East Devon Coast and Country Feb 14

480 OutletsFind me at

The regionalcoverage

PRICELESSFEB & MAR 2014

COAST COUNTRYand

EAST DEVON

2for What's On, visit: eastdevonhub .co.uk

LONG TERM CARE RESPITE CONVALESCENCE

DIGNITY RESPECT INDIVIDUAL CARE COMFORT FRIENDSHIP

www.baycourt.net 01395 442637A family run home providing all levels of care with pride in our attention to detail.From hotel services for the more able, to complex nursing care when required.

Our staff are our greatest asset. Our residents, their families and friends are our best advertisement.

Matron: Nicola Farley Email: [email protected] West Hill, Budleigh Salterton, Devon EX9 6BS

Come and visit us and see our newly refurbished rooms and modern facilities

Bay Court RH full page final - FEB2014:Coast&Country 21/1/14 15:58 Page 1

3EAST DEVON Coast & Country

Renovation complete

www.njwhittaker.com Tel: 01404 43340 [email protected]

WhittakerCHARTERED BUILDING COMPANY

Before Whittaker builders started work

Historiccob and thatch farmhouse in need of total renovation

WE ENJOY A CHALLENGE Have you got one for us?

4 for What's On, visit: eastdevonhub .co.ukCOAST COUNTRYandEAST DEVON

EAST DEVON PROPERTY REVIEW 2013/14

STARTED SLOW BUT FINISHED WELL 2013 started like a snail principally as the winter dragged on and on and seemed to have a depressing effect on peoples psyche. However, sales in the second half of the year gathered momentum creating some record months when we sold over £8.5 M of property in July/August. We even found the market surprisingly active in December.

CORRECT PRICING IS THE KEYA property has its biggest impact when it first comes to the market so correct initial pricing is essential if the sale is to be successful. We always use a ‘guide price’ to market a property as it is impossible to say on commencement of marketing who will buy the property and how much it will eventually sell for. We sold one last year for £50,000 more than the guide price which illustrates the success of this method.

SHORTAGE OF ‘THE RIGHT STUFF’We are finding that there is good demand for property of all types, sizes and prices, whether it is a bungalow at £300,000, a cottage at £450,000 or a larger property at £1,000,000 or more, there is always a shortage of exceptional property. For instance, period farmhouses with outbuildings and a few acres, or classic former rectories/vicarages are always in keen demand.

WHAT OF 2014?We are confident that the property market is, at last, showing signs of recovery from a very uncertain few years. We predict that over the course of the year there will be an average increase in values of over 8% with some properties being in greater demand than others. A lot will depend on supply and demand but the outlook for 2014 is positive and exciting.

chestertonhumberts.comHoniton 01404 42456Email: [email protected]

2628seventy-four offices worldwide

20

CHN0299 East Devon coast 297x210.indd 1 20/01/2014 17:45

5for What's On, visit: eastdevonhub .co.ukCOAST COUNTRYandEAST DEVON

BRITAIN'S NOT LAST OR LOST

Sometimes if feels like the rest of the world has raced ahead and left us behind from a manufacturing standpoint.

Ambling over Dartmoor in the new Range Rover Sport the other day was an enlightening experience. I was totally blown away by this amazing machine. It's a veritable tour de force of automotive engineering. See our Range Rover Sport test starting on page 38 - Editor.

CONTRIBUTORSNigel Jones, Ted Gosling, John Fisher,Judi Spiers, Katina Styles, Helen Mulvaney,FCR Esgen, Ardley Chic, Janet East, Amanda Crump, Averil Quinain,Natalie Bucklar-Green,Hazel Fergie.

EDITORIALNigel Jones - Editor 01395 [email protected] Royd, 6 Bennetts Hill, Sidmouth Devon EX10 9XH

PRODUCTIONCharlotte [email protected]

Lauren [email protected]

ADVERTISING: Richard Woodward - 01395 [email protected]

WHAT'S ON? Over 2,550 organisations registered for promoting their events (& growing)

MAGAZINE ISSUESPublished bimonthly: February, April, June, August, October, December.

At this time of year, you have to tell yourself that it's not long now till spring. Really the countdown has started, with the nights slowly getting lighter and birds getting

noisier, you know spring's not far away.Every year this strange ebbing and flowing of the evening light occurs, punctuated by the clocks shuffling backwards and forwards, thankfully we're now getting towards the end of the long dark tunnel that is winter.

I wonder what you've made of this issue's cover - the archery bow and with the 14th of February coming up - quite obvious really, it's a Valentine's Day cover theme. The photoshoot was taken at Bicton Park Botanical Gardens with professional photographer Mike Alsford manning the camera. We're always on the lookout for interesting themes, so if you have an attractive venue, please make contact. Many thanks to owner Valerie Lister at Bicton for allowing us to use the lovely Victorian Palm House.

One of the problems we're well aware of here at the office is that of magazine supply. We continually get calls and emails asking

where copies can be found, not surprising considering that most of the stock has gone from outlets within about 3 days (we print and distribute over 10,000 copies). If you visit our Google map of outlets, this shows you all the places stocking the magazine, which currently for Exeter, East Devon and West Dorset is 473 outlets. Another alternative is to read the magazine on your tablet or computer - all you need to do is go to eastdevonhub website and click on the latest digital copy which appears top right. Alternatively, if you really must have the printed magazine, you can subscribe to guarantee your copy - this costs £15 for the year and is proving popular - we have a growing list of subscriptions, our most far flung currently being New Zealand!

Incidentally, you may have noticed a slight change to the cover - the magazine's name is East Devon Coast and Country, although many people call it just COAST and COUNTRY which is an easier abbreviated version. The magazine is East Devon's only regional publication (please remember Exeter's also part of East Devon, where there are many outlets for the magazine).

I hope you enjoy this issue, please keep your letters and emails coming in.

Nigel Jones (Editor)

Cover photo:

'Cupid at Bicton' by Mike Alsford

Makeup and Styling by Angela Holmes

Models: Paul Bowring Ellie Taylor-Roberts

Location: The Palm House at Bicton Park Botanic Gardens

eastdevonhub

Guess the theme!

@CoastCountryMag



PRICELESS

FEB & MAR 2014

COAST COUNTRYand

EAST DEVON

UNRIVALLED COVERAGEThe magazines (East and South Devon) are available at over 948 high quality outlets from Lyme Regis to Plymouth.

Outlet Google map: http://bit.ly/K7JN4E

DIGITAL MAGAZINEFREE to view all issues at:www.prestige-media.co.uk/magazines.htm

ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTIONUK £15 OVERSEAS FROM £22

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.

ENVIRONMENTAL POLICYhttp://issuu.com/trouty/docs/environmental_policy

RECYCLINGWhen you've finished with this magazine, please recycle.

COAST COUNTRYand

EAST DEVON

EAST DEVON PROPERTY REVIEW 2013/14

STARTED SLOW BUT FINISHED WELL 2013 started like a snail principally as the winter dragged on and on and seemed to have a depressing effect on peoples psyche. However, sales in the second half of the year gathered momentum creating some record months when we sold over £8.5 M of property in July/August. We even found the market surprisingly active in December.

CORRECT PRICING IS THE KEYA property has its biggest impact when it first comes to the market so correct initial pricing is essential if the sale is to be successful. We always use a ‘guide price’ to market a property as it is impossible to say on commencement of marketing who will buy the property and how much it will eventually sell for. We sold one last year for £50,000 more than the guide price which illustrates the success of this method.

SHORTAGE OF ‘THE RIGHT STUFF’We are finding that there is good demand for property of all types, sizes and prices, whether it is a bungalow at £300,000, a cottage at £450,000 or a larger property at £1,000,000 or more, there is always a shortage of exceptional property. For instance, period farmhouses with outbuildings and a few acres, or classic former rectories/vicarages are always in keen demand.

WHAT OF 2014?We are confident that the property market is, at last, showing signs of recovery from a very uncertain few years. We predict that over the course of the year there will be an average increase in values of over 8% with some properties being in greater demand than others. A lot will depend on supply and demand but the outlook for 2014 is positive and exciting.

chestertonhumberts.comHoniton 01404 42456Email: [email protected]

2628seventy-four offices worldwide

20

CHN0299 East Devon coast 297x210.indd 1 20/01/2014 17:45

A cabin shot of the new Range Rover Sport borrowed from Matford Land Rover, Marsh Barton

Not lon g n ow j et st rea m a llowi n g!


Our

of business in East Devon

22nd year

For a comprehensivefi nancial service including:

Tax Effi cient InvestmentsInheritance Tax Planning*Specialist Annuity ServicePension ProvisionIndividual Savings Accounts (ISAs)

22 years ofindependent fi nancial advice

to East Devon

PROPRIETOR - HELEN MULVANEY BA(HONS), Dip M, DipPFS

01395 512166Beech Royd Bennetts Hill Sidmouth Devon

* This service is not regulated by the Financial Services AuthorityRichmond Independent is a trading name of Investment and Financial Solutions Partnership LLP which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

richmondindependent.co.uk

Independent

7

18

for What's On, visit: eastdevonhub .co.ukCOAST COUNTRYandEAST DEVON

8. Forthcoming EventsFind out what's not to be missed.

16. Live Music RoundupGet the info on local live music!

20. Art ExhibitionsForthcoming art exhibitions.

23. Yellingham FarmColourful tales from Janet East.

24. Star GazingWith broadcaster Judi Spiers.

26. Photo ShootAt Bicton Park Botanic Gardens.

28. Gifted with LoveGift ideas for Valentine's Day.

34. Eating OutEast Devon's best eateries.

38. Range Rover SportTest drive with Matford Land Rover.

40. Budget BoutiqueHome living by Amanda Merchant.

47 Flatbeare ViewsArdley digs himself another hole.

53. Nelson's ColumnJohn Fisher's sage viewpoint!

54. The Devil's Hoof-printsDevon's greatest unsolved mystery.

56. Aerial PhotographIn East Devon - Guess where?

59. The English GardenTips for gardeners this Spring.

62. Otterton Circular WalkIllustrated walk with the Editor.

68. East Budleigh HistoryDavid Pilling travels back in time.

71. Alleged PoachingBy author & historian Ted Gosling.

72. The Old Vet'naryAnimal tales by Ken Watson.

74. Life MattersThe Rural Growth Network.

78. Modelmaking ExcellenceModel ships with Alan Rapkins.

80. Great ExpectationsKatina discusses realistic expectations.

81. But here's the thingPure conjecture from John Fisher.

82. Financial PlanningBy independent adviser, Helen Mulvaney.

Feb-Mar ISSUE NO 21

Contents

59

34

26

Our

of business in East Devon

22nd year

For a comprehensivefi nancial service including:

Tax Effi cient InvestmentsInheritance Tax Planning*Specialist Annuity ServicePension ProvisionIndividual Savings Accounts (ISAs)

22 years ofindependent fi nancial advice

to East Devon

PROPRIETOR - HELEN MULVANEY BA(HONS), Dip M, DipPFS

01395 512166Beech Royd Bennetts Hill Sidmouth Devon

* This service is not regulated by the Financial Services AuthorityRichmond Independent is a trading name of Investment and Financial Solutions Partnership LLP which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

richmondindependent.co.uk

Independent

River Otter Walk

53

62

Forthcoming Events


Ballet

LOST ILLUSIONS (LIVE STREAMING BOLSHOI BALLET 02 Feb - Lost Illusions (Live Streaming Bolshoi Ballet), The Gateway, Fore Street, Seaton, 4.00pm.

BOLSHOI: LOST ILLUSIONS 02 Feb - Season of live broadcasts of ballet from the Bolshoi Theatre, Moscow, Exeter Picture House, 51 Bartholomew Street West, Exeter, 3.00pm.

VIENNA FESTIVAL BALLET: CINDERELLA 12 Mar - Vienna Festival Ballet is proud to present their new 2014 Spring Ballet, Exeter Corn Exchange, Corn Exchange, Exeter, 7.30pm.

GOLDEN AGE (LIVE STREAMING FROM THE BOLSHOI) 30 Mar - Golden Age (live streaming from the Bolshoi), The Gateway, Fore Street, Seaton, 4.00pm.

BOLSHOI: THE GOLDEN AGE 30 Mar - Season of live broadcasts of ballet from the Bolshoi Theatre, Moscow, Exeter Picture House, 51 Bartholomew Street West, Exeter, 4.00pm.

Children

THE PUPPET CLUB Until 12 Feb - 6 week puppet making workshop. Suitable for ages 6 and up, The Lyric Theatre, 9 Barrack Street, Bridport, 4.30pm.

VALENTINES HOLIDAY HUNT 14 Feb to 23 Feb - Find hidden

February & March 2014

JONATHAN DIMBLEBY at THE FLAVEL VOYAGE of the VIQUEENS at PAYHEMBURYVOYAGE of the VIQUEENS at PAYHEMBURY

wooden hearts around the Sanctuary-especially for younger children, The Donkey Sanctuary Sidmouth, Slade House Farm, Sidmouth, 8.00am.

HONITON POTTERY (BOX 16 - THE EVENTS BARN) 17 Feb - Have a go at painting your own pottery with help from Honiton Pottery, The Donkey Sanctuary Sidmouth, Slade House Farm, Sidmouth, 10.00am.

Choirs

SWEET HONI 'N' SOUL Until 18 Mar - Community Rock Choir, Sweet Honi 'n' Soul (Rock Choir), Millwater School, Honiton, 7.30pm.

CHORAL WORKSHOP BACH MASS IN B MINOR 01 Feb - Workshop to explore Bach's masterpiece, Exeter Philharmonic Choir, Mint Methodist Church, Exeter, 10.30am.

THE ARMED MAN 08 Feb - A Mass for peace composed by Karl Jenkins is at St Mary's Church, The New Elizabethan Singers, St Mary's Church, Bridport.

THE CANDLELIGHT CONCERT 25 Feb - Seasonal music by Exeter Cathedral's professional choir., Exeter Cathedral, 1 The Cloisters, Exeter, 7.30pm.

GOSPEL CONCERT 29 Mar - An uplifting, heartwarming evening raising funds for Christian Aid, Sidmouth Gospel Choir, Seaton Methodist Church, Seaton, 7.30pm.

Classical Music

HEROES & SUPERHEROES 13 Feb - More music from the movies: Robin Hood,The Magnificent Seven,The Incredibles.. Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, The Great Hall, Exeter, 7.30pm.

SIDMOUTH MUSIC: VICTORIA SIMONSEN/ DAN TONG 15 Feb - Victoria Simonsen (cello), Daniel Tong (piano): music for cello and piano, Sidmouth Music, Knowle Council Chamber, Sidmouth, 3.00pm.

MAKING FILMS WORTH HEARING 17 Feb - Exeter Recorded Concert Society Third Monday evenings of each month., Exeter Recorded Concert Society, Southernhay United Reformed Church, Exeter, 7.30pm.

JONATHAN DORMAND - CELLO 20 Feb - Sonatas by Brahms and Poulenc with pianist, Marisa Gupta, Seaton Music, Seaton Town Hall, Seaton, 7.30pm.

GILBERT & SULLIVAN CREAM TEA CONCERT 23 Feb - Gilbert & Sullivan Cream Tea Concert with Leslie Baker Tickets £7.OO, Seaton Choral Society, Seaton Town Hall, Seaton, 3.30pm.

BEETHOVEN'S FIFTH 27 Feb - Rui Pinheiro and Jennifer Pike., Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, The Great Hall, Exeter, 7.30pm.

ISCA CHAMBER CONCERT 01 Mar - A special charity chamber concert for All Saints' Church,

eastdevonhub .co.uk

Are youFed up with

missing local events?

Wish you could tap into a resource that has really comprehensive WHAT'S ON information for the region?

The solution is here,it's called:

Sign up for event alerts, so you don't miss your

favourite events.

promote your EVENTS free on eastdevonhub .co.uk


CONTINUED OVERLEAF

Forthcoming EventsFebruary & March 2014

Tel. (01395) 515551

www.kennawayhouse.org.uk

KENNAWAY HOUSE JAZZ CLUB02 Feb - Sunday, Craig Milverton and Alan Bateman, trumpet play jazz in the Cellar Bar,, Kennaway House, Coburg Road, Sidmouth, 2.00pm.

MEET THE AUTHOR LAUNCH EVENT27 Feb - 2014 season launch with BBC Spotlight reporter Simon Hall. Wine and canapes, Kennaway House, Coburg Road, Sidmouth, 7.00pm.

KENNAWAY HOUSE JAZZ CLUB 09 Mar - Sunday, Craig Milverton Trio pays homage to the great Oscar Peterson., Kennaway House, Coburg Road, Sidmouth, 2.00pm.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON OUR JAZZ CLUB SEE THE LIVE MUSIC SECTION OR CALL 01395 515551 FOR MORE INFO

Sidmouth., ISCA Ensemble, All Saints Church, Sidmouth, 7.30pm.

BEETHOVEN SYMPHONY NO 9 08 Mar - Joint concert with Exeter Sympony Orchestra. Proceeds to Army Benevolent Fund, Exeter Philharmonic Choir, Exeter Cathedral, Exeter, 7.30pm.

THE COULL QUARTET 13 Mar - One of the UK's most highly respected quartets performs Haydn, Borodin & Ravel, Seaton Music, Seaton Town Hall, Seaton, 7.30pm.

TRPCESKI PLAYS CHOPIN 13 Mar - Chopin Piano Concerto No.1 and Rachmaninov's Symphony No.2, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, The Great Hall, Exeter, 7.30pm.

SIDMOUTH MUSIC: CALLINO STRING QUARTET 15 Mar - Callino String Quartet: Quartets by Beethoven, Shostakovich and Brahms, Sidmouth Music, Manor Pavilion Theatre, Sidmouth, 7.30pm.

HARMONIES FOR SPRING 17 Mar - Exeter Recorded Concert Society, Exeter Recorded Concert Society, Southernhay United Reformed Church, Exeter, 7.30pm.

ORCHESTRAL CONCERT 22 Mar - Isca Ensemble Spring Orchestral Concert., ISCA Ensemble, Sidmouth Parish Church, Sidmouth.

ISCA ENSEMBLE ORCHESTRAL CONCERT 22 Mar - Mahler: Symphony 4; Respighi: The Birds; Grieg: Solveig's Song, Sidmouth Parish Church Concerts, Parish Church, Sidmouth, 7.30pm.

CRISPIAN STEELE PERKINS 23 Mar - Crispian Steele-Perkins - Trumpet & piano illustrated recital followed by tea, St Andrews Church, Seaton Town Hall, Seaton, 3.00pm.

Collectors

VINYL SATURDAY BRIDPORT 01 Mar - For collectors of rock, pop, folk blues & jazz records & CDs, Vinyl Saturday Bridport, Bridport URC East Street, Bridport, 10.00am.

EXETER RECORD & CD FAIR, CORN EXCHANGE EXETER 08 Mar - Lots of dealers having masses of good quality Vinyl Records, CD's to purchase., Exeter Record & CD Fair, The Corn Exchange, Exeter, 9.30am.

Comedy

SHAPPI KHORSANDI 08 Mar - One of the hottest comedy prospects in the country, Bridport Arts Centre, South Street, Bridport, 8.00pm.

Community

FILM CLUB

ANNA KARENINA 05 Feb - Film starring: Keira Knightley, Jude Law, Matthew Macfadyen, Budleigh Film Society, Public Hall, Budleigh Salterton.

LYMPSTONE FILM SOCIETY 14 Feb - SUMMER IN FEBRUARY (UK 2012), Lympstone Entertainments, Village Hall, Lympstone, 7.30pm.

LYMPSTONE FILM SOCIETY 18 Feb - David Lean's version of Great Expectations (1946), Lympstone Entertainments, Methodist Hall, Lympstone, 2.15pm.

THREE WALLS (MEMBERSHIP OPEN TO EVERYONE) 05 Mar - Film starring: Naseerudin Shah, Jackie Shroff, Juhi Chawla, Budleigh Film Society, Public Hall, Budleigh Salterton.

LYMPSTONE FILM SOCIETY 14 Mar - OH BROTHER WHERE ART THOU? (USA 2000), Lympstone Entertainments, Village Hall, Lympstone, 7.30pm.

LYMPSTONE FILM SOCIETY 18 Mar - The Way We Were (1973) Redford and Streisand as mismatched lovers, Lympstone Entertainments, Methodist Hall, Lympstone, 2.15pm.

MODEL CLUB

EAST DEVON SLOT RACING CLUB - FRIDAY EVENINGS 07 Feb - Model Car Racing (Scalextric), East Devon Slot Racing Club, St Johns Ambulance Hall, Honiton.

fHONITONestivalthe

Honiton Festival 2014Lunchtime ConcertsFriday February 21st DAVID WRIGHT HARPSICHORD Programme includes:John Bull - Fantasia in D minor G F Handel - Suite in G minor - Overture - Sarabande - PassacagliaFrancois Couperin - Les Barricades Mysterieuses in B Flat MajorG D Scarlatti - Sonata K159 in C Major Sonata K208 in A Major; Sonata K141 in D MinorG F Handel - ‘Vo’ far guerra from the opera Rinaldo, arr. William Babell

Friday March 28th 1.00pm EBLANA STRING TRIOProgramme includes:W A Mozart - Oboe Quartet K370 in F MajorL van Beethoven - String trio in C minor Opus 9, No 3

“Bringing the greatest new and established talents in classical music to the South West”

www.thehonitonfestival.co.ukBox Office 01404 43716

Both recitals in St Paul’s Church, Honiton at 1pmProgramme and lunch on sale from 12.00 noonAll tickets £10.00 unreserved

BROADCLYST 10 Feb - Launch event at Clyst Vale College, 4pm-5.30pm and 5.30pm-7pm.

13 Mar - Community workshop at Victory Hall, 6pm-8pm.

The Rural Growth Network Community & Schools Entrepreneurship pilot is a Heart of the South West LEP initiative funded by Defra and Devon County Council. Devon County Council is the managing authority.

RURAL GROWTH NETWORK LAUNCHES FREE PILOT SCHEME TO SUPPORT BUDDING ENTREPRENEURS - BOOKING ESSENTIAL

To book your free space contact:[email protected] tel: 07855 538289

www.dcbc.co.uk/ latest-events

Local Enterprise PartnershipHEART OF THE SOUTH WEST

EXMOUTH 11 Feb - Launch event at Exmouth Community College, 4pm-5.30pm and 5.30pm-7pm.

10 Mar - Community workshop at Exmouth Town Council Civic Hall, 6pm - 8pm.

Want to share your events really easily?When you've entered all of your amazing events into

eastdevonhub, click on the menu option 'email link' and copy the link that's provided. Then, share it with the world!

eastdevonhub .co.uk


Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp Jewess, Iby Knill.

SID VALE ASSOCIATION TALK 19 Feb - "Extraordinary Stories from an Ordinary Life" Speaker: Iris R Jones-Simantel, Sid Vale Association, Manor Pavilion Theatre, Sidmouth, 2.30pm.

SID VALE ASSOCIATION TALK 19 Mar - "A History of The Knowle" Speakers: Rab & Christine Barnard., Sid Vale Association, Manor Pavilion Theatre, Sidmouth, 2.30pm.

FOUNDER'S DAY 29 Mar - Celebrating the amazing life of the sanctuary's founder Dr Elisabeth Svendsen, The Donkey Sanctuary Sidmouth, Slade House Farm, Sidmouth, 11.00am.

Craft

CRAFT 4 CRAFTERS Until 01 Feb - A great day out where all things are creative, Westpoint Arena, Clyst St Mary, Exeter, 10.00am.

FABRIC ROADSHOW 03 Feb - Fabric Sale in conjunction with Doughty's of Hereford, Sidmouth Patchers and Quilters, St John's Hall, Sidmouth, 10.30am.




EAST DEVON SLOT RACING CLUB - FRIDAY EVENINGS 07 Mar - Model Car Racing (Scalextric), East Devon Slot Racing Club, St Johns Ambulance Hall, Honiton.

OPEN DAY

LOCAL LUNCH 19 Feb - Delicious homemade meal with local ingredients a tour of the grounds, Monkton Wyld Court, Elsdon's Lane, Charmouth, 12.30am.

LOCAL LUNCH 01 Mar - Delicious homemade meal with local ingredients a tour of the grounds, Monkton Wyld Court, Elsdon's Lane, Charmouth, 12.30am.

LOCAL LUNCH 19 Mar - Delicious homemade meal with local ingredients a tour of the grounds, Monkton Wyld Court, Elsdon's Lane, Charmouth, 12.30am.

POETRY

GREAT EXPECTATIONS , RABBIT THEATRE 14 Feb - A one man performance by David Mynne of the Dickens story, Plymtree Community Arts, Plymtree Village Hall, Plymtree, 7.30pm.

BRIAN PATTEN POETRY READING 22 Mar - Growing Up Before Your Very Eyes, a reading by poet Brian Patten, Plymtree Community Arts, Plymtree Village Hall, Plymtree, 7.00pm.

TALK & PRESENTATION

IBY KNILL AT ST ANDREW'S CHURCH, COLYTON Book promotion visit by ex

CONTINUED OVERLEAF


the natural placethe natural placethe natural place

www.escot-devon.co.uk 01404 822188 Ottery St. Mary, Devon, EX11 1LU

At Escot there’s a natural surprise waiting around every corner - come and

visit soon!

READER OFFER One child goes FREE with a full

paying adult OR

Buy one senior citizen ticket and receive another

FREE! Offer valid until 31st December 2014. Not to be used in

conjunction with any other offer. CC 02/14

eastdevonhub .co.uk

Get your events listed now!

Add your events free, just go to Register

PUBLICITY & PROMOTIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY

www.mikealsford.com01626 864030 [email protected] 07850 028641

Mike Alsford has been well published in all national newspapers and many leading magazine titles. Much of his work has involved shooting picture publicity for television and fi lm productions (mainly dramas), with clients including all ITV companies, the BBC, Channel 4, Five, Sky and various independent producers.

CORPORATE & PR:PORTFOLIOS for Performers & ModelsPORTRAITURE for Business Promotion

Mike Alsford

Mike is also a frequent photographer for Coast & Country Magazine.


ValuationsCurious to know if you have something of value?It could pay to talk to Bonhams

International Auctioneers and Valuers - bonhams.com/exeter

Insurance and Probate ValuationsHome VisitsSpecialist Valuation Days

For expert advice or further information about our services please contact:01392 [email protected]

Bonhams The Lodge Southernhay West Exeter, Devon, EX1 1JG

A Sri Lanka Temple Moonstone (Sandakada pahana) Sri Lanka, Late Anuradhapura Period, 10th/early 11th Century. Consigned in the West Country, sold in London for £553,250


open for charity) Devon, 1 Feebers Cottage, Broadclyst, 12.00am.

LITTLEHAM HOUSE COTTAGE 16 Feb - A secret spring garden full of colour, NGS (gardens open for charity) Devon, Littleham House Cottage, Exmouth, 12.00am.

Markets

FARMERS & COUNTRY

EXETER FARMER'S MARKET 06 Feb - Wide range of West Country produce, Exeter Farmers' Market, South Street/Fore Street, Exeter, 9.00am.




INDOOR MARKET

RAG MARKET 04 Feb - Textile, costume & decorative items, Hyson Fairs Ltd, Mackarness Hall, Honiton, 10.00am.

COMMUNITY MARKET 29 Mar - Community Market featuring fresh produce and local crafts. Free admission, Ottery St Mary United Reformed Church, The Institute, Ottery St Mary, 9.30am.

Heritage

WEST COUNTRY TO WORLD'S END Until 03 Mar - RAMM tell the story of the evocative period of the Tudor age in the South West, RAMM Gallery, Queen Street, Exeter, 10.00am.

BILL DOUGLAS CENTRE Until 28 Mar - Museum dedicated to the History of Cinema and Popular Culture. Open week days, Bill Douglas Centre, The Old Library, Exeter.

WEST COUNTRY TO WORLD'S END Until 02 Mar - Celebrating the spirit of adventure and enterprise of South West people., Royal Albert Memorial Museum RAMM, Queen Street, Exeter, 10.00am.

IMAGES OF DARTMOOR - TALK / SLIDE SHOW 05 Feb - An illustrated talk / slide show by Tony Burges., Axminster Historical Society, The United Reform Curch Hall, Axminster, 7.30pm.

FAIRLYNCH MUSEUM & ARTS CENTRE 01 Apr to 28 Jun - Grade ll listed building, is open for 2014 season. (closed Saturday), Fairlynch Museum & Arts Centre, 27 Fore Street, Budleigh Salterton, 2.00pm.

Opera

RUSALKA, BEAMED LIVE FROM NEW YORK MET OPERA 08 Feb - Opera by Dvorak beamed live to the Picture House, Exeter Picture House, 51 Bartholomew Street West, Exeter.

CONTINUED OVERLEAF

Scan Me!To get instant access to these events and more, use your smartphone or tablet to scan this QR code below.

EAST DEVON COAST & COUNTRY MAGAZINE February issue

Land Rover has always loved winter. It’s the time of year when our vehicles really come into their own. That’s why we’re celebrating thosewho embrace the British winter and all it has to offer with #Hibernot.

With its contemporary exterior and a refreshed interior, the 2014 Freelander 2 sets new standards with touch-screen instruments, optional Meridian audio systems, a Command Driving Position and stadium-style seating. With such a comfortable and fulfilling drivingexperience, there’s no excuse to stay indoors. #Hibernot.

Call Matford Land Rover today to book a test drive.

FREELANDER 2

HIBERNATE? NO CHANCE.#HIBERNOT

Matford Land RoverWaterbridge Court, Matford Park Road, Exeter, Devon EX2 8EL

01392 825825 matford.exeter.landrover.co.ukOfficial Fuel Consumption Figures for the Freelander 2 range in mpg (l/100km): Urban 32.5 (8.7) – 39.8 (7.1) Extra Urban 48.7 (5.8) – 52.3 (5.4) Combined 40.4 (7.0) – 47.1(6.0) CO2 Emissions 185 – 158 g/km. he figures provided are as a result of official manufacturer’s tests in accordance with EU legislation. A vehicle’s actual fuel consumption may differ from that achieved in such tests and these figures are for comparativepurposes only. Image for illustration purposes only. Details correct at time of going to press. E&OE.

THE TRAVELLLING WOOLBERRIES 07 Feb - Knit cafe. Homemade cakes & coffee, The Travelling Woolberries, Unitarian Church Hall, Sidmouth, 10.00am.

FELTING WORKSHOP 07 Feb - Create a unique and beautifully draping scarf with corsage using marino wool, Axminster Arts Cafe, The Axminster Arts Cafe, Axminster, 10.00am.

THE TRAVELLLING WOOLBERRIES 14 Feb - Knit cafe. Homemade cakes & coffee, The Travelling Woolberries, Unitarian Church Hall, Sidmouth, 10.00am.

BUILD A NEST BOX (BOX 16 - THE EVENTS BARN) 18 Feb - Make a nest box for birds in your garden, or donate it to the sanctuary, The Donkey Sanctuary Sidmouth, Slade House Farm, Sidmouth, 10.30am.

CRAFT DAYS AT DALWOOD 28 Feb & 28 Mar- Crafting for the Love of it, Dalwood Craft Day, Tuckers Arms, Axminster, 10.30am.

Festivals

LYME REGIS WALKING FESTIVAL 08 Feb to 16 Feb - Organised and self-guided walks & walk-related events in and around Lyme Regis, Lyme Regis Festivals, TIC, Lyme Regis.

Garden

GARDEN FAIRS & SHOWS

EAST LAMBROOK EARLY SPRING PLANT FAIR 29 Mar - !4 of the South West's top nurseries attending. £4 entry includes the garden., East Lambrook Manor Gardens, East Lambrook, South Petherton, 10.00am.

OPEN GARDENS

LITTLEHAM HOUSE COTTAGE 09 Feb - A secret spring garden full of colour, NGS (gardens open for charity) Devon, Littleham House Cottage, Exmouth, 12.00am.

EAST LAMBROOK'S ANNUAL NGS SNOWDROP DAY 09 Feb - Garden and nursery open for the NGS Yellow Book to see the snowdrops in bloom, East Lambrook Manor Gardens, East Lambrook, South Petherton, 10.00am.

1 FEEBERS COTTAGE 15 Feb to 16 Feb - Mature but evolving cottage of 1 acre. Many varieties of snowdrops in spring, NGS (gardens



Come as a spectator, leave as a supporter!

Open DaysSaturday 8th March

10am – 1pmSaturday 10th May

10am – 1pm

To register your attendance or for more information, please call or visit

01395 272148 www.stpetersprep.co.ukSt Peter’s School, Lympstone, Devon, EX8 5AU


SAVE ££S - bring this advert with you and save the joining fee!Memberships are available from as little as £5.29 per week.

www.lifestyleleisureclub.co.uk

health & fitness clubL i f e s t y l e

INDOOR POOL

DEVONCOURTHOTEL

&APARTMENTS

Beautifully situated ‘Guest Accommodation’ set in four acres of sub-tropical gardens overlooking Exmouth’s two miles of golden sandy beaches, looking out to Lyme Bay and Start Point.

All rooms have en-suite facilities, tea/coffee, free superfast wi-fi throughout, TVs with DVD player. Some rooms have kitchenettes.

All residents have full use of the leisure facilities in our health and � tness club. � e facilities are open daily, from 7am to 9pm and are available 365 days a year to guests and members of our leisure club alike.

Our sub-tropical gardens have direct access to the beach.

To view the facilities, please call or pop in to see us anytime.

• Fitness Gym• Indoor Heated Pool• Outdoor Heated Pool (May-Sept)• Far-Infra Red Sauna• Steam Room• Spa Bath• Aqua Fitness & Yoga Classes• Aerobics & AquaZumba Class• All-Weather Tennis Court• Sunshower (small supp.)• Snooker Table (small supp.)• Putting Green (May-Sept)

DOUGLAS AVENUEEXMOUTH

01395 272277www.devoncourthotel.com

FITNESS GYM

GARDENS

Like us on Facebook:Devoncourt Hotels and ApartmentsLifestyle Health and � tness Exmouth

ACCOMMODATION


RUSALKA (OPERA) 08 Feb - Rusalka (Opera), The Gateway, Fore Street, Seaton, 7.00pm.

PRINCE IGOR 01 Mar - New production of Borodin's Prince Igor, Exeter Picture House, 51 Bartholomew Street West, Exeter.

PRINCE IGOR 02 Mar - Prince Igor (Opera) music by Borodin., The Gateway, Fore Street, Seaton, 4.00pm.

WERTHER, BEAMED LIVE FROM NEW YORK MET OPERA 15 Mar - New production of Massenet's opera, Werther, Exeter Picture House, 51 Bartholomew Street West, Exeter.

WERTHER (OPERA) LIVE STREAMING 15 Mar - Werther (Opera) live streaming from the Met Opera, New York., The Gateway, Fore Street, Seaton, 6.00pm.

Shows

ROBIN COUSINS' ICE 19 Feb to 23 Feb - Speed, style, glamour and grace: skating like you've never seen before, Westpoint Arena, Clyst St Mary, Exeter.

THE BIG CAKE SHOW 28 Mar to 30 Mar - Baking extravaganza with baking celebrities from across the UK, Westpoint Arena, Clyst St Mary, Exeter.

Theatre

SIDMOUTH TOWN BAND AND SIDMOUTH GOSPEL CHOIR 22 Feb - Sidmouth Town Band and Sidmouth Gospel Choir in Concert, Manor Pavilion Theatre & Arts Centre, Manor Road, Sidmouth, 7.45pm.

HARMONY AND HAPPINESS 08 Mar - Sidmouth Living with Cancer present Harmony and Happiness, Manor Pavilion Theatre & Arts Centre, Manor Road, Sidmouth, 7.30pm.

CALLINO STRING QUARTET 15 Mar - Sidmouth Music present Callino String Quartet., Manor Pavilion Theatre & Arts Centre, Manor Road, Sidmouth, 7.30am.

A J'S BIG BAND AND VOCALISTS. 22 Mar - A J's Big Band and Vocalists

-music from the Glen Miller era and beyond., Manor Pavilion Theatre & Arts Centre, Manor Road, Sidmouth, 8.00pm.

JUST JAMES, ONE MAN SHOW WITH JAMES PELLOW. 29 Mar - A brand new, one man show written and performed by the popular James Pellow., Manor Pavilion Theatre & Arts Centre, Manor Road, Sidmouth, 7.45pm.

PLAYS

PRIVATE LIVES (NOEL COWARD) 19 Feb - Private Lives (Noel Coward) on the Gateway big screen., The Gateway, Fore Street, Seaton.

WARHORSE (NATIONAL THEATRE LIVE) 27 Feb - Warhorse, this powerfully moving drama is a show of phenomenal inventiveness., The Gateway, Fore Street, Seaton, 7.00pm.

NATIONAL THEATRE LIVE: WAR HORSE 27 Feb - Original stage production of War Horse broadcast live from London's West End, The Electric Palace, 35 South Street, Bridport, 7.00pm.

WATERS OF THE MOON 03 Mar to 07 Mar - A drama set in an hotel on Dartmoor in 1950. Mon-Fri pm & Matinee Sat 2.30pm, Salterton Drama Club, Salterton Playhouse, Budleigh Salterton, 7.30pm.

HAVING TROUBLE FINDING A COPY OF THIS MAGAZINE?

There are 474 outlets across Exeter, East Devon and West Dorset for this magazine. You can find outlets near you by

using our Google Map. It allows you to zoom in to each town/ village and check where you may be able to find one.

http://bit.ly/MDzeZ9

MODELS WANTEDIf you are an amateur, professional or would like to give

modeling a try and be involved in one of our photo shoots, call us now on 01395 513383

Send a few photo examples to:

[email protected]

Want to be paidto get fi tter?

If you have a little spare time and would like to earn some extra money, we’re on the lookout for people to deliver the Diary magazines in the Sid Valley and Budleigh Salterton areas on a bimonthly basis.

Just call Nigel on 01395 513383

We pay the

best rates for these

areas

We supply the latest marquee designs for weddings, corporate events and parties

t: 01395 263444 m: 07711 349727

e: [email protected]

Based in East Devon

Off ering quality, aff ordable, marquee hire throughout the South West region

PeninsulaMarquees


SAVE ££S - bring this advert with you and save the joining fee!Memberships are available from as little as £5.29 per week.

www.lifestyleleisureclub.co.uk

health & fitness clubL i f e s t y l e

INDOOR POOL

DEVONCOURTHOTEL

&APARTMENTS

Beautifully situated ‘Guest Accommodation’ set in four acres of sub-tropical gardens overlooking Exmouth’s two miles of golden sandy beaches, looking out to Lyme Bay and Start Point.

All rooms have en-suite facilities, tea/coffee, free superfast wi-fi throughout, TVs with DVD player. Some rooms have kitchenettes.

All residents have full use of the leisure facilities in our health and � tness club. � e facilities are open daily, from 7am to 9pm and are available 365 days a year to guests and members of our leisure club alike.

Our sub-tropical gardens have direct access to the beach.

To view the facilities, please call or pop in to see us anytime.

• Fitness Gym• Indoor Heated Pool• Outdoor Heated Pool (May-Sept)• Far-Infra Red Sauna• Steam Room• Spa Bath• Aqua Fitness & Yoga Classes• Aerobics & AquaZumba Class• All-Weather Tennis Court• Sunshower (small supp.)• Snooker Table (small supp.)• Putting Green (May-Sept)

DOUGLAS AVENUEEXMOUTH

01395 272277www.devoncourthotel.com

FITNESS GYM

GARDENS

Like us on Facebook:Devoncourt Hotels and ApartmentsLifestyle Health and � tness Exmouth

ACCOMMODATION


POP

VICTORIA KLEWINS AND THE TRUETONES 08 Feb - 7 piece band from Bristol, expect soul, blues, funk and Jazz, Otterton Live Music, Otterton Village Hall, Otterton, 8.00pm.

SIDMOUTH TOWN BAND & SIDMOUTH GOSPEL CHOIR 22 Feb - Superb Band and Gospel Choir perform popular, traditional and classical music, Sidmouth Lions Club, Manor Pavilion Theatre, Sidmouth, 7.45pm.

GERRY & THE PACEMAKERS 01 Mar - Gerry & The Pacemakers in Concert, Gypsy Music Promotions, The Public Hall, Budleigh Salterton, 6.30pm.

JAZZ

JUST MISBEHAVIN' 09 Feb - Swing dance music and much, much more... Just Misbehavin', The Bank, Exmouth, 3.00pm.

Disclaimer - you are advised that before attending any of the events listed in the 'Forthcoming Events', 'Live Music Roundup' and www.eastdevonhub.co.uk, you should contact the venue in advance to double check that the dates and times are correct.

JUST MISBEHAVIN' 14 Feb - Swing dance music and much, much more... Just Misbehavin', The Sorry Head, Exeter, 9.00pm.

JUST MISBEHAVIN' 15 Feb - Swing, R'B, Gospel... and much, much more, Just Misbehavin', The Salterton Arms, Budleigh Salterton, 9.00pm.

JAZZ AT THE FIVE BELLS 23 Feb - The Annika Skoog Quartet, The Five Bells Inn, Clyst Hydon, Five Bells, Clyst Hydon, Cullompton.

JUST MISBEHAVIN' 14 Mar - Swing dance music and much, much more... Just Misbehavin', The Beach Pub, Exmouth, 9.00pm.

JUST MISBEHAVIN' 15 Mar - Swing, R'B, Gospel... and much, much more, Just Misbehavin', The Salterton Arms, Budleigh Salterton, 9.00pm.

FOLK ROOTS & ACOUSTIC

STRAWBS (ELECTRIC) PLUS GIGSPANNER 09 Feb - STRAWBS (electric) with special guests Peter Knight's GIGSPANNER, Gypsy Music Promotions, The Public Hall, Budleigh Salterton, 6.30pm.

JURASSIC FOLK & ACOUSTIC COME ALL YE 19 Feb - Local artists loosely within the folk music genre, Jurassic Folk & Acoustic, The Dolphin Hotel, Beer, 7.30pm.

CONCERT - "STRINGS & SONGS" 01 Mar - Misty Roses headline with young up & coming local artists &

pupils of guitar a, Misty Roses Duo, United Reformed Church, Sidmouth, 7.30pm.

JURASSIC JAM 05 Mar - Folk music jam session, all welcome, experienced or beginners., Jurassic Folk & Acoustic, The Dolphin Hotel, Beer, 8.00pm.

EMILY SMITH TRIO 16 Mar - An evening of traditional/contemporary folk music from the Emily Smith Trio., Gypsy Music Promotions, The Public Hall, Budleigh Salterton, 6.25pm.

JURASSIC FOLK & ACOUSTIC COME ALL YE 19 Mar - Local artists loosely within the folk music genre, Jurassic Folk & Acoustic, The Dolphin Hotel, Beer.

Scan Me!To get instant access to these events and more, use your smartphone or tablet to scan this QR code below.

154 Sidwell Street Exeter, EX4 6RTTel:01392 436258

Email: [email protected]

Here to help you find your keys

154 Sidwell Street Exeter EX4 6RTTel: 01392 436258


See more on eastdevonhub.co.uk

now!

Wednesday 12th FebruaryFAIRPORT CONVENTION - Exeter Corn Exchangewww.exetercornexchange.com

Hailed as the originators of British folk-rock music, Fairport Convention has been among Britain's best-loved bands for over 45 years. With a vast musical repertoire to draw on, this concert by Fairport Convention will feature a mixture of long-established favourites and new material performed with virtuosity and passion. Fairport Convention features Simon Nicol on guitar and lead vocals, Dave Pegg on bass and backing vocals, Chris Leslie on fiddle, mandolin, bouzouki and lead vocals, Ric Sanders on violin and Gerry Conway on drums and percussion. £20 7.30pm (doors 6.45) BOX OFFICE: 01392 665938.

photo courtesy of Fairport Convention

EXETER RECORD & CD FAIR, CORN EXCHANGE EXETER 08 Mar - Lots of dealers having masses of good quality Vinyl Records, CD's to

purchase., Exeter Record & CD Fair, The Corn Exchange, Exeter, 9.30am.

LIVE MUSIC EVENTS

February & March 2014Live Musicwww.eastdevonhub.co.uk/live music


www.kennawayhouse.org.uk

ONE of Britain’s top jazz pianists, Craig Milverton, has joined forces with Kennaway House, Sidmouth, to launch Kennaway House Jazz Club for 2014.

Craig, winner of Best British Jazz Pianist award 2010, launched the Club on January 19th, performing with Martin Dale, one of the region’s finest tenor sax players.

After four years of Jazz on a Sunday Afternoon with Pete Allen in the Cellar Bar at this fine Regency mansion, Pete has moved on.

“The Cellar Bar lends itself to jazz performances, especially when premises manager, David Leach, transforms it into an atmospheric nightclub,” said Di Bowerman, administrator.

“We are really excited to welcome Craig and his musicians to the house.”

On Sunday, February 2nd, Craig performs with trumpet player Alan Bateman, whose credits include performing with Acker Bilk and Kenny Ball.

On Sunday, March 9th, the Craig Milverton Trio pays homage to one of the greatest jazz musicians ever, Oscar Peterson.

Doors open at 2pm for both gigs with a bar and food available. Tickets are £10, available on the door or in advance from the Kennaway office (01395 515551).

In April, Craig, who started playing piano aged seven and performing at 10, will hold an evening session on

Friday, April 4, when singer Maggie Reeday joins his Trio to pay tribute to America’s great Ella Fitzgerald. Tickets for this are £12.50. Doors open at 6.30pm. Bar and food available.

Since turning professional, Craig has toured the UK and Europe, playing with Roger Mark’s Quintet and other top UK and international jazz bands. In 2000, he and clarinettist Julian Stringle, performed the first ever jazz concert in Albania in a marble pyramid.

He plays at Bordeaux Jazz Festival and is a regular on Jazz FM. Other highlights include gigs at Ronnie Scott’s and backing the late George Melly.

Kennaway House "A new Jazz experience”

Thursday 6th MarchPHIL BEER - Marine Theatre, Lyme Regiswww.marinetheatre.com

Phil Beer is the multi-instrumentalist half of England’s foremost acoustic duo Show of Hands. His instrumental wizardry is well documented and has been used by countless artists over the years, among the most notable being The Rolling Stones, Mike Oldfield and Steve Harley. He was for many years lead guitarist and singer with the Albion Band and co-wrote many of their songs. The Guardian once described their sound as “where Steve Earle and Richard Thompson collide”. Please note this event is standing only. Doors 7.45pm Onstage 8.30pm £15.00 or On the Door: £16.50

Sunday 9th FebJIM CAUSLEY (with Lukas Drinkwater) - Topsham Folk Club, Matthews Hall, Topshamwww.topshamfolkclub.co.uk

Young Devon folk singer Jim Causley became involved with traditional music from an early age via his family, the local folk scene and an historical tradition of wassailing in his home village of Whimple, East Devon. He has become renowned for his warm, rich and mature singing voice, his natural gift for interpreting song and his wry and cheeky stage presence. Doors open at 7.30pm for a 8pm start, tickets from £9 plus booking fee.

Saturday 1st MarchGERRY AND THE PACEMAKERS - The Public Hall, Budleigh Salterton, Devon, EX9 6ESwww.gerryandthepacemakers.com

The irrepressible Gerry Marsden with an evening of good humoured banter, anecdotes and reminiscences from the early days of the Merseybeat boom and The Cavern Club through a career of over 50 years at the top of the pop music tree plus, of course, a stack of memorable hits…you know them all! ‘I Like It’, ‘Ferry ‘cross the Mersey’, ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’. Tickets £20 until 1st February, £22.50 thereafter ( bkg fee) or £25 on the door. Box Office 07891 663044. Doors 6.30pm for bar, music from 8.00pm

Tel. (01395) 515551

Jazz pianist Craig Milverton

Get your band or venue featured here, contact Charlotte Fergie on 01395 513383

photo courtesy of Phil Beer

photo courtesy of Gerry and the Pacemakers

phot

o co

urte

sy o

f Jim

Cau

sley

FEATURED VENUE:

FIND MORE MUSIC EVENTS ONLINE NOWJust to go eastdevonhub .co.uk

To add on your own events, just go to register!

18 for What's On, visit: eastdevonhub .co.ukCOAST COUNTRYandEAST DEVON eastdevonhub

One year on - now with over 2,550 organisations registered*

it's growing bigger and better

It's never been easier to find out What's On in East Devon, Exeter and West Dorset

Just type into Google - 'What's On East Devon' or 'East Devon Hub' and away you go, event information from every type of organisation and category, not just tourist based events, but a massive range of local events from all the clubs, societies, charities, businesses in your area.

Promote your organisation's events - FREEAll you need to do is register your organisation, then you can add as many events as you wish into the HUB. There's also a southdevonhub website - if you have Exeter based events and enter them in the hub, they'll appear in both websites simultaneously.

Did you know that many of the events entered into the hub make it into our magazine titles (see right) giving additional exposure.

smartphone

tablet

* 2,550 organisations registered between eastdevonhub and southdevonhub websites

This is brilliant as you can search

down to village and date level, putting

powerful event intelligence in the palm of your hand

The HUB websites work

great in all tablets

desktop

19for What's On, visit: eastdevonhub .co.ukCOAST COUNTRYandEAST DEVON eastdevonhub

New features that we've added recently:

d DUPLICATEThis allows you to rapidly add recurring events that carry the same details apart from the date being different. So, say you have a weekly event, add it once, then under Manage Events click the d DUPLICATE at the bottom of the orange event box - the event is duplicated, but the date is advanced by 7 days. (important - to access the d DUPLICATE facility, your event needs to have a date range of a single day)Top tip, you can use this feature for monthly or quarterly reccuring events, just manually change the date and click submit.

HOW YOUR EVENT APPEARS IN MAGAZINES (see image above)

This new facility allows you to see how your event appears in the magazine WHAT'S ON listings. As you type your details into the fields, you can see the sequence of words in this preview box, allowing you to fine tune your entry.

More features are coming soon...

eastdevonhub



PRICELESSFEB & MAR 2014

COAST COUNTRYand

EAST DEVON

BUDLEIGH DIARYAPR - JUN 2014

The Community Magazine for the Lower Otter Valley

Your complete DIARY of EVENTS for the lower Otter valley

he

including East Budleigh, Knowle Village,

Yettington, Otterton and Colaton Raleigh

Beach Tide

Timetables

Entered your events into

the hub?There's a strong

possibility that they will

also appear in the What's On

sections of these magazines free

You're potty if you don't take

advantage of the most

comprehensive event promotion

platform in the Southwest

1)

2)

W

Forthcoming ExhibitionsFebruary & March 2014

Art Galleries20 for What's On, visit: eastdevonhub .co.ukCOAST COUNTRYandEAST DEVON

51 High StreetHoniton

t. 01404 43201www.hybrid-devon.co.uk

art & designfor your home and garden

hybrid

In our galleryWe are currently showing a range of contemporary pieces by our gallery artists.

A new exhibition program will be available soon.

51 High Street Honitont. 01404 43201

www.hybrid-devon.co.uk

www.thelmahulbert.com

Degrees of AnimationUntil 1 Mar 14 - Featuring work of most exciting new talent to emerge from South West animation courses.

Recollection15 Mar to 19 Apr - Contemporary art exhibition exploring memory.

01404 45006

GALLERIES

WHAT DO YOU COLLECT? COOKING THE BOOKS Until 02 Feb - One man's collection of cookery books and food related ephemera at RAMM, Queen Street, Exeter, 10.00am.

WINTER ART EXHIBITION UNTIL 23RD FEBRUARY Until 23 Feb - Winter Art Show with recent paintings by leading artists, furniture and craft. Sladers Yard, West Bay Road, Bridport, 9.00am.

DEGREES OF ANIMATION Until 01 Mar - Our first exhibition of 2014 in partnership with Animated Exeter. Thelma Hulbert Gallery, Elmfield House, Honiton.

CHARM IN MEMENTO: CAROLINE BARNES Until 30 Mar - An exhibition of contemporary ceramics inspired by historic seaside souvenirs. Lyme Regis ArtsFest at Rotunda Gallery, Lyme Regis, 11.00am.

EXETER'S FINE ART COLLECTION Until 06 Apr - This display includes works by major artists of both the 19th & 20th centuries at Royal Albert Memorial Museum RAMM, Queen Street, Exeter, 10.00am.

Sam King - 'Portrait from the Streets' - The Marle Gallery Jenni Dutton - 'Mum Rubbing Her Hands'Thelma Hulbert Gallery

Alexandra Jacobs - 'Starting again' - SWAc

W

Art Galleries 21for What's On, visit: eastdevonhub .co.ukCOAST COUNTRYandEAST DEVON

Old Fore Street, Sidmouth EX10 [email protected] 01395 516284

EastDevonArt.co.uk

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

Spring Exhibition 15 to 23 Feb

A varied exhibition from several West Country artists. Landscapes, figurative

works, floral and wildlife paintings.

Art tuition available throughout the year.A selection of work may be viewed on-line at www.eastdevonart.co.uk www.facebook.com/eda.academy

www.brookgallery.co.uk 01395 443003Open Tues - Sat 10.30 - 5.00 Sun 2.00 - 4.30

EXHIBITIONSThe Fables of La FontaineMarc Chagall7 Feb to 2 MarA selection of beautiful historic original hand drawn coloured etchings, by Chagall himself, from The Fables of La Fontaine.

MICHAEL MORGAN RIApril 5 to 17

A solo show of earlier works.

Contact Marine House for more information by emailing:

[email protected] calling 01297 625257.

Exhibition

Victoria Place, Axminster, Devon, EX13 [email protected] 01297 639970

www.themarlegallery.co.uk

2014 will include some exciting new artists and new work from some of our most popular artists:

Vicky Oldfield, Angus RutherfordSonia Martin, Martin Grover

We start the year with our annual “Before They Were Famous” exhibition, showcasing the work of talented young artists under the age of 19 from 8 Mar to 4 Apr.

contemporary fine art & ceramics

TheMarleGallery

EXHIBITIONS

SLADERS YARDContemporary British Art,

Furniture & Craft. Licensed Café[email protected]

WINTER SHOW until 23 February

All-star rolling group show including: David Atkins, Julian Bailey,

Angela Charles, Tim Cumming, Simon Garden RWA,

Janette Kerr PRWA Hon RA, Alfred Stockham ARCA RWA.

PALAEOSCOPES1 Mar - 27 Apr

New paintings by Brian Graham.

Petter Southall furniture.www.sladersyard.co.uk

01308 459511

A Variety of Local Artisans on Show

Apple Tree Galleries

Old Bell House, Victoria Place, Axminster EX13 5NQOpen 10-4; Tues-Sat

01297 598011 www.appletreegalleries.co.uk

A treasure trove of over 70 talented local artists and crafters exhibiting a wide variety of styles and media offering

something for every taste. Our comfortable Coffee Lounge provides

locally sourced drinks and cake. Our Classes and Workshops schedule is

on our website.

With something for everyone, a visit to our gallery in Princesshay

is a must.We have a fantastic choice of

limited edition prints, originals and sculpture from some of the world’s

leading artists.We also offer a gift wrapping

and storage service.

A warm welcome to the gallery

11-15 Bedford Street, Princesshay, Exeter EX1 1GG

[email protected]

01392 477722

TAONGA: MÄORI TREASURES OF THE NATURAL WORLD Until 08 Jun - A look at a small collection of Mäori objects from the museum's collections at Royal Albert Memorial Museum RAMM, Queen Street, Exeter, 10.00am.

THE FABLES OF LA FONTAINE - MARC CHAGALL 07 Feb to 02 Mar - A beautiful suite of original etchings hand-coloured by Chagall himself - Brook Gallery, Foreshore House, Budleigh Salterton, 10.30am.

SPRING EXHIBITION 15 Feb to 23 Feb - A varied exhibition from several West Country artists, East Devon Art, Old Fore Street, Sidmouth.

ROBERT MANNERS 'SEASCAPE REFIT' 16 Feb to 16 Mar - An exhibition of paintings, collage and prints at The Art Room, 8A The Strand, Topsham.

PALAEOSCOPES : NEW PAINTINGS BY BRIAN GRAHAM 01 Mar to 27 Apr - Palaeoscopes; new paintings by Brian Graham. Sladers Yard, West Bay Road, Bridport, 10.00am.

THE KENN ART & CRAFT EXHIBITION 2014 22 Mar to 23 Mar - The Kenn Art Show features work by both amateur and professional artists at Kenn Art Show, The Kenn Centre, Kennford, 10.00am.

PHILIP CLAYTON AND CHRIS PRINDL 30 Mar to 27 Apr - Philip Clayton, landscape painting and Chris Prindl ceramics at The Art Room, 8A The Strand, Topsham, 11.00am.

Neil Hampson - 'Nuthatch' - East Devon Art Academy

Robert Manners - 'Seascape Refit' - The Art Room

Mara Fradella - Thelma Hulbert Gallery

Chagall - 'The Women and the Secret' Brook Gallery

Chagall - 'The Sculptor and the Statue of Jupiter' - Brook Gallery

Alexandra Jacobs - 'Red Barn' - SWAc

Michael Morgan - Marine House at Beer

22 for What's On, visit: eastdevonhub .co.ukCOAST COUNTRYandEAST DEVON for What's On, visit: eastdevonhub .co.ukCOAST COUNTRYandEAST DEVONFore Street, Beer, Devon marinehouseatbeer.co.uk 01297 625257

There are few artists who command the following and enthusiasm for their work as Michael Morgan. Although anno domini has caught up with him and he no longer paints, demand for his extraordinary paintings continues to grow.

While the works are small, they more than make up for it in intensity, catching the viewer’s attention from across the room even if they are adjacent to a large bold abstract! It is often observed that Michael reinvigorated the watercolour medium with his bold foreground and inventive texturing. His theme of lonely buildings and remote locations seems to create

a sense of escapism in the viewer, a place where the soul can be at peace.

Marine House at Beer has represented Michael since we started. We continue to promote his work and this special show of more than 30 earlier paintings which we have reacquired and which starts on April 5th 2014 will present a rare opportunity to purchase works from a fine collection.

MICHAEL MORGAN RI.A RARE AND GREAT TALENT

A solo show of earlier worksSaturday 5 April - Thursday 17 April

01297 625257

for What's On, visit: eastdevonhub .co.ukCOAST COUNTRYandEAST DEVON Art Galleries 23for What's On, visit: eastdevonhub .co.ukCOAST COUNTRYandEAST DEVONFore Street, Beer, Devon marinehouseatbeer.co.uk 01297 625257

There are few artists who command the following and enthusiasm for their work as Michael Morgan. Although anno domini has caught up with him and he no longer paints, demand for his extraordinary paintings continues to grow.

While the works are small, they more than make up for it in intensity, catching the viewer’s attention from across the room even if they are adjacent to a large bold abstract! It is often observed that Michael reinvigorated the watercolour medium with his bold foreground and inventive texturing. His theme of lonely buildings and remote locations seems to create

a sense of escapism in the viewer, a place where the soul can be at peace.

Marine House at Beer has represented Michael since we started. We continue to promote his work and this special show of more than 30 earlier paintings which we have reacquired and which starts on April 5th 2014 will present a rare opportunity to purchase works from a fine collection.

MICHAEL MORGAN RI.A RARE AND GREAT TALENT

A solo show of earlier worksSaturday 5 April - Thursday 17 April

01297 625257

Lambing Weekends - a special time?

Always one to want to share the joys of the farm with whoever wants to come, I came

up with the brilliant idea of promoting the B and B during the dire, dank, month of February by o� ering “Lambing Weekends”.

� e theory was for families, couples, in fact anyone who wanted to come, to book into the B and B and then work alongside me for a couple of days (shovelling s**t and generally working hard) but with the hope that they see some ewes performing on time, with beautifully presented lambs (two feet and a nose - not a tail � rst!), full udders, producing plenty of the essential colostrum (the � rst, thick, creamy, milk which has all the goodness lambs need to kick start them) and then enjoy the idyllic scene. AAhhhhhhh! � at’s the theory.

� e uptake each year has been great, but not without a few ups and downs and my patience being tried to its limits resulting in me smiling through gritted teeth on numerous occasions. A childless couple were one of my � rst guests to come lambing. � ey arrived in the obligatory sparkling clean BMW company car, sunglasses on (don’t know why, part of the Surrey uniform I suppose) and... wait for it... yes, white jeans and matching Barbour’s. Hey Ho, this was going to be fun. Before I could o� er a welcome hand, a smile and “Hello, I’m Janet, you must be...” my beautiful sheepdog Kit welcomed this immaculate couple with all four paws and a lick! On no! Back came a hasty, giggling reply:

“Don’t worry; these are only our old clothes!” I swear I could see the new labels. I shouldn’t think they even knew what old clothes were. I’d swop my best clothes for their old ones any day.

“Hi... I’m Jane and this is Derek and we are soooooo excited - our friends think we are da� coming all this way to get muddy!” Heck, have I sold them the wrong story?

Keen was an understatement. My ewes are penned in groups of 10-15, so it’s easy to spot problems and easier to manage the ewes when they lamb. I’ve never seen my pens and yard so clean - cost me a fortune in straw - shouldn’t think even the Queen has clean sheets like my ewes did. Unfortunately, the ewes weren’t particularly obliging and my guests, who even got up in the night desperate for action, (probably had a white silky nightie under the jeans and jumper!) were showing signs of despondency, but never once did they complain. I kept a cheerful note in my voice, saying:

“I think a ewe in Pen 6 will lamb soon - she didn’t eat this morning, which is a sure sign that she will lamb today” (or she’s bl**dy ill and will pop her clogs, heaven forbid, in front of these lovely guests).

� en, hey presto, as their bags were being packed into the car on the Sunday a� ernoon, one ewe must have felt sorry for them as she had watched them working so hard all weekend, decided to give a big old push and a lovely water

bag appeared. � ank Heavens! Excitement was an understatement, so, with huge smiles all round, the welly boots got unpacked, the smelly clothes retrieved from a black rubbish sack - they were probably destined for the bin, not the washing machine - and they were back on duty. Said ewe, got up, laid, down, pushed a bit, shoved her head high in the air (as they do), showed her teeth, and repeated this performance for some 30 minutes before a lovely black nose and a pair of front feet appeared. � ank goodness she decided to do it properly for my guests. As the lambs were born and the ewe did her bit by cleaning them up quickly and e� ciently, I sensed something weird and wonderful was happening. Derek’s head was bowed and I could see that he was actually crying, quietly, standing back to avoid eye contact with me or his wife. Given everything looked in order to me; I just walked away and didn’t say a word and le� the two of them together. Lambing is always a very special time, but, for Jane and Derek maybe this tiny act of birth meant something more to them. I went to prepare the small pen which we use

to house the ewe and her new lambs to give them time to “mother-up” properly for 24-48 hours. I needn’t have bothered as Jane and Derek had prepared beautiful clean pens in anticipation - every blade of straw looked like it had been placed individually by Jane’s perfectly manicured hands. Returning to the main barn, I could see that order had been restored and I o� ered a lamb to each of them to hold brie� y. I will never forget the genuine joy this brought to a truly wonderful pair of guests.

It was a very poignant moment for me too, as it made me realise that something perhaps I take for granted, is indeed very special - new life.

by Janet East of Yellingham Farm

Janet East is the proprietor at Yellingham Farm, also

running a Farmhouse B&B establishment

www.yellinghamfarm.co.uk01404 850272

Illustrations by Jim Stanes ©


The COUNTRYMAN

Iʼm not sure how far into the New Year you can continue to say it but Happy New Year!

Up until now in this column I have written about those who are considered to be ʻfamousʼ ʻcelebritiesʼ but they are not always the most interesting people. In fact in the last few weeks of 2013 I spoke to two people who have had the most incredible lives, for very diff erent reasons, but who, in all probability you will not have heard of. One is my old friend Brian Highly, the other is a woman I actually saw competing in the BBC 2 quiz Eggheads. Her knowledge, her demeanor fascinated me. I Googled her and was stunned by her story. She is Iby Knill who at 90 is one of the last remaining survivors of Hitlerʼs Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp and she is due to come down to Colyton, East Devon this March. But fi rst to Brian.

Brian Highly is probably best known as the man who spent 25 years writing the questions for Trivial Pursuit at his former home in Newton Poppleford, but everyone can fi nd out much more about his life now that he has published a memoir on Kindle.

This is not the story of someone who hasnʼt done very much of interest but a laugh-packed volume tracing Brianʼs life from the back streets of Halifax to his latest Rolling Stones

Trivial Pursuit game written with help from the bandʼs former bass guitarist Bill Wyman.

After becoming a school teacher, Brian swapped the academic life for that of pub landlord. His pub folk club led him into music promotion and he co-organised the

notorious Krumlin Festival in 1970. Known as the biggest pop music disaster in history, the Krumlin Festival site was declared an offi cial disaster area when thousands of music fans ended up suff ering from exposure due to unseasonal August weather with torrential rain and temperatures falling to

near freezing. Although had it not been for Krumlin, there might not be Glastonbury or Isle of Wight festivals today. A report on the festivalʼs excellent organization, and considering it was a worse case scenario, was instrumental in the government rejecting the Night Assembly Bill set to ban future festivals. Krumlin cost Brian everything, but he had promised an unknown artist the chance of a lifetime appearing alongside some of the biggest names in pop. The unknown he chose was Elton John

who managed to make it onto the stage in front of the worldʼs pop media before the storm struck. The rest, as they say, is history.

As assistant manager at an ice rink, Brian managed to drive the ice cleaning Zamboni machine through a restaurant wall while preparing the surface for up and coming skater Robin Cousins. The owners of the ice rink had asked Brian to come to Exeter to close one of their nightclubs, they told him he would be in Devon for about fi ve weeks. That was 35 years ago and heʼs still

Well-known presenter, broadcaster and dyed-in-the-wool Devonian Judi Spiers gives COAST & COUNTRY readers a glimpse into the lives of the great and good.

with Judi SpiersSTAR GAZING

RADIO DEVON9.00 - 12.00 weekdays

Brian Highly

Brian managed

to drive the ice

cleaning Zamboni

machine through

the restaurant

wall

From the back streets of Halifax to a Zamboni machine, Brian’s memoirs ‘In Pursuit of Trivia’ are well worth reading

Ph

oto

© B

ria

n C

hef

fers

-Hea

rd


The COUNTRYMAN

here. Sting and the Police made an early appearance at the privately owned Routes club, close to the Exe bridges along with top punk bands of the era including the Pretenders and the Stranglers, but pop promotion wasnʼt to be Brianʼs most exciting job. Following pop came a stint as script writer for the Spitting Image satirical TV series and a job as editor of an Exeter newspaper which included face-to-face encounters with the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh. The Duke told Brian he loved Devon so Brian cheekily off ered to swap houses but HRH pointed out he wouldnʼt be able to aff ord their electricity bills. A chance meeting and his varied career,

“My trivial career” he calls it, led him to the coveted job of writing the questions for Trivial Pursuit with regular meetings in New York, Toronto and Barbados getting to know many household-name celebrities along the way.

But donʼt get the idea that this is a story of a ʻcelebrity dahling ,̓ the real charm of Brianʼs book comes in the chapters in which he tells of Saturday morning cinema, the last days of music hall and the tradition of cinder toff ee and baked potatoes on Bonfi re Night along with the Coronation and the countryʼs obsession with Brumas the bear!

In Pursuit of Trivia by Brian Highly costs £1.53 from

You can hear Judi’s show on BBC Radio Devon at 9.00 till 12.00 noon on 103.4 MHz FM or on iPlayer at:http://www.bbc.co.uk/radiodevon

RADIO DEVON

Judi

Iby Knill

Iby, one of the few remaining surviors of Hitler’s Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp, has taken 60 years to tell her harrowing story.

Now at 90 years old, she is touring the country and is holding an open event at Colyton this March.

I hadnʼt expected any such ʻlight reliefʼ during my chat with Iby Knill, but when I commiserated over her teamʼs loss on Eggheads she replied with a wonderful guttural chuckle,

“I must admit I still feel sore that for one question we didn’t win £36,000” adding shamelessly, “I had been misinformed by my late husband!”

No famous names either in Ibyʼs book ʻThe Woman Without a Numberʼ but plenty of infamous ones. It tells how as a young Jewish girl in Czechoslovakia her parents smuggled her across the border to Hungary fearing persecution by the Germans and how she was caught by security police, imprisoned and tortured, and eventually sent to Auschwitz. It is a story that took Iby 60 years to tell and as you might expect it is in places a harrowing read, in fact even her children fi nd it impossible to read, but it is a story that should be told.

“I tried to put all the past in the box throw the box in the sea and throw the key away “ she explained but, “my arm was twisted by my tutor when I was taking an MA in theology when I was 79 years old.”

The class had been discussing the diff erence between sin and evil and attempted to construct a line with sin in one column and evil in the other. A class member asked where the holocaust would go and the tutor replied that only someone

who had lived through it could answer that question. Iby found herself saying, “I was there.”

Then there was the promise made on her last night in Auschwitz. She was due to leave the following morning having volunteered to travel as a nurse with a slave labour transport of 500 women. One of the twins on whom Mengele was experimenting crawled onto her bunk and asked her to promise to tell the world what was happening.

“I promised, who wouldn’t in those circumstances?”

An educated woman, Iby spoke several languages which allowed her to at least communicate with the guards. The language, which might have saved the lives of millions, was oddly enough Latin. She explained how the camp was ʻcleaned upʼ in preparation for the visit by a representative of the Pope. When no one was watching, she told him in Latin, not to believe what he saw.

His eyes might have widened but as we now know, nothing was done.

It is impossible to comprehend how someone could hold onto their sanity after experiencing what the inmates of those camps did. Each time she and her fellow prisoners were sent to the showers they didnʼt know whether there would be water or gas. We didnʼt speak of the brutality although Iby did mention that on one occasion her left thigh was ̒ closely acquaintedʼ

with the rifl e butt of a German soldier.

“You literally do not think about yesterday or anticipate tomorrow” she explained, “you live for the moment” adding,

“oddly it is a philosophy that I carried on with and that is probably why I have managed to survive until now.”

I asked her about forgiveness... her answer,

“I don’t feel that I cannot forgive because, if I hate, I only destroy myself.”

But if she could speak to any of those who had perpetrated such horrors she would ask,

“What have you done with your life since then? Have you done anything to redeem what you have done?”

An amazing woman... although I suspect Iby would not see herself in those terms. If you get the chance to hear her when she visits St Andrewʼs Church Colyton March 12th I urge you to take it.

Brian with Paloma Faith at

Glastonbury

Photo © Brian Cheffers-Heard

photo shoot with:

At Bicton Park Botanical Gardens

Erin Cox Jewellery

FASHION SHOOTCONTRIBUTORS

MODELS:Paul Bowring Ellie Taylor-Robertssouthwestfashionandmodels.co.uk

LOCATION:Palm House, Bicton Park Botanical Gardensbictongardens.co.uk

MAKE-UP & HAIR STYLING:Angie Holmesangelaholmes-makeup.co.uk

JEWELLERY:Erin Coxerincox.co.uk

ARCHERY BOW:Rixdale Archery Supplies01626 866600

PHOTOGRAPHY:Mike Alsfordmikealsford.com

Ellie - far left

Bubble Stud Earrings from £61

Bubble Bead Necklace from £299

Bubble Cuff Bangle from £186

Blue Topaz Cocktail Ring from £435

Ellie - top

Cascade Earrings from £127

Classic Pearl Necklace from £251

Paul - top

Dale Wedding Ring from £94

Erin Cox Jewellery

Erin studied at the prestigious Sir John Cass Department of Art at London Guildhall University where she learned the fundamental skills of jewellery making and silversmithing. This rigorous education in the traditional skills means that all of Erin’s work is made to the highest standards using only the highest quality materials. Erin has used her deep understanding of the traditional skills to further develop methods to bring colour, depth, and texture to her work.

Erin’s studio is based at 14 Castle Street, Exeter.

The front cover features Erin’s Serendipity Plaited Pearl Necklace, from £323, Cupid Bracelet, from £67, Dale Wedding Ring from £94. Platinum and Diamond engagement ring £3,389.

See display advert overleaf.

Designer/Maker Erin Cox


Gifted with LoveFinding the perfect gift for Valentine’s Day can be a real challenge, hopefully our wonderful selection will give you inspirational ideas for your loved one

Valentine’s Day feature

Guinot Huile MirificFrom Essential Therapies

of Sidmouth, who havean exciting range

of beautifulValentine's Day gifts and beauty

treatments available

See display top right

Devoncourt Hotel

Romantic Valentine Break

Stay over for the evening and enjoy a 3 course dinner and breakfast in the morning. Complimentary bottle of

sparkling wine in your room on arrival. Full use of leisure

facilities (pool, spa, steam room).£199

Call 01395 513252

asparaGift Voucher

Treats on offer: Hydra

Spa, Facial Treatments,

Manicures, Pedicures, Hot

Stone Massage, Reflexology

See display right

9ct Gold & Diamond RingsAvailable from £500

See display right

Erin Cox Jewellery

Cascade EarringsSee display right

Erin Cox Jewellery


Sidmouth Harbour Hotel

Valentine's Candlelit Dinner

Enjoy a candlelit dinner with views overlooking

Lyme Bay. The four course meal is menu based.

£35 per person.

Call 01395 513252

Essential TherapiesHEALTH & BEAUTY SALON

115 High Street, Sidmouth, Devon, EX10 8LBTel/Fax: (01395) 578600

12th ConsecutiveYear of theCrown SalonAward Status.

OPENING HOURSMon-Fri: 9am-8pm Sat: 9am-5.30pm

Stockists of: Guinot, Sixtus, Jane Iredale, Nailtiques, Moor Spa, Masters Colors,St.Tropez, Australian Organics,Cosmecology, Branche d' Olive.

12th ConsecutiveYear of theCrown SalonAward Status.

County CoutureDesigner/ Dressmakers

Bridal wear and evening wear is our speciality.We also tailor make ladies wear outfi ts for the

bridal party, fashion wear and separates.Each client is assured of personal attention and

an extensive range of luxurious fabrics is available to view. Alterations on all clothing.

Contact Lynsey Nice for an appointment: 01395 577852 www.countycouture.co.uk

10 Church Street, Sidmouth EX10 8LY

OFFERS:£10 off treatments for £25£50 off treatments for £300

We’ll help you look younger with our Non-Surgical Rejuvenation Package

Call 01392 277799

a s p a r aSpoil someone this Valentine’s Day with an Aspara Gift Voucherstunning hydra-spa with hydrotherapy pool,

steam cabin & sauna w facial treatments manicures w pedicures w massage w packages

tel: 01395 515120 www.aspara.co.uk york st. sidmouth


Spring CollectionA new spring, a new collection! Supple,

comfortable fabrics, embellished colours and prints form the basic ingredients of the spring

and summer collections this year.

With an extensive range of styles and silhouettes, Chapter has the perfect outfit for

every woman and every occasion.

Sandwich w Marie Mero w Pause CaféSimclan w Mado et les AutresKaren Cole w Passport w BraxOut of Xile w Adini w NYDJSE Just White

Tel: 01395 579181

f o r a r e l a x ed & en j oyab l e s h opp ing e xp e r i en c e

email: [email protected] w Church Street w Sidmouth w Devon w EX10 8LZ

www.chapterclothing.co.uk

Spring Collection

fashion and beauty

Marie Mero


in Lyme Regis35a Broad Street, Lyme Regis, DT7 3QF

phone 01297 443824 - www.onnishop.co.ukLadies fashion & accessories

Marja Putus Linda Ralston Harri SyrjänenAinoUno Two Danes Sahara Flax CapriCut Loose Bianco LevrinKate Higham

Winter opening hours Monday to Saturday 10:00 to 5:00Open Sundays from Easter, Summer opening 10:00 to 5:30

ALTERATION SERVICE AVAILABLE

Look forward

to spring with the latest fashions

from our new ranges

38 Mill Street, Sidmouth EX10 8DF

(01395) 513209 www.overlygorgeous.co.ukOpen Tuesday to Saturday 10.00am - 4.30pm

Overly Gorgeous

Sizes 14-34

Come and visit the unique collection of

fl attering and individual clothing in all sizes

at Overly Gorgeous, with complimentary

knitwear and accessories.

You can fi nd us down Mill Street (the road

next to Natwest Bank) on the right.

We look forward to seeing you there!

17 Fore Street, Seaton EX12 2LE

Call us on 01297 625128 or 07729 914204 or email fi [email protected]

Open Tues - Fri 10am to 4pm and Sat 10am-3pm

A new ladiesʼ boutique with an aff ordable variety of used and new

clothing, suitable for ages 15 and above.

Designer Labels • High Street brands • VintageRetro • Silver/ Costume Jewellery • Handbags

Belts • Hand Painted Silk Scarves • A wide selection of hats are also available for special

occasions with the option of hiring.

A NEW Fashion Shop in Seaton

Marie Mero


Outstanding marquees for exquisite locations

C e l e b r a t e i n D e v o n

Marquee and equipment hire for

Visit our website and call us todaywww.soundevents.co.uk - 01392 250679

weddings and all other events

Helen and her dedicated team offer a wide range of colour-pallets, using Wella Koleston perfect & Matrix products. With exciting options from:Velvety Chocolate Browns, Fiery Rich Reds, Striking Copper Tones to Shimmering Blondes.

Hair Studio

Tel: 01395 512 394Open Tues-Sat

61 High Street, Sidmouth EX10 8LE

• Ladies & Gents Hairdressing• Cutting and Finish• Colouring/ Highlighting• Perming • Wedding Specialist• Party/Prom Hair

New Year, New YouTry something new with £5 off all Colour Services

until 1st Mar 14

Advice and treatment for hair and scalp conditions

Worried about thinning hair or itchy scaly scalp?

Off ering assistance with the diagnosis of causes of hair loss, thinning and breakage and treatment of infl ammatory and scaling scalp conditions including:

Female/ Male Hair Loss • Scalp Conditions • Clinical TreatmentsConsultations / Referrals • Hair Microscopy • Advice & Support

Nicola Hemsley AIT Trichologist 01392 430115 / 07841237888 Southernhay Clinic [email protected] www.exetertrichology.co.uk

Merrifi eld Dental Practice15 Mill Street, SidmouthEX10 8DW01395 579932info@merrifi elddentalpractice.co.uk

Gentle dentistryHygiene care

Dental implantsDentures

WhiteningSedation

Nervous patients welcome

Brookvale Dental Practice6 King Street, Honiton

EX14 1AF01404 44800

[email protected]

High Quality Dental Care


Welcome to East Devon Coast & Country's eating out section

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

Eating Outin East Devon

For enquiries or to book call 01395 513047 or email: [email protected] www.bedfordhotelsidmouth.co.uk

CURRY NIGHT:Every Wednesday. Selection of authentic curries from £10.95

PIE NIGHT:Every Thursday. A choice of two pies and dessert for just £11.95

Traditional roasts served Sunday lunch times and evenings

organic vegbox delivered for only

£5.99(normally £12.95)

50% off*

www.riverford.co.uk/FHPB13 01803 762059

half price Riverford organic vegbox* New customers only. When placing a regular order.

breakfast coffee lunch sandwiches cream teas dinner dr inks funct ions conferences meetings

The Esplanade, Sidmouth, Devon, EX10 8AX Tel: 01395 516367 / 513151 Reservations: 08000 48 17 31


Follow us on Twitter@KDHotel


Sidmouth Harbour Hotel......a stunning location matched with outstanding food

Sunday Lunch Every Sunday we offer a very traditional 3 course lunch,

which includes Roast Beef and all the trimmings, as well as coffee and mints

3 courses £19.50

Cream TeaEnjoy an afternoon cream tea from only £6.50 in the comfort of

our elegant lounges, or outside on the sun terrace, whilst taking in the magnificent views of Lyme Bay.

To book please call 01395 513252

For more information give us a call on 01395 513252 or email us at [email protected]

WE PRIDE OURSELVES ON OUR

• F RIENDLY WELCOME

• VALUE FOR MONEY

• F RESH LOCAL PRODUCE

• F RESH LOCAL F ISH & SEAFOOD

• SNACKS & MEALS AVAILABLE

• REAL ALES

• GARDEN

• VILLAGE SHOP

Winners of the SILVER AWARD in the Dining Pub Category for the TASTE of the WEST Hospitality & Retail Awards 2013

01395 445710www.innbritannia.co.uk

[email protected]

A traditional Devon Inn & Award Winning Restaurant

in Knowle Village (EX9 6AL)just outside Budleigh Salterton

drinkaware.co.uk

THE BRITANNIA INN& RESTAURANT

Whether you’re stopping off during a walk along the River Otter or Jurassic Coast, or simply looking for a destination Pub in which to enjoy a Lunchtime Snack, Evening Meal or Superb Sunday Carvery, you won’t be disappointed when you visit us in the beautiful village of Otterton. We also provide a smaller appetite menu Sun-Thurs evenings and Mon-Fri lunchtimes.With a wide choice of dishes, freshly prepared using Meat from our own Farms & Fish from our own Boats, not to mention the warm welcome and effi cient service from the excellent staff , weʼre sure youʼll be pleasantly surprised.


FANTASTICVALUE MEALS

From warming seasonal casserolesto crispy fresh salads and stir-frys,

our Table D’Hote menu changesregularly and hits the spot

every time.

Using fresh, locally sourced foodand offering fantastic views over

Lyme Bay and Cobb Harbour,where else can you go

for such a fantastic deal?

2 courses £9.95/3 courses £13.95

Tel. 01297 442668 www.bythebay.co.uk Follow us on facebook and twitter

Dine out for

under £10

Venue:

The RailwayQUEEN STREET, HONITONDate of visit: 17/01/14

Starters:Crispy Fish tempura prawns, crispy whitebait, dusted baby calamari & breaded squid with garlic aioli, Lebanese hummus on Sardinian Music Bread, pickled garlic, olives & shaved allotment salad - £7.95

Mains:Slow Roast Pork Belly smoked bacon & 'sour' white cabbage with scallops & orchard sauce - £13.95

Pan-Fried Welsh Sea Bass homemade potato dumplings, samphire & brown crab puttanesca sauce - £13.95

Pudding:Homemade Vanilla Panna Cotta with braised rhubarb & Sardinian grappa - £5.50

Italian Vanilla Ice Cream, toasted pecan nuts and warm salted caramel sauce - £5.50

Drinks:Prosecco by the glass and Sauvignon Blanc.

Coffee

The Restaurant InspectorWorking undercover in East Devon!

The night of the visit was one of those dark, rainy, winter nights - the interior of The Railway feels inviting, being cheerful and having a nicely lit and relaxed feel.

Their Antipasti was tried first - Crispy Fish (see left for detail). This proved light, tasty and unusual - top marks here. If you're a fan of olives, it's definitely one to go for - their green olives were the best I've ever had, being large and really green - actually not the usual 'olive green' at all, but more of an apple green. The Lebanese Hummus and Sardinian Music Bread were an interesting twist

- all very good indeed.

Our first main - pan-fried fillet of Welsh sea bass with homemade potato dumplings and samphire was top notch, the bass being cooked to perfection, the skin being crispy whilst the meat was sweet and tender. Particularly liked the potato dumplings which held the flavoursome brown crab puttanesca sauce beautifully (interestingly, puttanesca literally means "spaghetti a la whore"). Fully recommended.

Second main was slow roast saddle back pork belly with sour white cabbage and scallops. The meat and scallops were succulent and accompaniments a good match - very enjoyable.

First pudding tasted was the homemade vanilla panna cotta which was brilliant, light, boosy, zingy and pretty - cannot recommend highly enough, worth visiting for this alone - a real triumph.

Second pudding was the Italian vanilla ice cream with toasted pecans and caramel sauce - again, another recommendation - someone really knows their puddings here!

Incidentally, great coffees here too.

To sum up - interesting menu, great food, amazing prices for food of this level of quality - a real asset to Honiton.

As Arnie S. says, "I'll be back" - Editor.

Slow Roast Saddle Back Pork Belly Smoked Bacon and Sour Cabbage

Pan Fried Welsh Seabass & Potato Dumplings with Puttanesca Sauce

Homemade Vanilla Panna Cotta with Braised Rhubarb

Italian Vanilla Ice Cream, Pecans & Caramel Sauce

EAST DEVON Coast & Country for What's On, visit: eastdevonhub .co.uk38

There’s been much hype in the motoring press about the new Range Rover Sport which prompted a call to the local Range Rover dealership Matford Land Rover located at Exeter’s Marsh Barton.Initially, I thought I’d be offered the V6 diesel engined version to test, but Tony Pearson (Head of Sales) suggested we try out the

supercharged 5 litre version, which he said was ‘guaranteed to put a smile on your face’.Arriving at Matford Land Rover, the test car was fi red up and I climbed aboard. It was slightly daunting getting up into the Sport, being large and tall (the car), though once out of the car park, the agility of the car instantly became apparent. We’d planned to take the Sport down the A38 to Ashburton, then get the road

up onto Dartmoor. It’s the sort of terrain where a Range Rover would be put to good use, particularly in the harsher winter months, with snow and ice on the roads. The sensation in the Sport was one of wafting along through the countryside in your most comfy lounge armchair, it’s a truly splendid experience. The great height of the car enables peering over hedges and walls, revealing vistas not normally apparent in your

saloon and the immense power of the engine, combined with the fl uid 8 speed auto gearbox meant that either pootling along at low speeds or making great haste is utterly effortless. In terms of cornering ability, the manufacturers have made great strides recently, having gone to the effort of employing an all-aluminium chassis and body construction meaning that it’s several hundred kilogrammes lighter than

test drive

RANGE ROVER SPORT5.0L V8 SUPERCHARGEDAUTOBIOGRAPHY DYNAMIC

supplied by

Matford Land Rovermarsh bar ton exeter

Model - G

uy Peters

EAST DEVON Coast & Country for What's On, visit: eastdevonhub .co.uk 39

the previous version of the Sport. In combination with electronically controlled air suspension, they’ve achieved the seemingly impossible, that is to endow a large, tall car (capable of serious off-road mud wrestling don’t forget) with extremely positive road handling. Driving over Dartmoor and chucking the car into tight corners was undramatic and

confi dence inspiring. It really is a marvel of engineering and from what the motoring press are saying, the Sport is at the top of the tree when measured against its competitors. No surprise really as the Range Rover brand is synonymous the world over not only with luxury, but extreme capability and engineering excellence.

The model driven in the test was the Autobiography Dynamic equipped with the 5 litre supercharged engine (I believe this unit’s a collaboration between Land Rover and Jaguar). On low and part throttle, a muted growl emanated from underneath although it was never intrusive, just reminding you that you there’s 520bhp available at the press of the throttle. On a clear stretch of road, hitting the throttle hard, the growl rapidly changes to a roar as it hurtles into the distance. What’s surreal is how quickly this car gathers pace and the elevated position means that your perception of speed is diminished, 70mph feeling like 40mph. Its effortless acceleration combined with fi ne handling means that this machine can cover ground rapidly and without drama. Overtaking slow moving vehicles was achieved with the merest blip of the throttle, this sort of power makes overtaking so much safer and stress free.

I have to confess to pausing when looking for the most relevant word to describe the interior of this car, but

‘cabin’ seemed entirely appropriate, the space, leatherwork, controls, dials, steering wheel and seating gave the feeling of being in the cabin of a luxury yacht, just sublime! What’s great is the wide open view you get out of the windscreen, ambling over the moors had never been so interesting.

At the end of my test drive, I handed the Sport back at Matford Land Rover and left with a newfound admiration for the Sport. It truly is a ground-breaking car and great to think it’s all designed and made in Britain. It shows we can still lead the world when it comes to engineering innovation and excellence.Many thanks to Matford Land Rover at Marsh Barton, for their loan of their vehicle for this article. - Editor

Technical & Performance DetailsLongitudinally mounted supercharged V8, 4 valve per cylinder petrol engineCapacity - 4999.7ccDrive - 8 speed autoPaddle and gear shift

0-60mph - 5 secondsPower - 520hpTorque - 625NmMax torque - 2,500-5,50050 mph in top at 1200rpm

The extremely capable and elegant new Range Rover Sport

it’s several hundred kilogrammes lighter

than the previous version of the Sport

for What's On, visit: eastdevonhub .co.ukCOAST COUNTRYandEAST DEVON40 for What's On, visit: eastdevonhub .co.ukCOAST COUNTRYandEAST DEVON

Coleton Quilt £75 (half price)Laura Ashley

I s your bedroom a space of bland

colour, dated lighting, furniture and so� furnishings?

Have you been put o� by the cost of tackling such a huge project? I can show

you how to achieve an elegant and boutique styled room for under £200!

� e room featured above is an example of how to turn a now somewhat dated magnolia room into one which would not look out of place in any upmarket townhouse hotel or designer bedroom. � is room has a duck egg, pale grey and white colour scheme. � e refurbishment could easily have cost over £900 to create if each product had not been so carefully sourced.

Spending money on a couple of key pieces is essential in keeping the room looking expensive as a whole. In this case, the wallpaper and emulsion paint have been bought from Laura Ashley during a half price sale. � e timeless hydrangea wallpaper design has been chosen as it is a perfect match with the existing green carpet which cannot be replaced. A contemporary palette of pale dove grey has been used on the walls and then all of the old pine furniture pieces have been stripped and painted white with a waxed coating for protection.

� e savings made on the curtains were quite phenomenal, with these duck egg, pencil pleated, fully lined curtains from Dunelm Mill coming in at £34.99, and a 180cm white wooden pole for just £9.99! � e curtains were four inches too

long, but the small job of taking them up using bonda web meant that they now � t perfectly and the low price hasn`t had to compromise the room’s design.

To fully complete the room, a quilt or throw would be a � nal touch together with some new smaller pieces of furniture to allow more room. � e Coleton Quilt from Laura Ashley would

WINTERLODGING

YBudget Boutique Z

Artifi cial Blue Hygrangea M&S, £7.50

41for What's On, visit: eastdevonhub .co.ukCOAST COUNTRYandEAST DEVON for What's On, visit: eastdevonhub .co.ukCOAST COUNTRYandEAST DEVON

Breakdown of Room Costs

Laura Ashley (during 50% off sale)

• Hydrangea Duck Egg Wallpaper roll - £18.00

• Pale Dove Grey Emulsion 2.5L - £14.00

Dunelm Mill • White Curtain Pole 180cm - £9.99

• Duck Egg Sorrento Lined Pencil Pleat

Curtains - £34.99

• Duck Egg Sorrento Tie Backs - £3.99

• Duck Egg Sorrento cushions (2 x £6.99) -

£13.98• Velvet cushion - £14.99

• Swept Bevelled Mirror - £39.99

• Ceiling Shade with pendants - £12.99

• Table Lamps (2 x £16.99) - £34.98

TOTAL - £197.90

cost £75.00 during a half price sale, and a Hemnes chest of drawers from Ikea would cost just £100.00.

To create a room like this on a limited budget you need to select your items extremely carefully. Choosing where to spend the bulk of your budget is important, whether it be on a feature wall or a feature piece of furniture. If you wish to refurbish your bedroom on a budget of £200, there wouldn’t be room to spend anything on new � ooring. Painting � oorboards is a brilliantly cheap way of creating a new � oor colour. If you don`t have any, carefully working with the existing � ooring is paramount to creating a polished � nish within your room design.

A manda Merchant (www.mandyjane.co.uk)

Sorrento Duck Egg Cushion - £6.99,

Dunelm Mill

Sorrento Duck Egg Pencil Pleat Lined Curtains£34.99, Dunelm Mill

Bevelled Silver Mirror £34.99, Dunelm Mill

Birkeland£200.00, Ikea Artifi cial Hydrangeas in Slate Pot

M&S, £25.00

HOME & INTERIORSdirectory

Y Z


Devon 01392 260490 Somerset 01984 640988

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

A R C H I T E C T Sw w w . l c a r c h i t e c t s . c o . u k

c r e a t i n g l i g h t a n d s p a c e s i n c e 1 9 8 9

97 Sidwell Street, Exeter EX4 6RF

EXETER (01392) 491194

www.gullifordhifi .co.uk • info@gullifordhifi .co.uk

For professional advice on hi-fi systems and separates, projectors, plasma & LCD, Home Cinema Design, Custom

Installation, and New Build Surveys. Home Automation. Digital Streaming Systems.

Demonstration Rooms.

We carry a selection from the following Suppliers:Amina, Anthem, Arcam, ATC, Audio Pro, B&W, Chord Co, Cyrus,

Dynavector, Epson Projectors, Exposure, Geneva, Grado, Isoblue, Kog Audio, Linn, Lutron, Nad, Naim, Neat, Netstreams, Nuvo, Olive Hifi , Paradigm, Pioneer, Proac, Quadraspire, Rako, Rega ,

Simple Audio, Sonos, Speakercraft, Systemline, Wireworld, Yamaha

Specialists in Hi-Fi and Home Cinema Solutions

Open Tues - Fri 9:30am - 5:30pmSat 9:00am - 5:00pm • Closed Monday

Porcelain

Ceramic

Mosaic

Bathroom Design

Bathroom Installation

Bathroom Supplies

Tel: 01392 367174www.tiletrends.co.uk

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

Suppliers of fine Italian tiles

PanacheI N T E R I O R S

Bespoke Fitted Kitchens Bedrooms • Home Offi ce • Bathrooms

01404 813590www.panacheinteriors.co.uk

see our display at the Aga Shop Darts Farm, Topsham


Y Z


SIDMOUTH DESIGN ALEXANDRIA ROAD SIDMOUTH DEVON EX10 9HE

01395 577558 www.sidmouthdesign.co.uk

Martha Mockford Kitchens. EX14 3EP

Phone us on 01404 44189 and be amazed.

35 years of qualityservice and expertise.

25% off all kitchens this sizzling summer.

Largest showroom in East Devon!

SOFAROOMS Handmade—Bespoke Sofas &Upholstery

Bakers Yard, Alphinbrook Rd, Marsh Barton, Exeter, EX2 8RG

01392 42 44 44 www.sofarooms.co.uk Open: Mon to Fri, 9am—5pm. Sat by Appointment

Made to Measure; Sofas, Chairs, Footstool, Head-boards, Curtains, Roman Blinds & Soft Furnishings.

A Local Family Run Business. Made in Devon.


Y Z


• Casement & Sliding Sash Windows• Doors and Frames• Staircases - all shapes and sizes• Conservatories• Units, Bars & Counters• Moulding & Turning• Short & Long Productions Runs• Special Odd Size and One Offs

WOODLEY S’JOINERY LIMITED

wood for good

Craftsmanship in Hardwood and Softwood

Specialist & Precision Woodworking

Joinery Manufacturers of Specialist & Period Woodwork

Tel: 01395 568 666Fax: 01395 568 122Email: [email protected]

Visit us at our workshops:

Exeter RoadNewton PopplefordEast DevonEX10 0BJ

www.woodleysjoinery.co.uk

Quality service for almost 100 years from this local family business

Woodley'sIf you have any projects that require bespoke joinery, Woodley's at Newton Poppleford are well worth contacting. They’ve been making quality bespoke joinery for nearly 100 years and they’re one of the South West’s premier joinery manufacturers.

No project is too difficult for them, they make stairs, conservatories, doors, windows, furniture and can take on all manner of projects. Woodley's Joinery, Exeter Road, Newton Poppleford. Tel 01395 568666. (See display advert above left)

4homes

01395 578763 www.4homes.ltd.uk

12-14 High StreetSIDMOUTH

Devon EX10 8EL

Your local kitchen &bathroom design specialist

kitchens . bedrooms . bathroomstiles . flooring . furniture

home accessories

Coast and Country advert 91mm wide by133mm high

PLEASE DO NOT SCALE OR DISTORT


Y Z


Oak HomesSpecializing in traditional timber

frame, timber restoration and fine joinery, East Devon based company,

Oak Homes, use locally sourced and responsibly farmed English

oak, Douglas fir or larch where it is possible and cost effective and

supplemented with European timbers as required. To find out

more call 01297 552222.(See display above)

4HomesHome interior specialists have been providing high-quality kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms, tiles, flooring, furniture and home accessories to East Devon for over 30 years.

Free sampling services are available on kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms, tiles and flooring. Regular deliveries are made to all surrounding areas. For more information call 4Homes, Sidmouth 01395 578863. (see display advert left)


Y Z

for What's On, visit: eastdevonhub .co.ukCOAST COUNTRYandEAST DEVON46 for What's On, visit: eastdevonhub .co.ukCOAST COUNTRYandEAST DEVON

My postbag is often full of readersʼ requests. Some I

would not care to repeat let alone carry out but with others I can happily comply.

Many have inquired about Flatbeareʼs name. With the help of Old Silas, our resident computer whiz kid whoʼs spent hours on the Pig & Trampolineʼs sup-as-you-surf rental computer, I can now reveal all.

Once upon a time the Romans conquered Dumnonia (Devon) and many of the Celtic inhabitants fl ed westward. The new rulers dispatched a company of engineers to construct a straight road linking Plymouth and Exeter, to join up with the A30 (or Fosse Way as it was known) and create a high speed chariot route to Scotland.

But map makers in Rome didnʼt seem to have noticed slightly hilly Dartmoor in the way. On discovering this, chief engineer Fibbus Maximus famously quoted

“sod that for a game of centurions” and he and his merry men settled down happily in an idyllic riverside encampment , occasiona l ly dispatching to Rome an artistʼs impression of a newly constructed stretch of road. Thus the Fosse Way from Exeter to Lincoln had been constructed before a single cobblestone was laid twixt Plymouth and Exeter.

Life was idyllic for the lazy engineers. They spent much time bathing in the bracing waters of the river, which Fibbus named after his dog Flatulencus. But all good things come to an end and they were recalled as the Roman Empire crumbled.

With the Romans gone, Saxons began migrating into Dumnonia from upcountry. Then Celts started creeping back to reclaim

their hovels and were disgruntled to find that the incomers had converted them into bijou upmarket dwellings with twee names like ʻDunromanʼ in place of romantic Celtic ones. But the canny Celts knew of an idyllic riverside site where they could construct traditional housing out of rocks.

They dwelt happily there for years until a dark cloud appeared in the hideous shape of Hayrik the Unbearable. The Vikings hadnʼt intended venturing so far south but their navigation relied heavily upon the stars and unfortunately, during four days of revelry marking Hayrikʼs birthday, this was entrusted to an underage Viking called Gluck the Gormless who didnʼt know his Great Bear from his Alpha Centauri.

Gluck feared the wrath of Hayrik but it never came. Despite a massive hangover the unbearable one was in surprisingly forgiving mood once heʼd felt the warmth of a Devon sun. After some skirmishes and a bit of casual pillaging he decided to stay awhile and set up camp in an idyllic riverside spot which appeared to have been recently abandoned. He named this encampment ̒ Beareʼ to honour his Viking nickname. Over the years locals began to incorporate the name given to the river by the Roman engineer. Eventually the name Flatbeare would become symbolic of an idyllic place where different peoples could live in perfect harmony.

But not at the same time.

NB Whilst every eff ort has been made to achieve historical accuracy, Ardley wishes it known that he cannot be held responsible for the eff ects of Grudge Farm scrumpy on Old Silasʼ few remaining braincells.

Flatbeareʼs Hidden Roots by Ardley Chic

GRAPHIC BY DARRYL JONES

SALE NOW ON

10% off the new oak Milano Living & Dining Range

Build any ROM sofa in 20cm increments to fit your space!

All Stock Carpet reduced including 50% off all Carpet Remnants

Church Road, Alphington, Exeter EX2 8SW01392 433292

www.queenstreet.co.uk

Quality at Comfortable Prices

47for What's On, visit: eastdevonhub .co.ukCOAST COUNTRYandEAST DEVON for What's On, visit: eastdevonhub .co.ukCOAST COUNTRYandEAST DEVON

My postbag is often full of readersʼ requests. Some I

would not care to repeat let alone carry out but with others I can happily comply.

Many have inquired about Flatbeareʼs name. With the help of Old Silas, our resident computer whiz kid whoʼs spent hours on the Pig & Trampolineʼs sup-as-you-surf rental computer, I can now reveal all.

Once upon a time the Romans conquered Dumnonia (Devon) and many of the Celtic inhabitants fl ed westward. The new rulers dispatched a company of engineers to construct a straight road linking Plymouth and Exeter, to join up with the A30 (or Fosse Way as it was known) and create a high speed chariot route to Scotland.

But map makers in Rome didnʼt seem to have noticed slightly hilly Dartmoor in the way. On discovering this, chief engineer Fibbus Maximus famously quoted

“sod that for a game of centurions” and he and his merry men settled down happily in an idyllic riverside encampment , occasiona l ly dispatching to Rome an artistʼs impression of a newly constructed stretch of road. Thus the Fosse Way from Exeter to Lincoln had been constructed before a single cobblestone was laid twixt Plymouth and Exeter.

Life was idyllic for the lazy engineers. They spent much time bathing in the bracing waters of the river, which Fibbus named after his dog Flatulencus. But all good things come to an end and they were recalled as the Roman Empire crumbled.

With the Romans gone, Saxons began migrating into Dumnonia from upcountry. Then Celts started creeping back to reclaim

their hovels and were disgruntled to find that the incomers had converted them into bijou upmarket dwellings with twee names like ʻDunromanʼ in place of romantic Celtic ones. But the canny Celts knew of an idyllic riverside site where they could construct traditional housing out of rocks.

They dwelt happily there for years until a dark cloud appeared in the hideous shape of Hayrik the Unbearable. The Vikings hadnʼt intended venturing so far south but their navigation relied heavily upon the stars and unfortunately, during four days of revelry marking Hayrikʼs birthday, this was entrusted to an underage Viking called Gluck the Gormless who didnʼt know his Great Bear from his Alpha Centauri.

Gluck feared the wrath of Hayrik but it never came. Despite a massive hangover the unbearable one was in surprisingly forgiving mood once heʼd felt the warmth of a Devon sun. After some skirmishes and a bit of casual pillaging he decided to stay awhile and set up camp in an idyllic riverside spot which appeared to have been recently abandoned. He named this encampment ̒ Beareʼ to honour his Viking nickname. Over the years locals began to incorporate the name given to the river by the Roman engineer. Eventually the name Flatbeare would become symbolic of an idyllic place where different peoples could live in perfect harmony.

But not at the same time.

NB Whilst every eff ort has been made to achieve historical accuracy, Ardley wishes it known that he cannot be held responsible for the eff ects of Grudge Farm scrumpy on Old Silasʼ few remaining braincells.

Flatbeareʼs Hidden Roots by Ardley Chic

GRAPHIC BY DARRYL JONES

Kitchens, Furniture and Bespoke Joinery.

I can make to your specifications whether fitted or free standing.

devontiles& bathrooms

NATURALLY CARING FOR YOUR HOME

23-25 Finnimore Trading Est, Ottery St Mary, Devon EX11 1NREmail: [email protected] Tel: 01404 811209

www.devontiles.co.uk


Y Z


“Did a couple of thousand pounds worth of business as a direct result

of advertising in the last issue.”

Many thanks, Mark (Turners of Topsham)

call Richard on 01395 513383 for more info

Quality Bespoke Furniture with a Diff erence!

For a highly competitive FREE quote call07595 280383 or 01297 680267www.carpentrybydesign.co.uk

• Aff ordable quality furniture designed, build and fi tted for your bedroom, kitchen, living room or study.

• Local, reliable, professional and highly skilled specialist service.

• Guild of Master Craftsmen.

Colyton Antiques Centre

Old Station Yard, Station Road, Colyton EX24 6HA

FURNITURE COLLECTABLES STAINED GLASS

LINEN BOOKS PRINTS PORCELAIN TOYSTel 01297 552339

We have a number of dealers on site off ering an interesting variety of stock.Opening hours: Mon-Sat 10am-5pmSundays and Bank Holidays 11am-4pm

Also on site: Model Garage for Handbuilt Model Cars www.modelgarage.co.uk

www.colyton-antiques-centre.co.uk

Open Mon-Fri - 9.00-4.30pm, Sat 9.00-1.00pm • Tel: 01392 410903Bakers Yard, Alphinbrook Road, Marsh Barton, Exeter, EX2 8SS

[email protected] • www.exeterstoves.co.uk

From Survey to Installation • Wood & Multifuel Gas Stoves & Fires • Mantels & Fireplaces

Clearview Stoves


Y Z


KITCHENS BATHROOMS BEDROOMS

Specialists in design and installation with our own fittersBased on customer recommendation since 1985

“Shaping dreams into reality”Established for over 25 years

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

Tel: 01395 263898 Email: [email protected]

Homes By Design Ad:Layout 1 10/01/2013 10:15 Page 1

TAMAR SECURITY

Domestic and commercial f i re and security solut ions

Bespoke systems tai lored to suit your every need

01395 222999/ 01392 368830www.tamarsecurity.co.uk

Call us for a chat about cost eff ective Security Solutions

One of Devon ʼs Leading Providers of


Y Z


Get paid for generating your own green electricity and then use it for FREE! Having a Solar PV system installed at your home or business will help you to combat rising energy prices, cut your carbon footprint and earn an income via the Feed in Tariff . Call for a free, friendly no obligation site survey.

Evergreen Energy are experienced NICEIC registered electrical contractors. All work is done with care and professionalism by qualifi ed electricians. We carry out a range of electrical work including new installations, rewires, PAT testing, Inspection and Testing, etc.

Evergreen can design, supply and fi t a range of the latest low energy LED lighting products for the home or business. LEDs are by far the most energy effi cient way of lighting your home or business and are comparatively very cheap to run.

Evergreen Renewable EnergyEnergy costs keep rising, but so does the sun

[email protected] 01297 443209 www.evergreendeal.co.uk

LOCAL BUY WITH CONFIDENCE COMPETITIVE RATES

01297 443209

Solar PV Systems Approved Electrical Contractors Low Energy Lighting

There are a lot of myths and old wives tales about Septic Tanks and with

over 20 years in the industry I have heard most of them! A farmer always hung the carcass of a dead sheep in his tank, a house wife poured a carton of natural yogurt down her kitchen sink once a week, the bacteria eats the poo and it disappears and of course the old favourite ‘my Septic Tank never needs emptying’! If that were true then I along with many others would have gone out of business many years ago.

Cesspools and Septic Tanks have been around for hundreds of years and they have always needed to be emptied. Here is a little bit of history for you, Richard II (1377-99) in a statute decreed that ‘None shall cast any garbage or dung or filth into ditches, waters or other places within or near any city or town on pain of punishment by the Lord Chancellor at his discretion’. It is during this period that Latrines

and Public Wash Houses were built. The preferred method of disposing of foul sewage was to store it in Cesspools and these were emptied by ‘rakers’ or ‘gong-fermors’ who, besides being well paid for their task, were able to dispose of it at a profit to farmers. In the sixteenth century a new market was found among salt-petre men who extracted nitrogen from excrement for use in making gunpowder for the Spanish Wars. The Museum of London holds an advertisement for ‘a chimney sweeper & night man’ called Joseph Waller of Islington, who kept ‘carts and horses for emptying bog houses, drains and cesspools’!

Thankfully times have moved on and Always Cleansing Ltd instead of ‘carts and horses’, now has 6 vacuum tankers (soon to be 7) to empty Septic Tanks and Sewage Systems all around Exeter and East Devon.

There are 3 main reasons to empty your Sewage System regularly:-

• To prevent the solids building up, exiting the tank and contaminating the soakaway or watercourse

• Inspection by our drivers upon emptying - ensures the system is in good working order

• Current guidelines say that all dischargers from any Sewage System should have it emptied on a regular basis and ‘regular’ is defined as annually

If you have had your Septic Tank or Cesspool replaced with a more modern

pre-packaged Sewage Treatment Plant then it is equally as important to get it serviced by an accredited Service Engineer as well as having it emptied. These types of Sewage System will have electrical components and some may well have moving parts, so like your car or gas boiler they require servicing to maintain their maximum efficiency for treating the sewage before discharging the effluent to soakaway or watercourse. Remember the Environment Agency have the power to prosecute if your Sewage System is the cause of any pollution or is not meeting the requirements of the ‘Consent of Discharge’ permit.

Septic Tanks & Sewage Systems


Y Z


STOVE SHOWROOM

Discounts Available On All Major Brands

Stove Sales - Solid Fuel, Gas, Electric

Free Surveys And Full Installation Service

Stove Spares, Repairs And Accessories

Mantels, Hearths, Tiles, Fire Guards

For a warm welcome, come and visit us at:-Unit 6, Park Court, Heathpark Industrial Estate,

Honiton, Devon, EX14 1SWTel: 01404 44777, Fax : 01404 44878


PETER QUINAIN HARDWOODS LTD. EST 1983. www.quinainhardwood.co.uk

[email protected] 01404 891713

Buy local, buy quality, buy experience... buy from Peter Quinain

*Orders must be placed between 1/02/14—28/02/2014. Minimum order of 18m2. Unfinished floors only. 15% discount applied to full RRP of floor. Subject to availability. Terms and Conditions apply

We Guarantee To Beat Any Price!

www.always.uk.com

Always: Clean Prompt Reliable Professional

We EmptySeptic Tanks,

Cesspits & SewageTreatment Plants.

01392 919192

Exeter • E. Devon •W. Somerset

ALWAYSCleansing Ltd

When we empty your Septic Tank the contents are now taken to either the local water authority treatment centres or private licensed waste disposal sites. Since the very early days of sewage removal times have changed so we cannot now sell it to farmers for a profit or make it into gunpowder, so we are charged a fee for disposing of your waste. The fee is calculated by a meter that measures not only the quantity of sewage that we discharge but also the amount of solids so very briefly the more you poo the more you pay! The more regularly you have your tank emptied then the likelihood is that it will be discharged at Medium Strength instead of the vastly more expensive High Strength rate.

Always Cleansing Ltd is a family run business and we pride ourselves on our commitment t o c u s t o m e r service. We provide regular Septic Tank emptying services to both residential and

commercial clients as well as a one-off emptying for those unexpected emergencies! Our reputation has been built on our ability to deliver a consistent high quality of service, we have over 30 years experience in sewage removal and we are Local Authority approved contractors. Even if it’s just telephone advice you’re after give us a call on 01392 919192 or visit our website at www.always.uk.com we’re here to help in any way we can!

Want to be paidto get fi tter?

If you have a little spare time and would like to earn some extra money, we’re on the lookout for people to deliver the Diary magazines in the Sid Valley and Budleigh Salterton areas on a bimonthly basis.

Just call Nigel on 01395 513383

We pay the

best rates for these

areas


Y Z


Where you should be on a cold Sunday in FebruaryThey don't get much older than the Tucker's Arms at Dalwood. Built originally in the 13th century as shelter for the craftsmen employed to build the church. This pub at Dalwood is now becoming something of a rarity, as indeed are horse brasses, which were a somewhat clichéd form of pub adornment. Many old pubs have been gutted and received the 'Gastro' treatment. If you're not visiting a pub in February and basking in front of the fire, then it's undoubtedly a lost opportunity for enjoyment, particularly if there's fine local beer on offer and perhaps a Sunday roast (nut roast for veggies of course).

The Tuckers Arms, Dalwood, Nr AxminsterAn ancient public house, older in fact than the church over the road which shows that our pubs can be historically important and need preserving for posterity. They do a great roast and fine ales at the Tuckers incidentally.


Nelson’s Column A point of view!

by JOHN FISHER

PRECISELY HOW MANY cricketing vicars there are in Devon has yet to be counted.

Perhaps not enough to make up a full side in the forthcoming match between the Anglican Church and the newly formed Vatican XI but Devon has always had a reputation for having more than its fair share of sporting vicars and Lambeth Palace may already be scouting the county for demon bowlers and devilishly good batsmen.

Historically, Devon has always had plenty of sporting clerics. In the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries many of them in the Exeter diocese not only hunted regularly, a couple of them actually kept their own packs of hounds.

Between the wars the vicars at Whimple turned out regularly for the local cricket team, a team with a reputation for winning more matches than it lost. The village was of course the home of Whiteways Cider and surrounded by cider orchards. If they could win the toss the Whimple boys always put the visitors in to bat first. Then they gave them a slap up lunch with as much cider as they could drink. The rest was a doddle.

When Whimple went in to bat in the afternoon many of the visiting team’s fielders could do little more than curl up and doze at silly mid-off or nod-off over by the site-screen or anywhere else they could get their heads down.

Such tactics are hardly sporting but they worked very well for the home team for many years.

The Church of England XI take on the Vatican XI at Lord’s in September, 500 years after the two churches parted company. It could be another sell-out.

John Fisher

Hardly cricket

HURRAH! FOR ̀ DEVON’S CHARITY SHOPS and the good work they do, not only in filling in what would otherwise be gaping holes in our battered high streets but for the wonderful array of recycled fare they put before us.

Susan Meredith of the Charity Retail Association told us that at the last count they had 300 member shops in the county – a 30 per cent increase on 2008.

Push through the clothing racks this February and it’s cookery books you will find most in evidence in the non-clothing section. This glut of big picture cook books always follows the clear-out of last year’s must-haves, we are told, to make way for the new.

To many cooks

Pass the gravy

So do our tv cooks spend half their lives trying to find unusual ways with gravy or whatever, always “with a twist’. Where do they find

“their” material? Well, not to put too fine a point on it, the majority of them have come from elsewhere – “recycled” is the word most of us would prefer, “pinched” being a little too un-savoury perhaps.

And it’s been going on for a long time. Witness this from Mary Cole’s famous book The Lady’s Complete Guide, compiled by her in a great house in the West of England and published in 1791. If all the writers on Cookery had acknowledged from whence they took their receipts, as I do, they would have acted with more candour by the public. Their vanity to pass for Authors, instead of Compilers, has not added to their reputation.

Meanwhile, just up the road in Ottery St. Mary, Devon’s most famous poet had something similar to say on the subject of recipe compilers filching other people’s stuff.

Plagiarists are always suspicious of being stolen from - as pickpockets are observed commonly to walk with their hands in their breeches’ pockets.

My dear motherKEITH OWEN, who gifted his fortune to be turned into flowers for Devon’s beautiful Sid Vale in memory of his mother (see last issue) was not the only son of Devon so to do.

Witness the famous church clock face at St. Peter’s at Buckland-in-the-Moor. Instead of numbers, the clock face reads: “MY DEAR MOTHER.” Made by John Smith & Co of Derby it was installed in 1930 at the behest of the then Lord of the Manor, William Whitley.

On the quarter hour the clock chimes his mother’s favourite hymn “All Things Bright

and Beautiful”, a composition which also has a strong Devon connection. It was written in 1846 by Mrs. C.F. Alexander and first appeared in her book Hymns for Little Children. She also wrote the Christmas carol “Once in Royal David’s City” but we digress.

All Things Bright and Beautiful is said to have been inspired by lines from Coleridge’s The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, “He prayeth best, who loveth best; All things great and small; For the dear God who loveth us; He made and loveth all.”

Composer, poet and mother, Mrs. C. F. Alexander

54EAST DEVON Coast & Country for What's On, visit: eastdevonhub .co.uk

Eye witnesses

Many years later letters sent at the time to the Illustrated London News by the above mentioned Reverend gentleman ‒ and marked by him

“not for publication” - revealed that he had not believed a word of the escaped kangaroo story but had repeated it because so many of his parishioners believed this to be a supernatural occurrence. What we do have to thank him for are his drawings of the footprints which accompanied his letter and which were published

- anonymously.

Thesnow tracker

Another correspondent with the ILN was a young man called William D’Urban of Countess Wear, Exeter, who was later to become the curator of the Royal Albert Memorial Museum in Exeter. He had spent time in Canada and was an experienced tracker of animals in the snow. By his own account he followed the Devon

tracks for some miles through several parishes and records that both the size and the distance between the footprints were uniform. He measured them as being eight and a half inches long and said that they ran in a straight line.

He also pointed out that although the change in temperature would cause the snow to melt and the track enlarge as a consequence, this would be perfectly obvious to the observer who would also clearly see the tracks of other known animals in the immediate area. The prints he took the trouble to track, measure and describe were unknown to him.

Others added to the general aura of mystery by claiming that when the track met an obstacle, like a wall or a building or even a haystack, it would stop on one side and start again on the other as though whatever it was had leapt over the obstacle.

Later reports even talked of the track stopping on one side of the two-mile wide Exe estuary and then starting off again on the other. This was true but there is no evidence that anyone actually followed the same track across the thin ice.

Just as chillingly perhaps is the recollection of another Reverend, this time J.J. Rowe of Marychurch, Torquay who said that he knew of a hunt that had followed the tracks for some distance and into a wood, at which point the hounds suddenly came tearing out again, “baying and terrifi ed”

The Devil’s hoof-prints

A chilling account of Devon’s greatest unsolved mysteryde-frosted by COAST & COUNTRY writer John Fisher

SOMEONE OR SOMETHING ‘with cloven hooves’ travelled silently across South and East Devon on a bitterly cold night 159 years ago this February and left its prints in the snow in a hundred mile trail.

Who or what it was remains a mystery to this day but theories abound: these include suggestions that the tracks were made by a donkey, a kangaroo, an ape, various small animals including badgers, rabbits, hares, birds (with cloven hooves?), a team of practical jokers, some kind of natural electrical phenomena (as yet unknown), a meteorological balloon trailing a weighted lanyard, mass hysteria, a sea monster, a laser measuring device beamed down from a UFO, 400 Romanies on stilts ‒ not to mention Old Nick himself.

But before getting totally side-tracked perhaps it might be best to start with the Times of London, which printed this fi rst account of this great Devon mystery in its issue of February 16, 1855.

Considerable sensation has been

evoked in the towns of Topsham,

Lympstone, Exmouth, Teignmouth,

and Dawlish, in the south of Devon,

in consequence of the discovery

of a vast number of foot tracks of

a most strange and mysterious

description. Th e superstitious go so

far as to believe that they are the

marks of Satan himself; and that

great excitement has been produced

among all classes may be judged from

the fact that the subject has been

descanted on from the pulpit.

It appears that on Th ursday night

last there was a very heavy fall of

snow in the neighborhoods of Exeter

and the south of Devon. On the

following morning, the inhabitants

of the above towns were surprised at

discovering the tracks of some strange

and mysterious animal, endowed

with the power of ubiquity, as the

foot prints were to be seen in all

kinds of inaccessible places - on the

tops of houses and narrow walls, in

gardens and courtyards enclosed by

high walls and palings, as well as in

open fi elds. Th ere was hardly a garden

in Lympstone where the footprints

were not observed.The track appeared more like

that of a biped than a quadruped,

and the steps were generally eight

inches in advance of each other.

Th e impressions of the feet closely

resembled that of a donkey’s shoe,

and measured from an inch and-a-

half to (in some instances) two-and-a

half inches across. Here and there

it appeared as if cloven, but in the

generality of the steps the shoe was

continuous, and, from the snow in

the centre remaining entire, merely

showing the outer crest of the foot, it

must have been convex.

The creature seems to have

approached the doors of several

houses and then to have retreated,

but no one has been able to discover

the standing or resting point of this

mysterious visitor. On Sunday

last the Rev. Mr. (G.M.) Musgrave

(the vicar of Withycombe Raleigh)

alluded to the subject in his sermon,

and suggested the possibility of the

footprints being those of a kangaroo,;

but this could scarcely have been the

case, as they were found on both sides

of the estuary of the Exe.

At present it remains a mystery,

and many superstitious people in

the above towns are actually afraid

to go outside their doors aft er night.

Extraordinary Times

Reliable observer and experienced tracker William D’Urban

had no explanation

MAKING HIS ESCAPE Spring-Heeled Jack, as pictured by a

contemporary ‘penny-dreadful’

55EAST DEVON Coast & Country for What's On, visit: eastdevonhub .co.uk

Letʼs get serious

One hundred miles in a single night? Surely this was the work of more than one, er.... more than one what?

A contemporary commentator on the mystery (and talking about one particular stretch of tracks) pointed out that “ to cross 40 miles, supposing steady progress and a generous 14 hours of darkness, with the generally-reported stride of eight inches would require the perpetrator to move at the rate of six steps per second”.

But several accounts make it clear that the trail was broken at a number of places. Another clerical gentleman, the Reverend H.T. Ellacombe, who came to Exmouth a few years after the event, was told by his parishioners that “there were marks in the middle of a fi eld, insulated - without any apparent approach or retreat.”

Also in Exmouth a W. Courthope Forman said, “The footprints came up the front garden to within a few feet of the house, stopped abruptly and began again at the back within a few feet of the building.”

Suspects

BIRDS seem to be the most likely candidates in much of this and there were lengthy exchanges on the subject in both local and national newspapers. There had been foul weather along the east and south coasts several days earlier and large numbers of birds had come ashore

from the continent. But these being either web-footed or clawed the question remained what kinds of bird leave footprints “like a donkey hoof” or “closely resembling a donkey’s shoe” as witnesses observed.

SMALL DONKEYS then remained prime suspects, especially since they tend to plant their feet in an almost perfect single line. But quite how they had managed to get into fenced gardens, leap barns and haystacks or balance along walls was never satisfactorily explained.

BADGERS attracted a lot of attention. They are nocturnal and can cover long distances in search of food ‒ but a badger’s prints are staggered and show both their pads and claws in the imprints. Next?

KANGAROOS were favourite for a while. Two were kept in a private menagerie in Sidmouth owned by a Mr. Fische and one of these had escaped, reported the Exeter Flying Post. But kangaroos cannot jump 14-feet and leave a totally diff erent track when they do fi nally land. Anyway, the story later turned out to be untrue when Mr. Fische declared that neither of his kangaroos had escaped and could certainly vouch for their continued incarceration on the night in question.

HOT AIR or not there was the balloon story of course ‒ but this came later. It was claimed by some that the Navy at Plymouth had released “a top-secret weather balloon” from Devonport and were keeping quiet about it. What had happened, claimed the proponents of this particular bit of intelligence was that its handlers had somehow lost control of it and it had moved eastwards during the hours of darkness, trailing a line beneath it to which was attached an iron weight of some kind which left its mark in the snow.

GYPSIES was one of the more novel claims, made as late as 1973 by one Manfri Wood in his book In the Life of a Romany Gypsy. He wrote that the whole thing took 18 months to plan and was the work of 400 gypsies from seven Romany tribes. They walked across the snows on 400 pairs of specially prepared “measuring-stilts” he said. Their purpose was to scare away what he called “rival tribes of Didekais and Pikies” ‒ “pagans all”

‒ who were fervent believers in the devil and had eyes on moving into the west country.

But a very real fear among many of the common folk of rural Devon was that the notorious Spring-Heeled Jack had left London and was now roaming the narrow lanes of the county and ready “come dimpsey” to pounce on any poor soul as was stupid enough to unbolt their doors and venture out into the dark.

Spring-Heeled Jack was probably more than an urban myth in early and mid-Victorian Britain. He was never caught and there were probably several of them, half-baked mischief-makers all, in various parts of the country, who read the newspaper stories and set up their own franchises, copying each other.

Many newspaper reports (the fi rst in 1837) contain descriptions of his bizarre appearance ‒ tall, skinny, dressed as the devil and with sharp claws “and eyes like red balls of fi re”. His forte was to leap out of the darkness onto a hapless victim (usually female) in a lonely place, to tear at their clothing and faces with steel-like claws before leaping away again into the blackness of the night. This ability to make enormous jumps gave him his nick-name.

Spring-Heeled Jack‘s activities diminished as the century wore on but his memory was kept alive in many of the best selling penny-dreadfuls of the day. Warnings to the young to be home before dark “else Spring-Heeled Jack’ll get you!” lasted well into the Edwardian era in Devon, as elsewhere.

Which brings us back to Devon in 2014 and these still dark February evenings with none of us any the wiser as to what or who crossed our fair county that snowy night long ago.

The most likely answer is that there is probably no single explanation. The

‘hoof-prints’ in the snow were like as not made by animals or birds or both. Sometimes even, as the stories of the devil got around , by mischief makers out to torment their neighbours.

Until a solution is found then the story of the Devil’s Hoof-prints is probably best fi led away alongside Crop Circles, the Bermuda Triangle, the Loch Ness Monster and maybe even Things That Go Bump In the Night.

John Fisher.

Scale of Inches

1 2 30

SKETCH OF HOOF-PRINTS

Road or trackRiverApprox trail of hoofmarks

Dawlish area showing distance hoofmarks tracked on 9th February 1855


Knowing your East Devon - guess where?Winners - first 2 answers get an exclusive COAST & COUNTRY pen

Answers to [email protected]

Last issue: Lympstone on the Exe Estuary


Garden MachinerySALES SERVICE REPAIRS

Your local independent specialist

Unit 2, The Old Sawmills, Colaton Raleigh, Nr Sidmouth EX10 0HP

01395 567514

www.gardenkit.co.uk

We’ve been creating beautiful, award winning gardens for over 25 years.

DesignConstructMaintain

Quality - Experience - Value

01404 831844www.tonybengerlandscaping.co.uk

Burrow Farm Gardens, Dalwood, Axminster EX10 7ET

Investors in people

www.goodlifegardeners.co.ukT: 01404 850129

oodlifeardenersG

We would be happy to come and see you to discuss your gardening & landscaping requirements.

hoW does your garden develop?

...rather beautifully with our landscaping team


February can be a bleak and bitter month and many of us are quite content to stay in by a warm fire and dream of warmer times, when we can be sat in the deck chair chomping on a freshly picked ripe tomato.

But beware, March is just around the corner with its foot eager to press the growth accelerator in the garden and suddenly you are into spring with no time to get every thing done.

So if it is too nasty to go out, spend some time planning out a few early tasks. If you grow your own veggies, work out where you are going to plant the various types. A bit of crop rotation keeps the bugs guessing and allows the soil to recover. After a heavy crop of say potatoes, plan in some legumes (peas and beans) which will add nitrogen back into the soil.

Speaking of potatoes, and I often am, February is the time to get chitting. This involves placing the seed potatoes some where light but cool, so that they develop small shoots. This will give them a head

start when planted. And remember the old gardener’s tip when to plant, of placing an exposed elbow on the soil to test for warmth. If it's too cold to expose your elbow it's too cold to plant.

The other obsession I have is Chillies. I’m mad about them and it’s a good idea to start them off early indoors or in a heated propagator to get as long a growing season as possible.

Speaking of growing, your grass will be starting soon so check regularly, I find that once I cannot see the greenhouse it’s time to get the mower out. Start off on quite a high cut gradually taking the height down week by week.

Bare root fruit can still be planted, but don't be tempted to plant bedding plants until the danger of frost has gone. Instead maybe try some Jerusalem artichokes. Not only do they produce a good vegetable but will also add a splash of colour to the summer garden.

It is also a good time to add a bit of fertiliser around the base of roses, clumps of perennials and trees as they will soon be racing away and will need all the goodness they can get.

Now I think I’ll get back to that seed catalogue and dream of those first tomatoes.

John Oliver Villiers

English Gardenthe


ensuring we maximise the potential of your space.LDM off er a fully bespoke service in Landscaping, Timber Buildings and Garden maintenance. With a wide range of design and build services ranging from site visits, topography surveys, concept plans, detailed drawings, planting plans, concluding in the completion of the garden design transformation. Our teams are employed consisting of experts in their fi eld.

If you are looking for a professional bespoke service tailored to suit your needs, why not take a look at our website today at www.ldmgardendesign.co.uk or call LDM on 013955 446688 or 07970886701 for advice on how we can help you get the most from your project.

To fi nd out more, get in touch with Laurence on 01395 446688

or visit their website: www.ldmgardendesign.co.uk

Since our inception in 1997, LDM has become one of the South Wests foremost thinkers within the landscaping industry. Our mantra of ‘Concept to Completion’ means that every client we deal with, whether it be a weekly maintenance visit or the design & build of a ‘Timber Retreat’ has our individual assistance and attention to detail every step of the way, LDM provide an in-house design and build service which can eliminate the pit-falls in the event of commissioning diff erent designers and contractors. Concepts are drawn upon experiences of European, Far East and American travel, cultures and client taste, enabling LDM to produce bespoke gardens to suit the given brief,

‘All your outdoor needs, from buildings to removing weeds’

*Condition apply - within 25 mile radius.

FREE Consultation! With enquiries booked in Feb/Mar*


Spring is on its way...your garden will recover!

■ Seed Potatoes, Onion Sets and Seeds ready for planting ■ Wide range of Quality Composts for seeds, young plants and soil improvement ■ Fresh Selection of Plants... Old favourites and New Varieties bursting to go ■ All staff trained gardeners, so make use of their expertise ■ All of this plus a Beautiful Café with Amazing Coff ee!

Do yourself a favour!

Pound Lane, Exmouth Tel: 01395 274632

Come in and get our help...

Transform your Garden

“Tony has looked after our garden for many years now. He has a highly skilled team, all working to his own high standard, we would

definitely recommend him for any aspect of gardening work!”

Tel: 01823 680133Mobile: 07967 168245www.tglandscapes.co.uk

Creating the perfect garden for you, with our complete range of services.

Gardening.Soft/hard landscaping.Stone Walling.Decking.Fencing.Painting.Garden light.

FreeConsultation

Mrs Chapman Dalwood

BEING A BANKER by FCR ESGEN

I’m so glad I’m not a banker. It’s a very responsible job looking after everybody else’s money. Frankly I don’t think I’m up to it. I wouldn’t know where to begin, in all honesty. Successful banking can depend, I suppose, on how long you have got the money for in the fi rst place. If it’s just a few years then I would open a big fat account in the Cayman Islands and live off the interest. If it’s for a life time then I would buy

Grand Cayman and have done with it.

The headache comes when you get annoying people who want to borrow money from you on the fl imsiest of excuses. One of the best I’ve heard is, starting your own business. Why on earth should anyone want their own money back just to earn a living. Really, I think they need to come up with a better business plan than that, don’t you.

Perhaps, you could lend money out at high interest to help someone pay back an existing loan that they can’t aff ord. Now that’s better, at least as a banker you will get the family home when they default on their repayments. Maybe the guy and his family will be out on the street and starving, but hey, I’ve got to live too, and besides, my yacht might need a refi t ! ©

© 2013

Tales of a YokelYarns from the inimitable FCR Esgen

D.C.B. P

hoto

grap

hy ©

201

3

Contributors wanted!

Do you have any interests that you would like to write about and do you live in East Devon?

If so, we pay for articles from contributors, so why not give

us a call on 01395 513383

or [email protected]

MODELS If you are an amateur or

professional model, please get in touch. Send a few photo

examples to:[email protected]


The walk

Otterton CircularEAST DEVON COAST COUNTRYand

This walk is great if you have friends or family visiting, as

you get to enjoy both spectacular coastal views of Lyme Bay as well as enjoying the lovely scenery that unfolds along the river Otter. The walk is fairly gentle, with no big inclines, so is good for all the family, although in total, the walk is just over 5 miles long.

Starting at Otterton, you can either park in the village or take the car further along to the start point. Equally, you could start at White Bridge - there's a restricted amount of parking available, but it's free.

From the Start point, the walk takes you out directly across a

field with great views of Sidmouth and Ladram Bay. You then proceed southwestward along the coastal path in a broad curve,

taking you down to Otterhead. From here you veer inland and up along the Otter Estuary (don't

miss visiting the bird hide where you can peer down on all manner of birdlife and enjoy a well-earned rest).

You cross the river Otter at White Bridge, which then takes you up along the westward side of the

river. You don't need to worry about any other directions as you follow the river up to the road bridge and then you've arrived at Otterton.

In terms of refreshments, I'd advise taking a backpack with some drinks and snacks, although there's an excellent inn at Otterton (The Kings Arms) where you can dine lunchtimes and evenings. Incidentally, they serve an excellent pint of Otter bitter, if you need to slake your thirst! Also, another good eating place is Otter Mill situated besides the river at the bottom end of Otterton, who do a particularly excellent range soups and cakes.Hope you enjoy it - Editor

Looking eastwards from Otterhead


footpathgreen lanelane/road

Start

Otterton

Stan

tyw

ay R

oad

Rive

r Ott

er

+Church

Frog

mor

e Roa

d

South Farm

Clamour Bridge

White BridgeSouth

Farm Road

LadramBay

Crab Ledge

Brandy Head

Otterton Ledge

Otter Estuary

MonksWall

PulhayesFarm

BictonOld Rectory

Kings Arms

Black Head

Danger Point

Chiselbury Bay

Otterton church which you see as you finally return to Otterton along the riverside path

What was the old police station, a fine old cob and thatch building

Walk information1. Parking - the walk can be started

from Otterton or the Start point. Alternatively you could start from White Bridge further downstream.

2. Footwear - assuming dry conditions, trainers or boots advised.

3. Dogs - lead necessary as livestock may be present although there are plenty of places to let the dog(s) off the lead.

4. Distance - a gentle circular walk of just over 5 miles.


The green flush is shortly on its way - walking along the river Otter is a great way to enjoy the green explosion fully

Parts of this walk are almost continental in feel - this is just by Otterhead, where a band of pine trees skirt the river


Here's the river Otter where it finally meets the sea.Incidentally, it's a great spot for kayaking when the tide's coming in


Sedate and lovely in the summer, but the river Otter often breaches its banks in the winter


Otterton's a sleepy village with a long history. There used to be a priory long ago (and a manor) and there are some interesting relics from earier times.Otterton's church is lovely. Extensive re-building took place in the 1800s as it had fallen into disrepair. In 1869 Lady Rolle decided to demolish it and had a much larger church built costing 12,000 pounds which was paid for from her own pocket.Otterton's bridge was built in 1827 and sits right next to the mill.


T he pretty village of East Budleigh, perhaps best known today for its connection to the famous

Elizabethan mariner Sir Walter Raleigh, already had a long and fascinating history before he was born in nearby Hayes Barton in 1554. For many centuries it was an important market town and bustling port, and this article will focus on the changing nature of East Budleigh from its origins in pre-Roman times, its high point of trade and prosperity in the Middle Ages, and slow decline up until the visit of John Leland in the mid-16th century.

There had been coastal settlements in the Lower Otter Valley stretching back to the Neolithic period, and the discovery of many thousands of artefacts from that time suggests that East Budleigh, along with other settlements in the area, was already considered a good landing place. It is still possible to find the flint implements left by Neolithic Man, in the valley and on the high ground flanking the river. Flint would have been transported from the Axe Estuary, and the presence of Bronze and Iron Age people in the area is indicated by the survival of pottery fragments. The existence of pottery also suggests that trade was already in progress, with primitive boats coming by sea into the Estuary.

Not much has survived to tell us of the history of East Budleigh in the Roman and post-Roman periods, though the discovery of a Roman villa/farmstead at Otterhead in 1988 indicates that the

area was occupied by the invaders. Pottery and coin finds, some of them from France and the Mediterranean, tell us that trading was carried on by sea from the small ports along the coast, but East Budleigh remains obscure until the departure of the legions and the coming of the Saxons.

The arrival of the Saxons in the Otter Valley in the late seventh century heralded an era of growth and prosperity. These energetic Germanic sea-pirates had come to stay, and founded many small communities next to local rivers and streams that flowed into the River Otter, and hence provided an ideal route to the sea. Between c.700 and 1000AD the local settlements, including East Budleigh, flourished and expanded thanks to sea-borne trade. By the reign of Edward the Confessor (1043-1066) the Manor of Budleigh was a royal estate, testament to its wealth and importance.

Following the Norman invasion and the downfall of Saxon England in 1066, East Budleigh became part of the Manor of Otterton, and is featured in the great Domesday land surveys. This invaluable record for the study of post-Conquest England reveals that East Budleigh was held by the Crown, but no longer an especially wealthy place, being taxed for only half a hide. With typical Norman meticulousness, fifty adult males are recorded

In the 14th century, Edward III's efforts to get cash resulted in him signing over all the revenue from his wool tax to avaricious northern Italian Lombardi bankers. This effectively gave them a monopoly of the wool trade in England! This trade was seasonal, but in order to fund Edward's wars with the Scottish and French which were ongoing, Edward borrowed heavily on wool futures to ensure the cash kept flowing in. At the time, the wool trade was so important that there was a law in place, stating that every man had to wear a woollen cap. Additionally, if you were involved in the illegal black market exportation of wool, it was punishable by chopping off the left hand.

East BudleighFrom pre-Roman times to the 16th century

By David Pilling


as living in Budleigh (both East and Salterton) giving some idea of the size of the respective communities at this time.

In 1125 King Henry I, youngest son of the Conqueror, granted much of Budleigh Manor, including East Budleigh, to the Abbey of Mont Saint Michel in Normandy. This gave control of the whole of the Otter Estuary to the Abbot, who delegated a small staff of monks and a prior to manage and develop the harbours and Manor lands in the Otter and Sid Estuaries. King Henry II’s advantageous marriage with Eleanor of Aquitaine in 1152 brought Aquitaine to the English crown, and Abbey officials encouraged trade with France, particularly the wine-producing region of Bordeaux. By the 1300s East Budleigh was part of a booming wine trade and the home of a thriving merchant community, as vessels plied back and forth from the Ottermouth and Sidmouth harbours.

This was the high point of East Budleigh’s wealth and importance, and in the early fourteenth century it helped to play a crucial role in sustaining the country. The year 1315 witnessed a terrible famine as torrential rains and widespread

flooding hit England in the summer and autumn, causing the price of grain to soar. This, the worst recorded famine in European history, lasted for seven years and led to a desperate need for imported goods. Customs accounts from the period reveal large quantities of commodities being imported, and highlight the importance of the ports all along the Devonshire coast. However, the silting that would eventually lead to the decline of East Budleigh as a trading port had already started.

Otter ton Harbour and other anchorages further upriver had probably started to silt up at the time of Domesday, but the process was a long one, and drawn out over four hundred years.

In 1338 King Edward III laid claim to the throne of France, heralding the beginning of the Hundred Years War. Vessels from Devonshire were not used to ferry troops and supplies across the Channel until after 1340, but French piracy posed

a considerable danger. Disaster struck in 1347, when French pirates captured three ships and twelve boats close to Ottermouth, including 141 men

“of the rich merchants and mariners of the said town (East Budleigh)”. Some of the helpless prisoners were murdered on the spot, others taken captive and large ransoms demanded for their safe return. The citizens of East Budleigh could not afford to pay, and petitioned the Crown for aid.

continued overleaf...

A view towards the coast from the church tower

Salem Chapel


As the result of the petition an inquisition was held on the 28th of November 1347, which recorded that the people of East Budleigh have “nothing therewith to pay their ransom... as their goods were taken from them,” so they would not be able to “pay the greater part of the tenths (Subsidy Tax) to the said town, wools and other collections.” The response of the Council was sympathetic, and the answer to the petition states that

“it seems to the Council, if it please the King, that it would be a great mercy to diminish the tax, by reason of such great and horrible destruction made of the people and ships of the same town.” Even so, no financial aid was forthcoming to ransom the prisoners, and their fate is unknown.

The town had barely recovered from the loss of so many men, when it was hit by the scourge of the Black Death, which arrived on England’s shores in 1348. The war with France was still underway, and the vessels from the Devon ports carrying troops and supplies across the Channel no doubt brought the disease back with them. By December 1348 it had reached Weymouth, and rapidly spread along the coast strike Sidmouth and Ottermouth. Little is known for

certain about the effect of the plague on East Budleigh, though one grim statistic is recorded: the Vicar, Robert

de Hydeswelle, was claimed by it, as were both his colleagues at Otterton.

The Black Death is generally reckoned to have slaughtered a third to a half of the population of England, and the Subsidy Rolls of 1332 record that the population of Budleigh and Otterton with Sidmouth was over a thousand. Well over half of these probably died, swept away by the great pestilence, though some of the family names quoted in the 1332 lists appear in the next Subsidy Roll of 1524. Along with the 141 men lost to the French in the previous year, East Budleigh had suffered a major disaster, the effect of which must have lasted

for generations. In addition, the Black Death caused a fall in demand for ships and there was less money available to finance smaller ports and shipping ventures in England. Trade did eventually pick up again after the first onset of plague had dissipated, but East Budleigh was never to recover its former prosperity and status.

At the beginning of the fifteenth century the halcyon days had well and truly ended, and East Budleigh was considered to be unusable for the purposes of sea-going trade. In 1415 the Hundred Years War was renewed,

and in August of that year Henry V hired ships to transport his army of 15, 000 men across the Channel. In stark contrast to the previous century, ships from East Devon were not listed among the vessels hired. The general decline continued, and when the English antiquarian and poet John Leland visited the Lower Otter valley in 1535, he noted that Otterton was still in use as a haven for fishing boats, but East Budleigh was:

“...right almost again Otterton but

is somewhere more from the shore

than Otterton. Less than a hundred

years since ships used this haven,

but it is now clean barred.”

The ‘barring’ of ships from entering the Estuary that Leland record, caused by the centuries-long build-up of silt, spelled the end of East Budleigh as a viable trading port. However, the village has endured down the long centuries since its days of overseas trade, and will no doubt endure for many more.

David Pilling

Hayes Barton - Sir Walter Raleigh's birthplace

The town had barely recovered from the loss

of so many men, when it was hit by the scourge of

the Black Death


Hayes Barton - Sir Walter Raleigh's birthplace

Alleged poaching on the River Axe

By Ted Gosling, West Country Author and Freeman of Seaton

I n June 1954, sixty-eight year old Miss Maud Elizabeth Sanders

Stephens of Stedcombe Manor in Axmouth, relying on the word of an English King who died nearly 900 years ago, challenged the legality of the Magna Carta and won. Magna Carta signed at Runnemede by King John in 1215 says that any Englishman can fish in tidal waters, even the Crown cannot give the sole fishing rights to anyone.

In the Chancery Division, the case of the legal limit to fishing in the mouth of the River Axe, 'Stephens vs Snell and others' was before Justice Vaisey. His Lordship gave judgement for the plaintiff - Miss Maud Sanders Stephens against four Seaton fishermen who were fishing at the mouth of the River Axe with a boat and some nets for salmon. He declared that her fishery in the waters of the River Axe extended

seaward as far as the mean low watermark, although that fluctuated from time to time.

In a former action against a Seaton fisherman in 1939, it was proved and accepted that the fishery was granted to a certain Abbey in Normandy in 1100 before the date of Magna Carta and also Stedcombe Manor was given the 'sole right and several fishery' by King Henry I, who died 1135 and the right was given before Magna Carta.

In this 1954 action, it was not in dispute that she was the owner of the manor and fishery in fee simple, it was held in the 1939 action that the limits of the fishery were determined by the bounds of the manor of Axmouth which belonged to the plaintiff, Miss Stephens had brought an action alleging trespass against four Seaton

fishermen and they gave undertaking not to trespass again. Counsel said the salmon were running at this time of year and unless the injunctions were made effective, fish going upstream to spawn were being caught.

Miss Stephens said "My family took the manor 60 years ago but the fishing rights are not with any particular family, they are vested in the manor itself, as long as I am here I intend to look after the river. I don't fish myself, but a lot of people pay to fish and get quite good salmon."

Ted Gosling

Several Fishery - a private fishery founded upon ownership

of the underlying soil


Kerry HornettAnimal Communicator

Helping animals with emotional behavioural

problems

Reiki MasterReiki healing

MediumReading for individuals

and groups

Call01404 43522

www.linkwithanimals.co.uk

'Wilson' by Richard Woodward

Correct, enjoyable &progressive lessons for

adults and children from 2years of age.

www.ridingacademy.co.uk

Pony mornings everyweek throughout the

school holidays.

Two things I greatly miss from my halcyon days as a young vet back in the 1950s. First, is hand milking. As a Londoner, I only learnt to milk when on work experience on a farm in Cumbria when I was 20, and I loved it. I found it most relaxing, bar the odd clip round the ear from a dung-encrusted tail. A most painful experience. Despite the spread of machine milking, many farms still milked by hand and it was not just the small herds. It was much more labour intensive and of course, there was the camaraderie, and much banter between milkers. The farm worker of those days was much more independent and not above telling his employer where he was making a mistake.

I well remember during milking time at Willie Harding’s farm at East Budleigh; I was quietly doing some pregnancy diagnoses when Willie called out to a farm hand who was milking just

two cows away from me. “Can I use your bucket?” “What ?” replied the hand without pausing in his work. This exchange was repeated three times until Willie, with much cursing about mankind and this hand in particular picked up the bucket and stomped off. The grumpy old man looked up at me, winked, and said “ I don’t give a toss what he does with the bucket”. Only he didn’t say toss.

But the main joy of hand milking was the sound. When you started with an empty bucket it produced a high pitched singing sound on the side of the bucket which gradually deepened as the bucket filled and ended with a delightful frothy quality. Bucket full ! Empty it into one of those delightful old fashioned coolers which looked like mothers scrubbing board in stainless steel and start again. Of course, folk who had to do it day in and day out, come cow kick or arthritic joints, might

not agree, but I always found milking time to be a happy time. I remember one farm on the Topsham Rd just down from Sandygate, run by three brothers who milked over 100 cows. Milking was a joy to them, as it was in an enormous thatched shippon at Venn Ottery where the cows were all North Devons.

What I miss most of all is the lovely lilting Devon accent. Where has it gone? Down the television tube? Although I will say this; some years ago, I was visiting some friends in Connecticut USA, and we were chatting and I suddenly said “You’re speaking pure Devonshire”. All those long “a” and “o”s. It is too big a subject to cover here, but there is one aspect about the Devonshire accent that I can cover. In the matter of gender, everything in the dialect is her. He don’t get a look

The Old Vet’naryby Ken Watson

Hand Milking on the Farm

in. For example, a farmer will look over the gate and gaze admiringly at his bull and say, “’Er be a good un ‘er be”. It is probably summed up best by the following, probably apocryphal anecdote. The recently widowed wife in the village is visited by the vicar. “Well, my dear,” he says, “your man is up there now playing his harp with the angels”. The widow turns away from the sink where she is doing the washing, wipes her hands and says, “’er larned to play the harp mainish quick then. ‘Er couldn’t play the ruddy tin whistle when ‘er was down ‘yer”. K.Watson

Staff at Mole Avon Trading Limited are delighted to have raised over £22,000 for local charity Hospiscare.

The money raised so far this year was presented to John Arnold, Corporate Fundraiser for Hospiscare, at Mole Avon’s dinner and dance at Powderham Castle - a special occasion to mark 40 years as Mole Avon Trading Limited.

The massive total, which took 8 months to achieve, is part of Mole Avon’s bid to raise £40,000 for the local charity - £1,000 for each year Mole Avon Trading Limited has been in business.

If you are interested in what Mole Avon do, see their display far top right.

Mole Avon Raise over £22,000 for Hospiscare


Old Lodge Boarding Kennels & Cattery

Lodge Lane, Axminster, Devon EX13 5RTTel. 01297 32216

www.oldlodgekennels.co.uk [email protected]

Open between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday, 9am to 12 noon on Saturday and Sunday

INSPECTION WARMLY INVITED

PartnershipsGive and Take

The horse’s behaviour is aff ected by two main factors- the environment and genetics and the better we can understand and manage the infl uence of these factors, the more successful our partnership with a horse will be.

We used to mainly ride and drive horses as a mode of transport, they were useful to us. Nowadays very few people take a carriage to work or ride a pony to school because other more practical solutions are available but we continue to ride because it brings us pleasure. In the process of gaining this pleasure we do many things that are completely senseless to the horse and if we can appreciate how they think and behave then hopefully we can minimise the negative aff ects that our pleasure seeking can have on them. As with human relationships, horse-human partnerships require give and take to optimise success.

Although it is an unpleasant thought, keeping horses stabled is the most obvious way in which we are selfi sh at the expense of the horse. Wild zebra (a close relative as there are very few truly wild horses) have a movement range of up to 80 square miles. New Forest ponies cover a 4 mile range. A stabled horse has 12 square feet. They all have the same innate need for movement.

Other practices that we carry out can be with good intentions to look after the horse but are actually incomprehensible to them. We pick out their feet but horses are a fl ight animal and handing over one of their means of escape doesn’t come naturally. We lunge them round and round in circles, often in trot or canter for up to half an hour or more. Our reasoning is to ‘give her some exercise’ or ‘stretch his legs because of being stabled’, but a horse would never exercise itself like this, it would amble for a few hours over large distances, with the occasional short trot or canter.

Perhaps the most generous thing horses do for us is to let us ride them. For a creature that can be scared of a fl uttering crisp packet, to let someone sit on their back shows how giving they can be. They are literally trusting us with their life, we know that we are not going to jump on their backs and eat them but they don’t know that; their instinct says otherwise and they have to learn this and trust us, a diff erent species that talks a whole diff erent language to them. How impossible people make this at times, when they infl ict pain, discomfort and confusion by their riding.

We should therefore try and consider that in keeping them for our pleasure, we need to give our horses something in return. If we learn to understand them, we can manage and ride them in such a way that enables their mental and physical needs to be met as much as possible. This can only be good for us too as after all, we are also trusting them with our safety.

Natalie Bucklar gives valuable advice on

various aspectsof horse care and

welfare...

Natalie BucklarBSc (Hons), MSc (Equine Science)

Natalie has owned horses for over 20 years and owns East Devon

Riding Academy near Sidmouth. She has previously lectured in

Equine Science to degree level and produced research for preparing Great Britains' equestrian teams

for the Olympics. Natalie provides consultations in all aspects of Equine

Science, and has fi tted saddles for competitors at Badminton

International Horse Trials.

Horse Care

Partnerships by Natalie Bucklar

Natalie x

S t at i o n Ya rd, AX M I N S T E R T: 0 1 2 9 7 3 2 4 4 1M i l l S t re e t , C R E D I TO N T: 0 1 3 6 3 7 7 4 7 8 6

E xe te r R o a d, O K E H A M P TO N T: 0 1 8 3 7 5 3 8 8 6

Offers available until 30th April 2014. While stocks last.

BUY 1 GET 1 FREE

Vitality Blend 800gNormally

£4.95 each

Flip Top Triple Feeder

Now only

£6.95

SAVE £3

Seed Mix 2kg+ 25% extra

FREEOnly

£2.95Mealworm 200g

+ 50% extra FREEOnly £5.95


Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership said: “We are really pleased that this latest initiative under RGN, the

‘Community & Schools Entrepreneurship Pilot’ is launching – it is set to make a real difference to rural communities. The Rural Growth Network is designed to realise the potential of enterprises and encourage the growth of new rural businesses.”

Andrew Leadbetter, Cabinet Member for Economy and Growth at Devon County Council said: “This is really good news for Devon and I am sure it will make a real difference in these rural communities! Anything that can be done to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship has to be an excellent use of resources and will stimulate growth and allow people to remain where they were brought up, and develop their own income streams thus putting money back into the local economy and ultimately providing further jobs. I look forward to seeing the results!”

The overall vision for the Heart of the South West (HOTSW) Rural Growth Network (RGN) is to create a sustainable rural economy through developing a

Rural Growth Network has launched pilot scheme to support budding

entrepreneurs in Devon’s rural schools and communities.

The project aims to; encourage innovation and entrepreneurship in the wider rural community, establish a programme that promotes entrepreneurship within the schools, linking primary, secondary and tertiary phases and encourage a whole community approach to the development of innovative and sustainable businesses.

Taking place in five rural locations; Clyst Vale Community College in Broadclyst, Exmouth Community College in Exmouth, Holsworthy Community College in Holsworthy, King Edward VI Community College (KEVICC) in Totnes and Okehampton Community College, in Okehampton, the pilot will include a series of workshops, mentoring sessions, information events, and enterprise challenges, focusing separately on local schools as well as members of the local community.

The pilot, initiated by the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership, and funded through the Rural Growth Network (RGN) and Devon County Council, is being delivered by Devon and Cornwall Business Council, in association with a number of partner organisations: Education Business Partnership SW, Careers SW, Optimise4 and The Fruit Tree for Business.

Chris Garcia, Chief Executive of the

The Rural Growth Network (RGN) is launching its latest initiative, the ‘RGN Community & Schools Entrepreneurship Pilot scheme’.

Balancing the stresses of work and living with health and relaxation

Life Matters

Supporting Budding EntrepreneursThe Rural Growth Network

Editor - Averil [email protected]: 01395 51338307891 447710

Averil is a Personal Life Coach and Business Development Coach. She works voluntarily for the Princes Trust as a mentor for young people, and for Oxfam as a school speaker. With a passion for inspired and responsible living, she also runs an organic natural remedy business. Averil trained at the internationally renowned CoachInc.com and is a member of the ICF.

Life Matters

network of rural enterprise hubs which act as a focal point for support to the micro and small business sector. The purpose of this pilot scheme is to develop a mechanism to raise awareness of entrepreneurialism amongst Devon’s young people and communities, thereby creating a potential pipeline of future users for the RGN hubs.

Launch events, giving a detailed breakdown of the pilot scheme will be taking place in each of the pilot locations:

Clyst Vale Community College, Broadclyst 10 Feb, 4pm-5.30pm and 5.30pm-7pm, Clyst Vale Community College Post 16 Block.

Ben Rhodes, Chief Executive Devon and Cornwall Business Council

continued overleaf...

Do you know an inspiring person who would share their story? Are you involved in a project

that is making a difference to people’s lives?

Contact me using the details above.

I’m looking forward to hearing

from you.

PRACTITIONERS

Chiropody

Pamper your feet at The Foot Friendly Clinic, 3 Miltons Yard Axminster EX13 5FE. Phone for an appointment on 01297 625515 or 07946213310. Open Tues/Wed/Thurs and for evening appointments by arrangement.

Chiropractic

Chiropractic Health Centre 01297 35844 or 01404 549270.

Hypnotherapy

Pat Hoare 01392 410090.

Life Coaching

Is the treadmill of your life getting faster? You want to slow down, but can't? You want to change your life/career/reach your full potential?www.goforitlifecoaching.comor contact Averil Quinain 07891 447710 to arrange a free 30 min taster session.

"designed to realise the potential of enterprises

and encourage the growth of new rural

businesses"

eastdevonhub .co.uk

BROADCAST YOUR COMMUNITY EVENTS TO THE WHOLE COMMUNITY

There's a website now where you can publicise your com-munity events to a massive local audience. It's called East Devon Hub. Also, if your events happen in the Sid Val-ley or the lower Otter Valley, then they're guaranteed to be included in either The Sid-mouth Diary or The Budleigh Diary magazines.

If you enjoy community events, just take a look at:


The Old Vicarage, OttertonResidential care in a country house setting.

Rated as “Excellent” by the Care Quality Commission.Professionally qualifi ed staff on duty seven days a week.We also provide for convalescence, respite, and holiday breaks.

For a brochure or appointment to view,please call the duty matron on:

01395 568208email: [email protected]


COURSES& CLASSES

AN INTRODUCTION TO HEDGELAYING 07 Feb to 09 Feb - Learn the basics of hedgelaying with champion layer Nick Fowler. All welcome, Monkton Wyld Court, Elsdon's Lane, Charmouth, 4.00pm.

DECORATIVE TILES 10 Feb - Two days a week apart - make your own individual clay tiles, The Old Kennels, The Old Kennels, Dunkeswell, 10.00am.

WORKING WITH SILVER 11 Mar to 12 Mar - Silver smithing for beginners and improvers, The Old Kennels, The Old Kennels, Dunkeswell, 10.00am.

MAKERS APRON 13 Mar - Use basic machine sewing skills to make a beautiful wrap over apron, The Old Kennels, The Old Kennels, Dunkeswell, 10.00am.

PUPPET MAKING 14 Mar to 16 Mar - Design and make a beautiful handmade puppet with Kathy Kelly. Weekend course, Monkton Wyld Court, Elsdon's Lane, Charmouth, 4.00pm.

STONE CARVING 27 Mar to 28 Mar - Learn traditional skills of the stone mason Suitable for all ages/abilities, The Old Kennels, The Old Kennels, Dunkeswell, 10.00am.

FOOD & DRINK

ROSEHILL COOKERY ASIAN INSPIRATION DAY 07 Feb - Learn the secrets of making an amazing dishes using ingredients from Asia, Rosehill Rooms and Cookery, 30 West Hill, Budleigh Salterton, 10.30am.

ROSEHILL COOKERY BREAD DAY 11 Feb - We know you can't beat the smell of home-baked bread, Rosehill Rooms and Cookery, 30 West Hill, Budleigh Salterton, 10.30am.

APPLE TREE PRUNING COURSE 22 Feb - A laid back and informal introduction to fruit tree pruning., The Deer Park, Weston, Honiton, 10.00am.

BREAD COURSE 24 Feb - Join us and learn to make great bread every time., The Holt, 178 High Street, Honiton, 9.30am.

CRAFT

Broadclyst is just one of the places where the pilot scheme is being held.

Chiropractic Health CentreGentle eff ective holistic

treatment for the whole familyRichard Stenning D.C. Michael Norris D.C.

Louisa Wootton D.C.

www.wellbeingdevon.co.uk

HONITON193 High Street

01404 549270AXMINSTER

Chard Street

01297 35844

Pat HoareSENIOR BACP ACCREDITED COUNSELLOR AND SUPERVISORSENIOR G.H.R. ACCREDITED HYPNOTHERAPISTwww.caseconfi dential.com

24A GANDY STREET, EXETER EX4 3LSTel. 01392 410090 [email protected]

THERAPEUTIC COUNSELLINGHYPNOTHERAPY AND SUPERVISION

InsomniaHeadachesBack painSciaticaAlso safe for children

Clinics in:Honiton

AxminsterCharmouth

Sharp Acupuncture

www.hilarysharp.co.uk 0773 863 [email protected]

Hilary SharpLicAc.MBAcC.

eastdevonhub .co.uk

More Courses & Classes on:

continued... Rural Growth Network

Exmouth Community College 11 Feb, 4pm-5.30pm and 5.30pm-7pm, Exmouth College, Gypsy Lane site, Judith Telfer building.

Holsworthy Community College 13 Feb, 4pm-5.30pm and 5.30pm-7pm, Holsworthy Community College, the Purple Circle Theatre.

Totnes - King Edward VI Community College (KEVICC) 12 Feb, 4pm-5.30pm and 5.30pm-7pm, KEVICC Ariel Centre.

Okehampton Community College 13 Feb, 4pm-5.30pm and 5.30pm-7pm, The Pavillion in the Park (nr. Okehampton College).

While for anyone from the local community, interested specifically in taking part in the ‘Community Entrepreneurship Workshops’, a separate series of launch events are planned for:

Broadclyst 13 Mar, 6pm-8pm, Victory Hall, Broadclyst.

Exmouth 10 Mar, 6pm-8pm, Exmouth Town Council Civic Hall.

Holsworthy 19 Mar, 6pm-8pm, Holsworthy Memorial Hall Manor Suite.

Totnes 11 Mar, 6pm-8pm, Totnes Town Council Civic Hall.

Okehampton 20 Mar, 6pm-8pm, The Pavilion in the Park, nr Okehampton College.

The pilot will run until October 2014 and enquiries about this scheme should be made to Karen Woodward (DCBC Project Manager) on [email protected] or 07583 739815.

More details are available on the DCBC website: www.dcbc.co.uk/priorities/rgn-community-schools-entrepreneurship-pilot

SMOKING & CURING COURSE AT THE HOLT 26 Feb - A beginners course on Smoking and Curing at The Holt, Honiton., The Holt, 178 High Street, Honiton, 5.00pm.

MARMALADE 26 Feb - Just the way to start the new year with a fresh batch of homemade marmalade!, The Old Kennels, The Old Kennels, Dunkeswell, 10.00am.

ROSEHILL COOKERY FISH DAY 28 Feb - How to choose, bone, cook and use in many dishes, Rosehill Rooms and Cookery, 30 West Hill, Budleigh Salterton, 10.30am.

BASIC BUTCHERY AND CHARCUTERIE DAY COURSE 09 Mar - Enjoy a fabulous day at West Town Farm learning to do more with meat, West Town Farm, West Town Farm, Exeter, 9.30am.

COOKERY - PASTRY COURSE 11 Mar - Making Pastry great to enhance your skills - beginners intermediate/advanced, Rosehill Rooms and Cookery, 30 West Hill, Budleigh Salterton, 10.30am.

ROSEHILL COOKERY PUDDINGS 14 Mar - Puddings- all sorts of great ideas for the sweet toothed!, Rosehill Rooms and Cookery, 30 West Hill, Budleigh Salterton, 10.30am.

ROSEHILL COOKERY FISH DAY 28 Mar - How to choose, bone, cook and use in many dishes, Rosehill Rooms and Cookery, 30 West Hill, Budleigh Salterton, 10.30am.


Pinhay House Residential Care HomeLyme Regis, Dorset

Tel: 01297 445626 Email: [email protected] visit www.pinhayhouse.co.uk

How do you choose a future home for yourself or your loved ones?How can you tell if the home you like will give the right level of care?

Leading the way in Elderly Care

At Pinhay House we know the problems you face fi nding the right home, we understand your worries. Which is why at Pinhay you can be assured of receiving a warm sympathetic welcome.After twenty four years caring for the elderly at Pinhay, we feel able to advise you and your family about the care that you are looking for. Our staff are trained

to the highest standards, both in-house and in gaining the new Diplomas in Health and Social Care (QCF). We specialise in the care of people with Dementia. We have an Activities team working seven days a week to encourage the continuation of Life Skills amongst our residents; motivation and enthusiasm is high. Our excellent relationship with

local practitionerʼs assists us in planning and implementing our residents care, the satisfaction we feel from our success results in a highly motivated team and contented residents.

At Pinhay we can answer your questions and alleviate your concerns. Talk to us before you make any decisions.

Dunkeswell

Sheldon

West Hill

Broadhembury

Kerswell

Dog Village

Whimple

Westwood

Talaton

Clyst Hydon

Broadclyst

Clyst Honiton

Rockbeare

MarshGreen

Fenny Bridges

Fairmile

Godford CrossCombe Raleigh

Awliscombe

Colestocks

Feniton

Higher BuckerellCheriton

Clyst St Lawrence

LutonUpton

Payhembury

Higher Tale

Madford Smeartharpe

Luppitt

Upottery

Rawridge

Beacon

Monkton

Cotleigh

Furley

Newcott Howley

Marsh

Wambrook

Yarcombe

StocklandChardstock

Membury

DalwoodWilmington

OffwellWidworthy

Kilmington

Alston

Smallridge

Lower Holditch

HawkchurchWeycroft

Tytherleigh

South Chard

Combpyne

Musbury

Raymond’s Hill

Marshwood

DowlandsBeer

Colyton

Rousdon

Colyford

Southleigh

Branscombe

VicarageWestonSalcombe

Regis

Otterton

Pinn

Harpford

NorthleighFaraway

Putts Corner

SidburyTipton St John

Seaton JunctionChurch Green

Sidford

Harcombe

Shute

Whitford

Venn Ottery

Bowd

NewtonPoppleford

Colaton Raleigh

Yettington

Hawkerland

Woodbury

EastBudleigh

Littleham

Withycombe Raleigh

WoodburySalterton

Lympstone

Exton

TopshamClyst St George

WhiteCross

Farringdon

Aylesbeare

Clyst StMary

GittishamAlfington

Wiggaton

Axmouth

Knowle

Hamlet

Holditch

Honiton

OtterySt Mary

Budleigh Salterton

Seaton

Chard

Lyme RegisEXETER

Sidmouth

Exmouth

Axminster

Cullompton

Budlake Aunk

Colliton

LancercombeMetcombe

Salston

SouthertonPinhay

Uplyme

Coombelake

Wadbrook

Blackpool Corner

Rocombe

Abbey Gate

Area of coverage

Dawlish

Pinhoe

Cowley

Tatworth

Looking to give your business a boost?

Speak to Nigel or Richardon 01395 513383

Magazine CoverageOVER 470+ HIGH QUALITY OUTLETS ACROSS

EAST DEVON, EXETER & WEST DORSET

Our care services:• 24 hour Residential Care • Dementia Care• Respite and short breaks

01297 443513 Charmouth Road, Lyme Regis, DT7 3HHwww.fairfi eldhouse.co.uk

“Mum loves her homemade afternoon tea at Fairfield House”

Day Care Off er!

Book 3 days with us and get your 4th day free!Just mention Coast and Country when booking.


The Scottish MaidBuilt 1839

The Scottish Maid, is Topsail Schooner and was built by the Hall shipyard in Aberdeen for George Leslie & Company. She was the first vessel built with the raked stem, known as the “Aberdeen Bow”, which was later to become standard in all the great “Clipper Ships”, she was intended for the Aberdeen - London trade where speed was crucial to compete with steamships. As a model she was fairly simple to build, especially the hull, having a very fine entry through the water the planks do not require a great deal of bending as with the “bluff”, bowed ships of earlier days such as the “Bounty”, for instance. She has no complex decoration and fairly straight forward rigging. A fairly simple model to build but an extremely pleasing final result. As with most delicate models she should be in a glass case. However I like to see them out on display, although they do tend to accumulate dust.

Alan Rapkins

Modelmaking Excellence with Alan Rapkins

H.M.S. Bounty1787-1790

A small 239 ton Armed Merchant Ship. Famous for the notorious mutiny. After Captain Bligh was cast adrift in open boat along with 23 loyal members of the crew. He achieved the incredible fete of sailing three thousand, seven hundred miles from Tofua in the South Seas to Timor in Indonesia in forty two days. Fletcher Christian the leader of the mutiny, eventually sailed the Bounty to Pitcairn

Island where he and the rest of the crew settled and burned the ship. The model is built plank on frame as with a full size ship. Planking is not a simple task and requires very accurate shaping of the planks to fit. I used steam from a boiling kettle to soften and bend the planks into shape. Not to be recommended, especially as nowadays it is possible to buy plank bending machines from specialist model suppliers. The model is from a kit, so all of the fittings are supplied. However some details were inaccurate and consulting historical records is always worthwhile.

One of the major omissions was the copper plating for the Hull. This was introduced as a measure to combat the destructive Toredo worm found in warm tropical seas, which burrows into the timbers below the waterline. I obtained a roll of sticky backed copper foil from a craft supplier, this was cut into small lengths representing the scale plates and attached to the hull. I then painted it with salts to produce the verdigris colour of the copper that has submerged in salt water.Self-taught modelmaker

and artist, Alan Rapkins is based in Colyton. Whilst in the Royal Navy, he travelled the world, and has undertaken many painting commissions including work for the Royal Society of Marine Artists. He's exhibited at the Mall Gallery in London, and has been recognised by Soloman and Whitehead fine art printers.

H.M.S. BountyThe distinctive copper hull was a measure to combat the Toredo worm found in tropical waters.


Right up to the nineteen fifties all kinds of cargoes were carried around the British

Coast under sail. Sailing barges where originally developed for work on the

rivers Thames and Medway but began to venture out beyond

the estuaries. Carrying stacks of hay from the

farms of Essex and Suffolk to feed to

cab horses of L o n d o n ,

a l s o

imported barley from the London docks to the East Anglian Maltings and South Coast.This model of the “Will Everard”, was still trading in 1948, carrying coal. The model was built in what is called the “Bread and Butter”, method. A series of half inch planks, cut roughly to shape and glued together then carved and sanded into the final hull shape. Again improvisation using items from the “Come in Handy”, box have been used. All of the Winch gears are from and old clock maker, who kindly gave a box of his old cast off spares. The rigging, as in all my models, comes from a collection of card and thread from tackle shops, saddlers, sewing circles, butchers, and sadly no longer

abundant, shoe makers. A tip for anyone contemplating rigging any model ship

avail yourself of a large block of Bees Wax, pull each card across the

block before use. This will lay any fluffy bits give it polish

and help preserve it for many years to come.

Thames Sailing Barge The Will Everard

Alan's fine model of a Thames Sailing Barge.They were designed to sail beyond estuaries and along the coast to the next port.

A model of The Scottish Maid topsail schooner. The "Aberdeen Bow" was later to become standard in all the great clipper ships.


It’s not just the nation which expects, your customers do too, not to mention your employees, your suppliers, your fi nancial backers, the community at large... in fact everyone who comes into contact with you and your business will have some expectation of how you deliver what they want from you. Whilst each group has a signifi cant requirement by way of satisfaction, it is your customers who are the most infl uential and the fulfi lment of their needs to an acceptable level should be paramount in everything you do.

Customers come to you as they have been assured, either through your marketing or previous experience or, indeed, a recommendation from others, that they will get what they want, when they want it and in the way they want it. It therefore makes sense that, as a fi rst step, you should fi nd out exactly what it is they do want from you. There is no real need for complicated and expensive market research here simply engage with your customers. Encourage communication either over the phone, via social media or invite them in for focus sessions so that you can gauge feedback on your service. Ascertain what is good, and what is bad, about what you off er. When it comes to the latter it is vital that you listen and take action to rectify and improve the issues raised; in fact even the good can probably be improved and taken to the next level ‒ there is never room for complacency in business!

Whilst there will be some industry specifi cs when it comes to customer

expectations which will vary from sector to sector there are some basic expectations which apply across the board:

• Honesty and integrity - deliver what you say you will and ensure that the product or service you are selling really does do what it says on the tin and that there are no hidden extras.

• Timely delivery - again deliver when you say you will or when the customer wants you to; reliability and dependability are the cornerstones of customer relationships.

• Polite and courteous interactions - everyone expects to be treated with respect; to be listened to and to be understood. Good communication skills are essential as are empathy and friendliness.

• Eff ective problem solving - things do occasionally go wrong and this is acceptable to a certain extent; it’s how you resolve issues that is important. Be consistent and fair; put yourself in your customer’s shoes, take responsibility and off er realistic solutions or alternatives, quickly and decisively (though do beware of knee jerk reactions which upon refl ection may not be the best course of action).

The key is to set realistic customer expectations at a level where you can consistently deliver; these should refl ect your brand image and values. To achieve this you need to ensure that all your staff are trained in the necessary skills and really buy into the culture you are promoting.

Customer service is the one area in which you can be truly innovative and set yourself apart from the competition; it’s an opportunity to promote your unique selling points such as knowledge, advice, delivery times, speed of response, attention to detail, the list is endless! But, of course, what will really make you stand out from the crowd is actually exceeding customer expectations. How you go the extra mile and make your customer not only feel valued but also ensure they really enjoy the experience of dealing with you really can give you the wow factor. This is achievable in numerous ways and may involve some thinking outside the box! Again the more innovative,

forward thinking, surprising and helpful you can be, the better for your business. Customer expectations do also involve a degree of realism and this is where honesty plays a major part. It is possible that you won’t be able to meet every expectation and in certain instances you shouldn’t try to do so especially if the demand is outside your business capabilities. Making promises you are unable to keep is the fi rst step towards creating

a very unhappy customer and ultimately could lead to a tarnished reputation and business failure. You need to manage expectations at all times and be realistic and honest enough to admit what you can and cannot provide or achieve; after all not every customer is your ideal customer or you their ideal provider - sometimes for the greater good (and even though it may hurt) it may just pay to let go. Katina

Written by Katina Styles, a director at Axminster Tool Centre Ltd

Great Expectations....How you meet and manage the needs of those key to your business directly impacts on success... or failure!

Business Advice}

Covering all areas of accountancy - accounts preparation, tax returns, VAT, book-keeping, payroll, company and new business set-ups.

Providing a friendly service for a variety of businesses large and small. Fixed fees, free initial consultation.

CHARTEREDTAX ADVISER

Peter FindlayTax Consultant & Business Adviser

Tax returnsfrom £130 (plus VAT)

Accounts & tax returnsfrom £210 (plus VAT)

01395 568568 [email protected] 2, Dotton Farmstead, Newton Poppleford, Sidmouth.

Having a local office means we are accessible, whether you need to make changes to your policy or make a claim. We can help you insure your: • Home & Car • Horse & Horse box • Business • LGV & Commercial Vehicle For a real conversation about your needs call 01404 549003 or pop into our branch NFU Office, The Dutch Barn, Woodhayes, Honiton, Devon EX14 4TP

Agent of The National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Society Limited. For security and training purposes, telephone calls may be recorded and monitored.

INSURANCE THAT’S ON YOUR DOORSTEP

for What's On, visit: eastdevonhub .co.ukCOAST COUNTRYandEAST DEVON 81for What's On, visit: eastdevonhub .co.uk

But here’s the thing...

A FINE PORTRAIT of the man once voted Devon’s most famous son – Sir Walter Raleigh

- has gone on display in Exeter’s Royal Albert Memorial Museum (RAMM) alongside his son, known in the family as Wat.

The portrait, on loan from the National Portrait Gallery and part of the museum’s presentation West Country to World’s End – the West Country in the Tudor Age runs until 2nd March and is well worth a visit.

Raleigh’s father - another Walter - was once imprisoned in the tower of Sidwell Street church (some 800 metres as the crow flies from the RAMM building) by rebels who were besieging the city during the Prayer Book Rebellion of 1549.

When the king’s army came to the rescue and the rebels fled, old Walter helped himself to various pieces of gold plate and some lengths of rich altar cloth the rebels had plundered and stashed away in the base of the tower. Playing his Get-Out-Of-Jail-Free card skillfully, Walter filled his saddle bags with as much of the loot as he could carry and headed home to Hayes Barton near East Budleigh.

When the church later demanded he return what was rightfully theirs he handed over the gold and silver but told them that it was too late to return the cloth. His wife, Catherine Champernowne, had cut it up and turned it into curtains for their four-poster bed.

Home is the sailor

WITH SPRING just around the corner, Speed Dating in Devon is on the increase. So too is the amount of time it takes to queue for tea or coffee in any of Devon’s large department stores. These two facts when correlated can be used to advantage by those seeking to improve their lot, both socially and financially.

Compare the £25 for a typical Speed Dating session lasting about an hour with the £1.75 asked for a cup of tea in one of those big stores (which price sometimes includes a little round

Is winterthe new spring?

Cheaper Speed Datingfor Devon

DEVON’S MILDEST and wettest winter in years led to many signs of an early spring reports the Woodlands Trust which has some 69 woodlands listed in the county.

By the middle of January it had received a surge of early sightings from its network of nature watchers and reports of birds nesting, snowdrops flowering and hazel coming into bud were widespread and came especially from Teignmouth, Kingsbridge, Crediton and Sidmouth. These together with the appearance

biscuit if you know where to go) and the 15-20 minutes or so it now takes to shuffle to the front of these queue at peak times. Optimum windows of opportunity for rating and dating are 11 in the morning or four in the afternoon when the systems for serving hot drinks breaks down completely. Counter staffs that have been serving the queue brightly and efficiently now suddenly and inexplicably disappear without trace, leaving solitary colleagues to cope.

This then is the opportunity the observant single has been waiting for to join the queue strategically, behind the potential date-of-choice and begin to engage in casual conversation for the next 15 minutes.

This method is not perfect. It may take two or even three sessions to find the Life-Partner-Of-Your-Choice but it is cheaper than Speed Dating and does away with the embarrassment of being rejected by a succession of sometimes quite undesirable singles, met above a pub.

Next issue: Top ten chat-up lines for coffee queues in big Devon department stores.

of ladybirds and butterflies in many other parts of the country conform to a long-term trend in which spring has gradually arrived earlier in the UK.

Over the last 25 years flowers have bloomed up to 12 days earlier than previously and the seasonal timing of reproduction has shifted forward by 11 days between 1976 and 2005. However Woodlands Trust scientist Dr Kate Lewthwaite warned, “Species fooled by warmer weather into early activity, blossoming or breeding, such as frogs, could be vulnerable to the sort of freeze not uncommon in February or March.”

The Met Office’s four-week forecast for February is that it will be cold and if last Spring is anything to go by Devon would be well advised to follow the old adage of ne’er casting a clout till May be out.

JOHN FISHER

IMA

GE

courtesy of N

ational P

ortrait Gallery

A ccording to a recent report from the Financial Services Consumer Panel, the Retail

Distribution Review (known as RDR) has triggered a “massive shift“ to non-advised sales for those reaching retirement age who take out an annuity. Simply put, consumers have decided to save money, go to a website buy their annuity on-line without advice and take out a DIY solution. This ought

to be straightforward except for the fact that things aren`t always how they seem.

One of the report's biggest criticisms was that consumers who buy from a website without advice are left to deal with opaque commission charging structures and it was found that DIY annuities sometimes have commissions payable of up to 6%*. It is possible

that some consumers might not be aware of this commission although I understand that the amount should be detailed on their annuity illustration. Consumers may also be left unaware of the lack of regulatory protection because they don’t read through the small print which points out that they will not be receiving advice and even if they do it was found that they may not even understand the ramifi cations of this. The report notes that, generally, there are concerns about outcomes for consumers which tend to be patchy and also the lack of transparency on charges which leaves consumers in the dark.

Need help managing your

investments?Our practice can provide risk graded advisory portfolios and a regular valuation a n d m o n i t o r i n g service using the latest technology. We specialise in this service.

Approaching or in retirement?

For those approaching or in retirement, ensure that all your options have been considered. We research the whole market to fi nd the most suitable annuity and retirement options. We specialise in this service.

As more Independent Financial Advisors are

leaving the industry, put off by a rapidly

changing sector and an ever increasing burden of

compliance and continuing professional development,

Sidmouth based Richmond Independent Financial Advisors are delighted

to be celebrating twenty one years of business

in East Devon.

Independent Financial Adviser Celebrating 21 years of Business in East Devon

Richmond Independent is a trading name of Investment & Financial Solutions Partnership LLP which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

*6% for enhanced annuities and 3% for standard annuities according to the Financial Services Consumer Panel report

MANAGING your MONEY

Helen MulvaneyBA (Hons), Dip M, DipPFS

Proprietor of Richmond Independent

Helen has been advising clients in the East Devon area for the past 21 years and specialises in the provision of retirement and investment advice.

Her fi rm also provides a specialist annuities ser vice for people approaching retirement and newly retired, which operates nationally.

To fi nd out more about her practice, you can view her company website at:

www.richmondindependent.co.uk

01395 512166

* RECENT NEWS *Helen's recently been awarded the DipPFS

Retirement OptionsWhat's the Cost?

"consumers who buy from a website

without advice are left to deal with opaque

commission charging structures"

Interestingly, RDR has been lauded as a way to increase transparency on charges but in this case it has simply muddied the waters. Paradoxically, the commission paid for a non-advised DIY annuity sale (up to 6% for an enhanced annuity) may be signifi cantly higher than an adviser's fee.

Taking all things into consideration, the non-advised route might be practical for those with small pension pots, however, if you take this route you must still be sure of your options and be aware that you could get enhancements even for small lifestyle issues. My practice off ers independent advice on all retirement options which helps pin-point the most suitable options for their circumstances. Today there is an array of products available for those who want to explore all possible options and consider alternatives to annuitising their pension funds and in such a wide and complex market it makes sense to take advice so that you are aware of all the advantages and prepared for any disadvantages. For those whose retirement options require on-going advice we provide a comprehensive service with an annual meeting and review of your situation. Taking advice on such an important area of your fi nances is

just common sense and could make all the diff erence to your retirement years.

For retirement and investment help please contact Helen Mulvaney of Richmond Independent on 01395 512166 (initial consultations are free of charge).


BEECH ROYD 6 BENNETTS HILL SIDMOUTH DEVON EX10 9XH

Richmond Independent is a trading name of Investment and Financial Solutions Partnership LLP which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority

VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT:

www.richmondindependent.co.uk email: [email protected]

OR CALL

01395 512166

Providing Specialist Retirement and annuity Advice for the last 21 years in East Devon

Independent

A ccording to a recent report from the Financial Services Consumer Panel, the Retail

Distribution Review (known as RDR) has triggered a “massive shift“ to non-advised sales for those reaching retirement age who take out an annuity. Simply put, consumers have decided to save money, go to a website buy their annuity on-line without advice and take out a DIY solution. This ought

to be straightforward except for the fact that things aren`t always how they seem.

One of the report's biggest criticisms was that consumers who buy from a website without advice are left to deal with opaque commission charging structures and it was found that DIY annuities sometimes have commissions payable of up to 6%*. It is possible

that some consumers might not be aware of this commission although I understand that the amount should be detailed on their annuity illustration. Consumers may also be left unaware of the lack of regulatory protection because they don’t read through the small print which points out that they will not be receiving advice and even if they do it was found that they may not even understand the ramifi cations of this. The report notes that, generally, there are concerns about outcomes for consumers which tend to be patchy and also the lack of transparency on charges which leaves consumers in the dark.

Need help managing your

investments?Our practice can provide risk graded advisory portfolios and a regular valuation a n d m o n i t o r i n g service using the latest technology. We specialise in this service.

Approaching or in retirement?

For those approaching or in retirement, ensure that all your options have been considered. We research the whole market to fi nd the most suitable annuity and retirement options. We specialise in this service.

As more Independent Financial Advisors are

leaving the industry, put off by a rapidly

changing sector and an ever increasing burden of

compliance and continuing professional development,

Sidmouth based Richmond Independent Financial Advisors are delighted

to be celebrating twenty one years of business

in East Devon.

Independent Financial Adviser Celebrating 21 years of Business in East Devon

Richmond Independent is a trading name of Investment & Financial Solutions Partnership LLP which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

*6% for enhanced annuities and 3% for standard annuities according to the Financial Services Consumer Panel report

MANAGING your MONEY

Helen MulvaneyBA (Hons), Dip M, DipPFS

Proprietor of Richmond Independent

Helen has been advising clients in the East Devon area for the past 21 years and specialises in the provision of retirement and investment advice.

Her fi rm also provides a specialist annuities ser vice for people approaching retirement and newly retired, which operates nationally.

To fi nd out more about her practice, you can view her company website at:

www.richmondindependent.co.uk

01395 512166

* RECENT NEWS *Helen's recently been awarded the DipPFS

Retirement OptionsWhat's the Cost?

"consumers who buy from a website

without advice are left to deal with opaque

commission charging structures"

Interestingly, RDR has been lauded as a way to increase transparency on charges but in this case it has simply muddied the waters. Paradoxically, the commission paid for a non-advised DIY annuity sale (up to 6% for an enhanced annuity) may be signifi cantly higher than an adviser's fee.

Taking all things into consideration, the non-advised route might be practical for those with small pension pots, however, if you take this route you must still be sure of your options and be aware that you could get enhancements even for small lifestyle issues. My practice off ers independent advice on all retirement options which helps pin-point the most suitable options for their circumstances. Today there is an array of products available for those who want to explore all possible options and consider alternatives to annuitising their pension funds and in such a wide and complex market it makes sense to take advice so that you are aware of all the advantages and prepared for any disadvantages. For those whose retirement options require on-going advice we provide a comprehensive service with an annual meeting and review of your situation. Taking advice on such an important area of your fi nances is

just common sense and could make all the diff erence to your retirement years.

For retirement and investment help please contact Helen Mulvaney of Richmond Independent on 01395 512166 (initial consultations are free of charge).


bradburysltd.co.uk

Just imagine your perfect kitchen designed and placed seamlessly into your home.

No stress. No problems. Just everything arranged for you:

Inspired ideas, cutting-edge appliances and skilled installation.

East Devon Coast and Country Feb 14

Documents

Transcript of East Devon Coast and Country Feb 14