East Devon Coast and Country Magazine Feb 13

FREECovering East Devon, Exeter & West Dorset

EAST DEVON

February/March 2013

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

“Your carers have been looking after my mum Laura Fletcher for a while now. I would just like to say a huge thank you.

They are kind, thoughtful, and actually take an interest in their work. Well done Pinewood.”

– Peter Fletcher

“I try to join in the activities at Pinewood every

day of the week.

It keeps me young and nimble

I really love bowling on the Wii”

– Judy Lindley

“I enjoy being at Pinewood.

I feel like I’m at home rather than in a nursing home and

I’m well looked after.”

– Rosemary Humphries

Why not get in touch with us today to fi nd out what we can do to help you or your loved ones retain their freedom, dignity and independence. Call us on the number below or visit our website for more information.

Pinewood Home Care is an independent Domiciliary Care Agency, established by Pinewood Residential & Nursing Home, providing a wide range of care services to assist people in their home, on a one-to-one basis, allowing them to live independently.

Situated in the beautiful conservation area of Budleigh Salterton, Pinewood Residential & Nursing Home provides stunning views of the Jurassic coast and a level of care that is second-to-none.

Pinewood Residential & Nursing Homeand Pinewood Home Care

33 Victoria Place, Budleigh Salterton, Devon, EX9 6JP

Call us on 01395 446 161, email us at [email protected] visit our website at www.pinewoodonline.co.uk

Pinewood Home Care Logo

Pinewood Letterhead Logo

1EAST DEVON Coast & Country

6. Forthcoming EventsFind out what's not to miss.

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

12. Art ExhibitionsForthcoming events and art blog.

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

18. Fashion and BeautyRetail therapy for women.

22. Gifted with LoveGreat Ideas for Valentine's Day.

24. Eating OutGreat places to dine in the region.

28. Fossil HuntersThe Philpots & Mary Anning.

31. The CountrymanKeep abreast of wildlife matters.

32. Dreamy Storage IdeasAmanda Crump shares her home tips.

44. Luppitt FontA 1000 year old font - Nigel Jones.

47. Nelson's Parting ShotThough provoking facts from John Fisher.

48. Lion Attack on CoachA wholly unusual incident!

52. Tide TimetablesTide times from Lyme to Exmouth.

54. Shute WalkIllustrated walk with Nigel Jones.

60. A Time Before BeechingThe Lyme Regis line by Mike Clements.

62. Aerial ViewTopsham viewed from the air

66. Tales of a YokelYarns from the inimitable FCR Esgen.

68. A Trust for ChurchesPreserving our churches for the future.

70. Horse Care - ThoughtsEquine advice from Natalie Bucklar.

72. Life MattersHealth & wellbeing issues.

76. Business AdviceValuable tips from Katina Styles

78. Cream of the CropBusiness stars for the region.

80. Financial MattersFrom local IFA, Helen Mulvaney.

Feb-Mar ISSUE NO 15

Contents

60 18

44

6

18

12

28

2EAST DEVON Coast & Country for What's On, visit: eastdevonhub .co.uk

Cover photo: N.Jones Taken in Sidmouth 2012 ©

CONTRIBUTORSNigel Jones, John Fisher,Katina Styles, Helen Mulvaney,FCR Esgen, Tony Jackson,Amanda Crump,Mike Clements, Hanneke Coates-Hoorn,Natalie Bucklar-Green,Jill Cooke, Hazel Fergie.

MAGAZINEEditor and publisher: Nigel Jonestel. 01395 [email protected]

Production:Charlotte [email protected]

For advertising call: 01395 513383 or email:[email protected]

otherwise01395 568025 or email:[email protected]

All images copyright N.Jonesunless otherwise credited

FREECovering East Devon, Exeter & West Dorset

EAST DEVON

February/March 2013

Editor's LetterA warm welcome to the February & March issue of the East Devon Coast & Country magazine.

Not long now and we'll start to see the days drawing out a bit further. You really get to know spring is here when you can feel that early season sun warming your back - it's a great feeling, knowing that the best of the year is all ahead.

We've been busy here at the magazine, working on a new development that hopefully will benefit everyone in the region. One of my long-term gripes has been the lack of really good "What's On" information provision in the region. If you've tried searching the internet, there's dribs and drabs of event information all over the place, which really negates the usefulness of the internet. Well I'm happy to tell you that there's now a new What's On website for East Devon, Exeter & West Dorset called eastdevonhub.co.uk

The reason we've called it "hub" is because that's exactly what it is, a hub, where anyone with events

they need to promote, can access it to feed their event dates into this hub. There are currently 1,600 local organisations registered with this new website that wish to use it to promote their events. What's great is that it's all FREE to use, and if you're an organisation looking to promote your events, the website allows you to log into your page and add events instantly, it's that easy!

To visit this new website, go to:

From now on, you will see this website address appear regularly in all the magazine titles we produce.

Dear reader, I invite you to try it out for yourself.

Kind regards

Nigel Jones (Editor)

www.eastdevonhub .co.uk

www.exeter.gov.uk/guidedtours

t: 01392 265203Daily tours except

25 & 26 Dec

Ghosts & LegendsHeart of Exeter

Cathedral to QuayExeter Old & New

FREE Exeter Red CoatGuided Tours

Redcoat 64x91mm ad 030712_Redcoat 64x91mm ad 030712 03/07/2012 15:

Daily tours forFeb & Mar 13

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: DOWNSIZE for Dolls House furniture. www.modelgarage.co.uk

ARE YOU RESPONSIBLEFOR PROMOTINGYOUR ORGANISATION'SEVENTS?

If you are, you can register with eastdevonhub.co.uk in order to add your event information into this website. It's totally free to use. There are currently 1,600 local organisations from tourist based businesses, to clubs, societies, charities, associations registered on this platform.

All you need to do is go to www.eastdevonhub.co.ukand go to the 'Register' menu option (lower left hand side of screen). You need to complete and submit. We will then setup your organisation on the website so you can then gain access to adding unlimited event information.

WANT TO KNOWWHAT'S ON?Just go to:eastdevonhub.co.uk

it's easy!


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SALE AGREED

SOLD

Dentist...

You wouldn't use an UNLICENSED

...why would you use an UNLICENSED Estate Agent?

Always ask your Agent if they are an NAEA member.

www.naea.co.uk

Do you want your property transaction to be handled safely and professionally?Instruct an NAEA member because:

• They are members of a regulatory body and are subject to control and regulation• They ensure that your property is handled safely and with care• They are experienced property professionals offering informed local advice• They provide access to a complaints process should things go wrong

The Property Professionals

The Property Professionals


EAST DEVON PROPERTY REVIEW 2012/13

STARTED WELL AND FINISHED WELLBuying property and moving home came back on people’s agenda in 2012. After a very quiet 2011, the momentum in the market picked up and although it was somewhat unpredictable with ebbs and fl ows, it was a very good year with sales in our Honiton offi ce up by over 50%!

PRICING IS THE KEYA property has its biggest impact when it fi rst comes to the market so correct initial pricing is essential if the sale is to be successful. This is well illustrated by a pretty cottage we sold near Honiton which came to the market at our recommended fi gure of £425,000. It had 50 viewings in two weeks, and went to ‘best and fi nal offers’ when eleven were received and the property sold quickly in excess of the guide.

SHORTAGE OF THE ‘RIGHT STUFF’We are fi nding 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 £800,000, there is always a shortage for that exceptional property. For instance period farmhouses with outbuildings and a few acres, or classic former rectories/vicarages are always in keen demand.

WHAT OF 2013?Providing that there are no more fi nancial shocks such as a ‘triple dip’, we anticipate that property prices will begin to fi rm up and possibly increase by 2 or 3%. We fi nd that it is often the ‘early bird’ (properties coming to the market before the spring rush) which are very successful, so our advice is not to leave it too late – you will only have more competition for buyers.

chestertonhumberts.com

Chesterton Humberts105 High Street, Honiton, Devon EX14 1PE01404 42456

75 Offi ces • 5 Continents • 11 Countries • Russia • Italy • France • Spain • South Africa • Australia • Singapore• UAE • Barbados • Gibraltar • United Kingdom

Che 3463 East Devon coast 297x210 v2.indd 1 14/01/2013 17:27

Forthcoming Events


MAIN EVENTS

POWDERHAM WEDDING SHOW 23 to 24 Mar - A wealth of wedding supplies to cater for every budget, large or small. Explore the variety, be inspired by novel ideas, ask questions and sample the goods on offer, Powderham Castle.

Fairs

MADE WITH LOVE 23 Feb - At least 50 stalls of unique crafts and gifts with vintage cars, a high tea and a charity prize draw for Balloons of Exeter, Exeter Castle. 10am till 4pm.

EXETER RECORD & CD FAIR 16 Mar - The region’s biggest record fair, and a must for music lovers, collectors and bargain hunters, St. Georges Hall, Exeter.

WEDDING FAYRE 16 and 17 Mar - An exclusive Haldon Belvedere Wedding Fayre at Haldon Belvedere, Haldon Hill. 11am-3pm. 01392 833846.

Festivals

LAUGH OUT LOUD FESTIVAL Until 10 Feb - Exeter’s exciting comedy festival with stand-up, slapstick and open mic, various venues.

WINTER WARMED Until 16 Feb - Beckett’s Endgame as centrepiece of three-week drama festival, The Bike Shed Theatre, Exeter, 7.30pm.

LYME REGIS WALKING FESTIVAL 9 to 16 Feb - Organised activities: a walking quiz; treasure hunt; a stroll along the River Lym; electric bike tours of Lyme Regis, Marshwood Vale, Charmouth and some historical villages nearby; daily fossil walks with entrance to the museum. Further walks include The Undercliff, Jane Austen's Footsteps and History of the Cobb, Lyme Regis. Some age restrictions. Charges apply for most activities.

ANIMATED EXETER 18 to 23 Feb - Award Screenings. Masterclasses, inspiring outside projections, competitions and Animation Events, Venues across Exeter.

VIBRAPHONIC FESTIVAL '13 8 to 23 Mar - It's an annual occasion with events taking place across Exeter around twenty venues including the Exeter Phoenix, the Cavern, Barnfield, and more. Various venues across Exeter.

LYME REGIS BEER FESTIVAL 30 Mar, Lyme Regis.

LOCAL EVENTS

AONB 50TH ANNIVERSARY WRITING COMPETITION A 'golden' opportunity awaits the region’s aspiring writers within the next few months. 2013 marks the 50th anniversary of the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and as part of the celebrations they are running a writing competition themed ‘Life and Landscape’. The only criteria are that the work should include a specific identified location within the East Devon AONB and the piece is original and unpublished. Details can be found on www.eastdevonaonb.org.uk. Get writing...!

BRIDAL VIEWING OF HALDON BELVEDERE 2, 9, 17 and 24 Feb - Haldon Belvedere, Haldon Hill. 01392 833846

CONCERT FOR KENYA 9 Feb - Sidmouth Gospel Choir with Salvation Army Youth Band, Sidmouth Parish Church. Free Entry.

SPRING HOLIDAY HUNT 15 Feb - Younger visitors can have great fun finding the 10 wooden flowers featuring some of the springtime donkeys hidden around the

Sanctuary, Donkey Sanctuary Visitors' Centre, Sidmouth 10.00am-4.00pm, £1.

SIDMOUTH LIONS CHARITY CONCERT 23 Feb - Sidmouth town band, Manor Pavilion, Sidmouth, 7.30pm.

CATHEDRA 900 Mar - Creative Workshops during March, there will be six, one day creative workshops for young people from the local area, staged in the Cathedral’s Chapter House. The six workshops will be for Creative Writing, Digital Photography, Digital Video, Performance, Voice Coaching and Drawing. The theme for all workshops will be ‘900 years’, Exeter Cathedral.

RIVER AXE RACE 3 Mar - Annual canoe/kayak event, starting Whitford Bridge.

OVER MY DEAD BODY 4 to 9 Mar - Play by Derek Benfield, Salterton Drama Club, Salterton Playhouse, Budleigh Salterton.

THE GRIZZLY 10 Mar - Approx. 20 muddy, hilly, boggy, beachy miles of the variable-terrain running experience you will find, Seaton. 10.30am.

MOTHER'S DAY OPEN AFTERNOON 10 Mar - Take a stroll in the grounds and witness the Spring in all its glory. Afternoon tea will be available in the Chapel. Dogs on leads welcome. £1.50 adults, free for children under 16. No need to book. Poltimore, Exeter, 12.00 to 4.00pm.

BUTTON MAKING 16 Mar - Join Jo Hunter of West Country Creative for a one-day workshop making

February & March 2013

AXE VALE ORCHESTRA at COLYTONENGLISH TOURING OPERA at NORTHCOTTHIGH SOCIETY at THEATRE ROYAL

promote your Events free on: eastdevonhub .co.uk

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:

Forthcoming Events


gorgeous tailor-made buttons. The event will take place in the warm surroundings of their studio. A light lunch and afternoon tea are included in the price. All equipment and materials are supplied, Poltimore, Exeter, from 10am to 4pm. £35. Booking essential.

MARK BEBBINGTON 14 Mar - Classical pianist and accompanist, Seaton Town Hall 7.30pm.

EXETER BACH SOCIETY 16 Mar - Mint Methodist, Exeter, 7.30pm.

NORMAN LOCKYER OBSERVATORY 23 Mar - Open Day - part of National Science & Engineering Week, Norman Lockyer Observatory, Sidmouth.

ST. JOHN PASSION 23 Mar - James MacMillan,City of Bath Bach Choir, Wellension Consort, South Bank Sinfonia, Exeter Cathedral, 7.30pm.

GOOD FRIDAY HOT CROSS BUN GIVEAWAY 29 Mar - Bedford Lawn Car Park, Sidmouth, 9.00am

THE SOUND OF MUSIC 30 Mar to 6 Apr - A favourite family show, Sidmouth Arts Operatic Society. Manor Pavilion, Sidmouth, 7.30pm (Saturday matinees at 2.30pm).

EASTER BONNET PARADE 31 Mar - Make an Easter bonnet and take it to the Baptist Church Hall for judging and then parade throughout the streets of Lyme Regis, accompanied by the Lyme Regis Junior Band and the Lyme Regis Majorettes to Theatre Square Lyme Regis, judging 1.30pm.

Comedy

TOO SCARED TO LEAVE THE HOUSE 2 Feb - stand-up comic Lee Hurst encourages you to go out and laugh in the face of doom, Corn Exchange, Exeter, 7.30pm.

ALEX HORNE 8 Feb - Seven Years in the Bathroom. Exeter Corn Exchange.

HAL CRUTTENDEN 10 Feb - Edge Comedy Club, Exeter Phoenix.

CHRIS ADDISON 24 Feb - Manchester based comedian, Northcott Theatre, Exeter.

WIT TANK 24 Feb - Three-man sketch group, Exeter Phoenix.

JETHRO 25 Feb - Corn Exchange, Exeter.

MILTON JONES ON THE ROAD TOUR 2013 8 Mar - All killer, no thriller from surreal one-liner machine, Princess Theatre, Torquay.

EDGE COMEDY CLUB 10 Mar - Carl Donnelly, Rob Deering, Northcott Theatre, Exeter. 7.30pm.

Theatrical

DIRTY DANCING Until 9 Feb - Dirty Dancing is an unprecedented live experience, exploding with heart-pounding music, passionate romance and sensationally sexy dancing. Theatre Royal, Plymouth.

GOODNIGHT MRS PUFFIN 7 to 9 Feb - Play by Arthur Lovegrove, Sidbury Into Drama (SIDS), Sidbury Village Hall.

MIRACLE THEATRE PRESENT FRANKENSTEIN! 9 Feb - Story of unrequited love, confused monsters and science gone mad, Stockland Village Hall, Nr. Honiton, 7.30pm.

THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE 12 to 16 Feb - Musical, Northcott Theatre, Exeter.

DOLLY PARTON'S 9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL 18 to 23 Feb - A hilarious story of friendship, gossip and revenge, Princess Theatre, Torquay, 7.30pm.

EXTREME IMAGINATION 19 to 23 Feb - An exploration of childhood - nostalgic, elegiac, painful, wry and terrifying, Age over 12, Cygnet New Theatre, Exeter 7.30pm to 8.45pm.

FRANKENSTEIN 20 Feb - Miracle Theatre, Exeter Phoenix, Exeter, 7.00pm.

THE LOCK IN 25 Feb - The Demon Barbers promise to do for English folk dance what Riverdance did for Irish dance and Diversity did for street dance, Exeter Phoenix.

THE RISE AND FALL OF LITTLE VOICE 25 Feb to 2 Mar - A night of music, divas and romance, written and directed by Jim Cartwright, Princess Theatre, Torquay, 7.30pm.

HAIRY BIKERS 7 Mar - Larger than live, with tales of their culinary expeditions, some hair-raising, many ridiculous and all of them shared in the Bikers’ inimitable style, Princess Theatre, Torquay, 7.30pm.

RUSSIAN COSSACKS 7 Mar - Russian State Ensemble, Exmouth Pavilions, 7.30pm.

SHOWSTOPPER 16 Mar - The Improvised Musical, Princess Theatre, Torquay, 7.30pm.

THE HOLLOW 19 to 23 Mar - A murder mystery, by Exeter Theatre Company. Performed in an annexe next to Alphington Village Hall called The Shed, Exeter.

THE SOUND OF MUSIC 30 Mar to 6 Apr - Sidmouth Arts Club and Operatic Society present The Sound of Music

CONTINUED OVERLEAF


AXE VALE ORCHESTRA at COLYTON

fHONITONestivalthe

Honiton Festival Winter 2013Lunchtime ConcertsFriday February 22nd 1.00pmJOHAN LOFVING GuitarYU-WEI HU Flute

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

www.thehonitonfestival.co.uk

Box Office 01404 43716

HAYDN – Piano Trio in G, Hob. XV:25 “Gipsy Rondo”SCHUBERT – Notturno in E flat Op.148, D.897RAVEL – Piano Trio in A minor

GLUCK – Dance of the Blessed Spirits, arranged for flute and guitarPAGANINI – Cantabile in D Major, Op.17GUILIANI – Grand Duo Concertant in A, Op.85SOR – Fantasie Elegiaque, Op.59SCHUBERT – Songs arranged for flute and guitar

Friday March 22nd 1.00pmHEPPLEWHITE PIANO TRIO

Lunchtime tickets £9.00 unreservedProgramme and lunch on sale from 12.00 noon

BOX OFFICE Honiton Tourist Information Centre

A young ensemble who are passionate about bringing a fresh approach to classical music. After forming in 2009 they have built success quickly, winning many prizes. They perform regularly for chamber music societies and concert series across the country. They are Junior Fellows at Birmingham Conservatoire – a position they will hold for 2012-2013.

Flautist Yu-Wei Hu and guitarist Johan Löfving formed their duo Flauguissimo in 2008. They have performed at venues including the V&A Museum, National Gallery and Kings Place as well as in the Cadogan Hall Lunchtime Concert Series and for the Brighton Early Music Festival. Abroad they have performed in the Allsköns Music Festival.

2 hairy bikers, currently slimming down.Appearing at Princess Theatre


showing nightly at 7.30 (apart from Sun) and matinees at 2.30 on both Sat. Tickets £14 (£10 for children u16 at both matinees). Manor Pavilion, Sidmouth.

THAT'LL BE THE DAY 31 Mar - Rock ‘n’ roll spectacular featuring a fantastic line up of knock-out hits from the 1950s, 60s and 70s, Princess Theatre, Torquay, 7.30pm.

JUKEBOX AND BOBBYSOX 31 Mar - Exmouth Pavilion, 7.30pm.

Tribute Bands

JIVE TALKIN’ 15 Feb - Tribute to the Bee Gees, Exmouth Pavilion, 7.30pm.

ROD STEWART TRIBUTE 23 Feb - The voice, the look, the charisma, The Gateway, Seaton Town Hall.

ABBA TRIBUTE NIGHT 8 Mar - Get your metallic flared jumpsuits out and retro platform shoes on and get ready to be a Dancing Queen for the night. Sing the night away with the 70’s classics, (in aid of the Adam Stansfield Foundation) Mercure Southgate Hotel, Exeter, 7.00pm.

ClassicalConcerts

GYPSY WATKINS 2 Feb - Performing some of the greatest opera arias, popular power ballads, and spiritual music, Exeter Cathedral, 7.30pm.

DEVON BAROQUE 16 Feb - Colyton Parish Church is hosting a concert (all Bach, cantatas and suites) from Devon's only professional chamber orchestra. Colyton.

AXE VALE ORCHESTRA 24 Feb - In the 7th year of giving classical concerts in the area, Feoffees hall, Colyton. Adults £9 from The Archway Bookshop, Axminster and Brainwave, Colyton, 3pm.

MARK BEBBINGTON 14 Mar - Seaton Music presents a piano recital by this British pianist of rarest refinement and maturity, Seaton Town Hall, 7.30pm.

LUNCHTIME CONCERT 22 Mar - Hepplewhite Piano Trio, St Paul’s Church, Honiton, 1pm (lunch on sale from 12 noon).

Opera

COSI FAN TUTTE 19 to 20 Feb - English Touring Company. A cynical gentleman’s conviction that women cannot be faithful sets in motion a chain of deceit, disguise and desire in the most perfect ensemble opera ever written, Northcott Theatre, Exeter 7.30pm.

PARSIFAL 2 Mar - New York Met’s performance of Wagner’s final masterpiece, beamed to Picture House Cinema, Exeter, 12.30pm.

CARMEN 13 Mar - Opera International, starring international mezzo soprano Nadia Stoianova, whose portrayal of Carmen has won rapturous reviews. This is the story of a bewitching gypsy girl whose tantalising beauty lures a soldier to desertion and ultimately leads to her own murder, Princess Theatre, Torquay.7.30pm.

FRANCESCA DA RIMINI 16 Mar - New York Met’s performance of Zandonai’s compelling opera beamed to Picture House Cinema, Exeter, 12.30pm.

SIMON BOCCANEGRA 21 and 23 Mar - A new Verdi production by English Touring Company, Northcott Theatre, Exeter 7.30pm.

THE SIEGE OF CALAIS 22 Mar - L'assedio di Calais by English Touring Company, Northcott Theatre, Exeter 7.30pm.

THE ADVENTURES OF ALICE IN WONDERLAND 28 Mar - ROH performance beamed to Picture House Cinema, Exeter, 7.15pm.

Ballet

DON QUIXOTE 10 Feb - Bolshoi Ballet’s performance (captured March 2010), Picture House Cinema, Exeter, 7.30pm.

SLEEPING BEAUTY 15 Mar - A new Verdi production by English Touring Company, Vienna Festival Ballet, Princess Theatre Torquay.

THE RITE OF SPRING 31 Mar - The Bolshoi’s performance of Stravinsky’s ballet re-choreographed for its 100th anniversary and beamed live to Picture House Cinema, Exeter, 4pm.

Childrens'Entertainment

EXTREME IMAGINATION: EXETER CHILDREN'S LITERATURE 2013 16 to 23 Feb - Venues throughout the city including Exeter Northcott and the Bike Shed Theatre. Exeter.

MADAGASCAR LIVE 21 to 24 Feb - First arena tour of Dreamworks Live. Westpoint Arena, Exeter.

MOSCOW STATE CIRCUS 3 Mar - The most famous circus in the world is transformed by combining the contemporary and the classical in a way never before witnessed, Princess Theatre, Torquay, 7.30pm.

MOTHER AFRICA 21 Mar - The circus is an experiential feast for the senses; an opportunity to be touched by the many varied and rich cultures that Africa has to offer, Princess Theatre, Torquay, 7.30pm.

FARMERS &Country Markets

BUDLEIGH SALTERTON FARMERS' MARKET Rolle Mews Car Park, last Friday, 9am-1pm.

EXETER FARMERS' MARKET Top of Fore Street/South Street, Thursday, 9am-2pm.

EXMINSTER MARKET First Saturday every month, 9.30am-12.30pm.

EXMOUTH FARMERS' MARKET The Strand Gardens, Exmouth, alternate Wednesdays, 9am-1pm.

HONITON LOCAL PRODUCE MARKET High Street, third Thursday, Easter to October.

HONITON WOMEN'S GUILD COUNTRY MARKET Mackarness Hall, Friday, 9.30-11am.

OTTERY ST MARY FARMERS' MARKET Land of Canaan Car Park, first Friday, 9am-1pm.

OTTERY ST MARY COMMUNITY MARKET The Institute, Ottery St Mary, last Saturday, 9.30am-12.30pm.

STOCKLAND COUNTRY MARKET Last Saturday, Stockland Victory Hall, 10am-12 noon.

MARKET DAYS

AXMINSTER STREET MARKET Trinity Square, Thursday, 8.30am-3pm.

CULLOMPTON INDOOR MARKET Town Hall, Wednesday, 9am-1pm.

EXETER LIVESTOCK AND PANNIER MARKET Exeter Livestock Centre, Monday and Friday, 10.30am.

HONITON STREET MARKET Every Tuesday and Saturday, 9am.

Collectors

DEVON COUNTY ANTIQUES & COLLECTORS FAIR 23 Feb - Inside stands at ground floor level in the one exhibition hall, plus space on hard standings outside the hall.

CRIKEY - IT’S A SPRING FLING 2 Mar - Local vintage sellers and handmade artists, with entertainment from Company B, Thistle Hotel, Exeter.

EXHIBITIONS

EXPOWEST WESTCOUNTRY 6 to 7 Feb -This exhibition is a showcase of innovation & new products for caterers, hospitality providers and retailers, Westpoint Arena, Exeter.

PETAL POWER Until 10 Mar - The hand drawn and painted textile design work of women employed by the Silver Studio of Design in London between 1910 and 1940, Royal Albert Memorial Museum, Exeter.


Forthcoming Events

eastdevonhub .co.uk

Get your events listed now!

If you register with eastdevonhub, you can take advantage of unlimited event promotion on the website.

Go to the website now and register with us to take advantage of this free promotional facility.

Saturday 16th March 11am-3pm

Sunday 17th March 11am-3pm

Amy Carson - soprano - Devon Baroqueat Colyton Church on 16th Feb

Moscow State Circus at Princess Theatre


ARE YOU RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR CLUB / CHARITY /ORG's EVENT PROMOTION? CALL 01395 513383 TO GET ADDED TO OUR EVENTS LIST.

All Welcome!For further information Tel: 01395 272148

E: [email protected]: www.stpetersprep.co.uk

The Gift of Opportunity……….

SCHOOL OPEN DAY&

SENIOR SCHOOL’S EXHIBITION(Meet over 10 of the area’s leading Independent Secondary Schools)

Come and visit us to plan your child’s next steps.

SATURDAY 16th MARCH (10am – 2pm)

www.matford.landrover.co.uk

Drive responsibly on and off-road.

RANGE OF FUEL ECONOMY FIGURES FOR THE RANGE ROVER EVOQUE RANGE IN MPG (L/100KM): URBAN 23.7 (11.9) – 47.9 (5.9) EXTRA URBAN 40.9 (6.9) – 62.8 (4.5) COMBINED 32.5 (8.7) – 57.6 (4.9) CO2 EMISSIONS 199 – 129 G/KM.

RANGE ROVER EVOQUETHE POWER OF PRESENCE

EMO The Old Rectory, Vicarage Lane, Highworth, Wiltshire SN6 7AD 01793 767300 C M Y K PMS PMS

File name: 001882_91x133_RRE Power Presence_Red_Bespoke_Mag_Matford Client: Land Rover Account: Ewa

Size: 91x133 Studio: MC

Mod. date: January 31, 2012 10:26 AM Version: 1

Route: Work Server:Land Rover:Offl ine:Press Masters:Bespoke:001882_91x133_RRE Power Presence_Red_Bespoke_Mag_Matford.indd

Creative: Neil Notes: Margins etc adjusted at Neils request due to size

v2Production: Vicki


GENERAL

Thursdays - Jam sessions, The Sorry Head, Exeter, 9pm.

Thursdays - Live music, The Oddfellows, Exeter, 9pm.

Sundays - Easy Sundays with Phil Evans, songs from the 60s to the present day, Axminster Inn, Axminster, 12.30pm.

First Friday - Open Mic Night, Dolphin Hotel, Beer.

First Friday - Matthew Finnish, with cover songs and originals, The Pilot Inn, Exmouth, 9-11pm.

6 Feb - Ethan Johns, winner of 2012 Brit Award for Best British Producer, Exeter Phoenix, 8pm.

15 Feb - Modestep, band with a genre-hopping sound and giving an intense, theatrical and furiously energetic live show, The Lemon Grove, Exeter University, 7.30pm.

17 Feb - Frightened Rabbit, guitar-based indie band from Selkirk + Wintersleep, Exeter Phoenix, 8pm.

23 Feb - The Kaiser Chiefs, see opposite, The Great Hall, Exeter University, 7pm.

25 Feb - The Lock In, and The Demon Barbers, Exeter Phoenix, 8pm.

1 Mar - Slamboree, Balkan music, (over 18s only), Exeter Phoenix, 9.30pm.

2 Mar - The Selecter, re-formed and featuring original lead singers Pauline Black and Arthur ‘Gaps’ Hendrickson, Exeter Phoenix, 8.30pm.

10 Mar - The Lateshift popular function band, First & Last, Exmouth. 6pm.

13 Mar - The Colonel & The Governor UK Tour, Exeter Corn Exchange, 7.30pm.

16 Mar - The Dissemblers, guitar, bass and drums trio with something for everyone, Volunteer Inn, Honiton, 9-11.30pm.

23 Mar - Joe Brown, slide guitarist who has never stopped working, Palace Theatre, Torquay, 7.30pm.

23 Mar - The Dissemblers, Black Horse Inn, Sidmouth, 9.30pm.

24 Mar - Stornaway, the first unsigned band to be booked for the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury Festival, Exeter Phoenix, 8pm.

30 Mar - Martin Harley Band + Marc O’Reilly, powerhouse trio with that ‘British Americana’ sound, plus the new sensation of Irish acoustic roots, Exeter Phoenix, 8.30pm.

19 Feb - Heidi Talbot, Irish folk singer, Exeter Phoenix, 8pm.

21 Feb - June Tabor + Oysterband, Exeter Cathedral, 7.30pm.

3 Mar - Steve Knightley, songwriting force behind acoustic roots duo ‘Show of Hands’, Topsham Folk Club, Matthews Hall, Topsham, 8pm.

4 Mar - Willy Mason, folk, blues, and country singer/songwriter who captures the spirit of a time, a place, a generation, Exeter Phoenix, 8pm.

6 Mar - Boo Hewerdine, accomplished live performer with much heart and passion, Jurassic Folk & Acoustic, Grove Nite Club, Seaton, 7.45pm.

6 Mar - Robyn Hitchcock, fabulous guitarist with a multi-layered psychedelic sound that bites, Exeter Phoenix, 8pm.

8 Mar - Fairport Convention, with Fake Thackray: the originators of

JAZZ

First Wednesday - Bridge Jazz Club, (contact www.bridgejazzclub.com for venue), Exeter,8.30pm.

Third Thursday - City Steam Jazz Band, The Northbridge Inn, Exeter, 8.30-11pm.

Last Sunday - High Tea Jazz, with Pete Allen, Lakeview Manor, Dunkeswell, 5-7.30pm.

3 Feb - Just Misbehavin’, Sunday lunch, a glass of wine and swing jazz, The Grove, Exmouth, 2-4pm.

10 Feb - Pete Allen, the jazz maestro, Kennaway House, Sidmouth, 3pm.

16 Mar - Jazz Morley, with a repertoire of classic soul, jazz and pop songs, self-accompanied on the piano, Barnfield Theatre (Exeter Arts), 7.30pm.

29 Mar - Take4, The Bowd Inn, Sidmouth, 8pm.

FOLK ROOTS & ACOUSTIC

Mondays - The Amycrofters Folk Dance Band, Offwell Village Hall, 8-10.15pm.

Thursdays - Alan West & Steve Black, with their own brand of country and folk songs, Axminster Inn, Axminster, 6.30-9pm.

Sundays (unless Guest Night) - Singers' Night, Topsham Folk Club, The Globe Hotel, Topsham, 8-10.30pm.

Third Wednesday - Singers' Night, Jurassic Folk Club, Grove Nite Club, Seaton, 7.45pm.

6 Feb - Ethan Johns, solo performer leaning towards Folk, Exeter Phoenix, 8pm.

6 Feb - Steve Turner, one of the most popular performers of traditional folk music, Jurassic Folk & Acoustic, Grove Nite Club, Seaton, 8.15pm.

10 Feb - Andy White, blending folk and pop styles with a poet’s sensibility, Bedford Hotel, Sidmouth, 7.45pm.

10 Feb - Kelly Joe Phelps, whose achingly beautiful melody lies at the emotional core of his music, Topsham Folk Club, Matthews Hall,, Topsham, 8pm.

16 Feb - Great Western Ceilidh Band, with Chalktown Bowhill School, Buddle Lane, Exeter, 8pm.

17 Feb - Tyde, vibrant guitar, fiddle and accordion Folk trio, Matthews Hall, Topsham, 8pm.

British folk-rock, plus John Waterson’s tribute to Jake Thackray, Exeter Corn Exchange, Exeter Corn Exchange, 7.30pm.

16 Mar - Mad Dog Mcrea + Sound of Sirens, unique mix of folk-rock, pop, gypsy-jazz, bluegrass and ‘shake your ass’ music, plus the 3-girl band from Exeter, Exeter Phoenix, 8pm.

31 Mar - The Melrose Quartet, 4-part harmony singing with ADD , Matthews Hall, Topsham.

BLUES

15 Feb - Pitchbend, hi-energy mix of rhythm ‘n’ blues, soul and rock, Black Horse Inn, Sidmouth, 9.30pm.

1 Mar - Alex Kumar, keepin’ the Blues alive, Barnfield Music Club, Barnfield Theatre, Exeter, 7.30pm.

IF YOUR VENUE HAS LIVE MUSIC, get added to our events by emailing:

[email protected]

Monday 25 February, 8pmTHE LOCK IN, EXETER PHOENIXwww.thelockindanceshow.co.uk

Award-winning folk band The Demon Barbers bring The Lock In, their groundbreaking dance show, to Exeter in February. Formerly known as Time Gentlemen Please, the show merges the traditions of English folk dance with the syncopated acrobatics of street dance when the two worlds collide in an old pub after closing time. The skill, speed and athleticism of the dancers on both sides soon wins the others over as the old and new are brought together in an exciting and dynamic dance-off. This show is doing for folk dance what Riverdance has done for Irish dance. Tickets: £18 (£16 in advance). [email protected] Phoenix, Bradninch Place, Exeter EX4 3LSTel: 01392 66708 www.exeterphoenix.org.uk

photo courtesy of The Lock In

LIVE MUSIC EVENTS

February & March 2013Live Music


The Barnfield Music Club meets on the first Friday of the month in the Clifford Room at the Barnfield Theatre, Exeter. Formed four years ago, the Club gives the opportunity to singers, with instrumental or harmony accompaniment, to improve their talents and abilities before an audience in a theatre setting with a state-of-the-art sound system, operated by professional sound engineers, and stage lighting. “We’re not just another folk club,” they say. This approach has proved such a winner that the BMC has fast become the go-to club for aspiring young artists. “Wow, just like a proper theatre show!”, is the unanimous opinion. With a bar, café, and free parking nearby, this place is audience-friendly. Doors open at 7.30pm and the sets, usually 10 minutes per artist, start at 7.45pm.

On Friday 1st March, guest artist will

be up-and-coming Alex Kumar, singer-songwriter and acoustic guitarist, who is now a regular at folk/acoustic clubs round Devon. Influenced by 60s/70s blues-rock and pre-war blues, his style encompasses ragtime guitar, blues-rock country and jazz music. Like a young Dylan, his mission

is simple: Keepin’ the Blues alive. So if you love the Blues, get along to this rather special Club and see this rather special performer on the first Friday in March. Ticket: small fee (which doubles as a raffle ticket).

Barnfield Music Club www.barnfieldmusicclub.co.uk Tel: 07596 843373 (Secretary)Barnfield Theatre,Barnfield Road,ExeterEX1 1SN

www.barnfieldtheatre.org.uk Tel: 01392 270891

Alex Kumar: www.soundcloud.com/alex-kumar

BARNFIELD MUSIC CLUB"Giving new performers a chance to shine"

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

ROCK/H-METAL

10 Feb - Sink Your Teeth, hardcore from Your Demise, Heights, Counterpart, and FACT, Cavern Club, Exeter, 7.30pm.

5 Mar - The Joy Formidable, North Wales indie-grunge band, fronted by the enchanting Ritzy Bryan, Exeter Phoenix, 8pm.

9 Mar - Mike Watt + The Arteries, Cavern Club, Exeter, 8pm.

15 Mar - 4 Rock’s Sake, classic rock and blues, Black Horse Inn, Sidmouth, 9pm.

29 Mar - All At Sea, melodic rock post-hardcore band from Essex, The Shed, Exeter, 7.30pm.

30 and 31 Mar - Hawkwind, legendary space rock band holding an Easter weekend HawkFest, giving us blanga in all its glory, The Gateway, Seaton.

Saturday 23 February, 7.30pmKAISER CHIEFS, THE GREAT HALL, EXETER UNIVERSITYwww.kaiserchiefs.com

BRIT-Award winning Kaiser Chiefs take in Exeter University on their 2013 Tour. Famed for their phenomenal live act, the 5-piece alternative rock band from Leeds went from being

self-financing to becoming the darlings of the British Music press and have now achieved six million plus record sales, brought out five studio albums, and performed at the Closing Ceremony of the London Olympics. The band members met as lads and have stuck together - Ricky Wilson, lead vocals and percussion, Andrew “Whitey” White, guitar and backing vocals, Simon Rix, bass guitar and backing vocals, Nick “peanut” Baines, keyboard synths, and Nick Hodgson, drummer and backing vocals. Dedicated fans know these are true originals. Tickets: £25. The Great Hall, Exeter University, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4PY. Box Office: 01392 263518.

Saturday 16 March, 9pmTHE DISCLAIMERS/ THE DISSEMBLERS, VOLUNTEER INN, HONITON

Popular performers The Disclaimers/The Dissemblers offer something for everyone from The Beatles, Queen, Pink Floyd through to The Stranglers and Thin Lizzy. These guys have a huge repertoire and really know their stuff. Playing as a duo - two live guitars and vocals with good quality backing - they are known as The Disclaimers, as a trio - guitar, bass and drums - they are The Dissemblers. And it as The Dissemblers you can see them in March at The Volunteer in Honiton and the Black Horse Inn in Sidmouth. (Dates opposite). Available for weddings, corporate events and parties, they have their own PA system and lights, equipment is PAT-tested and they are fully insured with PLI, so you can book with confidence and be assured that you will enjoy a memorable celebration. Tel: 01404 892908/ 07900 104369 (Ged or Pete). Email: [email protected]

Friday 15th March, 8pmHEATHER WENSLEY AND PHILIP CLOUTS, MARINE THEATRE, LYME REGISHeather Wensley, West Country based jazz vocalist, and jazz pianist Philip Clouts are performing at the Marine Theatre’s Stage Door Bar on 15th March. You are in for an evening of lively jazz and gentle bossa novas combined with the sultry blues and exquisite ballads in the newest and most intimate jazz venue in Lyme Regis. Somerset-based Heather is a performer and singing teacher, proficient in jazz, pop, and classical styles. Experienced pianist Philip is currently touring the UK with his jazz quartet, but you might have already seen him at the Glastonbury Festival or at Ronnie Scott’s, the Mecca of jazz.

Tickets: £6 (£5 in advance) Marine Theatre, Church Street, Lyme Regis DT7 3QA. Tel: 01297 442138 www.marinetheatre.com

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photo courtesy of Kaiser Cheifs

FEATURED VENUE

Get your live music events listed now!Take advantage of unlimited event promotion.

Go to the website now and register.

eastdevonhub .co.uk

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

GALLERIES

SHOWCASE Ongoing - A permanent selection of original prints by some of the most influential artists in the UK today. Now also featuring Another Dimension - a new selection of beautiful sculpture and ceramics. Brook Gallery.

WINTER SHOW Until 24 Feb - Julian Bailey, Angela Charles, Stewart Jones, Alex Lowery, Howard Phipps, Simon Quadrat, Alfred Stockham ARCA RWA, Furniture By Petter Southall, Sladers Yard.

PRINTMAKING AND ANIMATION Until 2 Mar - Annual tie-in with the Animated Exeter Festival, Thelma Hulbert Gallery.

MIXED EXHIBITION Until 16 March - Gallery Artists show recent work in a mixed exhibition of painting, sculpture and craft, Hybrid.

MATISSE LITHOGRAPHS Until 23 Feb - Gloss Gallery, Exeter.

OBJECT AND OBSERVER Until 27 Mar - Maisie Hill. Rotunda Gallery, Lyme Regis Museum.

FINE ART COLLECTION Until 30 Mar - The exhibition will include city views, 20th century Devon landscapes and striking portraits. Revealing Exeter before the bombings of the second World War changed the city forever. Gallery 5, RAMM, Exeter.

ART AUCTION Feb - An auction to support the work of Devon Insight, with a wide variety of artists. Sponsored by The Art Room and administered by Bearns, Hampton and Littlewood. Viewing 21 to 22 Feb and auction 23 Feb, The Art Room.

CATALAN COLLECTION Feb - A collection inspired by sun and beauty, 3 of the most famous artists who lived and worked in Catalunya - Picasso, Miro and Dali, Brook Gallery.

BEFORE THEY WERE FAMOUS 5 to 23 Feb - An exhibition of art from exceptional young local artists under the age of 19: talent of the future, The Marle Gallery.

SPRING EXHIBITION 16 to 24 Feb - A mixed exhibition of various Devon artists, East Devon Art.

51 High StreetHoniton

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

art & designfor your home and garden

hybrid

Mixed ExhibitionUntil 16 March - Gallery Artists show recent work in a mixed exhibition of painting, sculpture and craft.

51 High Street Honitont. 01404 43201

www.hybrid-devon.co.ukEXHIBITIONSCatalan CollectionFeb - Inspired by sun and beauty, 3 of the most famous artists who lived and worked in Catalunya - Picasso, Miro and Dali.

Storm Thorgerson Easter - The creator of some of the most iconic album covers today, including Pink Floyd’s instantly recognisable Dark Side of the Moon.

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

www.thelmahulbert.com

Print Making and Animation Until 2 Mar - Annual tie-in with the Animated Exeter Festival - Free.

Family Workshop 19 Feb 11am to 4pm - Free.

Painting the Everyday 16 Mar to 27 AprCentenary exhibition of the late Thelma Hulbert 1913-95 - Free.

01404 45006

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

www.themarlegallery.co.uk

EXHIBITIONSBefore They Were Famous5 to 23 Feb - An exhibition of art from exceptional young local artists under the age of 19: talent of the future.

Angus Rutherford & Emma Forrester5 to 30 Mar - Emma’s paintings are thoughtful and delicate still lives. Angus takes the eye on a rhythmic journey through landscapes with his pen and ink drawings.

contemporary fine art & ceramics

TheMarleGallery

Forthcoming Art ExhibitionsFebruary & March 2013

Paul Jones - 'Transition 2' - Sladers Yard Susanna Lance - 'Misty Morning' - Isca Gallery

Archie Dickens - 'Image 1' - The Marle Gallery

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

Old Fore Street, Sidmouth EX10 8LSwww.eastdevonart.co.uk 01395 516284

[email protected]

EastDevonArt.co.uk

Open every day 11am-5pm, including Sunday

Spring Exhibition16 to 24 Feb - A mixed exhibition of

various Devon artists, East Devon Art.

Easter Exhibition29 Mar to 14 Apr - West Country Artists

display their latest works, East Devon Art.

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

www.iscagallery.co.uk

EXHIBITIONExhibiting works all year round by selected West country artists

Opening Hours:Monday-Saturday 11am-4.30pm(Closed Thursday)

01395444193

ISCA

3 Chapel StreetBudleigh SaltertonEX9 6LX

GALLERY

ExhibitionMichael Morgan2 Mar - Launch of his definitive book, “The Road Less Travelled” plus release of six special limited edition prints, 11am to 5.30pm.

Mike Bernard Solo Show16 to 29 Mar - 45 new works, Italian and West Country coastal scenes.

www.marinehouseatbeer.co.uk

Contact the gallery for a catalogue on: 01297 625257

SLADERS YARDContemporary British Art,

Furniture & Craft. Licensed Café[email protected]

WINTER SHOW until 24 FebJULIAN BAILEY, ANGELA CHARLES,

STEWART JONES, ALEX LOWERY, HOWARD PHIPPS, SIMON QUADRAT,

ALFRED STOCKHAMFurniture by PETTER SOUTHALL

COASTAL GEOLOGY from 2 Mar

PAUL JONES new paintings

www.sladersyard.co.uk01308 459511

ANIMATED EXETER: ART YOU GREW UP WITH 16 Feb to 2 Mar - Preview: Friday 15th Feb, 5-8pm, Gloss Gallery, Exeter.

FAMILY WORKSHOP 19 Feb - 11am to 4pm - Free, Thelma Hulbert Gallery.

SPRING EXHIBITION Mar - Artwave West.

MICHAEL MORGAN 2 Mar - Launch of his definitive book,

"The Road Less Travelled" plus release of six special limited edition prints, 11am to 5.30pm, Marine House at Beer.

COASTAL GEOLOGY From 2 Mar - New paintings by Paul Jones, Sladers Yard.

ANGUS RUTHERFORD & EMMA FORRESTER 5 to 30 Mar - Emma's paintings are thoughtful and delicate still lives. Angus takes the eye on a rhythmic journey through landscapes with his pen and ink drawings, The Marle Gallery.

BRITISH NAIVE ARTISTS 9 Mar to 4 May - Preview: Friday 8th Mar, 5-8pm, Gloss Gallery, Exeter.

PHILIP HOGBEN 10 to 31 Mar - The Art Room.

EASTER EXHIBITION 29 Mar to 14 Apr - West Country Artists display their latest works, East Devon Art.

MIKE BERNARD 16 to 29 Mar - 45 new works, Italian and West Country coastal scenes, Marine House at Beer.

PAINTING THE EVERYDAY 16 Mar to 27 Apr - Thelma Hulbert and contemporary Women Artists, Thelma Hulbert Gallery.

EXETER OPEN STUDIOS 22 to 24 Mar - Launch: Thursday 21st Mar, Gloss Gallery, Exeter.

STORM THORGERSON Easter - The creator of some of the most iconic album covers today, including Pink Floyd’s instantly recognisable Dark Side of the Moon. Many of Thorgerson’s classic album covers have become masterpieces in their own right, Brook Gallery.

Serena Curmi - 'The Bear Trapper' - Hybrid

Peter Blake - 'Abbey Road, Parade' - Brook Gallery

Catherine Osbond - 'Red Bag, Sidmouth'East Devon Art

Philip Hogben - 'Harbour' - The Art Room

Henri Matisse - 'Nu Bleu 12' - Gloss Gallery.

Jack Hague - 'Still 6' - Thelma Hulbert Gallery

Gallery Artist ExhibitionFebruary

Spring ExhibitionMarch

[email protected] | artwavewest.comartwave west | 01297 489 746

morcombelake | dorset | DT6 6DY

Open Wednesday to Saturday 10am-4pm

Mike Bernard - 'Villa Rufolo, Ravello'see Marine House at Beer display overleaf

Blog

Making the Arts Accessible!Art is very subjective. It can be a personal experience or a shared delight. We have the luxury to engage in it but also step back. What we cannot deny is its presence: visual culture surrounds us, we absorb it subconsciously, it is propaganda, and is undeniably pertinent and persuasive in how we function as a society.

The 20th century has seen the rise of a bombastic cultural giant: the public gallery. Tate, the Barbican, Saatchi - these galleries amongst many have become brands, synonymous with modern thought on aesthetic and how we perceive art. We trust them, venerate them, embrace them and rightly so for they have paved the way for a rich cultural heritage and programme of exhibitions which are vastly important.Here in Devon we can see how the cultural landscape has changed. In Exeter alone, 2012 saw the grand re-opening of the exquisite RAMM. Spacex, the Pheonix

and Peninsula Arts in Plymouth also offer a diverse and important programme of events which aim to engage all. Not only have we become far more conscious of the space in which we function, physically making it accessible to audiences. Access lies at the heart of our programmes and audience participation.

RAMM have got it just right. Never too young to appreciate a museum, their learning programme involves early years with fun days and special activities, right through to adults with a regular programme of lectures, symposia and curator-led tours. The public can engage with the museum onsite and offsite- both digitally and physically and RAMM are conscious to offer touch tours for visually impaired visitors as well as BSL tours for deaf audiences. We can get our hands dirty in artist-led workshops or engage with the exhibitions intellectually with high quality talks delivered by experts in their field.The museum and gallery has become a place where people interact, socialise and share their experience. It is fun, engaging, resourceful and exciting. Above all it is accessible and all-encompassing. No longer do we look to the museum as a stuffy institution. It has become our favourite cultural playground.

Art BlogLucinda Cusdin Polly Dolby

http://dolbycusdin.tumblr.comArt Blog

We’re the o� cial coordinators for EXETER OPEN STUDIOS which we are delivering in Spring 2013 - with a series of exciting pop-up exhibitions and � lm screenings across the city.Please make contact if you wish to be involved.Tel. 07786 [email protected]

Robert the Rat at RAMM- helping young visitors to engage with the

history of Exeter!

Saturday Art Club at Spacex

eastdevonhub.co.ukEVENT LISTINGS Powered by

14EAST DEVON Coast & Country for What's On, visit: eastdevonhub .co.ukEAST DEVON Coast & Country for What's On, visit: eastdevonhub .co.ukArt Galleries

It really is amazing that this region has such a great range of Art Galleries, many exhibiting leading names from the art world.

Now, you can follow your local art scene in East Devon, Exeter and West Dorset by going to the eastdevonhub.co.uk website.

Additionally, if you're an emerging artist, established artist or art gallery, you can get your events listed on the website totally free of charge. We can also pull your art events into both the East Devon and South Devon COAST & COUNTRY magazines.

Are you interested in art?Now you can follow your

local art scene online

Marine House are proud to release the long awaited definitive book on the works and inspiration of Michael Morgan. Enthusiasts will be pleased to hear that they can acquire an exclusive boxed and numbered version of this book in an edition of 100 for only £120. The launch is on March 2nd from 11.00 -5.30 at Marine House at Beer. Please contact the gallery for more information or to reserve a copy.

01297 625257

Fore StreetBeerDevonEX12 3EF

‘Cymbidium - Ruby Wedding Orchids’ - 18.5” x 14.5” - £1950

‘Rauffet Window’ - £1950

‘Tulips and Pears’ - £850

Coastal Delights Mike Bernard’s 2013 solo show at Marine House

16th March - Friday 29th March

Mike Bernard RI has exhibited at Marine House for over ten years. He is consistently one of our top artists. Ever popular are his masterly depictions of sea side villages and towns especially in Devon and Cornwall.

In this exhibition of 45 new works which range in price from around £1000 to £6000, Mike has counterbalanced West Country scenes with magnificent paintings based round Ravello on the Italian Amalfi Coast near Naples, which he visited for the first time last autumn. These paintings reinforce Mike’s virtuoso compositional skill and grasp of colour.

This exhibition opens on Saturday 16 March from 11.00am. Please contact the gallery for a free colour catalogue and an invitation to the launch day on Saturday where you will be able to meet the artist.

The works can also be viewed on our website from late February.www.marinehouseatbeer.co.uk 01297 625257

Mike Bernard - ‘Hotel Rufolo, Ravello’ 20 x 30ins

Mike Bernard - ‘Bathers, Sidmouth’ 16 x 22ins

Mike Bernard - ‘Villa Rufolo, Ravello’ 36 x 28ins

Mike Bernard - ‘Coastal Beer’ 30 x 48ins

www.marinehouseatbeer.co.uk

Michael Morgan’s definitive book

14EAST DEVON Coast & Country for What's On, visit: eastdevonhub .co.uk Art GalleriesEAST DEVON Coast & Country for What's On, visit: eastdevonhub .co.uk Art Galleries


Nelson’s Column A point of view!

in the forthcoming Year of the Snake - a year

in which fortune smiles favourably on the

sophisticates amongst us.

Cultural Menu for TwoSo why not take that first step into this

particular Chinese New Year by organising,

say, a lunch date - with the partner of your

choice of course - at a Chinese restaurant

(Devon has 57!)

And thence to one or other of two free

exhibitions awaiting your delectation and

delight at opposite ends of our county.

Oh, yes, and don’t forget to wish your waiter

“Gong Hee Fot Choy!”

Wildlife photographer of the year

(Exhibition sponsored by Veolia Environnement)

Open 2nd February to 2nd June 2013.

RAMM, Exeter (Tel: 01392 265858).

This is where our picture of that wonderful

fluffed-up raven came from.

The exhibition showcases the winning images

from all 11 categories of the competition

including underwater worlds, urban wildlife,

plants and more. This is the world’s most

prestigious annual wildlife photography

competition. It is currently in its 48th year

and is open to amateur and professional

photographers alike.

It isn’t only ravens who are beginning to fluff

themselves up in readiness for the mating

season.

With the first day of Chinese New Year

knocking at the door on the 6th and

Valentine’s Day just around the corner on

the 14th of February, this - according to

those versed in these things - is an especially

auspicious time for we romantically inclined

Devonians to get out there and start putting

out a puff of any pent-up pheromones left over

from last Spring.

For this, in the Chinese calendar, is the Year

of the Snake, a particularly auspicious year

for romance, amorous liaisons of all kinds

and, dare we say it, courtship itself.

Just be aware of the fact that 2013 is also a

year in which there is a need to tread lightly.

Subtle schemers and shrewd dealers will be

rewarded rather than headlong plungers

whilst gambling and wild speculation in

the Year of the Snake are what Confucius*

deemed a no-no.

This is also the year in which to expunge

the grunge in your wardrobe in exchange

for the chic. Out, too, should go that boxed-

set of Carry On films whilst you make a

conscious but above all elegant return to

theatre and the arts of all kinds, along with

classical music. All these things you should

find rewarding as part of your bucket-list

Photo: John E Marriott at the RAMM Exhibition

IT’S WHAT RAVENS DO to keep out the cold. They

fluff up. It’s also a jolly useful ploy to attract a

mate - so read on.

All fluffed-up and nowhere to go? Women in Art

Plymouth City Museum & Art Gallery,

Drake Circus (Tel: 01752 304774).

An impressive selection of works from

the permanent art collections that either

portray or were created by women.The

exhibition spans Renaissance times to the

modern day. It features muses, models,

portraits and 20th century ceramics.

Artists on display include John Waterhouse,

Edgar Degas, Beryl Cook, Prunella Clough

and Rose Hilton. Ceramics by Clarice Cliff,

Dorothy Doughty and Lucie Rie plus a

portrait of Nancy Astor being introduced

to parliament are also on show until 2nd

November 2013.

*Devon’s top-four Confucius sayings for Chinese Year of the Snake

“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”

“If you make a mistake and do not correct it, this is called a mistake.”

“Silence is a true friend who never betrays.”

“If your plan is for one year, plant rice. If your plan is for ten years, plant trees. If your plan is for one hundred years, educate children.”

JOHN FISHER

Mrs Osborne by John Collier c.1920s, oil on canvas © Plymouth City Council (Museums and Archives)

Art Galleries

Ray Balkwill|Martin Bentham RWA|Hilary Cartmel|Margaret Dean|Roger Dean|Clifford FishwickMichael Garton RWA|Hilary Goddard|Ann Harris |Robert Jennison RWA|Lesley Kerman|Christine Lee

Jenny Pery|Claire Oboussier|Vong Phaophanit|Peter Randall-Page|Graham Rich|Janice RidleyBenedict Rubbra|Tessa Rubbra|Jem Southam|Peter Thursby FRBS PPRWA|Kate Westbrook

CHARITY ART AUCTION TO SUPPORT THE WORK OF DEVON IN SIGHTAuction - Sat 23rd Feb 2.30pm | Viewing Thur 21st & Fri 22nd 11am - 4pm & the morning of the sale 11am - 2pm

To be held at The Art Room, 8a The Strand, Topsham Quay, EX3 0JB

Deborah M. G. [email protected] The Strand, Topsham, EX3 0JB


Nelson’s Column A point of view!

in the forthcoming Year of the Snake - a year

in which fortune smiles favourably on the

sophisticates amongst us.

Cultural Menu for TwoSo why not take that first step into this

particular Chinese New Year by organising,

say, a lunch date - with the partner of your

choice of course - at a Chinese restaurant

(Devon has 57!)

And thence to one or other of two free

exhibitions awaiting your delectation and

delight at opposite ends of our county.

Oh, yes, and don’t forget to wish your waiter

“Gong Hee Fot Choy!”

Wildlife photographer of the year

(Exhibition sponsored by Veolia Environnement)

Open 2nd February to 2nd June 2013.

RAMM, Exeter (Tel: 01392 265858).

This is where our picture of that wonderful

fluffed-up raven came from.

The exhibition showcases the winning images

from all 11 categories of the competition

including underwater worlds, urban wildlife,

plants and more. This is the world’s most

prestigious annual wildlife photography

competition. It is currently in its 48th year

and is open to amateur and professional

photographers alike.

It isn’t only ravens who are beginning to fluff

themselves up in readiness for the mating

season.

With the first day of Chinese New Year

knocking at the door on the 6th and

Valentine’s Day just around the corner on

the 14th of February, this - according to

those versed in these things - is an especially

auspicious time for we romantically inclined

Devonians to get out there and start putting

out a puff of any pent-up pheromones left over

from last Spring.

For this, in the Chinese calendar, is the Year

of the Snake, a particularly auspicious year

for romance, amorous liaisons of all kinds

and, dare we say it, courtship itself.

Just be aware of the fact that 2013 is also a

year in which there is a need to tread lightly.

Subtle schemers and shrewd dealers will be

rewarded rather than headlong plungers

whilst gambling and wild speculation in

the Year of the Snake are what Confucius*

deemed a no-no.

This is also the year in which to expunge

the grunge in your wardrobe in exchange

for the chic. Out, too, should go that boxed-

set of Carry On films whilst you make a

conscious but above all elegant return to

theatre and the arts of all kinds, along with

classical music. All these things you should

find rewarding as part of your bucket-list

Photo: John E Marriott at the RAMM Exhibition

IT’S WHAT RAVENS DO to keep out the cold. They

fluff up. It’s also a jolly useful ploy to attract a

mate - so read on.

All fluffed-up and nowhere to go? Women in Art

Plymouth City Museum & Art Gallery,

Drake Circus (Tel: 01752 304774).

An impressive selection of works from

the permanent art collections that either

portray or were created by women.The

exhibition spans Renaissance times to the

modern day. It features muses, models,

portraits and 20th century ceramics.

Artists on display include John Waterhouse,

Edgar Degas, Beryl Cook, Prunella Clough

and Rose Hilton. Ceramics by Clarice Cliff,

Dorothy Doughty and Lucie Rie plus a

portrait of Nancy Astor being introduced

to parliament are also on show until 2nd

November 2013.

*Devon’s top-four Confucius sayings for Chinese Year of the Snake

“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”

“If you make a mistake and do not correct it, this is called a mistake.”

“Silence is a true friend who never betrays.”

“If your plan is for one year, plant rice. If your plan is for ten years, plant trees. If your plan is for one hundred years, educate children.”

JOHN FISHER

Mrs Osborne by John Collier c.1920s, oil on canvas © Plymouth City Council (Museums and Archives)

Marie Meroat Chapter

A new spring, a new collection! Supple, comfortable fabrics, embellished colours and prints form the basic ingredients of the spring and summer collections. With an extensive range of styles and silhouettes, Chapter has the perfect outfit for every woman and every occasion.

The colour palette is bright and fresh with striking contrasts. As far as prints are concerned there is something for everyone this season. From geometric prints to polka dots in various shapes and sizes, from hand-painted uneven stripes to floral prints.

Finally to complete the silhouette, there are plenty of accessories to choose from, all of which go perfectly with the colour palette. Ranging from plain or printed cotton, silk scarves to attractive belts and necklaces in a variety of summer colours.

fashion


looking ahead to the Spring and Summer

Season

by Yvonne Price,Chapter, Sidmouth

fashion

Look Out for Onni in LymeOne very unusual shop to visit in Lyme Regis is Onni (see display top right). They're situated virtually opposite the Cinema. They have a range of high quality Scandinavian fashion clothing. The emphasis is on the cut and quality of material. The garments are Scandinavian designs with the emphasis on cotton / linen for summer and woolwear for winter. Please don't forget to mention you saw them in East Devon COAST & COUNTRY if you visit!


THIS SEASON

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

phone 01297 443824 - www.onnishop.co.uk

Ladies fashion & accessories by

Marja Putus Linda Ralston Harri SyrjänenAino Two Danes Sahara Flax Sheppards Cut Loose Bianco LevrinKate HighamPeaches

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

ALTERATION SERVICE AVAILABLE

Marie Meroat Chapter

Jacdor

for the ideal gift JURASSIC BLENDS

from West Dorset & East Devon

Easy Knit Kits, Yarn Hand Woven

Bags Cushions Rugs

www.jacdorwool.co.uk

WOOL

Tel: 01297 631538 Mbl: 07772301665

Pause Cafeat Chapter


An exciting wool store in Bridport

British, local and fairly traded yarns • well-known brands • unusual and unique ranges • beautiful natural fi bres, textures and colours

• wide and varied range of accessories • knitting and crochet workshops • late night ‘knit night’ • support, help and advice

76 South Street • Bridport • Dorset • DT6 3NNt: 01308 455669 e: [email protected]

www.bridportyarn.co.uk

Open Monday - Saturday 9.30am-5pmLate night Tuesday ‘Knit Night’ 5-8pm

a gorgeous creative experience

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

Original handmade clothesfor ladies size 14 and over.

For more details or to discuss designing your own beautiful,

unique clothing contact Julie:www.overlygorgeous.com

(01395) 513209 or (01404) 850768Open Tuesday to Saturday 10.30am - 4.30pm

38 Mill Street, Town Centre, Sidmouth*

Mill Street

Russ

ell S

tHig

h S

tree

t

River Sid

Riverside Rd

M

ill

St

York St

38 Mill Street, Sidmouth

*Overly Gorgeous has now moved to bigger premises at 38 Mill Street, Sidmouth which is wonderful as there is plenty more space and there are plenty more products.

NEW STOCK NOW IN!

fashion&

Beauty

Wedding Fairs?If you're looking to get married in the near future, you may be interested in visiting eastdevonhub.co.uk

There's a separate category for "Wedding", where you can browse venues, fairs, etc.


If you suffer from any of the above problems, dental implants may provide you with the ideal solution.

Dental implants help to support replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like your natural teeth, and can o� er many bene� ts, such as:

• Eliminating the need to grind down healthy adjacent teeth as required by traditional crown and bridge procedures.

• Help to maintain facial structures and the bone tissue in the jaw.

• Eliminate the use of denture adhesives and help to eliminate the discomfort of ill-� tting dentures.

Is it painful?Implant placement is performed gently under local anaesthetic. In most cases there is very little or any discomfort during or after the procedure. We pride ourselves on making it as comfortable as we can, and o� er sedation for those who may be a little anxious about the procedure.

Are implants safe?The placement of dental implants should be carefully planned, and is a safe and predictable procedure when carried out by suitably quali� ed surgeons. At Ashbury Dental Care we prioritise safety and predictability of outcome over any other factors.

How long can I expect implants to last?Dental implants are an excellent long-term solution. Provided they are well looked after, they can last a lifetime.The crown, bridgework or denture on top may, however, need replacing, due to normal wear and tear during your lifetime, as it would even without implants.

Is it expensive?Dental implants can be expensive, but are often less than people expect. At Ashbury Dental Care we use high quality components and implants which have a proven track record.

It can be more cost-e� ective in the long-term to choose the right solution early.For the di� erence that it can make to your life, dental implants can be great value, allowing you to smile and eat with con� dence.

Am I a suitable candidate for implants?Dental implants are a great solution for most people but are dependent on many individual factors.If you would like to � nd out more about how we can help you - or to discuss dental implants further, why not give us a call on 01395 444 432 to book a FREE initial consultation today.*

Are you missing one or more teeth?Do you have di� culty eating certain foods or speaking clearly due to tooth loss?Do you su� er from the discomfort of ill-� tting dentures?

A S H B U R YD E N TA L C A R E

High Quality Private Dental Carein Relaxed and Friendly Surroundings

A S H B U R YD E N TA L C A R E

Dr Maurice SimsBDS (U.Bham), BSc (Hons) (U.Wales)Dental SurgeonGDC No. 85555

Dr Simon MartinBDS, Dip Imp Dent RCS (Eng)Dental Surgeon & ImplantologistGDC No. 67146

Looking for a permanent solutionto missing teeth?

Loose dentures causing discomfortor simply annoying and embarrassing?

01395 444 432

Contact us today to book your free short consultation with our expert team and see how we can help you.

www.ashburydentalcare.co.uk/implants

Ashbury Dental Care - 53 East Budleigh Road - Budleigh Salterton - Devon - EX9 6EW

We use implants backed by years of extensive research, clinical documentation and

worldwide support

www.ashburydentalcare.co.uk/implants* Free initial consultations available during December 2012 & January 2013, subject to availability. Service to make you smile™

Only £125Discounts available for 2 or more clients

Have Your Teeth Professionally Whitened We can come to you! (Home or Business) Fully Qualified Technicians – Fully Insured Service We only use Modern, Safe and Effective

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20% OF

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Offer valid with this advert, expires 30/11/12

for you & your guests for your special day

Bridal Special

£90 Ends with this advert 31/03/13

Seasonal Offer!

Trinity Square | Axminster | EX13 5APTel: 01297 32273

www.trinityhouseaxminster.co.uk

Axminster’s Independent Department StoreCoffee Shop

Mon-Tues 10.00-4.30Wed-Sat 9.30-4.30

Locally Sourced Ingredients

Home-Made Dishes & Daily Specials

Gluten Free a speciality

Morning Coff eeLight Lunches

Afternoon TeasDevon Cream Teas

Listed on Trip AdviserTaste of the West Member

22East Devon Coast & Country

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

Hand Made RingTanzanite / Diamond and White Gold 18K From £900 Erin Cox

Jewellery (see display)

Cupid Briolette Drop EarringsSilver and Amethyst - £58 Erin Cox Jewellery

Heart RingRed Gold and Silver Erin Cox Jewellery from £52 (silver)

asparaGift Voucher

Spoil the person you love with an Aspara Gift Voucher.

Treats on offer: Hydra Spa, Facial Treatments,

Manicures, Pedicures, Hot Stone Massage, Reflexology -

See display right

Parfum de Vie £52.50From Essential Therapiesof Sidmouth, who have a

range of exciting & beautifulValentine's Day gifts

and beauty treatmentsSee display top right

23A Celebration of Life in East Devon

Winner of 10th. consecutiveCrown Salon

Award.

Essential TherapiesHEALTH & BEAUTY SALON

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

Winner of 10th. consecutiveCrown Salon

Award.

Stockists of: Guinot, Thalgo,Jane Iredale, Nailtiques,Sixtus, Moor Spa, St.Tropez,Australian Organics,Masters Colors,Cosmecology.

OPENING HOURSTues-Friday: 9am-8pm Sat: 9am-5.30pm

Spoil 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 hot stone massage w reflexology

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

a s p a r a

east valentines 2013_Layout 1 09/01/2013 14:13 Page 1

Devoncourt Hotel

Romantic Valentine Break

Enjoy a 2 night stay and receive a Valentine's 3 course

dinner and complimentary bottle of 'blush' sparkling

wine in your room on arrival. Full use of leisure facilities:

pool, spa, sauna, steam room.

Call 01395 513252

Sidmouth Harbour Hotel

Valentine's Candlelit Dinner

Enjoy a candlelit dinner with views overlooking

Lyme Bay. Dinner includes a glass of Bubbly on

arrival and a four course meal - £30 per person.

Call 01395 513252

Receive a complimentary pair of Dartington Champagne flutes (worth £30) when you book a romantic wedding in our beautiful castle or

book a blissful break in our luxury apartment.Offer - when you mention Coast and Country

(only for bookings made before 20th April 2013.)

Call 01392 833846

www.haldonbelvedere.co.uk

Haldon Belvedere (Lawrence Castle)

Elegant, fairytale castle set high in the hills of Devon


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

The StrandLympstone01395 272644/270403

[email protected]

The Swan

Restaurant open 7 days a week including Sunday EveningsLunch 12-2.30/3.00pm weekend, dinner 6.00-9/9.30pm.

• Coffee served all day• Pit Stop for Estuary Cycle Path• Cycle racks outside pub• Six excellent Cask Marque Real Ales available• Superb lunchtime and evening menu• Daily Fresh Fish Board Specials• Metres from the waters edge

vEDL

The Cinnamon Tree

www.cinnamontree-sidmouth.co.ukOpen 7 days a week 12pm-2pm and 6pm-11pm

Tel: (01395) 514190 or 5768562 Radway Place Sidmouth EX10 8TL

Premium Quality Indian Cuisine

HOMEDELIVERYSERVICE

FREE bottle of wine with

takeaway orders over £35

One of the very best Indian restaurants in East Devon!

3 Course Lunch Banquet £11.95 (MON-FRI)

Using the best recipes and the fi nest ingredients, we off er faithful, authentic Indian cuisine.

With stylish and comfortable decor and the warm hospitality of our staff , The Cinnamon Tree is the

ultimate dining experience.

Valentineʼs Day Special - 3 course meal £15

EAST DEVON FOOD STORY

If you have an interesting 'food story' to tell, please contact Nigel Jones on 01395 513383

Sidmouth Harbour Hotel is the perfect setting for an Afternoon Cream Tea which can be enjoyed in our beautiful

lounges or on the terrace, with fantastic views across Lyme Bay.

Enjoy a Cream Tea or Full Afternoon Tea and get a second for your friend free!

Cream Tea - £5.00 per personFull Afternoon Tea - £15.00 per person

To receive this exclusive offer fill in your details below, and hand to a member of the team when ordering.

Name:

Address:

Email:

Available throughout December 2012 and January 2013. Table reservations are required for a Full Afternoon Tea.

Buy one get one FREE!

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

T: 01395 513252 www.sidmouth-harbour-hotel.co.uk

Available throughout February and March 2013. Table reservations are required for a Full Afternoon Tea.



Packed with fresh fish and prawns in a rich, creamy sauce, topped with cheesy mashed potato and served with warm,

crusty bread.

With fresh, locally sourced food, fantastic views out over Lyme Bay and the harbour, set menus that change regularly offering 2 courses for £9.95 and 3 courses for £13.95 available during the day

or the evening, where else could you be?

www.bythebay.co.uk

The Esplanade, Sidmouth, Devon, EX10 8AX Tel: 01395 516367 / 513151 Reservations: 08000 48 17 31Email: kingswoodanddevoran@hotels-sidmouth.co.ukwww.hotels-sidmouth.co.uk Follow us on Twitter@KDHotel

OpEn fOr: Coffees Lunches Afternooon Tea Dinner

Tea RoomsHomemade CakesSelection of Teas

Delightful Tea Garden

Light Lunches

High Street Newton Poppleford

01395 568439

Also Guest House

Also Guest House

♦ Tea Rooms ♦ Light Lunches ♦ Homemade Cakes ♦ Selection of Teas ♦ Delightful Tea Garden

01395 568439High Street,

Newton Poppleford

Southern Cross


What if?

What if you lived in Devonand could look into the future?

What if someone developed a very special kind of web site that was easy to access and put you in touch with what events are taking place in

Devon – or better still that are going to take place in Devon. A web site you could access from your desktop, laptop, tablet or mobile phone?

Now wouldn’t that be useful?

What if you lived in Devon and wanted to promote a forthcoming event - for free?

And who are ‘you’?

You are the small local organisations promoting an event. You are a business promoting an offer. Maybe you’re a part of the tourism

industry or a church promoting the use of its hall for meetings. Whoever you are, if you are Devon-based and promoting an event to

Devon you are welcome to use East Devon Coast & Country magazine's very own ‘hub’!

And did we mention that it was free?

Different spokes for different folks

eastdevonhub .co.uk


Chocolatemakes us smile

So spend a happy day making a variety of delicious chocolates with a professional chocolatier

Fun Chocolate Courses For All Ages

You’ll take home at least 30 beautifully wrapped chocolates, (unless you eat them all first).

For information call Gill at Chocolate Amour: 07717 887442 [email protected] www.chocolateamour.co.uk

� e Dairy Shop

From continental breakfast, coff ee to lunches and

cream teas.A warm welcome awaits in cosy, rustic surroundings.

5 Church Street, Sidmouth01395 513018

10% off when you mention

Coast & Country from 1st Feb to 31st Mar


eastdevonhub .co.uk

FOR THE PUBLIC

1. What's On Find out what's on across the region - desktop/tablet and mobile phones formats.

2. Courses/Classes If your organisation wishes to broadcast these, this is free to use. (business/charity/voluntary or otherwise)

3. Volunteering So many people have free time and would like to volunteer, but finding volunteering opportunities again, is difficult.

4. Room to Hire Many parishes and villages have rooms that are under-utilised, which isn't a good scenario, as maintenance costs and insurance costs are high . This facility will allow your organisation to have it's own web based bookings calendar that people looking for a room can search. The general consensus is that currently, finding a room to hire is a very difficult and time consuming job. Hopefully, this new facility will make it relatively simple. This service is free to use.

5. Event Feed Do you follow jazz, or perhaps are interested in village fairs/fetes. Well, you can subscribe to an Event Feed, and be kept up to date with events coming up over the next week. You'd receive a weekly email notice.

FOR THE EVENT ORGANISER

1. Profile Edit your organisational details that appear on the website.

2. Manage Events This is where you add in events, you can edit and delete out also.

3. Promo Box If you're a business and adding events, you can set a promotional offer using your own promo code. You can go in and change this daily if you wish. Great for enticing new customers.

4. Room to Hire Take advantage of our 'Room to Hire' search facility, you get your own electronic bookings calendar, it's easy to use and seamless for people looking for an empty room at a suitable time and date. You can have as many rooms as you like, give each a name and description, set the opening hours, and also show what facilities you have such as parking spaces, kitchen facilities, etc.

5. Email List Create your own addressbook of contacts that you wish to make aware of your events. Add your events into the hub, then use this function to easily let your contacts know of your new events.

6. Email Link Copy this link and paste it in to your own email client. Then send it out to your address book. Recipients can click on this link and then go straight to your page of events. It's easy to use and very powerful.

We currently have 1,580 organisations registered with this website: if you'd like your organisation to use this free promotional facility, please contact

[email protected]

eastdevonhub .co.uk

Different spokes for different folks

At launch, there are 1,580 organisations registered

with this website

w

28

The Philpots and Mary Anning

Local historian Ted Gosling looks back at our local heritage

Broad Street, Lyme Regis - where Mary Anning lived

F or the majority of people who visit the

West Country, the image of Lyme Regis is conjured up by two ladies.

Meryl Streep, standing on the windswept Cobb, when she gave that memorable performance as Sarah Woodruff in the film "The French Lieutenant's Woman" is one. The other, of course, is Mary Anning wearing her bonnet, with a basket under her arm, collecting fossils.

Miss Anning (1799-1847), the fossil woman, lived in Broad Street and was the eldest child of Richard Anning, a carpenter and a Dissenter* of Lyme Regis. Although she made many important discoveries and helped her brother in the digging out of the first complete ichthyosaur, it would be stretching our imagination to call her one of the first woman scientists.. About this time, both well-known and obscure fossil collectors visited Lyme Regis and, although many of them found their main attraction in the fossil shop of Mary Anning and her mother, there were many others for whom the first interest was to examine the fossil collection

or museum belonging to the Misses Philpots. Who were these Philpots? A familiar name to our museum geologist,

Geoff Marshall, but I suspect a complete mystery to those of you brought up with the romantic story of Mary Anning.

John Philpot was a solicitor practising in London. In about 1805 he took a house at Lyme Regis for his four sisters. Three of them, Mary, Margaret and Elizabeth, settled there for life at Marley Cottage, number 1 Silver Street, which is now the

Mariners Hotel. They soon began collecting fossils and the youngest of the sisters, Elizabeth, became the expert in this field.

The Sisters also took on a young protégée who was one day, rather unfairly, to become much more celebrated than they were. This was, of course, local girl Mary Anning and, although the achievements of Miss Anning in

her own right are remarkable, it was the Philpot sisters, with shrewdness and patience, who formed a collection of local fossils that became famous throughout Europe and is now one of the prides of the Oxford University collection.

The Philpots moved in a small circle of intelligent geologists who came to visit Lyme Regis at the time. To present day

'What a load of coprolites' most of these claimants do not know the

difference between an

ammonite and a belemnite!

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

for What's On, visit: eastdevonhub .co.uk 29

w

geologists they read like a Roll of Honour: Rev William Conybeare, James Sowerby, famous for his books 'Mineral Conchology and British Mineralology; a book now fetching in excess of £6,000 at book auctions: Professor William Buckland, born at Axminster, who wrote a prize-winning paper for the Royal Society and published in book form as 'Reliquiae Diluvianae': Professor Jean Louis Rodolphe Agassiz: Sir Roderick Impey Murchison: Professor Adam Sedgewick: Sir Charles Lyell: Henry Thomas De La Beche (pronounced Beach), and many others visited the town. I wonder what they would have thought of the claims to be the gateway to the Jurassic Coast, from every town from Exmouth to Swanage.

Buckland, known for his humour and eccentricity, would have remarked; 'What a load of coprolites' most of these claimants do not know the difference between an ammonite and a belemnite".

The fossil collection of the Misses Philpots consists of about 400 specimens, mainly from the Lower Lias of Lyme and Charmouth. It was compiled during the first part of the 19th century during which time it was studied by the various prominent palaeontologists.

On the death of the youngest sister, Elizabeth Philpot, the collection passed

Fossil Fish - DAPEDIUSIt has a deep laterally

compressed body, like that of a John Dory, but was enclosed in an armour of rhomboidal bony

scales covered with enamelFound at Charmouth

to a nephew, John Philpot and in 1880 it was presented to Oxford University by his widow. I have completed a list of the types of fossils in the Philpot collection, which are in the Oxford University Museum. They can be studied by any one interested, at Seaton Museum.

Although the Philpots were the most important and should be given precedence in terms of strict science, do remember that Mary Anning, a local girl of humble background and education, became one of the finest field searchers of the time.

Of the other image; Meryl Streep? Well although John Fowles, the author of 'French Lieutenant's Woman' lived in Lyme, film fame is momentary and by the 22nd century she will be long forgotten. But fossils! Well they are as old as time and for collectors in the future there will always be new and still rarer specimens to find.

This means that Mary Anning, that young maid from Lyme, who devoted her life to exploring those frowning and precipitous cliffs, will never be forgotten. After all is said and done, she makes a romantic legend and a good story.

*Dissenter - refers to a member of a religious body, for one reason or another, separated from the established church (Anglican).

Ted Gosling

One of several illustrations depicting a solitary figure presumed to be Mary Anning, on a outing,

scouring the shoreline for fossils

One of several illustrations depicting a solitary figure presumed to be Mary Anning, on a outing,

scouring the shoreline for fossils

Fossil exhibits at Seaton Museum. Lyme Regis also has a fine collection of fossils.


EAST DEVON Coast & Country 30EAST DEVON Coast & Country for What's On, visit: eastdevonhub .co.uk

At Granite Transformations we o� er a complete package for updating your work surface and appliances. Fitting a new worktop is fast and e� ective with each top custom made to � t your exact requirements. There is no need to remove old surfaces, we � t directly over your existing surface. We guarantee complete peace of mind from start to � nish. Let us show you how we can transform your kitchen with our simply superior surfaces.

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AS SEEN ON TV!

GTF Flowers ad A4.indd 1 14/01/2013 08:49

ARTWORK BY DARRYL JONES

By long country tradition, February is deemed the bleakest month of the year. Winter is still dragging its heels and only a white sprinkling of snowdrops and the fi rst crocus and primrose contain the certain promise of spring in the drier, dustier days of March. Then, the fi rst green leaves with the promise of summer, uncurl in hedgerows and trees.

As I write this column, the near monsoon-like conditions which have assailed us through November and December have at last disappeared in favour of drier, brighter weather in the New Year. However, for bird life it has been a lean and hungry winter.A mass movement of birds from Europe, including f ieldfares, redwings and bramblings, made their way to Britain in the mistaken belief that our countryside would provide richer pickings of berries and seeds than the European wintering grounds. However, the dreadful wet summer proved disastrous for hedgerow fruit and even acorns and beechmast were scarce. The result has been a limited supply of food for native birds, never mind incomers from overseas. In November waxwings from Scandinavia invaded this country in large numbers seeking wild fruit and berries but soon moved on when they found the harvest had failed.

However, over-winter supplemen-tary feeding during the “hungry gap” to late March is an option which is now available to farmers through Stewardship schemes and could be a life-saver for desperate farmland birds this year. Under the scheme famers can be paid to pro-vide additional grain during this period, either by spreading it on farm tracks or close to existing areas of over-wintered stubbles. In addi-tion, feed hoppers, such as those used on game shoots, can also be employed to dispense grain.

Our weather is, as we all know only too well, increasingly fi ckle. February is by tradition a month of rain, while March can be dry and dusty. Equally, both may see the countryside under a blanket of snow. Under these conditions, garden bird feeding is a vital life-line and should not be neglected. Today, there is a thriving industry catering for the needs of garden birds, with an extensive range of foods such as sunfl ower hearts, fat balls, fl aked maize, millet, nyjer seeds and live

or dried mealworms. Peanuts are very popular too, as they contain fat, but should always be bought from a reliable source to make sure they do not harbour a toxin (afl atoxin) which is poisonous to birds.

The garden owner can do so much towards sustaining not only bird life, but also insects, on which birds depend and fl owers and fruit rely on for pollination. Now is the time to plan your garden for the months ahead, bearing in mind the needs of wild life, so much of which increasingly is dependent on gardens to survive.

Whilst nesting-boxes can be erected at any time of the year, February is the optimum month. Today, there is a wide variety of boxes available, many of which are over-decorated, over-elaborate and absurdly expensive. A plain, simple box with the appropriate sized entry hole for a particular species is all that is required. It should be sited so that the entrance is not facing prevailing winds, which means in a northerly or south-easterly direction in our part of the world, and there should be a clear fl ight path to the box. Boxes should also be sited where predators have cannot invade them -walls are often better in this respect than trees. Weasels, grey squirrels, rats and greater spotted woodpeckers are the prime enemies. Also try and place a box in a position where you can observe the action. This, after all is more than half the pleasure of a bird box!

Nearly through the worst of the winter weather? by Tony Jackson

DIARY DATES:

Feb 11: Walk of about 5 miles for snowdrops. Guide Ian Waite. Meet Otterhead Lakes car park (ST224741)

Feb 14: Winter wildlife walk, Plymouth, in the Saltram National Trust estate. Contact Celia Ralph on 01752 892555.

Feb 19: Guided bird watching with Ian Waite 9am -11am. £12.50 per person. 01297 20326.

March 13: Dormice in Devon. Illustrated talk at Bovey Tracey. Meet at RC Church hall, Ashburton Rd. 7.30-9.30 pm.

March 23: Walk in Holyford Woods for signs of spring with Mick Lock. 10.00 to 13,00. Meet Seaton Tower layby. 01297 551556.

March 30: Rockpool ramble at Wembury. Meet at Marine Centre 12.30. More info at www.wemburymarinecentre.org

Hanneke Coats-Hoorn

Harsh frosts are what we usually expect in February


At Granite Transformations we o� er a complete package for updating your work surface and appliances. Fitting a new worktop is fast and e� ective with each top custom made to � t your exact requirements. There is no need to remove old surfaces, we � t directly over your existing surface. We guarantee complete peace of mind from start to � nish. Let us show you how we can transform your kitchen with our simply superior surfaces.

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GTF Flowers ad A4.indd 1 14/01/2013 08:49

if I need to think about whether or not to keep an item then out it goes. However, even if you are as ruthless as I am with the spring cleaning, it is inevitable that over time you will need more and more storage to house these acquired pieces.

If you are lucky enough to have a large room to work with, then you have plenty of storage options. Fitted wardrobes are an ideal way of using space e� ciently; and you can buy a wide range of these to suit your area on a budget from companies such as Ikea. Alternatively, if money is not an issue, then bespoke storage pieces from � tted wardrobes to a chest of drawers are available from many companies who specialise in bespoke storage. We’re lucky in Devon to have some really skilled, high-end cabinet makers that can make pretty much anything you need for your storage solution.

With space to � ll in a vast bedroom, other aesthetically pleasing objects can be placed around, which can serve a double purpose, to look nice within the scheme but predominately to store things in them. Blanket boxes are a wonderful piece of furniture to have at the end of any bed. � ey provide a very large area for storage as well as being somewhere to sit down. Many companies o� er a range of bespoke wooden � nishes and fabric choices for the top of the blanket box in order to � t in with any given room palette. Laura Ashley produce some of these, my personal choice being � e Devon which retails at £250. Other fashionable items such as trunks stacked up in the corner of a room or used as bedside tables can act as wonderfully looking storage furniture. I especially adore the set of three zinc vintage style trunks from Nordic House which come at an extremely reasonable price of £130 for the set.

If space is an issue for you, then you may have to become a little more resourceful and clever with how you choose to extend your range of storage equipment. For a child’s bedroom, the most obvious thing to do would be to have a raised bed, such as the lovely Ashton Lo� Bed from John Lewis which retails at £699. � is will instantly leave you with a good bit of space to re-use for either toy storage, a study area or even a place to sit down in.

Other sleeping options are to use a sofa bed or a day bed in a small

HOME & INTERIORSdirectory

Y Z

Y our bedroom is more than just the room that happens to

house your bed - it is your personal area for sleeping, and a proper sleep environment is essential for a good night’s rest.

Whilst growing up we were forever being told to tidy our rooms, never truly understanding what the point of this was when it was only all going to be pulled out again in an hour or so. “A tidy room makes a tidy mind” my Mother would tell me, and it was years until I � nally understood just how right she was.

Of course, it is only natural to collect things over the years, from clothes and shoes, to those annoyingly sentimental objects you just can`t throw away. I am a great believer in being ruthless when it comes to my annual clear out and

room. � ese are fantastic as they only take up a fraction of the space but can be used multi-functionally. Ikea have a nice range of day beds starting at around £260, some with

wonderful storage underneath them already built into the design, three in one! John Lewis have some beautiful sofa beds such as the Chopin sofa bed in silver which retails at £1400.

Having a small room can get rather stressful when trying to keep it tidy all the time, but as long as you are organised and have enough containers to work with, there are ways to ensure that you use each and every available space in your room. Divan beds are superb for storing things underneath, but if you have decided to go for a wooden or metal bed, then all is not lost, as there are some really lovely under bed storage options out there. Laura Ashley hold an exquisite range of wicker baskets and under bed storage, which look a little like large picnic

hampers but are treated with a very contemporary wash of grey with leather straps. � ese retail at £65 per box. � ey also have many other sets of three storage boxes with di� erent designs and colour ways which retail at £36 per set and are perfect to hold accessories such as jewellery, scarves or belts.

Remember to always make use of any over head space such as on top of free standing closets and shelves, but be careful not to cram things up there as it can look messy. Storage boxes look attractive and also hide any clutter you would not otherwise wish to see.

Of course, there are plenty of other options for cheaper storage solutions, such as he modular wall frame “Algot” range units from Ikea, which are simply hung on to

the wall. � ere are lots of di� erent sections for this range, from a simple frame with baskets attached, retailing at £37, to a large � tting with rod and shoe organiser which can reach up to £170. Personally I feel that although storage is obtained through this system, it is all still visible to the eye, which ends up defeating half of the object. Although it uses it up less space than a fully built piece of furniture, you still aren’t le� with that clutter free and relaxing sleeping space which we all so apparently need.

With plenty of ideas and products available for a clearer and “tidy mind”, we certainly have no excuses le� for not getting that fully good night’s rest!

Mandi Crump(www.mandyjane.co.uk)

DreamyStorageIdeas

Above - Nordic House - vintage style zinc trunks set of three £130

John Lewis - Chopin Sofa Bed in Silver £1400

I am a great believer in being

ruthless when it comes to my

annual clear out, and if I need

to think about whether or not

to keep an item then out it goes!

We’re lucky in Devon to have really skilled, high-end cabinet makers that can make pretty much anything you need for your storage solution

Having recently read a study suggesting that a clean and tidy room may help sleeping, it got me thinking about how we can all go about this eff ectively and easily.

Dulwich Day Bed £995from Th e White Company

Ashton High Sleeper in white fi nish £699

John Lewis

EAST DEVON Coast & Country for What's On, visit: eastdevonhub .co.uk32EAST DEVON Coast & Country for What's On, visit: eastdevonhub .co.uk

if I need to think about whether or not to keep an item then out it goes. However, even if you are as ruthless as I am with the spring cleaning, it is inevitable that over time you will need more and more storage to house these acquired pieces.

If you are lucky enough to have a large room to work with, then you have plenty of storage options. Fitted wardrobes are an ideal way of using space e� ciently; and you can buy a wide range of these to suit your area on a budget from companies such as Ikea. Alternatively, if money is not an issue, then bespoke storage pieces from � tted wardrobes to a chest of drawers are available from many companies who specialise in bespoke storage. We’re lucky in Devon to have some really skilled, high-end cabinet makers that can make pretty much anything you need for your storage solution.

With space to � ll in a vast bedroom, other aesthetically pleasing objects can be placed around, which can serve a double purpose, to look nice within the scheme but predominately to store things in them. Blanket boxes are a wonderful piece of furniture to have at the end of any bed. � ey provide a very large area for storage as well as being somewhere to sit down. Many companies o� er a range of bespoke wooden � nishes and fabric choices for the top of the blanket box in order to � t in with any given room palette. Laura Ashley produce some of these, my personal choice being � e Devon which retails at £250. Other fashionable items such as trunks stacked up in the corner of a room or used as bedside tables can act as wonderfully looking storage furniture. I especially adore the set of three zinc vintage style trunks from Nordic House which come at an extremely reasonable price of £130 for the set.

If space is an issue for you, then you may have to become a little more resourceful and clever with how you choose to extend your range of storage equipment. For a child’s bedroom, the most obvious thing to do would be to have a raised bed, such as the lovely Ashton Lo� Bed from John Lewis which retails at £699. � is will instantly leave you with a good bit of space to re-use for either toy storage, a study area or even a place to sit down in.

Other sleeping options are to use a sofa bed or a day bed in a small


Y Z

Y our bedroom is more than just the room that happens to

house your bed - it is your personal area for sleeping, and a proper sleep environment is essential for a good night’s rest.

Whilst growing up we were forever being told to tidy our rooms, never truly understanding what the point of this was when it was only all going to be pulled out again in an hour or so. “A tidy room makes a tidy mind” my Mother would tell me, and it was years until I � nally understood just how right she was.

Of course, it is only natural to collect things over the years, from clothes and shoes, to those annoyingly sentimental objects you just can`t throw away. I am a great believer in being ruthless when it comes to my annual clear out and

room. � ese are fantastic as they only take up a fraction of the space but can be used multi-functionally. Ikea have a nice range of day beds starting at around £260, some with

wonderful storage underneath them already built into the design, three in one! John Lewis have some beautiful sofa beds such as the Chopin sofa bed in silver which retails at £1400.

Having a small room can get rather stressful when trying to keep it tidy all the time, but as long as you are organised and have enough containers to work with, there are ways to ensure that you use each and every available space in your room. Divan beds are superb for storing things underneath, but if you have decided to go for a wooden or metal bed, then all is not lost, as there are some really lovely under bed storage options out there. Laura Ashley hold an exquisite range of wicker baskets and under bed storage, which look a little like large picnic

hampers but are treated with a very contemporary wash of grey with leather straps. � ese retail at £65 per box. � ey also have many other sets of three storage boxes with di� erent designs and colour ways which retail at £36 per set and are perfect to hold accessories such as jewellery, scarves or belts.

Remember to always make use of any over head space such as on top of free standing closets and shelves, but be careful not to cram things up there as it can look messy. Storage boxes look attractive and also hide any clutter you would not otherwise wish to see.

Of course, there are plenty of other options for cheaper storage solutions, such as he modular wall frame “Algot” range units from Ikea, which are simply hung on to

the wall. � ere are lots of di� erent sections for this range, from a simple frame with baskets attached, retailing at £37, to a large � tting with rod and shoe organiser which can reach up to £170. Personally I feel that although storage is obtained through this system, it is all still visible to the eye, which ends up defeating half of the object. Although it uses it up less space than a fully built piece of furniture, you still aren’t le� with that clutter free and relaxing sleeping space which we all so apparently need.

With plenty of ideas and products available for a clearer and “tidy mind”, we certainly have no excuses le� for not getting that fully good night’s rest!

Mandi Crump(www.mandyjane.co.uk)

DreamyStorageIdeas

Above - Nordic House - vintage style zinc trunks set of three £130

John Lewis - Chopin Sofa Bed in Silver £1400

I am a great believer in being

ruthless when it comes to my

annual clear out, and if I need

to think about whether or not

to keep an item then out it goes!

We’re lucky in Devon to have really skilled, high-end cabinet makers that can make pretty much anything you need for your storage solution

Having recently read a study suggesting that a clean and tidy room may help sleeping, it got me thinking about how we can all go about this eff ectively and easily.

Dulwich Day Bed £995from Th e White Company

Ashton High Sleeper in white fi nish £699

John Lewis

33EAST DEVON Coast & Country for What's On, visit: eastdevonhub .co.ukEAST DEVON Coast & Country for What's On, visit: eastdevonhub .co.uk


Y Z


TouchwoodTel - 01392 364 269E-mail - [email protected] - www.twdinteriors.co.uk

Touchwood

Tel - 01392 364 269E- mail - [email protected] - www.twdinteriors.co.ukWeb - www.twdstudio.co.uk

TOUCHWOOD

kitchen design studio bespoke furniturearchitectural joinery

Touchwood6 Bishop’s Court GardensClyst St MaryExeterEX5 1DH

Imaginative, sustainable and cost effective design solutions

Historic & Listed Building Restoration Contemporary Conversion

Extensions & New Buildings

www.lcarchitects.co.uk [email protected] Tel: 01392 260490 / 01984 640988

Queensgate House, 48 Queen Street, Exeter, EX4 3SR The Potato Store, Court Place, Withycombe,

Minehead,TA24 6QB

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

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Porcelain

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Bathroom Suites

Bathroom Furniture

Bathroom Fitting

Tel: 01392 367174www.tiletrends.co.uk

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

Suppliers of fine Italian tiles

01404 891713 www.peterquinain.co.uk

[email protected]

High quality structural and cosmetic hardwood timbers, joinery, wooden flooring and traditional style doors.


Y Z


TIMBERWINDOWS

OF HONITON

Authorised

Retail Partner

*All credit is subject to status, terms and

conditions apply.

www.duralifewindows.co.uk www.duralifetimberwindows.comUnit B5, Reme Drive, Heathpark Industrial Estate, Honiton EX14 1SE

Itʼs beginning to look a lot like Timber...keeping your home authentic, safe and warm!

Finance available: Buy Now Pay in 12 months --Interest FREE for up to 36 months*.

All of the jointing is scribed to replicate all the aesthetic details of timber.

Timber style outer frame manufactured

using traditional joinery techniques.

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aesthetics of a traditional timber casement.

Quality bespoke traditional and contemporary handles and furnishings designed to

compliment any home.

The external Putty line and internal Ovolo bar truly

replicates an authentic Georgian appearance.

A rated as standard, one of the most thermally

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Evolution storm 2.. a truly unique window range!

Visit our website to view some amazing comments.40 years in business and a name you can trust, for total peace of mind the choice is clear. Contact us now, you wonʼt make a better call! Tel: 01404 41999

Farrow & Ball and Fired Earth colours available


Y Z


Simply Stunning

The home of beautiful oak furniture for every room...

www.theoakloft.co.uk

Opening HoursMon-Sat 9am - 5pm,Sun 10am - 4pm

Unit 2a,Darts Business Park,

Topsham,Devon,

EX3 0QHTel/Fax: 01392 877321

Simply StunningMANY SPECIAL OFFERS IN STORE...

Probably the best selection of carpets and vinyl fl oorcoverings in the South-West. Famous brands such as Adams, Brintons, Axminster, Bronte, Crucial Trading,

Cormar, Karndean.

Our prices are genuinely low all year.

In addition we are proud still to off er good old fashioned service.

Telephone: 01297 33771Showroom with free parking at: Castle Hill, Axminster EX13 5PY

Opening hours: Weekdays - 08.30 to 17.00 Saturdays - 08.30 to 15.00

Kitchens, Furniture and Bespoke Joinery.

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


Y Z


Tel: 01392 825940 www.bradburysltd.co.ukBradbury’s, Denbury Court, Matford Park, Exeter EX2 8NB

Bradburys. Be inspired.

Strata kitchen by Stoneham

Unit 4, Uplyme Business Park, Lyme Regis, DT7 3LSt: 01297 443209 m: 07729 420592

www.EvergreenRenewableEnergy.co.uk

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

Produce your own free electricity and get paid through a Government-backed incentive scheme.The Feed-In-Tariff pays you for every unit of electricity you generate. Payments are index-linked and tax-free. Signifi cantly cut your electricity bills and reduce your

carbon footprint.

We are a highly qualifi ed, local specialist solar energy company, off ering unrivalled service & prices on the latest solar energy systems. We provide a friendly, free

survey with no sales pressure or gimmicks.

[email protected] • www.exeterstoves.co.ukOpen Mon-Fri - 9.00-4.30pm, Sat 9.00-1.00pm • Tel: 01392 410903

Bakers Yard, Alphinbrook Road, Marsh Barton, Exeter, EX2 8SS

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

Clearview Stoves


Y Z

EAST DEVON Coast & Country for What's On, visit: eastdevonhub .co.uk38EAST DEVON Coast & Country for What's On, visit: eastdevonhub .co.uk

YOUR KITCHENDesigned for you...

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Art - Antiques - Vintage Finds - Coastal, Country & Post-Industrial Interiors

157 High St, Honiton. EX14 1LJ

01404 44399 www.yarrow155.com

Open Mon-Sat 10am-5pm

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.

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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


Y Z

Have you bought the 2013 Flatbeare Views calendar yet? Make haste, for

I’m told there are frighteningly few copies of this glossy, professionally produced gem still available.

Those who have managed to obtain one will no doubt have already marvelled at the pecs of Mr January. But forget February and March, turn straight to April. Modesty forbids me to brag about my physique but my six pack has been much commented on and is now in great demand among local artists.

It was a huge honour for an outsider to be asked to pose for the Pig & Trampoline’s annual fundraiser. Mind you, it’s not something to be entered upon lightly and several questions needed answering before I’d venture into the ranks of the great unclothed. I’m not a prude, but my liberal tendencies were stretched to the limit when the photographer allegedly went down with some sort of lurgi and was replaced by, of all things, a woman.

This caused universal consternation among we twelve brave males but none wanted to be the fi rst to back out so eventually we succumbed, but with a ‘no sniggering’ proviso. I have to say I’ve never been so embarrassed in my life - well, perhaps just once, though I’m defi nitely not revealing details of that in an upmarket magazine. But with no other photographer available at short notice and the future of Flatbeare’s last remaining watering hole at stake, one just had to swallow one’s pride and throw clothing to the wind.

It was vital for this year’s calendar to recoup losses on the 2012 production which featured a dozen of the fi nest customised silage clamps. To everyone’s surprise, sales were poor and landlord Jack eventually cut up the remainders for beer mats.

Copies of this year’s potential collectors’ item can still be obtained from Jack at the P&T during opening hours. So why not have a

day out in the countryside and sample his extensive range of real ales and crisps? After all, Flatbeare is only 10 miles or so west of Nether Scratchings; just follow your nose to the pig refi nery, through the sheep dip and veer left where The Scrawny Cockroach used to be ‒ you can’t miss it.

Times can be hard for a village pub just after New Year. We like to help Jack through the dark days before the summer visitors arrive and readily chip in our 50p’s for the meter to keep the roaring electric coal fi re alight in the bar. On long, dark winter evenings we huddle around the glowing embers and, if it’s not a night the television is on, tales are told and retold, none more so than the story of Old Silas and the Ghost Bus. One miserable night he was discovered after closing time in a ditch, mud besplattered and gibbering. He claimed he’d had to dive into it to avoid being run over by a speeding bus with a wide eyed driver whose maniacal laugh would haunt him to the end of his days.

There may well be a logical explanation. Silas had been imbibing Jack’s guest beer which was to cause mayhem in the village until it ran out. So we attributed this experience to an unwelcome alcoholic guest bringing to life a long forgotten memory of Arthur Hodgson and his charabanc.

Some 15 years ago the village shop closed down when Madge Hedgecombe retired and reluctantly moved upcountry to live with daughter Julie and Julie’s ‘weasel of a husband’ (as Madge put it). The business became a summertime tearoom. This created a shopping problem, but luckily Arthur Hodgson stepped into the breach. He owned a coach which he used for taking folk on outings to the seaside, moors etc. and he off ered to drive once a week to the giant supermarket over Bobsleigh way, which is quite a trek but worth it I’m told.

His fare was very reasonable but his speed wasn’t. His theory was to reach the destination as quickly as possible to

avoid the need for toilet stops, since his coach wasn’t a luxury one with convenience. Those who experienced his driving often complained later of recurring nightmares. But we knew Silas had not really seen a ghost, for Harry was very much alive and working as a ferret inspector over in Cringeworthy. His trusty vehicle had, mercifully, long since been condemned. That extra strong brew has never been invited back to the Pig; suffi ce to say it was known to make even strong men hallucinate and gibber.

Spring may be just around the corner, for lambs have been spotted scoffi ng daff odils, birds are fi ghting over mates and nest sites, and the lady wife has started browsing through house improvement magazines. It’ll soon be time for me to forsake the cosy bar for my summer quarters, the potting shed. Not that I do any potting but it’s another refuge from the good lady’s demands. She has an endless list of springtide chores that need doing. I usually stall for time on the pretence of repairing the lawnmower for the coming grass season, a complex procedure which involves acquiring new cutting blades and other spare parts. But this year she called my bluff by demanding a new one instead and was not satisfi ed with my suggestion of renting a goat, as she seemed to think it might eat fl owers as well as grass. I patiently explained that I’d be too busy this year as my new found fame would doubtless lead to opening fetes, making after-dinner speeches and judging competitions. After a meaningful and sometimes heated discussion, I agreed to employ a part-time handyperson/gardener, to be paid out of my fees for public appearances.

But I shall not appear topless. The vest shall not be removed, unless absolutely necessary for fi nancial reasons.

Ardley Chic reveals more...

Ne’er cast a clout... unless absolutely necessary!

GRAPHIC BY DARRYL JONES

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


Quality Bespoke Furniture with a Diff erence!

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

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Kitchen trends for 2013 focus on the rise of the utilitarian, pared-down look with a neutral colour palette and the mixing of different materials and surfaces to create inviting visual effects.

"The era of a single, brightly coloured kitchen seems to have had its day for a while," says Andy Bradbury, owner of Bradbury's in Exeter, who has been designing luxurious ALNO kitchens for over a decade. "More and more customers are choosing new styles like ALNOSTAR Cera

which features ceramic door and drawer fronts and combining this with striking units in glass, wood or a contrasting colour."

Adding interest to kitchen design through decorative patterns and textures is a trend which is set to take off in 2013. ALNO’s newest range, ALNOSPLIT offers a combination of bright white units with an elegant shingle effect door front created by textured wooden surfaces. It’s not all chic and modern though; Devon

remains a good market for handmade, English wooden kitchens. To cater for this, Bradbury’s offers traditional Stoneham kitchens, for those looking for a more classical kitchen design.

To discuss options for a modern or classic kitchen makeover with a designer, you can contact Bradbury’s on 01392 825940 or for inspiration visit:

www.bradburysltd.co.uk

Below - ALNOSPLIT: eye-catching textured door fronts sit perfectly with bright white units for the ultimate in contemporary styling.

Vintage grey/ High-gloss ultra white finish.

Available from Bradbury's

Exetermixing it up in the kitchen


Y Z


Fireplace Specialists

SIDMOUTH DESIGN ALEXANDRIA ROAD SIDMOUTH DEVON EX10 9HE

01395 577558 www.sidmouthdesign.co.uk

PanacheI N T E R I O R S

Bespoke Fitted KitchensBedrooms Home Offi ce Bathrooms

01404 813590www.panacheinteriors.co.uk

see our display at the Aga Shop Darts Farm, Topsham

Timber frameconstruction Joinery

Restoration

Design


Y Z


• Mains Board Upgrades• House Rewires• Smoke Alarms• Kitchens• Bathrooms

• Minor & Major Works• Periodic Inspection Report• Outside Lighting/ Sockets• Test & Inspection• Conservatories

For All Your Electrical & Air Conditioning NeedsDeals Now On! Discount For Seniors Too!

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CALL US NOW FOR A FREE ELECTRICAL SURVEY

Are you currently improving your home - if you are, the digital version of this magazine is free to access, and most of the web addresses are live, which makes it easy for you to find out more about the products or services they offer by browsing them online. HOME & INTERIORS

directoryY Z


4homes

01395 578763 www.4homes.ltd.uk

12-14 High StreetSIDMOUTH

Devon EX10 8EL

Complete solutionsfrom your local home

interior specialist

kitchens . bedrooms . bathroomstiles . flooring . furniture

home accessories

Coast and Country advert 91mm wide by133mm high

PLEASE DO NOT SCALE OR DISTORT

Blinds that make your home beautiful

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Last summer, on one of my exploratory trips, whilst visiting Luppitt, I came across St. Mary's Church.

Churches are great repositories of our local history, many date back centuries and are usually the single oldest building remaining in many of the villages and towns.

St. Andrews is a lovely church, perched up on the side of the valley, and it's a great place to visit, if only to get an interesting view of this ancient village.

The font at Luppitt, located in the centre of the tower floor, is truly magnificent, it's style is primitive and in terms of its age, historians are undecided whether it's late Saxon or very early Norman. What they do agree on is that this font is around 1,000 years old, give or take a few decades. Apparently, it's the oldest in Devon.

Oddly enough, the font wasn't always in the church, as a previous Vicar, the Rev. W.T. Perrott was digging a bank near the churchyard boundary, when he came across it. It's unknown whether it was buried for safe keeping or thrown out, but it's a real gem and is safely back inside the church for good.

As you can see from the carvings, they're very primitive in nature and also depict various stories, although it's difficult to know exactly what these are. It's entirely possible that these carvings could have been painted.

Possible descriptions of carvings:

1 I've sourced two different descriptions:(a) A hunting scene (b) Centaur fighting two dragons.

2 Again, two descriptions from different sources:(a) An early Christian saint was betrayed by a friend, and was murdered by a pagan chieftain. (b) A martyrdom in which two men drive a nail into a detached human head.

3 Description for the left hand face:(a) A group of dogs and a tree with dishevelled foliage.

There is also a brass inscription with part of a female figure of the 1430s on the reverse of the font.

1

3

Luppitt Church's Fontone of East Devon's great treasures


The views from the churchyard are lovely, it's positioned high up the side of the valley, the farm you see in the distance is on the opposite side. I'm always surprised how rusty corrugated iron roofing can be so harmonious!

The font is a real treasure and links the village of Luppitt back a millennium in time. Be sure to visit the church to see this great treasure.

The font, situated in the floor of the bell tower

2

St. Mary's Church

St. Mary's Church has had much work carried out on it, particularly in 1880-81, when the chancel was rebuilt. More work was carried out in 1884 to the transept, so the outside has little of historical note apart from the west tower, which is diagonally buttressed and has a polygonal stair turret.

The church itself has a fine wagon roof with interesting medieval boss where beams meet in the centre.

The church still preserves the 14th century plan of nave and chancel arch, which leads into a narrower chancel and a pair of wide and shallow transepts*.

There's a Norman piscina (sacrarium) in the chancel - the piscina is a shallow basin generally built into the wall, with a drain to the outside. It was used for washing the communion vessels, and the water that was used sacramentally, gets returned to earth. The term piscina is a Latin word originally applied to a fish-pond, and was later used for natural or artificial pools for bathing and also for a water tank or reservoir. In ecclesiastical usage it was applied to the basin used for ablutions and sometimes for other sacraments.

* Transept - is defined as a transverse section of any building, which lies across the main body of the building. In Christian churches, the transept is and area set crosswise to the nave in a cruciform.*Nave - the nave is the central approach to the high altar i.e. the main body of the church. The longest nave in England is at Winchester Cathedral, measuring 279ft.*Chancel - the space around the altar in the sanctuary at the liturgical east end of a traditional Christian church building.

Please don't forget to make a contribution in the collection box before you leave the church. Many thanks. - Editor

1,000 years old!Luppitt Church's Font

EAST DEVON Coast & Country for What's On, visit: eastdevonhub .co.uk46

157 High St, Honiton.

EX14 1LJ 01404 44399

10am-5pm Open Mon-Sat

www.yarrow155.com

WHAT'S ON IN HONITON

Honiton Music Festival22nd Feb - Honiton Festival presents a lunchtime Concert at St. Paul's Church, High Street, Honiton. A range of performances. Doors open at 12 noon, lunch available. Performance starts 1pm. Tickets £9 all seats unreserved, available from Honiton Tourist Information 01404 43716 or on the door.

Printmaking and AnimationUntil 2nd Mar - The New Year kicks off at the Thelma Hulbert Gallery with printmaking and Animation, part of 2013 Animated Exeter Festival. Free admission, donations welcome. 01404 45006

Painting the Everyday16th Mar to 27th Apr - Celebrating the centenary of the birth of Thelma Hulbert (1913 - 1995) this exhibition focuses on Thelma Hulbert's still life paintings. This insightful collection of paintings will be complimented by the still life's of two leading contemporary painters from the South West, Jessica Cooper and Vanessa Bowman, revealing the continued fascination with capturing the everyday. Free admission, donations welcome.

Nelson’s Parting Shot...

Remains of the day

China’. One large parish alone had a mileage of

hedges that would have stretched in a straight

line from Land’s End to Edinburgh and are

therefore a marvellous subject for study”.

But it was Dr. Max Hooper of Nature

Conservancy who developed a system for

dating hedges - which you may wish to try

on a hedge near you. It’s simple, and it adds a

new element to a family walk.

First pace out a length of chosen hedgerow,

Thirty to fifty paces should provide sufficient

information to date it to within 50 years.

Walk along its length counting the number

of different species of shrubs you can find.

Hooper’s hypothesis (tried and tested in many

other parts of the UK) being that for every

different species we can reckon a hundred

years of life: so that a hedgerow that produces

ten different species could be reckoned to be

1,000 years old - plus or minus 50 years.

Devon County Council estimates that “Devon

was relatively unscathed compared to other

counties (England lost more than 155,000

miles of hedgerows before they began to be

protected) and can be proud of the fact that

it has more hedgerows than any other county

- an impressive 33,000 miles”.

JOHN FISHER

WE DEVONIANS have been around for a long time, witness the palaeolithic caves in

South Devon, the circles of stone huts we later lived in up on Dartmoor and the Honiton

by-pass, once a happy hunting ground for hippos.

Their mortal remains (now lodged decently in

Honiton Museum) were found in 1965 beneath

what is now the west-bound carriageway of the

A30 Honiton by-pass and are proof, if proof

were needed, that there is nothing new about

climate change happening in Devon.

We are getting wetter again, we are getting

warmer again and at this end of the island we

continue to sink a little more each year back

into the ocean from whence we came. But don’t

panic, it’s only isostatic adjustment and there

are probably several more millions of years of

‘tilt and slide’ to be undergone before any of us

needs to move to higher ground.

We’ve been through a lot together in more

modern times too, since this part of the

country was given the Celtic name of

Dumnonia meaning ‘people of the land’. Which

suggests that we may have

become farmers sooner than

some of our hunter-gatherer

neighbours. Certainly some of

the field systems hereabouts

are more than 5,000 years

old, and are worth hanging

on to, reckoned Devon’s own

Professor W. G. Hoskins, who

wrote in his classic English

Landscapes:-

“Back in 1844 a surveyor

calculated that the hedges in

ten parishes in east Devon

totalled 1,651 miles - ‘half as

long again as the Great Wall of

Photo - Cloudzilla

HIPPOS FROLICKED in the warm shallow waters which once covered Devon

WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?Kents Cavern, Torquay, has produced some

of the oldest evidence of human activity in Britain with the discovery of stone tools

used 500,000 years ago by Homo erectus - each one an ancient Devonian 498,000 years

before the county even got its name.

THAT DEVON SURVEYOR GOT IT WRONG: China’s Great Wall is 8,850 (5,500 miles) long!

Photo courtesy China Tourism

EAST DEVON Coast & Country for What's On, visit: eastdevonhub .co.uk 47


THEY CALLED IT “the year without a summer” and it was also the origin of the expression “eighteen hundred and frozen-to-death”, and with good cause. That darkest of years was 1816, made even more memorable perhaps in the West of England that autumn when the Exeter Mail Coach was attacked by a starving lion. But we are rushing ahead of ourselves.

It began in the year before, some 8,000 miles from Devon when Mount Tambora, a 13,000 foot Indonesian volcano erupted on 10th April, 1815. It killed tens of thousands of people in the immediate vicinity and unleashed climatic changes around the world which brought about the deaths of many thousands more.

To this day, it stands as the world’s worst recorded volcanic disaster with 93 cubic miles of ash being spewed into the upper atmosphere within a few minutes, reducing the height of the mountain by 4,000 feet.

The ash clouds circled the globe in the upper atmosphere for two years, bringing un-seasonal snows, fl oods and droughts to the northern hemisphere - followed by famines, pestilence and disease. All of these touched Devon whilst some of the extraordinary sunsets triggered by the dust have been recorded in Turner’s most memorable paintings.

It rained in the West of England throughout that summer on 142

recorded days out of 153. There was snow on Dartmoor in June and lakes and ponds froze on high ground. Autumn came in cold, bleak and cheerless.

This then was the background to that one particular night in that extraordinary year - a cloudy but bitterly cold evening when the Exeter Mail Coach was attacked by a lion - or to be more precise, a lioness. This was the crack Quicksilver coach which had left Devonport before the sun rose that chill Sunday morning of 20th October, 1816, bound for London at a steady ten to twelve miles an hour, via South Devon, Exeter, Salisbury and Andover, picking up and dropping off mails along the way.

Apart from the mails themselves - slim leather satchels kept securely in the boot - the coach was light-loaded. People had come and gone as it rumbled across Devon, and by the time it reached Exeter there were just two people on board, both of them men and both seated inside. The only two souls braving the elements that short autumn day and long, bitterly cold night, were the coachman and the guard.

The guard’s duty was to stay with the coach from start to fi nish of the journey: the coachman on the other hand travelled 50 miles in one direction and then changed places with the coach coming in the opposite direction by stepping across

The year the lion attacked the Exeter coachDEVON’S GRIM WEATHER LAST YEAR WAS NOTHING COMPARED TO

WHAT HAPPENED HEREABOUTS IN 1816 - writes John Fisher

� e Exeter Mail Coach attacked by a lion, painting a� er James Pollard

(Image courtesyWoolley & WallisSalisbury Salerooms)


THEY CALLED IT “the year without a summer” and it was also the origin of the expression “eighteen hundred and frozen-to-death”, and with good cause. That darkest of years was 1816, made even more memorable perhaps in the West of England that autumn when the Exeter Mail Coach was attacked by a starving lion. But we are rushing ahead of ourselves.

It began in the year before, some 8,000 miles from Devon when Mount Tambora, a 13,000 foot Indonesian volcano erupted on 10th April, 1815. It killed tens of thousands of people in the immediate vicinity and unleashed climatic changes around the world which brought about the deaths of many thousands more.

To this day, it stands as the world’s worst recorded volcanic disaster with 93 cubic miles of ash being spewed into the upper atmosphere within a few minutes, reducing the height of the mountain by 4,000 feet.

The ash clouds circled the globe in the upper atmosphere for two years, bringing un-seasonal snows, fl oods and droughts to the northern hemisphere - followed by famines, pestilence and disease. All of these touched Devon whilst some of the extraordinary sunsets triggered by the dust have been recorded in Turner’s most memorable paintings.

It rained in the West of England throughout that summer on 142

recorded days out of 153. There was snow on Dartmoor in June and lakes and ponds froze on high ground. Autumn came in cold, bleak and cheerless.

This then was the background to that one particular night in that extraordinary year - a cloudy but bitterly cold evening when the Exeter Mail Coach was attacked by a lion - or to be more precise, a lioness. This was the crack Quicksilver coach which had left Devonport before the sun rose that chill Sunday morning of 20th October, 1816, bound for London at a steady ten to twelve miles an hour, via South Devon, Exeter, Salisbury and Andover, picking up and dropping off mails along the way.

Apart from the mails themselves - slim leather satchels kept securely in the boot - the coach was light-loaded. People had come and gone as it rumbled across Devon, and by the time it reached Exeter there were just two people on board, both of them men and both seated inside. The only two souls braving the elements that short autumn day and long, bitterly cold night, were the coachman and the guard.

The guard’s duty was to stay with the coach from start to fi nish of the journey: the coachman on the other hand travelled 50 miles in one direction and then changed places with the coach coming in the opposite direction by stepping across

The year the lion attacked the Exeter coachDEVON’S GRIM WEATHER LAST YEAR WAS NOTHING COMPARED TO

WHAT HAPPENED HEREABOUTS IN 1816 - writes John Fisher

� e Exeter Mail Coach attacked by a lion, painting a� er James Pollard

(Image courtesyWoolley & WallisSalisbury Salerooms)

the gap between the two. Thus these men were experts on the roads they travelled and knew each twist and turn like the backs of their hands.

The coach’s lamps were lit at Shaftesbury as the sun set: two double-wicked road lamps to the front, showing that they were an approaching Mail, two double-wicked lanterns on either side which dimly illuminated the ground for a yard or so to left and right of the passenger doors, and a small covered light positioned just in front of the guard. On that particular night this was one, Joseph Pike, who sat at the very back of the coach facing a wide wooden box with a hinged lid.

As the only Post Offi ce employee aboard the mail coach, Pike wore an offi cial uniform of a black hat with a gold band and a scarlet coat with blue lapels and gold braid. All this beneath a greatcoat and scarf of his own purchase. His guard’s light served three purposes. Firstly it enabled him to read “London time” from the sealed chronometer charged to his keeping by the Post Offi ce and kept in a pouch slung around his neck: secondly it allowed him to sort the mail bags for each drop by reading their engraved brass labels and thirdly, it kept his hands warm. At the bottom of the box were two pistols and a blunderbuss. Although 1785 was the last time a Mail coach had been held up by a highwayman, Act of Parliament decreed that they be kept fully loaded at all times.

The coachman meanwhile, whose name has been lost in the mists of time, steered his team of four horses through the inky blackness of the night, his way lit periodically through cloud by the occasional glimpse of a star and a two-day old new moon. But what we do know of him was common to all coachmen of that period.

Seated on a sprung board at the front right of the coach where he took the brunt of the weather, he probably took a tipple or two along the road at each stop to keep out the cold. Tradition has it that he should wear a soft, wide-brimmed hat, sometimes held on by a long scarf which also wrapped twice round his neck before disappearing beneath a full-length overcoat. He wore calf-length leather boots and kept a short, sharp knife in the top of the right-hand boot which was used for cutting traces should a horse fall or become entangled in its harness. He held the reins for all four horses in his left hand and as a consequence

‘had a left-bicep like a cannon ball’. His right hand held the whip.

The Quicksilver’s change of horses before their encounter with the lioness had been, ominously enough, at the still-renowned Red Lion Inn at Salisbury where our nameless driver had come in earlier, driving the Devonport-bound coach. One Thomas Trollope (brother of Anthony Trollope) wrote of one of these rapid changeovers of Mail coaches.

“It was a pretty sight to see the changing of the horses. There stood the fresh team, two on the off side, two on the near side, and the coach was drawn up with the utmost exactitude between them. Four ostlers jump to the splinter-bars and loose the traces; the reins have already been thrown down. The driver retains his seat, and, within the minute (more than once, within fi fty seconds by the watch) the coach is again on its onward journey”. The lead horse on this occasion we know was called Pomegranate, formerly a race horse which had according to Exeter’s Flying Post (which reported the story just three days later) developed such a bad temper in the racing stables that he had been sold to the owner of the Red Lion, a Mr. Weekes. After the change of horses the Quicksilver soon left the fl ickering yellow lights of the ancient city behind and headed out into the night again and across Salisbury Plain in the direction of Andover. Next scheduled stop the Winterslow Hut (later to become The Pheasant Inn) a lonely halt then, as now, and “in the middle of nowhere” as that renowned man of letters, William Hazlitt later called it in the diary he kept when he lodged there.

As they crested the hill seven miles or so further along what is nowadays the old A30 and began the long fi nal descent towards the inn, Joseph Pike reached for his post horn, his “three feet of tin” and gave it the regulatory three double blasts to warn them of

their approach. The coachman could already see the yard at the front of the inn lit by lanterns and the small team of waiting ostlers who would change the team and get them on their way again.

It was at this moment that Pike, looking down to his right, spied what he took to be “a large calf” running alongside the coach and shouted a warning to the coachman. He in turn delivered a warning crack of his whip to whatever it was that was causing such distress to his “cattle”.

It was now, as the Quicksilver pulled into the yard, that all hell broke loose. The lioness bounded forward and leaped onto the back of the off side leader, throwing its front paws round the neck of the terrifi ed beast as it sank in tooth and claw. The horse, in its agony, reared and half fell to the right, almost toppling the coach, its front hooves lashing out in an attempt to free itself from the harness and deal with its attacker in the only way it could.

Amid the terrifi ed screams of the rearing horses and the shouts of the people in the yard both coachman and guard now saw the attacker as a lion. As the ostlers ran for their lives, the two coach passengers leapt from its nearside door, fl ed into the inn, ran up the staircase immediately in front of them and locked and barricaded

the door of the fi rst room they could fi nd. The brave coachman shouted to Pike for the gun and began to clamber down from the wildly rocking coach, reaching for his short-bladed knife.

Pike made a grab for the loaded blunderbuss in the box at his feet, and leaped from his seat. As his feet touched the ground and he straightened he turned to see a wild-faced man pointing a loaded pistol at his forehead.

“For God’s sake don’t kill her!” the man shouted. It was his lioness, the man screamed. She had escaped from his travelling menagerie and had cost him £500 and was “as tame as a rabbit” if he and his men could only get to her. At this point two men who had come running up with the owner released a mastiff dog which leapt onto the lioness and sank its teeth into one of its hind legs. The lioness now turned its attention to the dog and seems to have quickly dispatched the poor creature, killing it outright and dragging it off into the darkness

towards a wooden barn or granary (which is still there) towards the rear of the inn.

What then followed was subsequently reported in the Salisbury and Winchester Journal:

continued overleaf

TEAMWORK: Guard and Coachman as portrayed by 19th century illustrator Fred

Barnard for Charles Dickens’ Pickwick Papers

Royal Mail commemorated the lion attack with a stamp

issue in 1984


“Her owner and his assistants, after a short deliberation, followed her upon their hands and knees, with lighted candles, and having placed a sack on the ground near her, they made her lie down upon it; they then tied her four legs and passed a cord round her mouth, which they secured; in this state they drew her out from under the granary, upon the sack, and then she was lifted and carried by six men into her den in the caravan. To the astonishment of everyone who beheld this part of the transaction (which lasted about a quarter of an hour), the lioness lay as quietly

as a lamb during her removal to the caravan; but when she was there she became sensible of the restraints she was under, and her rage was excessive till the cords which annoyed her were loosened”.

Did those two extraordinary men take a tot of brandy to settle their nerves after such an encounter? You can bet they did, but it is testimony to the importance they attached to their duty and the effi ciency of the postal service at the time that the whole incident only delayed the mail coach 45 minutes before it changed teams completely, re-instated the two fleeing passengers from their locked their upper room and continued on their route to London.

Allʼs well that ends wellPOMEGRANATE recovered and was bought from Mr. Weekes by the enterprising menagerie owner, George Ballard, who exhibited the pair of animals at Salisbury Fair that same week - and many other fairs over the following years. “Ballard's Grand Collection of Wild Beasts" was still doing the rounds

at Bartholomew Fair in 1825 where the “lioness who attacked the Exeter mail coach” (and now 15 years of age) was still being exhibited, admission one penny. Takings by the menagerie for that particular three-day fair were £90. Of poor old Pomegranate, who had been foaled in 1809, there was no sign.

Disasters updateMOUNT TAMBORA is still active with lava f lows and its dome continues to build inside the crater. The last eruption, in 1967, was “small and not explosive”.

In 1826, 10 years after the lion attack, the Quicksilver was still making the same run which, leaving Piccadilly at 8 p.m., arrived at Exeter at 12.34 next day; time, sixteen hours, thirty-four minutes. Going on to Devonport, it arrived at that place at 5.14 p.m., or twenty-one hours, fourteen minutes from London. There were no fewer than twenty-three changes of horse over the 216 miles and four changes of coachman.

Cost of the cheapest single fare? Four old pennies per mile, plus 20 old shillings in tips to the coachmen (virtually obligatory) and guard. Total cost in today’s money, about £4.60, plus the cost of food and drink on the brief stopovers.

You can still travel by coach from London to Plymouth of course, but in this day and age the carrier will more than likely be National Express, who now has the lion’s share of the route, whilst the single fare, via Exeter is £29.90.

John Fisher

� e root cause of the climatic changes - Mount Tambora, a 13,000 foot Indonesian volcano erupted on 10th April, 1815.It killed tens of thousands of people in the immediate vicinity

FREE walking tours withExeter’s Red Coat Guides

Free guided walking tours of Exeter take place daily, and are a great way to discover the city’s fascinating history and architectural treasures.

Led by Exeter’s Red Coat Guides, these passionate volunteers run a wide range of tours throughout the year, each focusing on a different aspect of the city’s rich history.

The tour programme includes ‘Canal Trips’ (June - August) taking in a boat trip to Double Locks; ‘Cathedral Close & Bishop’s Palace Garden’, giving a rare opportunity to witness the restoration of this historic garden, and ‘Churches, Cemeteries & the Catacomb’, where the mysterious Catacomb is explored by torchlight!

Other popular tours include, ‘Cathedral to Quay’, ‘Exeter’s City Wall’, ‘Ghosts & Legends’ and ‘Murder & Mayhem’, exploring sites of rebellion, riots, murder and hangings throughout the centuries.

Most tours depart from the notice board on Cathedral Green, opposite ABode Exeter (Royal Clarence Hotel), whilst quayside based tours depart from outside the Quay House Visitor Centre. Tours last approximately 90 minutes unless otherwise stated and are free of charge. No booking is required, simply choose a tour, meet your guide and discover historic Exeter.

Visit www.exeter.gov.uk/guidedtours , call 01392 265203 or visit Exeter Visitor Information & Tickets, Dix’s Field for the latest tour programme.


www.goodlifegardeners.co.ukT: 01404 850129

oodlifeardenersG

We would be happy to come and see you to discuss your gardening requirements from a spring tidy to full landscaping.

how does your Garden develop?

...rather beautifully with our landscaping team

Welcome to Sweetcombe Cottage HolidaysWe off er our own hand-picked selection of holiday properties in East Devon for those who want to combine the freedom of self-catering with the style and comforts of luxury holiday cottage accommodation. We are based in Sidmouth, and our family has been running Sweetcombe Cottage Holidays for over 20 years. We know our properties very well and are here to assist with all your holiday requirements.

From Beer and Branscombe through to Sidmouth and onto Budleigh Salterton and Exmouth - you can be sure you are never far from the famed Jurassic coast. Visit England assessed and Star Graded - with the majority achieving either 4 or 5 stars; some cottages having obtained the coveted Gold Award.

We look forward to welcoming you to one of our beautiful holiday cottages soon!

Tracey Gwillim - Managing Directorwww.sweetcombe-ch.co.ukTel: 01395 512130 Email: [email protected]

We are always looking for

new properties to add to our

portfolio. Please call for helpful tips, advice and a full marketing appraisal, free

of charge.

Welcome to Sweetcombe Cottage HolidaysSweetcombe Cottage Holidays offers our own hand-picked selection of holiday properties in East Devon for those who want to combine the freedom of self-catering with the style and comforts of luxury holiday cottage accommodation. We are based in Sidmouth, and our family has been running Sweetcombe Cottage Holidays for over 20 years, we know our properties very well and are here to assist with all your holiday requirements.

From Beer and Branscombe through to Sidmouth and onto Budleigh Salterton and Exmouth - you can be sure you are never far from the famed Jurassic coast. Visit England assessed and Star Graded - with the majority achieving either 4 and 5 Stars; some cottages having obtained the coveted Gold Award.

We look forward to welcoming you to one of our beautiful holiday cottages soon!

Tracy Gwillim- Managing Director www.sweetcombe-ch.co.ukTel: 01395 512130 Email: [email protected]

www.exeter.gov.uk/guidedtours

t: 01392 265203Daily tours except

25 & 26 Dec

Ghosts & LegendsHeart of Exeter

Cathedral to QuayExeter Old & New

FREE Exeter Red CoatGuided Tours

Redcoat 64x91mm ad 030712_Redcoat 64x91mm ad 030712 03/07/2012 15:

Daily tours forFeb & Mar 13

www. eastdevonhub .co.uk

To find out What's On in this region, visit:

If you're a tourist outlet, we can supply window stickers for What's On information so that customers can self service


Exmouth

Budleigh Salterton

Sidmouth

BeerSeaton

Lyme Regis

Intruder Alarms Maintained & Updated, CCTV installation, Emergency Lights, Door Access Systems, Fire Extinguisher Supply & Maintenance.

CALL US FOR A FREE QUOTATION ON01395 222999 or 01395 577250

A qualifi ed engineer is only a phone call away 24 HOURS A DAY, EVERYDAYwww.tamarsecurity.co.uk

Bespoke systems designed to suit your business or home

TAMAR SECURITY

EAST DEVON’S LEADING INTRUDER ALARM INSTALLER

WHAT'S ON IN EXMOUTH

U3A Talk 'Shelterbox'14 Feb - The Pavilion, Esplanade. Talk by Marion Scott on past, present and future developments.

Dancing Duo with Henry and Jeannie16 Feb - Valentine Dance. Dress to impress. Free Parking and Bar available. Entry £7. Call Jeannie for more information 01803 325905. Exmouth Pavilion.

U3A Talk 'Medical Ethics'14 Mar - The Pavilion, Esplanade Talk by Dr Karen Ricketts.

Lambing Sunday17 Mar - Bicton College.10am - 4pm.

Dancing Duo Henryand Jeannie 30 Mar - Pavilion Spring Ball. Evening wear preferred. Free parking and bar available. Entry £7. Call Jeannie for more information on 01803 325905. 8pm - 11pm.

Tide TimetablesLyme Regis to Exmouth

EXMOUTH INFORMATION CENTRE

PLEASE NOTE - We're now at Travelworld, 3 Rolle Street, Exmouth. 01395 222299

mnth day time mtr time mtr time mtr time mtrFeb 1 0239 0.8 0923 4.1 1505 0.8 2144 4.0Feb 2 0321 0.8 0958 4.0 1549 0.9 2223 3.9Feb 3 0409 0.9 1042 3.8 1639 1.1 2313 3.7Feb 4 0506 1.1 1142 3.6 1742 1.3 none noneFeb 5 0020 3.6 0622 1.3 1302 3.5 1903 1.4Feb 6 0144 3.5 0750 1.3 1429 3.5 2026 1.3Feb 7 0312 3.6 0907 1.1 1556 3.7 2136 1.1Feb 8 0438 3.9 1013 0.9 1715 4.0 2237 0.9Feb 9 0549 4.2 1111 0.6 1815 4.2 2331 0.7Feb 10 0642 4.5 1203 0.5 1902 4.4 none noneFeb 11 0021 0.5 0725 4.6 1252 0.4 1941 4.5Feb 12 0106 0.5 0801 4.6 1334 0.5 2017 4.4Feb 13 0145 0.6 0836 4.5 1410 0.7 2053 4.3Feb 14 0219 0.8 0912 4.3 1441 0.9 2128 4.0Feb 15 0252 1.0 0948 4.0 1513 1.1 2202 3.8Feb 16 0327 1.2 1021 3.8 1548 1.3 2228 3.6Feb 17 0404 1.4 1049 3.5 1626 1.5 2246 3.4Feb 18 0445 1.6 1115 3.3 1710 1.6 2320 3.3Feb 19 0536 1.8 1207 3.2 1807 1.8 none noneFeb 20 0025 3.2 0655 1.9 1350 3.1 1931 1.8Feb 21 0223 3.2 0831 1.8 1528 3.2 2056 1.7Feb 22 0400 3.4 0943 1.5 1636 3.5 2202 1.4Feb 23 0502 3.7 1040 1.2 1728 3.8 2257 1.2Feb 24 0548 4.0 1130 1.0 1808 4.0 2344 1.0Feb 25 0624 4.2 1214 0.8 1840 4.2 none noneFeb 26 0022 0.9 0656 4.4 1249 0.7 1912 4.3Feb 27 0048 0.8 0730 4.4 1311 0.7 1947 4.4Feb 28 0112 0.7 0805 4.4 1336 0.7 2022 4.3Mar 1 0146 0.7 0840 4.3 1410 0.7 2057 4.2Mar 2 0224 0.7 0914 4.1 1448 0.8 2132 4.1Mar 3 0307 0.8 0949 4.0 1531 0.9 2210 3.9Mar 4 0355 0.9 1032 3.7 1620 1.1 2257 3.7Mar 5 0452 1.1 1130 3.5 1721 1.4 none noneMar 6 0003 3.5 0604 1.4 1249 3.3 1839 1.5Mar 7 0130 3.4 0728 1.4 1418 3.4 2001 1.5Mar 8 0304 3.5 0846 1.3 1549 3.6 2113 1.3Mar 9 0432 3.8 0951 1.0 1704 3.9 2214 1.0Mar 10 0537 4.2 1048 0.7 1800 4.2 2309 0.7Mar 11 0627 4.4 1139 0.5 1845 4.4 2358 0.6Mar 12 0707 4.6 1226 0.5 1921 4.5 none noneMar 13 0043 0.5 0739 4.6 1309 0.5 1952 4.5Mar 14 0123 0.6 0810 4.5 1344 0.7 2024 4.3Mar 15 0156 0.8 0844 4.3 1413 0.9 2057 4.1Mar 16 0226 1.0 0917 4.1 1441 1.1 2127 3.9Mar 17 0256 1.1 0948 3.8 1512 1.2 2147 3.7Mar 18 0328 1.3 1007 3.5 1545 1.4 2201 3.5Mar 19 0403 1.5 1028 3.4 1621 1.5 2235 3.4Mar 20 0443 1.6 1111 3.2 1706 1.7 2327 3.3Mar 21 0542 1.8 1223 3.1 1812 1.8 none noneMar 22 0051 3.2 0727 1.8 1420 3.2 2000 1.8Mar 23 0253 3.3 0902 1.6 1544 3.4 2123 1.5Mar 24 0412 3.6 1004 1.3 1641 3.7 2222 1.2Mar 25 0505 3.9 1056 1.0 1726 4.0 2311 1.0Mar 26 0548 4.2 1141 0.7 1804 4.3 2353 0.8Mar 27 0626 4.4 1219 0.6 1843 4.4 none noneMar 28 0027 0.6 0704 4.5 1250 0.6 1922 4.5Mar 29 0058 0.6 0743 4.5 1319 0.6 2002 4.5Mar 30 0132 0.6 0824 4.4 1353 0.7 2042 4.3Mar 31 0212 0.6 0904 4.2 1433 0.8 2123 4.1

Dogs are allowed on the beaches during February and March - please check local bylaws

BEACHFRONT TEASHOPS AND RESTAURANTSWITH SEA VIEWS

LYME REGIS (01297)Alexandra Hotel 442010Bay Hotel 442059By The Bay 442668

SEATONTreats Cafe

BEERAnchor Inn

BRANSCOMBEThe Sea Shanty

SIDMOUTH (01395)The ClocktowerTeas, home-made cakes and lunches 515319

BUDLEIGH S.Longboat Cafe

EXMOUTHChannel View Cafe

LYMPSTONE (01392)Swan Inn 270403

TOPSHAMLighter Inn


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/co� ee, free wi-� throughout, TVs with Freeview & 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• Cleopatra Steam Room• Whirlpool Spa• Aqua Fitness Classes• Aerobics Classes• All-Weather Tennis Court• Sunshower (extra charge)• Snooker Table (extra charge)• Putting Green (May-Sept)

SAVE ££S - bring this advert with you and save the joining fee.

Memberships are available from as little as £5.29 per week.

www.lifestyleleisureclub.co.ukDOUGLAS AVENUEEXMOUTH

01395 272277www.devoncourthotel.com

OUTDOOR POOL

FITNESS GYM

GARDENS


T his walk starts at Shute Barton, which is owned by the National Trust. If you

haven’t already visited Shute Barton, then I’d say it’s well worth a visit. It’s a medieval manor house which apparently has royal connections and is also supposed to have the largest fireplace in England. Of interest is the massive wooden pole that was used to mount animals on for

roasting in the fireplace. It’s only open to the public four times a year, so be warned. The National Trust can be reached on 01752 346585 with regard to opening times.

The walk takes you along some pretty little lanes and footpaths which have interesting views of the Axe valley down to Axmouth. You then walk

up onto the wooded beacon (probably treeless in times gone by, as was the case with fire beacons). There’s a permissive path that takes you through a gate into the woods, you then need to cut diagonally across until you pick up a path leading you along a hedgerow. Follow the path until it is terminated by a track, take the track downhill and follow back to Shute Barton.

East Devon Coast & CountryShute Barton circular walk


1

2

3

4

5

67

8

+Church

Shute Barton(nt)

Shute House

The Beacon

Shute Hill

views of Axe valley down to Seaton

< to A35

<

to Colyton

main roadlanetrackfootpath

DISTANCE: Just under 2 miles in total

GOING: Wellies after rain advised, mildly steep in places, not for the infirm but children fine.

ADDITIONAL NOTES: Don’t forget that if you wish to see inside Shute Barton, you need to contact the NT with regard to opening times.

NEARBY FOOD & DRINK Colyton lies fairly close to Shute Barton and has several eateries. Of particular note is Liddon’s Dairy by Umborne Bridge which has a lovely outside patio area, and they also have a range of animals which can keep the kids preoccupied. Open from 29th March onwards.

Shute Barton NTShute Barton is a medieval house with royal connections (see NT

website). It's open for 4

weekends every year.

It is well worth a visit, and

is notable for having one of

the largest firelplaces in England (in the kitchen) and

also has spectacular roof

beams and trusses.

Liddon’s Dairy

Shute Barton


Lovely tracks to walk - this one bathed in the evening sun

The lower Axe valley looking out to sea


Looking East from the path

A ginger tom, exhibiting a fine sense of balance

Dancing flies

It's always nice to spot a robin


Grow with us!

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protect your garden


It was coming up to the Christmas of 1960, and I was about to leave school for good!

Having spoken to the then youth employment officer at Seaton, I was all set to start a career on the railway, my life-long ambition. But unfortunately, it had not turned out quite the way I had planned it.

I had wanted to start my career as an engine cleaner, and then join the elite band, working on the footplate of a steam locomotive. But there was a slight hitch in this, one had to be sixteen years of age to become an engine cleaner, and to participate in the necessary shift work involved. Also, I would have to go to the Exmouth Junction locomotive depot at Exeter, to work from there, and this would mean going into lodgings.

As I was only fifteen years of age, I was given an alternative. I could take up the job of a junior porter advertised at Combpyne station on the Lyme Regis branch line. Then on reaching the age of sixteen, I could transfer back to the locomotive department and take up the post as an engine cleaner. This is what I decided to do, but first it meant taking

the medical and eyesight examination at Southernhay, in Exeter. I passed my medical and eyesight without any problems whatsoever, the eyesight examination was to determined whether you had any problems with colour blindness, this would have

been a certain NO if working on the footplate and looking out for signals at night, had this been the case.And so it was I started my career on Monday 2nd January 1961. I can

honestly say looking back now at fifty one years ago, I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.

I cycled to Combpyne station from Axmouth and met the lad I was taking over from, Terry Guppy. Terry was going to Exmouth Junction as an engine cleaner, and on passing out as a fireman, he was hoping to fill the

vacancy for a locomotive fireman on the Lyme Regis branch line.The actual scenery on the Lyme Regis branch line was stunning, especially between Combpyne (the

only intermediate station between Axminster and Lyme Regis) and Axminster.

The line was 6 miles 59 chains. In length, from Axminster to Lyme Regis, with Combpyne station situated 4 miles , 21 chains from Axminster.

That first morning as I arrived at Combpyne, I had to board the train and travel into Lyme, to meet the stationmaster Arthur Causley, who was in charge of us. I waited on the platform talking to Terry Guppy as the 8.45a.m. from Axminster rolled in at 8.58 a.m. I went to get into the first carriage and I was told, ‘Not There’, get up on the footplate. At that time of course, the branch was still being worked by the ‘Adams’ 4-4-2 Radial tank engines. And I climbed up on the footplate, What an experience.

The driver was Tom Woodman, later to be Terry Guppy’s driver - this particular day he had an Exmouth Junction relief fireman with him. We set off from Combpyne, with a brief opening of the regulator, and as we descended into a steep cutting, the regulator was shut and the large reversing lever dropped right

Arriving at Combpyne, with a two-coach train from Axminster. Adams tank No. 30584, drifts in. Taken late 1950s, note Camping coach in siding

Lyme Regis station, from the stop blocks - early 1960s. Station building and signal box

The Branch Line to Lyme Regis

A Time Before Beeching by Mike Clement

Axminster station, branch bay platform - mid 1950s. Adams Radial tank No. 30582.

Crew photograph:Driver George Johns on platform with Locomotive superintendent 'Sam Smith'. from Exmouth Junction shed, Exeter. And on footplate, Fireman 'Grenville Morgan


forward as we freewheeled down hill, the fireman knocking on the injector as we headed down toward Shapwick.Tom chatted to me as we journeyed on, like he had known me all my life, and I immediately thought what a great guy and took an instant liking to him. I can still see his polished brass badge in his cap, marked ‘ENGINEMAN’ S.R. The S.R, Being Southern Railway. A pre-nationalisation cap badge.

As we neared the end of our descent, Tom said to me - "look ahead", we were approaching the Nine Arch, 203 yard long ‘Cannington Viaduct’, with a maximum height of 93 feet above the valley floor. We trundled over the viaduct, and then swung under

‘Horseman’s hill’ toward the village of Uplyme, and then passing through

Uplyme, we went through another deep cutting, and then passed the Devon/Dorset border, as we drifted down toward the lovely little wooden built station of Lyme Regis - ideally suited to the line itself. I climbed down from the footplate, onto the platform, and met leading porter signalman Ralph Watkins, who introduced himself.

He then showed me the door of the stationmaster’s office which I knocked on, and was told to enter, I walked in and saw an elderly gentleman sitting at his desk, he smiled and introduced himself as Arthur Causley. Again I took an instant liking to him, he had a kind face and a gentle nature. And we chatted for quite a bit and then I was told to catch the next

train back to Combpyne, the 9.45 a.m. and commence my tuition as a junior porter.

Again I climbed up on the footplate of the Engine, which was number 30583, and we set off with our two coach train. I was fascinated by the big reversing lever which Tom set into position as we started the climb out of the station, out toward ‘Cannington Viaduct’. Tom’s fireman was a young man from Exmouth Junction shed's ‘Junior Spare Gang’ link, called

‘Tony Brown’.

We reached the viaduct and once over, the line steepened considerably, with the engine working hard on the climb up to Combpyne station. We drifted into the station, and coming to a halt I stepped down from the footplate, and joined Terry Guppy once more to start my training.

This, then, was the beginning my first day. At dinner time the late turn lad came on duty, catching the 1.38.p.m. off of Axminster, arrival time 1.51 p.m. At Combpyne, then on into Lyme Regis. This lad was called Leonard Perry, (known to one and all as Nobby Perry).

Combpyne station, was in the middle of nowhere really, one mile from Combpyne village, and just about over half a mile from the village of Rousdon, via ‘Green lane’ which everybody used. There was only the Station house and two railway cottages a couple of hundred yards up the road near to the station itself.My duties would be six days a week, (winter service), early turn. 8.00.a.m. until 4.10.p.m. Monday to Friday. And Saturdays 8.00.a.m. until 12.10 p.m. A total of forty five hours.

Late turn was from 1.45.p.m. until 9.20.p.m. Monday to Saturday, and was a total of forty five and a half hours. My wages were £3 10s. 6d. a week.

The station at Combpyne, and the station house had neither mains running water, or electricity. All water was brought in by 5 gallon water churns, a total of ten churns

for the station house, and one two and half gallon churn for the station booking office. All these were filled at Lyme Regis station, the churns being placed in the guards van of the train, and taken out by the junior at Combpyne. Of course this meant all the toilets where the ‘Elsan chemical toilets’. All lighting at the station and station house was by Tilley Lamps with mantels, and fuelled by methylated spirit and paraffin.

One of the things that has always stuck in my memory at Combpyne,

Axminster station 1962, S-15 class runs into the station on an up-stopping train. Ivatt class tank has just arrived in the branch bay platform, with a two-coach train from Lyme Regis

A rare photo of Combpyne station house in white, and the booking office next door, taken on the 7th July 1959. Taken from the station paddock, camping coach in the background, looking toward Axminster

Lyme Regis station and signalbox with an Adams tank in charge, ready to work bunker first to Axminster. Stock number 373 seem to be old pull and push coaches, made redundant from either the Yeovil or Seaton branch lines. All the air pipes have been removed, leaving just the vacuum and steam heating pipes

A Time Before Beeching by Mike Clement

continued page 76


Topsham from the air - Nigel Jones 2012



THE MOTORING FUTURE COMES TO SIDMOUTH

The future of motoring has arrived in Sidmouth after local car retailer

Hamilton Garage was recently appointed to join Nissan’s expanding network of specialist EV (Electric Vehicle) outlets.

The exciting appointment means the Sidford dealership is now able to sell and service the groundbreaking Nissan LEAF - the world’s bestselling 100% electric car.It follows a period of intensive

manufacturer-led training for dealership staff and the appointment of Tony Veasey as a dedicated Electric Vehicle Relationship Manager on hand to assist customers with all driving and ownership queries.

And Tony is predicting no shortage of interest in the stunning LEAF - the 2011 World and European Car of the Year - from potential customers eager to

experience its winning combination of zero-emissions, ultra low running costs and effortless practicality.

A spacious and generously equipped family hatchback, the LEAF is capable of travelling up to 109 miles on a single charge which could cost as little as £2.03 on an overnight electricity tariff. In addition, its zero-emission battery-powered motor means it’s completely exempt from road tax and the London Congestion Charge.

Tony said: “This is absolutely fantastic news for our business and for the region’s motorists.

“By becoming a Nissan specialist EV dealer we have effectively made 100% electric motoring an affordable and practical reality for the motorists of Sidmouth”.

He added: “The Nissan LEAF is an incredible vehicle which drives and handles just like a conventionally-powered car. But the benefits are amazing. The running costs are super low while trips to the filling station and forking out for things like road tax and

Nearly 100% of the Nissan LEAF is made from recycled material

Sales Manager Tony Veasey with the new Nissan LEAF Long established Nissan dealership Hamilton Garage, at Sidford, Sidmouth


THE MOTORING FUTURE COMES TO SIDMOUTH

congestion charges instantly become a thing of the past. “Plus, of course, LEAF drivers have the added benefit of knowing they are not adding to their carbon footprint and are helping the environment.”

The Nissan LEAF is available now priced from £25,900 (including a £5,000 government grant).

For more information about the Nissan LEAF or to book a test drive, visit Hamilton’s Sidford showroom or call Tony Veasey now on 01395 517050.

Running completely on electricity, the LEAF is innovative and affordable

Offers valid until 28 March 2013 at participating dealers only. LEAF can travel up to 109 miles per full charge (assuming 95% effi ciency). Actual consumption/range may vary due to driving style, road condition, air conditioning and other factors outside our control. *This ‘equivalent’ fi gure is based on a price comparison. The average price of a gallon of petrol changes regularly. The latest information can be found in the latest AA fuel price report: www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/fuel/ (UK fuel prices provided to the AA by Experian Catalist). The cost of powering the LEAF for one mile is 1.86p, based on British Gas Clear & Simple Economy 7 direct debit unit rates as at 16th November 2012 (assuming LEAF is charged for 7 hours overnight (night rate) and 1 hour in the daytime (tier two day rate). A daily standing charge of 17.579p also applies. Based on the information available at the time of going to print, for the same price as a gallon of petrol, the LEAF can be charged enough times to be driven over 300 miles. †Based on a 50mpg petrol-powered car driving 10,000 miles per annum. Finance is available subject to status on eligible new vehicles in the UK. Guarantees and Indemnities may be required. Rental stated is for Nissan Finance Lease. Comparable payments are available on Nissan Finance Preferences fi nance product – ask your dealer for details. ‡Advance customer rental £5,231 followed by 35 monthly rentals of £299, fi nal rental £11,586, all fi gures inclusive of VAT and based on annual mileage of 10,000. If you choose Nissan Lease then you will not own the car. When you have paid the fi nal rental at the end of the contract, you can keep using the car and pay an annual rental amount of £50+VAT. Finance provided by RCI Financial Services Limited, PO Box 149, Watford WD17 1FJ. You must be at least 18 and a UK resident (excluding Isle of Man and Channel Islands) to apply. Our dealership introduce customers to a limited number of fi nance providers including RCI Financial Services Ltd. Finance providers pay us for introducing you to them. Not available in conjunction with any schemes or other offers, please visit www.nissan-offers.co.uk or your local dealer for information. All prices include fi rst registration fee and 12 months road fund licence. Information correct at time of going to print. Model shots shown are for illustration purposes only. Models subject to availability. Nissan Motor (GB) Ltd, The Rivers Offi ce Park, Denham Way, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire WD3 9YS.

• 100% electric driving• Zero emissions whilst driving• Over 300mpg equivalent

THE 1 00% ELECTRIC NISSAN LEAF. GENERATING EXCITEMENT IN SIDMOUTH . FROM £25,990 OR £299 PER MONTH . ‡ Nissan. Innovation that excites.

INCONCEIVABLE. UNTIL NOW OV E R

The 100% electric Nissan LEAF represents a huge leap forward in technology, not to mention a huge saving in running costs. By swapping your conventional car for the LEAF, you can drive 10,000 miles a year for as little as £186, whilst an equivalent petrol car would cost £1,262. † Better still, the LEAF comes with a £1,600 Advanced Rental Contribution, 3 years’ Low Cost Servicing at £349 and 3 years’ Roadside Assistance. Remarkable. To fi nd out more contact us today.

Book a test drive todayHamilton Garage Church Street, Sidmouth EX10 9QP Tel: 01395 578 131 www.hamiltongarage.co.uk

The drivetrain looks spartan, but the torque produced is equivalent to a 2.5-litre V6 petrol engine

With plenty of space, it's been designed with families in mind

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]


67

Tales of a YokelYarns from the inimitable FCR Esgen

BarteringBy FCR Esgen

In England there is a long and distinguished history of bartering. The term is an all encompassing one for people who swap goods with each other, that are surplus to requirements, and seal the deal with a customary handshake. Of course, a person may just have a surfeit of one particular item; eggs say, and another who has run out of them, but has caught too many mackerel and would be willing to swap a few for half a dozen eggs. As long as the first person likes fish, a barter can be done. Both parties are happy because they and their families have obtained life sustaining foods for free, with no recourse to the need to go out and earn money to pay for these goods, or pay the tax that would be due on that money and also without the need to drive to a supermarket and stand in a queue for twenty minutes. This whole process creates time and space for the individual to breath mentally, as it were, and get off the endless materialistic round-about for a while and contemplate his or her navel instead of the car in front.

For instance, I picked half a stone of windfall apples from a local orchard one day, after asking the farmers permission I hasten to add, and swapped a dozen of them for a breast of lamb. The lamb when cooked, worked out at two delicious meals for a hearty person like me, just by spending ten minutes in the fresh, clean country air picking apples out of the long grass. The economics of bartering, as you can see, add up, but there is also the wonderful sense of self esteem and worth you get from being self sufficient and a distinct buzz from knowing that you are regaining control of your life and your destiny.

Minted Rib-TicklersBy FCR Esgen

An old master butcher once told me a way of cooking breast of lamb that would melt in your mouth and even have Jack Spratt salivating.

Take one breast of lamb and chop into manageable ribs. Marinate ribs in mint sauce and ground black pepper. Then BBQ or grill. Alternatively, cook the ribs first and then pour over the sauce to taste. Serve with a freshly made salad. Add watercress or garlic to the salad if you want more spice, and as they say across the pond, ENJOY!

D. B

. Pho

togr

aphy


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

spire at the centre of all our communities is something virtually ev-

eryone takes for granted. Regard-less of whether they ever cross the threshold, amongst communities there is an unspoken desire to have a church in their locality for a variety of reasons.

The importance of these buildings is undeniable, representing history, significant architecture and con-tinuity through the generations; a place of quiet in times of personal crisis or thanksgiving at the end of a life; a place for celebration at a time of birth or marriage and even for those who do not attend regular services, they provide a spiritually uplifting occasion to come together with one’s neighbours at Easter, Festivals and Christmastide.

The treasures they contain are part of our rich heritage of craftsman-ship, each one containing examples of skills rarely seen elsewhere, but of immense creativity and variety. East Devon is one of the most fortu-nate areas of the country in so many ways, with the beauty of its coast-line and countryside, enhanced in every community by the church in its midst. Fine examples of ar-

chitectural design are manifold: the lantern tower at Colyton, the glorious wagon roof and fan vault-ing at Cullompton, the chancel and nave vaults with their carved bosses and prominent effigies at Ottery St Mary, the spectacular rood-screen at Bradninch, the extensive collection

of bench ends at East Budleigh, the stained glass windows at Dartington are just a few to whet your appetite. There are superb examples of these in our other churches, together with pulpits, fonts, capitals, doors, not to mention the delights of green men (Woodbury is a good place to start) and gargoyles to amuse at every turn!

These are not the only gems to be found in our local churches. Praises should undoubtedly be sung for the rich tapestry of volunteers who work so hard to maintain, refurbish and enhance them day by day, year after year in myriad ways. The chal-lenges they face are never-ending and constantly changing; illustrat-ing considerable strength, ingenuity and determination in their fight against the elements impact on the fabric, the endless need to raise funds to cover running costs and the weighty load of increasing and complex regulations. And then – the tower shows a fault line, the tiles slip away, dry rot is found in the fabric – a multitude of horrors appear, all requiring extra grit and resources from these human treasures at the heart of our communities.At times like these our churches need all the friends they can garner

– and amongst them is the Devon Historic Churches Trust, which is dedicated to funding repairs for the preservation of our glorious Christian architectural heritage. Like our parish communities, it is a volunteer organisation work-ing hard to raise funds so that a vital life-line of financial aid can be provided to our Devon churches in their time of need. The ethos of the trust is ‘never to say no’ to any application within its remit and being fully aware of the complex nature of so many applications for funding from a variety of sources, has a simple, easily accessible for-mat for each church, to enable funds to be awarded with the maximum speed and the minimum of bureau-cracy. This inevitably brings its own challenges to the trust and its search for funding from supporters via donations, fundraising activi-ties and legacies is unceasing, but unwavering, knowing that their mission is too important to allow it to fail.

There is, however, an important link between these two groups and that is the craftsmen who deliver the neces-sary skills sensitively, efficiently and cost-effectively; not only ensur-ing that the work required to these

Our Churches: the Past,Present and Future…

All Saints Church, East Budleigh, where Sir Walter Raleigh attended service as a child

A

The amazing astronomical clock atSt Mary’s, Ottery St Mary

buildings of immense historical and cultural importance is carried out appropriately but also on budget. Louise Crossman Architects is a prime example of best practice in the Westcountry and has an extensive portfolio of challenging projects completed successfully, not only in the heritage and conservation sector but also in a wider context with an impressive catalogue of ap-preciative clients. Added to this they have an enlightened approach to the charitable sector and encourage donations to worthwhile causes like the Devon Historic Churches Trust in return for an initial consultation.

So when you hear your church bells ringing out in your neighbourhood, it is good to remember this network of hardworking volunteers working day by day to ensure their church survives; the skilled professionals like Louise Crossman Architects who deliver the work required in enabling these unique and histor-ic buildings to survive for future generations and the Devon Historic Churches Trust, dedicated to provid-ing the vital financial support when it is needed.Judith Kauntze - TrusteeDevon Historic Churches Trust

Louise Crossman Architects recently presented a cheque for £1,262.51 that had been collected by the Practice. For several years Louise Crossman Architects has run a scheme whereby a minimum donation of £25 is requested for an initial consultation for new projects or for ad hoc advice and the money is donated to a charity chosen each year by the Practice.

Other charities supported in this way and in previous years include

Age UK Somerset, Friends of Somerset Churches and Chapels, Shelter, and SeeAbility. Louise Crossman commented ‘All church buildings of whatever age are unique and their important historic fabric should be valued and cared for in such a way that their use can continue and that they retain their role at the centre of the community. We are very pleased to have been able to support the Trust’s work in this way”.

Louise Crossman Architects was established in Withycombe, West Somerset in 1989 with a second office opening in Exeter in 2008. The award winning practice has won wide recognition for the design and execution of buildings that show a high degree of care and consideration and has a reputation for providing imaginative, sustainable and cost effective solutions, with a sensitive, environmentally friendly approach.

The Devon Historic Churches Trust was established in 1972 to help with the preservation and maintenance of the 1,000 places of worship of all

denominations across Devon. It helps to ensure the survival and maintenance of Devon's county church heritage for the centuries to come. The Trust helps churches in use in both towns and the countryside by providing grants to assist with repairs, restoration, refurbishment and maintenance both inside and outside of historic churches within the Diocese of Exeter or County of Devon.

Lady Anne Boles, Chairman DHCT, thanked Louise Crossman for her very generous donation to the work of the Trust. She said that the Trust was being called upon by many churches and chapels of all denominations in Devon for help with their buildings. The very wet weather that we have experienced over the summer and autumn has brought a spate of leaks and related damage to many churches in towns and villages alike. Generous donations such as this from Louise Crossman Architects were therefore very welcome and would be quickly put to very good use.

Louise Crossman Architects already has an established track record in providing essential architectural advice regarding historic buildings in both Devon and Somerset. This relationship facilitates continuing dialogue and support, and not just when the repair or renovation is work done.Further information please visit their websites:ww.lcarchitects.co.ukwww.devonhistoricchurches.co.uk

Pictured: Louise Crossman presenting the cheque to Lady Anne Boles, with Trustees from left to right Mr Hendrik Vollers, Col. Duncan Michie, Mr John Mills,

Lady Burnell-Nugent, Mrs Rosemary Howell.

LOUISE CROSSMAN ARCHITECTS PROVIDE A BOOST TO THE WORK

OF DEVON HISTORIC CHURCHES TRUST

One of St Mary’s elaborate relics

St Mary’s, Ottery St Mary - an impressive edifice by any standards

68

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

spire at the centre of all our communities is something virtually ev-

eryone takes for granted. Regard-less of whether they ever cross the threshold, amongst communities there is an unspoken desire to have a church in their locality for a variety of reasons.

The importance of these buildings is undeniable, representing history, significant architecture and con-tinuity through the generations; a place of quiet in times of personal crisis or thanksgiving at the end of a life; a place for celebration at a time of birth or marriage and even for those who do not attend regular services, they provide a spiritually uplifting occasion to come together with one’s neighbours at Easter, Festivals and Christmastide.

The treasures they contain are part of our rich heritage of craftsman-ship, each one containing examples of skills rarely seen elsewhere, but of immense creativity and variety. East Devon is one of the most fortu-nate areas of the country in so many ways, with the beauty of its coast-line and countryside, enhanced in every community by the church in its midst. Fine examples of ar-

chitectural design are manifold: the lantern tower at Colyton, the glorious wagon roof and fan vault-ing at Cullompton, the chancel and nave vaults with their carved bosses and prominent effigies at Ottery St Mary, the spectacular rood-screen at Bradninch, the extensive collection

of bench ends at East Budleigh, the stained glass windows at Dartington are just a few to whet your appetite. There are superb examples of these in our other churches, together with pulpits, fonts, capitals, doors, not to mention the delights of green men (Woodbury is a good place to start) and gargoyles to amuse at every turn!

These are not the only gems to be found in our local churches. Praises should undoubtedly be sung for the rich tapestry of volunteers who work so hard to maintain, refurbish and enhance them day by day, year after year in myriad ways. The chal-lenges they face are never-ending and constantly changing; illustrat-ing considerable strength, ingenuity and determination in their fight against the elements impact on the fabric, the endless need to raise funds to cover running costs and the weighty load of increasing and complex regulations. And then – the tower shows a fault line, the tiles slip away, dry rot is found in the fabric – a multitude of horrors appear, all requiring extra grit and resources from these human treasures at the heart of our communities.At times like these our churches need all the friends they can garner

– and amongst them is the Devon Historic Churches Trust, which is dedicated to funding repairs for the preservation of our glorious Christian architectural heritage. Like our parish communities, it is a volunteer organisation work-ing hard to raise funds so that a vital life-line of financial aid can be provided to our Devon churches in their time of need. The ethos of the trust is ‘never to say no’ to any application within its remit and being fully aware of the complex nature of so many applications for funding from a variety of sources, has a simple, easily accessible for-mat for each church, to enable funds to be awarded with the maximum speed and the minimum of bureau-cracy. This inevitably brings its own challenges to the trust and its search for funding from supporters via donations, fundraising activi-ties and legacies is unceasing, but unwavering, knowing that their mission is too important to allow it to fail.

There is, however, an important link between these two groups and that is the craftsmen who deliver the neces-sary skills sensitively, efficiently and cost-effectively; not only ensur-ing that the work required to these

Our Churches: the Past,Present and Future…

All Saints Church, East Budleigh, where Sir Walter Raleigh attended service as a child

A

The amazing astronomical clock atSt Mary’s, Ottery St Mary

buildings of immense historical and cultural importance is carried out appropriately but also on budget. Louise Crossman Architects is a prime example of best practice in the Westcountry and has an extensive portfolio of challenging projects completed successfully, not only in the heritage and conservation sector but also in a wider context with an impressive catalogue of ap-preciative clients. Added to this they have an enlightened approach to the charitable sector and encourage donations to worthwhile causes like the Devon Historic Churches Trust in return for an initial consultation.

So when you hear your church bells ringing out in your neighbourhood, it is good to remember this network of hardworking volunteers working day by day to ensure their church survives; the skilled professionals like Louise Crossman Architects who deliver the work required in enabling these unique and histor-ic buildings to survive for future generations and the Devon Historic Churches Trust, dedicated to provid-ing the vital financial support when it is needed.Judith Kauntze - TrusteeDevon Historic Churches Trust

Louise Crossman Architects recently presented a cheque for £1,262.51 that had been collected by the Practice. For several years Louise Crossman Architects has run a scheme whereby a minimum donation of £25 is requested for an initial consultation for new projects or for ad hoc advice and the money is donated to a charity chosen each year by the Practice.

Other charities supported in this way and in previous years include

Age UK Somerset, Friends of Somerset Churches and Chapels, Shelter, and SeeAbility. Louise Crossman commented ‘All church buildings of whatever age are unique and their important historic fabric should be valued and cared for in such a way that their use can continue and that they retain their role at the centre of the community. We are very pleased to have been able to support the Trust’s work in this way”.

Louise Crossman Architects was established in Withycombe, West Somerset in 1989 with a second office opening in Exeter in 2008. The award winning practice has won wide recognition for the design and execution of buildings that show a high degree of care and consideration and has a reputation for providing imaginative, sustainable and cost effective solutions, with a sensitive, environmentally friendly approach.

The Devon Historic Churches Trust was established in 1972 to help with the preservation and maintenance of the 1,000 places of worship of all

denominations across Devon. It helps to ensure the survival and maintenance of Devon's county church heritage for the centuries to come. The Trust helps churches in use in both towns and the countryside by providing grants to assist with repairs, restoration, refurbishment and maintenance both inside and outside of historic churches within the Diocese of Exeter or County of Devon.

Lady Anne Boles, Chairman DHCT, thanked Louise Crossman for her very generous donation to the work of the Trust. She said that the Trust was being called upon by many churches and chapels of all denominations in Devon for help with their buildings. The very wet weather that we have experienced over the summer and autumn has brought a spate of leaks and related damage to many churches in towns and villages alike. Generous donations such as this from Louise Crossman Architects were therefore very welcome and would be quickly put to very good use.

Louise Crossman Architects already has an established track record in providing essential architectural advice regarding historic buildings in both Devon and Somerset. This relationship facilitates continuing dialogue and support, and not just when the repair or renovation is work done.Further information please visit their websites:ww.lcarchitects.co.ukwww.devonhistoricchurches.co.uk

Pictured: Louise Crossman presenting the cheque to Lady Anne Boles, with Trustees from left to right Mr Hendrik Vollers, Col. Duncan Michie, Mr John Mills,

Lady Burnell-Nugent, Mrs Rosemary Howell.

LOUISE CROSSMAN ARCHITECTS PROVIDE A BOOST TO THE WORK

OF DEVON HISTORIC CHURCHES TRUST

One of St Mary’s elaborate relics

St Mary’s, Ottery St Mary - an impressive edifice by any standards

69


Thoughs ahead for 2013?

Everyone can get stuck in a rut and at this quiet time of the year it's good to re-evaluate and make changes in order to move on. With that in mind, here are a few ideas to think about, which may give a diff erent perspective.

Riding a horse is like carrying a leaky bucket full of waterYou need to get some water from (a) to (b), do you concentrate on fi xing the leaks or just get on with it and carry the bucket anyway? If you take time to fi x the leaks, progress on your journey will be slower but if you just carry on anyway without fi xing the leaks, what’s the point of the journey

if you lose most of the water? So fi xing the leaks is working on your riding skill, the skill that is actually needed, the whole point of riding. However, what happens is that you fi x one leak and another pops up, bigger or smaller. Sometimes this can bug you as rather than realising that you have fi xed several leaks, it just feels like you are always facing a problem, not fi nding solutions. At this point many people will give up, but riding isn’t about the destination, saying ‘I’m off the lead rein/I can canter/I can go sideways’; it’s about the journey, how you do something. It can be argued that you can never really arrive at point (b) because as long as you ride there will always be leaks to fi x.

Being in controlOne of the questions I am frequently asked is ‘When can my child come off the lead rein?’. This gives rise to the question ‘When is a rider in control?’. It certainly takes far more than a dozen lessons before someone can go from ‘passenger’ to ‘rider’. As a passenger we are not in control, so even if we are only walking, not being in control of a horse is a dangerous place to be! Being in control means placing the horse where we want it to be, not just being guided by an arena fence or following the bum in front. If we cut the corner in an arena, there is no great consequence, but do it in the countryside and we can fall down a hole. Control also means going at the speed we want and being able to communicate that desire eff ectively, be that faster or slower. Even if the horse chooses to stop when we haven’t asked him to, that means we are not in control. A rider that isn’t in control sooner or later will have their luck run out, they can lose confi dence quickly and parting company with their horse is

a likely result. It is unfair on a horse to one minute allow him to decide on your speed and direction and the next expect him to accept that we are in control. How confusing! A horse cannot be dependable if the goal posts are constantly moving. This can require immense discipline on the rider’s part in order to be consistent. Sometimes it can also be diffi cult for the horse to understand what is an aid and what is an accidental request; can we control the horse’s body if we can’t control our own?

Warm plasticine versus cold plasticineCan you imagine the difference between warm plasticine and cold plasticine? It’s still the same material but it will take on a diff erent feel and consistency just in response to temperature. When warm, plasticine is much more pliable, it’s softer and can be be made into more accurate representations of things. When cold, it is stiff , more likely to crack and can’t be moulded in to shapes so easily. Have you ever seen yourself ride? Are you warm plasticine or cold plasticine? One part of your body might be warm and another cold. Alternatively, you might not be plasticine at all; you could be concrete, jelly, wood, cotton wool or a combination of lots of these. What does your horse feel in his mouth, on his back, on his sides? How eff ective are you when asking your horse to do something? Could you be both more comfortable to your horse and more eff ective in your communication just by changing what you are made of or your fl exibility?

It takes two to argueThe bit is a foreign object in the horse’s mouth, an object that can

cause both pain and damage once contact is taken on the reins. The rein aids should always be thought of as having a supportive role in controlling the horse’s direction and speed, they should not be the primary aid. It is very common for ridden horses to demonstrate one or several actions when ridden: opening their mouth, biting the bit, grinding teeth, leaning on the bit, snatching, pulling their head down, putting the tongue over the bit and so the list goes on! In response to these the rider may pull back, hang on the reins, use a stronger bit, strap the mouth closed and ditto, so the list goes on! This can be a chicken and egg situation, where who started it can’t be identifi ed, however it is worth thinking that the horse wouldn’t do these actions for no reason and taking some time to identify and rectify the reason would undoubtedly lead to a more comfortable horse and greater harmony. The potential reasons would be a whole new long list too, but some of the most common include the horse trying to use his head and neck to balance, an uncomfortable bit or other tack, sharp teeth, an unbalanced rider, unrefi ned rein aids or inappropriate use of the bit. So take this opportunity of a new year to assess your riding and the horse you ride. How could your partnership be improved? Are you eff ective, in control and safe, and is your horse comfortable, willing and happy? This doesn’t have to be done alone, even Olympic riders have an ‘eye on the ground’ to help them. Get yourself out of that rut and see what fun you could have on a whole new journey. Happy New Year!

Natalie x

Natalie Bucklar-Green gives valuable advice

on various aspectsof horse care and

welfare...

Natalie Bucklar-GreenBSc (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

Thoughts Ahead? by Natalie Bucklar-Green


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job, helping to ensure the big day would be a day never to forget. But after only four years pursuing her dream career and only three months with her fiancé Graham, Naomi’s world was turned upside down as she was given the devastating news that she had Breast Cancer. She was only 26. Naomi admitted it was a diagnosis that she never thought she would hear.‘It was terrifying,” she says. “Your world just falls apart, especially thinking of my loved ones.’ Despite these figures, it seems the awareness of breast cancer amongst younger women is not as prominent as it could be. Many young women, just like Naomi, simply believe that are not at risk of developing breast cancer. Furthermore, many are unaware that once diagnosed, a high percentage will be told they have the more aggressive forms, often resulting in higher mortality rates. ‘Young people need to be taught from an early age, the importance of knowing what is ‘normal’ for their breasts, knowing what to look and feel for, and actually checking for lumps and changes. If they do discover anything they must report any changes to their GP’s without delay’ says Naomi.

‘Obviously’, she continues, there are many factors affecting the development of the disease such as lifestyle, weight, exercise and genetics. But if the younger generations are more aware of the issues relating to breast health and the development of breast cancer, more lives can hopefully be saved, before it is too late.’The issues Naomi faced, from how to preserve her fertility, continuing to work for as long as possible and maintaining relationships are all still genuine concerns for younger women with the disease.Naomi says, ‘When I was diagnosed I had to deal with all sorts of difficult issues, but it was just as tough for Graham. How partners cope with a breast cancer diagnosis and the rollercoaster of emotions that follow is often overlooked.’

'The Cancer Rollercoaster’

But this news was just the beginning of a heartbreaking journey, for not only Naomi, but everyone close to her. After a gruelling series of treatments including an operation, chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy, Naomi had hoped she had beaten the disease and looked to the future with Graham. Both were delighted when in early 2010, aged 27, Naomi discovered she was pregnant and expecting their first child. Naomi explained how she felt very lucky to be carrying a baby, especially knowing chemotherapy can more often than not affect fertility in women. Unfortunately, this excitement soon turned to devastation as only six days after her newborn son, Devon, came into the world in September 2010 Naomi was rushed back into hospital with a serious MRSA infection. It was during this time that doctors delivered the massive blow that the cancer had spread and that her back had broken in three places due to her bones being eaten away by cancer. Despite everything, Naomi soon had come to terms with the fact she now had incurable Secondary Breast Cancer. It soon became apparent that this news came as an even bigger shock to everyone, especially after the initial hope that the treatment had worked. Defiantly, Naomi bravely endured further treatment, only for surgeons to decide against operating on the tumour on her spine for various reasons.‘You forget it’s happening to you,’ says

IN THE YEARS leading up to the launch of The Wedding Wishing Well Foundation, Naomi Thomas had been through more than most people contend with their entire lives. At thirty years old Naomi is a happily married, mum of one and settled in the beautiful Somerset town of Wellington, with her new husband, Graham. However, one thing you wouldn’t know about Naomi if you saw her in the street is that she is living with Secondary Breast Cancer, a disease which has transformed her life and the lives of others, in so many ways.Looking back over her life choices, Naomi focused on her career decisions and admits she had not known what she wanted to do when she left school. In 2005 she began working as a self employed Wedding Planner across the county of Devon. Life was going swimmingly, it seemed.It was during this time Naomi learnt how to create the ‘perfect’ wedding for brides-to-be, from the dress, the venue, the flowers to all the little finishing touches which help make the day personal and extra special for all involved. It was unquestionable; Naomi loved her

Somerset-based, Naomi Thomas, founder of The Wedding Wishing Well Foundation, chats about the inspirational organisation helping to give people with terminal illnesses and life limiting conditions, the wedding day of their dreams

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.

We’re particulary keen to hear from local charities and voluntary organisations about the good work they carry out in the community.

We’d also like to hear from practitioners in the East Devon, Exeter and West Dorset area about their treatments and services.

Do you have anything interesting to tell us about?

Balancing the stresses of work and living with health and relaxation

Life Matters

Here Comes the BrideWedding Wishing Well Foundation

Naomi and Graham on their wedding day

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

Do you have courses or group sessions

you're running in the area, register now to get free promotion for these. Email us at charlotte@

prestige-media.co.uk


Naomi. ‘All I know is I won’t survive this and I just enjoy every day as it comes. Over time I’ve come to terms with it. It’s the people you leave behind I feel for’ she explains.Despite Naomi struggling to cope with her recent diagnosis, looking after a newborn and dealing with her shocking news she bravely decided to try to focus on the future with her new young family. Having had to cancel their wedding day due to the financial impact cancer has on people going through it Naomi decided to arrange a charity event in the town she grew up in, Sidmouth, Devon to lift her spirits. Naomi’s extraordinary story and the way the disease impacted her as a young woman soon caught the attention of local Wedding Planner Sam

WANT TO FEEL FULL OF ENERGY & VITALITY?TRIED ACUPUNCTURE?

WHY NOT BOOK AN APPOINTMENT NOWVal Davis, B.Sc., Lic.Ac. (Member of the British Acupuncture Council)

Clinics throughout East Devon

(01395) 578050

It is well-known that Acupuncture is very eff ective for physical health problems. However, you don’t have to be ill, in the conventional sense, to benefi t from Acupuncture.Many clients come to me for help with low energy levels, fertility issues, weight management or

addictions such as smoking. Alternatively you may just feel unwell in yourself with no ‘get up and go’ or enthusiasm for life.The good news is that Acupuncture can help restore emotional and physical well-being, so that you can get on with enjoying your life.

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

Clinics in: Exeter ~ Sidmouth ~ AxminsterMichelle Hague BA(Hons)Cert ed D Hyp PDC Hyp PDCBHyp MBSCH

[email protected]

01297 20144or 07761 773563

Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy Clinical Hypnotherapy

Helping you to take control of your life

Help with: Anxiety, Depression, Habits, Phobias, Confidence, StressInsomnia, Pain, IBS, CFS/ME, Trauma, Relaxation, Panic

Fear, Smoking, Self-Esteem & Weight Control

PRACTITIONERS

Acupuncture

For general health problems, fertility, addictions, sports injuries, facial revitalisation acupuncture. Val Davis, B.Sc., M.B.Ac.C., Lic.Ac. 01395 578050

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

For gentle, effective holistic chiropractic treatment for the whole family, the Chiropractic Health Centre 01297 35844 or 01404 549270

Cognitive Hypnotherapy

Let Michelle Hague help you gain control of your life. Tel 01297 20144. See display advert.

Promote your practice

Appear in this section for only £12Call Nigel on 01395 512166 or email [email protected]

continued on the following page

Pat HoareSENIOR BACP ACCREDITED COUNSELLOR AND SUPERVISORSENIOR G.H.R. ACCREDITED HYPNOTHERAPIST

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

THERAPEUTIC COUNSELLINGHYPNOTHERAPY AND SUPERVISION

Williams. Unknown to Naomi, this event was to signal the first step towards her becoming the beaming Mrs Thomas, as she is today.Through the enormous generosity of Sam, the local community and from complete strangers, a dream wedding was arranged with donations from wedding suppliers on 6th June 2012, Naomi and Graham eventually tied the knot in a beautiful ceremony at St Audries Park, Somerset. Naomi admits, ‘It was a stunning day; one to cherish for ever. I loved feeling special for the day and getting the chance to marry the man who has supported me through so much. As I have always proclaimed, I am eternally grateful to everyone who made the day

Another wedding helped along by WWW Foundation

possible; it really was a real group effort.’Determined to put her experiences to positive use, Naomi set about ways to help others enjoy the wedding day of their dreams, just as Sam and her event planning business Perfectly Planned Events had enabled her to.So, in early 2012, with this passion and determination right at the centre of what she wanted to achieve, The Wedding Wishing Well Foundation was born.One thing Naomi thinks about a great deal is how, that despite the devastating impact cancer has on so many people’s lives, ‘it is magical how cancer brings people closer together and it is this fact which inspired me to help others in this way.’‘The highs and lows of new beginnings’However, as with any new venture, there are always challenges, as Naomi has found out: ‘One major challenge has been receiving the applications and the dealing with the range of emotions it stirs up. It is exciting to think we can help people have a fantastic wedding day but at the same time, it is difficult to think about the limited time couples will enjoy as husband and wife.’ ‘Behind this upset, however,’ says Naomi ‘lays a desire to focus on the positive side of things in life. If The Wedding Wishing Well Foundation is able to help, in any way, make the couple feel complete, just as Graham and I did on our wedding day, I will be one happy lady!’

continued page 81


Acupuncture practitioner Val Davis

Insomnia is the inability to get enough sleep to wake feeling

refreshed and rested. This means it is the quality of sleep not the number of hours of sleep needed.

Insomnia can be described as a variety of different symptoms associated with sleep disturbances including;

• Inability to sleep• Difficulty getting off to sleep• Frequent waking• Restlessness• Disordered sleep• Dream disturbed sleep

Insomnia is the most common sleep disorder and approximately one third of adults experience occasional or persistent sleep disturbances. This can lead to serious impairment of daytime functioning.

The Good News is most cases of insomnia can be treated with a few changes that you can make for yourself.

• Try to identify all the possible causes (e.g. stress, health problems, anxiety, recent traumatic experience, depression).

• Changing habits that disrupt sleep (e.g. eating late, coffee, alcohol and late night viewing of TV and/or internet).

• Use a sleep diary to identify insomnia inducing habits. Writing down day/night time habits may allow you to identify a pattern.

You can address many common patterns through life style changes and improve your sleep. You may find taking Regular Exercise and Managing Your Stress more

effectively, that your sleep is much more refreshing.The key is to experiment and use your diary as a jumping off point.

• Keep regular sleep schedule• Allow enough time to sleep e.g.

7-8 hours.• Make sure the bedroom is dark,

cool and quiet.• Turn off TV, smartphone, tablet

and computers at least one hour before bedtime as they can stimulate the brain and interfere with your body’s internal clock.

Other non-medical things you can do that may help you sleep include:

• A hot milky drink before bed• A hot bath• Lavender oil on your pillow• Listen to some light music• Have your partner give you a

massageThis year's Acupuncture Awareness Week focuses on insomnia and sleep disorders.

How does Acupuncture work?Traditional acupuncture works on the mind, body and spirit levels. The aim of the acupuncturist is to assist the body in balancing the energies of the mind, body and spirit, helping to enhance the patient’s own powers of recovery.

Scientific research suggests that acupuncture appears to increase the night time production of melatonin, which helps to ensure a proper night’s sleep. It may also have a calming effect on the central nervous system, as it can be used effectively to treat pain. Therefore insomnia can be treated in many other ways than taking medication.

Life Matters

Deborah Pearce Hypnotherapy HypnotherapyHypnotherapy

Solution Focused Hypnotherapy• Anxiety • Stress • Confi dence issues • Problems sleeping• Self-hypnosis for childbirth

t: 01404 813388 m: 07939 840788Deborah Pearce HPD Clinical Hypnotherapist

e: [email protected] www.deborahpearce.co.uk

Appointments available at:• The Awareness Centre, Axminster

• The Good Life, Ottery St Mary• Ebdons Court Natural Health, Sidmouth

FREEINITIAL CONSULTATION

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PRACTITIONERS

Hypnotherapy

Pat Hoare provides therapeutic counselling, hypnotherapy and supervision. 01392 410090. See display.

Anxiety, stress, fears, phobias, weight issues? Contact clinical hypnotherapist Deborah Pearce. See display.

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 [email protected] 07891 447710 to arrange a fabulous free 30 minute taster session.

Rooms for hire

Does your facility have rooms for practitioners to rent, or are you a practitioner looking for space? We have a free way to promote your requirements, call Nigel on 01395 513383.

continued on the following page

25th Feb to 3rd Mar is a week dedicated to understanding Insomnia and ways of treating it

Acupuncture Awareness Week

According to traditional Chinese philosophy, our health is dependent

on the body’s motivating energy (qi) moving in a smooth and balanced way through a series of channels beneath the skin.

Acupuncture can affect the quality of qi, your body’s vital energy, by the insertion of very fine needles into specific points along these channels. This stimulates the body’s healing response and restores natural balance. Treatment is aimed at the root cause of your condition as well as your main symptoms. This approach helps with resolving your problem and enhancing your feeling of well-being. You may notice other niggling problems resolve as your main health complaint improves.

The type of conditions that I mostly see in my clinics include the following: anxiety, depression, arthritis, back pain and sciatica, low energy levels, hormonal/menopausal symptoms, pregnancy management, fertility problems, and addictions such as smoking.

Professional Acupuncturists spend at least 3 years training at degree level to become an Acupuncturist. We are then entitled to join the British Acupuncture Council and to use the letters Lic.Ac., B.Ac.C after our names. We also have public liability and professional indemnity insurance. Many of us have also studied at post-graduate level and are constantly updating our skills and experience.

Val Davis, B.Sc., Lic.Ac., M.B.Ac.C.(Member of British Acupuncture Council)(20 years experience)(01395) 578050www.devonacupuncture.org.uk

Hilary Sharp MBAcC. Lic Ac.www.hilarysharp.co.uk07738630186

Further information about acupuncture can be found at www.acupuncture.org.uk

BritishAcupunctureCouncil


Do you have an

interesting life story to

tell?If so,

contact Nigel Jones so we can include

you in the magazinecall 01395 513383

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.

InsomniaHeadachesBack painSciaticaAlso safe for children

Clinics in:Honiton

AxminsterCharmouth

Sharp Acupuncture

www.hilarysharp.co.uk0773 863 0186

[email protected]

Hilary SharpLicAc.MBAcC.

DISCLAIMER - All material in this magazine is copyright. The publishers 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.

PRACTITIONERS

Promote your practice

Appear in this section for only £12Call Nigel on 01395 512166 or email [email protected]

Get your classes listed on the eastdevonhub.co.uk website, totally free of charge

Yes, get your workshops, classes, training listed on the eastdevon.co.uk website totally free. Contact [email protected] for more details

was that the station house was occupied by Bill and Mollie Fowler and their seven children, who were called - Susan, Ann, Robert, Linda, Marie, Philip and Elizabeth. You can imagine what wash day was like and bath nights as well, for the family.

But not only that, but during the winter timetable, ( late Sept to early June) there were no trains on Sundays. So the family had to go from Saturday evening until Monday morning with no water delivery. I can assure you that every container in the Fowler household was filled with water, including the old copper tub for boiling the washing. We used to have some fun, I can tell you. But it was worked to a fine art.

Sometimes, paraffin supplies would run low and the station staff would be called on to get out supplies. Likewise, with the coal for the household fire, the Engine would supply a bucket full, or the station coalhouse likewise. But we never went short at the station. Mollie would cook us a plate of chips, and plenty of tea was brewed - they were truly lovely times, everybody had time for one another.

During the summer months, May to September, we had a camping coach at Combpyne in the sidings. We would supply this one with water and paraffin, etc.

It was in use a great deal. One particular fortnight we had a family come down from Wales, Colwyn bay to be precise, Mr and Mrs Price, and

their two children, a girl and a boy. The oldest, the daughter, was a real cracker, and myself and Nobby both fancied her and both decided to ask her out on a date. Now Nobby had just turned eighteen years of age and his father had just bought him a new car. It was a Triumph Mayflower saloon, a lovely looking job. I on the other hand, just coming up to sixteen, was still relying on my bicycle. So you can guess who won the date, Nobby and myself laughed about that for years afterwards. Unfortunately Nobby was to die in his early fifties of lung cancer. But he was always the life and soul of anything that was going on.

One winter afternoon I was on the early turn, and it had rained practically all day, the time was about 3p.m. And the branch permanent way staff were working on the line in the vicinity of Combpyne station. There were four of them, Dinor Harrison, was the ganger, and then there was Arthur Watson, Jack Guppy, (Terry's father) and Cecil Doble. At the western end of Combpyne station there was situated a Lengthman’s hut, this was a shelter for the permanent way men. Dinor came to me and said, "put the kettle on my son, and make a pot of tea, and bring it down to the hut, with five cups."

I did this, put it all on a tray, locked the booking office door ( there was no train due) and went down to the hut, it was still raining slightly. I knocked the door and it was opened, inside in the semi-darkness, the men

were gathered round a blazing fire, their overcoats steaming with the damp, the glow of cigarettes in their mouths, and the reflection of the fire silhouetting their weather beaten faces.

Put the tray down there my son, says Dinor, pointing to an old table. From his Tommy bag, he takes out a screw top bottle filled with milk. He then proceeds to fill the five cups with tea. Then he puts his hand inside his greatcoat pocket and with that gleam in his eye that he always had, he produces a bottle of Lamb's Navy Rum, and tops up the cups. There you are my son, he says to me, "get that down you". I had never tasted rum before, but I could feel it going down, the warmth making me glow, as it did so. Dinor and the rest of the gang just looking at me with broad smiles on their faces. - I have never forgotten that experience.

Before the Summer Service came into effect during June of 1961, the three Adams Radial tank engines numbers 30582, 30583, and 30584. These were replaced on the Lyme Regis branch line by the Ivatt class 2-6-2 tank engines, 41307, 41308, 41320, and 41322 took over working the branch, turn and turn about, from Exmouth junction shed ( 72 A). During Sunday working on the

branch Summer Service, myself and Nobby worked it so that one junior porter did a double shift, whilst the other one had the Sunday off. That suited us fine. Time went on and my sixteenth birthday came and went. On the late turn I had been getting a bit of practise with firing

to an engine, with Tom and Terry on the ‘Ivatt’ tanks. One particular afternoon, I had come on duty for the late turn, and climbed up on the footplate with my two fellow compatriots from Axmouth village, - driver ‘George Johns’ and his brother-in-law, fireman ‘Grenville Morgan’. George said to me, "how are you getting on regards your transfer". I said "they cannot get anyone to fill the vacancy at Combpyne". Nobby had already left to go into the butchery trade), and relief men were covering his duty.

George said to me "you want to hand your notice in and start again." - ‘You would loose twelve months service, but you would start at Exmouth Junction’, as a cleaner. Food for thought indeed.

I did hand my notice in and I did start again in February 1962 as a cleaner lad at Exmouth Junction. But that's another story.

The Lyme Regis branch line, closed in November 1965 and today much of it lies buried under brambles, bushes, and trees. But the memories are never forgotten. In my minds eye I can still picture standing on the platform at Combpyne, and hear the laboured beat of the exhaust of one of the Adams tanks as it struggles

uphill from Cannington viaduct, slowly up through the cutting toward Trinity road bridge, and then drift into Combpyne station, travelling bunker first toward Axminster, with its two coach train.Mike Clements01297 23847

The back of the Lyme Regis station from the approach road, again early 1960s

Cannington Viaduct. - looking toward Lyme Regis

continued from page 61


When it comes to developing an ongoing strategy one of the

most pertinent considerations is whether or not you should diversify. Of course, in the South West where so many businesses are dependent upon the tourism trade and its seasonal highs and lows this is of particular relevance and a change in direction may become necessary for survival. A consistent income stream throughout the year is vital for most businesses; if you do trade cyclically and do not make enough money during the feast periods to see you through the famine months you will have to take action. This may require some ‘out of the box’ creativity on your part ‒ for example, what can an ice cream vendor sell in winter? Hot soup perhaps!

Often the catalyst for diversifi cation is the point at which the growth in your core business is slowing or even stagnant; when you have reached a stage where you have done everything you can with your existing products or services and your existing customers. At this juncture, whilst you can decide to ‘stick’ and focus, for most it is the time to consider what can be done to enable growth, to secure sustainability and, ultimately, to facilitate higher rewards.

There are various diversification strategies, the most common ones being:

• Natural progression - often opportunities present themselves as your business develops and you acquire a greater understanding of your customer’s needs. If you keep getting asked for something you don’t do there comes a time when it will make sense to do it!

• Off er diff erent products to your existing customer base - they know who you are, they trust you so are far more disposed to buying from you and, provided you have served them well in the past, they will be loyal to you.

• Extend into new markets - research dif ferent sectors into which you can sell your products and acquire new customers. This may necessitate some rebranding but if you move into naturally associated areas of business this should not be too onerous.

• Develop new products for new markets - the riskiest strategy of all. A leap into the unknown but potentially a huge opportunity to create wealth.

The benefits of diversifying are obvious but there are some downsides. Diversifi cation takes time, energy and money. It requires a lot of planning and the distraction could mean that you take your eye off the ball in respect of what you are already doing; lose focus and your main source of income could suff er. You also need to ensure that your business structure is capable of handling the new business; is it best to incorporate the new stuff within your current operation or do you set up a separate company? And don’t forget the people factor. Do you have the right managers in place and are you able to delegate eff ectively so that you are not overstretched?

Timing is crucial; in an ideal world your existing business should be stable and profi table as it will need to support your new strategy. However, you never know when a business opportunity may arise so in many ways there is never a right or wrong time to diversify. If it’s a survival strategy then that’s a diff erent matter and you may have no choice, as long as you are not throwing good money after bad.

Branching out is risky, especially if you already have a successful business which you do not want to jeopardize, but with careful planning, the right people and structure in place, and adequate fi nance available it can get you out of that sticky position and

take your business down a diff erent success route.

Katina StylesAxminster Tool Centre. Ltd

Written by Katina Styles, a director at Axminster Tool Centre Ltd

DIVERSIFY OR FOCUSBranch out or stick - which path should your business take?

Business Advice}


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Call 01404 42051 for a quoteor pop into the officeto talk to us at NFU Mutual Office, Manor House, High Street,Honiton, Devon EX14 1LJ

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Tax returnsfrom £130 (plus VAT)

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01395 568568 [email protected] 2, Dotton Farmstead, Newton Poppleford, Sidmouth.

TALENTED, AWARD WINNING AND LONG ESTABLISHED BUSINESSES IN EAST DEVON

THE CREAM OF THE CROP


In April 2012, a business was started by three mums. This was a completely new venture for each one and would stretch multi-tasking to the very limit. The ladies in question are Karen Bralsford, Shelley Roe-Lavery and Chloe Morter, and they work as three equal partners in the company A1 Print and Stitch Limited, which provides customised garments and accessories for corporate, school and personal wear. This includes screenprint, heat press and embroidery for uniforms, ties, sports clubs, schools and every manner of industry including high visibility clothing. There really is nothing that is out of reach for this company.

Some people would say that three’s a crowd, but not when it come to these three. Their personalities complement each other like cheese, wine (lots of it in their case). Take Karen for example, the Accounts Director, she is a lady that will not sit and watch the world go by, with her engaging persona, sharp

mind and infectious sense of humour she keeps the wheels in motion.

Next we have Shelley, the Sales Director, who never leaves any stone unturned, like her spotless house she likes to make sure that everything in the business is running smoothly and efficiently and brings warmth to the business with her kind nature.

Lastly but certainly by no means least is Chloe, the Design Director. Her cool, calm and slightly daft character is just what the company needs. She brings creativity and a breadth of knowledge in all things design based, which lets the customer know that they are going to get the best results.

Website: www.a1printandstitch.co.ukE-mail: [email protected]

My first year in business at Froginwell has reminded me very much of the first time I fell in love. The elation, the upset, the butterflies, the sleepless nights. I also never expected it to take over my life but in an endearing way it has and now I couldn’t be without it. I am Kate Jenkins, 34 years of age, wife, mother of two little girls and manager of family business Froginwell Vineyard & Cider Barn.What is Froginwell exactly? The land was originally bought as grazing for sheep, then we planted the cider orchard fifteen years ago and more recently the vineyard was planted in 2005. Now Froginwell is an immaculately presented Barn set on 20 acres of rolling East Devon countryside which has an acre of vines and 2 acres of orchard. The inside has a warm and welcoming feel with a fabulous view overlooking the vineyard in summer and a cosy wood burner to warm the cockles in winter.

As well as selling our wine and cider we serve delicious food - everything from soup to warming

casseroles and cream teas - all homemade and all excellent. Team Frog is made up of myself and super-talented chef Simon Benn, as well as our hard-working part-timer, Ness Prettejohn. All local and all working to achieve the same goal - the success of Froginwell. We opened in May with absolutely no personal experience in retail and naively thought an ‘Open’ sign at the end of the drive would have the punters flocking in - funnily enough that wasn’t the case. Not only have we opened in the worst economic climate this country has seen for decades but we have had the most dismal summer on record and distractions such as the Jubilee and the Olympics to contend with. Despite all this doom and gloom we are still here - heads above water, looking firmly ahead.

Team Frog are united in the belief that what we have is something really quite special and this is reiterated by our customers who tell us how fabulous Froginwell is - the food, the cider, the

Barn itself and even our first attempt at wine has nearly sold out. People want to get married here and 2013 brings our very first civil ceremony. There is so much opportunity and we will fight to ensure Froginwell can remain a place where people can come and relax and enjoy. (And the butterflies still flutter every time the door opens...).

You can contact Kate on 01395 239900

Team "Frog In Well Vineyard", looking firmly ahead to better things in 2013

Mums have it all Stitched upA1 Print & Stitch, at Heathpark, Honiton

Shelley Roe-Lavery, Chloe Morter and Karen Bralsford, A1 Print and Stitch Ltd

Kate Jenkins and family

You can speak to Shelley, Chloe or Karen onHoniton 01404 45682

If you're the proprietor of an excellent local business, make contact with Nigel Jones (01395 513383)

THE CREAM OF THE CROP


The term 'baptism by fire' springs to mind surrounding the acquisition of Peter and Linda's new business!

Having decided on a complete change of lifestyle, they decided to make the move from Banbury in Oxford to East Devon. They desperately longed to live by the coast and having family links in the Honiton area dating back to 1786, they were particularly drawn to the surrounding area, so had been looking at a variety of businesses for sale when they fell upon the perfect opportunity.

Despite coming from diverse career backgrounds, Peter having been in business management and Linda having worked in an area linked with the legal profession, they fell in love with the rustic charm of The Dairy Deli and Cafe in Church Street (lovingly referred to as 'the Bond Street of Sidmouth' because of its quaint and quirky shops).

Everything moved incredibly quickly and they became the proud owners of their new business - in the very height of the summer season - August 2012!

It was the steepest learning curve that they have both experienced, but they survived the busiest month of the year and during the past few months they have made some interesting additions to the range of locally-based food and drink that they sell, and offer all customers those special little touches, even when just having a coffee, in a very cosy, relaxed ambience. This year, they'll be slightly more prepared for the month of August.

For more information on what The Dairy Shop offers, see their display advert in our Eating Out section. Also, if you would like to get in touch with Peter and Linda, please call 01395 513018.

Life-changing decisions have been second nature for Jenny Luxton over the past three years! The arrival of her son, Charlie, in 2010 heralded a new era for the 33 year-old, when she made the brave decision to leave the corporate world she had built a successful career in and follow her dream of setting up her own interior design consultancy.

Not content with embarking on this exciting new venture AND being a new mum, she and her partner Ian also took the plunge and relocated from the Midlands to Devon, where Jenny grew up. Jenny was no stranger to the world of interiors, having headed up store visual & design teams for large high street retailers, but making the transition was a challenge nonetheless.

Studying with the British Institute of Interior Design whilst also juggling nappy changes and renovating her new barn conversion, proved difficult at times, but Jenny has relished the challenge. “The last

three years have been full of excitement - the arrival of my gorgeous son, moving back to a place I adore and setting up my own business. I've loved every minute!” The hard work certainly paid off! Jenny passed her Diploma in Interior Design with distinction and also qualified as a consultant with the House Doctor Network. This additional training, combined with her natural flair for transforming spaces, has enabled Jenny to become a real expert in home staging, de-cluttering and re-organising. My clients have been overwhelmed and are literally speechless when they see the results - I've even had them burst into delighted tears!”

Jenny Luxton Interiors was launched last year, and her services cover everything from decor ideas to full home makeovers. Her mission is to help her clients to turn houses into homes, no matter how great or small the project. “From the moment we meet, your aspiration and the

end result matters to me. "Your home is the one place that you can be you".Contact 07903 888472

Renovating a barn, setting up a new business and becoming a mum - keeps Jenny busy

Popular Sidmouth deli and cafe (The Dairy Shop) sees new owners take the helm

Jenny Luxton

Peter and Linda The Dairy Shop, Sidmouth

Many people coming up to retirement will soon be making one of the most important fi nancial decisions of their life.

Many would-be retirees may have large funds and therefore deciding on retirement options is important and will affect almost every aspect of their retirement. Often retirement option decisions are irrevocable and therefore the consequences will live with you throughout retirement. Many may not realise that there is not just one decision to be made, but in fact, a multitude of decisions. This is because there are many more

choices available nowadays and even if you feel that an annuity is the right product for you, it might surprise you to consider that there is an increasingly wide range of annuities available including enhanced, impaired and investment annuities. There is no doubt that this is a complex market and making sure that you have expert advice could be the best decision you make. Taking time and advice to carefully consider all the possibilities means that you have a much better chance of pinpointing the right option for you. Taking professional fi nancial advice also means that you are more likely to

understand the advantages and the drawbacks of your decision. For many people, understanding the myriad of legislative changes that aff ect this area of fi nancial planning is a daunting experience and there's always a possibility that confusion or misunderstanding could adversely aff ect your decision if you decide to do DIY planning. Finally, if an annuity isn't suitable, you also have the opportunity to explore an increasingly long list of alternative products, many of which are highly complex.

You can see that DIY retirement planning can be dangerous for all the above reasons. A further worry for DIY retirement planners is how to access the information that they need. I believe that you have to be careful how you source your information from the internet and the press since some of it may be out of date and some of it ill-informed. Don`t forget commission is still paid to intermediaries if you opt to use a website for a non-advised annuity service where you make your own decisions and therefore you might not be getting the perceived value for money. Advice provided by an

independent fi nancial adviser is now fee based and is very transparent. Not only do you benefi t from professional advice but also all your administration and paperwork is expertly managed for you. This can take some of the stress out of the whole process.

Going through the advisory process is a journey which I believe has benefited many clients, some of whom started off with very predetermined ideas about what they wanted at outset and who, along the way, discovered that, in fact, there was a more suitable option for them that they didn't know about. Independent financial advice may enable you to consider your options more widely and help you to arrive at your ideal destination.

For independent financial advice on retirement options please contact Helen Mulvaney on 01395 512166

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 firm also provides a specialist annuities service 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 512166Retirement choicesWarning handle with care!

MANAGING your MONEY

Independent Financial Adviser Celebrating 21 years of Business in East Devon

* RECENT NEWS *Helen's recently been awarded the DipPFS

Need help managing your investments?

Our practice can provide risk graded advisory portfolios and a regular valuation and monitoring 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.

Richmond Independent is a trading name of Investment & Financial Solutions Partnership LLP which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority


Many people coming up to retirement will soon be making one of the most important fi nancial decisions of their life.

Many would-be retirees may have large funds and therefore deciding on retirement options is important and will affect almost every aspect of their retirement. Often retirement option decisions are irrevocable and therefore the consequences will live with you throughout retirement. Many may not realise that there is not just one decision to be made, but in fact, a multitude of decisions. This is because there are many more

choices available nowadays and even if you feel that an annuity is the right product for you, it might surprise you to consider that there is an increasingly wide range of annuities available including enhanced, impaired and investment annuities. There is no doubt that this is a complex market and making sure that you have expert advice could be the best decision you make. Taking time and advice to carefully consider all the possibilities means that you have a much better chance of pinpointing the right option for you. Taking professional fi nancial advice also means that you are more likely to

understand the advantages and the drawbacks of your decision. For many people, understanding the myriad of legislative changes that aff ect this area of fi nancial planning is a daunting experience and there's always a possibility that confusion or misunderstanding could adversely aff ect your decision if you decide to do DIY planning. Finally, if an annuity isn't suitable, you also have the opportunity to explore an increasingly long list of alternative products, many of which are highly complex.

You can see that DIY retirement planning can be dangerous for all the above reasons. A further worry for DIY retirement planners is how to access the information that they need. I believe that you have to be careful how you source your information from the internet and the press since some of it may be out of date and some of it ill-informed. Don`t forget commission is still paid to intermediaries if you opt to use a website for a non-advised annuity service where you make your own decisions and therefore you might not be getting the perceived value for money. Advice provided by an

independent fi nancial adviser is now fee based and is very transparent. Not only do you benefi t from professional advice but also all your administration and paperwork is expertly managed for you. This can take some of the stress out of the whole process.

Going through the advisory process is a journey which I believe has benefited many clients, some of whom started off with very predetermined ideas about what they wanted at outset and who, along the way, discovered that, in fact, there was a more suitable option for them that they didn't know about. Independent financial advice may enable you to consider your options more widely and help you to arrive at your ideal destination.

For independent financial advice on retirement options please contact Helen Mulvaney on 01395 512166

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 firm also provides a specialist annuities service 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 512166Retirement choicesWarning handle with care!

MANAGING your MONEY

Independent Financial Adviser Celebrating 21 years of Business in East Devon

* RECENT NEWS *Helen's recently been awarded the DipPFS

Need help managing your investments?

Our practice can provide risk graded advisory portfolios and a regular valuation and monitoring 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.

Richmond Independent is a trading name of Investment & Financial Solutions Partnership LLP which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority

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 20 years in East Devon

Independent

The foundation is going from strength

to strength and with the support and

generosity of not only suppliers and

businesses, but individual fundraising

efforts, the project is really coming into

its own. ‘It’s going really well and I

cannot wait for our new fundraising

teams in each county in the UK to be in

full swing and generating vital funds so

we can continue the great work we do.’

Still, as Naomi explains, ‘Of course,

we need more money to develop the

organisation and such funding is vital

for the foundation to continue in its

quest to ensure people can enjoy their

perfect wedding day, without the stress,

uncertainty and financial burden that

cancer inevitably brings to families’.

Looking forward to the

future

Although Naomi now has to consume a

concoction of hormonal drugs to force

her into premature menopause and

prolong her life as long as possible, she

explains that her plans for the future of

The Wedding Wishing Well Foundation

are simple. Naomi said she wants ‘to

spread the word about the project,

continue raising funds and awareness,

in turn helping more and more people

in the same position as me’.

She continues, ‘When I began the

foundation I wanted to help as many

people with terminal illnesses or life

threatening conditions have the wedding

day they could only have dreamed of

and I want this to continue.’

It is clear that Naomi wants this project

to continue even after she is no longer

around to see her project continue to

thrive. ‘The foundation will be my

legacy and that makes me a very proud

woman.’

With this in mind and as the foundation’s

first year draws ever closer, it seems

Naomi will be busier than ever with

more applications flooding in, but with

an innovative idea and an impressive

determination, there is nothing stopping

this mum of one.

So, how can you help

this worthy cause?

If you are a supplier, individual or

business and can offer your services for

free or at a reduced rate, The Wedding

Wishing Well Foundation would love to

hear from you.

Whatever your niche or specialism,

with your help you will be supporting

this inspirational organisation, be it

through cake decoration, wedding dress

supplies, food distribution, venue hire,

stationery, floristry or car hire. Any

wedding products, services or support

are always welcome and the foundation

continually searches for enthusiastic

people to generate vital funds too;

through donation, sponsorship or

fundraising.

As Naomi reiterates, ‘We cannot

continue with this fantastic project

without the generous incoming funds,

so any help is always gratefully received

and very much appreciated.’

When such fabulous projects support

people and their loved ones through

some of the most challenging of times

in their lives, there is nothing more

rewarding than giving something back

and putting a smile on everyone’s faces.

So, why wait?

Support this fantastic organisation

today and spread the word about their

inspirational and dedicated mission with

everyone you know.

As the old saying goes, one good deed

deserves another

Contact details

The Wedding Wishing Well Foundation

Wellington, Somerset

www.weddingwishingwellfoundation.

org

Continued from page 73

Here Comes the BrideWedding Wishing Well Foundation

Don't forget that the

eastdevonhub.co.uk website

has details of local charities

and other local organisations

across the East Devon/Exeter/

West Dorset region.



Al fresco dining

Daily 8.30am til late

breakfast coffee cappuccino snacks lunch cream teas sandwiches dinner & dr inks

t: 01297 442059e: [email protected]

www.lymebayleaf.co.uk

Marine Parade Lyme Regis

Winter opening times vary, please call for details

Documents

East Devon Coast and Country Magazine Feb 13