South Hams Lifestyle Jun

SOUTH

ISSUE 74 | JUN/JUL 2026

HAMS lifestyle

FEATURING DARTMOUTH, TOTNES, KINGSBRIDGE, ASHBURTON & SALCOMBE

ROOM TO

BLOOM

Creating space for

nature in Dartmouth

NEXT LEVEL

BROWNIES

Decadent recipes

from Gower Cottage

OPEN

GARDENS

Beautiful local

gardens taking part

FOOD & DRINK • EVENTS • LIFESTYLE • INTERVIEWS • TRAVEL

BABBACOMBE DOWNS, TORQUAY BOX OFFICE: 01803 328385

Tuesdays & Wednesdays ‘till 21st October 8.15pm

Matinee: Wednesday 12th August 2.30pm

Tickets: £27, Seniors £25, Children £13

1 CHILD FREE with each full paying adult

Use code ‘SHL1’

www.babbacombe-theatre.com

Transaction fees applied. Per ticket online £3, telephone £2.

READER OFFER

C O N T E N T S

A NOTE

from the editor

18 16

DECADENT JACK

22

HOME UPDATES

Editor Katie Thomson

e katie@minervapublications.co.uk

Assistant Editor Kate Norris

Publisher Sally Thomson

Pre Press Manager Rebecca Rose

Contributors

Matthew Biggs, Angela Cave,

Louise Thomson, Pete Lawrence

STEIN BROWNIE INTERVIEW RECIPES & RECIPE

FOR ADVERTISING

Account Manager Louise Thomson

e louise.thomson@minervapublications.co.uk

t 01225 984550

Front cover courtesy of Gower Cottage Brownies

28 04

JUNE COMPETITIONS

IN THE GARDEN

ENCOURAGING NATURE08

MINERVA PUBLICATIONS

Unit 21c, Paxcroft Farm,

Hilperton BA14 6JB

t 01225 984 550

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Printed on sustainably sourced paper.

Please recycle this copy or pass it along

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Disclaimer: The publishers shall not be

held liable for any loss occasioned by

failure of an advertisement to appear, or

any damage or inconvenience caused by

errors, omissions and misprints. No part of

this publication may be reproduced without

prior permission from the publishers.

The opinions expressed within are not

necessarily those of the publishers.

Welcome summer...

I had my first English

strawberry

As we move

this

into

week,

June and

and

July,

my

word,

everything

it was

starts

beyond

to feel

delicious

a little

- more perfectly relaxed. sweet, The it evenings was a

very stretch good out, advert the garden for eating chairs

seasonally. come back I’ve into tried regular to echo use,

this and the in all hopeful my recent British fruit ritual and of

vegetable “shall we eat purchases, outside?” and begins it’s

had — usually a transformative followed by someone effect on

my checking cooking three - everything weather apps just

tastes and deciding better to - risk more it anyway. vibrant,

needing less seasoning and

just This overall issue has very a lovely tasty. summer

feel, with plenty of inspiration

I’m for making the the most most of the of

cooking season at whilst home. I Our still summer have a

kitchen home upgrades - mine is feature due to looks be

ripped at the improvements out in two weeks that and can

it make will be a real camping difference, stove from and

air beautiful frying for flooring two months and better from

there! glazing I’ve to already ideas for picked making my

kitchen,

the garden

but

feel

it got

like

me

a true

thinking

extra

about

room. Whether

all the other

you’re

areas

planning

that

a bigger project or simply

need updating in my home. If

looking for ways to make your

you are thinking of a similar

home flow more easily into the

refresh, please check out our

outdoors, it’s a reminder that

home pages this edition -

summer living often starts with

they’re full of inspiring trends

the spaces we use every day.

and a few timeless classics.

We’re also very happy to

We’ve feature also brownie got recipes some lovely from

editorial Kate Jenkins on of the Gower best Cottage plants

for — easy pollinators share, - it’s ideal never for

been picnics, so important garden to gatherings support

wildlife or school-holiday in the garden. treats, and

dangerously good with a cup of

The tea. Consider competition yourself guide warned. this

issue is a bumper one - we

have Alongside an the outdoor lighter seasonal furniture

set pieces, from our Bramblecrest Living Well worth with

nearly Dementia £3,000, feature plus a looks cordless at

lawnmower support, understanding worth £679 to and get

that the ways garden people in shape. can continue This,

plus to live a with lot more dignity, makes connection it well

worth and care. a look and an enter!

We hope will be you back enjoy the again issue in

August — and - I’ll that be fully somewhere rebooted

and

between

recharged

the home

into

inspiration,

summer

mode.

the brownies

See you

and

then!

the summer

days out, you find something to

brighten the weeks ahead.

Katie

Katie

www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 3

what's on

MAY/JUN 26

South Hams has a calendar packed with things to

see and do all year round. Whether you’re a local or

just visiting, discover what’s coming up and make the

most of this vibrant part of the country.

KINGSBRIDGE FAIR

WEEK

KINGSBRIDGE

18–26 July

A much-loved annual celebration

featuring live music, family entertainment,

sporting events, raft races, fireworks and

community festivities throughout the

town and estuary.

www.kingsbridgefairweek.co.uk

CLASSIC CHANNEL

REGATTA

DARTMOUTH

7–16 July

A spectacular gathering of classic yachts

and historic sailing vessels, bringing

maritime heritage and stunning coastal

scenes to Dartmouth and the River Dart.

www.classic-channel-regatta.eu

ASHPRINGTON

TRACTOR FESTIVAL

ASH MEADOW, ASHPRINGTON

18 July

Expect vintage tractors, classic vehicles,

live music, food and family entertainment

at this fun-filled countryside event near

Dartmouth.

Classic Channel Regatta

Image © Anne Cave-Penney

4 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk

THE SCARLET

PIMPERNEL

STOKENHAM VILLAGE HALL,

KINGSBRIDGE

11th July

An atmospheric touring theatre

production of the classic period drama

performed by the South Devon Players.

www.southdevonplayers.com

BABBACOMBE

THEATRE

TORQUAY

June & July 2026

One of Devon’s best-loved entertainment

venues, Babbacombe Theatre continues

its busy summer season with tribute acts,

live music and comedy performances.

Upcoming highlights include:

• Forever Clapton – 26 June

• The Searchers & Hollies

Experience – 31 July

Perfect for readers looking for an evening

of nostalgic summer entertainment by

the coast.

www.babbacombe-theatre.com

EXMOUTH FESTIVAL

EXMOUTH

9–12 July

Exmouth Festival returns from 9–12 July

2026 for four days of music, creativity

and community celebrations by the sea.

One of the South West’s biggest free arts

festivals, this year’s theme — Wild Things

— celebrates the natural world through

live music, theatre, poetry, dance and

family activities across multiple venues

throughout Exmouth.

Manor Gardens once again becomes the

vibrant heart of the festival, hosting live

performances, circus workshops, food

stalls and the ever-popular silent disco,

while The Strand showcases local choirs,

theatre groups, folk music and artisan

markets. New for 2026, the Imperial

Hotel Gardens will offer wellbeing

sessions, immersive theatre and creative

Exmouth Festival

Image © Appleton Event Photography

workshops with stunning coastal views.

With free entry and an inclusive

atmosphere, Exmouth Festival continues

to be one of Devon’s most anticipated

summer events, attracting visitors

from across the region for a weekend

of culture, creativity and seaside

celebration.

www.exmouthfestival.co.uk

THE INN THEATRE

COMPANY

DARTMOUTH CASTLE

28 July – 1 August

The Inn Theatre Company returns

with an open-air summer production

of A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the

stunning Dartmouth Castle setting.

This updated production promises live

music, energy and immersive outdoor

theatre against one of Devon’s most

spectacular coastal backdrops.

www.theinntheatrecompany.co.uk

PLYMOUTH BOAT

FEST 2026

20th June

Hosted at Plymouth Yacht Haven

This year’s festival will once again

bring together maritime enthusiasts,

families, and the local community for a

weekend of nautical fun and discovery.

From sleek yachts and innovative

watercraft to beautifully restored

traditional vessels, there’ll be plenty to

explore, climb aboard, and admire.

Meet industry experts, discover

the latest in boat technology and

marine services, and experience

hands-on activities for all ages. With

exciting on-water displays, children’s

entertainment, and fantastic local food

and drink stalls, Plymouth Boat Fest

2026 promises a vibrant, family-friendly

celebration of our maritime heritage —

and you won’t want to miss it!

www.plymouthboatfest.co.uk

2026

LADY NADE RIOGHNACH CONNELLY & HONEYFEET

SOUND OF THE SIRENS KATE GRIFFIN & MATCHUME ZANGO

NOT THE COWBOYS ROWAN STUART EXMOUTH SHANTY MEN

AIRHEAD KITTY STEWART TRIO JUST LIV & BOB + MANY MORE

12 - 20 September

www.agathachristiefestival.com

WEDDINGS & CIVIL CEREMONIES

at the historic guildhall, totnes.

Contact: civichall@totnestowncouncil.gov.uk 01803 862147


TOTNES ROTARY

CLUB

STAVERTON RECREATION

GROUND TQ9 6AQ

28th June

Totnes Classic Vehicle Show

A fantastic day out for all Classic Car

and Classic Motorcycle Enthusiasts

in partnership with Dartmoor Vintage

Motorcycle Club.

Approx 250 Classic Vehicles on show

www.totnesrotary.co.uk

COLETON FISHACRE

BROWNSTONE ROAD,

KINGSWEAR TQ6 0EQ

Ongoing until November 2026

100 years of Coleton Fishacre

In honour of Coleton Fishacre’s 100

years, there’ll be a series of things to see

and do over this year.

Discover a pop-up photographic

exhibition of archive images inside and

out, documenting the building of the

house and gardens. Join a guided walk

with the Head Gardener, taking a look

at how the team garden for nature, and

on selected dates this summer immerse

yourself in the Jazz Age with cocktail

hour and dance lessons.

In autumn there’s the return of the

Earth Photo 2026 exhibition with its

contemporary imagery, and to finish the

year in true 1920’s style, a Christmas

party with a bang.

12 June & 3 July

Gardening for nature at Coleton

Fishacre

During the tour, learn more about

the practical steps the team take to

garden with greater environmental

sensitivity; improving habitats, increasing

biodiversity, and adapting planting and

management in response to a changing

climate.

Take a closer look at the measures

already in place, the thinking behind

them, and the challenges and

opportunities that come with gardening

for nature. Be inspired with simple,

achievable ideas to try at home, showing

how small changes in your own green

space can make a meaningful difference

for wildlife.

This tour takes place around the garden,

on varying paths with some steps and

inclines. Please wear weather appropriate

clothing and suitable footwear.

24 July

Garden border design workshop at

Coleton Fishacre

This after hours workshop will walk

guests through the key stages of creating

a successful border, from the first spark

Coleton Fishacre

of an idea through to the final planting.

The workshop is designed to be

informative, approachable, and rooted in

real horticultural practice, giving guests

the confidence to apply these principles

in their own gardens while gaining insight

into how the team design and manage

borders at Coleton Fishacre. £100

Booking essential.

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/

coleton-fishacre

DARTINGTON HALL

DARTINGTON, TOTNES, TQ9 6EE

13 June

Garden Response: Nature Print & Bind

A half-day bookbinding workshop with

Brian Norman, inspired by Dartington’s

Gardens. Create your own natureinspired

book through a process of relief

transfer printing and plant-dye release

through a press. Booking essential.

21-25 June

Leonora in the Morning Light

Defiant and brilliant, Carrington (Olivia

Vinall) refused to live by anyone’s rules

but her own. In the charged atmosphere

of 1930s Paris, she falls under the spell

of the Surrealist movement – and into

a passionate, volatile love affair with

German artist Max Ernst (Alexander

Scheer). Together, they create a world

where art and life blur. But as war engulfs

Europe, their fantasy shatters.

Leonora in the Morning Light is the story

of a woman who turned trauma into

transcendence, creating beauty from

chaos and forging a legacy that changed

the history of modern art, making her

currently the highest-selling female British

artist. Booking essential.

www.dartington.org

PALACE THEATRE

PAIGNTON TQ3 3HF

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and

Thursdays from June 9 to July 30

Agatha Christie’s Towards Zero

Calling all Agatha Christie enthusiasts!

In 2026, the Palace Theatre in Paignton

will host an unforgettable adaptation

of one of Christie’s most captivating

murder mysteries: Towards Zero. This

thrilling production, brought to you by

Bijou Theatre Productions, is part of

their esteemed annual Agatha Christie

run, a tradition that has delighted

audiences since 1984.

Towards Zero promises to be a

mesmerizing journey into the human

psyche. This production feels like

opening a long-locked door. The

intrigue begins not with a murder,

but with the intricate web of choices,

grudges, and tensions that simmer

beneath the surface. Expect a gripping

examination of jealousy and the subtle

dynamics at play, as the story unfolds in

an atmosphere charged with suspense.

19 June

An Evening with Jimmy Tarbuck

JIMMY TARBUCK OBE, one of the

most popular household names from

the golden era of British stand up, is

back with a bang: The much-loved

entertainer is on tour through the spring

and summer 2026 with his solo show

‘An Evening with Jimmy Tarbuck’ which

stops off at some of his favourite towns

and venues in the UK. And he can’t wait.

16 July

An audience at The Palace –

Conservation of the Seagrass

Meadows of Torbay

Seagrass meadows are amongst the

most vital and productive ecosystems

on our planet. They provide essential

habitat for marine life, support fisheries,

protect coastlines from erosion and

storm damage, and act as powerful

carbon sinks in the fight against

climate change. This talk will explore

Blue Meadows, an ambitious and

holistic initiative lead by the Ocean

Conservation Trust. Focusing on the

conservation of seagrass meadows

across the South West of England, Blue

Meadows is striving for the protection

of this vital habitat, whilst also restoring

the seagrass that has been lost in

recent years.

www.palacetheatrepaignton.co.uk


Hundreds of rolls of designer curtain &

upholstery fabrics at discounted prices

Largest fabric selection in the South West complemented

by professional curtain making and upholstery services.


COULD DARTMOUTH

BECOME ONE OF BRITAIN'S

WILDEST TOWNS?

What if the future of conservation didn’t begin in

remote forests or vast national parks — but right

outside our own front doors?

Across Dartmouth and the surrounding

area, a growing movement led by BeWild

is asking exactly that question. From

wildlife-friendly gardens and pollinatorfilled

window boxes to businesses

creating habitats in overlooked spaces,

the idea behind BeWild is simple:

nature recovery works best when entire

communities get involved.

And perhaps surprisingly, Dartmouth

could be perfectly placed to lead the

way.

For years, environmental conversations

have focused heavily on climate change,

plastics and carbon footprints. But

another urgent issue is unfolding much

closer to home — the dramatic decline in

local wildlife. Birds, bees, butterflies and

native wildflowers are all under increasing

pressure as habitats disappear and urban

spaces become tidier, harder and less

hospitable to nature.

BeWild, founded by naturalist Victoria

Benns, believes the solution doesn’t just

lie in large-scale environmental policy.

It lies in thousands of smaller actions

adding up to something transformative.

The organisation works to help

communities reconnect with nature in

practical, positive and achievable ways

— encouraging residents, community

groups and businesses to see themselves

as active participants in biodiversity

recovery.

Already, that vision is beginning to

take shape across Dartmouth. Local

businesses are joining the growing

BeWild network, supporting projects

that create habitats for wildlife and

spark conversations about nature in

everyday spaces. BBH Architects are

funding swift boxes at St Saviour’s

Church, visible from their office windows,

while The Remarkable Goldsmiths has

created silver acorns inspired by the

oak landscapes of the River Dart, with

proceeds supporting the Woodland Trust.

Wild Week events at Coastal Trail Café

have also brought families, naturalists

and local organisations together through

talks, theatre and wildlife discovery

activities.

Imagine if every street in Dartmouth had

hanging baskets planted with pollinatorfriendly

native flowers. If cafés created

wildlife corners outside their premises.

If hotels added bee-friendly planting

to terraces and gardens. If residents

allowed parts of their lawns to grow wild

through summer or replaced fences

with hedgerows. If community groups

and local businesses all embraced a

shared ambition to make the town more

welcoming to the natural world.

Suddenly, Dartmouth itself becomes a

connected habitat.

What makes the BeWild approach

especially powerful is that it doesn’t rely

on perfection. Supporting biodiversity

doesn’t require acres of land or specialist

expertise. Planting native wildflowers

supports numerous insect species

and the many birds, mammals and

amphibians that feed on them. Letting

areas of grass grow long and leaving

seed heads standing through winter can

provide food for birds and shelter for

insects too.

Collectively, these small actions begin

to stitch habitats and wildlife corridors

back into our everyday lives.

There is also growing recognition that

towns designed with biodiversity in

mind are not only better for wildlife —

they are better for people too. Access

to nature has been linked to improved

wellbeing, reduced stress and stronger

community connection. Visitors

increasingly value places that visibly care

for their environment, while businesses

are recognising that biodiversity and

sustainability are becoming part of how

communities choose where to spend

their time and money.

Promotional Partnership

Through its work, BeWild is helping

spark conversations around what a more

nature-connected Dartmouth could look

like — not through grand gestures alone,

but through visible, everyday changes

that people can feel part of.

And perhaps that is what makes the

idea so exciting.

This is not about turning the clock

backwards or creating an untouched

wilderness. It is about reimagining what

today’s towns could become. Places

where swifts still circle overhead on

summer evenings, where butterflies move

through high streets, where wildflowers

soften forgotten corners and where

people feel genuinely connected to the

landscape around them.

Could Dartmouth become one of

Britain’s wildest towns?

With organisations like BeWild helping

lead the conversation, perhaps the better

question is: why shouldn’t it?

Find out more at: https://bewild.uk/

bewild-dartmouth/


NATIONAL

GARDEN SCHEME

Greatcombe

Avenue Cottage

Larcombe Farmhouse

Journey’s End

Greatcombe

Greatcombe Gardens & Gallery, Holne,

Ashburton, Devon, TQ13 7SP

A hidden gem, providing both inspiration

and tranquillity. The garden offers a wide

range of plants and planting schemes

adding interest around every corner.

Featuring flowering shrubs, mature trees,

herbaceous borders, colourful pots, a

moorland stream, acers and unusual

hydrangeas. ‘Enchanting, magical place,

a real asset to the NGS, fabulous homemade

teas’ (visitor comment).

Saturday 4th & Sunday 5th July


Admission: Adult: £6.00 | Child: Free

Avenue Cottage

Ashprington, Totnes, Devon, TQ9 7UT

11 acre woodland valley garden containing

many rare and unusual trees and shrubs

with views over the River Dart AONB.

Azaleas, hydrangeas and magnolias are

a speciality. A spring rising in the garden

under a massive rhododendron feeds two

ponds and a small stream running through

a meadow with mown paths. Openings

require pre-booking due to limited parking.

If coming on foot, visitors can pay at the

gate.

Sunday 26th July


Larcombe Farmhouse

Diptford, Totnes, Devon, TQ9 7PD

A beautiful south facing cottage garden

in the rural hamlet of Larcombe. In July

expect to see an abundance of traditional

cottage florals, roses and hydrangea in an

undulating garden of about an acre with

a stream running through it. Find some

peaceful seating areas and enjoy exploring

the features of this tranquil space. Walkers

and cyclists welcome without pre booking.



Journey’s End

Green Lane, Ilsington, Newton Abbot,

Devon, TQ13 9RB

Our 2 acre wildlife garden gives us such

joy seeing the constant activity and the

huge variety of wildlife active on the native

grasses, the many wild flowers, shrubs,

herbaceous plants, pond etc that provide

a food source. Also the brash piles, the

wildlife homes we have erected so all

creatures have a home here at Journey’s

End, our self build award winning home.



Am Brook Meadow

Torbryan, Ipplepen, Newton Abbot, Devon,

TQ12 5UP

Country garden developed over past 20

years to encourage wildlife. Perennial

native wildflower meadows, large ponds

with ducks and swans, streams and wild

areas covering 10 acres are accessible

by gravel and grass pathways. Formal

courtyard garden with water features and

herbaceous borders and prairie style

planting together with poultry and bees

close by. Appeared on Gardeners’ World

Aug 2024.

Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th July


Dunley House

Bovey Tracey, Devon, TQ13 9PW

Nine acre garden set among mature oaks,

sequoiadendrons and a huge liquidambar

started from a wilderness in mid eighties.

Rhododendrons, camellias and over

40 different magnolias. Arboretum,

walled garden with borders and fruit

and vegetables, rose garden and new

enclosed garden with lily pond. Large pond

renovated in 2016 with new plantings.

Woodland walk around perimeter of

property.

Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th June


Dunley House

Am Brook Meadow

Beautiful gardens to visit in your area - plus raising

vital funds for nursing and health charities.

For more details, visit ngs.org.uk

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

A REFINED APPROACH TO

HOLIDAY LETTING

At Finest Stays, the team believes

the best holiday homes are about

far more than simply four walls.

Sometimes it is the sea view,

sometimes it is the location, and

sometimes it is the feeling guests

get the moment they arrive.

Finest Stays works with exceptional

homes across some of the South

Hams’ most sought-after coastal

locations, helping owners maximise

their property’s potential while

creating memorable stays for

guests who return year after year.

As a locally based team, knowledge

of the area runs far deeper than

business alone. They know the

hidden beaches, quieter coastal

walks and waterside spots visitors

remember long after they have gone

home — and that local insight sits

at the heart of everything they do.

In an increasingly competitive

holiday letting market, presentation

and marketing matter more than

ever. Every Finest Stays property

benefits from professional

photography, carefully written

listings and expert guidance on

presentation, ensuring each home

stands out for the right reasons.

Their marketing combines highquality

visual storytelling with

strategic direct booking campaigns,

email marketing, social media and

SEO, all designed to drive guests

directly to Finest Stays. More than

85% of bookings now come direct,

helping owners reduce reliance on

third-party channels while building

stronger guest relationships, repeat

bookings and long-term revenue

growth.

Alongside this, Finest Stays’

revenue management strategy

combines intelligent data with

hands-on expertise, allowing

pricing to be adjusted in line with

seasonality, local demand, events

and booking patterns. Every pricing

decision is monitored by a real

team who understand both owner

priorities and market performance,

helping maximise occupancy and

long-term revenue potential.

Finest Stays is not a faceless

national agency or a call centre

based miles away. The team lives

locally, spends time in the area

and understands the rhythm of

the South Hams throughout every

season. That means owners receive

responsive support from people

who genuinely care about both the

property and guest experience.

From guest communication to

housekeeping coordination, Finest

Stays handles the day-to-day

complexities of holiday letting,

allowing owners to enjoy the

rewards without the stress.

It is a refined approach to holiday

letting — combining trusted local

expertise with thoughtful marketing,

intelligent revenue management and

genuinely personal service.

THINKING ABOUT HOLIDAY

LETTING YOUR HOME?

Speak to Jane at Finest Stays

hello@fineststays.com

01548 706706

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RAISING INDEPENDENT

CHILDREN

By Gail Murphy, Early Years Development Manager,

National Day Nurseries Association

Parents and immediate family members

are a child’s first educators and the most

important people in their lives. The early

years are their foundations for learning

and independence, when they develop the

skills they need to reach their full potential.

Happy, secure and independent children

benefit from structure, routine and the

opportunity to develop decision-making

and risk-taking skills which builds their

confidence. Sending a child to nursery

where there are varied and different

learning environments to home can really

support a child on their next steps to

independence and self-sufficiency.

Independence looks different for

every child. Well-qualified early years

professionals are best placed to support

each child to develop their potential.

Here’s why:

Nurseries provide opportunities for group

play, shared problem-solving, learning

with and from their peers. Children in

settings soon develop social skills such as

turn-taking, sharing, negotiation, conflict

resolution and empathy.

In a larger social setting, children have the

extra space to develop communication

skills through individual, small and large

group experiences where they learn

how to express needs, wishes, interests,

ideas and feelings in socially acceptable

ways. Group mealtimes for example

support social skills and routines and

introduce children to try broader tastes

and an understanding of the joys of eating

together.

Supporting children to develop

persistence and resilience can be

challenging for many families, particularly

when it feels easier in the moment to

step in quickly or avoid upsetting them.

Nurseries can offer helpful challenge

and gentle resistance by encouraging

children to try for themselves, building

independence rather than reliance.

Parents’ own upbringing and experiences

can also shape how comfortable they

feel with saying no, but evidence shows

that children benefit from clear, consistent

boundaries. Boundaries help children feel

safe and secure, and from this sense of

reassurance they gain the confidence to

explore.

Relationships that children have with

their nursery workers are key to their

overall experiences in nursery. Adults

have the training to encourage, model

and enable, engendering curiosity

through new and exciting opportunities

and experiences, such as the Maths

Champions programme. Children develop

self-sufficiency and real-world skills like

dressing, toileting, managing meal times,

looking after their environment and each

other.

Making daily choices in free-flow indoor

and outdoor play within predictable

routines builds autonomy, decisionmaking

and ownership of who to play

with, where and what. Nursery staff

support where necessary but also know

when to step back to help children

become more capable, try it themselves,

to gain that confidence when they achieve

their goals. Independence grows gradually

and needs to be encouraged and taught.

It includes knowing when and how to ask

for help in a situation. Children learn in this

way to develop persistence and resilience

when things are tricky.

Routines, play and relationships with peers

and adults build children’s confidence, a

‘can do’ attitude and support emotional

regulation by reducing anxiety.

What is the Maths Champions

programme and why does it matter?

The Maths Champions programme,

delivered by the National Day Nurseries

Association is an evidence-based early

intervention designed to boost children’s

maths skills from the very start. Through

flexible online training, practical tools

and expert support, it helps nursery staff

build confidence and embed maths into

everyday play and routines.

The impact is significant: children in

participating settings make up to three

months additional progress, rising to six

months for disadvantaged children.

Just as importantly, it equips practitioners

and parents with simple, effective ways to

support early maths at home and in the

setting. Strong early maths skills are a key

foundation for later learning, making early

intervention crucial.

Find out more about the programme

here: https://ndna.org.uk/championsprogrammes/maths-champions-earlyyears-maths-training/


Reimagining Education for

the World Beyond School


How do we prepare young people not just to leave

school, but to step into the future with confidence,

curiosity, and a sense of possibility? This was a

question that we took to heart when designing our

Spaghetti Bridge Enterprise Learning approach...

Too often, education prepares students for the “real world” by

separating them from it. We wanted to do the opposite. Rather

than confining learning to what takes place within the four walls

of the classroom, we designed an approach that brings the

outside world into the school and takes learning out into the

community.

This is the foundation of our Enterprise Learning approach: a

curriculum built around meaningful, real-world projects that allow

students to see how their ideas, creativity, and effort can make a

genuine difference. Through the creation of what we call Beautiful

Work, students experience the pride and purpose that come from

producing something that matters to them and to the people

around them.

To make this possible, we staff our schools with practitioners

with expertise within particular fields, such as Digital Media,

Horticulture, and Construction and Engineering. We also invite

external Industry Experts into our schools, giving students the

opportunity to learn directly from professionals and understand

what high-quality work looks like beyond school.

Learning extends far beyond the classroom. Trips, visits, and

experiences within the local community and further afield help

students build cultural capital, broaden their understanding of the

world, and imagine new possibilities for their futures.

At the end of each term, our Festivals of Learning provide

students with the opportunity to present and celebrate their

Beautiful Work, reflect on their progress, and develop confidence

in their ability to challenge themselves to reimagine their

potential, learn, and grow.

We also knew that students would not be prepared for the future

through a focus on a curriculum based on knowledge alone.

Therefore, we designed Enterprise Learning to equip students

with the 21st Century Skills that will enable them to thrive in the

world of the future, including learning creative and divergent

thinking, developing a learning mindset, and building their

relational skills and emotional intelligence.

Ultimately, our hope is simple: that more young people have the

opportunity to experience an education that connects them to the

real world, helps them discover who they are, and equips them to

face the future with confidence, purpose, and excitement.

At Preston Bridge School, learning

starts with what students do best.

Our Enterprise Learning approach empowers students to explore their interests, express

themselves, and build new skills. With deep understanding and high expectations, our

staff help every child experience success. Based in Paignton, Devon, Preston Bridge

School is a specialist school supporting students aged 6-19 with EHCPs.

referrals@prestonbridgeschool.co.uk

www.prestonbridgeschool.co.uk



PHOENIX HEART AWARDS 2026:

Celebrating Excellence in Education, Care, and Support

Phoenix Learning and Care is proud to

announce the Phoenix HEART Awards

2026, taking place this July...

The awards celebrate the exceptional

contribution and everyday achievements

of our Team Members across our

schools, colleges and care services,

and the positive impact they have

on the People we support. HEART

Award winners are also put forward for

national awards, with several colleagues

shortlisted in previous years.

This year’s awards will be even more

inspiring, with categories recognising

excellence in innovation, compassion,

leadership and teamwork. By celebrating

Team Members who live our values of

Honesty, Empathy, Aspiration, Respect

and Teamwork every day, the HEART

Awards reflect what Phoenix stands for.

AWARD CATEGORIES FOR

2026 INCLUDE:

• Empowering Futures Award

• Innovation & Impact Award

• HEART Values Champion

• Nurture Award

• Flourish Award

• Grow Award

• Communication Development

Award

• Sensory Support Award

• Trauma-Informed Practice Award

• Excellence in a Supporting Role

Award

• Therapist of the Year

• Teacher of the Year

• Leadership Award

• Team of the Year

The Phoenix HEART Awards 2026 will

conclude with a special ceremony, where

we will recognise our nominees in front of

their peers, families and colleagues.

As part of this year’s event, we would

like to extend our heartfelt thanks to

our generous sponsors, whose support

makes the HEART Awards possible. Their

commitment to education, care, and the

well-being of the People we support is

invaluable.

Jon Pain, CEO at Phoenix Learning and

Care said: “We are incredibly proud

to celebrate the passion, dedication,

and hard work of our Team Members.

This year’s ceremony will unite finalists,

sponsors, and guests to celebrate the

remarkable individuals and teams whose

contributions create lasting positive

change for the People we support.”

A special thank you to Fyrex as our Gold

Sponsor for their continued partnership

and for helping to celebrate the

extraordinary individuals and teams who

make Phoenix a truly special place. We

look forward to celebrating with them and

all those who contribute to our thriving

Phoenix community.

The Phoenix HEART Awards are more

than just an event; they are a recognition

of the passion and dedication that drives

our mission. Together, we continue to

build a future full of opportunities and

support for all the people we work with.

For more information about the Phoenix

HEART Awards 2026, please visit:

https://phoenixlearningcare.co.uk/

heart-awards/


Join the Phoenix Community

We’re a dedicated team of over 700 professionals supporting

Children, Young People and Young Adults through:

Schools

Further Education College

Children’s Residential Homes

Adult Supported Living Services

We run 40+ specialist settings

across South England and

South Wales, offering

tailored, therapeutic care and

education.

Phoenix Learning and Care Group is expanding into

the North of England with the opening of Havencross

School in late 2026. Based in Denton, Greater

Manchester, the independent specialist SEND school

will support children with autism and learning

disabilities who are unable to access mainstream

education.

An Integrated Therapies culture that puts people first

Phoenix’s Integrated Therapies Teams work in open, collaborative

and supportive ways. We value clinical expertise, trust professional

judgement and encourage shared learning, building connected

teams where people feel supported and able to thrive.

If you’re looking for a role where collaboration, trust and

creativity are genuinely valued, and where education and

therapy work together to support each individual, Phoenix

could be the place for you.

Find out more about us, follow us on

NEXT-LEVEL BROWNIES

Rich, indulgent and endlessly

adaptable, brownies are the

ultimate crowd-pleaser. In The

Brownie Book: Wickedly Irresistible

Chocolatey Bakes, Kate Jenkins

reimagines the classic with creative

twists and bold flavours. Kate’s

kindly selected three standout

recipes to try at home.

MATCHA BLONDIE

Building on a white chocolate blondie

base, half the batter is infused with

earthy matcha for a striking finish and

distinctive flavour.

INGREDIENTS

175g (1½ sticks) unsalted butter,

diced

150g (5½oz) white chocolate, broken

into small pieces

300g (1½ cups) caster sugar

1⁄2 tsp vanilla extract or paste

150g (1 cup plus 2 tbsp) plain flour

½ tsp baking powder

3 eggs

2 tbsp matcha powder

METHOD

Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C

fan/Gas 4).

Melt the butter in a saucepan over a

medium heat, stirring continuously.

Reduce to low, add the chocolate

and stir until smooth and glossy.

Remove from the heat. Stir in the

sugar and vanilla, then the flour

and baking powder until you have a

smooth mixture with no lumps.

Whisk the eggs until light and frothy,

then gently fold into the mixture to

form a thick batter.

Divide between two bowls and mix

the matcha into one until evenly

green.

Dollop alternating spoonfuls into a

lined tray to create a marbled effect.

Bake for 35–40 minutes until set at

the edges with a slight wobble in the

centre. Cool completely, then slice

into 12.

PEANUT BUTTER

SALTED CARAMEL

BROWNIE

A rich chocolate brownie layered with

salted caramel and peanut butter,

with optional chopped peanuts for

extra texture.

For the salted caramel

100g (1⁄2 cup) light soft brown sugar

175ml (3⁄4 cup) double cream

50g (1¾oz) unsalted butter, diced

1 tsp sea salt

300g (10oz) crunchy peanut butter

(optional)

For the brownie batter

175g (6oz) unsalted butter, diced

100g (3½oz) dark (70%) chocolate,

in small pieces


½ tsp vanilla extract or paste

100g (3⁄4 cup plus 1 tbsp) plain flour


3 eggs

50g (1¾oz) lightly salted peanuts,

chopped (optional)

METHOD

To make the caramel, gently heat

the sugar, cream, butter and salt

until dissolved. Increase the heat

and simmer for 2–3 minutes until

thickened. Remove from the heat, stir

in the peanut butter and spread into a

lined tray. Freeze until firm.


fan/Gas 4).

Melt the butter, then stir in the

chocolate until smooth. Remove

from the heat and mix in the sugar

and vanilla, followed by the flour and

baking powder.

Whisk the eggs until frothy, then fold

into the mixture.

Spread half the batter into a lined

tin, add the frozen caramel layer,

then cover with the remaining batter.

Sprinkle with peanuts if using.

Bake for 40 minutes until set at the

edges with a slightly soft centre. Cool,

then cut into 12 bars.


RASPBERRY RIPPLE

BROWNIE

Inspired by raspberry ripple ice

cream, this bake combines rich

chocolate with a soft, tangy swirl.

175g (1½ sticks) unsalted butter,

diced

100g (3½oz) dark (70%) chocolate,

broken into small pieces


½ tsp vanilla extract or paste

100g (3⁄4 cup plus 1 tbsp) plain

flour


3 eggs

For the raspberry swirl

125g (4½oz) white chocolate

75ml (2½fl oz) soured cream

1 egg, beaten

1 tsp natural raspberry flavouring

(we use Foodie Flavours, available

online)

1 tbsp raspberry jam

METHOD


fan/Gas 4).

Melt the butter, then stir in the

chocolate until smooth and glossy.

Remove from the heat and mix in

the sugar and vanilla, followed by

the flour and baking powder.

Whisk the eggs until light, then fold

into the mixture to form a smooth

batter.

For the swirl, melt the white

chocolate in short bursts, then

mix in the soured cream, egg,

flavouring and jam until smooth.

Spread half the brownie batter into

a lined tin. Spoon over half the

raspberry mixture, then top with the

remaining batter. Add the rest of

the swirl mixture and lightly marble

with a cocktail stick.

Bake for 35–40 minutes until set at

the edges with a slight wobble in

the centre. Cool, then cut into 9.

The Brownie Book: Wickedly

Irresistible Chocolatey Bakes

by Kate Jenkins (DK, £16.99),

with photography by Kim

Lightbody, is available now.


MATT TEBBUTT:

From Kitchen to Camera

The chef, presenter and MasterChef: The

Professionals judge on finding his voice, the

pressures facing hospitality, and why food

should always be about enjoyment.

Matt Tebbutt — chef, presenter

and now a judge on MasterChef:

The Professionals — has become

a familiar face on British television,

known for his relaxed style and

genuine love of food. However, his

move into broadcasting was far from

a planned career shift.

“I was incredibly nervous,” he

admits. “Public speaking terrified

me — I couldn’t even give a speech

at my own wedding.” At the time,

Tebbutt was running a gastropub

in Monmouthshire, and it was a

particularly difficult winter that

prompted change. A run of snow led

to widespread cancellations across

both Christmas and January, leaving

the business under real pressure. “I

didn’t know how we were going to

keep going,” he recalls.

The turning point came

unexpectedly following his

appearance on Great British Menu.

“I thought that was it,” he says, “but

then a production company called

about a new food show.” Ordinarily,

it’s not something he would have

pursued. “I would have said no — it

wasn’t me at all. But I had nothing

to lose.” That decision marked the

beginning of a new chapter.

Tebbutt’s culinary background

was shaped by working under

some of the industry’s most

recognisable figures. His time with

Marco Pierre White was demanding

but rewarding. “It was tough, but I

learned a huge amount,” he says.

In contrast, Alastair Little offered

a more measured and thoughtful

approach. “He was one of the

nicest, most intelligent people I’ve

worked with — completely different,

but equally influential.”

The industry itself, he says, has

changed significantly. Where once

cuisines were clearly defined,

today’s food culture is far more

fluid, with influences drawn from

across the globe. Social media

has also created new routes into

the profession, allowing selftaught

cooks to build substantial

audiences. “Sometimes they

surprise you,” he says, “and

sometimes they don’t — but it’s

always interesting.”

Despite the creativity, Tebbutt is

clear about the pressures facing

hospitality. Rising costs have made

dining out increasingly expensive,

particularly when additional

factors like travel and childcare

are considered. He recalls a recent

meal where a bottle of wine priced

at £18 retail appeared on the menu

for £300 — an example, he says, of

how stretched pricing has become.

Staffing is another major challenge.

“It’s very difficult to employ young

people now,” he explains, describing

“Every young person

should work in the

service industry

at some point — it

teaches you so much”

it as a real loss for the industry.

Hospitality, he believes, offers

invaluable life experience, teaching

communication, confidence and

teamwork. “Every young person

should work in the service industry at

some point,” he says.

On screen, Tebbutt’s relaxed and

approachable style is a key part of

his appeal. Rather than focusing

purely on technique, he aims to

make food feel accessible and

enjoyable. “You could make it very

serious,” he says, “but it’s Saturday

morning — it should be fun.” By

combining simple dishes with small

twists, he hopes to inspire viewers

to try something new.

That same sense of enjoyment

extends beyond the studio and into

the way many of us now cook at

home. Outdoor cooking has moved

far beyond the traditional barbecue,

with wood, charcoal and ceramic

grills bringing a more considered,

flavour-led approach to entertaining.

Tebbutt’s work with Monolith BBQs

reflects that shift, celebrating the

theatre of cooking over fire while still

keeping the food relaxed, generous

and sociable.

For Tebbutt, the essence of it all

remains simple. “It’s just food,” he

says. “We’re having fun with it —

and hopefully encouraging others to

do the same.”

Find out more at: matttebbutt.co.uk


kitchens | bathrooms | living spaces | furniture | outdoor

Dart Business Park (Opposite Darts Farm), Topsham, Exeter, EX3 0QH

sapphirespaces.co.uk info@sapphirespaces.co.uk 01392 879320

A Place to Pause

Discovering the quiet power of retreat


In a world that rarely stops talking, there

is something quietly powerful about

choosing silence.

Set in beautiful countryside a few miles

outside Newton Abbot, among ancient

trees and open fields, Gaia House offers

a safe, peaceful space for people to

step away from everyday pressures and

reconnect with a deeper sense of calm.

Founded 40 years ago, the registered

charity has grown to become one of

Europe’s largest silent meditation retreat

centres, welcoming people from across

the UK and beyond.

At the heart of Gaia House is the practice

of meditation and the exploration of

Dharma teachings, drawn from a range of

Buddhist traditions and applied to modern

life. The emphasis is on Vipassana, or

Insight Meditation — a practice of seeing

more clearly, cultivating mindfulness,

wisdom and compassion.

For some, Gaia House may mean a

residential silent retreat: two to seven

days in a calm, simplified environment,

supported by experienced teachers,

retreat managers, staff and volunteers.

Silence is not presented as an absence,

but as a refuge — a way of creating space

from distraction, conversation and the

constant demands of daily life.

For others, the first step may be much

gentler. Gaia House offers a variety of

pathways into meditation, including

online weekly meditation sessions, free

daily morning meditation, online courses

and weekend retreats. This makes it

possible to explore the practice in a way

that feels manageable, whether you are

completely new to meditation or already

experienced.

The potential benefits can be wideranging.

Meditation is not a substitute for

medical or professional support, but it can

help people develop greater resilience,

clarity, self-awareness and steadiness in

the face of stress.

Above all, Gaia House offers time and

space to pause. In doing so, it reminds

us that stillness is not about withdrawing

from life, but learning how to meet it with

more presence, compassion and care.


A new retreat

destination in the

heart of South

Devon...

PROMOTIONAL PARTNERSHIP

For anyone planning a wellness weekend,

creative escape or focused training retreat,

Meadowfields Campsite offers a peaceful

and practical setting in the South Devon

countryside.

Based in Dartington, with easy access to Dartmoor, the A38

and Totnes train station, Meadowfields is well placed for groups

looking to step away from everyday distractions without feeling

cut off. The site has been designed with private hire and retreats

in mind, offering heated accommodation for up to 48 people, with

total occupancy of up to 60 when tents and vans are included.

At the heart of the space is a striking 20-metre oak-framed barn

with underfloor heating — a flexible, characterful setting for yoga,

workshops, group sessions, talks or shared meals. There is also

a modern shower block with underfloor heating, helping to bring

comfort to the campsite experience, whatever the season.

The shared kitchen area can be adapted for mass catering,

making it suitable for residential retreats where food,

conversation and community are an important part of the

experience. Outdoors, fire pits and gathering spaces create

natural places for people to come together at the end of the day,

whether for reflection, discussion or simply time under the stars.

With a sauna, Meadowfields is continuing to develop its retreat

offering, adding another restorative element for groups focused

on wellbeing, creativity or connection.

For retreat leaders, trainers and facilitators, the appeal is clear: a

rural setting, flexible facilities and enough space to host a group

comfortably, while still retaining the relaxed atmosphere of a

countryside escape.

To find out more about private hire, visit

www.meadowfieldscampsite.co.uk/private-hire or email

enquiries@meadowfieldscampsite.co.uk.

HOST A RETREAT WITH US

PERFECT FOR WELLNESS, CREATIVE OR TRAINING RETREATS

Heated accommodation for 48 people | Total occupancy up to 60 (tents & vans included)

20 m oak-framed barn with underfloor heating | Modern shower block with underfloor heating

Shared kitchen area easily adapted for mass catering | Fire pits + outdoor gathering spaces

Sauna opening Nov 2025

LOCATION

Meadowfields Campsite, Dartington TQ9 6AB (Easy access: Dartmoor, A38, Totnes train station)

enquiries@meadowfieldscampsite.co.uk | 07425 929789

www.meadowfieldscampsite.co.uk/private-hire


oka.com

SUMMER HOME UPGRADE

Invest in Your Home This Season

As the days grow longer and life

spills out into the garden, summer

is often when homeowners start

looking at their houses with fresh

eyes. Rooms feel brighter, doors are

left open, gardens become part of

daily life again — and suddenly the

potential for improvement becomes

easier to imagine.

For some, that might mean a major

renovation: a new kitchen, improved

glazing, a redesigned layout or a

garden room. For others, it may be

smaller but still impactful changes,

such as new flooring, shutters,

lighting, planting or outdoor furniture.

Whatever the scale, a well-planned

home upgrade can make your

property more enjoyable now while

adding comfort, efficiency and longterm

appeal.

DESIGNER TIP

Before changing a layout, think

about how you use the room

at different times of day. A

space that works for breakfast,

homework, entertaining and

quiet evenings will always feel

more successful.

This summer, the smartest projects

are those that improve how a home

works as well as how it looks.

OPEN UP YOUR

LIVING SPACE

One of the biggest shifts in modern

home design is the move towards

flexible, light-filled spaces that

support the way families really live.

The kitchen, in particular, is no

longer just somewhere to cook. It is

often the heart of the home: a place

for homework, entertaining, relaxed

suppers and everyday conversation.

Rethinking the layout of a kitchen,

dining room or family room can

make a dramatic difference.

Removing a wall, widening an

opening or repositioning storage

can help a home feel more spacious

and sociable. An island or breakfast

bar can create a natural gathering

point, while better lighting, flooring

and cabinetry can refresh a room

without changing its entire footprint.

It is also worth thinking about

how each space connects to the

next. Do you move easily between

kitchen, dining area and garden?

Is there enough storage for daily

life? Good design is not just about

creating a beautiful room — it is

about creating a room that supports

real life.

BRING THE

OUTSIDE IN

Few upgrades transform a home

quite as instantly as improved

glazing. Sliding doors, bi-fold doors,

French doors and larger windows

can flood interiors with natural light

and create a stronger connection

between house and garden.

A darker room can suddenly feel

brighter and larger, while a garden

becomes part of the view all year

round rather than something

enjoyed only on sunny days. Wide

expanses of glass can also make

entertaining easier, allowing guests

to move naturally between indoor

and outdoor spaces.

The right choice will depend on

your property, budget and lifestyle.

Sliding doors can offer slim

sightlines and uninterrupted views.

Bi-folds can open up almost an

entire wall. French doors may suit


KITCHENS, BEDROOMS, HOME OFFICES & MUCH MORE

See our

kitchens in store

at West Country

Stoves, near

Kingsbridge!

Call 01548 333302

to arrange a personalised

appointment.

Inspirational bespoke interiors.

Handmade for your home.

Since 1987, we have helped customers create beautiful

rooms that incorporate their unique ideas and inspirations.

From kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms to studios and

home offices, all of which are lovingly made in our own

workshops in Devon. Pop into our showroom or book

a FREE home design visit today.

Telephone 01363 773533

www.ashgrovekitchens.co.uk

DESIGNER TIP

Treat the area just outside

your doors as an extra room.

Add lighting, seating and

planting so it feels intentional,

not like an afterthought.

Harvey Jones

Quorn Stone

period homes or smaller spaces.

Modern glazing can also offer

excellent thermal performance,

helping homes stay comfortable

throughout the year.

For older properties, the key

is balance. New windows and

doors should improve comfort

and efficiency without stripping

away character, particularly

in conservation areas, listed

buildings or homes with traditional

architectural details.

CREATE SEAMLESS

INDOOR-OUTDOOR

LIVING

The dream of indoor-outdoor

living is not simply about installing

large doors. It is about making

the transition between home and

garden feel natural, attractive and

easy to use.

Flooring can play a major role.

Choosing complementary materials

inside and outside can help create

a sense of flow, even if they are not

identical. Level thresholds, where

possible, make access easier and

more elegant. Lighting also matters:

soft garden lighting, wall

lights or carefully positioned

spotlights can make an

outdoor space feel inviting

long after sunset.

Think too about what sits

immediately outside the doors.

A terrace, patio or deck can act

as an extension of the kitchen or

living room, giving you somewhere

to eat, sit or entertain. Even a

small courtyard can feel much

more usable with the right seating,

planting and lighting.

The most successful spaces are

designed around real habits. If you

love relaxed family meals, prioritise

a dining area close to the kitchen.

If you enjoy evening drinks, think

about comfortable seating and

warmth. If children or grandchildren

use the garden, make sure there is

clear visibility from the house.

MAKE MORE OF

THE GARDEN

Outdoor living has become one

of the most desirable elements of

a modern home. A garden is no

longer just a patch of lawn or a place

Wooden Adirondack Chair

(with footrest), £239, hauslife.

co.uk; Ocellus Outdoor

Cushion £75, oka.com

for summer barbecues. With

thoughtful planning, it can become

an extra living space, dining room,

play area, home office or peaceful

retreat.

Garden rooms remain popular

for those wanting more flexible

space without moving house. They

can work beautifully as offices,

studios, gyms, guest spaces or

hobby rooms, particularly when

properly insulated for year-round

use. Pergolas, awnings and covered

seating areas can also extend the

season, offering shade and shelter

when needed.

Outdoor kitchens and built-in

cooking areas are another growing

trend, especially for those who

enjoy entertaining. But a successful

outdoor space does not have to be

elaborate. A simple patio with good

furniture, layered planting and a

practical route back to the kitchen

can be just as effective.


Bronze Light Switch, £55, dowsingandreynolds.com;

Indoor/Outdoor

Rug, £115, clickstyle.co.uk; Outdoor

Cushion, £38, hauslife.co.uk

When planning a garden upgrade,

start with purpose. Do you want

somewhere low-maintenance?

A space for entertaining? A quiet

retreat? A family-friendly garden?

Once you are clear on how the

space should work, choices around

landscaping, planting, paving and

furniture become much easier.

THINK ABOUT

COMFORT AND

EFFICIENCY

The best home upgrades are not

only about appearance. Practical

improvements can make an

enormous difference to daily

comfort, especially in older homes.

Energy-efficient windows, improved

insulation, underfloor heating,

smart controls, better ventilation

and high-quality flooring can all

help a home feel more comfortable

and cost-effective to run. These

elements may not be the most

glamorous part of a renovation, but

they often have the biggest impact

on daily life.

Lighting is another area worth

serious thought. A single overhead

light rarely does a room justice.

DESIGNER TIP

Do not leave finishes until the

end of the budget. Handles,

lighting, window treatments and

flooring are the details that often

make a project feel complete.

Layered lighting — combining task,

ambient and accent lighting —

can change the mood of a space

completely.

Storage is equally important.

Beautiful rooms quickly lose their

appeal if there is nowhere to put

coats, shoes, toys, paperwork,

appliances or everyday clutter. Builtin

storage, boot rooms, utility areas

and clever cabinetry can help keep a

home feeling calm and organised.

ADD THE

FINISHING

TOUCHES

Sometimes it is the final layer that

brings a project together. Paint

colours, curtains, shutters, blinds,

rugs, tiles, handles, furniture and

accessories can all influence how

a room feels. These details add

personality and create flow.

Shutters and window treatments can

be particularly effective in summer,

offering privacy, light control and a

polished finish. Soft furnishings can

introduce colour and texture, while

mirrors, artwork and lighting can

help a space feel considered rather

than simply renovated.

This is where local specialists can

be invaluable. Interior designers,

kitchen companies, flooring experts,

glazing specialists, landscapers

and home furnishing retailers bring

practical knowledge as well as style

oka.com

advice. They can help you choose

materials that suit your lifestyle,

avoid costly mistakes and create a

cohesive result.

START WITH THE

RIGHT ADVICE

Every successful home project

begins with good advice. Speaking

to local experts early can help

clarify what is realistic, what

permissions may be needed, how

long work might take and where

your budget is best spent.

It is also wise to think ahead. If you

are investing in glazing, how will it

affect flooring, heating and garden

access? If you are redesigning

a kitchen, does the lighting plan

support the new layout? If you are

landscaping, will the space work

beyond high summer?

The most satisfying upgrades are

rarely the result of one isolated

decision. They come from looking at

the home as a whole — how it flows,

how it feels, how it functions and how

it supports the people living in it.

Whether you are planning a major

renovation or a series of smaller

improvements, summer is the

perfect moment to invest in your

home. With the right guidance,

thoughtful design and attention to

detail, you can create a space that

feels brighter, more practical and

more enjoyable for years to come.



IMPROVING WHERE YOU LIVE

Thoughtful building, remodelling and renovation across Dartmouth,

the South Hams and Start Bay...

For many homeowners, the best move is

not always to move. Sometimes, the real

opportunity lies in looking again at the

property you already have and asking:

how could this home work harder, feel

better and make more of its setting?

That is exactly the kind of thinking

behind the work of Iain Watton Building

Contractor, a Dartmouth-based building

company creating bespoke projects

across the South Hams and Start Bay.

From extensions and refurbishments to

kitchens, bathrooms, landscaping and full

property transformations, the company

helps homeowners improve the way their

homes look, feel and function.

MAKING THE MOST OF

THE VIEW

A recent example is High Haven in

Strete, near Dartmouth, where the team

completed a significant extension and

remodel designed to maximise the

property’s stunning sea views across

Start Bay.

The project included new kitchens and

bathrooms, underfloor heating, sliding

patio doors to take advantage of the

outlook, a new patio for outdoor living,

and updated access with a new driveway

and steps to the front door.

It is a strong example of what good building

work can achieve. This was not simply

about adding space or updating rooms,

but about improving the whole experience

of living in the property — bringing in light,

opening up the view and creating a home

better suited to its location.

“SOMETIMES THE

GREATEST POTENTIAL

IS ALREADY IN THE

HOME YOU HAVE — IT

JUST NEEDS THE RIGHT

TEAM TO UNLOCK IT.”

BUILT ON EXPERIENCE

Established in 2019 by Iain Watton, the

company brings together a skilled team

with more than 80 years’ combined

experience across the construction

industry.

Iain himself began his career as

a carpenter before building more

than 20 years’ experience across

all aspects of construction. That

practical background gives the

company a detail-led approach from

the very start of a project, whether it

is a full refurbishment, a new build, an

extension, or a carefully planned home

improvement.

FROM FIRST VISIT TO FINAL

HANDOVER

For homeowners, building work can feel

daunting — especially when a project

involves structural changes, reworking

layouts or coordinating different

trades. Iain Watton Building Contractor

offers full project management from

initial site visit through to completion

and handover, working closely with

architects, quantity surveyors and

local suppliers to help projects run

smoothly.

The company’s services include

structural work, blockwork, concreting,

landscaping, steels, windows and

doors, flooring, plastering, kitchens,

bathrooms, built-in wardrobes,

underfloor heating and more.

In short, they can provide the complete

package from start to finish.

START THE CONVERSATION

For anyone considering how to improve

where they live — whether by creating

more space, modernising a tired layout,

improving flow, adding practical features

or making more of a view or outdoor

space — Iain Watton Building Contractor

offers the experience and craftsmanship

to bring those ideas to life.

To discuss a future project, contact

Iain Watton Building Contractor on

07702 312096 or email

wattonbuilding@gmail.com.


NOTES FROM THE

Garden

Flower shows abound at this time of the year

and they are a fantastic opportunity to see new

plants, see how other people use their garden

space, look for garden accessories - and chat to

other gardeners too.

Gardening clubs, garden magazines, TV programmes all vie to

show us the best of the best but sometimes things don’t go to

plan, plants fail, plans don’t get executed and you can feel a bit

down - but nature somehow has a way of not letting you feel

down for long. If the big picture

seems a long way away, start with

the small picture.

New gardeners are often daunted

by all of the advice, adverts, show

gardens, perfect gardens etc - but

actually every single gardener will

share takes of what didn’t worksometimes

very funny stories too!

Just one beautiful plant, one home

grown courgette, one birds nest in

your garden - is enough.

Starting small is good. If you

have a big garden maybe target it in bite size chunks. Restore

one border, prune one tree, plant a few beautiful pots and give

yourself a pat on the back.

Enjoy the perfection, recognise the hard work and chat to other

gardening enthusiasts - having your own outside space - a

balcony, a patio, even a window box should be a pleasure and

the more you do the better you get!

Enjoy the sun, use a water butt if you are able, don’t forget

water for birds and bees and remember “A weed is a plant that

has mastered every survival skill except for learning how to

grow in rows.” - Doug Larson

For more advice, visit Matt Biggs’ website:

www.matthewbiggs.com

GET YOUR WEEKENDS BACK

Unit 4-7 Torr Trade Park. Torr Quarry Industrial Estate

Tel: 01548 853679

www.kingsbridgehire.com


www.Tom Foster Architecture.co.uk info@space-and-light.co.uk 01647 24436

Specialist in new, old & historic buildings

Thoughtful architecture for modern living across Devon and Dartmoor

• Green building

• Passive House

• Planning

• Building regulations

Coastal, town and rural

landscape-sensitive

design

Tom Foster Architecture / Space and Light 01647 24436


ADVERTISING Promotional Partnership FEATURE

MORE THAN A MACHINE

How the Defender Became a British Icon

Image credit: Rimmer Bros

BUILT FOR THE LAND,

LOVED ON THE ROAD

Few vehicles have earned a place in

British life quite like the Land Rover

Defender. Part farm tool, part expedition

icon, part country-lane status symbol,

it has spent more than seven decades

proving that true character is built slowly

— preferably with mud on the tyres.

Image credit: Retro Motor

The story began in 1948, when the

original Land Rover Series I was unveiled

at the Amsterdam Motor Show. Inspired

in part by the wartime Jeep, it was

designed as a practical, go-anywhere

vehicle for farmers, landowners,

engineers and explorers. Early models

were famously simple: aluminium body

panels, hose-out interiors and the kind

of mechanical toughness that made

them as useful in a field as they were on

a mountain track.

FROM WORKING VEHICLE

TO BRITISH INSTITUTION

Through the Series II and Series III

models, the Land Rover became a

familiar sight across rural Britain.

It towed livestock trailers, crossed

flooded lanes, carried hay bales,

rescued stranded motorists and took

generations of families to beaches,

shows and campsites. Its boxy shape

was not the result of fashion, but

function — flat panels were easier to

build and repair, while its high ground

clearance and four-wheel-drive ability

made it genuinely capable where

ordinary cars stopped.

By the 1980s, the vehicle had evolved

into the Ninety and One Ten, named

after their approximate wheelbases.

These models brought coil-spring

suspension, improving comfort without

losing the rugged ability that had

made Land Rover famous. In 1990,

the Defender name was officially

introduced, helping distinguish it from

the newer Discovery.

THE DEFENDER SPIRIT

Part of the Defender’s appeal has

always been its honesty. It never

pretended to be polished. Older

Defenders could be draughty,

noisy and heavy to steer, but that

was precisely the point. They felt

mechanical, purposeful and connected

to the landscape. For enthusiasts,

that simplicity is what makes them so

rewarding to own, restore and improve.

It is also why specialist knowledge

matters. A Defender can be a working

vehicle, weekend toy, overland

adventurer or carefully restored classic

— but each version needs the right

care. Chassis condition, suspension

setup, tyres, engine choice, electrics

and corrosion protection all make a

huge difference to how these vehicles

drive, perform and last.

SUMMER ADVENTURES,

DEFENDER STYLE

There is something especially fitting

about a Defender in summer. Roof

racks loaded for a camping trip,

sandy dogs in the back, paddleboards

strapped on top, or a picnic hamper

packed for a day in the hills — the

vehicle suits the season perfectly. It

is at home on coastal lanes, country

tracks, show fields and festival

campsites, carrying everything from

walking boots to barbecue kit.

For many owners, summer is also the

time to prepare properly: servicing

before long journeys, checking brakes

and cooling systems, upgrading tyres,

fitting tow bars, improving storage or

refreshing interiors before a season of

use.

A MODERN CLASSIC WITH

MUD IN ITS SOUL

Production of the original Defender

ended in 2016, but its legacy has

only grown. Restored and upgraded

examples are now highly sought

after, while the modern Defender

has introduced the name to a new

generation.

Yet whether old or new, the appeal

remains the same. The Defender is

more than transport. It is a vehicle with

stories in its panels, journeys in its

bones and a rare ability to make even

the shortest summer drive feel like the

start of an adventure.


MOORLAND

ROVERS

EST. 2019

Rescued. Restored. Re-Imagined

In a fast paced, disposable world, slow down and invest in longevity. Take the time

to get the small things right, and make sure your investment lasts a lifetime. A Moorland

Restoration ensures your Land Rover is built with future generation in mind, ready for

another lifetime of fun and adventures.

Ev Conversions - Now Available

Powered by Electrogenics

Moorland Rovers are now proud to offer full EV Conversions for your Land Rover Defender

and Range Rover Classic. Keep the heritage and history, but propel your Land Rover

into the 21st century. 150 kW, 85 mph + top speed, and over 150 miles of range.

Contact Us

01548 721 184

contact@moorlandrovers.com

www.moorlandrovers.com

Find Us

Felix House, Central Avenue, Lee Mill

Industrial Estate, Ivybridge, PL21 9PE

South Hams Lifestyle Jun - Jul 2026

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