken Watson 

Three Marmalade Cats 

a friendly, family practice 

Or Gingers as I like to call them. 

In my time I have owned, or 

rather been on the staff of, many 

cats; but not so many as it might 

have been because they all, except 

one, lived to a good old age. It was 

the one exception which ensured 

my last three cats to be all Gingers. 

When I retired, one present 

amongst all my embarrassing 

number of gifts was a Siamese 

kitten we called Roo. She shared 

all the uprooting of our move 

from Plymouth to Sidmouth and 

we loved her dearly; but sadly, on 

her very first outing she was run 

over and killed by a tractor right 

outside our gate. She was never 

allowed that precious time to 

learn the dangers of the world. Her 

predecessor had been a Ginger 

cat from a farm at Plympton, so 

we made enquiries through the 

veterinary nurse network to see if 

they had another, and they did. So 

came about Ginger I and Ginger 

II. Later there was to be another 

Ginger cat and I would like to 

show how three cats, so similar 

in appearance, could differ so 

much in their characters. 

Ginger was a big strong cat, a 

typical castrated Tom. He was by 

nature an outdoor cat and he had 

a domain which really could not 

be improved upon; 15 acres of 

field and ancient woodland, and 

the field was alive with rabbits, his 

favourite food. Even so, he liked to 

spend most afternoons indoors 

which he enjoyed although his 

real home and nightly bed was 

with the chickens who lived in 

stables some 50 yards from the 

house. In the day he would often 

catch a rabbit as big as himself 

which he would carry down to the 

chicken house for consumption. 

To achieve this he had to drag his 

catch over a 4ft high chain link 

fence. It was not really necessary 

to scale the fence, but he knew 

it was right opposite the kitchen 

window and he did it just to show 

off. As I have said, he was a big 

strong cat, but yet he remained 

cuddly and loveable. Every tea 

time my wife would carry him 

down to the chicken house for his 

nightly sleep with the chickens, 

cat under one arm, his food under 

the other. He took his chicken 

guarding duties seriously, and we 

would often find the corpse of a 

rodent which had the temerity 

to try to steal the chicken food. 

He lived to the grand old age of 

eighteen and never seemed to 

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ail, but one morning we found he 

had passed away peacefully in his 

bed beside his beloved chickens. 

I have already told you how we 

came about to have Ginger II. I 

think he was the best of the lot. He 

loved to lay in wait in our Sidbury 

garden and ambush our Border 

Terrier as she strolled past intent 

on some ball game of her own 

devising. Whenever we sat on 

by Richard Woodward 

a garden seat he would make 

a beeline for your lap. When I 

revelled in retirement by having 

a post-lunch siesta, he would 

snuggle up to my chest and purr, 

and if I put my arm around him he 

would raise the rate and decibel of 

purr so that I had some difficulty 

in nodding off, although I did 

mostly manage. He was made for 

love, yet he had his mischievous 

streak. One time we went to 

London overnight and left him 

with plenty of food and all modcons, 

but when we returned we 

found he had completely unrolled 

the toilet roll so that it spanned 

the bathroom and even reached 

the hallway. When the end came, 

again at the grand old age of 

eighteen, he made a bed under 

our bed and refused to come out. 

A true gentleman of a cat. 

So that was that. We decided that 

at our age it was not fair to have 

another dog or even a cat... but our 

daughter had other ideas. The day 

she arrived with another ginger 

kitten, one of a litter of feral cats 

she rescued from a local farm in 

Shropshire. But what a cat she 

became. Everything about her 

is different. You notice I say “her” 

and that was the first difference, 

because most ginger cats are 

male; and having come in from 

the wild she decided to embrace 

continued on page 98... 

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89

Devon 

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ART WORKSHOPS 

WATERCOLOURS FOR ABSOLUTE 

BEGINNERS 

15 Nov to 16 Nov - This is a two 

day class with all your high-quality 

art materials for success included, 

Watercolour Workshops with Sarah Bell, 

Teigngrace Village Hall, Teigngrace, 

10.00am to 4.00pm, web. 

LIFE DRAWING DAY 

17 Nov - Life drawing tutored by well 

respected experienced artist/tutor 

Peter Goodhall, Escot Village Hall, 

Ottery St Mary, 10.00am to 4.00pm, 30 

inc. model. 

$DEMENTIA-FRIENDLY ART 

MAKING AT THE MUSEUM 

19 Dec - A hands-on creative activity 

linked to our theme 'Victorian 

Christmas', Royal Albert Memorial 

Museum - RAMM, Queen Street, Exeter, 

10.30am to 12.30am, £15 (includes 

companion). 

CRAFT 

HEDGELAYING 

03 & 10 Nov - Learn how to lay a 

Devon hedge, Devon Rural Skills 

Trust, Holne Cross, Ashburton, 9.30am 

to 4.30pm, £35 non-members, £25 

members. 

DRY STONE WALLING 

01 Dec - Learn how to build a dry stone 

wall, Devon Rural Skills Trust, Orley 

Common, Ipplepen, 9.30am to 4.30pm, 

£35 non-members, £25 members. 

$CHRISTMAS WREATH MAKING 

07 Dec - Christmas Wreath Making 

with Debbie Eden, Kennaway House, 

Coburg Road, Sidmouth, 10.00am to 

4.00pm, TBA. 

CHRISTMAS HEDGEROW 

WORKSHOP 

11 Dec - Enjoy a Christmas workshop 

making wreath & centrepiece, 

includes lunch, Lewtrenchard Manor, 

Lewtrenchard Manor, Lewdown, 

10.00am to 3.00pm. 

FOOD & DRINK 

SEASONAL BREAD & BAKING 

25 Nov - Join Chris Onions in the Old 

Dairy Kitchen to learn bread and baking 

skills, Trill Farm, Musbury, Axminster, 

9.30am to 4.00pm, cost tba. 

HEALTH & WELLBEING 

EXPLORING PYSCHOLOGY 

Until 21 Nov - Exploring Psychology 

- WEA C3529471, Kennaway House, 

Coburg Road, Sidmouth, 10.00am to 

12.00am, TBA. 

Courses & Classes 

MINDFULNESS FOR WELLNESS & 

STRESS MANAGEMENT 

Until 01 Dec - Tried, Tested & 

Accredited Course to Help you 

Transform Stress to Well-Being, 

mindfulness4wellness.org, Totnes 

Natural Health Centre, Totnes, 1.30pm 

to 5.30pm, £195. 

TAI CHI CLASSES 

Until 18 Dec - Tai Chi for health, 

vitality, balance and strength. Everyone 

welcome, Forest Chi, Church House, 

Okehampton, 10.00am to 12.40am, 

£7 for 10 am class. £6.50 for 11.40 

am class. 

SLIMMING WORLD WITH LISA 

Until 19 Dec - Slimming World with 

Lisa, Kennaway House, Coburg Road, 

Sidmouth, 9.00am to 1.30pm, TBA. 

YOGA & LAUGHTER WORKSHOP 

10 Nov - Relax and rejuvenate with 

Yoga & Laughter - All levels welcome, 

Simply Soulful Yoga, Harbour House, 

Kingsbridge, 4.00pm to 6.00pm, £20. 

YOGA CLASS, BRITISH WHEEL OF 

YOGA TEACHER 

14 Nov - A drop in yoga class for all 

ability levels, friendly physical and 

relaxing, Jenny Wasson, Knowle Village 

Hall, Budleigh Salterton, 7.00pm to 

8.30pm, tba. 

MOVEMENT MEDICINE OPEN 

CLASS PLYMOUTH 

01 Dec - Monthly Saturday morning 

awakening, liberating, empowering 

dance practice, Ailsa Lucas - Movement 

Medicine, Unitarian Hall, Plymouth, 

10.00am to 12.15am, £8 to £12 per 

class / £20 to £30 for 3 classes paid 

in advance. 

YFESTIVE YOGA & MINCE PIES 

18 Dec - Invite some Christmas sparkle 

into your life with festive inspired yoga, 

Simply Soulful Yoga, The Cottage Hotel, 

Kingsbridge, 6.00pm to 8.00pm, 13.50. 

LITERARY & CREATIVE WRITING 

DEVON GHOST TALES- AUTHOR 

TALK 

20 Nov - Janet Dowling will be talking 

about her new book: Devon Ghost 

Tales, Sidmouth Library, Sidmouth 

Library, Sidmouth, 3.00pm to 4.30pm, 

£4.00. 

WEDNESDAY WRITERS 

21 Nov - Anne Rainbow and Christine 

Cooke: Practice Makes Perfect, 

Wednesday Writers, Cottage Hotel, 

Kingsbridge, 10.00am to 4.30pm, £25. 

FOR EVENT MORE COURSES AND 

CLASSES NEAR YOU VISIT 

www.hubcast.co.uk 

90 


The Third Trimester of Life 

We speak to Neil Dowding about his life 

and how he's helping others at his home, 

Barleclose Farm. 

Barleclose 

Farm 

“Ideal for 

animal lovers!” 

Neil was a district nurse, working in Sidmouth for 

over 30 years. He's now looking after others of like 

minds while tending his small working farm. 

During our first Trimester, 

aged one to thirty we 

grew, developed and 

gained knowledge. 

to the idea of a third Trimester 

commune, of people with like 

minds, with a choice of how they 

wish to live this final, and exciting, 

period of their lives. 

Sheltered accommodation in Chard 

suited to an older lady or gentleman is 

now available on a small working farm, 

within a professional family home who 

have a nursing background. 

For more information please 

call Neil on 07870 422843 

Our second Trimester, aged thirty 

to sixty, a family is raised and a 

career progressed. 

So what do we do during our third 

Trimester, aged sixty and beyond? 

Neil and Sandra Dowding reached 

that third Trimester and decided 

to up size rather than to down size. 

They bought a small working farm 

on the East Devon, Dorset, and 

South Somerset boarder where they 

are living their rural dream. 

Now settled, they are in the 

position to be able to invite a lady 

or a gentleman, or both, to come 

and join them as an alternative to 

moving into a more formal care 

system. 

We spoke to Neil about his life so 

far and how he hopes to help others 

during their final stage of life. 

"I was a district nurse, working in 

the Sidmouth community for over 

thirty years while Sandra worked 

as an NVQ level 3 care assistant 

in Sidmouth hospital for 22 years. 

So between us we have had many 

years when they were able to study 

our patient’s reactions during their, 

sometimes rocky journey, through 

the dreaded third Trimester. 

"Living the life that we have chosen, 

Sandra and I are true converts 

"What are those choices? Does a 

person choose to socialise? Do they 

want to explore the Jurassic coast? 

Or would they rather retreat into 

their own private space? Are they 

‘Classical’ or ‘Pop’? Do they prefer 

Television to books? The choice 

is theirs. One thing is for sure a 

person’s love of animals would be 

well catered for here on the farm. 

"If a problem with health should 

arise, then a care provider would 

be bought in. But with a balance 

of interaction with others, mental 

and physical activity, and periods 

of private reflection, the whole 

experience of living through your 

third Trimester should, and can 

be, joyous." 

For more information on the scheme 

phone Neil on 07870 422843. 

Neil and Sandra have 

spent most of their lives 

caring for others and 

continue to provide care 

Pinhay House 

Care Home 

“your home from home by the sea” 

We’ve been caring for the Elderly for over thirty years in this 

beautiful Grade II listed Victorian mansion house. 

Our spaciously appointed rooms provide real scope to spread 

out in, we can even accommodate your much-loved furniture 

(and small pets) ensuring it really is your “home from home”! 

We specialise in the care of people suffering with short term 

memory loss and forms of Dementia that can make living 

alone or with different generations difficult. 

Why not contact Adele or Sheena and ask about our 

“Seasonal Respite Packages & Day Care” 

we have arranged for this winter. 

Lyme Regis, Dorset, DT7 3RQ. Tel: 01297 445626 

info@pinhayhouse.co.uk www.pinhayhouse.co.uk 

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92 


Valid for one test on or before 31st December 2018. Present voucher at time of test. Cannot be exchanged for cash, used with other vouchers or eye-health clinic appointments, or redeemed by customers 

already entitled to a free NHS-funded eye test. One per person, at named Specsavers stores only.

'INTERVIEW' by Susan Gebbie 

Tom King - WWII veteran 

At 94 years old, Tom King, MBE and recent recipient of 

the French Legion d’Honneur, lived through World War 2 

serving with the Royal Air Force and travelled extensively as 

a horticulturalist for the Imperial War Graves Commission. 

I’m keen to find out what he thinks of the way we live today. 

Tom welcomes me into his home in 

Sidmouth that he shares with his 

wife of over 70 years, Madeleine. 

He met his Belgian bride when 

liberating her village during World 

War 2. Neatly turned out and with 

a twinkle in his eye, he sits with 

his wife in the comfortable front 

room, while the well behaved dog 

sniffles around trying to work out 

what’s going on. 

Tom and Madeleine lived abroad 

for many years before retiring 

to Sidmouth, including France, 

Italy Belgium and Germany. He 

admits they all have their bad 

and good points. I ask which was 

their favourite country and Tom’s 

answer makes us all laugh. ‘Politically 

perhaps Belgium or Germany. 

But for the love of a country and 

for the people - the Italians. They 

say - 'yes we tell you lies, but we 

only tell you lies to please you!' 

Starting in 1946 with the Imperial 

War Graves Commission and 

finishing his career as senior 

horticulturalist, Tom enjoyed the 

job very much. He had some rough 

times too. For example beyond the 

iron curtain people were a little bit 

dubious and suspicious of what he 

was doing. And once in Algiers he 

had all his belongings stolen. Then 

the commissar of police suggested 

Tom should head to the Kasbar 

immediately where he might be 

able to buy his own stuff back! 

I want to ask him about the 

challenges he has faced and his 

thoughts on the youth of today, 

Brexit, Donald Trump, and how 

to get to 94. I’m hoping for some 

straight talking and I won’t be 

disappointed. 

So, how does he view the world 

today? 'Organisations seem more 

corrupt. You loose confidence. I 

have no interest in any politician 

irrespective of party. And, in terms 

of Brexit, we are in a terrible mess 

and don't seem to be able to sort 

anything out.' 

I ask if the Kings will be happy to 

leave Europe? Madeleine responds, 

‘We saw what was going to happen 

if we came out’ and Tom adds, 

‘I’m a Brit, but we’re Europeans, 

as we’ve lived so long in Europe 

and we understand the Europeans 

a lot more than many people in 

this country. A lot of older people 

think we’re a powerful nation like 

we were in the British Empire, I 

say we haven’t got the power or 

the influence that we had and we 

have to accept we are just another 

European country like any other.’ 

Madeleine reflects 'They wont 

make it easy for Britain to get out 

because if others see we are getting 

something out of it then they may 

want to follow. We were disappointed 

and I blame Boris Johnson.' 

I’m wondering how the wealth of 

experience and wisdom garnered 

from 94 years can be passed on 

to the next generation. Tom’s 

response leaves me disillusioned 

'I’m not terribly convinced they’re 

interested. Youngsters have a 

totally different life to lead. Things 

have changed out of all recognition. 

The man was the bread winner and 

the wife and mother looked after 

the home and children. Now you 

need two salaries for the standard 

of living [the young] demand today. 

Back in our day we went without.' 

As Madeleine points out, 'credit 

wasn’t heard of in those days, it’s 

too easy for youngsters to make 

debt.' 

We discuss how living through war 

affects how you approach the rest 

of your life. 

'We can’t agree with the attitude 

of younger people today, maybe 

we’re envious that they have an 

easier life,' Tom admits. 'When you 

are younger there is always that 

hope,' Madeleine says, and I ask if 

she has become less trusting. 'Yes, 

of course. I seem to be expecting 

something that’s not nice to 

happen.' But Tom feels he has a 

more optimistic outlook. 

So what about the challenges we 

face now? 

'Wars today are more conflicts 

which is a great difference. We’ve 

had this recent skirmish with 

North Korea. And Trump - well 

everybody seems to hate him but 

he’s done something that no-one 

else has ever done, you have to 

give him credit for that.' A note of 

caution from Madeleine - 'We don’t 

know what he promised.' Only 

time will tell. 

However, for the Kings, war was 

not the only or even greatest 

challenge they faced over the 

years. Very sadly, they lost one of 

their daughters. Tom recalls 'it 

was sad, she was a lovely girl, the 

saddest moment, it happened after 

we retired. Other than that, the 

job was quite strenuous and quite 

frightening.' He looks rueful as he 

tells me that one of his colleagues 

was murdered for which he felt 

terribly responsible. I ask him 

to explain and the dreadful story 

unfolds. 

"'There was a cemetery just outside 

Tunis. A boy who was working 

there was not playing the game. 

We got fed up with his attitude so 

we had a report written in French 

for the Minister of Works and as a 

result this boy was suspended for 

6 months. In the meantime I went 

on tour with The Superintendent of 

Horticulture covering all Tunisia, 

Algeria and Morocco and then 

I left him in Casablanca and he 

took the car back to Tunisia. Just 

before Armistice in November he 

rang me and said, “I’m going down 

to see if this boy has retaken his 

job” as he was due back.' 

'The boy was there and convinced 

my colleague to go to the back 

of the cemetery to look at some 

weeds or something in the turf 

and while he was bending down 

he decapitated him. This man was 

responsible to check he’d returned 

to work, but had nothing to do with 

the suspension.' 

So was the boy brought to justice? 

'He escaped over the Atlas 

mountains into Algeria and they 

eventually caught up with him 

but the life of a European wasn’t 

thought to be worth much. These 

were the most difficult cemeteries 

to maintain because of the 

misunderstandings between the 

Europeans and Arabs.' 

And finally to the secret of long 

life? 'Luck, love and be happy' says 

Madeleine. Yes, that seems to have 

worked for the Kings and I think it’s 

a pretty good motto for life today. 

Susan Gebbie 

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Oak Apple Gall - caused by a tiny wasp 

W 

E 

A fine autumn day, the gradual wind-down to winter 

S 

with 

Venn Ottery walk 

DEVONSHIRE 


The rolling countryside of East Devon is a 

real joy to walk. There are many miles of 

green lanes straddling East Devon that can 

be a delight to walk, giving you a feel for how 

fine old Norman tower. Whilst in the church, 

I was approached by the verger who informed 

me that Venn Ottery was on the old Salt Route 

from Exeter to Dorset. I couldn’t find any 

references to this, so if anyone out there has 

information on this, please make contact. I’m 

interested in finding out where it would have 

crossed the Otter, whether Harpford or Tipton 

St. John? 

Infinitely visually interesting - trees 

peaceful the countryside was, way back before 

the motor car. In those times, you’d probably 

see the odd cart or perhaps livestock being 

moved to market, other than that, it would have 

been very solitary. It’s amazing to reflect that 

people have trodden along these same lanes for 

centuries, and in all manner of circumstances. 

I should imagine that in the depths of winter, 

the fire and company at the local ale or cider 

house would have been a very welcoming 

prospect after a cold walk! 

Whilst on the walk, you could stop to admire 

the church at Venn Ottery, particularly the 

You may find sloes in the hedgerows, 

great popped in a bottle of gin 

94 


River Otter 

Higher Metcombe 

Hall’s Farm 

Metcombe 

Tipton 

St John 

Venn Ottery 

St Gregory’s 

Church 

+ 

Venn Ottery 

Barton 

pond 

River Otter 

DISTANCE: 3.5 miles in 

total. As you can see on 

map, there are detours if 

you wish to walk further. 

GOING: Gentle inclines and 

flat. In winter, after rain, 

wellies are a good idea. 

Good for dogs also, but 

ensure you take a lead. 

ST GREGORY’S: It’s worth 

taking a look at the old 

church, particularly the 

Norman tower. 

Oak Apple Galls 

These gall formations are 

formed by the Oak Gall 

Wasp laying eggs inside leaf 

buds, the tissues then swell 

around the wasp larvae as it 

develops. 

Oak Gall Wasp 

St Gregory's Church at Venn Ottery 

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with 

Venn Ottery walk 

DEVONSHIRE 


Photo by Nigel Jones 

96 


Rain, rain, glorious rain! 

A good old downpour drenching an 

autumnal landscape, the sun doing its 

best to break through the gloom. Rain 

always brings a damp chill to the air, it's 

a great time to sit in front of a real fire 

with a glass of something memorable. 

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MANAGING your MONEY 

"the hardest thing in the world 

to understand is income tax" 

Albert Einstein 

Celebrating 26 years of 

providing independent 

financial advice in Devon 

Stalling longevity 

and its impact on the pension world 

Helen Mulvaney 

BA (Hons), Dip M, DipPFS 

Proprietor of 

RICHMOND INDEPENDENT 

We seem to have got very used to the ever growing life 

expectancy rates which have been used, particularly by 

government, over the last decade or so, to convince us that we need 

to pick up our state retirement pensions a lot later. 

However, over recent years, the 

increase in life expectancy seems 

to have stalled*. The reasons for 

this are difficult to pin-point as 

there seem to be multiple factors 

causing this slowdown. Not least, 

that deaths from dementia and 

Alzheimer** related complications 

are on the rise and these have 

off-set the gains from other 

serious illnesses, such as cancer 

and heart problems. Diabetes is 

also possibly going to make an 

increasing impact with diagnosis 

of this disease trebling for men 

and women over the last 20 years 

and storing up problems for the 

future. This is also a disease which 

will have a devastating impact on 

the NHS as its management can 

be very expensive. The UK is not 

alone in experiencing slowing life 

expectancy with many developed 

countries in the same position. 

Slowing life expectancy has had a 

number of implications especially 

for annuity providers and trustees 

and corporate sponsors of final 

salary schemes. Many have had 

to revisit their projections. For 

final salary schemes this has 

represented a bit of relief and 

possible reduction in anticipated 

costs, whilst big insurance 

companies with large annuity 

books are probably going to be 

Slowing life 

expectancy has 

had a number of 

implications 

more profitable and able to release 

some reserves. Although the effect 

of slowing mortality rates may take 

some time to filter through. For 

those looking at buying an annuity, 

the situation has improved as their 

retirement savings may go a little 

further. This is likely to continue 

over the next few years , unless 

there's a substantial pick up in life 

expectancy. 

The recent improvements in 

annuity rates have been due mainly 

to improving gilt yields, but they 

are probably still historically low. 

However, as factors such as life 

expectancy and interest rates 

develop it is possible that buying 

an annuity will become more 

attractive in the future. Those in 

good health have probably not 

benefited too much from recent 

annuity increases because more 

retirees are taking advantage 

of medical underwriting and 

therefore those who are fit and 

healthy will get worse rates. If 

you want a guaranteed income 

for your lifetime then here's a 

reminder that shopping round the 

market for an annuity will nearly 

always be beneficial (unless there 

is a high guaranteed annuity rate 

attaching to your pension policy). 

Therefore it's worthwhile getting 

some independent advice on this 

matter. For clients in drawdown, we 

regularly consider how annuities 

compare and how much income 

Helen has been advising 

clients in the East Devon 

for the past 26 years and 

specialises in the provision 

of retirement and 

investment advice. 

richmondindependent.co.uk 

helen@richmond-ifa.com 

01395 512166 

might be produced from an annuity 

at our regular reviews. This helps 

clients to focus on merits of taking 

a guaranteed income as opposed to 

taking income from a drawdown 

pension. Stockmarkets have been 

volatile recently and may become 

increasingly volatile as we head 

towards Brexit and it's important 

that retirees should also remain 

aware of the investment risk and 

sequencing risks that are part of 

drawdown plans. 

Helen Mulvaney 

* Source Office of National Statistics 

** reasons for stalling longevity FT 

Adviser 04/10/2018 

Richmond Independent is a trading name of 

Investment & Financial Solutions Partnership 

LLP which is authorised and regulated by the 

Financial Conduct Authority 

The Old Vet’nary 

continued from page 93 

domesticity to the feline full. 

Although she will go out and enjoy 

her territory, she makes it clear that 

unless the weather is perfect, she 

would rather stay in with us. She 

is the most intelligent of the three 

and has developed many quirks of 

habit. She will only drink from a tap 

and lets us know when she is thirsty. 

At night she sleeps in the kitchen 

for she would otherwise give us no 

overnight peace. I have to announce 

“It’s time for Bed” and she appears 

for her nightly head scratch before 

making her way to the kitchen. She 

loves routine and her favourite foods 

are mayonnaise and mashed potato. 

She is full of life, but I would be less 

than honest if I said she was an angel. 

Some time in those early few weeks 

of life when she was like a sponge 

soaking up habits, good and bad, 

someone taught her a game which 

involved attacking hands or ankles. 

Nothing we have tried has cured her. 

As she can also open doors, it can 

get tedious. 

Yet of all her habits, one is the most 

charming. It is my old fashioned way, 

after a meal, to get up and give my 

wife a kiss. Wherever she may be 

in the house this cat miraculously 

appears on the table and as I bend 

down I feel a wet kiss on my cheek 

as she joins in the general love-in. 

Her name is Tigger. - Ken 

98 


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artisans and artists 

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. 

PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT AND INTERIOR DESIGN 

Oxford House 

West Street Ashburton 

Devon UK 

TQ13 7DU 

info@artisansandartists.co.uk 

Showroom / South Devon Studio 00 44 (0)1364 653276 

North Devon Studio 00 44 (0)1837 811099 

artisansandartists.co.uk

Devonshire magazine November December 2018

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