23.01.16

+ MY YEAR ON DARTMOOR

+ A TASTE OF AFRICA

DON’T MISS:

mood boosts for winter days

10Fashion forecastLeather trousers, deep blues and cute tweeds

+ ETHICAL BEAUTY

+ DAVINA’S BODY

INSIDE:

+ TRACEY ULLMAN

+ GARDEN COLOUR

PLUS:

Cover_Jan23.indd 1 19/01/2016 14:41:38

St Austell8 Manfi eld Way, Holmbush, PL25 3HQ - 01726 70711

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Hayle4 Fore Street, Copperhouse, TR27 4DY - 01736 755 700

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Untitled-1 4 12/01/2016 14:02:30

33

5 IF YOU DO ONE THING...Change your life in a day

9 JUST BETWEEN US...Sh! We have the latest gossip!

12 OUT OF AFRICAThe chef with Zambian roots (and recipes)

16 MY YEAR ON DARTMOOR The photography project that went global

22 COOL KITCHENSGive yours a faceli� for 2016

26 ANNE SWITHINBANKPlan now for garden colour this summer

30 THE APPEAL OF TEALThis season’s must-have shade

32 LEATHER TROUSERS?Yes you can, says Kathryn Clarke-Mcleod

34 CULTURE VULTUREDays out that you really will enjoy

36 BOOST YOUR WELLBEING Great ways to feel your best this week

41 THYME TO COOKTim Maddams has wise words on herbs

43 ALE AND HEARTYOur beer expert’s favourite brews

contents[ [Inside this week...

‘At the tender age of � ve and eleven/twel hs,

he has already written one book and started

on his second’

Phil Goodwin is impressed by the literary output of his son James, p46

16 365 DAYS ON DARTMOOROne woman’s remarkable project

22 COOL KITCHENSHow to give yours a faceli�

LEATHER TROUSERS?Yes, you CAN wear them32

THE APPEAL OF TEALThis season’s must-have shade30

9 ALL THE GOSSIP Sh! You heard it here � rst!

44 SECRET PLACESWhere to go, what to do

Contents_Jan23.indd 3 19/01/2016 13:06:39

Becky Sheaves, Editor Sarah Pitt Kathryn Clarke-McLeod Catherine Barnes Lynne Potter

4

[[ [[welcome[ [

It never fails to surprise me that so many inter-esting people live here in the South West. First up, meet dad-of-three Malcolm Riley from Newton Abbot, aka The African Chef (page 12). Malcolm’s heritage is a fascinating mix of British, African and Indian and he’s putting his childhood in Zambia to good use with a wonderful foodie business started on his kitchen table at home. He’s now the proud crea-tor of some really rather gorgeous - and very unu-sual - sauces and condiments, which are selling nationally, thanks to the delivery website Ocado.

I’m also very impressed by Dartmoor pho-tographer Jo Bradford, who a year ago decided

to juggle life as mum of two tiny babies with launching a major photography project. In fair-ness, when Jo started taking a picture every day on Dartmoor, it was quite a small-scale undertak-ing. But a year on and 50,000 Instagram followers

later, Jo’s 365 shots of the moor in all its sea-sons have garnered her international acclaim, a major exhibition and so much more.

Read all about it and see our selection of Jo’s fabulous pictures

on page 16. Did I mention that every single one of them was taken with just a mobile phone? That’s talent, I think you will agree. Have a great week-end and happy reading.

[ [A year on and she now has 50,000

Instagram followers

Becky Sheaves, Editor

There’s so much going on here right now...

[

OUT OF AFRICAThe Zambian chef cooking in Devon12

COVER IMAGE: Coat £75, JD WilliamsEDITORIAL: westmag@westernmorningnews.co.ukTel: 01392 442250 Twitter @wmnwest

@princesshayLoving this look from

@nexto� cial for @WMNWest fashion

shoot with photographer @stevenhaywood1 #noplacelikephay

MEET THE TEAM

Becky Sheaves, Editor Sarah Pitt Kathryn Clarke-McLeod Catherine Barnes Lynne Potter

Tweetof the week

TO ADVERTISE: Contact Lynne Potter: 01752 293027 or 07834 568283, lynne.potter@dc-media.co.uk

[Tweet

EDS_LETTER_1THING.indd 4 19/01/2016 13:46:29

55

Change your life in a day by booking up for the new Women in Business course at Charlotte Mews in Exeter on Thursday February 25. You’ll meet top business women who have established their own successful companies and get advice on setting up your own business. The next workshop costs £145 (including lunch) and West can o� er a 25% discount for the � rst � ve West readers to book up. Call 07856 251581 or email char-lottemews@icloud.com to book your place, quoting WEST for your discount. For more details visit www.charlottemews.com

one thingIf you do

this week...

25% o� READER OFFER

Quote ‘West’ when booking

EDS_LETTER_1THING.indd 5 19/01/2016 13:47:00

6

Our top picks of the things you’ll love this week

wishlist

Samantha Wilkinson Samantha, 23, is a dance

teacher and was spotted looking colourful and cosy on a chilly

day in Plymouth. She reminds us of Trixie in Call The Midwife,

and we love her look.

Samantha says: “I like baggy clothes! I never dress to ­ t.”

Scarf: Sports Girl

Coat: Bought from a market stall

Bag: TK Maxx

Boots: Purchased while travelling in Australia

STREETSTYLE STAR

Doudoune (that’s the French for

cosy sleepsuit) £55 7amenfant.co.uk

Aquanova Odalis soap dispenser £20 www.amara.com

Curious Cows oven gloves £13 www.ulsterweavers.com

‘Life is a Journey’ train ticket mugs £11.95 each www.o� ifeandlemons.co.uk

YOUR WAY

Moo!

SNUGGLE

Wishlist_Jan23.indd 6 19/01/2016 15:04:15

7

Wishlist

This lovely retro boutique on Exmouth’s Exeter Road sells a mixture of vintage collectables and vinyl - all very reasonably priced - along with quirky new goods and gi� s. Locally-made items include ceramic wall art, delicious pink, white and dark chocolate bars and buttons from Exmouth Treats. Funky initial rings made from Scrabble tiles are among the pocket-money priced items we can’t resist. The Hatters Emporium is at 53 Exeter Road, Exmouth EX8 1PX, see www.facebook.com/thehattersemporium

adore...Store weHatters Emporium, Exmouth

Prosecco and strawberry lip balm £5.99 www.swankymaison.com

Handmade Courcillon chest of drawers, in the Louis XIV style £1,740 www.

o� cinainglesa.com

Sweet Lotus travel set of potions £15 Accessorize

Halcyon Days scented palm tree candle £55

www.amara.com

Orla Kiely Patricia watch £85 www.amara.

comGlasgow School of Art stag coasters,

set of four £12.50 www.gsashop.co.uk

STYLISH

Treat

Cute

Wishlist_Jan23.indd 7 18/01/2016 16:08:20

8

talking points

Brit actress Daisy Ridley looked fabulous at the Los Angeles premiere of Star Wars in this ethe-real white dress by Chloé.We love the � oaty layers and sheer tulle and that wide belt really works to accentuate Daisy’s tiny waist. Princess Leia would approve. It’s a bespoke gown so isn’t available to buy – even if we could a� ord it. But how about these alternatives for boho chic evening wear?

BOHO CHIC evenings

OPTION BGorgeousPeach chiffon dress £95 BHS

OPTION AGlamourAyanna dress £185 Monsoon

stealherstyle

OR MAKE IT YOUR OWN

Springfield dress Pretty Eccentric £185

still haven’t really got over David Bowie’s death. I’m still listening to songs of his and look-

ing up stuff about him on the in-ternet. What a prodigious talent – what a consummate artist. So brave, so bizarre.

Isn’t it weird when a celebrity insinuates him or herself into your life so much that you get the feeling you actually know each other? I can see how fans get obsessive. It’s particularly true in today’s world of social media, when you can see stars’ Facebook and Twitter posts and the per-sonal connection seems truer.

Don’t get me wrong – I don’t feel like I actually knew David Bowie personally. I just watched Labyrinth about a million times. So somehow he seems like one of the family.

If you’ve never seen this movie, you should. It’s produced by George Lucas of Star Wars fame, directed by Jim Henson of The Muppets and written by Terry Gilliam of Monty Python.

Labyrinth is the story of Sarah, a romantic teenager who would rather recite poetry in the park than babysit her toddler brother Toby. In a moment of pique she wishes the goblins would take him away – and they do. Specifi cally, Jareth the Goblin King (David Bowie), dressed in startlingly tight shiny leggings, takes him away.

Sarah then has to negotiate Jareth’s labyrinth, confronted by all sorts of obstacles from vanishing walls to riddling doors,

puppet monsters and fantasy creatures of all shapes and sizes, to reclaim her brother.

The most fascinating line in this story (well, for adolescent me anyway) is the weird tension between Jareth and Sarah. She is the fresh-faced beauty and he, the wicked older man who knows All Sorts of Things.

There’s a scene in which Sarah bites a drugged apple and fi nds

herself in a surreal ballroom – in fact the inside of one of her own snow-globes – dressed in a fl ouncy gown and surrounded by masked revellers. David Bowie sings one of his longing anthems to her as she spins around in disorientation, and they fi nally come together to dance. What I wouldn’t

have given to be in her shoes, age 13.

The climax is when Sarah has to choose between Toby and Jareth. He says to her: “I ask for so little. Just fear me, love me, do as I say and I will be your slave.” I remember shouting at the screen: “Do it, girl! Ditch the baby brother! It’s the chance of a lifetime!”

Sigh. There will never be anyone as compelling, confusing, and sexy. RIP Jareth.

Story of my life...

Gillian Molesworth

When a true legend leaves your life

Gillian Molesworth is a journalist and mum-of-two who grew up in the USA and moved to north Cornwall when she met her husband

I

Isn’t it weird when a celebrity

insinuates himself into your life so much you

get the feeling you actually know them?

Moley_Goss_Jan23.indd 8 18/01/2016 14:50:56

HERE TO

STAY?

Rumour has it that Tracey Ull-man’s new TV show has been such a hit that she has already agreed to do a second series. The sketch show, on BBC One on Mondays, includes impres-sions of a kleptomaniac Dame Judi Dench and a “sex bomb” German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Tracey has been working in the US since the 1980s but the Times’ reviewer Alex Hardy says: “It’s as if a prodigal daugh-ter has returned to the UK from 30 gap years in America and wrapped herself instantly round British hearts and fun-nybones.” We agree!

9

Justbetween us!Gossip, news, trend setters and more – you

heard all the latest juicy stu here � rst!

23.01.16

X-factor star turned TV presenter Rylan Clark-Neal has landed a bit-part in Jennifer Saunders’ forthcoming Ab Fab movie, thanks to his mutual friendship with Harry En� eld & Chums funny woman, Kathy Burke. Rylan says: “It’s completely out of this world; I can’t be-lieve it. I’ve been friends with Kathy for quite a while and when news of the � lm

came out, I texted her, sort of harassing her, and said, ‘If you don’t get me in this � lm, I’m gonna hunt you down’. I think she then had a little lunch with Jennifer and Jennifer said she would write me a part; I didn’t think anything of it, but she did! Filming it was the best day ever; I got to work with some people who are just amazing!”

Former EastEnders star Pam St Clement says she � nds it “di¡ cult to keep up” with the TV soap since leaving Albert Square in 2012.

Pam, who grew up on a Dartmoor farm and played Pat Butcher in the soap for 26 years, says: “I still watch it, but it’s di¡ cult to keep up. I think I have a rotting

brain.” The actress, who was awarded an honorary doctorate by Plymouth University in 2008, added that she hasn’t missed the gruelling � lming sched-ule, saying: “It’s honestly delightful. I’ve got time for charity and for travel, The

only pity is I can’t manage all the things I’m o¤ ered.”

‘I don’t miss

Enders one little

bit’ [[PAM’S NEW LIFE

RYLAN TURNS

FILM STAR

Moley_Goss_Jan23.indd 9 18/01/2016 14:51:25

10

in pictures

Congratulations: Margaret and Peter Cox of Plymouth celebrated their diamond wedding

anniversary

Run: Lots of fitness enthusiasts took part in the January Jaunt around Saltram House in Plymouth

Picket: Junior doctors went

on strike at the Royal Devon

and Exeter hospital

Business plan: The Apprentice

star Brett Butler-Smyth

from Plymouth has launched

a new building company

WIP_LISTS_JAN23.indd 10 18/01/2016 14:59:47

11

Just ask

talking points

Spice it up

An armful

Try these unusual spices:

1 Galangal (hot, mustardy root)

2 Nigella seed (bitter taste)

3 Grains of Paradise (red pepper berries)

4 Mahlab (cherry pip kernel)

5 Black cumin (nutty tasting seed)

6 Sichuan peppercorns (pods with citrus tang)

7 Fenugreek (bittersweet seeds)

8 Carom seed (tastes a little like thyme)

9 Asafoetida (good for curries)

10 Anardana (dried pomegranate seed)

DID YOU KNOW?

This week:

Famous faces with links to the Westcountry

ONE OF US

Ann Daniels, the � rst woman to reach both the North and South Pole, lives in a village in east Devon

Ann Daniels

The happy list

10 things to make you smile this week1 Frost cold, but pretty

2 Burns night January fun

3 Sarah Millican at Ply-mouth Pavilions February 13

4 Knitwear cosy fashion

5 Faux fur also a must

6 Ice skating at Eden till the end of February

7 St Ives Feast hurling the silver ball, February 8

8 Da� odils out now

9 Gangsta Granny North-cott Theatre, Exeter, Feb 3-6

10 Blood oranges in season

Celebs who have given blood

1 Jackie Chan

2 Sophie Ellis-Bextor

3 Josh Duhamel

4 Amada Holden

5 Jenny Frost

6 Kym Marsh

7 Gary Lineker

8 Sarah Beeny

9 Jayne Torvill

10 Joe Swash

10 famous agony aunts

1 Claire Rayner a true original

2 Denise Robertson This Morning

3 Vanessa Feltz one of a kind

4 Dear Deidre Sun stalwart

5 Cathy & Claire your pals in the 1970s Jackie magazine

6 Marje Proops the Fleet Street legend

7 Mariella Frostrup a modern take

8 Katie Boyle once a TV Times regular

9 Virginia Ironside veteran problem solver

10 Anna Raeburn advice over the airwaves

Early days: Ann grew up with four elder brothers in Bradford, Yorkshire. She le� school at the age of 16 to work in a bank.

Family: Ann is mum to triplets, Lucy, Joseph and Rachel, born in 1994. She lives with her partner Tom O’Connor and they also have a daughter, Sarah, together.

Exploring: Ann’s career as a polar explorer began when she entered a Dartmoor trekking competition to win a place on an all-women expedition across Antarctica in 1997. “The children are a barometer for me,” she says. “I always think, I’ve got to come home. So I don’t take stupid risks.”

World Record: Ann and her fellow explorer, Caroline Hamilton, hold the Guinness World Record as the � rst women to reach both the North and South Poles.

Now: Ann is a motivational speaker, talking about leadership, teamwork and the environment. She supports

charities including Cancer Research UK and the World Wildlife Fund.

Best: Fellow explorer Pen Hadow says: “Ann is the best woman explorer in the world”.

Ice: Ann loves the polar regions: “It’s nature at its best and

it’s huge and it makes you realise just how small you are - how humble, how insigni� cant.”

Training: When preparing for her � rst expedition, Ann was a single mum of triplets. To train, she would do push ups and skip in the garden while the children were sleeping.

Food: During a gruelling polar expedition Ann eats 6,000 calories a day and still loses weight!By Sophie Whiting

Competition winners:Congratulations to the winnerof the Natural Baby Shower competition in West magazine

• A £50 voucher to spend at www.naturalbabyshower.co.uk - Gemma Eales, Bridestowe

Ann has been to the North

Pole six times

WIP_LISTS_JAN23.indd 11 18/01/2016 15:00:19

12

OUT OF AFRICAMALCOLM RILEY

alcolm Riley goes slightly misty eyed when talking about one of the major loves in his life - his vintage Land Rover. “It’s like a safari vehicle,” he says. “It goes at 30 miles an hour and

cars are fl ying past me on the dual carriageway, but people love it. When I turn up at a food festi-val, it’s like I’ve arrived from Africa.”

Malcolm’s regular road trips in his trusty motor are a neat parallel with his own journey. He’s gone from Zambian-born wheeler-dealer, to a Newton Abbot dad-of-three on the cusp of be-coming a household name with his food brand, The African Chef.

Later this month, a range of his sauces are set to launch on Ocado, in partnership with a Sussex company which supplies ready-to-cook vegeta-bles to all the UK’s major supermarkets.

“It’s been a journey of discovery,” says Mal-colm, who’s been following his dreams since the age of 26. “Back then, I came to London from Zambia with just £200 in my pocket.”

The son of a British policeman who’d headed to Africa in his own youth in search of new ho-r i z o n s , M a l c o l m c o n f e s s e s to having been a “bit of a Del Boy” after leaving school, fl ying to South Africa and bring-ing back suitcases of fashion magazines, denim jeans and even car parts to sell, all in short supply back home in Zambia.

Malcolm learned to cook by watching his

mother, who was half Zambian, half Indian and ran a catering business. A keen fi sherman and cyclist, Malcolm was a member of Zambia’s na-tional cycling team for four years, but lacked the funds to compete on an international level. “But

no road trip with friends would be complete with-out me cooking a meal afterwards.”

Today, he’s in charge of making all the family meals in the home he shares with partner Sophie Baxter and their children. They are par-ents to daughters Sia, 10 and Kemoi, fi ve (who

was recently signed by a London-based child modelling agency) and adorable baby son Neyo, just fi ve months old.

Their small kitchen doubles as the place where Malcolm creates and makes his fl avoursome Af-

Born in Africa, with British, Indian and Zambian heritage, Malcolm Riley of Newton Abbot is becoming better known as The African Chef. And his

delicious condiments are attracting national attention...

By Catherine Barnes

M‘It all made me think,

could I create something

new, with African produce?’

TH

IS P

AG

E: S

OP

HIE

BA

XT

ER

AfricanChef.indd 12 19/01/2016 14:24:29

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People

Malcolm Riley’s food business is based in Devon,

but inspired by Africa

AfricanChef.indd 13 18/01/2016 15:47:03

14

rican Chef preserves, which have become a major hit at Westcountry food festivals.

But all this success has been hard-won. Malcolm arrived in England 16 years ago with little in his pocket, to discover the coun-try where his father was born. Staying ini-tially with family friends in London, his fi rst job was a paper round. “The way I saw it,” he reasons, laughing, “being a paper boy paperboy was a way of getting exercise – and being paid for it.”

He then landed a job on the vegeta-ble counter at trendy London food store Planet Organic, a favourite with celeb-rities, and counted Madonna, Shirley Bassey and Mel Sykes among his custom-ers. Here, he developed a real interest in the nutritional value and sustainability issues around food.

He met Sophie, then working as a med-ical rep, through friends of friends, and they had daughter Sia together. But they grew tired of London life, so when an op-portunity came up through Sophie’s work to relocate to Devon, the couple jumped at the chance.

They initially moved to a cottage on a dairy farm and Malcolm landed a job at Buckfastleigh-based food company River-

ford Organic. But it was a Ray Mears docu-mentary on the San Tribe of the Kalahari that inspired Malcolm to create his very own brand.

S e e i n g the Bush-men living off fruits

that grow wild, yet are little used in food pro-d u c t i o n , made him think. Could there be an opportunity to create something new and support the African co-operatives collecting the fruit? “That’s when things came full circle for me,” he says. “I’d never eaten anything made from baobab. Back home, you’d just suck the fruit.”

His fi rst idea was to make a coffee alternative from the fruit seeds of the baobab. Due to complicated import restrictions that didn’t happen but in-stead he developed a jam, made from the fruit pulp, which he called Yozuna – the word means ‘it’s sweet!’

E x c i t i n g l y, Malcolm’s new super-food jam created a buzz when it was launched in 2008.

But then the economic crash hit, a supply deal with Selfridges came to an end and there just weren’t the funds to go from the family kitchen to a production facility big enough to supply lots of shops.

Luckily, Sophie still had her day job, while Malcolm took on painting and decorating work to help make ends meet. But the couple never gave up on their dream. When Malcolm had the idea for a baobab lemonade, he posted a ‘coming soon’ notice on his website and was taken aback to receive and order for 400 bottles from Radox, to mark the launch of their own baobab bubble bath.

“So I created a recipe and Sophie and the kids

‘Things have moved

really quickly. Everything

I make is selling out’

Malcolm at home in Newton Abbot with wife Sophie and their children

MA

IN P

ICT

UR

E: C

HR

IS M

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PH

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AfricanChef.indd 14 18/01/2016 15:47:50

15

loved it. I made 400 bottles, using a borrowed 1970s SodaStream,” says Malcolm. “We labelled and boxed them, sent them off and that was it.”

The lemonade was a hit, like the baobab jam, but the recession hampered the fl edgling compa-ny’s ability to grow and meet increasing demand.

“Then I started experimenting with making condiments,” says Malcolm, who was determined not to give up. “Africa has had the same spices as India through similar trade routes, but they are used in very different ways. With the baobab jam, I’d spent lots of time educating and talking about it at food fairs. But with my new chilli jam, people just tried it and bought it and it sold out. It was like a breath of fresh air. ”

So Yozuna (“nobody could pronounce it, in any case”) became The African Chef and the range expanded from baobab and chilli jams to tasty treats including peri peri pesto, cara-melised chilli relish and a savoury marmalade, which won a gold award at the World Marmalade

Awards.“Things have moved quickly since then. Every-

thing I make today is selling out,” says Malcolm. “I was featured on [Radio 4’s] Food Programme and after that, the brand really developed.”

He’s now looking again at moving beyond the family kitchen, while his trusty Land Rover will be making its slow but sure way up to the Bridg-water Food Festival on February 25. In the days before, he laughs, the family home will be knee-deep in boxes, bottles and jars.

Within the foodie world, Malcolm has developed a reputation for understanding the health ben-efi ts and fl avours of little-known, or under-valued fruits and vegetables. He uses foraged wild garlic for his Peri Peri pesto and, as an active member of a Totnes growers’ co-operative, is championing pumpkin leaves as an amazing super-veg.

“They’re very similar to kale, with a bit of a bite and high in potassium, so why aren’t we eating them?” he says.

His reputation led to an approach by major vegetable grower, Barfoots, last year, asking if he could help them fi nd a way to re-purpose their excess veg that might otherwise be thrown away. The Bognor Regis company supplies prepped ready-to-cook vegetables nationally.

“It’s a very big business, but we clicked in-stantly,” he smiles. “They took me to a courgette fi eld and asked what they can do to reduce waste? So I suggested a spiralized courgette linguini with my peri peri pesto.”

His recipes for Barfoots also include a curry ketchup and traditional Zambian Chakalaka sauce, and will be made by Barfoots but carry the African Chef label. And excitingly, they’re set to launch with Ocado at the end of the month.

“This is just the fi rst step,” says Malcolm hap-pily “and the sky’s the limit. I would never dis-courage anyone from following their passion. With perseverance, good things do happen.”www.theafricanchef.com

People

Malcolm’s delicious recipes draw on his

Zambian childhood

AfricanChef.indd 15 19/01/2016 14:26:06

16

365 days

hen photographer Jo Bradford had two babies in swift succession, she found her camera bag, with its top-of-the-range SLR lenses, had been replaced by a rucksack

full of nappies and spare babygros.It was, she remembers, a shock to the system for

the internationally-renowned art photographer. “I’d always been able to take pictures wherever I went.

Then I had Grace and Kade and my hands were, quite literally, full.”

Jo lives near Okehampton on Dartmoor, with her husband Paul and their children Grace (now two) and Kade (now one). “I would walk with them every day on the moor and see things I wanted to photograph. But I simply couldn’t manage to carry a camera as well as two tiny children – Kade would be in a sling, and Grace would be in a backpack.”

The solution was simple. Jo abandoned her hi-tech camera kit and took pictures, instead, with her mobile phone. “Then, as the beginning of 2015 approached, I

Photographer Jo Bradford set out to take a picture of Dartmoor every day for a year, using just her mobile

phone. As she looks back on a ‘mad, crazy year’, Jo explains how the challenge has changed her life

W

By Becky Sheaves

Jo Bradford

JO_BRADFORD_JAN23.indd 16 18/01/2016 17:27:33

17

Interview

Jo Bradford’s daily pictures of Dartmoor are viewed by 50,000 people worldwide via Instagram

JO_BRADFORD_JAN23.indd 17 18/01/2016 17:29:29

18

had the idea of taking a picture every day with my phone, as a year-long project. I thought it would be a chance for me to be creative for just five minutes every day, amid the all-consuming world of motherhood. Of course, it ended up taking far, far more time than that - it’s been a mad, crazy year.”

And so it was that on January 1 2015, Jo took her first picture in the series she has called: “A Love Letter to Dartmoor in 365 Pictures”. Each day, she posted a new picture onto the Instagram website, which is viewed all over the world.

She soon dis-covered that taking a picture a day – even with a phone – is no small challenge, given that she wanted to be proud of each and every one. “With a phone, you can’t control the exposure, you can’t really zoom in. It was very tricky. I did rather wonder what I had let myself in for.” It was a far cry from her usual work, creating fine art photography distributed by the prestigious Getty Images website, purchased by art collectors and used by commercial clients such as American Express and M&C Saatchi.

But Jo persevered, with the help of a couple of apps which allowed her to shoot and process her pictures with more technical precision. At first, just 100 or so people were watching her daily offerings. Then, to her astonishment, she got a phone call from the head office of Instagram in San Francisco. Among their 400 million account holders, all posting pictures worldwide, they had spotted Jo’s project – and liked it.

“They ran a feature on me and chose one of my pictures to be highlighted as their image of the day. It was a really unmistak-able, iconic view of Hay Tor, with Dartmoor ponies running in front

of it.”That one picture got 950,000 “likes” from all

over the world. Jo’s followers went up from 100 or so to 50,000. “All of a sudden, each picture was being eagerly awaited and commented on all over the world. My little project became part of peo-ple’s daily lives in places like Alaska and Winni-peg. It was amazing. One person even told me he had decided to move to Dartmoor because of my pictures.”

[[ ‘I had the idea of taking a picture every day for a year,

with my phone’

JO_BRADFORD_JAN23.indd 18 18/01/2016 17:29:55

19

Interview

Moorland lifeHow ponies ‘photo-bombed’ Jo’s project

Jo says that getting to know the free-roaming ponies on Dartmoor was an unexpected bonus of her year-long photography project. “I was out and about among the ponies so much, they became very tolerant of me being around.

“I went to get a picture of a beautiful small pond I had spotted high on the moor. When I got there, I found a mother with her newborn foal. She was going into a little pond for a drink and encouraging the foal to come in with her, nuzzling it until it was splashing about in the water. It was such a peaceful moment between mother and child, and an absolute privilege to witness it.

“On another day, I was taking a picture of a rainbow when a pony spotted me and wondered what I was doing. He came over and literally photobombed the picture.”

JO_BRADFORD_JAN23.indd 19 18/01/2016 17:30:32

20

Interview

Jo ventured all over the moor to take her pictures, deciding to concentrate on scenes of nature, rather than people or events. “Dartmoor has such a diverse landscape. I would one day discover a deep wooded blue-bell valley, the next be up on bleak, rugged moorland. I was out so often I’m sure there isn’t a lane on the whole moor that I haven’t gone down to explore.”

It wasn’t always easy. “With a phone, you are stripped back to the bare essentials of photography – using the light and shade you find, and spotting the best composition. I had to be patient. But it was good for me. I would never have believed it but in fact I’m a better photographer for leaving all my expensive kit at home.”

The whole process, however, took far more time than the “five minutes of creativity a day” that Jo had craved. “Sometimes I would be walk-ing around, with the kids and dogs in tow, for hours, looking for a shot that was new and dif-ferent. One day didn’t get a shot uploaded until 11.45 pm. I got messages from all over the world saying: ‘You nearly missed it! We’ve been wait-ing for you!’.”

Indeed, so devoted was Jo’s following that she considered carrying on beyond the year’s end. “But the project did have an impact on my whole family,” she admits. “We couldn’t go away on holiday for a whole year. When it came to my mother’s 70th birthday, my brother wanted to organise a party for her in Spain. But because of me, we had to have it at home in the UK. I took a picture at dawn one day, dashed onto the train at 11am from Exeter, then was back by noon the next day so I could take an-other photograph.”

And the final decider, says Jo, was the winter weather at the tail end of 2015. “We had weeks of rain, grey skies and heavy cloud. For my last picture, I wanted to go out with a bang. But December 31 was yet another grey, dark day. Paul and I packed the kids into the car as we were hoping the weather

would be bright-er on the other side of the moor. We drove around in the drizzle and fog from 10.30am to 3pm, with the kids get-ting more and more fed up, and Grace saying ‘I want to go home’.

I looked at their faces and thought: enough is enough, I am going to have to stop here.”

However, the project has opened doors for Jo that she could not possibly have foreseen. The National Parks Authority invited her to become an ambassador for Dartmoor and will stage a

major exhibition of all 365 of her project photo-graphs at its visitor centre in Princetown from May until August this year. And now that Jo is better known within the creative world of the moor, she is also planning to open a studio for art courses at her home. Her husband Paul, a former Marine turned outdoor adventure trainer, also runs activity courses locally.

All in all, Jo’s Dartmoor year has been a re-markable experience, she says. “It has been a real privilege to connect with the moor in this way – not just its landscape but its history. One day, I walked for miles, carrying the children, to a Bronze Age stone circle high up on the moor.

“As I battled my way up there, I thought of the people who would have made the same journey, also on foot, also carrying their children thou-sands of years ago. When I finally arrived, I stood in the stone circle and really felt the connection. It was an immersive, all-consuming year and one I will never forget.”

See Jo’s project on Instagram @greenislandstu-dios and find out more about her work at www.jobradford.com

‘Sometimes I would be walking around for hours, with the kids, looking for a shot that

was new and different’[ [JO_BRADFORD_JAN23.indd 20 18/01/2016 17:31:10

21

interiors22 fashion 30

food40 explore44

Intro_Jan23.indd 21 19/01/2016 12:56:44

22

here’s no doubt kitchens are the centre of our homes, but although they’re the area we choose to spend the most time, either eating or so-

cialising, it seems all too few of us are lucky enough to have our ‘dream’ space.

Around 65% of us feel our current kitchen is far from ideal - with its inadequacies most exposed during the pressure-cooker stress of Christmas. Around a quarter struggle with a cramped or awkwardly shaped room, while 25% bemoan a lack of work surfaces, according to

recent research by DIY store Wickes.Aside from the benefi ts of enjoying this space

more - and potentially being able to cook up a storm - it could be worth reconsidering a refi t on fi nancial grounds alone. Kitchen improve-ments are the most popular way to add value to a property, with a gorgeous kitchen estimated by experts to add around 15% to the value of your home.

“It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when trying to choose a kitchen,” says Daniele Brutto of Hub Kitchens, specialists in Italian-inspired design.

T

Are you hungry for your dream kitchen? Gabrielle Fagan serves up some design recipes guaranteed to stir up interest

The heart of your home

FRESH THINKING

[[“There are so many materials, colours and fi n-ishes in the market at the moment. But what’s important is focusing on what will work for you and your space.

“Pick something you like, which could be a particular wall colour, a fl oor tile or work surface texture, and work outwards from there. Keeping one element at the heart of your design will make the whole process much more straightforward.”

If your kitchen isn’t huge, take comfort from the fact that size isn’t everything, according to Daniele. She says small spaces can still look styl-

Horizon kitchen from £4,899 Betta Living

Interiors_Jan23.indd 22 19/01/2016 14:28:06

23

Interiors

Canterbury solid oak kitchen from £35,000 Davenport

Interiors_Jan23.indd 23 18/01/2016 15:58:15

24

Interiors

ish if a scheme is kept simple and every inch of space is exploited.

“Custom-made cabinets can conceal day-to-day appliances when they’re not in use, while it’s also possible to maximise preparation areas by using worktops which cover sinks.

“It’s all about marrying imagination with in-novative design and creating a calm, relaxed environment, where it’s a pleasure to work and play.”

Shades of grey or cool blue will give a kitchen an ultra-modern look. They can be enlivened with a colourful splashback or given a warming glow with copper metallic ac-cessories.

“The general trend continues for the kitchen to be the heart of the home, and grey is still a massive colour trend, whether it’s used for unit fronts or grey grouting in between tiles,” says Wickes design consultant, Simon Burton.

“A kitchen has to be a prac-tical, user-friendly space, but is also regarded as an area to socialise. So open-plan designs, incorporating a kitchen and dining/living area, are still a top choice. One great way to en-hance a social feel is to have built-in music speak-ers.”

Natural materials rule in decor and showcas-ing rich wood grain and stunning stone worktops - marble through to slate - can add personality to a kitchen. And when it comes to lighting, you could add an opulent touch by opting for a chan-delier.

“The real trend at the moment for fi nishes is subtle, textural differences to give real depth. We’re going to see more use of natural stones such as marble, slate and granite,” says Daniele Brutto.

“We’ll see an even greater em-phasis on the use of natural timbers, and there are some amazing timber veneers coming onto the market, which give cabinetry a rich, warm feel. The trend for mixing and matching veneers with harsher surrounds, such as concrete, steel and iron, will also feature strongly this year.”

Mixing modern and old-style materials, and using accents of black and charcoal to add defi ni-tion, will allow you to achieve a chic look in your kitchen. This suits a country ‘kick off your wel-lies’ setting just as much as an urban loft.

“We believe a successful kitchen should feel like an organic part of a home, not a bolt-on or

trend-conscious space. Instead, it should be in harmony with our style and taste, and designed to suit our lifestyle,” says John Sims-Hilditch, managing director of kitchen company Neptune.

“Contrast in colour or texture is particu-larly effective. For instance, try rough brick set against a plaster wall or a tiled effect below an open raftered ceiling.”

“This timeless look has enduring appeal, never goes out of fashion and looks better as it ages,” adds John. “Breaking up a run of wall cupboards with open shelving or glass-fronted upper cabi-nets is a useful design option, creating fl uidity and an impression of more space.”

‘It’s all about marrying

imagination with innovative design

and creating a calm, relaxed environment’ [[

Chichester kitchen from £8,000 Neptune

The TM Italia kitchen is so sleek from £40,000 at Hub Kitchens

The semi circular island is a striking feature in this fitted kitchen from

£40,000 at Hub Kitchens

Interiors_Jan23.indd 24 18/01/2016 15:58:44

25

GET THELOOK

Give your kitchen a quick, chic li� with some well-chosen pieces

Leila chandelier £250.75 The Chandelier and Mirror

Company

Laminated plywood and beech bar stool inspired by Arne Jacobsen design £212

Voga.com/uk

Northern Lighting acorn pendant lamp £285 Cloudberry Living

Copper wall clock £55 Rigby & Mac

Padstow wine rack £439.20 Marks & Spencer

Interiors_Jan23.indd 25 18/01/2016 15:59:12

26

ANNE SWITHINBANK

Planning ahead

Gardens

Devon’s Anne Swithinbank, panellist on Radio 4’s Gardeners’ Question Time, is thinking of how to balance the colours in her garden this summer

e still daren’t walk on our lawn for fear of turning it into a mud bath and as I write,

frost is threatened, too. Two huge bird of paradise (Strelitzia reginae) were moved into the greenhouse to make way for the Christmas tree and will have to be hauled back to the sitting room. Mature strelitzias, wrapped in fl eece and with their roots on the dry side, can with-stand tempera-tures hovering around freezing. Yet at my home in rural east Devon, perched along the chilly Axe valley, we can easily plummet well below that. I’d rather not take the chance and risk losing these mature plants.

They say, ‘the shadow of the gardener is the best manure’ and it is attention to detail that wins the day. It is all about making sure plants are in the right place, watering them at the cor-rect moment, monitoring seedlings snuggled up in propagating cases and opening greenhouse vents to dispel condensation. But until the lawn dries out, this gardener is rather stuck in the planning stages.

There’s plenty to do, from drawing up rotation plans for the kitchen garden (sounds complex but is really just allocating main crop groups such as peas and beans, po-tatoes, roots and brassicas to patch-es of ground they haven’t occupied for a while) to ordering seeds. I’m also pondering the tricky topic of colour themes.

I wonder how many people actu-ally plan their bor-ders at all? I don’t. Plants are grown, or arrive via gifts or impulse buys, they are allocated a bed on the basis of where they’re most likely to thrive and left to get on with it. Some are staked, others pruned, a few are fed and mulched but it is basically sink or swim. After a while, some die off and we

are left with the survivors capable of withstanding deer, rabbits, badg-ers, wind, clay etc.

If we rate the survivors, then my husband John and I bulk them up by division, cuttings or seed and either make larger clumps or repeat them along a border. But planning? Not really, it’s more like a work in progress. Our notable survivors in-clude Kniphofi a caulescens, Verbe-

W

There is plenty to do. But

until the lawn dries out, this

gardener is rather stuck in

the planning stages [[

gardening_Jan23.indd 26 18/01/2016 14:57:27

I had a new electric heated propagating case for Christmas and couldn’t resist plugging it in to start sowing seeds, even though it is only January. How will my

seedlings cope with low light and cold air in the otherwise unheated greenhouse?

Later sowings could grow faster, catch up and even overtake those made now. Yet who can resist the lure of starting early and watching seeds germinate now? This is worthwhile, especially for crops like greenhouse tomatoes, as you could be planting out (with fleece standing by) as early as March. Cleaning the glass inside and out helps improve light levels. I ventilate our case by day and try to stand the seedlings out on the staging as soon as possible. Those of tough plants like antirrhinums can stay out once acclimatised. Tomatoes can be ferried to the house on cold nights or, once transplanted to individual pots, replaced in a high-topped case at a lower temperature to grow on. Sow seeds at wider than normal spacings, so seedlings will be less prone to damping off disease.

27

I received an email from John Breeds of Braunton, North Devon asking for more information on small copper butterflies which I discussed in my article for published

on January 2. Like me, John has a rural garden with wild areas of bramble, coarse grass and nettle as well as veg and flowers. He said ‘I love to see the dashing small coppers each summer and was intrigued when you said the last brood hibernated?’

John was right to be intrigued, because I meant to put that the caterpillars of the last generation hibernate (according to the Reader’s Digest Field Guide to Butterflies and other insects of Britain). Like John, I hadn’t come across dormant adult small coppers or spotted them early in the year. On the Butterfly Conservation website, they point out that, for butterflies, the correct term for over-wintering is dormancy rather than hibernation. The majority spend winter as larvae, then pupae, eggs and finally as adults (some will migrate). Apparently, along with brimstone, small tortoiseshell and peacock, the small copper does enter dormancy as an adult. The red admiral is not described as dormant because it often wakes up on warm days. So my comment turned out to be accurate, by accident.

Q

Question time with AnneWest reader queries answered by Anne Swithinbank

Send your questions to Anne at westmag@westernmorningnews.co.uk

This week’s gardening tipsAnne’s advice for your garden

Q

• Prune blackcurrants, gooseberries, redcurrants and other fruit bushes. Weed beneath them, apply a high potash fertilizer and then a mulch.

• Look out for tiny aphids infesting overwintering plants such as mandevilla and streptocarpus. Spray with soft soap or SB Plant Invigorator.

• Stock up on favourite seed potato varieties. Put the tubers to chit by standing them ‘rose’ end uppermost. Under the bottom of the tuber is a spot where it was attached to the parent plant. The ‘rose’ end is opposite, where most of the ‘eyes’ for shoots are found. Keep light, cool but frost free.

Wash out pots and seed trays and make sure labels are available. These are easy to make by cutting them out of old yoghurt pots if you’re into recycling or want to save money for seeds. Save toilet roll innards for making ‘long pots’ ideal for sweet peas and leeks.

Plannew pathways and paved areas carefully, researching slabs and thinking about mixing materials creatively. Bricks between slabs and lines of shingle or on-edge tiles in gaps between slabs can make otherwise hard surface look pretty.

na bonariensis, Persicaria ‘Red Dragon’, Sedum ‘Matrona’, Yucca filamentosa ‘Golden Sword’ and Anthemis tinctoria ‘Punctata’.

When I see or write about a colour-themed border, my motivation soars but clearly not high enough to have a go. I did once achieve a very successful ‘hot’ border of fiery oranges, reds and yellows with a bit of purple thrown in. This was great fun but involved quite a few bedding plants like Tithonia rotundifolia ‘Torch’ (the Mexican sunflower) and a number of tender rudbeckias as well as canna and dahlia, which can perish during really cold winters. Eventually, I went back to permanent planting with hardy plants. But I’d definitely give this a go again.

Most colour themes involve a blend and even white ones can be as complex as a paint chart, so it pays to decide whether you are going to let your whites stray towards yellow, pink or green.

Foliage sets off the flower colours, so any white border is always white and green or grey anyway. I’d opt for two-thirds of hardy plants with gaps left for annuals and bulbs. Then you have to fathom whether there will be a fabulous cre-scendo of white over a relatively short period, or steady eruptions of blossom throughout the year.

Colour wheels are excellent tools, helping you to match the colours with their companion shades. Red’s companions are pink or orange, yellow goes with green or orange, blue with green or purple. For contrasts, look opposite on the wheel and clashes exist off to the side. The best book on the subject is probably still The Gardener’s Book of Colour by Andrew Lawson, originally published in 1996 but revised and up-dated last year. I might be tempted but should I choose silver, pink and maroon, or orange with blue-green?

gardening_Jan23.indd 27 19/01/2016 14:29:16

28

BeautyBeauty

Expert advice from beauty guru Abbie Bray of Newton Abbot

Beauty box

Abbie’s

Flashes of blue and green

are going to be a big hit for

eye colours this year [[

With the start of 2016, don’t let the January blues get you down. There is nothing to be blue about where beauty products are concerned (or maybe there is - take a look at this mascara from Benefit!). So what will be the beauty must-haves this year?

Judging by what has appeared on this season’s catwalk, I think 2016 is going to be all about bold colours and statement lips. Heavy contouring will be left in 2015 and flashes of blue and green are going to be a big hit for eye colours this year. The new Star Wars movie appears to have had a big influence in beauty, with the likes of pop star Rihanna creating the perfect pout with other-worldly metallic lips. Will the space-age trend catch on? Here are a few of my beauty predictions for 2016, to chase the blues away.

Clarins Cream Blusher (Debenhams, £18)I am not usually a fan of cream blushers but found this one easy to blend and I love

the colours in the range. Peaches (pictured) looks great with a tan, too.

Peachy

Bene� t They’re Real push-up liner in Beyond Blue (Boots, £18.50) & Bene� t They’re Real Mascara in Be-

yond Blue (Boots, £19.50). These Bene� t products are the perfect pair, with � ve colours to tease you with. They are easy to apply and long lasting and

you can either go subtle or be bold with them.

Go nuts

fave!

Mary Kay TimeWise age-� ghting lip primer (Mary Kay, £16)Yes lip primers do exist, and they are worth a try. This anti-ageing one helps reduce lines and wrinkles as well preventing lipstick bleeding. My mum loves it.

The Body Shop Shea Beautifying Oil (£10).

Forget coconut oil, this year the buzz is all

about Shea oil. This pure oil for hair and skin

smells nutty and is a great moisturiser.

Prime time

True blue

TwistOPI Cajun Shrimp Nail

Varnish (£12.99). French tips are back in for nails, but why not add a twist? Instead of using a white

varnish, try a bright colour to jazz things up.

Beauty_Jan23.indd 28 19/01/2016 14:30:29

29

Shop

+

£55 White Stuff

£139 La Redoute

£45 White Stuff

£169 Dubarry of Ireland

WAS £27 now £17 Edinburgh Woollen Mill

The editYour straight line to style: This week we’re keeping warm in knitwear and tweed

£14.99 Blue Inc

+

£69 Dune

+ + +

+

£60 Cath Kidston

£135 Dune

Beauty_Jan23.indd 29 19/01/2016 14:39:54

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W

Nicolette dress£130 Studio 8

Tealappeal

Cross-body bag £139 Radley

W

appealondering what to wear right now? May we humbly suggest this fl attering shade, which just happens

to be having a moment in the shops right now. The appeal of teal is that its depth is just as fl attering and subtle as navy or black, but it is far less severe. Blue can be risky - too dark and you look like a policewoman, too bright and you enter Margaret Thatcher territory. But fl attering teal is much easier to wear. Plus, there’s some-thing opulent and nostalgic about teal, which was fi rst recorded as a shade in 1917 – Downton Abbey days. Varieties of the blue-green shade range from petrol to peacock. Add some to your early spring wardrobe and we’re sure you’ll look the teal deal.

Fashion_Jan23.indd 30 18/01/2016 15:54:37

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Fashion

Sweater £19 La Redoute

Bra £26 briefs £10Boux Avenue

Skinny belt Skinny belt £12 Oliver £12 Oliver

Bonas

Dip-dyed jacket £87 Look Again

Knitted scarf £25 Look Again

Kimono dress £120 Phase Eight

Cowl neck sweater £39 La Redoute

Print dress £34 Apricot£34 Apricot

Nuance bra Nuance bra £25 Lascana

Ring Ring £10 DebenhamsDebenhams

Fashion_Jan23.indd 31 18/01/2016 15:55:40

ike it or not, we are now back in our everyday routines. I don’t know about you but January’s dark cold days make it just a little harder for me to be inspired when standing

in front of the wardrobe. That is an understate-ment. Most mornings this week have seen me hopping from foot to foot in the nippy air, groping blindly at the shelves for anything that just about matches. The shame.

A go-to solution for days where I can’t get dressed quickly enough, is a simple black and white combination. Black trousers plus white blouse equals instant ‘safe’ outfi t. Thing is, when I catch sight of myself in the shop windows on the high street, I can’t help but chastise my refl ec-tion for being horribly unimaginative. The prob-lem isn’t the concept. The pairing only becomes a negative when the combo in question is my most beaten-up pair of black jeans and a simple white long-sleeve crew neck.

The trick to keeping your style in check through winter is investing in some basics with at-titude. There is no better place to start than to swap your standard black skinny jeans for timeless (faux) leather trousers. These are the domain of femme fatales the world over, and when I found this lovely pair in Next I felt like a magnifi cent combination of catwoman and Trinity from The Matrix.

These are made from an interesting fabric, not your traditional high-shine stretchy leatherette (which I sometimes feel are the exclusive domain of 19-years-olds). These are crafted from a stur-dier stretch denim and coated in a gentle hint of shine. It is as if my legs radiate a subtly elegant and grown up gleam, rather than aim to bedazzle with a surface so slick I could use it to do my eye-liner. The thicker fabric is also a lot more forgiv-ing on curves.

There are many incarnations of the leather

trouser. Favourite features to keep an eye open for are matte surfaces, quilted details (think lined patches on knees – very biker) and variations in colour. I have seen some swoon-worthy pairs in the deepest reds and mochas.

The most common refrain I hear from women when I suggest introducing these into their ward-robe is, “Oh, I could never get away with it”. Se-riously, anyone can wear them. And if you have curves, that’s a bonus. Celebrities spotted rocking the trend include Queen Latifah and Modern Fam-

ily’s Sofi a Vergara. Both look a million dollars.It helps to keep the fi t in mind. Don’t let them

be too long or too short. To look well tailored, they should hit you right on the ankle bone. Also, they must always be worn with a heel. Pairing them with Nike Airs is strictly for the under-20s. Make sure they are high waisted too, the overall silhouette will be a lot more refi ned.Happy shopping!All fashion in these pictures is from Princesshay Shopping Centre, Exeter, www.princesshay.co.uk

32

Trend

Kathryn Clarke-Mcleod shakes up her work wardrobe

HOW TO WEAR IT:

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Leather trousers

Shoes, Next, Princesshay, £30

Top, Next, Princesshay, £26

Trousers, Next, Princesshay, £24

The trick to keeping your style in check

through winter is investing in some basics with attitude

Trend_Jan23.indd 32 19/01/2016 14:31:55

33

GET THE

lookLeather look trousers £39

TOPSHOP

Work shirt £28 DOROTHY

PERKINS

Addlington satchel £99 HOBBS

Black leather strappy court heels £65 RIVER ISLAND

Faux leather trousers £49

LOOKAGAIN.CO.UK

Sunglasses £45 NEXT

Faceted lock leather clutch £99 JAEGER

fave!

Trend_Jan23.indd 33 19/01/2016 11:45:47

34

culturevulture

Our guide to the arts scene in the South West by woman-in-

the-know Sarah Pitt

Learn to make something fabulous, surrounded by like-minded souls at a new craft café near Plymouth’s Barbican. It’s the brainchild of Lizzy Evans, the owner of Funky Poppy button shop nearby, who says: “We want Make at 140 to become somewhere to come and feel comfortable to make, and create.” As well as workshops, enjoy coffee, cakes or lunch there, too. 140 Vauxhall Street, Plymouth. www.makeat140.co.uk or call 01752 600130

Eat cake and get creative

An extraordinary giant puppet will be striding past Cornish engine houses as part of the forthcoming Tinth festival this summer. The Man Engine, a 12-metre high metal steam-powered giant, will journey from Tavistock to Land’s End, walking and crawling through each one of the World Heritage Site mining areas. The huge puppet will be accompanied by more than a dozen ‘miners’ and ‘bal-maidens’ who will animate the giant. This remark-able event will take place over two weeks in July and August to mark the tenth anniversary of west Devon and Cornwall’s mining landscape becom-ing a World Heritage Site. Watch this space.

New album returns to rootsMajor mining festivalFans of Show of Hands will be delighted to learn that the Topsham-based acoustic roots duo have just released a new album. Including five new songs penned by singer songwriter Steve Knightley for superb multi-instrumentalist Phil Beer to breathe musical life into, The Long Way Home has already received an enthusiastic response from critics. Other Westcountry folkies contributing include double bassist Miranda Sykes and BBC Radio 2 Folk Award winners Phillip Henry and Hannah Martin. The album is £13 at www.showofhands.co.uk

Culturevulture_Stars_Jan23.indd 34 18/01/2016 17:34:40

35

Enjoy

Your starsby Cassandra Nye

PISCES (February 20 - March 20)There is no point in stamping your feet if things get annoying. A bit of bad luck

makes you feel tetchy, but you are not alone. There are some amazingly mixed communications going around. What you see clearly someone else may fi nd obscured by a thick fog. There may not be so many parties at the moment but you are still expected to be the life and soul.

ARIES (March 21 - April 20)Ambitions and new approaches are foremost in your mind this week. Be sure

that you are talking to the right people when discussing these. Decisions made now in this area are likely to stick for some time. A chal-lenge on Sunday sees you pulling out the charm.

TAURUS (April 21 - May 21)Whatever your aim is at the moment, be sure to play it down when with nega-

tive people. You do not need the inter-ference of someone whose stance comes from ignorance. A revelation at the weekend can be both surprising and shocking. Communications should be swift and private.

GEMINI (May 22 - June 21)Stay sharp so that any moves are defi nitely to your advantage. This is

especially important when it comes to work. Some bumpy moments in close relation-ships are to be expected. Keep a balanced view.

Certainly don’t make any fi rm decisions until mid February. Some people are giving out very mixed messages.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22)Recent social choices should now be showing their worth. The knowl-

edge of new friends can be invaluable. Family matters will be both unexpected and startling. Give it a week or so and any situa-tion can change for the better. People around you seem to be losing their way and, in some cases, their minds!

LEO (July 23 - August 23)If you want to get ahead, then get a friend who knows the way. This week

you feel super-efficient and person-ally powerful. Something on the work front may need your attention once again. Instead of feeling frustrated, put some of that extra energy to good use.

VIRGO (August 24 - September 23)An invitation at the weekend is given

early to show its importance. Anything that you consider to be particularly urgent needs prompt action. Good news midweek comes from an unexpected direction. Be sure your priorities are right.

LIBRA (September 24 - October 23)The nesting instinct seems to be stepped

up this week. There could also be a repeat of an enjoyable past experience. Will these things guide you to the next step? If you feel the need for some time alone with a loved one then just be prepared to say ‘no’ to unnecessary interrup-tions!

SCORPIO (October 24 - November 22)A journey that you take reluctantly could turn out to be the beginning of

a new adventure. Someone with whom you have had trouble communicating suddenly starts gushing forth. This is confusing, so listen carefully. If even a small amount of what they say makes sense, then delve into it.

SAGITTARIUS (November 23 - December 21)As fi nances improve there are still mistakes to be made in this area. Stay

on top of the small print. Things start to loosen up at the weekend when a more relaxed attitude helps. Bring some extra zing to your social life by arranging for a few friends to get together. One more party, anyone?

CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 20)It is a generally settled and roman-tic time although things may not be

moving fast enough for you! There are situations coming up this week when you will be glad of the time to think. Need an excuse to spend time alone? Gosh, it is a busy time of the year, isn’t it?

Rosamund Pike

This week’s sign: Happy birthday to...Aquarians typically fall into two camps: the shy and sensitive types and the e� ervescent exhibitionists, but both are strong-willed in their own way. But that doesn’t mean stubborn: one endearing characteristic is the willingness of Aquarians to listen to others and admit to being wrong. Even when you stick to your own opinion, you’re so considerate of other people’s views that you’re a great friend to share time and conversation with, Aquarius!

born January 27, 1979Oxford-educated Gone Girl star Rosamund cel-ebrates her 37th birthday on Wednesday. Born to a violinist mother and opera singer father who travelled the world, the actress attended Badminton school in Bristol. She found fame as sword-� ghting Miranda Frost in Bond � lm Die Another Day and won an Oscar nomina-tion for her Gone Girl role. Rosamund has two sons with her partner of six years, millionaire businessman Robie Uniacke. They’ve gone for wacky names - Solo is three and Atom, one.

AQUARIUS (January 21 - February 19)Someone simply cannot relax until they have spoken to you on a tender subject.

Keep your eyes and ears open. A lack of energy midweek could simply be down to a lack of incentive. What do you want to achieve? Who do you want to impress? Give yourself a time limit and get up to speed. We all feel a bit fl at at times but the sooner you get your mojo back the better!

Fans of Show of Hands will be delighted to learn that the Topsham-based acoustic roots duo have just released a new album. Including � ve new songs penned by singer songwriter Steve Knightley for superb multi-instrumentalist Phil Beer to breathe musical life into, The Long Way Home has already received an enthusiastic response from critics. Other Westcountry folkies contributing include double bassist Miranda Sykes and BBC Radio 2 Folk Award winners Phillip Henry and Hannah Martin. The album is £13 at www.showo� ands.co.uk

Culturevulture_Stars_Jan23.indd 35 18/01/2016 17:35:10

36

A new survey by Olay suggests that many of us believe that age is less relevant now than it

was for our mothers, with 81% of us also feeling more con� dent than we did 10 years ago. And, despite apparent pressure to look good in the

social media spotlight, the survey of nearly 7,000 women across 11 countries found that in the UK

at least, the majority of us say that posting sel� es hasn’t made us focus on our appearance any

more than we did before.

LOOKING GOOD

Wellbeing

the boost

Life just got better. We’ve handpicked the latest wellness trends,

best-body secrets and expert advice to help you be your

best self, everyday

The British Dietetic Association has said that fad diets are not a magic wand for weight loss. “The simple fact is, there is no wonder diet,” says the organisation’s consultant dietician Sian Porter. It might not sound exciting, she stresses, but if you want to lose weight, do it by eating a

healthy, balanced diet that you can stick to long-term, watching your portion sizes and being physically active.

STICK TO IT

NU - YOU?Discover how super foods can supercharge

your life, on a day-long workshop that will help you re-think the way that you and your family

eat. Charlotte Mews Studios in Exeter is hosting a one-day nutrition workshop led by Elizabeth

Bray on March 3. It will not only explore how you can naturally transform your health

through diet, but also introduce the � rst steps towards becoming a nutritional therapist for

those hoping to take their interest further. Find out more at: www.charlottemews.com

Wellbeing_Jan23.indd 36 18/01/2016 15:50:39

37

What’s coming up? Tweet us your wellbeing diary dates @WMNWest or email westmag@westernmorningnews.co.uk

TAKE NOTEThere’s nothing like singing for lifting the

spirits and there’s no experience necessary to join in with Exeter’s Heartsong. The group,

led by Alison Whittall, meets from 7pm at the Friends Meeting House in the city’s Magdalen

Street and sings joyful songs in all sorts of styles – you’ll even learn how to create

harmonies by ear. It costs £10 a session – fi nd out more at www.alising.co.uk

Struggling to nod o� ? Magnesium helps relax our muscles, which in turn can help

us fall into a peaceful sleep. Foods including buckwheat, pumpkin and sun� ower seeds, � sh and leafy green vegetables all contain

the mineral.

Super seeds

Ouch!

Davina McCall has topped a list of the most body-positive women in the world, in Heat magazine’s inaugural Fit List and says she couldn’t be more proud. The mum of three said: “The idea that I might inspire anybody to lead a healthier life makes me very happy. I think it’s probably one of the things I’m proudest of in my career.” The 48-year old TV presenter, who only began taking an interest in healthy eating and exercise in her 30s, pushed herself to the limit in an astonishing 500-mile physical challenge for Sports Relief in 2014 (� nishing her seven-day ordeal by running a marathon). Now she works out approximately three times a week with a mix of exercises. She adds: “Fitness means con� dence - it’s that simple.”

Role model

New research from the makers of Deep Freeze and Deep Heat, has found that one in � ve adults

have su� ered from repetitive strain injury at some time. Wrists are the most common

trouble spots, followed by � ngers, forearms and thumbs. Spending long periods at a computer

was identi� ed as the most likely cause of problems. Take a screen break!

Wellbeing_Jan23.indd 37 18/01/2016 15:51:06

Wellbeing

As an animal lover, how can I be sure that the products I put on my face and skin are

cruelty free? NB Wellington Dad of two (and Caroline Quen-tin’s husband) Sam Farmer from

Tiverton creates beauty products developed for teen-age skin. He says: It was Anita Roddick and her company, The Body Shop, that first alerted me to the issue of animal testing in cosmetics back in the 1980s. As a teenager, I used to look on the back of products to see if the ‘not tested on animals’ claim was there. It brought the issue to the attention of the media and to those of us who bought the products. It started a movement that has led to the total ban on animal testing in Europe.

The UK banned the testing of finished cos-metic products on animals in 1997 with Europe taking a little longer, introducing a ban in Sep-tember 2004. This was followed in July 2013 by a complete animal testing ban of all individual cosmetic ingredients for products sold within the EU. I think most of us would agree that this is good news.

QAnimal testing in cosmetics was historically

used to ensure the safety of products for human health. Everything was tested, from essential oils to synthetic ingredients. In cosmetics and personal care, we can now ensure products and their individual ingredients are safe by using safety profile as-sessments. These can only be carried out by experienced toxi-cologists who also take personal responsibility for the safety of each formulation they sign off.

Most products nowadays are made from ingredients that have a well-established safety record and this information is stored in scientific databases. These indi-vidual ingredients can also be analysed to ensure their safety within a formulation.

There are some countries out-side of the EU that still require some animal testing of certain cosmetics under their own laws. However, this is under review and a worldwide ban is a real possibility very soon.

I’m sometimes asked why I don’t make a ‘cru-elty free’ claim on my packaging. It’s simple, Eu-ropean cosmetics law now prohibits claims that simply state compliance with the legal require-ments. Since the ban on animal testing applies

equally to all cosmetic products sold in the EU, ‘cruelty free’ just states the obvious. I think using such claims perpetuates the myth that animal testing in cosmetics still occurs in Europe.

It’s expected that the Europe-an Commission will stop these broad ‘animal-friendly’ claims when it reviews their guidance.

It’s thanks to passionate people like Anita Roddick that our industry has changed and innovated. ‘Cruelty free’ logos were something I looked for 30 years ago but I’m glad to say that every product you buy in Europe

now has not been tested on animals, whether it’s got a logo or not.

To find out more visit www.samfarmer.co

38

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40

Method:

This recipe comes from A Taste of the West Country (£16.99) by the food producers’ cooperative, Taste of the West, with photography by David Griffen To order your copy, designed by Jeff Cooper of

We Make Magazines, see www.tasteofthewest.co.uk or call 01404 822012

1. Tomakethepastry,pulsetogethertheflour,butter,saltandnutmeginafoodprocessortoformfinecrumbs.

2. Addremainingpastryingredientsandpulsetoformaballof dough.Wrapinclingfilmandchillinthefridgeforanhour.

3. Greaseandlinea25cmflantin.Rolloutpastryto3-4mmandlinethetin.Bakeblindinapreheatedovenat180Cfor15-18min-utesuntilcrispandgolden.

4. Cooktheshallotsandsaffroninaskilletwithbutteruntilsoft.

IngredientsFor the pastry:200gplainflour150gunsaltedbutter,dicedPinchCornishseasalt1egg25mlwhippingcream50CornishYarg,finelygratedGenerouspinchgratednutmeg

For the filling:3mediumbananashallots,choppedGoodpinchof saffronButterforfrying100mlcidervinegar300g Cornish Yarg, with nettles on, in 2cmcubes3eggs,beaten250mldoublecreamCornishseasaltandblackpepper1tbspsnippedchives

Cornish Yarg, shallot and saffron tartRecipe by Ken Symons, head chef, Oliver’s in Falmouth

5. Addthevinegar,turnuptheheatandreduceuntilalmostdry.

6. Spreadthismixtureoverthebaseof thetart,sprinkleoverthechivesandcubedcheese.

7. Whisktogethereggsandcream,seasonandpourintothetart.

8. Bakeat180Cfor25-30minutes,untilgoldenwithalittlewobble.Leavetosetfor20minutes.

Ken says: ‘I am a very lucky chef to be surrounded by such fantastic produce here in Cornwall’

Made with Cornish Yarg cheese from Lynher Dairies in Ponsanooth

Tim_Jan23.indd 40 19/01/2016 14:36:41

41

Tim Maddams is a Devon chef and author of Game: River Cottage Handbook no. 15 (Bloomsbury £14.99)

here are many different varieties of thyme: pine-scented, lemon and more. But the best thing about this herb is its traditional fl avour, so I’ll stick with the common Thymus

vulgaris for this sojourn into the culinary herb garden.

Thyme’s been used in many culinary, medicinal, mystical and downright random ways through-out history. The ancient Egyp-tians used it to help embalm the dead, while the Romans used it as a scent to promote courage.

The natural agent that gives thyme its oomph is thymol, part of the group of plant chemicals known as phenols – the things that give aged wine part of its fl a-vour.

Back in the kitchen, thyme fi nds a home in all sorts of dishes and, as with all herbs, it has a different effect dependent upon when it is added to a dish. Popping a sprig of

thyme in a stew just as you put it on to cook, for instance, will add depth and savoury notes to the dish. However, you won’t necessarily taste the thyme as an individual fl avour when it’s done. Add a few leaves at the last minute, though and

the dish will come alive with the scent and fl avour – and suddenly you’re better than everyone else is at making a stew.

While dried thyme is okay, fresh thyme is what you really need. If you’re well organised and green-fi ngered, I’d recom-mend planting fi ve little pots of thyme and keeping one in the kitchen windowsill. Once you’ve used a fair amount, replace it with another pot and stick the fi rst one outside to recover. It’s quite slow-growing, but can rally in the summer when the fl owers

are a treat, both looks and fl avour wise – and a beautiful addition to all sorts of dishes, particu-larly in place of basil in a tomato salad.

T

Tea thyme Thyme is quite nice added to a mint tea and I’ve also been known to use thyme in shortbread, bread, pesto and often on pizza.

Try adding thyme and honey to greek yoghurt – an epic delight! I always use fresh thyme sprigs, along with bay leaves and garlic cloves when I boil my potatoes for roasties. A little freshly chopped thyme after roasting brings it all together perfectly.

@TimGreenSauce

Ingredient of the Week

Thymewith Tim Maddams

Used in many ways in history,

the ancient Egyptians

used it to help embalm the

dead [[

Eat

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Drink

All change at Harbour Brewing Company, Bodmin, where, a� er just four years, the

original ten-barrel plant is being replaced with a 30-barrel American kit. Harbour enjoys a � ne reputation all over the UK

and the new plant will help brewer Eddie Lo� house and his team keep up with ever-

increasing demand.

That’s the way to do ITLancashire company Smart IT has created a system that optimizes Somerset-based Wild Beer Co’s brewing processes and stock and warehousing capabilities. It manages the production process and deals with customer orders, leaving the brewers to be creative. Good for them: I’m all for leaving brewers to get on with the important stu  without distraction.

HARBOUR SCALES UP

Darren Norbury

talks beeran you see what your beer tastes like? This is not the stupid question you may think it is. You walk into a bar and you see a pump clip for a

beer you’ve never tried before. Do you know how it will taste? It could have lovely artwork and a clever, enticing name, but if you’re a malty beer drinker and you want to avoid something too hoppy, that’s not going to help you to make an in-formed choice.

Which is why the Cyclops scheme is becoming so popular and such a success. Now adopt-ed by a number of breweries, it provides tasting notes, most use-fully at the point of purchase, in pubs on pumpclips and black-boards, in the off-trade on shelf edges or on bottles and cans.

In a concise manner, Cyclops tells you the colour of a beer, how it smells and tastes, and to what degree it is malty (sweet) and hoppy (bitter). Its success story has meant, in the past 12 months, the number of accredited brew-eries has increased by 25 per cent, with more than 2,000 cask and bottled beers analysed, along with around 100 kegged and canned beers.

Originally developed by Everards Brewery, in Leicester, support from organisations including

CAMRA (The Campaign for Real Ale), the Soci-ety of Independent Brewers and Cask Marque has helped propel it towards becoming an in-dustry standard. Among Westcountry brewers making use of Cyclops are St Austell, Hanlons,

Branscombe Vale and Yeovil. As it gathers momentum as a go-to reference point, more breweries will undoubtedly come on board.

I support it because I want more people to drink better quality, locally-made beer, and if a Cyclops pump clip makes the difference between a mass-produced lager drinker trying a lightly hopped, local golden ale or not, then it has done its job.

I like pretty much all styles of beer, although I do have a bit of a blind spot with some fruit beers. But I know plenty of people who are, for instance, malty beer

drinkers. Cyclops can help them broaden their horizons while staying in their comfort zone.

Helston drinkers, take note. The next time you hire a minibus to a beer festival where that famous Spingo Middle is on, you don’t have to drink that same beer all day. Yes, you know who you are...

Darren Norbury is editor of beertoday.co.uk @beertoday

C

So glad to see that Moor Brewing Company’s ne beer So’Hop is now in cans,

which should deliver a fresh, crisp beer. I’ve enjoyed this on cask, un ned and hazy, but brewer Justin Hawke famously doesn’t care about clarity – he’s all about taste. And

what a delightful pale ale this is, hopped with the New Zealand Riwaka variety

which, although not hugely bitter, does deliver refreshing tropical fruit notes.

Beer of the week

[[You see a pump

clip for a beer, with lovely

artwork and an enticing name.

But how do you know how it will

taste?

Beer_Jan23.indd 43 18/01/2016 14:54:58

44

My Secret Westcountry

Nicky Jones

44

of chilled reggae music, circus and, to top it off, you can see the sea from the whole festival!

Activity: For me I love to go out riding on my days off. Just being outside completely at one with nature is very uplifting.

Food: Now this is so hard to answer… in the autumn and winter I love squash, apples and root vegetables, so I make a lot of soups and roasted veg with rosemary, garlic, parsley, and sage. Beef or rabbit stew is always a favourite with my son. I like to cook stews in my hay oven, so once everything is boiling in a large pan, I pop a lid on, put it into the hay, and allow the stew to cook under its own heat for the next seven to eight hours, or overnight. Delicious.

Tipple: I do enjoy red wine. There are so many good wines available now it’s hard to choose. I like to treat myself to a special bottle of port over Christmas, like a 10 year old Tawny.

Pub: There are lots of great pubs in Corn-wall, but I stumbled across Beerwolf Books in Falmouth last summer. It’s an old gentleman’s club turned into a bar, with a book shop inside, and a real buzzing atmosphere. You’ll fi nd lots of local ales, and more exotic ones too.

Relaxation: Ha, I don’t really do relaxation! I’m always busy but I suppose it would be walk-ing my lovely dogs on St Agnes Beacon, I love it when it’s windy.

Shop: The Cornish Food box in Truro. They always have a huge variety of Cornish produce. I like to buy local whenever possible.

Treat: To spend a sunny day on Porthtowan beach, then watch the sun set with a glass of Cornish Orchards cider, at The Blue Bar.

Nicky Jones is the new head chef at The Vean country house hotel at Caerhays near St Austell. She lives with her partner and two children near St Agnes in north Cornwall, and previously worked at Jamie Oliver’s Fi� een Cornwall as a pastry chef

I like to cook stew in my hay oven. Once it’s boiling, I put it

into the hay for seven hours, or

overnight. Delicious. [[

My favourite...

Beach: I have travelled through Asia and Aus-tralia and been to some amazing places on my travels but I think one of the most breath-taking views is walking at low tide along the sand from Porthtowan to Chapel Porth. It’s such a dra-matic view looking up the beach towards Wheal Coates and St Agnes Head, there’s nowhere else like it on earth. Then you turn round and look back towards Godrevy lighthouse and St. Ives. I always feel very lucky to live in such a stunning place.

Festival: Last summer I went to the Tropical Pressure festival at Mount Pleasant Ecological Park in Porthtowan with my partner and young-est son. It was very relaxing with some amazing (Cornish) vegetarian street food. There was lots

www.thevean.co.uk

Books and beer at Beerwolf

MSW_Jan23.indd 44 18/01/2016 17:40:56

454545

The beach at Porthtowan

People

The Blue Bar, Porthtowan

Cornish Food Box

The Vean at Caerhays

MSW_Jan23.indd 45 18/01/2016 17:41:17

46

man and boy

meet theauthor [[

Phil Goodwin is impressed by the literary ambitions of James, five

my life

he sad passing of Motörhead frontman Lemmy transported me back to my obsessive teenage self in the early 1980s.

It also gave me an interesting perspective on the sources of literary inspira-tion. After finding a copy of the 1979 Motör-head album Bomber, I became fascinated by the band. Heavy metal was king on our estate back then.

Also, the drummer’s nickname – Phil ‘Philthy Animal’ Taylor – resonated with me for obvious reasons. Though, in my innocence, I had no idea what his dirty habits were. Of course, those DIY days of taping the chart show on a Sunday evening, finger poised on the pause to delete the inane DJ warblings, will seem like the Jurassic age to today’s ‘yoof’.

Forget iTunes and lyric sites. I fondly recall transcribing Bomber in its entirety, typing it out, song by song, on an old typewriter. I wish I still had the document. I didn’t know what Lemmy was going on about most of the time but much of it certainly chimed with the way I felt about a lot of grown-ups at the time.

Thanks to Lemmy’s famously gruff diction, honed by years of fags and booze, I am still not sure of the lyrics to some tracks. Nevertheless, I meticulously dropped and lifted the needle, studiously scribbling and typing until I

had the words, or something like them. It was a labour of love.

In fact, I think it was my first foray into writ-ing. The first thing I consciously typed, out of desire or inspiration, rather than for school. Of course, it was copying, rather than original work, but who cares what gets you going. You have to start somewhere, right?

I mention this as it appears my son has liter-ary ambitions. And he has got out of the blocks

much more quickly than I did. At the tender age of five and eleven/twelfths, he has already written one complete book and has just started work on his second. Like me, he takes inspira-tion from what he loves. And to hell with origi-nality.

Book number one was called Tina the T-rex and follows the adventures of a dinosaur from hatching through to coming-of-age. Lovingly hand-written in a small ring-bound notebook in phonetic English with a 3-D dinosaur on the front, it drew a fair bit of the plot from Jurassic World. Hey - the boy is not six yet.

Now the second edition is underway and the shackles are well and truly off. This one is called Jurassic Park 5: an A4, hand-collated pamphlet with a plastic cover page, on which he has done the artwork, a pterosaur flying through the copyrighted Jurassic Park logo. I anticipate one or two legal problems in the event of publication. But James, like me, is simply filling a gap in his imagination, left by the arts world. If the guys behind the Jurassic franchise in Hollywood stopped dragging their feet on the sequel, we wouldn’t have to make up our own, would we?

And maybe, if Lemmy had included the lyrics in the sleeve notes to Bomber, I might not even be a writer myself, typing this today.

At the tender age of five and eleven/twelfths, he

has written one book and started his second[ [

T

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