Events
Gallery visitors see cutting-edge paper exhibition
23-02-2010
INNOVATIVE three-dimensional art made from sheets of paper has been wowing visitors to a Westcountry gallery.
Paper Works is the brainchild of Yvonna Demczynska, who has brought the exhibition from the Flow Gallery in London to the Devon Guild of Craftsmen centre at Bovey Tracey. The show features 12 international artists – including Cornwall-based Leah Miles – and a range of handmade art, created using a variety of techniques.
“It was the brainchild of Yvonna Demczynska,” said Anna Trussler, from the guild. “A lot of her childhood was in Poland and she remembered the tradition of making shapes and toys out of paper. It was very important to her.
“One of the artists pulps the paper down into a gooey material and then fires it like clay. Leah Miles uses recycled paper and compresses it so it becomes a very hard material, not like paper at all.”
Anna said they wanted to bring the cutting-edge exhibition to Devon to dispel the “the traditional twee image” of crafts.
“People have really, really enjoyed looking at the exhibits,” she said. “We have also got an activity table where people can try their hand at origami – there are hundreds of paper swans floating around the place.”
The exhibition runs until Sunday, 10am-5.30pm daily.
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independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
War Horse Joey galloping to Broadway after West End run
22-02-2010
THE moving story of a Devon farm horse swept up in the tragedy of the First World War is destined for a spell on Broadway.
War Horse, adapted from the children’s novel by Devon-based writer Michael Morpurgo, has already enjoyed a successful run at the New London Theatre.
The play, first staged by the National Theatre, will head to New York when it finishes its run in the West End early next year.
The opening chapters of Mr Morpurgo’s novel are set in the writer’s village of Iddesleigh, near Winkleigh in West Devon.
War Horse tells the story of a horse, Joey, who is sold to the cavalry then shipped to France during the First World War, and his young owner Albert Narracott’s danger-filled mission to bring him home.
It is written as a tribute to the one million horses killed in the conflict, and was inspired by conversations Mr Morpurgo had with war veterans in his local pub more than 25 years ago.
The creature at the play’s heart is animated by puppeteers. The production will open at the Vivian Beaumont Theatre at the Lincoln Centre next April.
War Horse is in the running for a Laurence Olivier award after being shortlisted for the most popular play audience award.
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independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Organisers prepare for biggest world gig races yet
17-02-2010
GIG Racing’s biggest event looks set to be better than ever this year, with 109 vessels already booked to compete in the World Gig Championships on the Isles of Scilly in May.
The 21st World Pilot Gig Championships will take place from Friday, April 30, until Monday, May 3.
Rick Persich, chairman of the championships, said: “The format will remain much the same as in previous years, but with some changes, and we hope improvements – most of which have been suggested by you the competitors.
“The wonderful spirit of competition and camaraderie that endures during this weekend is what makes this such a momentous occasion.”
The event will include catering in The Tunnel on Holgates Green – organised by Maggie Tucker and Alison Guy, who have been running the operation for 15 years.
Mr Persich said: “There were 17 boats in the first world championships and in those days those who came over to the islands were unable to get even a cup of tea around the Green.
“In the first year they offered tea, coffee and home-made cakes and a few canned drinks. A small primus stove was used to boil a kettle under tarpaulin.
“In 1998 the tea urn arrived, borrowed from the WI. Maggie and Alison boiled kettles on the primus stove between pots of pasta to keep the tea urn topped up.”
This year, the age requirement for coxes has been changed to 18 years of age or over to avoid accidents.
Mr Persich said: “This will accord with our requirement that all coxes be experienced. The lack of experience of some coxes may have been a contributory factor in the disqualification of some crews last year.”
A new form to appeal against the decision to disqualify or relegate in group an errant gig has also been prepared.
The appeal will be heard by three marshals not involved in the disqualification.
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independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Mika second headline act at Eden Sessions
17-02-2010
POP prince Mika has been named as the second headline act for this summer’s live music sessions at the Eden Project.
The bouncy and colourful award-winning singer-songwriter will perform on stage against the backdrop of the iconic biomes at Bodelva, near St Austell, on Sunday June 27 – the day after laid-back acoustic maestro Jack Johnson.
Mika, now 26, burst on to the scene in 2007 with his gloriously catchy debut single Grace Kelly.
Follow-up singles Love Today, Big Girl You Are Beautiful and Happy Endings underlined his credibility as a talented writer and performer.
He went on to win the British Breakthrough Act category in the 2008 Brit Awards and was named Songwriter of the Year at that year’s Ivor Novello Awards.
He last played a Westcountry headline gig in December 2007 at Plymouth Pavilions.
Tickets for the Mika Eden Session are on general release at 6pm on Wednesday February 24. Visit www.edensessions.com or call the Eden box office on 01726 811972.
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Town gears up to host Zapcat races
17-02-2010
TEAMS are gearing up for this year’s Zapcat Power Boat Grand Prix Championship in Newquay.
The high-octane event, which normally takes place at Watergate Bay, is due to take place at Fistral Beach on the weekend of April 24 and 25.
On the Friday evening, a Zapcats Parade will take place in the town of competitors and boats. The course will take the Zapcats out to the Fistral Headland before turning south and then returning parallel to the beach, giving spectators an excellent view from every vantage point.
Martin Jupp, race co-ordinator, said: “This is the first time a Zapcat racing event has been held at Fistral Beach and we are expecting a fantastic turnout of race teams, supporters and spectators alike.
“Zapcats in the surf is always great entertainment with plenty of thrills and spills.”
Richard Wilcox, of Tourism Newquay, said: “This event is the perfect platform to show off all that is exciting, innovative and fun about Newquay.”
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Pub has the X Factor for former talent show winner
16-02-2010
FORMER X Factor winner Steve Brookstein is winding back the clock by playing to an expected sell-out crowd – at a Cornish pub.
The singer was propelled to stardom by winning the first series of ITV singing competition The X Factor in 2004.
But despite claiming that year’s Christmas number one single with a cover of Against All Odds, Mr Brookstein’s career plummeted and he was later dropped by his label.
He has now been pencilled in for two dates at the Caradon Inn, at Upton Cross, Liskeard, South East Cornwall, which has a capacity for just over 100 people – a considerably smaller audience than the millions who used to tune in and vote for Mr Brookstein, 41, during the height of his X Factor popularity.
The pub has previously played host to performances by 1980s American R&B singer Alexander O’Neal and Ray Lewis from male vocal group the Drifters.
Pub manager Chris Smith is expecting another entertaining evening when the former X Factor winner takes to the stage.
He said: “The gigs actually started as word of mouth, but, due to media interest, the phone has been ringing all day today from people all over Devon and Cornwall who have heard about Steve’s appearances.
“We are looking to sell about 100 tickets each night, which would be capacity.”
Punters will be charged £2.50 for a ticket to the gigs, which are being described by organisers as “a stripped-down, intimate, probably acoustic set” with Mr Brookstein, who, according to his own website, has recently enjoyed success on the jazz circuit.
The singer is playing the venue, on February 27 and 28, as “a favour” for pub landlord Cliff Tucker, who is involved in the music industry.
Mr Smith said: “Steve used to like visiting Cornwall when he was younger. I think he’s looking forward to returning to the county and playing to the audience.”
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Stars lining up for TV’s A Question of Sport
16-02-2010
SOME of the region’s best-known sporting stars are being lined up to feature in a special live edition of television quiz show A Question of Sport.
The popular BBC show is due to be held in front of a live studio audience in Plymouth, as part of a UK tour to commemorate its 40th anniversary.
The live event is to be held at Plymouth Pavilions on November 10.
Although final confirmation of those set to line up alongside show team captains Matt Dawson and Phil Tufnell are yet to be unveiled, the region is more than blessed with sporting talent.
Plymouth has a strong sporting pedigree, having produced athletes such as former Olympic swimmer and current star of Dancing On Ice, Sharron Davies. Britain’s first £1 million footballer, Trevor Francis, was also born in the city and it is also home to teenage diving sensation Tom Daley, who has twice won the BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year, as well as world and domestic honours.
A Question of Sport has just celebrated its 40th birthday, making it the longest-running quiz show on UK television.
More than 1,000 of the biggest names in British and international sport have appeared on the programme. A show spokesman said the two sporting panellists on Matt and Phil’s teams will change in each city during the tour and will have “a strong regional connection”.
The spokesman added that negotiations with the potential panellists were already taking place.
Tufnell, a former England cricketer and quiz show team captain, said: “It’s really thrilling to be able to take the show on tour.
“Doing it live means we can interact more directly with the audience which will make the show a lot more exciting.”
Further details about the event, including the identity of the panellists, will be released in the near future.
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Royal appointment for theatre masters
16-02-2010
By Simon Parker
K ENSINGTON Palace, the home of kings, queens and princesses for hundreds of years, is to be the venue for a unique arts project created by a Cornish theatre company.
WildWorks has been invited to work its magic in no less than 22 of the royal residence’s state rooms, using actors, sculptors, writers and a variety of other artists.
The international company, which has staged productions such as Souterrain and The Beautiful Journey all over Europe, has previously worked in a variety of venues, from an abandoned hospital in France and disused supermarket in eastern England to a former tin mining site in Camborne and an historic area of Devonport Dockyard.
However, the precious surroundings of one of the world’s greatest royal palaces presents the most challenging opportunity to date.
Masterminding the project is WildWorks’ artistic director, Bill Mitchell.
“This is a whole new world for us and a great opportunity,” he said. “We are dealing with the fabric of the nation, the history of Britain. For us, it is terribly exciting and it’s a great feeling to think that a theatre company from Cornwall has been invited to execute it.”
WildWorks’ involvement with Kensington Palace began when Bill quite unexpectedly received a letter from one of the curators, who had seen him and fellow WildWorks director Sue Hill delivering a lecture about their approach to theatre at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London.
“To be honest we thought it was a hoax, but once we accepted it was authentic we soon began discussions with senior curator Dr Joanna Marschner to look at the possibilities,” Bill said.
Bill and Sue were told that plans were under way to “refurbish and reorientate” Kensington Palace at a cost of £12 million and that there were two choices: shut it to the public for two years while the renovation work was being carried out or do something innovative in the state apartments for the duration. The latter option was chosen and that was where WildWorks came in.
The thrust of its project – called The Enchanted Palace – is to retell the stories of seven princesses who lived at the palace over a period of some five centuries: Mary, Anne, Caroline, Charlotte, Victoria, Margaret and Diana.
“There is no shortage of stories to be told – they’re all there, going back to the 1600s,” Bill said. “We see arranged marriages, heartbreaking tragedies, political assassinations, terrible parenting. The deaths of three of these princesses changed the way the nation responded to grief.
“When Diana died there were the mountains of flowers and tributes, when Princess Mary died the church bells pealed for weeks, and when Princess Charlotte died the nation wore black for the first time, buying all sorts of garments and jewellery in that colour.
“In another room we know that Isaac Newton and Jonathan Swift were regular visitors, chatting with the reigning monarchs about developments in science and philosophy.”
Although not finalised yet, the multi-sensory exhibition will combine performances, sound, installations, fashion and a range of interactive elements.
“We’re not trying to create a fairytale and we’re not in the business of interpreting heritage, but what we will be doing is to give visitors a unique experience and a wholly different impression of the place,” Bill said.
Unlike a disused shed or redundant industrial site, WildWorks could not simply set up camp and start work in the Queen’s Closet, the King’s Drawing Room or the Privy Chamber.
The rules of engagement were subject to strict health safety rules, as well as regulations governing the preservation of historic objects, many of which are priceless.
“Obviously we couldn’t just go in there and change it all,” Bill said. “The importance of the rooms cannot be overstated – for instance in one room is a 300-year-old bed where monarchs of Britain slept and others were conceived.”
Artists and makers are busily building the sets in a variety of spaces – from the former grammar school in Redruth and a barn in Morvah to the spacious studios of TR2 in Plymouth. Once completed, the constructions – which include a birch forest – are transported to London where they are placed in enormous freezers for two weeks to make sure no woodworm or moths get into the royal furniture and fittings.
The WildWorks team will be joined by leading fashion designers Vivienne Westwood, William Tempest, Stephen Jones, Boudicca, Aminaka Wilmont and set designer Echo Morgan.
Extraordinary contemporary designs will be displayed alongside historic items from the Royal Collection and Kensington Palace’s Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection, together with two dresses worn by Diana, Princess of Wales, and Princess Margaret.
The complex and mysterious world of the royal court will be opened up through dreamlike installations, interactive theatre, intimate storytelling, soundscapes, haunting film projections, and a series of intriguing clues hidden throughout the historic rooms, revealing tales of love and hate, surprise and sadness, secrets and jealousy.
“There is a phenomenal amount of stuff going on,” Bill said. “This is a major project and it’s daunting – but I’m also confident that it’s doable. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved so far and I’m very excited about this. I want visitors – and I’m told to expect around 250,000 a year – to experience the rooms and experience the stories and the lives of those rooms. It will be a wonderful place to visit and walk through.”
The Enchanted Palace opens on March 26, 2010 at Kensington Palace and runs until June 2012. For information on opening hours and ticket prices, visit www.hrp.org.uk/kensingtonpalace or www.wildworks.biz.
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Muse to take centre stage at Glastonbury
15-02-2010
WESTCOUNTRY supergroup Muse will play centre stage at this year’s Glastonbury music festival which celebrates its 40th anniversary.
The Teignmouth trio will join an impressive line-up of international acts including Stevie Wonder, U2, Dizzee Rascal, Corinne Bailey Rae, Andy Williams and Jack Johnson.
Stadium rockers Muse will top the bill on the main Pyramid Stage on Saturday, June 26, with Motown legend Wonder closing the event the following night.
Other big name artists are in the pipeline but yet to be announced.
Around 175,000 festival-goers have already snapped up tickets for the sell-out musical extravaganza in Somerset.
It is not the first time Muse have played at the event in front of thousands of people.
In 2004 the band headlined with singer Matt Bellamy describing the festival as “very special”.
At the time he said: “When you go out to the countryside and look at some cows and breathe in some fresh air and watch some good music, I think everyone connects with something which has been missing from city life.”
Muse are also booked to play stadium shows in London and Manchester in September.
Their continued success includes a nomination for best group at next week’s prestigious Brit Awards.
The festival is held nearly every year at Worthy Farm in Pilton, owned by farmer Michael Eavis.
After four decades, the owner of the event has finally triumphed in winning over neighbours in the village by gaining a licence to operate without any formal objections.
The show has now been granted a six-year licence to run until 2016.
In the past Mr Eavis’s applications have been subjected to a scrutiny hearing amid complaints from the public and concerns over safety from the emergency services.
Mr Eavis said: “There was not a single complaint. You can’t believe it, can you?
“That’s pretty good going and it’s a wonderful present for the 40th anniversary.
“We have been working very hard for years and years.
“It’s taken a long, long time to be accepted by the community.
“The economic benefit to the region is around £100 million.”
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Promoting green issues through the Blue Mile
08-02-2010
THE tranquility of the sea affords plenty of time and space for reflection. During his voyages around the globe, Conrad Humphreys developed a deep-rooted respect for the waters, and a grave concern about the future of the oceans.
It is a passion he found he has in common with most committed water sportsmen and women, and he believes it is no coincidence.
The 36-year-old, who first sailed when he was nine, has long toyed with the idea of a mass participation event – believing the key to building conviction to act is encouraging people to fall in love with the water, through sport. He hopes it will set in motion a spirit of action to protect the seas.
Now, the Blue Mile is gathering serious momentum. The premise is simple – over the weekend of July 3 and 4 this year, hundreds of people will swim, sail or paddle their way around a mile-long course in Plymouth Sound, which itself is dripping with nautical history. At the same time, a mile-long walk will link in with the National Marine Aquarium, so visitors can experience marine life while still on terra firma.
Registration for the swim is now open, and during their training, it is hoped the participants will develop a new-found respect for the seas, and a heightened awareness of the threats it faces. Then, on the weekend itself, spectators will both rediscover the joys of marine sports, and take part in a range of activities at a special area nearby, designed to highlight environmental issues.
It was at a conference in Spain in 2008 that the light bulb really went on for Mr Humphreys. Impressed by the achievement of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics in making the event carbon neutral, he realised the time was right to strike – and that there was no better venue than Plymouth, with its stunning, but underused, coastline.
He said it was crucial to convey the message without being “preachy”.
“It’s all about what makes people act – what nudges them to be more respectful and caring,” he said. “Organising a mass participation event is a bit like organising a march. It will get people in, on and around their local waters, and if we are smart, we can create a legacy which will see that continue.
“A lot of the big climate change headlines tend to go over many people’s heads. We need to localise it, so that when they walk from the Mayflower Steps to the Blue Mile finish line and look out across the water, they can be aware of the species living there, and the dangers they face, in a way that they perhaps weren’t before.”
Mr Humphreys is talking from experience. His own calling came from a childhood love of sailing in the waters around Exmouth. Despite not coming from a nautical background, the young Conrad’s interest was sparked through friends on a family holiday, and by the time he was 11, he had persuaded his parents to buy a second-hand dinghy, which he looked after meticulously.
His interest blossomed, and after finishing his A-levels, aged just 17, he snapped up the chance to join a crew in his first round-the-world race – the Whitbread, since renamed the Volvo Ocean Race.
“That was the first time I really thought about ocean systems and currents,” he said. “Having the chance to sail some of the most remote waters in the world at a very young age inspired me to get into oceanography. Before that, I had always wanted to be a journalist.”
Scraping together the resources for the under-financed team to achieve their goal also proved good experience of fundraising – which has proved invaluable in later ventures. When he returned, Mr Humphreys signed up to study oceanography in Plymouth in 1994. He said: “It taught me how ocean currents drive the engine for all life on Earth.”
Mr Conrad said the changes in the seas over the past 50 years were “scary”, and said race courses had been dramatically altered over the past decade to take the transforming seascapes, such as the Antarctic ice melts, into account.
Over the past 15 years, Mr Humphreys has built up an amazing wealth of ocean-going experience, including sailing around the world three times, and becoming the fifth Brit ever to complete the prestigious Vendee Globe.
Simultaneously, he has set up Sport Environment, a marketing company which seeks to establish links between business and marine sport with a green conscience.
His combined experience means he is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to mobilising different sectors to unite. Already, he is amassing a small army of Blue Mile ambassadors – well-known sportsmen who are keen to use their influence to promote the green agenda.
He has attracted public sector funding, which will make up around 25 per cent of the cost, anticipated to be around £100,000 in year one. If the event captures the public imagination as intended, it will both grow and spread, with other cities already expressing an interest in hosting their own Blue Mile event in the future, and Mr Humphreys hopes links to the Nautisme Espace Atlantique project, which connects coastal countries around Europe, could mean it makes the jump to the continental mainland in the next few years.
Mr Humphreys lives near Bantham in South Devon with his wife and two-year-old daughter. He said: “It’s pretty worrying that our children will be growing up with the knowledge that they are likely to witness some pretty serious impacts of climate change, and that some difficult decisions for the whole planet lie ahead. I do think we have a responsibility to act now.”
To find out more about the project, or to register to take part in the Blue Mile on July 3 and 4, visit www.thebluemile.org For Blue Mile images and footage of Conrad Humphreys, visit www.thisiswesternmorningnews.co.uk
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Students to try a day’s racing at Exeter
27-01-2010
EXETER Racecourse is offering all students with a valid NUS card free grandstand and paddock entry to its next meeting on Wednesday, February 3.
The offer is a one-off invitation for students to try a day’s racing at Exeter.
A spokesman from the course said: “With Devon home to two universities, Exeter and Plymouth, and with other colleges in the county too, we thought it would be an ideal opportunity to invite them to the racecourse, particularly as Wednesday afternoon is often put aside for sporting activities, rather than lectures. If it proves a success we will think about putting something more permanent in place in the future for students.”
Six races make up the card, starting with the Desert Orchid Restaurant Handicap Hurdle at 1.55pm. New sponsors to the course are Hillfield Cottages at Dartmouth, which sponsors the 2m7f handicap hurdle and Everys Solicitors who take the name of the handicap chase and the beginners’ chase. A free bus from Exeter St Davids train station and Exeter bus station promises to make Student Free Entry Day at Exeter a day to remember. For more details, call 01392 832599.
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Celebrate scenery with stunning walks
20-01-2010
AS PART of its 50th anniversary programme, the North Devon Coast Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty asked the Ramblers’ Association North Devon Group to run a series of walks to highlight its varied and stunning scenery.
Two walks have been devised for each of the five landscape areas; these include the North Devon high coast stretching from Combe Martin to Morte Point; the North Devon Downs - Morte Point to Saunton; the Taw Torridge estuary mouth; Bideford Bay coast and the Hartland Peninsula.
A member of the AONB team will join walkers on each of the outings to explain more about the area and the work they carry out. To add a sense of occasion, anyone completing at least one of the ten walks will also be presented with a certificate from the AONB, while those planning to undertake five walks, one from each landscape area, can collect a record card from the leader on their initial outing.
Walks will be held on February 21 and 27; March 17 and 27 and April 3 and 11. Distances range from 5 to 8.5 miles with some following the beach or coast path, while others cover a more hilly terrain. Timescales also vary according to the length and degree of difficulty from 3 to 6 hours, including a lunch break.
All the outings are free and walkers should bring their own picnic lunch apart from the early morning breakfast walk on February 27, which finishes at a café. Pre-booking is not necessary, just go along to the start point; dogs are welcome on a lead. Details of each walk can be found on website www.northdevonramblers.co.uk – look for those marked ‘AONB’ on the year’s programme - or for more information call Julian Tippett on 01271 863727. Details about the North Devon Coast AONB can be found on www.northdevon-aonb.org.uk.
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Teacher hit the coast for marine conference
20-01-2010
FOR the first time in North Devon, there will be a Marine and Coastal Conference for teachers and educators, which will be held on February 9 at Ruda Holiday Park, Croyde.
This new and exciting conference is one of a series of events celebrating the 50th anniversary of the North Devon Coast Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
Our marine and coastal landscapes offer a wealth of inspiring educational opportunities for children, young people, families and adults. This conference offers an unusual chance to meet with experts and hear how to develop learning opportunities about North Devon’s world-class marine and coastal landscapes.
Rose Day, AONB Chairman said: "Our unique coastal and marine environments in North Devon are of enormous value to both local people and to visitors. This exciting conference, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the North Devon Coast Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, gives teachers and marine educators access to a wide range of expert knowledge and current research on coastal matters which they, in turn, will be able to pass on to their students. This ensures a legacy of knowledge and inspiration amongst these young adults of tomorrow who will carry on the work of caring for the coast over the next fifty years and beyond."
Matt Edworthy, Outreach and Education Officer from the North Devon Biosphere Reserve added: “The sea affects many aspects of our lives. It provides us with resources like fish and nowadays power, it is also crucial to our tourism economy and is highly important for wildlife. It shapes our coastline and with predicted sea level rise will present us with some very difficult choices. Linkages between people and environment underpin the concept behind North Devon’s UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and it is crucial that we understand them so we can make sustainable choices for the future. That is why we support this conference and other activities that create opportunities to learn about the environment that we all live in”.
The event at Ruda Holiday Park, Croyde is being run by the North Devon Biosphere Foundation. It will bring together a diverse group of organisations including Beaford Arts, CoastNet, CoastWise, Devon Schools Library Service, Devon Wildlife Trust, Field Studies Council, Ilfracombe Aquarium, Marine Biological Association, National Marine Aquarium, the National Trust, Natural England, North Devon Biosphere Reserve and the Real Ideas Organisation. Educators from these organisations will be present to share their expertise and educational resources. In addition, local schools will showcase art, oral history and science work from their own marine and coastal cross-curricula projects.
Lawrence Raybone from Ilfracombe Aquarium said: “This conference will provide a unique opportunity for teachers and educators to engage with a broad range of organisations committed to promoting our precious marine and coastal environments. It will provide an opportunity to access a wealth of resources and inspire educational opportunities”.
This unique event is for teachers at primary, secondary and tertiary levels. Informal educators working with young people and adults are also very welcome to book a place. It will include presentations from Devon Education Services on cross-curricula working and from Paul Naylor, an inspirational marine educator and underwater photographer. Two experienced outdoor educators will run advance-booking outdoor workshops exploring Croyde Beach and its diverse range of habitats. There will also be plenty of time to talk with and learn from scientists, environmental educators and artists. The full conference programme and booking forms can be downloaded from the North Devon Biosphere Foundation website www.northdevonbiospherefoundation.org.uk.
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Valentine’s day meeting on cards
20-01-2010
EXETER Racecourse, sponsors of the 10-race point-to-point intermediate series in the Devon and Cornwall area which culminates in a hunter chase final at the course on Tuesday, May 4, is offering two grandstand and paddock tickets for just £10 on Sunday, February 14. The Valentine’s Day meeting coincides with a blank weekend for point-to-point enthusiasts in the Devon and Cornwall area. A spokesman from the course said: “It’s a great incentive which will encourage people who would normally go pointing to come racing instead at Exeter. And you never know, with a good crowd, there could be love in the air too.” The offer is for pre-bookings only and tickets can be obtained by called the ticket hotline 0844 5793005 and quoting Exval.
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Will returns to top bill at Devon festival
11-01-2010
FORMER Exeter University student Will Young is to return to Devon to be the headline act at a local festival.
The 31-year-old, who shot to fame eight years ago after winning ITV’s Pop Idol, will be the star attraction at the first South Devon Festival to be held at Newton Abbot racecourse on Saturday, July 24.
Now one of the country’s biggest pop stars, Will has sold more than eight million records. He has recently released an album of his best known singles which has reached platinum status and he also had the biggest single of the last decade with Evergreen.
Promoter Tim Barrs, of Manor Events, said: “Will’s appearance, combined with all the other great acts, should prove this festival a really special event in Devon’s calendar. Nothing on this scale has been organised locally before and we hope that families will find it a great day out.”
Joining Will are Adrian Edmondson and his band The Bad Shepherds, The Wurzels, Joey the Lips, The Demon Barber Road Show, The Diamond Geezers and Soul Funktion.
The event is due to start at 11am and tickets from www.southdevonfestival.co.uk cost £40 and £20 for children aged five to 12. Under-fives go free.
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Miniature masterpieces
04-01-2010
HUNDREDS of people flocked to a fair featuring a small-scale world of collectables.
What the event lacked in size, it made up for in popularity as crowds flocked to Westpoint in Exeter for the Doll’s House, Miniatures and Teddy Bears Fair.
Featured at the event, which was staged between 10am-4pm in the conference room, were several exhibits, displays and demonstrations by some of the leading craftspeople in their field.
There were cuddly collectable teddy bears, charming miniature figures, delightful doll’s houses and every imaginable accessory and item of furniture.
The fair attracted a range of miniaturist collectors and enthusiasts, as well as several with a casual interest.
From the smallest thatched cottage to the grandest Georgian residence, craftsmen and women devoted to the art of doll’s house miniatures showed off their wares.
Hours of work goes into each tiny exhibit and collectors hunt for historically accurate accessories which match the period of their doll’s house.
A toy collectors’ fair will be held at Westpoint on January 10.
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Spiritual setting is feast for Ian’s flute
13-12-2009
THE hallowed heights of Exeter Cathedral will reverberate to the tones of a rather different Christmas concert this month when Jethro Tull frontman Ian Anderson presents an acoustic performance for everyone who loves the spirit of the season.
The fundraising show on December 22 will support the cathedral’s Third Millennium Campaign.
“It is not necessarily about the Christian festival,” explains flute maestro and guitarist Ian who has fronted the experimental folk rock band for some 40 years.
“It is about all of us and that pivotal time towards the end of one year and the beginning of the next.
“We have a generic memory of the winter solstice as a time of rebirth. In purely geophysical terms we have a sense of it being a time of new beginnings.
“The Anglican church is used to interpretation and is generally less dogmatic, which is why I am happy to support it and the bricks and mortar part of our history.
“I feel quite invigorated by the sense of spirituality in the church and people coming together with some higher force.”
Ian, who will spend Christmas Day in Wiltshire with his family and menagerie of animals, had never set foot in the cathedral until earlier this year when it was recommended as a venue and worthy cause to support by the Rev George Pitcher of St Bride’s Church in London, the venue of Ian’s last Christmas revels.
“Exeter Cathedral is a splendid example of architectural excellence and a glorious venue for those of all faiths, or none at all, to enter the House of the Holy and participate in the welcoming world of Christmas celebration.
“Whether your Christmas is a secular affair of gift-giving and family togetherness or a more worshipful recognition of one of the two big days in the Christian calendar, join us for some uplifting Christmas spirit, music, readings and maybe even a prayer or two.”
The concert is part of a special end-of-year tour which sees Ian and his touring band – sadly without Devon-based Tull guitarist Martin Barre who has broken a finger – perform nine Christmas- themed shows in the Czech Republic and Germany, before heading for the Westcountry. As well as playing acoustic versions of some Jethro Tull classics, there will be seasonal and ecclesiastical songs, including new material written especially for this tour.
The Exeter date takes place on the birthday of Ian’s daughter Gael (who is married to the actor Andrew Lincoln); one of the newer songs he will perform and – dedicate to Gael – is Birthday Card at Christmas, a reminder that it’s not only the notional birth period of Jesus Christ, but that lots of people share birthdays at this time of year.
There will also be songs from the Jethro Tull Christmas Album of a few years back, and some perennial fan favourites.
“But I must stress that this isn’t a Jethro Tull rock show – so it’s not one for the headbangers or the slightly inebriated rock and roll crowd,” says Ian. “The acoustics in the building are such that anything with percussive qualities can be tricky. Bring a drum kit into a church and you are asking for trouble – we don’t let that stop us, though.”
The Third Millennium Campaign is seeking to raise £8 million to support several areas of the traditional life of Exeter Cathedral, including the future of music and choral singing, restoration work to the organ, repairs and renovations to the building and to expand the library and archives.
The Dean of Exeter, the Very Reverend Jonathan Meyrick, is thrilled that Ian has chosen the cathedral as a venue for the show.
“I thank him for giving his time so generously to support the cathedral’s campaign. I encourage both new and existing Jethro Tull fans to experience the magic of the band this Christmas within this wonderful setting that is our cathedral,” he says.
Ian Anderson plays the Christmas Jethro Tull at Exeter Cathedral at 7.30pm on Tuesday, December 22. A small number of tickets are still available at £20 from the cathedral shop (01392 271354) or at £25 from the Exeter Phoenix box office (01392 667080).
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Songwriter opens a new chapter in life and music
07-12-2009
IT’S been a rollercoaster couple of years for Cornwall’s favourite indie folk songsmith Ruarri Joseph. There have been some spectacular highs and lows in both his family life and his music career, but with things now on a more even keel the charming, super-talented troubadour is bouncing back with a very special Christmas show for his Westcountry fans next week.
“It feels like I’m starting a new chapter,” says Ruarri, whose festive set at The Acorn, Penzance, will be recorded for a live album release.
A proud family man and father of three, at the age of 27 he displays the maturity and reflection of someone much longer in the tooth – an old head on young shoulders. But then, in life experience he has had a head start on most of his contemporaries.
Ruarri has already grasped, then rejected, a major record deal. Then, having regrouped and set up his own label, he was on the road promoting his fabulous self-recorded and released second album, Both Sides of the Coin, earlier this year, when he was halted in his tracks by some shock news. His wife, Amanda, called him from home in Newquay to tell him their son Alfie was scheduled to have surgery to remove the benign brain tumour he had been diagnosed with several years previously.
“We heard he was going to have the operation on the day the album came out in March. I was in Oxford on a promotional tour playing at Cafe Neros around the country,” explains Ruarri. “I cancelled everything and came home. Amanda was eight months pregnant at the time.
“There was no question about what I would do – I just let go of it all. When something like that happens it is really grounding and I am always thankful that I have my family to ground me – it’s all too easy to believe your own hype.”
Tense months followed waiting for Alfie’s operation in June, punctuated by the joyful birth of newest family addition, Harper Stanley Django (after his father’s gypsy jazz guitarist hero, Django Reinhardt), who by all accounts is the easiest, happiest baby on the planet.
“He acted as a bit of an angel in the situation for us and gave us something positive to focus on,” says Ruarri, chatting while his eight-year-old daughter Matilda (the famed Baby Finn from the song of the same title on her dad’s debut album Tales of Grime and Grit) has her tennis lesson.
Now almost 12, Alfie, actually Ruarri’s stepson, is recovering incredibly well from his ordeal and “wants to grab life by the horns”. Ruarri, having relished spending time at home with Amanda on maternity leave, sharing the everyday routines of the school run and nappy changing, is ready to do the same – but this time on his own terms.
To backtrack a little, the critically acclaimed Tales of Grime and Grit was released by Atlantic Records in summer 2007 and Ruarri, who had only the foundation of the local gig circuit as preparation, found himself thrust into the spotlight – hit singles and tours with the likes of Ben Taylor, Paolo Nutini, Funeral for a Friend and Devon folk heroes Show of Hands.
Down-to-earth Ruarri wasn’t enamoured of the relentless pressure and lack of artistic control; he shocked the industry by quitting in the middle of recording his second album, scrapping all the material to set up shop in his shed – an old carpentry workshop with no windows and no heating – to labour on what became the critically acclaimed Both Sides of The Coin.
If there was any justice in the fickle world of contemporary music, his warm, old-time country and folk-fuelled sound, his rich, distinctive vocals and deceptively simple songs would have made major global inroads. It’s a moving collection, sometimes urgent and upbeat, sometimes laid back and acutely touching, his guitar and keyboard-led melee embellished by bursts of accordion, trumpet and percussion. But it was not to be.
Flash forward and Ruarri’s been back in his shed over the summer and autumn and he’s happy to report there are ten tracks recorded already for album number three. Sneak previews of a couple of tracks, Orchard For an Apple and A Fool of Us All, show an artist who is maturing like a fine wine, distilling his observational skills and refined wisdom into beautifully crafted tunes that defy genre or defined target audience.
“I’ve done the major label thing and I’ve done it alone and now I’m ready to compromise and take the middle ground and get some help where I need it,” says Ruarri, who’s also in the middle of another project that landed in his lap out of the blue – a commission to write songs for a new musical about a bunch of troubled teenagers.
“I was in punk and grunge bands as a teenager, so I’ve been revisiting that. I’m putting all the angsty stuff into those songs, so my own stuff is sounding much more positive,” he laughs.
With the long player release on the cards for next year, Ruarri knows he must once again make sacrifices by going on the road to play live. But he says he’s learned a lot from touring with Steve Knightley and Phil Beer of Show of Hands, who organise their shows carefully so that they can always be home for two days a week.
For now, the Penzance show – a very personal endeavour – is taking priority.
“I really like The Acorn – it’s where I launched the first album, so coming back feels like closure of a long episode,” he says.
Ruarri’s setlist will be packed with old favourites, and dusted with a sprinkling of new compositions. And he’s enrolled an impressive supporting cast to make it a festive night to remember – Norwegian star Thomas Dybdahl, Isle of Lewis alt-folkster The Boy Who Trapped the Sun, and local singer songwriter Hollie Rogers.
Ruarri Joseph’s Christmas show is at the Acorn Theatre, Penzance, on Saturday, December 11. For tickets, £8 in advance, call the box office on 01736 365520, or the Hall for Cornwall on 01872 262466 or visit www.hallforcornwall.co.uk.
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
200-year-old Cornish tradition celebrated
07-12-2009
By Natalie Clark Medina
A 200-YEAR-old Cornish tradition to celebrate the life of a town mayor will be marked this year with an art exhibition.
John Knill was born in Cornwall in 1733, becoming a well-respected customs officer and mayor of St Ives.
In 1782, he commissioned the building of the Knill Mausoleum in St Ives.
In his will, Knill bequeathed the town a sum of £25 for a celebration and procession to take place every five years.
The people of St Ives have faithfully fulfilled this legacy since 1801.
On December 12 an exhibition of contemporary art entitled Nil Desperandum will open at Knill House, St Ives.
The project has brought together a group of local and international artists to pay tribute to the late mayor of St Ives and the building’s former resident.
The artists included in the show were asked to provide work in response to the legacy of John Knill, whose family motto Nil Desperandum inspired the title of the exhibition.
The resulting exhibition combines diverse practices, from sculpture to moving image and paper cutting, to produce a show that confronts our attitudes towards tradition and folklore and explores the blurring lines between historical fact and fiction.
Some of the pieces take a direct influence from the history of Knill. Other artists produced work which explored more universal concepts of ritual, tradition and storytelling.
The exhibition includes St Ives artist Lois Wild, who has produced an interactive, sound- accompanied walk around St Ives.
Visitors to the exhibition can download the sound file from the gallery during the show, and listen to stories and memories of the John Knill celebration as they explore the town.
Nil Desperandum also includes Cornwall based artists Ann Haycock and Ally Mellor, who are joined by a range of national and international artists including Slovenian artist collective BridA – Sendi Mango, Jurij Pavlica, Tom Kersevan–and Finnish artist Therese Sunngren.
Sally Noall, co-curator of the project, said: "It's really exciting to be able to provide a platform to show the work of Cornish artists alongside those working elsewhere in the UK and Europe.
“It's a valuable opportunity to view local artist's work in a wider context and a chance to see international work that's never been exhibited in Cornwall before."
Nil Desperandum, at Knill House, St Ives, runs from December 12-24 and is open Monday to Friday 10am-4pm and Saturdays 10am-6pm.
The opening night is December 11, from 7pm - 9pm.
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Think Local: Great reasons to visit Devon at Christmas
03-12-2009
TAKE heed all ye Christmas-lovers! Devon is gearing up for a dizzying spread of festive events to bedazzle and delight both young and old.
From Santa’s Grotto in a prehistoric cave, candle-lit carols in the forest, Christmas food and craft fairs galore, to a Dick Whittington pantomime aboard a chugging steam train.
Where to meet Santa:
Paignton and Dartmouth Railway Santa Specials: 12-13 and 19-24 December; depart Paignton 10:15am, return 12:45pm, or depart Paignton 3:15pm, return 6pm
Dick Whittington is travelling afar to seek his fortune. His cat Tommy will do his best to help, but wicked King Rat intends to stop them if he can. Help Dick defeat King Rat and win the day! New for 2009, kids now have the chance to combine being tickled by an on-board pantomime by Dick Whittington himself, topped off with a meet and greet with Santa in his Grotto at Kingswear, before heading back to Paignton laden with presents, lollies and bellyfuls of mince pies. Adults £12.50, children aged 1-14 years £10 - www.pdsr.co.uk
Santa by Steam, South Devon Railway: 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 and 23 December, departing from Buckfasteigh
Meet Santa by steam on a return trip from Buckfastleigh to Totnes and back aboard the South Devon Railway. As you chug through Devon’s spectacular wintry scenery, nip into Santa’s grotto on the train. There’ll be presents for all the children (even the under 1s) and mince pie and mulled wine for mum and dad. Adults £12, children aged 1-14 years £10 -www.southdevonrailway.org
Nativity plays, Santa and his reindeers, Pennywell Farm: 5 - 24 December, duration two hours
Picture it: twinkling Christmas trees and an authentic manger scene! Join Pennywell farm at Christmas and celebrate with their farmyard animals. Listen to Nativity stories, join in singing carols and dress up to become one of the star performers (costumes provided) – adults are even welcome to take part. Then meet Santa in his grotto to receive your special Christmas gift before heading to the farmyard to meet his reindeers, Dancer and Blitzen! Adults and children over 3 £9.95, Under 3s £6.95 - www.pennywellfarm.co.uk
Meet Santa in the caves of Kents Cavern - Weekends during December (excluding Christmas weekend) and 22nd - 24th December
Devon’s famous prehistoric caves are arguably the most magical and unique grotto where Santa and his helpers will be pitching up in this Christmas. This year, families explore the caves on their own, following Santa's clues leading to his festive grotto! Kids will delight at meeting Santa deep in his cave to receive their pressie, or a mince pie for adults. Adults and children over 2 £4.50 - www.kents-cavern.co.uk
Christmas Wonderlands: lights, candles, action!
Clovelly Christmas Lights: 6 December, 4pm onwards,
This Devon fishing village is the picture of an untouched idyll: no cars are allowed on these cobbled streets and shop supplies reputedly arrive by sled! Get festive by following a brass band-let procession out to the harbour where carols will be sung, food and drinks consumed, and spectacular fireworks will decorate the sky. Father Christmas will even arrive to preside over the festivities! Free entry - www.clovelly.co.uk
Brixham Winter Sparkle Fayre: 28 November – 6 December
With a different event each day, you can stock up on pressies at a Christmas market, try your luck at a treasure hunt, listen to a Christmas carol concert, ward off Christmas Ghosts, battle with Brixham Pirates, or join in with a jolly Christmas parade. Free entry – www.visitdevon.co.uk
Winter Wonderland at Babbacombe Model Village: 5 December – 3 January (excluding Christmas Day and New Year’s Day)
Escape to a wondrous world of snow-covered model landscapes brought to life by magical illuminations and animations. Discover Santa’s Icy World with a walk though ice caves, don your mini skis in the children’s alpine area, watch Santa’s elves hard at work at his snowbound log cabin, and of course, meet with the beardy man himself. Adults £9.50, children over 3 £7.50 - www.babbacombemodelvillage.co.uk
Candlelit Dartmouth, 11 and 12 December
The gorgeous town of Dartmouth is that bit more irresistible by candlelight. Look forward to lashings of festive food, lantern-lit processions, live music, late-night shopping and Santa’s arrival in requisite Dartmouth style, swapping his sled for a boat. Free entry - www.candlelitdartmouth.co.uk
Haldon Forest – candlelit carols in the forest: 15 December, 7:15 – 8:45pm
Join Newton Abbot Town Band and St Gregory’s Church Choir around the campfire to sing carols in a magical forest setting. Warm fruit punch and mince pies will fuel the fun, and all proceeds will go to a nominated charity. Well-behaved dogs on a lead are welcome; booking is essential for this well-loved event! £5 per car - www.forestry.gov.uk/haldonforestpark
Christmas Markets: food, bevvies & xmas shopping:
Eggesford Christmas Food Fair: 13 December, Eggesford Garden & Country Centre
This festive food fair is a great opportunity to sample some of Devon’s tastiest local produce in cute surroundings. Nibble on and purchase goodies for the Christmas larder – we’re talking biscuits, chocolates, cakes, quiches, patés, preserves, chutneys, fruits and fresh pressed juices, Free entry - www.eggesfordgardens.com
Exeter Christmas Gift Market – December 4,5,11,12,18,19
The annual Christmas Gift Market will be found at Fore St/ South St, with an array of Christmassy treasures on offer. Free entry - www.visitdevon.co.uk
Get your skates on:
Bicton Park Botanical Gardens,
Aside from its historic glasshouses, countryside museum, Woodland Railway train, nature trail, maze and mini golf, these magnificent gardens set in East Devon’s picturesque Otter Valley has a fun ice-free skating rink. Head to Bicton any weekend and throughout all the school holidays to test out this all weather eco-friendly ice rink. Advance booking strongly recommended. Biction. Entry - adults £6.95, children aged 3-16 £5.95, ice skating is an additional £2 each - www.bictongardens.co.uk
Swiss Lake Ice Rink, Plymouth Pavilions, Plymouth
Set in an integrated arts, entertainment and leisure centre, this rink is fitted with a state-of-the-art light and disco system, and it has various types of sled available. Adults £6.30-, children 5-16 £5.40, under 5’s -£2.70 - www.plymouthpavilions.com
Riviera International Conference Centre, Torbay: 15 December – 3 January
Richard Lambert, a former professional ice skater from Paignton, is bringing a 10 by 12 metre artificial ice rink to this cute East Devon bay, with family sessions, group lessons, general public skating and disco sessions. Aults and children opver 12 - £6, under 12’s £5 - www.rivieracentre.co.uk
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
3,000 visitors sample the delights of Yuletide food
30-11-2009
THOUSANDS of people got into the festive spirit at Saltram House at the weekend.
Thousands of visitors descended on the National Trust property at Plympton, Plymouth, to enjoy the annual Saltram House Yuletide craft and food fair, which was held on Saturday and Sunday.
A host of festive arts, crafts and Westcountry seasonal fare were on offer to the public.
There was also entry to the impressive garden next to the house – and the Turned Pressed Fired exhibition in the Chapel gallery.
Event spokesman Shirley Margison, said: “We had probably more than 3,000 people over the two days.
“The stallholders were delighted and the visitors were delighted. It is brilliant considering the weather.”
A range of festive treats were on sale including Christmas puddings, cheeses and Yuletide craft items.
Organisers said it was the “yummiest start to the festive season” and “the perfect place to find beautiful Christmas gifts away from the high street crowds”.
Ms Margison said: “It was a brilliant fair on both days.”
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
End of the road as Ash rock crowd of 80 in village hall
25-11-2009
CHART-TOPPING band Ash have just completed their national tour in unusual circumstances – by rocking a Cornish village hall.
The Irish three-piece had been working alphabetically through off-beat venues in the UK, and Zennor in West Cornwall was the last stop on the “alphabet tour”.
Zennor, on the coastal road between St Ives and St Just, just a handful a miles from Land’s End, has a population of just 217 – making it an unlikely pit stop for a band boasting number one albums and a string of hits, including Shining Light, Burn Baby Burn and Girl From Mars.
A band who have sold eight million albums worldwide played to just 80 people in Zennor.
One reviewer noted the walls lined with panto pictures from time immemorial that added to the curious appeal, but the band “unleashed what proved to be a glorious greatest hits package”.
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Paintings expected to fetch up to £1m at sale
24-11-2009
TWO stunning clifftop views of the West Cornwall coast by Newlyn School artist Dame Laura Knight, together with a hunting scene at Zennor by Sir Alfred Munnings, are among the highlights of a Victorian and Edwardian art sale next month.
The three pictures – all from separate private collections – are between them expected to fetch nearly £1 million at Sotheby’s in London on December 17.
Dame Laura’s On the Cliffs, painted in about 1917 and depicting two young women relaxing on the rugged clifftop between the coves at Lamorna and Porthcurno, is the most eye-catching and bears the highest estimate: up to £350,000.
The scene looks idyllic as the girls catch the last rays of the summer sun.
But it is noticeable that there are no men in the series of clifftop scenes she painted during the period as most young men were across the English Channel, facing the horrors of the battlefields of the First World War.
The models were brought down by train from London and one was an ex-Tiller Girl named Dolly Snell, who later married Edgar Knight, the brother of Dame Laura’s artist husband Harold.
The second of Dame Laura’s paintings, estimated at £200,000-£300,000, In the Sun, Newlyn, shows two girls wearing matching school uniforms on Paul Hill, looking down on the old pier and with Newlyn Bay and Penzance below.
It dates from about 1909 and was painted above Beer House – the Knights’ old lodgings, named after the cheery landlady, a Mrs Beer, and which became the centre of much social activity.
The Munnings painting, Ned Riding Grey Tick, Zennor Hunt, Cornwall, is expected to fetch a similar sum.
It was painted in 1913, when Munnings settled in Zennor, lodging for a guinea a week with a Mrs Grigg.
Munnings, who once lodged with the Knights at Beer House, used Ned Osborne – a primitive Cornish youth, according to the artist – as his model.
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
U2 set to headline at Glastonbury
24-11-2009
IRISH rock giants U2 have been confirmed as the headline act for Glastonbury’s 40th anniversary, founder Michael Eavis said yesterday.
It will be their first appearance at the Somerset festival, which was launched by dairy farmer Mr Eavis in 1970.
Singer Bono and his band will take a break from their American tour to perform at Worthy Farm in Pilton on the weekend of June 26 to June 28.
Mr Eavis said: “At last the biggest band in the world is going to do the best festival in the world. Nothing could be better for our 40-year party, and there are more surprises in the pipeline.”
Mr Eavis, 74, who runs the festival with daughter Emily, has reportedly longed for U2 to perform at his 900-acre farm for many years. As 2010 marks the event’s 40th anniversary, Mr Eavis has promised a line-up fit for the occasion. Some 177,500 people will be at the event after tickets sold out in 24 hours last month.
The festival, which is as famous for its weather as for its music, has frequently descended into a mudbath in the past.
In 2005, storms and flash flooding caused havoc at the site, with many festival-goers having to use their tents as makeshift boats to float around waterlogged areas.
In 2007, more rain ensured a similar deluge, though a new draining system meant a repeat of 2005 was avoided.
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Smell of mulled wine wafted through craft fair
16-11-2009
A CRAFT fair, which also featured sumptuous festive treats, has kicked off the Christmas build-up at a historic stately home.
Buckland Abbey, the 700-year-old property near Yelverton, West Devon, was adorned with seasonal delights over the weekend.
The colourful event featured goods made by Westcountry producers and craft makers, as the smell of mulled wine and roasting chestnuts wafted through the great and small barns. Jonathan Cummins said attendance at the National Trust-owned site topped 2,000, despite foul weather on Saturday morning.
He added; “We had a 40ft Christmas tree in the Great Barn and there was a lovely atmosphere. We had a wonderful selection of handmade Christmas gifts on offer as well as lots of delicious foods. It went really well.”
He said the fair signalled the arrival of the Christmas season and staff at the Elizabethan property would now be gearing up to a five-day Christmas event, running from December 18 to 23.
It will feature staff in period costumes showing Christmas through the ages.
Mr Cummins said: “We do as much as we can over the festive period and it’s great because people come back again and again.”
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Festive food at Cotehele
14-11-2009
THE annual Taste of the West Christmas food fair is at the National Trust’s Cotehele next weekend. Stock up on Christmas puddings from The Carved Angel, smoked game from Capreolus Fine Foods and ale from Forgotten Corner brewery. And hear the BBC Choir perform carols in the Great Hall at 2pm on Saturday, November 28. From 10 am to 4pm, November 28 and 29, £2. See www.tasteofthewest.co.uk.
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Monkey sanctuary gives back at Christmas time
14-11-2009
MEMBERS of the public will be able to visit a Cornish tourist attraction for free next weekend.
The Monkey Sanctuary near Looe will open its gates for free on Sunday, November 22, to thank them for their continued support of the charity. The attraction will open from noon to 4pm, offering visitors the chance to catch a final glimpse of the monkeys before doors close for the rest of the winter, and reopen next spring.
Not only will there be educational workshops and talks by the knowledgeable staff, but a little festive cheer will be added to the day with refreshments and a Christmas tombola, among other special activities.
Fundraising manager Gill Maltby said: “The Christmas open day is one of my favourite events of the year.
“It is one of the occasions that we can truly focus on saying a big thank-you to local supporters and businesses.
“I spend the year looking for funding for our various projects so it’s lovely for the boot to be on the other foot and to have the opportunity to offer something back to our local community.”
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Another quirky tale
13-11-2009
EXETER-BASED theatre company Quirk returns to the Exeter Phoenix this year with its seventh Christmas production. This lively performance of a specially adapted version of 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea is sure to surprise and make you laugh out loud. Suitable for over-fives. School group tickets December 9-18, public shows December 17-18 at 6.30pm and December 21-28 at 2pm and 4.30pm. No performances December 25 and 26. Tickets £8 adults, £6 children/concessions, £22 family, £5 schools. For more information telephone 01392 667 080 or visit www.exeterphoenix.org.uk.
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Timmy is a tower of inspiration
13-11-2009
Artist and wacky TV personality Timmy Mallett returns to the Westcountry tomorrow to open his second exhibition at the Tavistock Picture Framing Gallery. Timmy has painted various local scenes, including Smeaton’s Tower, Plymouth (above) and will be at the gallery in Plymouth Road, Tavistock, from 11am to 4pm. Timmy is donating one of his pictures to Tavistock Lions for their Christmas draw.
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Vibrant colours capture a sense of special places
13-11-2009
ONE of Scotland’s most renowned living artists will be offering art lovers a visual tour of some of Europe’s loveliest locations when he stages his first ever solo show in Cornwall.
John Brown’s A Sense of Place exhibition opens tomorrow at Lemon Street Gallery, Truro.
The show will fill all three floors of the gallery with a visual feast taking in Tuscany, Turkey, Spain and, of course, Scotland.
Born in 1945, John Brown trained at Glasgow School of Art and specialises in landscapes and still life.
Louise Jones, owner of Lemon Street Gallery, explained: “John is a great colourist and uses texture and layers to build up his paintings.
“His works have many qualities that are normally only found in either a figurative or an abstract painting, yet he manages to combine them both effortlessly.
“John’s gift is to see the landscape totally through his own eyes. He has the ability to paint a place that you may have visited many times before, yet, after seeing his painting, you will suddenly start to look at it in a new way.
“He gives the viewer a sense of what he sees and it will change the way they view a place from that day on.
“Equally, his church interiors have a real sense of place and are truly mesmerising.”
The exhibition will feature a large selection of works of acrylic and collage on board and canvas with some as large as 6ft by 8ft.
Commenting on the show, the artist said: “I have wanted to come to Cornwall for a very long time, as the landscape is clearly a fantastic draw for me.
“I am planning to stay in the county for about a week and I will certainly have my sketchbook and pencil with me at all times.”
The exhibition runs from tomorrow until January 8. Call 01872 275757 for further details.
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Brewery adds extra capacity for annual beer festival
13-11-2009
FINAL preparations are being made for the 11th Celtic Beer Festival, which is due to take place at the end of the month.
St Austell Brewery’s annual celebration of real ale and live music is being held in the unique surroundings of the old wine cellars and vaults beneath the Victorian brewery.
In response to the popularity of the event over the last decade, the brewery will this year be opening up extra space using its historic Rum Store to increase capacity at the festival for a further 200 people.
This year’s event, on Saturday, November 28, will showcase a selection of more than 100 beers, and will include a line-up of eight live bands from noon to 11pm.
Brewery spokesman Jeremy Mitchell said: “The festival has gained an incredible following over the past 10 years and the reputation as Cornwall’s biggest event for great real ales and live music.
“The demand for tickets has been so great that we’ve decided to open up extra space this year so that more people can join the party.
“We’re looking forward to this year’s Celtic Beer Festival being our best ever and hope to raise lots of money for local good causes.”
The Celtic Beer Festival is organised and staffed by volunteers from the brewery, together with suppliers, with all money raised going to local charities through the St Austell Brewery Charitable Trust.
Food will be provided by a team of brewery chefs led by St Austell Brewery’s award-winning catering development manager, Paul Drye, all using fresh Cornish produce.
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Lucie’s Minehead gig
13-11-2009
X FACTOR reject Lucie Jones will be performing in Somerset this weekend. Welsh singer Lucie was knocked out of the live show last weekend and will perform to thousands at Butlins Minehead this Saturday before returning to the live TV show on Sunday, where she will perform this year’s X Factor charity single with the other finalists. Lucie will be performing alongside pop group McFly in Minehead.
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Free music talent contest
12-11-2009
CHILDREN in Cornwall will attend a free music workshop and talent contest today, designed to celebrate Youth Music Week.
The work shop will be held from 6-9pm at The House, St Austell, while the talent gig will be held by and for young people from 7.30pm at Livewire Youth Project in Saltash.
Cornwall Youth Music Action Zone, a service which provides people with innovative music making experiences and performance opportunities across Cornwall, will be hosting the two events.
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Race is on for series points
12-11-2009
THE Mare and Foal Sanctuary kicked off the first of their indoor showjumping at Coombe Park, Totnes, with more than 50 competitors turning out for the six classes and the chance to compete for the Horseware Amigo Fleece Cooler for the combination receiving the most points throughout the series. The winners were: 2ft, Kate Massey (Spooky); 2ft 3in, Lilly Potter (Tango); 2ft 6in, Rebecca Newman (Mardi Gras); 2ft 9in, Alice Roberts (Red); 3ft Sarah Wakeham (Smokey); 3ft 3in Karen Aylivard (Spanner).
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
A champion auction for racing memorabilia
12-11-2009
AN auction of racing memorabilia held at Tavistock AFC’s Red & Black Club raised £2,500 for the Bob Champion Cancer Trust at the weekend.
More than 80 guests enjoyed a wonderful evening joined by Grand National legend Bob Champion MBE. The Upsides for Autism dinner was a celebration of five years’ hard work.
“The money raised is a thank-you to Bob Champion and his cancer trust for standing by me to raise awareness for Autism and help my son Paul and now over 20 special needs children in this area,” said Allen Lewis, who organised the evening.
The night began with a re-run of the 1981 Grand National, which Bob Champion won on the famous Aldaniti, where both horse and jockey had recovered from illness and injury to win the world’s most famous horse race.
“It was like reliving the moment all over again and with Bob there watching with all of us, it was great,” added Allen.
It set the scene and atmosphere for the night to get everyone in the mood for the super auction run by Charles “Titch” Scott, from Whiddon Down.
Aldaniti seemed to be in favour with the bidders and an original painting by equestrian artist Linda Slater made £520.
Red Rum winning the 1977 famous Grand National went for the same, only then to be topped by Aldanitis’ head print, signed by Bob Champion, which sold for £600.
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Point-to-point calendar dates
12-11-2009
DEVON and Cornwall point-to-point calendar leaflets are now available from Claire Wright with details of forthcoming fixtures, which get under way with the Black Forest Club meeting on November 29, near Kenton, Exeter (Entry details call Angela Boyden on 01647 433264). The calendar also has details of meetings which hold pony racing. Please send an SAE to Claire Wright, Barn Lane Farm, Stoke Rivers, Barnstaple, EX32 7LD. For Wessex area, send an SAE to Mrs Armstrong, Pantiles, Penselwood, Wincanton BA9 8NF.
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Jazzing it up
12-11-2009
ACCLAIMED jazz drummer Asaf Sirkis will be performing in Cornwall on Thursday, November 26.
The event, at St Austell Brewery visitor centre, starts at 8pm.
His acclaimed trio features guitarist Tassos Spiliotopoulos’ driven, arpeggiated chords and the lyrical playing of Yaron Stavi on electric bass.
Visit www.restormelarts.co.uk for booking details.
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Santa swaps sleigh for car
12-11-2009
FATHER Christmas will ditch his usual form of transport and arrive at a South Devon garden centre in true vintage style.
Santa will swap his sleigh for a vintage vehicle supplied by World of Country Life Museum in Sandy Bay, Exmouth, to raise funds for the Meningitis Trust at Jack’s Patch Nursery & Garden Centre in Bishopsteignton, near Teignmouth.
The replacement transport will be a 1902 Oldsmobile Curved Dash Runabout, which will be at the garden centre until November 21.
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Author to give talk about her life, at library
12-11-2009
NOVELIST Lesley Pearse will be visiting Tiverton Library this month to talk about her extraordinary life.
Ms Pearse, who has sold more than two million copies of her books, will talk about her work for the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC).
As a result of her childhood experiences, Ms Pearse dedicated much of her time to the charity.
Her mother passed away when she was only three, leaving Ms Pearse and her brother growing up in an orphanage. She then experienced the full “swinging Sixties” scene – including working as a Playboy Bunny.
Tickets for the evening on Thursday, November 26 cost £5 and are available from Tiverton Library on 01884 244644 or from NSPCC community fundraising manager Donna Statham on 07976 065207.
All proceeds from the evening go to the NSPCC.
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Band show their hands
11-11-2009
ACOUSTIC roots duo Show of Hands entertained fans and signed copies of their latest album at a free event in a Westcountry music store last night.
The Topsham-based pair performed songs from their 10th studio album Arrogance, Ignorance and Greed, accompanied by acclaimed double bass player and soloist Miranda Sykes at HMV in Princesshay, Exeter.
After the performance, singer-songwriter Steve Knightley and multi-instrumentalist Phil Beer met fans and signed copies of the 13-track album which was officially released through Hands On Music last month.
Arrogance, Ignorance and Greed has received critical acclaim from national papers and was The Independent’s Album of the Week.
The band, with Miranda Sykes, will perform at the Exeter University’s Great Hall on December 3. Tickets at 01392 263518 or www.seetickets.com
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
One last chance at Exeter Phoenix
27-10-2009
EXETER Phoenix is offering the people of Exeter and Devon one last chance to catch the phenomenal live showcase by the award-winning Joy Collective on Sunday 15 November.
Joy Collective’s Arts Council funded showcase sold out most of its South West tour dates this Autumn, which included key arts venues in Dorset, Devon and Cornwall. Joy Collective will be going on a national and international tour in 2010/11. The live showcase at Exeter Phoenix on Sunday 15 November will be the final chance to catch Joy Collective on home ground. Tickets cost a mere £9/£7 (conc) and can be bought at the venue’s Box Office on 01392 667 080.
Joy Collective is a new platform and production initiative for exceptional artists of any discipline, devised by Exeter based subversive electronic music artist duo Kris Jager and Mila Oshin (a.k.a. Drunk With Joy) whose work has received critical acclaim in more than fourteen countries over five continents to date. By using the latest digital media technologies and with the aid of digital media artist Stuart Mitchell, Jager and Oshin present and promote the work of an ever-expanding hand-picked selection of emerging or mid-career artists, through a phenomenal live touring showcase set on a darkly atmospheric soundtrack written and performed live by the duo. To date, Joy Collective comprises seven visual artists, five choreographers/dance artists and three digital media artists/filmmakers from all over the South West. The showcase combines individual bodies of work by all artists as well some work collaboratively produced by them inspired by their involvement in Joy Collective.
Current Joy Collective artists are Alice Leach, Beth Carter, Clair Beckett, Carl Shanahan, Curt Hennells, Darren Harvey Regan, Drunk With Joy, Eleanor Carr, Emma Molony, Helen Snell, Ione Rucquoi, Jane Castree, Joanna Cartwright, Oliver Hornsby-Sayer, Roger Lewis and StuM.
For more information, visit www.joycollective.com.
Gore-fest recreates horror of a seedy Parisian theatre
27-10-2009
BRANDISHING the soggy end of a severed arm, Cornish playwright Carl Grose announces, gleefully: “There will be loads of blood.”
The limb is, of course, a fake – one of a collection of macabre props created by the talented team at TR2 for the Theatre Royal’s latest production, a gore-fest set in turn-of-the-century Paris.
Grand Guignol takes its title from a tiny, yet notorious, theatre in the backstreets of the Pigalle district, which pioneered a particular genre of controversial naturalist plays.
Begun by ex-gendarme Oscar Metenier – who used his experience in crime-fighting to bring authenticity to his plays – the venue was opened in 1897 and soon became a favourite with patrons from all sections of Parisian society.
Carl Grose, who admits to being fascinated by horror for as long as he can remember, was commissioned by Plymouth’s Theatre Royal to recreate the gruesome scenes experienced in Grand Guignol’s heyday.
Under the direction of the Theatre’s Royal’s artistic director Simon Stokes, the small cast will open at The Drum for a two-week run this Thursday. Surrounded by stumps, severed heads and entrails designed by Francis O’Connor, Carl explained his reasons for plundering the themes of a long-dead genre for the basis for his new play.
Carl has written numerous plays for theatre over the years, including Scorched, Quick Silver and Laughing Gas. He has also written for BBC television and radio and been a writer and actor for Kneehigh Theatre for 14 years, on shows that include Tristan & Yseult, The Bacchae, Cymbeline, and Blast! His play, Superstition Mountain, for o-region, opened at The Drum last month and is currently touring.
“I’ve always quite liked horror,” he said. “And the Grand Guignol style is heightened so that it’s a kind of melodramatic horror. I originally had the idea about 12 years ago and have been tinkering with it ever since. The original Grand Guignol was all pretty sordid. The plays were staged in a tiny converted chapel in the backstreets of Paris and it was really the first time that prostitutes and criminals had been portrayed on the stage. Because of his background, Oscar Metenier knew how the inhabitants of the red-light districts spoke and so he was able to make his plays authentic. “They tended to be based on the seedier headlines of the day and would be presented as five or six short vignettes over the course of an evening. The first would usually be a comedy, the next might be a light drama and each piece would get gradually weirder as the evening progressed until the last two were full-on horrors.
“In its heyday the Grand Guignol was packed out and frequented by the nobility and celebrities – the rich and famous and the titled rubbing shoulders with prostitutes and down-and-outs.
“As well as the portrayal of horror, the thing that attracted me to it was the idea of providing raw entertainment.”
Theatre du Grand Guignol – which means literally the “big puppet show” – took its name from the popular French puppet character Guignol, whose original incarnation was as an outspoken social commentator for the workers of Lyon. Early Guignol puppet shows were frequently censored by Napoleon III’s police force.
Invariably set in laboratories or asylums, Oscar Metenier’s scripts – and those of his successor and horror junkie Andre de Lorde – were very briefly plotted and invariably resulted in an extremely gory and graphic denouement.
Regularly closed down for offending public tastes, the theatre was nevertheless a great success, particularly in the years up to the First World War – after which it became impossible to compete with the previously unimaginable horrors of the conflict itself.
Although inevitably overtaken by the realism offered by cinema, Grand Guignol continued to stage plays of various kinds right up until 1962.
“When I was writing it the temptation was to lampoon the shock value of the whole genre,” said Carl. “But in the end, and after studying what these people achieved, I decided I wanted to recreate this lost form. And although my play is a comedy, there will be loads of blood and gore and horror.
“Stylistically it’s been quite a challenge because the actors are playing actors – which is always tricky – but they also have complex offstage lives that encroach on the productions they are appearing in.
“So, for instance, you have one actor playing the stage manager who is making all the gory effects, but then there is the ‘real’ gore of his sub-plot going on at the same time.
“However, despite the many opportunities for confusion, Simon Stokes has been fantastic, knowing absolutely how to play it.”
Simon Stokes’ previous direction in the Drum Theatre has included Nostalgia by Lucinda Coxon, Presence and The Green Man by Doug Lucie, and Through A Cloud by Jack Shepherd.
Grand Guignol by Carl Grose is at the Drum Theatre from Thursday, October 29 to Saturday, November 14. Performances are Monday to Saturday at 7.45pm. All seats are £12. Box Office: 01752 267222 or www.theatreroyal.com
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Celebrating Halloween at Ottery’s Community Market
20-10-2009
OTTERY St Mary will be celebrating Halloween at their community market on Saturday.
There will prizes for the best-dressed pumpkin picture handed in at Sustainable Ottery’s Community Market on before 11am on Saturday.
Children can collect the pumpkin outlines from local schools, the Tourist Information office, Roberts Hardware, and the library in Ottery.
Judging will be at 11.30am for the three categories: Ages’ 0-4 years, 5-8 years and 9-11 years.
The Institute will be full to bursting with stalls on October 31.
Penny Hounslow, market coordinator, said: "I just don’t know how I’m going to fit everyone in this month."
The event at Ottery promotes the Western Morning News Think Local campaign, which is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
It promotes local shopping at its best with everything from organic flowers to Ottery honey, fresh vegetables to home-made cakes, small items of revamped furniture to works-of-art, high-fashion bags to children’s clothes, fair-trade jewellery and one-of-a-kind cards, face painting to second-hand books; something for everyone.
This month’s market runs from 9.30am until 12.30pm at the Institute in Yonder Street.
Spooky discos for teenagers at Pavilions
20-10-2009
PLYMOUTH Pavilions are holding two gruesomely spooky ice discos at 6pm for the under 14’s (and accompanying adults) and 8pm for the teenagers and adults on October 31.
Everyone is urged to drag out their scariest fancy dress costume and receive £1 off admission.
Prizes will be given for the best fancy dress, including one month’s free skating and tickets to see the Airwaves Plymouth Raiders.
Terms and conditions apply and are available at www.plymouthpavilions.com
Book your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.
Tickets: £4.60 (6pm) and £5.30 (8pm). Skate hire £1.50
For more information or to book your tickets, please call the Leisure Ticketing Desk on 0845 146 1460 or visit www.plymouthpavilions.com
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Plenty of treats for Halloween on offer at food fair
20-10-2009
FOOD lovers will be able to discover culinary treats beyond pumpkins at an event over Halloween weekend.
Atlantic Village, in Bideford, will host the North Devon Food Fair on the weekend of October 31.
James Morrish, leader of event organisers Torridge District Council, said: “It is vital that we, as a district council, continue to support agriculture and rural businesses and the food fair is a great example of how this partnership can work really well.
“Our farmers and food producers within the area are second to none, they provide us all with wonderful food and drink, employ local people and continue to play a major role in the communities throughout Torridge.”
Stalls will be selling sweet and savoury breads, chutneys, preserves, cheeses, pastries and meat, ciders and ales, pies, dips, fruit and vegetables, herbs, chocolates and fudges, soups, desserts, teas and patés.
Torridge’s lead member for tourism Roger Johnson said: “Increasingly, people are concerned about where their food comes from and they want to enjoy locally produced food and drink as part of their every day lifestyle.
“North Devon is blessed with a wonderful diversity of produce and the food fair is the perfect opportunity for people to come and taste the best the region has to offer with the convenience of it all being under one roof.”
Parking and entry to the food fair are free.
Visit www.atlanticvillage.co.uk or call 01237 422544 for details.
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
St Austell hosts 'Spooktacular'
20-10-2009
PREPARATIONS are well underway as St Austell gears up to host a ‘spooktacular’ family fun day across the town centre on October 31.
Hundreds of people are expected to visit St Austell for the Halloween-themed event which is being timed to coincide with the launch of White River Place taking place earlier that week.
Between 10am and 4pm, there will be entertainment provided throughout Fore Street including Atlantic FM broadcasting its Saturday brunch show ‘live’ with presenter Victoria Leigh. The radio station will also give listeners the chance to enter their Gold Rush Booth to win prizes.
A local produce market is being organised to tempt taste buds, as well as a craft market in Holy Trinity Church, charity and food stalls, live music, face painting, apple bobbing and pumpkin carving. In Old Vicarage Place there will be a number of children’s rides and a competition for the best dressed Halloween costume.
Pink witches, jugglers, live statues and stilt walkers will be out and about at various times during the day throughout the town alongside ‘Titan’ the 8 foot tall robot to entertain children and families visiting St Austell. People will also have the opportunity to take part in the newly-created St Austell discovery trail.
Local charity Forget Me Not is going to be doing ‘bump’ painting in conjunction with town centre retailer Bump to Baby - £5 will donated to the organisation for every pregnant tummy given the artistic touch.
Joint Fun Day Organiser Debbie Osborne from Cornwall Council said: “We’re confident this is going to be a really fantastic event and it’s great to celebrate the regeneration of St Austell in this way. The town is well placed, as the largest in Cornwall, to host such an exciting fun day to attract families. We’ve got a really packed programme of entertainment throughout the day to provide something for everyone.”
She added: “We want to attract people back to St Austell, perhaps those who’ve not visited the town for a while to see how much it’s changed now. There are many new independent shops, high street names and, of course, the newly opened White River Place for shoppers to explore. Our message is come in, support local traders and see what’s happening here.”
Joint Organiser Jonathan Aberdeen said: “We’re proud to be supporting this event to attract visitors to St Austell. With the opening of White River Place, the launch of the discovery trail and family fun day all taking place, it provides a great reason for people to visit.”
For more information about the family fun day, visit www.staustelltown.co.uk
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Top jockey to watch superstars
12-10-2009
MARCUS Armytage will be signing copies of his new book Turn Me On Guv at Exeter Racecourse’s meeting on Tuesday, October 20. The acclaimed book is a collection of the Grand National winning former jockey’s amusing racing anecdotes which appear in his weekly Telegraph columns. Racing begins at 2.10pm at the Devon track and features the 2m1f Best Mate Novices’ Chase and the Haldon Extension Official Opening on October 11 Beginners’ Chase.
Previous runners at the equivalent second October meeting include Cheltenham Gold cup winning Denman, who won his chasing debut at the track three years ago. Last year’s meeting featured top staying hurdler Gone To Lunch and The Tother One who won on his chasing debut at the course. Triple Gold Cup winning Best Mate won his chasing debut at this meeting and other past superstars include Grand National-winning Bindaree and Grade 2 chase winner Shooting Light
Discounts for tickets booked on line, superb value packages and a free bus from Exeter mean it’s a sporting day out of the highest calibre not to be missed. A spokesman from the course said: “It’s a hugely popular meeting, not least because expectation will be high that we might witness another horse of the same class as Denman.”
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Exhibition paints a picture of artist’s connections
08-10-2009
THE Westcountry connections which helped shape one of the most respected portrait artists in British history will be explored and celebrated at a new exhibition.
Plymouth City Museum will host Sir Joshua Reynolds: The Acquisition of Genius between November 21 and February 20.
It will feature information unearthed by researchers at the University of Plymouth on the major influence that the well-heeled characters he met in the South West had on his career and his work.
The exhibition, which will be the largest hosted by the museum in 15 years, is being staged using a £40,000 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
A range of works from museums and private collections will be on show, in a section dedicated to his loyalties to the region.
Exhibitions officer Judith Robinson said: “Many people are unaware of Reynolds’ success and the massive contribution he made to the arts. This exhibition will give visitors to the museum an opportunity to learn about his life, his connections to Cornwall and Devon and his amazing talent as a portrait artist.”
The team of researchers worked for a year, using funding from the Paul Mellon Foundation, to delve into Reynolds’s associations with country estates, and the patrons who supported him until he became better known later in his career.
The exhibition will feature works drawn from Saltram House, where the artist, who was born in 1723, forged close connections with the Parker family.
He was also commissioned to paint the Eliots of St Germans, the Edgcumbes of Mount Edgcumbe and the Poles of Antony House, all in Cornwall.
Works he created for his noble customers will feature in the display.
Some have been borrowed direct from the homes themselves, where they are part of private collections. Such contacts opened doors for him to develop his illustrious career.
The exhibition will also draw from Truro’s Royal Cornwall Museum and the Royal Albert Memorial Museum in Exeter.
The show will also explore other aspects of the artist’s life and work, such as his time as a collector, his journeys abroad and his development into a celebrated portrait artist.
Each will feature information and examples of his work from that time period.
Joshua Reynolds was the youngest of seven sons born to the Rev Samuel Reynolds, a grammar school master in Plympton, and his wife Theophilia.
His early talent as an artist led to him being sent to London at the age of 17, to be apprentice to Exeter-born portrait painter Thomas Hudson. But after three years he returned to Devon, following a disagreement with his mentor.
He painted local professionals, and particularly senior ranking officers at Devonport naval base.
In 1749, the 1st Baron, Rickard Lord Edgcumbe, arranged for Reynolds to visit Italy, where he spent more than two years. He returned to London, and painted more than 100 portraits in just two years.
Museum curator Nicola Moyle said: “Sir Joshua Reynolds is such an important artist within the history of the city and the region. The Museum’s enthusiasm for Reynolds, the new information that has been brought to light by the research that has been co-ordinated by the University of Plymouth and the funding we are receiving from HLF means we will finally be able to honour him in the way he deserves.”
Nerys Watts, HLF’s head of region for the South West, said: “We want to get people excited about the history on their doorstep. Plymouth’s connection to Joshua Reynolds – one of the truly great British artists – is a really great opportunity for people to learn about and enjoy their local and national heritage.
“This fantastic project will bring one of the museum’s collections to life for everyone to explore.”
A series of 45-minute lunchtime talks will take place throughout the duration of the exhibition.
For details of the programme and how to get tickets, visit www.plymouthmuseum. gov.uk or call 01752 304774.
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Step this way for a perfect goose
08-10-2009
NEXT week Tavistock celebrates its annual Goose Fair, which dates back to the 12th century. To mark the event, one of the town’s top chefs, Peter Gorton, is on a mission to revive the custom of eating roast goose at this time of year.
“Goose is the only poultry that is truly seasonal and it’s ready right now,” he explains. “That’s why Goose Fairs are always held around Michaelmas (September 29). It’s when farmers drove their flocks of spring-born geese into the town to sell. Back in the day, a Michaelmas goose was a serious feast.”
Next Wednesday will see plenty of fun at the Goose Fair in Tavistock. But for most of us, serving a Michaelmas goose at home is a tradition that has, sadly, lapsed over the years. If you follow a few basic principles, however, it’s simplicity itself to cook, says Peter, who runs the award-winning Horn of Plenty hotel-restaurant at Gulworthy, just outside Tavistock.
“Goose does produce a lot of fat, which can deter people,” he says. “But the fat is soluble so just make sure it can run off freely as it roasts. Properly cooked goose is crisp on the outside and tender within. The goose fat is a delicacy in itself and makes the very best roast potatoes.”
Peter prepares his goose by pricking its skin thoroughly all over the breast and fatty areas with a sharp fork. “That way, the fat can easily drain out,” he explains.
He uses just the smallest amount of olive oil to baste the bird. simply to make the sea salt and pepper seasoning stick on.
Before roasting, he covers and protects the goose’s legs with foil, to stop them drying out. And his key tip is to cook goose on a wire grill balanced over a deep (5cm or more) roasting pan containing a small cupful of water. “This way, steam rises and encourages oil to pour off. The goose doesn’t sit in the fat as it cooks.
“You don’t need to drain the fat during roasting, just carefully tip it out afterwards. A pint or more will pour from the dish and the bird’s chest cavity, so collect it into a bowl to be used for roast potatoes.
“Always buy a bigger bird than you think you might need, as you just eat the two legs, the breast and the area round the wishbone.”
Carving a roast goose can also be a slightly daunting process. Peter suggests simplifying matters by removing the breast and legs, then slicing them. “Cut down from the breastbone right next to the ribcage to remove the whole side of the breast. Then slice it on a chopping board so that each piece has some crispy skin. Give everyone some of both breast and leg meat.”
Goose is often served with a straightforward apple sauce. “You need something with sweetness and acidity to balance the richness of the goose meat,” Peter explains.
For our Michaelmas goose menu, he has rung the changes with a spicy homemade fruit relish (recipe right).
Other accompaniments for goose are usually very traditional, along the “roast potatoes and two veg” lines. Peter has given it a bit of a twist with slightly different dishes like a Tangle of Tart Greens and Potato Knish. The proof of the goose is, of course, in the eating. Peter’s Michaelmas goose has crisp, slightly salty skin and rich, dark, melt-in-the-mouth meat within. It’s quite simply sensational.
As autumn approaches and there’s a nip in the air, it’s time to start thinking about the glorious comfort food that is Sunday roast once again.
Why not be truly traditional this weekend and try a Michaelmas feast of roast goose and all the trimmings?
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Classical concerts at the Chapter House
01-10-2009
THE Beare Trio presents the first concert in the new season at Exeter Cathedral on October 7 at 7.30pm in the Chapter House.
It will include music by Mendelssohn, Louise Farrenc, Rachmaninov and a little light jazz.
The performers are Chris Gradwell (Clarinet/Saxophone), Helen Boxer (Cello) and Andrew Daldorph (Piano).
The concert on November 4 celebrates the anniversaries of Purcell, Handel, Haydn, Mendelssohn and Sabine Baring-Gould.
The international mezzo-soprano Catherine King will be accompanied by Barry Ferguson, a former chorister of Exeter Cathedral who was for many years Organist of Rochester Cathedral.
The series continues on January 20 2010 when the Eade String Quartet’s programme will include music by Haydn and Vaughan Williams. The performers are local musicians Mary Eade and Catherine Hayek (Violin), Andrew Gillett (Viola) and Sue Heywood (Cello).
The final concert in the series on February 10, 2010 will be presented by current students of the Trinity College of Music, London.
Tickets, which cost £12, which includes refreshment during the interval) are available on the door, from the Cathedral Shop or from Opus (Records).
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Strictly Come Dancing professionals comes to Devon
29-09-2009
STRICTLY Come Dancing fans will not want to miss Strictly Come Dancing - The Professionals Tour featuring 10 popular dancers from the hit BBC1 series bringing Latin fever, ballroom magic and the passion of the tango to Plymouth Pavilions from June 7-10 2010.
The Professionals, all multi award-winning dance champions with world-class pedigree have wowed viewers of the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing. Now, due to their incredible popularity with fans of the show, they are touring the UK in a spectacular dance extravaganza. Away from the pressure of the judges’ glare, the dancers, TV favourites Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace, James and Ola Jordan, Matthew Cutler and Kristina Rihanoff, Brian Fortuna and Ian Waite along with this season’s new faces Aliona Vilani and Natalie Lowe will dazzle audiences with their stunning routines and elegant gowns.
An 11-week ultimate dance extravaganza featuring breathtaking new routines, Strictly Come Dancing - The Professionals will travel the length and breadth of the UK residing for one week in each town. Fans will be taken on a rhythmic and colourful journey featuring the intensity and infatuation of the Argentine Tango, rumba rhythms, sizzling samba and mambo moves and enjoy the beauty of ballroom as The Professionals sashay across the stage night after night.
Accompanied by an amazing live band, Strictly Come Dancing - The Professionals is a must see for dancing fans of all ages.
Tickets are on sale now with prices ranging from £27 to £42.50
**£10 off all tickets on opening night performance**
School/club rate: £15 per ticket available Monday to Wednesday only (inc Wednesday matinee)
OAPs: £5 off top two ticket prices for matinee performance on Wednesday
No concessions on Friday or Saturday (inc matinee)
(Tickets may be subject to a processing fee)
To book tickets contact the Box Office on 0845 146 1460
or visit www.plymouthpavilions.com where it is cheaper to book online rather than over the phone.
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Dizzee Rascal will rap Pavilions
29-09-2009
SINCE winning the Mercury Music Prize for his debut album in 2003, Dizzee Rascal has been at the forefront of British rap music and makes his city debut at Plymouth Pavilions on March 3.
More recently Dizzee’s career has been propelled to another level with his No.1 hit ‘Dance Wiv Me’, back in July 2008, becoming a massive anthem. ‘Bonkers’ followed in May 2009 producing yet another No.1 smash.
Having supported The Prodigy on their UK arena tour in April and slaying festival crowds across the UK and Europe, including a slot on the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury, Dizzee Rascal will take on two massive tours in 2009/10, playing venues up and down the country both in the Autumn and Spring.
Tickets on sale now and cost £20. (Tickets may be subject to a processing fee)
To book tickets contact the Box Office on 0845 146 1460 or visit www.plymouthpavilions.com
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Them Crooked Vultures come to Plymouth
29-09-2009
FRESH from the success of supporting Arctic Monkeys and performing at Reading, Them Crooked Vultures have announced their first UK tour.
In an extraordinary coup for the city, the show will mark the beginning of just six UK live dates this Winter, kicking off at Plymouth Pavilions on Thursday December 10.
Formed in Los Angeles, the group comprises vocalist and guitarist Josh Homme (Queens of the Stone Age, Kyuss), bassist and keyboardist John Paul Jones (Led Zeppelin) and drummer Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters, Nirvana).
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Flo Rida comes to Plymouth
29-09-2009
HOT off the back of supporting Beyonce on her world tour, the American rapper that brought us the massive anthems ‘Low’ (No 2 Feb 08) and ‘Right Round’ (No.1 March 09), Flo Rida hit’s Plymouth Pavilions on November 12.
Flo Rida initially received national attention when his first monster single, ‘Low’, exploded seemingly out of nowhere in late 2007. The T-Pain-featured cut, now 4x-platinum, was one of the most heavily rotated rap singles of 2008. Flo Rida went on to receive the People’s Choice Award for “Favourite Hip-Hop Song” and an MTV Africa Music Award for “MTV Base Request,” as well as landing his first two Grammy nominations for “Best Rap/Sung Collaboration” and “Best Rap Song”.
Flo Rida’s debut album ‘Mail On Sunday’ was released back in April 2008 with his current album ‘ROOTS’ delivering the huge hit ‘Right Round’ back in April this year.
Tickets on sale at 10am on Wednesday 30 September 2009
Tickets cost: £25 and may be subject to a processing fee.
Tickets are limited to six per customer
To book tickets contact the Box Office on 0845 146 1460
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Exeter Phoenix showcases film extravaganza
29-09-2009
THE 8th Two Short Nights Film Festival is set to showcase some of the most exciting and diverse short films from the UK and abroad. This year, the much anticipated Phoenix Media bursary films will again be premiered on the Saturday night as well as the two new Devon County Council, UK Film Council and South West Screen supported Digital Shorts, which will be premiering along side the other Exeter Phoenix supported films from the year.
For the second year running it will be hosting the 'Two Long Days - 48 Hour Film Challenge' and the 'Guerrilla Filmmaking workshop' as well as a new South West Screen funded event, the 'Media Mashup Conference' where you can join film professionals in discussions, network with other filmmakers from the region and watch more inspiring films from the South West.
The premiere screening of the Phoenix Media Bursary Films has sold out well in advance over previous years, so we strongly advise early booking.
Two Short Nights 2009 Programme:
D+C FILM OPEN SCREENING
Fri 27 Nov/6.30pm/£3 (£2.50)
Home-grown and international short films including music videos, animations and shorts from around the world. Click here for full details.
48 HOUR FILM CHALLENGE SCREENING
Fri 27 Nov/8pm/FREE but must be booked in advance
All the best of the 48 Hour Film Challenge films screened together. See just what can be achieved over a weekend, with a prize going to the jurypicked best film. Click here for full details.
PHOENIX MEDIA FILMS: SCREENING 1
Sat 28 Nov/7pm/£3 (£2.50)
Your chance to see this year’s UK Film Council supported Digital Shorts commissions and the other film projects supported by Phoenix Media. Click here for full details.
PHOENIX MEDIA FILMS: SCREENING 2
Sat 28 Nov/9pm/£4 (£3.50)
This is your chance to catch the premiere of this year’s Phoenix Media bursary films, the awards and the after-screening party. Stick around after the screening for more prizes, networking with filmmakers and a DJ in the bar to round off the festival in style. Click here for full details.
Regular Wednesday Night Cinema Listings
KATYN (15)
Wed 7 Oct/6 & 8.15pm/£4.50 (£3.50)
EXETER PHOENIX, BRADNINCH PLACE, GANDY STREET, EXETER, WWW.EXETERPHOENIX.ORG.UK, 01392 667080
Poland 2007 /118 mins
Dir. Andrzej Wajda with Andrzej Chyra, Maja Ostaszewska, Artur Zmijewski
Poland’s greatest tragedy, the slaughter of thousands of Polish officers in Katyn Forest at the hands of Soviet forces during WW2, is tackled with sympathy and passion by eighty two year old director Wajda, whose father was amongst the victims, and who has spent 15 difficult years attempting to film a previously forbidden subject. His film is not only about the crime itself, but the collusion and propaganda which kept the truth surrounding Katyn hidden for many years.
“This powerful, heartfelt and important drama from one of the great names in world cinema is a remarkable memorial to the victims and deserves to be seen” - The Guardian
RUDO I CURSI (15)
Wed 14 Oct/6 & 8.15pm /£4.50 (£3.50)
EXETER PHOENIX, BRADNINCH PLACE, GANDY STREET, EXETER, WWW.EXETERPHOENIX.ORG.UK, 01392 667080
Spanish/2008/101 mins
Dir: Carlos Cuarón. With Gael García Bernal, Diego Luna, Guillermo Francella
Brothers Beto and Tato earn a marginal living on a banana plantation until a passing Argentinian, claiming to be a talent scout, offers to make a football star of one of them. Adopting the nicknames of Rudo (rough) and Cursi (corny), sibling rivalry takes them into the glamour and corruption of top-level football, gambling and singing. An extraordinary line-up of producers – Alfonso Cuaron, Guillermo Del Toro and Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu – ensures that the comedy is set against a pithy observation of contemporary Mexican society.
‘You need not like football to enjoy this entertainingly sceptical fable of sibling rivalry....Serious fun’ - Time Out
SPECIAL MEAL OFFER!
Buy a combined meal and film ticket for only £10 (£9) and enjoy a specially prepared Mexican style meal (served from 6.30 to 8.30pm).
Advance bookings by 12 October.
35 SHOTS OF RUM (12A)
Wed. 28 Oct/6 & 8.15 pm /£4.50 (£3.50) 01392 667080
France/German/2008/100mins
Dir: Claire Denis. With Alex Descas, Mati Diop, Nicole Dogué, Grégoire Colin
100 mins
Claire Denis’ wide-ranging career, from Chocolat to Beau Travail, brings this latest marvellous evocation of the warmth and trust of friend and family bonds set in suburban Paris. Widower Lionel (Descas) and daughter Josephine (Diop) live supportive, routine lives which are set to change with the prospect of Josephine leaving home to find her own independence. Relationships between father, daughter and their extended family of neighbours are examined through dialogue, gesture and intimate camera work.
‘...one of the finest pieces of ensemble acting I have seen in a long time’ – The Times Online
THE GROCER’S SON (12A)
Wed 4 Nov /6 & 8.15pm /£4.50 (£3.50)
France/ 2009/95 mins
Director Eric Guirado with Nicholas Cazale, Clotilde Hesme, Daniel Duval
This delightful French romcom is “like taking a vacation in the French countryside and meeting people there of whom you grow extremely fond”. Antoine is a restless 30-year-old who left Provence for Paris a decade ago. His father, a grocer who sells goods out of a van to elderly locals, suffers a heart attack. Antoine comes home to take care of the business while his father convalesces, despite the fact that the wayward son knows nothing about selling cheese to seniors. There’s a city-versus-country culture clash, a black sheep reluctantly returning to the fold, with colourfully eccentric geriatrics, some life lessons to be learned and a potential romantic interest.
“A warm hearted tribute to a disappearing way of life” - Film 4
SLEEP FURIOUSLY (U)
Wed 11 Nov/6pm only /£4.50 (£3.50)
UK/2009/94 mins
Director Gideon Koppel
Koppel’s debut film is a documentary that paints a portrait of the small, rural town of Trefeurig in Wales. The many vivid and often very funny sketches of country life are linked with the journey of the mobile library, and notable scenes include the ‘rustic ballet’ of a struggling sheep herder, and the wild facial movements of a female choir conductor. The atmospheric soundtrack by Aphex Twin work wonders, as does the abrupt, consistently surprising editing, which effortlessly transports the viewer from place to place, life to life.
RUMBA (PG)
Wed 11 Nov/8.15 only/£4.50 (£3.50)
France/Belgium/77 mins
Directors Dominique Abel and Fiona Gordon. With Dominique Abel and Fiona Gordon.
A brilliant homage to the past masters of visual screen comedy, this hilariously inventive, jet-black tale follows the fortunes and misfortunes of two school teachers obsessed with latin dancing. Their passion is cut short by a car crash which leaves him with amnesia and her defective in the leg department! Using minimal dialogue, the visual set-pieces pile up with a sustained brilliance worthy of Jacques Tati and Laurel and Hardy at their best, but with a dark, contemporary twist.
"A masterclass in hilarity" - Empire
SYNECDOCHE, NEW YORK (15)
Wed 18 Nov/6 & 8.15pm/£4.50(£3.50)
USA / 2008 / 124 mins.
Director: Charlie Kaufman. With Philip Seymour Hoffman, Samantha Morton, Michele Williams and Catherine Keener.
Caden Cotard is a New York Theatre director who yearns to create a work of profound significance. He is plagued by paranoia and prone to intense self analysis, and his artist wife Adele’s lack of interest in his problems drives him closer to his leading lady Claire and devoted box office assistant Hazel. Synecdoche is Kaufman’s most ambitious, unconventional and in many ways unfathomable story yet, but it is hugely enjoyable, ranging from funny to sad, but mostly insightful.
SPECIAL MEAL OFFER!
Buy a combined meal and film ticket for only £10 (£9) and enjoy a specially prepared American/New York style meal (served from 6.30 to 8.30pm).
Advance bookings by 16 November.
MUNYURANGABO (PG)
Wed 25 Nov/6pm only /£4.50 (£3.50)
Rwanda/USA/2007/97 mins
Director: Lee Isaac Chung. With Jeff Rutagengwa, Eric Ndorunkundiye
An ethnographic, artistic and probing debut feature set in Rwanda, Munyurangabo is the first film to be made in the Kinyarwanda language. Shot entirely with unprofessional actors, the film is raw and rough around the edges and tells the story of an unlikely friendship between 2 young men from traditionally rival tribes, the Hutus and Tutsis. Their journey takes them across the deep, dark reds and lush greens of the Rwandan landscape but their motives remain separate; one after revenge for his father’s death, the other, home.
FUGITIVE PIECES (15)
Wed 25 Nov/8.15 only/£4.50 (£3.50)
Can/Greece 2007/104 mins
Director: Jeremy Podeswa. With Stephen Dillane, Rada Serbedzija, Rosamund Pike, Robert Kay.
An adaptation of Anne Michaels’ acclaimed 1996 novel of the same name, Fugitive Pieces is a meditative and dreamy tale of memory, history, survival and guilt. As a young Polish boy, Jakob Beer was rescued from the Nazis by Athos, a Greek archaeologist. Unable to escape the trauma of having seen his family rounded up, Jakob is haunted by the memory for the rest of his life, colouring his subsequent relationships and drawing his personality ever inwards.
“One of the most delicate, approachable and rewarding Holocaust movies of recent years” – Time Out
FUTURE SHORTS (12A)
Wed 2 Dec/6.15 pm/£3.50 (£2.50)
A seasonal short film platform presenting challenging and entertaining material from around the world. In association with Phoenix Media.
NORTH BY NORTHWEST (PG)
Wed 2 Dec/8pm only/£4.50 (£3.50)
USA / 1959 / 131 mins
Director: Alfred Hitchcock. With Cary Grant, Eva Marie Saint, James Mason.
"I've got a job, a secretary, a mother, two ex-wives and several bartenders that depend on me" protests ad-man Roger Thornhill as he is abducted by two unknown kidnappers. So begins Hichcock's masterful blend of suspense and comedy in this recently re-released, evergreen tale of mistaken identity, romance, cross and double-cross. Outstanding cast, script and music from Bernard Herrmann.
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Think Local: Enjoy the best of autumn colours
29-09-2009
EVEN when those warm summer days are behind us and winter looms you don’t have to shut yourself away indoors.
Many National Trust gardens, parks and countryside areas are at their spectacular best in autumn, with trees and bracken turning shades of gold, orange and brown, heather blooming, all manner of curious fungi sprouting and some rare and exotic plants putting on unexpected shows, so get out into the fresh air and take a walk on the wild side.
To get even more out of your visit why not join in one of the fungi forays, garden walks or autumn colour walks listed below.
Antony, nr Torpoint - 01752 812191
Go Wild at Antony! Fungi Foray
Wednesday 30 September 2pm – 4pm. Discover the wild woodland and fungalicious formal garden. Normal admission applies. Booking essential.
Go Wild at Antony! Autumn Adventures.
Wednesday 14 October 1.30pm - 3.30pm. A guided walk with the gardening team to explore the autumnal secrets of the woodlands and gardens, focussing on fruits and foliage. Normal admission applies. Booking essential.
Arlington Court, nr Barnstaple - 01271 850296
Silly Saturday - Trees and Leaves
Saturday 3 October 1pm - 4pm. Talk from the warden at 2pm. As autumn begins you can learn all about trees from our wardens and make a tree leaf picture to take home. Normal admission applies.
Castle Drogo, Drewsteignton, nr Exeter - 01647 433306
Autumn Woodland Deer Walk and Breakfast
Sunday 18 October 7.30am - 10am. Join this guided walk during the fallow deer rut, hopefully to see and hear deer and find the signs of their life in the colourful woods. Adult £16, child £10 (aged 5 - 12), incl. Full English Breakfast. Booking essential.
Coleton Fishacre, Kingswear, nr Brixham - 01803 752466
Weekend Garden Walks
Saturdays 7, 14, 21 & 28 November & Sundays 8, 15, 22 & 29 November, 2pm -3pm. The gardeners will be offering a guided walk of the renowned Coleton Fishacre gardens. Normal admission applies.
Dartmoor Office
Fungi Foray in Hembury Woods
Sunday 11 October 10am - 12pm. Stroll through the woods with the Warden and a mushroom expert, looking at the variety of fungi abundant at this time of year. Assistance dogs only are welcome. Adult £4, child £2.Booking essential on 01626 834748.
Plymbridge Fungus Foray
Thursday 15 October 1.30pm - 3.30pm. Hunt the woods and see how many species of fungi you can identify. Assistance dogs only are welcome. Adult £4, child £2. Booking essential on 01752 341377.
Autumn Walk in the Woods - Holne Woods
Wednesday, 4 November 2009, 2:00pm - 4:00pm. Bring your camera and catch the magic of autumn. Dogs on leads welcome. Meet in the car park by Newbridge (Ashburton side), grid ref SX 711 709. Adult £4, child £2. Booking essential on 01626 834748.
Glendurgan, nr Falmouth. Tel 01872 862090
Seasonal Garden Walk
Thursday 1 October 2pm - 3.30pm. Leisurely guided walk to discover unusual and beautiful plants growing in Cornwall's mild maritime climate, find out how the gardeners look after the garden and pick up tips for your own garden. Assistance Dogs only are welcome. Meet at Garden Entrance.Normal admission applies.
National Gardens Scheme Autumn Open Day
Thursday 8 October 10.15am - 5.30pm Guided tour at 2pm
Join a member of the garden team on a guided tour around the garden, looking at the stunning colour on deciduous conifers and enjoying the heavenly scent of the Katsura tree. Normal admission applies.
Greenway, nr Galmpton, Brixham. Tel. 01803 842382
Vehicle arrivals are restricted at Greenway; please use ‘green transport’ whenever possible.
Meet the Gardening Team
Thursdays & Fridays only 1 - 30 October 2.15pm - 3.15pm. A 1hr walk with a gardener. The garden is on a sloping site with some uneven and steep surfaces. Normal admission applies.
Killerton, nr Exeter - 01392 881345
An Introduction to the World of Fungi – Killerton
Sundays 11 & 18 October and Sundays 1 & 15 November, 11am - 1pm. An exploration of fungi in the parkland at Killerton with Nigel Pinhorn of Exe Nature Walks. Adult £7, child £4.50. Booking essential.
An Introduction to the World of Fungi – Ashclyst
Sundays 11 & 18 October and Sunday 1 November, 2pm-4pm
An exploration of fungi in Ashclyst forest, part of the Killerton estate, with Nigel Pinhorn of Exe Nature Walks. Adult £7, child £4.50. Booking essential.
Knightshayes Court, nr Tiverton - 01884 254665
Autumn Walk
Tuesday 27 October 1.30pm - 3.30pm. A guided walk and talk around the garden looking at late seasonal interest plants and beautiful autumn tints. 20 per cent discount on the day for ticket holders in the plant centre. Normal admission + £6 pp. Booking essential.
Fungi Foray
Saturday 7 November 11.30am - 1.30pm. Join local expert Jeff Benn as he discovers more unusual fungi at Knightshayes Court. Adult £5, child £2.50. Booking essential.
Lanhydrock, nr Bodmin - 01208 265950
Identify that Mushroom!
Sunday 1 November 10am - 12pm. A gentle stroll through the woods looking into the importance of fungi and tips on identification.Meet at Respryn Car Park. Adult £4, child £2. Booking essential.
Lydford Gorge, nr Okehampton - 01822 820320/820441
Warden's Ramble
Wednesday 23 September and Wednesday 14 October 11am - 12.30pm. Walk with the warden to discover each month’s highlights including wildlife, plants and behind the scenes. Normal admission applies. Booking essential.
North Devon
Fungi Foray
Sunday 18 October 10am - 1pm. Join the Warden for a gentle stroll to discover the interesting range of fungi available at this time of year, some very edible, some very poisonous. Dogs on leads welcome. Meet at the National Trust Shop Heddon Valley (SS655480) Adult £4, child £2. Booking essential on 01598 763402.
Saltram, Plymouth. Tel. 01752 333503
Fungi Foray
Saturday 17 October 10am - 12pm & 1.30pm - 3.30pm. Join Paul Lunt, University of Plymouth ecologist on an excursion in to the fascinating world of micology on the Saltram Estate. Adult £4.50, child £2.50. Booking essential.
South Devon
Behind the scenes - Autumn Woodland Walk
Thursday 8 October 10am - 12pm. Discover more about woodland management - thinning, coppicing and managing wildlife habitats. Assistance dogs only. Meet at Overbeck's entrance (SX728374). £3pp. Booking essential.
Food for Free - Walk, Talk & Munch
Thursday 8 October 10am - 12.30pm. Join us on exploration of Noss Mayo Woods discovering nuts, fungi, and fruits. Dogs on leads welcome. Meet at Noss Hard (SX548476). £3pp. Booking essential.
Trelissick, Feock, Truro. Tel. 01872 862090
Seasonal Garden Walk
Wednesday 7 October 2pm. Join a member of the team to discover the seasonal treasures and learn about the plants of interest and the way the garden is looked after. Normal admission applies.
Autumn Garden Walk
Friday 16 October 2pm - 4pm. Tour the garden with a member of the garden team at this very atmospheric time of year, see which flowers last well into the autumn and discover how leaves turn such brilliant colours. Normal admission applies.
Trerice, nr Newquay. Tel. 01637 875404
Gardener’s Tours
Wednesday 7 October 2pm – 3pm. Tour with the Head Gardener, Tamasin Battell, to learn about garden history, gardening techniques, problem solving, what’s new and any questions. Normal admission applies.
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Away We Go - now on....
18-09-2009
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign, sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning, enourages people to support services, facilities and entertainment on your own doorstep. Away We Go is now showing at your local cinema
THE tug of war between nurture and nature continues to divide experts in the fields of child development and education.
Are intelligence and cruelty hard-wired at birth, and are we therefore predisposed to certain behaviour before our first glimpse of daylight?
Or does the love and support of the family shape our conduct towards others? In which case, are children from violent or broken homes doomed to repeat the mistakes of their parents?
In Away We Go, an expectant couple contemplate moving halfway across America so that their child will be raised in a safe, loving environment, surrounded by positive role models.
The irony is that the beleaguered parents-to-be are far more emotionally stable and well-equipped to raise their baby than almost everyone they encounter during a madcap road trip scripted by novelists Dave Eggers and Vendela Vida.
After the emotional 'sturm und drang' of Revolutionary Road and Jarhead, Oscar-winning British director Sam Mendes (American Beauty) returns to the comedy genre with aplomb, demonstrating a light touch with his dysfunctional characters.
The film opens as it means to go on, with a hysterical bedroom scene introducing Burt (Krasinski) and Verona (Rudolph), who are blissfully happy in their ramshackle cabin.
With Verona six months pregnant, the couple try to find a new place to raise the baby with the help of Burt's parents Jerry (Daniels) and Gloria (O'Hara), who live close by in Colorado.
The old-timers throw an almighty spanner in the works by announcing that they are moving to Belgium before the baby is born, leaving their son and his partner with no support network.
So Burt and Verona ponder moving to a new city.
The couple kick-starts a journey of exploration, visiting old boss Lily (Janney) and her hen-pecked husband Lowell (Gaffigan), who give parents a bad name.
"She's only 12 and I already know she's a dyke," cackles Lily cruelly, referring to her shy daughter, who can hear every stinging word.
Feminist bohemian friend Ellen (Gyllenhaal) has very strict views on raising her brood: "No separation, no sugars, no strollers!"
An emergency telephone call forces a detour to Miami, and the expectant parents reconsider their definition of 'home'.
Away We Go is an entertaining ensemble piece that paints a vivid portrait of contemporary America and its foibles.
Krasinski and Rudolph are instantly lovable, and we root for them as they come up against overly-officious airline check-in staff and relatives who clearly don't know best.
Janney is hysterically grotesque as a mother whose conduct will see her offspring in therapy for the rest of their lives, while Gyllenhaal is equally amusing in her colourful supporting role.
The narrative chugs along, covered in a thin veneer of sentimentality, towards an upbeat and life-affirming conclusion.
Away We Go is in local cinemas from September 18.
Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs
18-09-2009
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign, sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning, enourages people to use local services, facilities and entertainment which is right on your own doorstep. For fun and games - ......Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs is now at a cinema near you. . . . .
BASED on the much-loved 1978 children's book by Judi and Ron Barrett, Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs is a comical fantasy about one man's pursuit of his dreams.
Phil Lord and Christopher Miller's computer-animated film is also a colourful morality tale about the gluttony of the west where bigger is apparently always better, especially when it comes to food portions.
The directors establish the playful tone from the opening frames, announcing that we are about to watch, "A film by... a lot of people".
Teams of animators have worked wonders here, including a jaw-dropping finale involving a flood of discarded food that threatens to drown an entire town.
Ever since he was a little boy, Flint Lockwood (voiced by Hader) has been inventing gadgets and gizmos to improve the lives of his technophobe father Tim (Caan) and doting mother Fran (Graham) in the town of Swallow Falls, which is famous for its sardines.
When she passes away, father and son grow apart and Flint is left to his own devices in the lab with Steve The Monkey (Harris).
In an effort to solve world hunger, Flint creates a machine which can transform water into different foodstuffs.
Before he can test his contraption properly and iron out all of the bugs, it launches into the atmosphere - and giant pancakes, pasta and steaks rain down on the tiny fishing port, which Flint calls home.
Inexperienced weathergirl Sam Sparks (Faris) is asked to cover this meteorological phenomenon, and she immediately catches Flint's eye.
Mayor Shelbourne (Campbell) and the other residents put in orders for food they want to rain down from the sky, and Flint's contraption gradually overheats, stranding the plucky inventor, Sam, town cop Earl Devereaux (Mr T) and his young son Cal (Morgan) in the path of a giant spaghetti twister.
Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs is a treat for audiences of all ages, with slapstick and a miasma of bold colours to dazzle youngsters and some broad humour for teenagers and parents.
"Even Steve is throwing chocolate snowballs!" coos Sam as she witnesses Swallow Falls transformed into an ice-cream wonderland for Cal's birthday.
"Oh..." she adds with disgust, twigging they aren't chocolate snowballs after all.
The vocal performances are bursting with life, rather like the animation, including a riotous turn from Andy Samberg as town bully Brent, who has harangued Flint since childhood.
The film screens in traditional 2D in the majority of cinemas, but family audiences should certainly seek out the 3D version.
Donning the hi-tech spectacles, you're bombarded with food of all shapes and sizes as it rains down on Swallow Falls.
Thankfully, the technology isn't overused (you won't be ducking for cover every five minutes), providing a perfect garnish to this tasty treat.
Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs is in local cinemas from September 18.
Review: Rambert's Comedy Of Change success
18-09-2009
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign, sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning, enourages people to support services, facilities and entertainment on your own doorstep.....Rambert's Comedy Of Change triple bill in Plymouth ......
HUSH is Christopher Bruce’s celebration of our passage through life, centred on a family of parents and four offspring, all differentiated in the movements given them.
The score of Bobby McFerrin and Yo-Yo Ma is an eclectic mix including oriental strains, unfamiliar versions of popular classics, and some very strange vocalisations.
Most striking were the extended pas de deux for the parents while the children slept, which touched on so many emotions, and the comic Bumble Bee sequence.
Charles Darwin anniversaries were inspiration enough for Mark Baldwin to create his new ballet Comedy Of Change.
And the fact that Darwin launched his maiden voyage from Plymouth is a good reason to premiere this new work here.
The themes of evolution and dance combine. An emphasis on the behaviour of birds, and nature’s use of camouflage, interweave with courtship dances and display.
This, the flagship, central work of the evening, proved a disappointment.
Most memorable – certainly not Julian Anderson’s birdsong influenced score – was the design.
It opened in silence, with a mirrored floor with seven meringue-like cocoons from which slowly metamorphosed the black and white clad dancers.
Later the men created a huddled figure out of glittering foil, and crushed it at the finale.
Perhaps the concept was too immense to be encapsulated in dance; maybe it needs repeated viewing to be appreciated. On first acquaintance it failed to grip me.
A Linha Curva was made by Itzik Galili on a Sao Paulo company, but Rambert, deploying their full ensemble, have seamlessly assimilated it.
Sophisticated contemporary dance fuses with the rawness of the street in the infectious rhythms of South America, pulsating and exuberant, to pounding percussive drumming and, again, strange vocalisations.
Prominent are salsa and capoeira (Brazil’s stylised martial arts dance).
Disco style lighting varying illuminates different sections of the checkered floor to highlight difference groupings. Not that anyone ever stands still.
A rousing, athletic, exuberant, shattering conclusion to the evening.
Northcott welcomes dysfunctional family
18-09-2009
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign, sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning, enourages people to support services, facilities and entertainment on your own doorstep....Stella Feehily’s Dreams Of Violence coming to Exeter Northcott.....
A NEW comedy about a dysfunctional family, set against the collapse of the financial world is set to visit the Exeter Northcott in October.
Following its summer run in the West End, Stella Feehily’s Dreams Of Violence is the first major touring drama to visit the Northcott during this autumn season.
Hildy may be a modern woman but she’s not so skilled at the work-life balance. By day she’s a political activist, leading the City’s cleaners in revolt against the bankers.
And by night, she has increasingly disturbing, violent dreams about her family. We're talking a druggie son; the philandering husband she can’t quite say goodbye to; her errant father, and her mother, Shirley – an alcoholic, ageing former pop star who has set up camp in Hildy’s spare room in order to belittle her from close range.
The tour features the same cast as the West End run, including Catherine Russell as Hildy and former Man About The House actress Paula Wilcox as Shirley.
Hildy’s father is played by Ciaran McIntyre who won best actor at last year’s Stage Awards for his role in Deep Cut.
Stella Feehily’s first play Duck was an Edinburgh Festival hit for Out of Joint and the Royal Court and led to the commission for O Go My Man, about love and ambition amongst 30-somethings in modern Dublin.
Her Royal Court 'Rough Cut' Think Global, F**k Local explored sex and partying among NGO and aid workers. She is under commission to both The Royal Court and National Theatre.
Dreams Of Violence is at the Exeter Northcott from October 13 to 17. For tickets call 01392 493493 or see www.exeternorthcott.co.uk
Raw Landscape exhibition in Kingsbridge
18-09-2009
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign, sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning, enourages people to support services, facilities and entertainment on your own doorstep. The Raw landscape exhibition is still on in Kingsbridge......
THE idea of a conversation between a painting and a poem may sound bizarre, but listen hard and it seems to make perfect sense.
Both are products of a very similar artistic process – and while the outcome may be very different, the thinking behind is certainly not.
Artists Anita Reynolds and Mike Glanville had been planning the Raw Landscape exhibition, which opens on September 15 in Kingsbridge, South Devon.
Both had two books by the poetry group Moor Poets on their shelves and had often dipped into them for inspiration for their work.
Anita has been inspired by the rugged, raw landscapes of Dartmoor for years. Mike is more fired up by the South West’s coastline, yet he shares Anita’s passion for untamed landscapes and wild nature – not for him boats bobbing in a turquoise bay.
“We share a passion for gritty landscapes,” said Anita. “Our approach is similar – we don’t like picture postcard-type scenes. I like the moors, Mike likes coasts, but we both share a passion for rock.”
Inspiration was aided by two of the poems in the books – Groundswell by Lyn Browne and Stream by Jennie Osborne.
“As we had been using the poems we thought we ought to phone them up and ask their permission,” said Anita. “And that’s how the friendship began.”
But this wasn’t just a simple case of two paintings being inspired by two poems.
After that initial phone call, friendships grew, paintings inspired more poems and those words in turn led to newer, bigger and deeper pieces of art. It is a collaboration that has taken them all by surprise, but one they feel has been a success worth building on.
“This two-way collaborating has been very exciting,” said Jennie, whose only previous experience of something similar had been working with a photographer. And it sounds as if there are ideas afoot for more collaboration between poets and artists working around Dartmoor, prompted by this joint venture.
Raw Landscape will feature Anita’s and Mike’s work – paintings, prints and mixed media pieces – and the poetry that played a part in the creative process will also be on show at the Harbour House gallery, until Sunday, September 27.
Members of the Moor Poets group looked at a selection of work by Mike and Anita and wrote poems in response to some of them.
Graham Burchell wrote poems about some of Mike’s Hallsands woodcuts and three poets wrote about Anita’s work.
But the dialogue did not end there. From those poems, Anita has produced some striking square columns, a cross between print and sculpture and seem deeply symbolic.
“It was a complete whim – I’ve never done anything like this before,” she said. “I just thought I’m going to make three big things and this is the result. They’re really a chunky version of the collograph plates I make for printing.”
One of them, in dark reds and greys, shows the Wheal Betsy mine in 3D relief – tile cement laid on to board and then burned off with a blowtorch in places. It invites you to touch it and its shadows and shapes look remarkably like the old stone walls of the mine. It was a response to Jennie’s poem Wheal Betsy Crimson.
I met Jennie just after she had seen the piece for the first time and it looked as though yet another poetic response might have been prompted.
“I need to spend some time with it,” she said. “I may find my attempts don’t work but I’ll give it a go – I’m certainly keen to try. And you never know till you try.”
Neither artist or poet is quite sure how long this “conversation” can last, but neither feels they have run out of an artistic response to the other’s work.
The sculpture is quite dark, but fitting, Anita feels, because of the extreme hardship endured by the men who worked in the tin mines of Dartmoor. Wheal Betsy near Mary Tavy still stands, complete with its chimney as a famous landmark on the moor and the reality of life there in the 19th Century was brutal.
“I did a lot of research and looked at old photos. When you realise what their lives were like, it makes it easier to do a piece like this – there was a lot of blood and death, it was a hideous way to earn a living,” she said.
Anita admits she had never known much about poetry, or how a poet works, before the project developed. “I went on a poetry workshop and felt like an alien,” she said. “I wrote my first poem since school. But I realised that they have the same problems we do, and the thought processes are identical.”
To learn each other’s crafts, the poets and artists spent a day at Haytor Quarry on Dartmoor where the artists drew and the poets wrote – though, in true Dartmoor style, the day did end in a cafe with sticky buns as the rain poured down.
Mike has also organised a day in the print-making studio at Harbour House for the poets to try their hand at print-making, which promises to be a little less wet.
Raw Landscape is on at Harbour House, The Promenade, Kingsbridge, from September 15-27, 10am to 5pm. Visit www.harbourhouse.org.uk or telephone 01548 85601 for more details.
Fruitful future for Matthew’s tree
18-09-2009
MATTHEW Board was just two or three years old when he started tinkling the keys of the piano and strumming an acoustic guitar at home near Totnes. Some two decades on, and those early dabblings have been carefully nurtured and honed, and the 24-year-old multi-instrumentalist is preparing to launch his songs on the world with a special acoustic concert in the imposing Great Hall at Dartington.
When Matthew takes to the stage next weekend with his five-piece band, The Family Tree, and a string quartet as honoured guests, it will be both the culmination of a lifetime’s creative journey and the beginning of what he hopes will be a long and fruitful career doing what he loves best – making great music with like-minded people.
“It’s only over this last year or two, after working and working at it, that I have found a voice I can call my own. I’m ready now,” says Matthew, who grew up on a diet of his parents’ eclectic record collection from Joni Mitchell to Thin Lizzy, Nick Drake to Ian Dury, and started writing “naive” songs of his own at the age of eight.
With his clear, sweet voice and a bunch of folkie-pop songs – bouncy and uplifting, soulful and thought-provoking, tender and lovelorn – he seems well-placed to achieve his dream.
The current 10-track demo, recorded at Sawmills Studios, near Fowey, who have been supporting Matthew’s efforts after he sent them a demo four years ago, is a delightful, easily-digestible collection suggesting a melee of Ed Harcourt, Sigur Ros, Arcade Fire, Modest Mouse and even a soupcon of Dexys Midnight Runners.
Many of these songs will feature on the live setlist but, ever moving forward, the band have been rehearsing some brand new compositions written especially with the beautiful high-ceilinged Dartington venue and a string accompaniment in mind. Sam Swallow from the Hoosiers has orchestrated the score.
Matthew feels he has at last gathered the right musicians around him to embellish the bones of his songs with rich and interesting arrangements.
Grace Billings sings and plays keyboards and organ, Sam Craigen plays bass, Andy Hopper plays guitar, Lucy Fawcett plays trombone and newest recruit is Steve Jackson (Wire Daisies) on drums.
“This is not about a 10-minute flash in the pan for me,” says Matthew, who recently left Dartington after studying there for four years – the last taking a Masters degree. “The best musicians I have met just perform and play and the rest just happens.”
It is all about the music, of course, but the enterprise has a friendly Westcountry cottage industry flavour to it and Matthew believes in creating multi-stranded artistic projects.
He loves all his dad’s old record sleeves and the band promo CDs are run off by a loyal ensemble of band, friends and family who handprint one-off fabric covers bearing the Family Tree logo, created by Totnes artist Leo Connor, and hand-stamp the track listings letter by letter.
Charming and unique, they could be worth a fortune on eBay in years to come.
The Dartington date – always planned as a major showcase – has taken on even more significance in the wake of the host of summer shows that were cancelled when Matthew severed an artery and tendon in his hand falling on a bottle of beer at the bar where he was working.
“I had to have an emergency operation,” he reveals, brandishing an alarming-looking scar. He’s had to re-approach how he plays the guitar, but they say the feeling in his finger should return eventually. It certainly hasn’t affected his skill... or his enthusiasm.
Matthew Board and The Family Tree perform at The Great Hall, Dartington, Totnes at 8pm on Friday, September 25. Tickets are available from the box office on 01803 847070.
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Honest album full of beautiful stories
18-09-2009
WHEN Benjamin Taylor isn’t playing his guitar he can usually be found practising his kung fu moves. That’s basically why he decided to call his latest album The Legend of Kung Folk – Part 1 (The Killing Bite). But there’s a little bit more to it than that.
“It seemed like a good opportunity to poke fun at myself,” says the affable American singer songwriter and tireless troubadour who is returning to the Westcountry to play two gigs next month, following successful summer festival dates, including Glastonbury.
“I do feel a bit like a cartoon character of myself, sometimes, so it was a chance to play on that too,” admits the 32-year-old, who boasts legendary US artists James Taylor and Carly Simon as his parents.
“They’ve both influenced me equally in very different ways,” he says. “I learnt how to play guitar by teaching myself how to play my dad’s sound. He’s the one I really learnt about music from, but then once I started writing songs my mom really helped me.”
With such an impressive musical pedigree people are naturally curious about him.
“I’m always being asked what my music is like stylistically; I think it’s almost impossible to classify and kung folk just came to mind.
“I’m an independent artist and I forge my own way, but I know I wanted my music to be honest and this album is my best and most honest attempt so far,” adds Ben, who tries not to push his songwriting. “I haven’t really gained much by forcing myself to write when I am not inspired. There is no wrong way of creating things. As long as you are trying to make something beautiful, you are doing better than a lot of people on the planet.
“My main inspirations are love and life and humour and politics. It can be somebody else’s story, but it has to be a story I understand intimately so that I can tell it with honesty.”
The Legend of Kung Folk showcases memorable melodies, immaculate acoustic guitar playing and insightful lyrics with charisma and intimacy. The imminent second installment – Part 2 – will be an album of cover versions, and not necessarily ones written by well-known artists.
“I’ve always felt that interpretive music is one of the most important parts of my musical growth – it’s how you become inspired,” says Ben, a natural performer who exudes an easy grace and personable charm on stage and off. “I didn’t study formally so I have always learned my craft by playing other people’s songs; it’s a great tip of the hat to the person who wrote it and it’s gives people access to songs they might not otherwise hear.”
Ben lives on Martha’s Vineyard off Cape Cod in New England, but loves to play almost anywhere, confessing to a soft spot for Britain, which he calls his second home. He says: “Musically I find it much more welcoming than America. English audiences are better listeners, especially for music like mine. Americans are more easily distracted. Here you get more respect.”
Live, Ben says he tends to play the stuff that he’s currently excited by rather than the album he is supposed to be selling.
“Ultimately you are promoting yourself. You are there to turn the audience on to music. I find the more I play a song, the more I want to play it – it’s about familiarity and practice. Songs write themselves over a long period of time with me. A song isn’t finished until it is recorded. Then one night I will play it on stage and suddenly it will really really move me and I’ll really get it.”
Benjamin Taylor performs at Exeter Phoenix (01392 667080) on Sunday, October 4 and at Princess Pavilion, Falmouth (01326 211222) on Monday, October 5.
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Twins’ magic, tragic world in the snow
18-09-2009
THE snowy wastes of the Arctic are made out of fur in The Fahrenheit Twins, a bold piece of theatre coming to Plymouth’s Drum. The set, designed at the TR2 studios in Plymouth, provides a striking setting for this fantastical story of a twin brother and sister who create their own magic world in the isolation of the tundra.
The play is performed by just two people, Hayley Carmichael and Paul Hunter, from the Told By An Idiot theatre company.
They have known each other since drama school, for more than 20 years, and their ease in each other’s company has helped them in playing the parts of the twins, who are so close that they can communicate without speaking.
In this play based on a short story by Michel Faber, the siblings spend their days racing huskies across the wintry tundra, rolling in the snow and, in the absence of anyone to tell, recording the things that happen to them in The Book of Knowledge.
“The parents are anthropologists, and the kids are born out there, and know no other world and no other people,” Hayley says.
“The kids are left on their own all the time. They are not getting much guidance from their parents.”
They nonetheless thrive in this climate of benign neglect, creating their own world in their stark surroundings, until one day their mother unexpectedly takes to her bed and life changes forever.
Funny and savage by turns, The Fahrenheit Twins is a tender tale about childhood interrupted by life’s cruel twists, and the inevitable progression towards becoming an adult.
It is a co-production between the Drum Theatre and Told By An Idiot, which specialises in making unusual adaptations from short stories and films.
After reading Faber’s book, Hayley and Paul decided they had to make it into a play, sensing the dramatic possibilities of the setting.
“I think his stories are brilliant,” Hayley said.
“It is a story for adults. It has all the elements of a fairy tale, the story of what happens to the twins is kind of like Hansel and Gretel.”
As in the story of Hansel and Gretel, the Fahrenheit twins have to cope with the loss of their mother and the arrival of another woman in their lives.
Hayley and Paul play every role in the drama; the parents as well as the twins – and even the huskies who are their only playmates.
They wear costumes of white fur, complete with fur hoods – and masks for playing the huskies – which almost disappear against a set that is soft enough for the actors to tumble around on as they play in the snow.
The dramatic, fabulously tactile set is the work of designer Naomi Wilkinson.
“She’s done about eight shows for us, and she’s brilliant,” Hayley says. “We talked about wanting it to be a theatrical version of isolation. It is very playful because they can slip and slide on it.”
The Fahrenheit Twins opens in the Drum Theatre on Thursday.
Told by an Idiot recently created the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Young People’s production of The Comedy of Errors, which recently played at The Courtyard Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon.
It continues in November with performances in Newcastle schools and at the Theatre Royal, Newcastle.
The Fahrenheit Twins, directed by Matthew Dunster, is showing at the Drum Theatre in Plymouth from Thursday, September 24 to Saturday, October 10. Box office: 01752 267222 or visit www.theatreroyal.com. Suitable for people aged 12 upwards.
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Julian Clary opts to carry on camping
18-09-2009
JULIAN Clary has decided to go back to basics (easy now...) and return to the stand-up stage for the first time in five years – a chance to celebrate 25 years of camp comedy.
The last time he was in the Westcountry was when he toured with the musical Taboo, playing outrageous performance artist and fashion designer Leigh Bowery.
“I loved doing Taboo,” Julian tells me. “It was one of my favourite jobs. Playing Leigh Bowery gave me a certain amount of freedom. They were very happy days.”
During his quarter of a century in showbusiness he has turned his hand to most things – comedy, acting, presenting, writing and even performing as a novice dancer on the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, where he reached the final.
His TV shows range from Sticky Moments and Terry and Julian to Who Do You Think You Are?
Variety is obviously the spice of life.
“There’s no career plan,” laughs Julian. “Strictly Come Dancing was fun, I enjoyed that and it opened up the possibility of doing other things.
“I wrote a book and I also did Cabaret in the West End.
“Then I decided it was time to get back to a bit more touring. They are all very different. I like that variety and I like all the different things in my life – the writing, the TV, the radio, and right back to where I started with the live shows.
“I thought the time was right to go back to that. I was ready in my mind. I thought it would be most satisfactory to return.”
When Julian began his career in the early 1980s, he quickly found success as The Joan Collins Fanclub, accompanied by Fanny the Wonder Dog.
With his heavy glam make-up and bondage gear, he was a world apart from comics of the time.
“I was just doing my own thing. It’s not as confrontational now, you can’t shock people... I don’t have the energy. I’m not a young man any more!
“I’m 50. The shame of it. This will be an intimate evening – a celebration, no less, of my 25 years in the camp spotlight: how I got there and why I refuse to leave.
“Come and see me before they put me in a home.”
His new show – Lord of the Mince – plays two dates in Devon next weekend. He says he feels a responsibility to audiences to provide something new and fresh.
“The second half is surprising. There’s a quite unexpected revelation which will be quite shocking for people.
“I don’t want to just do the expected so there’s all new material. I’m quite revitalised by the challenge.
“There’s a definite framework to the script, but I’m allowed to move it about a bit.
“Fifty per cent is improvised, which is the bit I love. Hopefully you can’t see the join.”
Fans will know that Julian is a huge dog lover, but the famous Valerie won’t be travelling with him. His new puppy, Albie, may come along but isn’t very “streetwise” yet.
“We’ll have to see,” says Julian. “He already had the name Albie when I got him. He came from a dog’s home and I thought it was a nice name.
“They told me he was a Jack Russell... but he’s no more Jack Russell than I am. I think he’s a Staffy.”
Whether Albie makes it on tour remains to be seen, but Julian is relishing the challenge of a return to stand up after five years, even if it does mean leaving his home in the Kent countryside behind.
“I’m looking forward to touring. I can’t stay in my rustic bliss forever.”
Julian Clary is at the Queen’s Theatre, Barnstaple (01271 324242) on Saturday, September 26 and Exeter Northcott Theatre (01392 493493) the following night.
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
What's On in Cornwall: September 18
16-09-2009
What's On in Cornwall: Support your local events: The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Altarnon
St Nonna’s Church: Flower Festival, open daily 10.30am-6pm. Until Sept 20.
Bodmin
Bodmin Beacon car park: Pips, Slurps and Moths - join in the hunt for Bats and Moths on the Beacon. Please bring a torch and wear warm clothing. More details on 01208 262857. From 9pm.
The Barley Sheaf: Bodmin Folk Club - Fraser Sisters, all welcome. 8.15pm.
St Petroc’s Church: Church is open Mon-Sat 11am-3pm.
Callington
Heritage Centre: Heritage Centre open Fri, Sat, Sun & Bank Holidays, 10am-4pm.
Camelford
The Clease: North Cornwall Museum and Gallery - Exhibition: Paintings and Prints. Open Mon-Sat 10am-5pm. Until Sept 30.
Davidstow
Davidstow Airfield & Cornwall at War Museum: Museum open daily 10am-5pm, Group visits by prior arrangement. cornwallatwarmuseum.co.uk
Davidstow Moor RAF Memorial Museum: Open daily 10.30am-4pm. Free entry, donations appreciated. Tel 01840 213266 or 07796556939. Until end of Oct.
Delabole
St John’s Church: Harvest supper.
Falmouth
Art Gallery: Expressions - A Darwin 200 Exhibition. Open Mon-Sat 10-5pm. Until Nov 7.
Launceston
St Mary’s Church Hall: Friday market, local goods and produce. 9.30am -2pm.
Liskeard
Public Hall: Country Market. 8.30-11.30am.
St Martin’s Church Hall: Modern sequence dancing. Entrance £2. 7.30 – 10pm.
Newlyn
Art Gallery: Linda Tedsdotter - Ginnungagap. Open Mon-Sat 10am-5pm. Until Oct 17.
Padstow
Museum, Institute Building: Museum now open Mon-Fri 10.30-4.30, Sat 10.30-1pm.
Pencoys
Primary School: Fourlanes Gardening Club members show. Wheelchair friendly. From 1pm.
Penzance
The Rainyday Gallery: Matthew Lanyon Paintings exhibition. Open Mon-Sat 10am-5pm. Until Oct 9.
The Exchange: Plastic Culture, Legacies of Pop Art 1986-2008. Open Mon-Sat 11am-5pm. Until Oct 3.
Perranporth
Memorial Hall: Perranporth Modern Sequence Dance Club. Admission £2 incl tea or coffee. 7.30-10pm.
Perranzabuloe
Museum: Museum open Mon-Fri 10.30am-4.30pm, Sat 11am-1pm. Admission free.
Saltash
Heritage Museum, Lower Fore Street: Exhibition -‘Bridging the Years’. Open Wed 2-4pm, Thur & Fri 10.30-12.30 and 2-4pm, Sat 10-4pm.
Mary Newman’s Cottage: Enchanting 15th century cottage. Open Wed/Thur/Sat & Sun. Noon-4pm.
Elliotts Store: Post war corner shop. Open Wed 2-4pm, Sat 10am-midday.
St Agnes
Museum: St Agnes Museum open daily 10.30am-5pm, Admission free. Free parking in village.
St Blazey Gate
Leekseed Chapel: 185th Anniversary Flower and Fruit Festival, open daily from 2-6pm. Friday Biscovey Boys Choir, Saturday Kernow Kordian Band. Until Sept 20.
St Ives
The Guildhall: St Ives September Festival 2009. A Festival of Music and The Arts in St Ives. Details of events on www.stivesseptemberfestival.co.uk Until Sept 26.
Tintagel
WI Hall: Coffee morning for Macmillan Cancer Support. 10.30-12.30.
Tresillian
Village Hall: Social dance 7.30pm. Ring Jen for details on 01726 69383.
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
What's On in Devon: September 18
16-09-2009
What's On in Devon: Support your local events. The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Dawlish
Museum: Museum now open Wed-Fri 10.30am-5pm. Sat and Sun 2-5pm. (Closed Mon & Tue).
Exeter
Killerton House: Recycling with Attitude - a wide range of textile work exhibited by a group of West Country designer-makers. Open 11-4.30pm, (closed Tuesdays & Thursday 17 Sept). Usual National Trust entry fees apply. Until Sept 20.
Kingsbridge
The Royal Oak, Malborough: Friday Night Music Club, an eclectic range of musical performances from the South West. Information on 01548 561481.
Manaton
Heathercombe: The EDGE Sculpture Trail and Heathercombe gardens/woodland walks will be open Tue-Sun from 10am-5.30pm. Until Sept 27.
Newton Abbot
Courtenay Centre: Nadsa Concert - Tradescant Trio (piano, flute and oboe).
Plymouth
City Museum & Art Gallery: An exhibition marking the 150th anniversary of Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s Royal Albert Bridge. Also - Comedians: From the 1940s to now, photographic works from the National Portrait Gallery. Until Oct 10.
Sidmouth
Manor Pavilion: Summer Play Festival. Unexpected Guest. Until Sept 23.
Tavistock
The Wharf: Cream of Clapton (Eric Clapton tribute). 8pm.
Teignmouth
Teignmouth Triangle: Craft Fayre, good quality goods hand made by local people. Entrance free. Every Friday 10am-4pm.
Tiverton
Museum: Fashion For All Exhibition - The history of everyday fashion from between the wars until the 80s. Open Mon-Fri 10.30-4.30pm, Sat 10-1pm. Until Oct 3.
Torquay
Princess Theatre: The Agatha Christie Theatre Company -The Spiders Web. Various 2.30pm and 7.30pm performances. Until Sept 19.
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Woodland becomes organic food haven
15-09-2009
By Louise Vennells
A PICTURESQUE woodland will be transformed into a culinary haven this weekend, when it hosts Devon’s first organic food festival.
More than 20 producers from across the county will descend on Haldon Forest, near Exeter, for a free day of tasting, family fun and foodie activities between 10am and 4pm on Sunday.
Organisers say it is the ideal opportunity for residents and tourists to discover the wealth of quality food produced in the county, and to learn more about where their food comes from.
It will also provide a platform for producers to unite in the challenging economic climate. The ethos echoes the Western Morning News Think Local campaign, sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning, which encourages readers to take advantage of the goods and services on their doorstep.
Stalls will sell a delicious array of goods, including vegetables, fudge, ice cream, drinks and meat, as well as goods such as organic skin care products.
Helen Lynch, from Teas Me, co-organiser of the Devon Organic Festival, said she was “thrilled” that most of the producers were coming from within a 20 mile radius of the venue. She said: “It’s all about cutting down on food miles and highlighting where our food comes from, but also supporting local producers and emphasising that we really don’t have to shop for things which come from further afield. If you buy food from your surrounding area, not only is it better for everybody’s pocket, but it’s even more sustainable.”
Nationally, media reports have indicated that consumers have turned away from organic goods, as they try to make savings. But Mrs Lynch said all the Westcountry producers she had spoken to were having a “bumper year”, and said shoppers were becoming more discerning and putting increasing emphasis on quality and value for money.
Sunday’s event will celebrate the sector, but will also offer entertainment including story telling, mushroom foraging, art and craft workshops and growing seedlings to take home.
The event will feature a yurt which will hosts speakers such as Phil Chandler, from Bio Bees, based in Totnes, who will discuss his methods of using hives which replicate the natural shape that bees build them in the environment.
And Ian Shears, of Highfield Farm, will man his mobile bakery, allowing children and adults to create fresh bread rolls to be baked in his oven.
Co-organiser Rod Hall, from Rod and Bens organics, said: "This event is for everyone - not just those that already buy organic. It's a great opportunity for people to learn more about the benefits of organic produce and the wide range of products that are out there."
Let us know how you are thinking local by emailing us on thinklocal@westernmorningnews.co.uk
Early risers gather to gather bird data
15-09-2009
Alice Wright
EARLY risers can help collect important information about birds and their behaviour on the Axe Wetlands this weekend.
The Axe Estuary Ringing Group is running a bird ringing session at East Devon District Council’s Colyford Common Local Nature Reserve on Saturday morning, September 19.
The group will use finely meshed “mist” nets to catch the birds.
The birds are quickly removed from the nets and then carefully weighed, measured and their details recorded before having a leg ring with a unique identity sequence attached. They are then free to go on their way.
The information collected provides valuable data about birds and their patterns of behaviour.
The entrance to Colyford Common is about 200 yards down Seaton Road from Colyford post office.
Parking is available at Colyford Memorial Hall.
The session starts early, at 8am, and is expected to carry on until around noon. Bacon butties and a hot drink are available at a small charge.
The morning will not go ahead if the weather is very wet.
For more information contact the Countryside Service on 01395 517557.
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Future of gig racing secure with record turnout
14-09-2009
By Lyn Barton
A RECORD turnout proved the future of gig racing was bright when the sport’s champion women and youngest rowers met to battle for trophies.
The Newquay Gig Championships is a showcase for the best women’s teams and the aspiring top rowers of the tomorrow in the junior section.
As the season’s main finale, it offers the chance to see which teams have fulfilled the promise shown at the opening of competitive racing back in May at the World Championships on Scilly.
For one team - the all conquering Falmouth Ladies crew, Newquay offered the chance to overcome the heartache of a rare defeat on Scilly.
Back in May, the team which has five consecutive world titles lost out on the sixth crown in a row.
But the experience had obviously sharpened their senses and at the final in Newquay they maintained a convincing lead to cross the finish line several lengths ahead of their nearest rival.
Lena Oldrieve, summed up the team’s delight.
“It’s nice to back on top,” she said.
“It has been a tough season and we have had to make a lot of changes, but it has all come together.
“We have worked and trained really hard and it’s great that has paid off.”
Karen Beswetherick said defeat at the World Championships had spurred them on.
“It was a real disappointment at the Scillies, but we just kept working to keep it going.”
The team, which also included Caseley Heard, Amelia Muller, newcomers to the championship Lizzy Fernie and Jenny Shipley, as well as cox Rosie Wakeling, will now be taking a well deserved rest.
Injury could have also spelled disaster for the team which lifted the junior championship trophy.
Two weeks ago, a Cadgwith junior rower broke his hand forcing a last minute substitution.
However, cox and training coordinator Jeb Preston said a fortnight’s worth of intensive training paid off when they crossed the finish line in first place at Newquay.
“It was a fantastic final and the team did a brilliant job.”
In a nail biting race, Cadgwith fought back competition from Penryn and Helford to lift the trophy.
“It was very close. Penryn were ahead of us, but very slowly in the last straight we just crept up on them.
“In the end there was only half a length in it.”
The team, Ed Langley, Matt Holyer, Harry Preston, James Fitzsimmons, Sam Davies and, last minute replacement Ollie Williams, are all pupils at Mullion School.
The first mixed junior crew across the line was from Torridge and came in at eighth place, while the top junior all-girls crew hailed from Helford and finished 16.
John Cuthill, chairman of Newquay Gig Club, paid tribute to the high standards of rowing and competition.
“This is a record entry in the ladies competition and the largest turnout for the under 16 crews since we started this event more than 20 years ago.
“The crews amaze me, they really do. The standard is amazing.”
Commodore Jamie Miller CBE, the Naval Regional Commander for Wales and the South West, paid a welcome return visit to the championships despite breaking his foot earlier in the week.
As he presented the women with their medals, he praised their “guts and fortitude”.
He spoke of the pride in the Royal Navy’s relationship with the championships.
“This is a hugely successful maritime event and it is good to be associated with this success.”
Ladies Championship: 1 Falmouth, 2 Roseland, 3 Caradon
Junior Championships: 1 Cadgwith, 2 Penryn, Helford.
Next week will see two regattas. On Saturday, Devoran will stage an event for limited numbers of gigs. On Sunday, St Ives regatta, which was rescheduled from earlier in the year, will take place.
What's On in Cornwall: September 16
14-09-2009
Bodmin
Robartes Junior School: Scottish Country Dancing. Beginners welcome, contact 01208 77598 for more information. 7.30-10pm.
St Petroc’s Church: Church is open Mon-Sat 11am-3pm.
Boscastle
Visitor Centre on the Harbour: Historical Boscastle- guided walk, approx two hours. More info on 01840 250010. 2pm.
Callington
New Road Car Park: Callington Country Market. 8.45-11.30am.
Camborne
Wesley Centre: Pensioners' special lunch, every Wednesday, wheelchair-friendly. Noon-1.15pm.
Crackington Haven
Otterham Hall: Crackington Haven Modern Sequence Dance Club. From 8pm.
Cury
Village Hall: Family fun Quiz, 7.30pm.
Davidstow
Davidstow Airfield & Cornwall at War Museum: Museum open daily 10am-5pm, Group visits by prior arrangement. cornwallatwarmuseum.co.uk
Fraddon
Village Hall: Beginners' line dancing 6-7pm. Sequence dancing 7.30pm. Contact Jen for more details on 01726 69383.
Liskeard
St Martin's Church Hall: Scottish Country Dancing Group. Beginners welcome. 7.30-10pm.
Newquay
Lane Theatre: Trap for a Lonely Man, Thriller by Robert Thomas, Tue & Wed at 8.15pm.
Newlyn
Art Gallery: Linda Tedsdotter - Ginnungagap. Open Mon-Sat 10am-5pm. Until Oct 17.
Padstow
Museum, Institute Building: Museum now open Mon-Fri 10.30-4.30, Sat 10.30-1pm.
Pelynt
Methodist Church: Church lunch 12-1.30pm.
Penzance
The Exchange: Plastic Culture, Legacies of Pop Art 1986-2008. Open Mon-Sat 11am-5pm. Until Oct 3.
Perranzabuloe
Museum: Museum open Mon-Fri 10.30am-4.30pm, Sat 11am-1pm. Admission free.
Polperro
Village Hall: Fine Things - Mini Flea Market. Open Tue, Wed & Thur 10am-4pm.
Saltash
Heritage Museum, Lower Fore Street: Exhibition-'Bridging the Years’. Open Wed 2-4pm, Thur & Fri 10.30-12.30 and 2-4pm, Sat 10-4pm.
Mary Newman’s Cottage: Enchanting 15th century cottage. Open Wed/Thur/Sat & Sun. Noon-4pm.
Elliotts Store: Post war corner shop. Open Wed 2-4pm, Sat 10am-midday.
St Agnes
Museum: St Agnes Museum open daily 10.30am-5pm, Admission free. Free parking in village.
St Ives
The Guildhall: St Ives September Festival 2009. A Festival of Music and The Arts in St Ives. Details of events on www.stivesseptemberfestival.co.uk Until Sept 26.
Truro
The Salvation Army: Coffee morning, every Wednesday, bric-a-brac stall. 10.30-11.30am.
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Madness come to Plymouth
02-09-2009
MADNESS' phenomenal year will come to a climax with The Liberty Of Norton Folgate UK Tour which is heading to Plymouth Pavilions on December 4.
This is the first UK tour for the album that saw the band reclaim their rightful place at the peak of Britain’s pop hierarchy with a return to the UK Albums Top 5 and a host of critical appreciation for ‘a work of great craft and charm’ (Evening Standard). Their performance at Glastonbury drew massive crowds for a set that reminded everyone of a catalogue crammed with some of the greatest moments in pop music, July’s Madstock was a highlight of the London festival season and throughout the Summer the band have toured Europe playing festival sets to massive crowds. When Oasis split at the Rock An Seine Festival last week, it was Madness that the Promoters turned to in order to keep the crowd happy. Needless to say the band delivered.
Prior to their Plymouth date, Madness are due to release two albums. The first, ‘Total Madness’, is a comprehensive compilation of their finest moments through three decades of pop and is due out on 21 September, with a second disc featuring the classic music videos; while October 26 sees a very special re issue of the band’s debut ‘One Step Beyond’, with a second disc of rare and unreleased tracks from the band’s formative years and the album era.
Marketing Officer at Plymouth Pavilions, Robert Maltby said: “It’s great to welcome the boys back to Plymouth following their sell out performance in December 2007. I always remember how they added a magic touch to their last visit to the city by filming Plymouth street signs to accompany their classic hit ‘Our House’, it was a truly fantastic show. To have both Madness and a sell out performance from The Specials in a single season will send Ska fans in the city crazy”.
Tickets go on sale September 4 at 9am.
Tickets cost: £33.50 (Tickets may be subject to a processing fee)
To book tickets contact the Box Office on 0845 146 1460 or visit www.plymouthpavilions.com
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Members benefit from local reward scheme
02-09-2009
EXETER Racecourse has joined forces with several local companies to offer new members exclusive rewards if they become a half year member before the start of the season on October 7.
Anyone signing up before September 15 will be entered into a prize draw to win a wine tasting meal for two, courtesy of the Totnes Wine Company.
Cornwall Farmers, the South Devon Chilli Farm, Suzy Sweat Tooth, Moor Meat, Leonard Coombe, Plymouth Argyle, Bredon Hill Shooting Supplies, Bistro Bacchanalia and Contour Exhibitions Devon and Cornwall Christmas Equine Fair are just some of the businesses who have become affiliated to the racecourse by offering discounts and money off vouchers to new members.
New members will also receive 30 free reciprocal racedays as well as the use of fantastic new facilities, due to be officially opened in November, including a viewing balcony overlooking the course.
Sponsorship and hospitality manager Alice Everitt said: “We are really excited about the new season starting and the prospect of seeing some of the very best young horses in action. Our new reward schemes shows our commitment to Exeter members and it also enables regular race goers to enjoy discounted racedays as its costs just £75 for the half year and allows access to all areas including the undercover grandstand.”
To find out more contact Alice Everitt on 01392 832599 or visit www.exeter-racecourse.co.uk.
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Ready, steady, go: autumn walking festival announced
02-09-2009
THE first North Devon and Exmoor Autumn Walking Festival will take place between September 18-21 with over 30 guided and speciality outings over the four days.
Ten of the walks will be linked with the North Devon Coast Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in celebration of their 50th anniversary.
The walks cater for most levels of ability ensuring everyone will be able to discover the region’s beautiful and diverse scenery on foot. Exmoor is particularly beautiful at this time of year when there’s still a chance to catch some warm sunshine and the leaves start taking on the golds and russets of autumn.
Organised by West Country Walks, who are well known for their highly successful spring walking festival, and supported by Active Exmoor, the new autumn festival will feature several new routes as well as a number of firm favourites.
Highlights will include fungi forage and deer search walks with an Exmoor National Park ranger. Amongst those linked with the North Devon Coast Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty will be a guided walk by Sir Hugh Stucley around the Hartland Abbey estate and their lovely old Blackpool Mill Cottage. This was featured in the BBC adaptation of Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility, when it was transformed into ‘Barton Cottage’ as a home for Mrs Dashwood and her three daughters.
The majority of walks are priced from £5-£6 for adults and £4-£5 for children. All have a ticket allocation and should be booked in advance; dogs on a lead are welcome on some walks. Reservations can be made online at www.walkingnorthdevon.co.uk (from early July) or by calling the Tourist Information Centre at Ilfracombe on 01271 863001 who can also assist with accommodation suggestions.
Details about other things to see and do in the area can be found on www.exmoor.com or call the Minehead Tourist Information Centre on 0845 166 1001 for a copy of the Exmoor Coast and Country holiday guide. Information about the North Devon Coast Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty can be found on www.northdevon-aonb.org.uk
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Exeter Green Fair Loves Local Food
02-09-2009
THIS year the annual Exeter Green Fair takes place on the Cathedral Green on September 5 from 10am to 4pm. There will be 51 stalls with local green groups, information, shopping, children’s entertainment, and – most importantly this year – lots of great food!
That’s the theme of this year’s Green Fair: “Local Food”.
Each year the Fair explores one topical environmental issue as its main theme – and this year visitors will be able to find out how choosing local food helps the environment, as well as being able to sample tasty offerings from some very local food producers.
The event runs in line with the Western Morning News Think Local campaign, sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Everyone eats food every day – everyone chooses what food to buy and that means that all our individual choices add up to a huge impact on the environment depending on what we demand.
For most of us who live in cities, the food we eat and the countryside it comes from is perhaps our strongest link to the environment. This link is a very topical environmental issue, as explored by George Alagiah’s current BBC2 series “Future of Food”.
One of the things that make Exeter so beautiful is that from the city centre you can nearly always see green fields on the skyline in every direction. But what’s growing in those green fields? If our farming and food systems were truly sustainable and efficient, those fields would be mainly producing food for the people of Exeter to eat. Local food for local people – this would minimise transport making the carbon footprint of our food as low as possible. Of course we can’t provide for all our food needs here – rice, lemons, cocoa and a lot of our other favourites need warmer climates to grow and if we continue to want these then we will have to continue to import them. But many of our staples such as bread, milk, cheese, eggs, meat and many vegetables can be produced locally.
Devon has a mild, fairly wet climate and plenty of steep hills, meaning that it’s not easy or economical to grow much other than grass – which does extremely well here. We can’t digest grass, so the best way of converting all this Devon rain (and sun!) into food we can eat is to use the land for grazing animals. Cattle can be reared purely on grass (fresh in summer and preserved as silage in the winter) without the need for any other feed. With this type of farming system, local grass can be converted into our steaks, milk, butter and cream – without the need to import either the foods themselves, or animal feed to produce them. That’s pretty environmentally friendly food production.
Even more environmentally friendly, because of the efficiency of growing food for people rather than to feed to animals, is the local production of vegetables fruits and grains. This can be done on the better land.
So are the fields around Exeter producing food for local people? No, the sad truth is that many of the green fields you can see are pony paddocks, and even those that do produce food are tied into long-distance supermarket supply chains. The beef and other food is just as likely to end up on a dinner plate in Yorkshire as one in Devon. Even if it does feed somebody in Devon, it will have needlessly travelled to a distribution depot and back first. Meanwhile, the supermarket shoppers of Exeter are filling their trolleys with beef from Argentina and butter from New Zealand. If this seems shockingly wasteful, there is something we can do – we can find out more about local food and how to access it.
This is where the 2009 Exeter Green Fair comes in. With no entry fee and a warm welcome to everyone, we’ll be showcasing some of the local food producers around Exeter. Visitors will have the chance to buy fresh organic vegetables picked the same day from fields only three miles away. Fresh grass-fed beef, again from only three miles away. Home-made bread made with flour from Otterton Mill. An online shop which sources as much as possible from Devon. And more importantly, everyone will be able to find out how to make these local foods a regular part of their diet – from home-delivered vegetable boxes to the Farmers Market to the “Love Local Food” van which tours Exeter on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Visitors will also get the chance to compare prices with the supermarkets – in most cases these local foods are not as expensive as most people expect.
The Exeter Green Fair committee hopes that raising awareness of local food will encourage people to make a change in their shopping habits that could make a big impact environmentally. Food counts for a big part of our collective carbon footprint and this is a way to significantly reduce it. And the more we invest in our local food infrastructure, the more robust it will become, which can only be a good thing for the future.
Free heritage days out: Think Local
02-09-2009
AS PART of Heritage Open Days the National Trust will be opening 21 of its properties in Devon and Cornwall for free on September 12, with a further six opening for free on September 13.
Across the two counties there will be opportunities to find out more about the National Trust; take special behind the scenes tours, pick up inspiring tips from expert housekeepers and even get the chance to meet some of the characters who once called these beautiful houses and gardens ‘home’.
Here are just a few of the events on offer:
Arlington Court &and The National Trust's Carriage Collection, Devon:
Heritage Open Day with Arlington Characters Come to Life! September 12, 11am-3pm:
Meet a cast of characters from 1883 who lived and worked on the Arlington Estate. From gamekeeper to coachman they all have an interesting tale to tell. The Arlington characters will take tours at 11am, noon and 2pm, subject to weather.
Booking is not needed for this event
For more information please call 01271 850296
Castle Drogo, Devon
Heritage Open Day with Roof Top Tours September 12, 11am–5pm:
A unique opportunity to enjoy dramatic views of Dartmoor from the roof of the last castle built in England. Roof Top Tours will take place every 30 minutes throughout the day with a small charge of £1.50 per person.
Booking is not needed for this event.
For more information please call 01647 433306
Lanhydrock, Cornwall
Living History Heritage Open Day September 12 from 12pm-3pm:
Set in 900 acres, Lanhydrock is one of the most fascinating and complete late 19th century houses in England. The ultimate 'Upstairs/Downstairs' experience, visit on Heritage Open Day and meet the fascinating characters from Lanhydrock's past.
Booking is not needed for this event
For more information please call 01208 265950
Lydford Gorge, Devon
Heritage Open Day and ‘Go behind the scenes with the wardens’ on September 12 from 11am–4pm.
It is always wonderful to explore the deepest gorge in the South West, with its spectacular 30m waterfall, but on this day there will be the opportunity to have a unique insight into the work of the wardens who maintain and preserve this special place.
Booking is not needed for this event.
For more information please call 01822 820320
Cornish Mines and Engines, Cornwall
Heritage Open Day on September 13 from 11am-5pm.
The day includes access to parts of the site not normally available to visitors, guided tours, family history society assistance and activities for children, such as the archaeologist's 'dig' and creative modelling.
Booking is not needed for this event
For more information please call 01209 315027
For details of all National Trust properties taking part, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/heritageopendays
Think Local, a Western Morning News campaign sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Strictly Come Dancing - The Professionals
02-09-2009
Support entertainment venues - Think Local: A WMN campaign sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
STRICTLY Come Dancing fans will not want to miss Strictly Come Dancing - The Professionals Tour featuring 10 popular dancers from the hit BBC1 series.
It will bring Latin fever, ballroom magic and the passion of the tango to Plymouth Pavilions from June 7-12, 2010, including matinee performances on Wednesday and Saturday at 2.30pm.
The Professionals, all multi award-winning dance champions with world-class pedigree have wowed viewers of the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing. Now, due to their incredible popularity with fans of the show, they are touring the UK in a spectacular dance extravaganza. Away from the pressure of the judges’ glare, the dancers, TV favourites Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace, James and Ola Jordan, Matthew Cutler and Kristina Rihanoff, Brian Fortuna and Ian Waite along with this season’s new faces Aliona Vilani and Natalie Lowe will dazzle audiences with their stunning routines and elegant gowns.
An 11-week ultimate dance extravaganza featuring breathtaking new routines, Strictly Come Dancing - The Professionals will travel the length and breadth of the UK residing for one week in each town. Fans will be taken on a rhythmic and colourful journey featuring the intensity and infatuation of the Argentine Tango, rumba rhythms, sizzling samba and mambo moves and enjoy the beauty of ballroom as The Professionals sashay across the stage night after night.
Accompanied by an amazing live band, Strictly Come Dancing - The Professionals is a must see for dancing fans of all ages.
On sale now: Tickets range from £27 to £42.50
**£10 off all tickets on opening night performance**
School/club rate: £15 per ticket available Monday to Wednesday only (inc Wednesday matinee)
OAPs: £5 off top two ticket prices for matinee performance on Wednesday
No concessions on Friday or Saturday (inc matinee)
Tickets may be subject to a processing fee)
To book tickets contact the Box Office on 0845 146 1460
Or visit www.plymouthpavilions.com where it is cheaper to book online rather than over the phone.
Lily Allen, Motorhead, and Basement Jaxx
01-09-2009
THE Autumn may be fast approaching and Plymouth Pavilions has just launched its autumn/winter season. To coincide with the new season, the Pavilions have decided to give their brochure a bit of a make-over thanks to the guys at Plymouth based marketing and communications company, Fuel.
With a spanking new look, the brochure has a great new showbiz magazine feel. The brochure, with pop princess Lily Allen on the cover, is available from the Pavilions and a vast range of city centre outlets or concerts can be viewed here on Think Local.
SEPTEMBER
What better way to kick off the new season, than with three back to back sell out performances from comedy genius Michael McIntyre. Choosing Plymouth to try out new material before his Arena tour, Michael will be performing live from September 9-11.
A regular favourite, Colin Fry will once again demonstrate his psychic abilities on September 13, whilst raising money for the ‘2 Million Reasons Campaign’ Seafarers UK will present their annual charity concert on September 17 with special guests HM Royal Marines Band.
September comes to a spectacular climax with the return of The Westcountry Wedding Show on Sunday 20, showcasing everything from designer bridal wear to romantic honeymoon destinations.
OCTOBER
As the nights are drawing in and there is a chill in the night air, Cuban heat will be emanating from the Pavilions Arena on October 3 with the return of the Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club.
Then, it’s time to get your glow sticks ready as Enter Shikari rock the city with their infamously raw showmanship on October 8. Mid way through the month, it’s time for a much anticipated return visit by firm favourite Michael Ball on October 9 as he celebrates 25 great years in the business.
From one for the Mums, to one for the kids as Bob the Builder hits town for his 10th Anniversary show ‘Spud’s Big Mess’ on Friday 16 (matinee and early evening performances available). Closely following Bob, heartthrob David Essex returns to the Pavilions on October 18.
Then, if pop opera’s your bag, you’ll be delighted to hear that Paul Potts will return to the city on October 22. The ‘BLOCTOBER’ tour hits the Pavilions on October 23 as Bloc Party commence their biggest UK tour to date. Then bringing October to a close, local woman Angela Rippon hosts the Battle of Britain charity concert, featuring the acclaimed musicians of the Cory Brass Band on October 31.
NOVEMBER
Opening the Pavilions November line-up, you love him so much that he’s back for his third visit to the Pavilions; this time with his ‘Pub Landlord’s Beautiful British Tour’, Al Murray promises laughs a plenty on November 3. Then in the first of two sell November shows, Ska legends The Specials hit the stage on November 5, followed by Remembrance 2009, where the Federation of Ex-Services will pay tribute to the fallen on November 6.
The band that probably hold the record for the loudest sound system ever at the Pavilions, Motorhead, rock on in on November 11, and princess Lily Allen will perform to a sell out crowd on November 21.
Every child’s favourite superhero ‘Sportacus’ rolls into town from November 26 to 29 as LazyTown Live. hits the stage in a ‘Pirate Adventure’. Get ready for star-jumps, power-moves, sing-along songs and dancing in the aisles at a fun packed show that’s all about encouraging your child to lead a healthy lifestyle.
DECEMBER
In what promises to be a theatrical spectacular, rock god Alice Cooper’s ‘Theatre of Death’ Tour opens on December 2. The king of ‘shock rock’ will be performing all his classic hit’s including ‘School’s Out’ and ‘Poison’, as well as newer material from his 2008 album ‘Along Came A Spider’.
Another injection of comedy comes from those Grumpy Old Women on December 6 and Jools Holland along with his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra brings a whole host of special guests including new addition Dave Edmunds on December 11.
Local favourites the Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines perform their annual Christmas Spectacular on December 12. Then, imagine the Notting Hill Carnival placed right in the middle of the Pavilions Arena and you begin to get a feel for what a great party atmosphere Basement Jaxx create at their live gigs - catch the party duo on December 14, followed by reggae legends UB40, supported by Eddy Grant, on December 15.
As the year comes to a close, the Pavilions have three great shows to get you in the festive mood. Perfect for a great Christmas work’s night out, Gary Mullen and his band The Works recreate the ultimate Queen experience on December 18 with One Night of Queen; whilst Holly at Christmas rocks into town on December 20, before Christmas with the Rat Pack Live from Las Vegas brings 2009 to a fitting close on December 23.
To book tickets contact the Box Office on 0845 146 1460.
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
SAW: Somerset Art Weeks
01-09-2009
SOMERSET Art Weeks 2009, a county-wide celebration of the huge variety and quality of contemporary visual art that can be found within Somerset, will take place between September 19 and October 4.
Bringing art to everyone, the initiative will feature over 400 local artists and makers showcasing their work in more than 90 venues across Somerset with group exhibitions, community projects and special events.
Artworks covering a diverse range of practices will be on display from ceramics, watercolour, textiles and jewellery to glass, wood, stone and metal work as well as photography and digital media.
Among the more well known artists are former war (now landscape) photographer Don McCullin; landscape painter James Lynch and his wife Kate, who is recognised for her book and touring exhibition ‘From Lamb to Loom’, which follows sheep and crafts people through the seasons. Also of special interest will be a studio exhibition of exquisite textile designs from England and Japan with Liz Clay, Annie Fewlass, Mayumi Maeda and Kazuko Yamanaka. Designs by Liz Clay have been featured in collections by Stella McCartney and Givenchy.
Entry into the various Somerset Art Weeks venues is free. A guide is available from local libraries and Tourist Information Centres or direct from Somerset Art Works on Tel: 01458 253800 or can be downloaded from www.somersetartworks.org.uk
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Kate Walsh to play Exeter Phoenix
01-09-2009
KATE Walsh, the Brighton-based singer-songwriter whose unsigned, home-made album, Tim’s House, was an iTunes sensation in 2007 – knocking Take That off the number one spot – returns with a brand new album and tour from late September.
Light and Dark was produced by Tim Bidwell and mixed by Andy Green, and features guest appearances from Turin Brakes and Crispin Hunt from her favourite band Longpigs.
Producer Lee Russell, who noticed her amazing potential and secured her an immediate publishing deal with Warner-Chappell for her first album, initially discovered Kate Walsh six years ago in her hometown of Burton-On-Crouch in Essex. It somehow didn’t work out, and the deal was off pretty soon afterwards, but it seems that Kate Walsh’s career and work has been all the better for it since.
A fiercely independent self-made woman, Kate simply took the plunge of releasing her own album ‘Tim’s House’ on her home-made record label called Blueberry Pie. There was never before a female UK artist of her age who knocked huge established acts such as Take That and the Kaiser Chiefs off the top of the very democratic iTunes download album chart.
The girl’s clearly got what it takes and she knows how to think for herself too. Unlike most of her peers, she apparently doesn’t own an iPod or a television. With a classical piano training from the age of five, she still counts composer Claude Debussy as a key influence on her sense of melody, but she has also learned from Joni Mitchell, Talk Talk, The Longpigs, Tori Amos, to name but a few. Her intelligent, soothing and richly sensual songs show a maturity and finesse way beyond her years. It’s great to have her back at Exeter Phoenix for one night only as part of her UK tour to promote her new album Light and Dark. Don’t miss.
She plays at Exeter Phoenix on October 5 at 8pm - tickets priced £10/£8 (conc).
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Think Local: Support flower festival
01-09-2009
FLOWER arrangers at Ivybridge Methodist Church are eagerly putting the finishing touches to an array of displays in preparation for next week’s Flower Festival which runs from September 16-19.
The organisers are urging the community to support the festival which, if money is raised, will go towards work in the community - an ethos welcomed by the Think Local campaign, sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
The festival, the first of its kind to be hosted by the popular Ivybridge church, will celebrate ‘all good gifts’, in the run up to Harvest.
Ivybridge Town Mayor, Coun Frances Reeve will open the Festival at 10:30am on September 16. The festival is then open to the public from 10:30am until 5pm on Wednesday and Thursday, 10:30am until 8pm on Friday and 10:30am until 4:30pm on Saturday.
Entry is £3 (which includes a full programme for the festival) and teas, coffees, cakes and light lunches will be available every day. All money raised will go towards paying for the church’s recent redevelopment work which has seen a new café and activity halls built.
Joy Phillips, a member of the Methodist Church’s Festival team said: “We really hope that lots of people will come along and enjoy the festival. There are some fantastic floral displays, using a variety of media, from visual arts through to life-size harvesting ploughs – there is guaranteed to be something for everyone. It would be great it we could raise some money towards our building work too as the new café and activity halls have proved a real hit with local groups and have been of great benefit to the local community.”
For further information about the Flower Festival please contact Joy Phillips on 01752 892040.
Fowey gig club smash rowing target
01-09-2009
WITH massive local support from the Fowey community over the Bank Holiday weekend, Fowey Gig Club attempted to row some 300 miles around Cornwall on rowing machines in the centre of Fowey.
Despite some dreadful Bank Holiday weather, the brave crew of Fowey battled on throughout the day and night, supported by music and cheers from local supporters.
Starting in Fowey at 1pm on Sunday, the members of Fowey Gig Club rowed Westwards, travelling on average over 14,000 metres each for every hour of the day and night, and with two machines in use they smashed their target of rowing 300 miles, or roughly the equivalent of the Cornish coastline.
The crews from Fowey amassed a total of 430 miles, and had rowed all the way round by 6am and headed off back down to Lands End before finishing at 1pm on Monday somewhere near St Agnes!
Jon Rolls, Rowathon Organiser, said: "When I came down at 8am on Sunday morning and saw the weather conditions, I feared the worst. But everyone did us proud and so a big thanks to all the rowers for such a tremendous effort."
With music, food and a sprintathon challenge for the public all in full flow, Fowey Gig Club managed to raise in excess of £2,000 during the event with the prospect of a further £1,000-£2,000 to come from additional donations.
Steve Turpin, club chairman said, "Fowey really did us proud this weekend, not only did the club really prove themselves, but the support of local pubs and restaurants, the Harbour Master, South West Water and the Council all made this a highly successful event. We didn't think their would be so much interest, but I guess raising money for Cornwall Hospice, our chosen charity, and helping their local gig club to buy a new boat, really got people going."
On the back of such a successful event, Fowey Gig Club are hoping their Rowathon will become an annual event, and that future years will see bigger and more exciting challenges!
Fowey Gig Club thank all those that supported the event with kind donations and time and effort, particularly the crew members, many of whom did not sleep for up to 36 hours.
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Belly board time in Cornwall
01-09-2009
Ryan Hooper
HUNDREDS of surfers on traditional wooden belly boards will take to the waves this weekend to enter the World Belly Board Championship.
The charity event will take place on National Trust’s Chapel Porth beach, St Agnes, Cornwall, when entrants celebrate the origins of surfing by going back to basics with wooden surf boards.
The competition was the brainchild of local surfers Martyn Ward and Chris Ryan, a car park attendant at Chapel Porth beach. The local links are extended further with the sponsorship of Skinners’s Brewery, based in Truro.
The two friends developed the idea in 2002 as a memorial to the late Arthur Traveller, a Londoner who holidayed with his wooden board at Chapel Porth every year. This year’s event is also in partnership with the National Trust and the RNLI.
Robyn Davies, five-times British Surf Champion and Surf Project Officer for the National Trust says: “The World Belly Board Championship celebrates all that is good about surfing - this event brings a communal factor back to an ever-growing sport.
“The National Trust and the RNLI feel it really important to highlight the pressures put on the coast and the beaches and what better way of doing this than by having a really great day out.”
Participants compete for the coveted world title, though prizes are also awarded for the Most Stylish, Best Trick and Spirit of Belly Boarding categories.
Wet suits are not permitted and many participants come in traditional bathing attire with prizes for the Best Costume and Best Bathing Cap.
Co-founder Martyn Ward said: “It’s amazing to see the event that Chris and I started seven years ago grow into the World Championship we have today, helping to raise vital funds for the National Trust and the RNLI.”
There are two age categories for the belly boarding event, Junior (under-60) and Senior (over-60).
Entry to the competition is by donation and parking is free to National Trust members.
For more details on this and how to enter go to: www.bellyboarding.co.uk
Support for Duchy’s charities and community groups
27-08-2009
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
AN EVENT offering free advice and support for Cornwall’s charities, voluntary and community groups is being held at the National Maritime Museum in Falmouth next month.
The Cornwall Community Fair on September 24 is being held by Cornwall Voluntary Sector Forum and is aimed at the 4,500 third sector organisations in the county.
Cornwall’s charities and community groups contribute an estimated £390 million to the county’s economy, employing around 17,000 people.
Contributions from volunteers in Cornwall are thought to match this £390 million in the value of their time, goods and services they offer.
The Cornwall Community Fair will provide information and support to third sector organisations, from how to apply for grant funding to employment issues and financial expertise.
Mark Richardson, chairman of Cornwall Voluntary Sector Forum, said: “Any charity or community group, large or small, will benefit from attending this fair.
“We’ve pulled together some excellent services which specifically support not-for-profit organisations in helping them develop.
“The third sector is an important part of our economy in Cornwall so this event aims to help it grow further.”
Exhibitors include representatives from the Convergence Programme, which will share information about how European money is benefiting community groups, staff and volunteers.
Event sponsors Edward Jones financial advisors will be offering advice about how best to invest charity funds.
Local businesses will also be supporting by offering professional advice, including Michelmore Solicitors and Tennyson Insurance, which will be launching its new website www.charitybuilderuk.com providing employment advice and services.
The Cornwall Community Fair takes place from 10am to 4pm. For more information or to book a place please contact Lydia Billson phone: 01872 241584 or e-mail: Lydia.billson@cornwallvsf.org
Apples, cider and fruit - a local extravanganza
27-08-2009
AN EVENT dedicated to apples, cider and fruit will take place at a garden centre in Somerset from October 17-23.
Visitors will get the chance to taste cider, apple and fruit products as well as learn all about growing fruit at home.
Norma Moore, general manager, said: “The Apple, Cider and Fruit Week is a celebration of Somerset apples and cider as well as the diverse range of fruit that’s grown in the county.”
Representatives from the Environment Resources Department of Somerset County Council will be on hand on October 17 to offer advice about maintaining an orchard and Vigo Ltd, who supply pressing and crushing equipment to vineyards and cider and fruit juice makers, will have some fruit presses on-site during the event that visitors will be able to see in action.
Norma added: “We already have lots going on during our Apple, Cider and Fruit Week. As well as the Environment Resources Department and Vigo taking part, Julian Temperley from the Somerset Distillery, producers of award-winning cider brandy, will be on-site offering visitors a taste of the famous Somerset tipple.
“James Crowden, award-winning author of Ciderland, and Liz Copas, author of The Cider Apples of Somerset – A Somerset Pomona and a representative from the National Association of Cider Makers’ will be at the garden centre for the event. Charlton Orchards will also be supplying a number of unusual apple varieties that will be on display.
“We are still looking for people to take part. Anyone who works with apples, cider and fruit and can take part in the week long celebrations should give me a call at the garden centre on 01823 412381.”
Monkton Elm Garden & Pet Centre is located just off the A38 at Monkton Heathfield between Bridgwater and Taunton. For more information, please call the garden centre on 01823 412381 or visit www.monkton-elm.co.uk.
Region's delights to be served up at Racecourse
26-08-2009
SUPPORTING local producers is at the forefront of the Western Morning News Think Local campaign which is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Exeter Racecourse and Conference Centre has announced that Compass Group UK, a national market leader in events catering, will be its new raceday caterer for the 2009/2010 season - serving up delights frrom the region.
The company has signed a new 10 year deal with the racecourse and has pledged to maintain its reputation for producing sumptuous menus sourcing quality, fresh ingredients which are mostly sourced in the Westcountry.
Compass also supports sustainable seas and last month increased its Fish To Avoid to 69 species.
Sponsorship and hospitality manager Alice Everitt said: “We are thrilled about this new deal and we have introduced an exciting new range of hospitality and restaurant packages for the new season which starts on October 7 from light bites to full sit down lunches in our restaurant, all of which we believe offer true value for money.”
A new £2.2m conference centre will also be opened in November which will almost double the size of existing facilities. With its reputation for providing superb service, conference bookings have already been received in advance of the opening of the new building, and there are just a few remaining private hospitality suites available this autumn.
“Raceday hospitality at Exeter really is a one off experience. We put together packages to suit individual needs and we are pleased to say people book year after year. It’s must be one of the most effective ways to network with clients while enjoying superb food and exciting racing,” said Miss Everitt.
No stopping Guy and his giant dream
26-08-2009
Support your local theatre: The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
DIRECTING a full-length theatre production is a major undertaking – particularly if you’re only 18.
Plunging himself in at the deep end of Cornish drama, Guy Watson hopes that, by staging an adaptation of Roald Dahl’s award- winning children’s book James And The Giant Peach, he will encourage other young people to get involved in all aspects of theatre.
The show, which runs from August 27 to 29 at the Burrell Theatre in Truro, is Guy’s directorial debut and the first production by his newly formed company, The Dream Team.
Guy, from Carnmenellis, near Redruth, is well-known on the amateur dramatic circuit, having appeared in several shows by Carnon Downs Drama Group and AM Productions – but by establishing The Dream Team he says he hopes to move into a more professional sphere.
“When I was 12 I realised that acting was to be my only possible career choice,” he said. “No feeling has ever matched that of being on a stage in front of an appreciative audience.
“I also realised that if I wanted to pursue acting professionally I had no choice but to move to London, leaving behind my partner, family, friends and home.
“For years I accepted this as fact, but a couple of years ago I decided to fight the inevitability of moving away. Then I had the idea of setting up a Cornish theatre company that would not only be good for audiences but also be good for Cornwall and good for actors who want to start their career without having to move away.
“The Dream Team is still very much in its infancy, but my hope is that it will allow young and aspiring actors in Cornwall to stay in Cornwall and to keep talent in Cornwall. The aim is to produce imaginative and inventive theatre for audiences across the South West.
“The first production has taken a lot of work and is a big challenge, but we’re confident it will be a great evening out. And we’re grateful to all those who have helped us, and particularly the generous support of Our Money Your Dream.”
David Wood’s adaptation of James And The Giant Peach follows the journey of a young boy and his adventures with five large insects. James starts the story in the clutches of two repulsive aunts who force him to survive on meagre meals. But when strange things begin to happen to James they lead to the sort of experiences he could never have dreamed of.
Mr Wood, who is well-known nationally as a children’s dramatist, attended the company’s first rehearsal.
“He was very helpful,” said Guy. “He talked to us all about themes of the show, interesting facts about Roald Dahl and how to best produce an exciting and imaginative show.”
The cast includes Peter Saunders as James, Stephanie Randlesome as Miss Spider, James Care as Earthworm, David Ivall as Old Green Grasshopper, Thomas Hare as Centipede and Michelle Dickson as Ladybird.
James And The Giant Peach by The Dream Team is at the Burrell Theatre in Truro on Thursday, August 27, at 7.30pm, Friday August 28 at 7.30pm, and Saturday August 29 at 2.30pm and 7.30pm. For more details, e-mail dreamteamtheatre@live.co.uk or call 0844 357 2591 or visit www.dreamteamtheatre.co.uk
All doors are open to show’s runner-up
26-08-2009
Support your local theatre: The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
CRAIG Chalmers may have lost the television search for Joseph in the hugely popular Any Dream Will Do, but he’s certainly having the last laugh. Because he has now clocked up more appearances than Lee Mead, who won the talent competition to play the lead in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
“I’ve done nearly a thousand shows,” laughs Craig (Lee did nearer 600 during his West End run). “I’ve had two years’ experience – that’s more than Lee, and I was doing 10 shows a week to his eight. That makes me one of the longest-running Josephs... but I still get the buzz!”
There’s not a hint of bitterness about losing the TV contest – in fact, Craig and the others still keep in touch more than two years after the show ended. In some ways, he’s glad he didn’t win.
“The expectations on the winner were great. The critics can be quite sharp. Mind you, I now get reviewed every week!”
Craig, who was born and grew up in Edinburgh, was working as a cabaret singer when he auditioned for Pop Idol and got through to the final 50 and the live voting stage. As a child he had enjoyed singing karaoke and by the time he was in his 20s he was making a living from his voice.
“I was earning top money in Scotland, but there were only so many nights I could perform and I had got to the level I wanted to,” he explains.
Craig was a complete novice in musical theatre but was determined to build a lasting career in music and got his opportunity with Any Dream Will Do.
“It was an incredible experience, but it was nurturing rather than torturing us and it was great to have Andrew Lloyd Webber on the show and have his input. Shows like The X Factor can be very cruel. It’s about entertainment for the public at all costs. Young people can get really slated... but the show can produce some great talent as well.
“Showbusiness is a very risky business and you have to take the knocks and the putdowns.
“On Any Dream Will Do there weren’t any stand-out moments where two guys fell out. We decided early on that there was no point in making it any harder,” says Craig. “I was able to handle the public recognition, perhaps because I was 26 and had already had the Pop Idol experience. It was a really great chance to improve every week and to get some coaching, to find new things and to learn new techniques. Guys like Daniel (Boys) and Lee were already consummate professionals.”
Craig joined the Joseph UK tour in August 2007 and still enjoys the show.
“It’s great to stand on the centre of the stage... although you are always very aware of the loincloth,” he laughs again.
“I’ve lost over a stone. You have to try and maintain a certain standard. You don’t want to be a loin-cloth porker!”
And there’s another upside: he reckons he’ll look nice and trim in his kilt for his wedding to fiancée Jennifer in September next year. It seems for Craig that his Dream has come true.
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is at The Hall for Cornwall, Truro (01872 262466), from August 24-29 and The Princess Theatre Torquay (0844 847 2315) from August 31-September 6.
Get in the swing of Shakespeare history
26-08-2009
Support your local theatre: The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
SHAKESPEARE gets a Latin twist in a feisty new production of Henry IV Part One in The Drum Theatre Plymouth.
The Theatre Royal Young Company have been working on movement with the award-winning Frantic Assembly, who created a stir with their own production of Othello at the theatre last year.
The play’s director, Andrew Dawson, has set the action of Henry IV Part One against the revolutionary landscape of the 1960s. As the new regime of Henry IV tries to stamp its authority, the young heir apparent –Harry Hotspur – is partying hard with his cabal of gangsters, pimps and lowlifes.
“Hopefully we will challenge the preconceptions that exist about Shakespeare,” says Andrew, who is young people’s programme director. “Working alongside Frantic is bringing diversity, shape and colour to it.”
Henry IV Part One – which introduces the popular character of Falstaff – is not seen as often as other of Shakespeare’s plays.
“It has been very, very exciting to do something which is not one of the usual suspects. It’s not A Midsummer Night’s Dream or the Scottish play... there’s a comic plot interwoven with heavy historical drama.
“When Shakespeare wrote it, he was talking about recent history.
“Setting it in the 1960s, the shockwaves of recent events are still being felt. In Harry Hotspur you are talking about someone with the iconic status of a Che Guevara. His image was seen here, there and everywhere and his impact was felt worldwide.”
Henry IV Part One is in The Drum Theatre Plymouth from August 25-29. Box Office: 01752 267222.
Events coming up:
24-08-2009
Monday, August 24:
South Pool Pony Club D Day/ Mini ODE, Ley Farm, California Cross.
Wednesday, August 26:
South and West Country Equine Auctions, West Park Stables, Bicton College, Devon, noon. Tel: 01403 820666.
Thursday, August 27:
Holsworthy and Stratton Agricultural show, Kilatree Cross.
Melplash Agricultural show, Bridport.
Futurity Evaluations, Tall Trees Arena, Camelford.
Saturday, August 29:
St Giles on the Heath Fun Ride, start in field SX360918, start 10am-1pm. Tel: 01409 211209.
Erm Valley RC charity Moonlight Steeplechase, Little Allers Farm, near Wrangaton.
Sunday, August 30:
EHSC Hunter Trial, Southcott XC, Winkleigh.
Bank Holiday Monday, August 31:
ECHPC Saltash Show, Trengrove, Merrymeet, 9.30am start.
Quantock Show, Cothelstone, near Bishops Lydeard, Taunton, 9.30am.
BSJA area Cornwall show, Royal Cornwall Showground, Wadebridge.
Mid Devon Riding Club Open Dressage, combined training and showjumping, Southcott, Winkleigh.
Double is music to ears of Pipe
24-08-2009
By Lucy Johnson
DAVID Pipe delighted his legion of fans at Newton Abbot’s summer jumping festival this weekend when he bagged the big race double.
Star of Germany had taken Saturday’s listed Lord Mildmay Memorial Handicap Chase and then Raslan added to the weekend’s haul by taking the totesuper7 Handicap Hurdle yesterday.
Pipe, whose team has been in terrific form in recent weeks following a long quiet spell earlier this year, admitted the wins would do much to boost morale in the yard. “It gives everyone in the yard such a kick as they all work hard. The horses are running well and they are in the right races.”
Raslan was sent off a 12-1 chance under Danny Cook who had been jocked up on the six-year-old at the last minute following the withdrawal of Royal Rationale, his intended ride. Cook pushed the gelding to take up the running three flights from home, closely tracked by the game mare Santia and two out the pair were upsides.
With the mare crashing out, Raslan was left in front on his own. With a visor back on and a tongue tie Pipe said the combination had made all the difference to the gelding who had been without a win since Dec ember 2007 and this fact was explained and accepted by the stewards after they called an inquiry into his improvement.
Raslan had been in the grip of the handicapper and now looks certain to be weighted out of it again once he is reassessed but Pipe said: “It has been a long time without a win for him and a long time for him to come down the handicap but at least he has won a big race.”
Star of Germany’s win in the big handicap chase the day before was also cause for celebration. “He’s an unbelievable little horse. He was bought out of a seller four years ago and he’s one of my favourites in the yard. We weren’t sure whether he would get the trip but the race panned out for him as the pace was slow and he is such a good jumper he was making up ground over every fence, although we didn’t expect him to jump clear like he did,” said Pipe.
On yesterday’s card, Mission Control made it three out of three after he won the novices’ hurdle race and his trainer Tim Vaughan said he had earned himself a break before he is tried in a novices’ handicap hurdle at a better course. “He’ll definitely get two and a half miles and given he’s carrying a double penalty today I think he could be a very good hose,” said Vaughan.
Just Amazing was the 2-1 favourite to win the novices’ steeple chase but was collared on the run in by King Troy who got up to win by a neck under Jack Doyle. “Jack thinks he’s getting tougher with every race and he’s really battled well today,” said Noel Williams representing trainer Alan King.
Gordon Elliot saddled Kells Castle to win the long distance handicap steeple chase and the concluding two bumpers went to the Paul Nicholls-trained Ghizao and Pure Faith, trained by Peter Bowen.
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Rodriguez delivers a family-friendly fare
24-08-2009
FOLLOWING a foray into sci-fi horror with Planet Terror, his contribution to the ill-fated Grindhouse double-bill, writer-director Robert Rodriguez returns to more family-friendly fare with a colour-saturated adventure reminiscent of his Spy Kids films.
Short and moderately sweet, this fast-moving romp understands that its target youth audience has a limited attention span – thus Rodriguez unleashes a blitzkrieg of digital effects, slapstick and explosions, bolted together as chronologically fractured chapters.
Leaping back and forth in time only accentuates the haphazard nature of the entire enterprise, while Rodriguez and co-editor Ethan Maniquis cut the film together at a furious pace that is likely to cause retina and brain-ache in older viewers.
The Texas-born writer-director opens with a short prologue entitled Episode Zero – The Blinkers, in which a brother (Westmoreland) and sister (Webb) attempt to outstare one another with comical repercussions.
The siblings make fleeting appearances throughout the film proper, which begins with Episode 2 – Toe Thompson In Alien8ed.
Toe (Bennett) is a regular kid who lives in Black Falls with his family. He is bullied mercilessly at school by Helvetica Black (Vanier) and her older brother Cole (Gearhart), whose father (Spader) is the CEO of a company that makes the Black Box: “the all-in-one gadget that’s sweeping the nation!”
By chance, Toe discovers a rainbow-coloured rock and unleashes its hidden power: to grant the holder his or her every wish. However, the boy soon learns that you don’t always get what you wish for.
As the gem passes through the town, into the palms of Nose Noseworthy (Short) and his germ- phobic father (Macy), and the terrible trio of Loogie (Gagnon), Lug (Rebel Rodriguez) and Laser (Howard), the locals witness some bizarre sights: a gargantuan robot, an army of walking crocodiles and a marauding snot monster.
Beneath all the bells and whistles, Shorts is a cautionary tale about being careful what you wish for. Most of the characters learn this lesson the hard way, like Toe’s feuding parents (Cryer, Mann), who mutter, “I just wish we were closer”, and end up fused together as a strange half-man, half-woman.
Actors struggle to be seen and heard above the director’s styling, eventually admitting defeat in the overblown finale. Shorts encourages its young audience to dream responsibly: “Be sure you’re wishing for something worth wishing for.”
Rodriguez evidently hopes that wish will be to see his film with mum and dad in tow.
Quentin’s back in the fight
24-08-2009
ONCE upon a time in Nazi-occupied France...” begins Quentin Tarantino’s long-mooted war opus, a blood-soaked fairytale divided into five hefty chapters. For most of the vengeful characters in Inglourious Basterds, there is no “happy ever after” – the body count is staggeringly high and almost nobody reaches the end credits unscathed.
However, Tarantino’s distinctive vision does end on an upbeat note as it plays loose and fast with historical fact, particularly with regards to the Third Reich, and splices genres to dizzying effect.
The sharp mood swings – from the edge-of-seat nerves of the opening segment, to the grisly humour, which heralds the arrival of Brad Pitt’s gung-ho avenger – take a little time to get used to.
And Tarantino certainly takes his time, rather indulgently allowing his pulpy fiction to unspool over the course of two and a half hours.
Thankfully, Inglourious Basterds is a return to form after Death Proof, his high-octane contribution to the Grindhouse double-bill, blessed with an Oscar-worthy supporting performance from Christoph Waltz as a sadistic German officer.
He ignites the opening chapter as Colonel Hans Landa, who interrogates a farmer suspected of harbouring Jewish families.
“May I switch to English for the remainder of this conversation?” asks Landa slyly as he bullies his suspect into submission, while the families he seeks lurk beneath the floorboards, holding their breath much like us.
Dozens of men, women and children perish in the subsequent bloodbath but one woman, Shosanna (Laurent), escapes and reinvents herself as a cinema owner in Paris, where she plots her revenge.
Meanwhile, British Lieutenant Archie Hicox (Fassbender) goes undercover to assassinate Hitler (Wuttke) during a film premiere at Shosanna’s cinema, aided by leading lady Bridget von Hammersmark (Kruger).
Simultaneously, a gang of Jewish-American renegades, led by Lieutenant Aldo Raine (Pitt), plot to kill the upper echelons of the Third Reich with a single attack.
Operation Kino must succeed – the price of failure for the rest of Europe is unthinkable.
Inglourious Basterds is a stylish and blackly humorous escapade let down by the disjointed structure and Tarantino’s reluctance to edit more judiciously.
The picture unfolds in fits and spurts, energised by Waltz’s scintillating portrayal of evil and by the directorial brio, particularly in the explosive finale.
Pitt is forgettable in a quirky supporting role, while Mike Myers enjoys a cameo as a doddering British general and Samuel L Jackson adds an unnecessary voiceover.
The violence is graphic but used sparingly, including a cinema shoot-out that conjures memories of Brian De Palma’s Scarface.
If the writer-director had just scalped his own vision by at least 30 minutes, this might have been his masterpiece.
Devon cinema timetable: August 21-27
24-08-2009
Cinemas run from Friday, August 21, to Thursday, August 27, inclusive.
Barnstaple
Central Cinema: Inglorious Basterds (18) daily 1.05 4.35 7.45; Shorts (PG) daily 12.00 2.00 4.00 6.00; Aliens in The Attic (PG) daily 12.30 2.25 4.20; The Time Traveller’s Wife (12A) daily 5.55 8.35; Bandslam (PG) daily 3.55 6.20 8.50; Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince (12A) daily 1.00 8.20; G-Force (PG) daily 11.00; Ice Age 3: Dawn of The Dinosaurs (U) daily 10.45.
Bridgwater
Scott Cinema: Aliens in The Attic (PG) daily 2.20 4.20 6.20; The Ugly Truth (15) daily 8.15; Land of The Lost (12A) daily 3.30; The Taking of Pelham 123 (15) daily 7.50; GI Joe (12A) daily 5.30; G-Force (PG) daily 1.40.
Dartington
Barn Cinema: Coco Before Chanel (12A) Fri-Sun 8.00, Mon-Thur 5.00 8.00.
Exeter
Picturehouse: Inglorious Basterds (18) Fri/Mon/Tue 5.30 8.30, Sat/Sun/Wed/Thu 2.30 5.30 8.30; The Time Traveller’s Wife (12A) Fri/Sat/Wed/Thu 4.00 6.30, Sun 1.30 6.30, Mon/Tue 4.00 9.00; Coco Before Chanel (12A) Fri/Sun 9.00, Sat/Wed/Thu 1.30 9.00, Mon 6.30; The Hannah Montana Movie (U) Sat 10.45; Food on Film Season: Big Night (15) Sun 4.00, Tue 6.30.
Exmouth
Savoy Cinema: Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince (12A) daily 12.25 7.35; Shorts (PG) daily 1.45 3.50 5.50; Aliens in The Attic (PG) daily 11.55 3.30 5.30; G-Force (PG) daily 12.05; Bandslam (PG) daily 2.05 6.30 8.50; The Time Traveller’s Wife (12A) daily 4.15 8.35.
Ilfracombe
Embassy Cinema: Screen 7 Licensed Screen – Ice Age 3-Dawn of The Dinosaurs (U) daily 12.15; GI Joe (12A) daily 14.20 20.45; G-Force (PG) daily 17.00 19.00; Main Cinema – The Taking of Pelham 123 (15) daily 21.00; Land of The Lost (12A) daily 14.10 18.15; Aliens in The Attic (PG) daily 12.45 14.45 16.45; The Proposal (12A) daily 18.45; Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince (12A) daily 20.30; Night of The Museum 2 (PG) daily 12.00.
Kingsbridge
The Reel Cinema: GI Joe (12A) daily 5.45 8.30; Aliens in The Attic (PG) daily 3.00 5.15; The Proposal (12A) daily 7.30; Ice Age 3 (U) daily 3.30.
Lyme Regis
Regent Cinema: Ice Age 3: Dawn of The Dinosaurs (U) daily 2.00; G-Force (PG) daily 4.00; My Sister’s Keeper (12A) daily 6.00; The Taking of Pelham 123 (15) daily 8.15.
Lynton
Cinema: G-Force (PG) daily 6.00; The Proposal (12A) daily 8.00.
Newton Abbot
Alexandra Cinema: Aliens in The Attic (PG) daily 2.30 4.30 6.20; The Ugly Truth (15) daily 8.35; G-Force (PG) daily 1.45; GI Joe (12A) daily 3.40; The Taking of Pelham 123 (15) daily 8.10; The Proposal (12A) daily 6.10.
Okehampton
New Carlton Cinema: Carlton Suite Licensed Screen – The Ugly Truth (15) daily 20.15; GI Joe (12A) daily 14.20; Land of The Lost (12A) daily 12.15; Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince (12A) daily 17.00; Main Cinema – GI Joe (12A) daily 21.00; The Proposal (12A) daily 18.50; Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince (12A) daily 13.50; Ice Age 3: Dawn of The Dinosaurs (U) daily 12.00 17.00.
Plymouth
VUE: A Perfect Getaway (15) daily 12.20 (not Tue) 15.00 17.30 20.10 plus Fri/Sat/Wed 22.30; Aliens in The Attic (PG) daily 11.20 13.45 16.00 18.20; Bandslam (PG) daily 12.00 14.20; Bruno (18) Fri/Sat/Wed 00.00; Dance Flick (15) daily 10.50 12.50 14.50 17.00 19.10 plus Fri/Sat/Wed 23.20; GI Joe (12A) daily 14.30 17.20 20.00 plus Fri/Sat/Wed 22.40; G-Force 2D (PG) daily 11.40 14.00 16.20; G-Force 3D (PG) daily 13.00 15.20 17.40; Gladiator (15) Thur 20.30; Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince (12A) daily 10.35 13.40 (Sun 13.40 subtitled) 16.50 17.50 19.50 (Wed 19.50 subtitled) 21.00 Fri/Sat & Wed 23.10; I Love You, Beth Cooper (15) daily 11.10 13.30 15.50 18.10 20.40 plus Fri/Sat & Wed 23.00; Ice Age 3: Dawn of The Dinosaurs 2D (U): daily 11.00 13.20 15.40; Ice Age 3: Dawn of The Dinosaurs 3D (U): daily 10.40; Imagine That (PG) daily 11.50; Inglorious Basterds (18) daily 10.45 12.40 14.10 16.10 17.30 19.30 21.00 plus Fri/Sat & Wed 22.50; Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa (PG) daily 10.30; Orphan (15) daily 18.30 (not Tue) 21.20; Redbull X-Fighters (tbc) Sat 21.15; Shorts (PG) daily 12.30 14.40 17.10; The Boat That Rocked (15) Tue 12.30; The Hangover (15) daily 19.40 22.00; The Proposal (12A) daily 16.35 19.00 21.30 plus Fri/Sat & Wed 23.50; The Taking of Pelham 123 (15) daily 20.50 plus Fri/Sat & Wed 23.40; The Time Traveller’s Wife (12A) daily 11.15 13.50 16.30 19.00 (Sun 19.00 over 18’s) 21.30 plus Fri/Sat & Wed 23.50; The Ugly Truth (15) daily 11.30 14.10 16.40 19.20 21.50; Transformers: Revenge of The Fallen (12A) daily 20.30 plus Fri/Wed 23.30. Reel Cinema: Inglorious Basterds (18) daily 16.45 20.00; Dance Flick (15) daily 19.00 21.00; The Time Traveller’s Wife (12A) daily 18.10 20.40; Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince (12A) daily 15.05; Aliens in The Attic (PG) daily 13.00 15.00 17.00; G-Force (PG) daily 14.35; Ice Age 3 (U) daily 12.30; GI Joe (12A) daily 12.35. Arts Centre: Public Enemies (15) Fri/Sun & Wed 8.00 Sat 2.00 5.00, Tue/Thur 5.30. Moon (15) Fri/Wed 5.45, Tue/Thur 8.30, Sat 8.00, Sun 5.30, Wed 2.30.
Sidmouth
Radway Cinema: Ice Age 3 – Dawn of The Dinosaurs (U) daily 2.00; G-Force (PG) daily 4.00; My Sister’s Keeper (12A) daily 6.00; The Taking of Pelham 123 (15) daily 8.15.
Tavistock
The Wharf: Shadows In The Sun (12A) Fri & Tue-Thur 8.00.
Tiverton
Tivoli Cinema: GI Joe (12A) daily 16.15 21.00; G-Force (PG) daily 14.15; The Proposal (12A) daily 18.45; Land of The Lost (12A) daily 12.15.
Torquay
Central Cinema: Inglorious Basterds (18) daily 17.15 20.30; Shorts (PG) daily 14.15 16.15 18.15; Aliens in The Attic (PG) daily 12.390 14.30 16.30; Bandslam (PG) daily 15.00 17.30; GI Joe (12A) daily 12.20 20.45; G-Force (PG) daily 12.15; Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince (12A) daily 14.00 20.15; The Proposal (12A) daily 20.00; Ice Age 3: Dawn of The Dinosaurs (U) daily 18.30; Night at the Museum 2 (PG) daily 11.50.2009-08-19T12:37:19
Cinema times from August 21-27
24-08-2009
Cinemas run from Friday, August 21, to Thursday, August 27, inclusive.
Falmouth
Phoenix Cinema: Licensed Screen – The Time Traveller’s Wife (12A) daily 15.30 18.00 20.30; Shorts (PG) daily 17.45; Aliens in The Attic (PG) daily 12.00 14.00 16.00; GI Joe (12A) daily 21.00; The Ugly Truth (15) daily 19.45; Bandslam (PG) daily 15.45 18.15; G-Force (PG) daily 11.30 13.30; Moon (15) daily 21.45; Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince (12A) daily 12.45; Main Cinema – Inglorious Basterds (18) daily 17.45 21.00; Shorts (PG) daily 11.45 13.35 15.20; The End of The Line (PG) daily 20.45 plus Sat/Sun 16.15; Land of the Lost (12A) daily 18.30 plus Fri & Mon-Thur 16.15; Ice Age 3: Dawn of The Dinosaurs (U) daily 12.15 14.20.
Helston
Flora Cinema: GI Joe (12A) daily 18.15 20.45; Aliens in The Attic (PG) daily 12.15 14.15 16.15; G-Force (PG) daily 12.30 18.00; Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince (12A) daily 14.30 20.00.
Padstow
The Cinedrome: The Proposal (12A) Fri/Mon & Wed 8.15; Ice Age 3: Dawn of The Dinosaurs (U) Fri/Mon & Wed 6.00; My Sister’s Keeper (12A) Sat/Tue/Thur 8.45; Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince (12A) Sat/Tue & Thur 5.45.
Penzance
Savoy Cinema: Moonwalker (PG) – A tribute to the late Michael Jackson Thur 14.45 20.45; Shorts (PG) daily 14.00 15.50 17.45; The Ugly Truth (15) daily 19.45 21.45; Aliens in The Attic (PG) 12.15 14.15 16.15; G-Force (PG) daily 12.00; Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince (12A) daily 20.15 plus Fri-Wed 14.45; The Proposal (12A) daily 18.15 plus Fri-Wed 20.45; Dawn of The Dinosaurs (U) daily 12.45 18.15.
Plymouth
VUE: A Perfect Getaway (15) daily 12.20 (not Tue) 15.00 17.30 20.10 plus Fri/Sat/Wed 22.30; Aliens in The Attic (PG) daily 11.20 13.45 16.00 18.20; Bandslam (PG) daily 12.00 14.20; Bruno (18) Fri/Sat/Wed 00.00; Dance Flick (15) daily 10.50 12.50 14.50 17.00 19.10 plus Fri/Sat/Wed 23.20; GI Joe (12A) daily 14.30 17.20 20.00 plus Fri/Sat/Wed 22.40; G-Force 2D (PG) daily 11.40 14.00 16.20; G-Force 3D (PG) daily 13.00 15.20 17.40; Gladiator (15) Thur 20.30; Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince (12A) daily 10.35 13.40 (Sun 13.40 subtitled) 16.50 17.50 19.50 (Wed 19.50 subtitled) 21.00 Fri/Sat & Wed 23.10; I Love You, Beth Cooper (15) daily 11.10 13.30 15.50 18.10 20.40 plus Fri/Sat & Wed 23.00; Ice Age 3: Dawn of The Dinosaurs 2D (U): daily 11.00 13.20 15.40; Ice Age 3: Dawn of The Dinosaurs 3D (U): daily 10.40; Imagine That (PG) daily 11.50; Inglorious Basterds (18) daily 10.45 12.40 14.10 16.10 17.30 19.30 21.00 plus Fri/Sat & Wed 22.50; Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa (PG) daily 10.30; Orphan (15) daily 18.30 (not Tue) 21.20; Redbull X-Fighters (tbc) Sat 21.15; Shorts (PG) daily 12.30 14.40 17.10; The Boat That Rocked (15) Tue 12.30; The Hangover (15) daily 19.40 22.00; The Proposal (12A) daily 16.35 19.00 21.30 plus Fri/Sat & Wed 23.50; The Taking of Pelham 123 (15) daily 20.50 plus Fri/Sat & Wed 23.40; The Time Traveller’s Wife (12A) daily 11.15 13.50 16.30 19.00 (Sun 19.00 over 18’s) 21.30 plus Fri/Sat & Wed 23.50; The Ugly Truth (15) daily 11.30 14.10 16.40 19.20 21.50; Transformers: Revenge of The Fallen (12A) daily 20.30 plus Fri/Wed 23.30. Reel Cinema: Inglorious Basterds (18) daily 16.45 20.00; Dance Flick (15) daily 19.00 21.00; Time Traveller’s Wife (12A) daily 18.10 20.40; Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince (12A) daily 15.05; Aliens in The Attic (PG) daily 13.00 15.00 17.00; G-Force (PG) daily 14.35; Ice Age 3 (U) daily 12.30; GI Joe (12A) daily 12.35. Arts Centre: Public Enemies (15) Fri/Sun & Wed 8.00 Sat 2.00 5.00, Tue/Thur 5.30. Moon (15) Fri/Wed 5.45, Tue/Thur 8.30, Sat 8.00, Sun 5.30, Wed 2.30.
Redruth
Regal Cinema – Screen 7 Licensed Screen: The Proposal (12A) daily 16.15 18.45; Ice Age 3: Dawn of The Dinosaurs (U) Fri-Wed 14.15; Night at The Museum 2 (PG) Fri-Wed 12.15; Antichrist (18) daily 21.15; Main Cinema – Inglorious Basterds (18) daily 17.30 20.45; Shorts (PG) daily 14.00 16.00 18.15; Land of The lost (12A) daily 12.00; GI Joe (12A) daily 20.15; Aliens in The Attic (PG) daily 11.45 13.40 15.30; G-Force (PG) daily 12.30; Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince (12A) daily 14.30 20.00; Ice Age 3: Dawn of The Dinosaurs (U) daily 18.00.
St Austell
White River Cinema: Inglorious Basterds (18) daily 5.00 8.15; Shorts (PG) daily 11.30 1.50 4.00; G-Force (PG) daily 12.30 2.45; The Time Traveller’s Wife (12A) daily 6.15 8.45; Ice Age 3: Dawn of The Dinosaurs (U) daily 12.00; Bandslam (PG) daily 2.15; Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince (12A) daily 4.45 8.00; Aliens in The Attic (PG) daily 11.40; GI Joe (12A) daily 5.45 8.30.
St Ives
Royal Cinema: Inglorious Basterds (18) daily 17.30 20.45; Shorts (PG) daily 14.15 16.20 18.30; Land of the Lost (12A) daily 15.30; The Time Traveller’s Wife (12A) daily 15.15 17.45 20.15; G-Force (PG) daily 12.00 13.45; Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince (12A) daily 20.30; Ice Age 3: Dawn of The Dinosaurs (U) daily 12.15; Night at The Museum 2 (PG) daily 13.00.
Tavistock
The Wharf: Shadows In The Sun (12A) Fri & Tue-Thur 8.00.
Truro
The Plaza: Inglorious Basterds (18) daily 5.00 8.15; Aliens in The Attic (PG) daily 10.30; The Time Traveller’s Wife (12A) daily 5.45 8.45; Ice Age 3: Dawn of The Dinosaurs (U) daily 10.45 1.15; G-Force (PG) daily 10.55 3.35; Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince (12A) daily 1.00 4.30 8.00; Shorts (PG) daily 11.05 1.25; Bandslam (PG) daily 3.25; The Proposal (12A) daily 6.00; The Taking of Pelham 123 (15) daily 8.30.
Wadebridge
The Regal: GI Joe (12A) daily 3.20 5.55; Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince (12A) daily 2.00 5.15; The Taking of Pelham 123 (15) daily 8.30; The Ugly Truth (15) daily 8.40; Ice Age 3: Dawn of The Dinosaurs (U) daily 11.15; Aliens in The Attic (PG) daily 11.45; G-Force (PG) daily 1.20.2009-08-19T12:38:41
Check out UKs film top 10
24-08-2009
UK FILM TOP 10
1 (-) The Time Traveler’s Wife
2 (2) Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince
3 (-) Aliens In The Attic
4 (1) GI Joe: The Rise of Cobra
5 (3) The Ugly Truth
6 (-) Inglourious Basterds
7 (4) G-Force 3-D
8 (5) The Proposal
9 (7) Orphan
10 (-) Bandslam
Tribute ambitions on course after regatta
24-08-2009
By Alice Wright
GIG racers enjoyed a fine day out on either side of the Tamar last weekend.
In Devon, the relatively new Paignton Gig Club hosted its third full regatta, which organisers hailed a resounding success.
Club captain Jeff Wills said: “It was really good, the weather was with us. We had 12 clubs and a couple of them brought extra boats.”
He added that the umpire was “very impressed” with the club’s set-up, which is good news because the club is hoping to host a Tribute series event next year.
Although the club has hosted smaller race days for a few years now, this was its third proper regatta and Mr Wills said he thought it was the best yet.
“Everybody enjoyed it,” he said. “We had a band playing in the evening and a bar running all day long. The conditions were good and the course was good.
“I would like to say a big thank-you to all the gig clubs and supporters that attended Paignton Regatta on Saturday, who all helped to make the day a great success.
“It was by far the biggest regatta we’ve held so far and everyone who attended enjoyed their day.
“We are looking forward to our regatta next year, and who knows, we may have a star event.”
In Cornwall, most of the North coast clubs turned out to race at Fowey.
Gail Morwood, the club secretary, said it was a “fantastic” day.
“We’re quite laid back and not enormously competitive and everybody said they’d had a really good day,” she said.
Although the weather was generally fine, Ms Morwood said the racers “wouldn’t have wanted the sea any bigger”.
And she added that the drizzle during the day suited the rowers because it kept them cool. However, the rowing conditions were not always easy and at times the rowers were racing into the wind.
In total, 10 clubs took part in the day’s racing.
St Ives won the Veterans’ class in both the men’s and women’s categories.
Fowey won the Men’s A class while Padstow won the Women’s A.
Fowey also won both the Men’s and Women’s B class.
On Saturday gig races took place in Fowey and Clovelly. Keep an eye on this website for all gig racing news.
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Teams go flat out on calm sea
24-08-2009
By Alice Wright
THE sun shone on a lively day of gig racing this weekend as two Cornwall clubs hosted a day of rowing followed by an evening of entertainment.
Both Cadgwith and St Goran were forced to cancel their events last year due to poor weather, so organisers were relieved to see blue skies on Saturday morning.
In Cadgwith on the Lizard Peninsula, about 19 gigs turned out for the annual Buller Day, named after the club’s first gig. Among those taking part were a team from the Cornwall Rowing Association for the Blind, which rowed over from Falmouth for the day.
Sam Jane, secretary of the Cadgwith club, said: “The weather made it perfect rowing conditions. The water was flat, the sun shone and everyone was happy.”
Falmouth had a winning day, coming first in the Vets, Men’s A and B and Women’s A categories. Cadgwith had a home win in the Under-14 category.
The club ran a barbecue and bar throughout the day and festivities continued into the evening.
“It’s a big social rowing event,” Ms Jane said.
She added it was a shame the Cadgwith day was scheduled on the same day as St Goran, but added that both clubs had seen a good turnout.
Liz Brown, secretary of the St Goran rowing club, agreed that their day had gone very well.
She said: “There were about 13 clubs taking part. The Swanage team came from Dorset and there were quite a few from Devon as well as Cornwall. It’s a good social day out.”
Fowey did particularly well in the St Goran races, coming in first in the Women’s A and Women’s Vets categories, as well as the Under-14 and Under-16.
Par won the Men’s A and B categories, and the Mixed race.
The club always rounds off its race day with a bale-tossing competition, which went on late into the night.
Many of the crew members stayed in the village to camp for the night and enjoy the celebrations, which also included a pig roast.
“It was good day of races and then a good evening at the pub,” said Ms Brown.
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Future’s bright for region’s gig racing
24-08-2009
By Lyn Barton
THE future of gig racing was looking brighter than ever at the weekend when the sport’s young, keen crews took to the water.
The Under-14 Championships held at Hayle attracted a bumper turnout of 27 crews, with some clubs fielding a number of teams.
A spokesman for the Cornish Pilot Gig Association said the enthusiasm on display was heartening to see.
“It was very encouraging for the future of the sport,” she said.
“There were some really good gig rowers out there and it is all about developing the next generation.
“We had 27 crews at Hayle and the most important thing now is to make sure these young gig racers progress through the sport and continue rowing.”
Crews came from across Devon and Cornwall to take part in the championships. Salcombe and Torridge made the longest journey in order to participate.
But in terms of sheer numbers, there was an impressive turnout by some Cornish clubs, such as Looe who brought four teams, Padstow who brought three, and Cadgewith, Newquay, Porthleven and Rock, each of whom brought two teams.
The overall competition was won by Padstow, with teams from Looe coming second and third.
The races were held at Copperhouse Pool in Hayle and the event organised by the town’s gig club.
The passive conditions at the pool are perfect for the junior rowers and its sheltered aspect means that races can be held come rain or shine.
The setting also allows spectators to watch the whole of the race, with some even cycling along St Georges Walk to cheer rowers on every inch of the way.
All of the rowers who took part were awarded medals, provided thanks to sponsorship from the Porthminster Hotel in St Ives.
General manager Ben Young said they were delighted to back the sport’s rising stars.
“The hotel has been pleased to be involved in shaping the rowers of the future.
“We realise what an important part of the Cornish culture the gig racing has become and therefore want to encourage and, where possible, help in the promotion of the sport for future generations.”
The Under-14 Championship results: 1 Padstow A, 2 Looe A, 3 Looe B
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Results from Coverack
24-08-2009
THE flattest sea conditions of the season greeted rowers who made the journey to the tip of the Lizard peninsula for gig racing’s most southerly regatta.
Coverack welcomed crews from 13 clubs who travelled from as far afield as Salcombe and Paignton to attend their annual contest held earlier this month.
According to Trevor Richards, of Coverack Gig Club, it was a great day’s rowing.
“We were a bit worried at first because the forecast was so terrible. But in the end it turned out all right. The rain cleared just before the coxes’ meeting and by the time the rowers got underway the sea conditions were perfect.
“I think it was the flattest day I have seen all season. The result was a really good’s days racing and I think everyone enjoyed themselves and were glad that they had come.”
Results:
Men’s A: 1 Falmouth, 2 Mounts Bay, 3 Helford
Men’s B: 1 Falmouth, 2 Padstow, 3 Mounts Bay
Under 16: 1 Helford, 2 Devoran, 3 Padstow
Ladies A: 1 Falmouth, 2 Charlestown, 3 Padstow
Ladies B: 1 Paignton, 2 Rock, 3 Mounts Bay
Under 14: 1 Cadgewith, 2 Coverack, 3 Helford
Mixed: 1 Helford, 2 Coverack, 3 Paignton
Veterans: 1 Helford, 2 Paignton, 3 Rock
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Downpours failed to dampen the spirits
24-08-2009
By Alice Wright
THE odd downpour failed to dampen enthusiasm at the mixed and veterans’ championships hosted by Caradon in July.
The club held the event at Saltash and a record number of 128 crews from Cornwall, Devon and Dorset entered the races, making it the biggest yet.
The competition coincided with Saltash Town Regatta, so crowds of people who were already in the town turned up to cheer on the racers, along with the more hardened supporters.
The start of the first race had to be delayed by about 20 minutes because of an accident in the Glyn Valley which shut the road, delaying some rowers and gigs. However, once the flag dropped for the first of 60 races the day flowed smoothly.
Leanne Kent, vice-chairman of the Caradon club, said the event had been a great success and, apart from a heavy downpour first thing and a couple of showers later on, rowers enjoyed fairly good weather.
She added that, with more crews than ever before taking part in this year’s competition, the sport seemed to be growing in popularity every year.
“I think it’s one of the fastest growing sports in the South West,” she said.
She put its growing popularity down to an increasing interest in watersports in general and also the sociable nature of gig racing in particular.
She thanked everyone involved in organising the event for their time and hard work.
Caradon club not only hosted a successful day of races on Saturday – it also managed to take away two first prizes.
The host gig club was victorious in the mixed veterans class, with teams made up of three men and three women over 40. Zennor was second and Helford third.
The Caradon men’s super-veterans crew, with men over the age of 50, also took first place.
Helford took second place in the category, followed by Cadgwith.
Ms Kent said it was a particular achievement to win top prizes when club members were also rushing around trying to organise the races.
A crew from the Helford club won the ladies’ veterans class while Mounts Bay was second and Falmouth third.
Falmouth took first prize in the men’s veterans category, followed by Newquay and Mounts Bay.
Helford won the mixed race in the super-veterans category. Penryn came in second and Salcombe third.
In the ladies’ super-veterans, Dartmouth was first, followed by Helford and Salcombe.
Falmouth A won the mixed competition, with Caradon A and Caradon B in second and third places.
Mevagissey took home the mixed plate, Weymouth won the ladies’ veterans plate, Weymouth B won the mixed veterans plate while Torridge left with the men’s veterans plate.
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Muse tickets sell out in record time
24-08-2009
By Emma Pearcy
TICKETS to Muse’s hugely anticipated Teignmouth gig sold out in record time.
Overjoyed fans are celebrating after queuing outside the Carlton Theatre for more than 24 hours to get tickets to The Den Seaside Rendezvous concerts.
Matt Bellamy, Dominic Howard and Chris Wolstenholme made an appearance in the town on Thursday night and happily chatted with waiting fans.
Matt said: “It has been great to see all the fans queuing up, I also noticed a few older Teignmouth residents queuing too. It is great to know our music is getting across to different generations.”
Box office staff sold an allocation of 5,000 tickets within one hour of them going on sale, with surplus selling out by mid-afternoon.
However, national online ticket sales sold out in 20 minutes as fans swamped websites. Internet auction sites were yesterday already re-selling tickets at a whopping £840 a pair.
Hundreds of dedicated fans braved cold conditions overnight so they could buy the £37.50 tickets for the gigs on Friday, September 4 and Saturday, September 5.
By 9am yesterday, the queue snaked from the theatre’s box office entrance, around The Den, past the Beachcomber cafe and towards The Point car park. Some camped out from 8.30am on Thursday.
Newly opened restaurant, Take 2 in the Riviera Cinema building, played Muse hits ahead of the ticket booths opening.
Roger Smith, chairman of Teignmouth Players, the voluntary organisation which runs the theatre said: “Teignmouth has never seen anything like this. It has been incredible. The fans have been wonderful. They waited all night and have been in good spirits throughout.”
The band, who have twice won the best live act title at the Brit Awards, haven’t played on home turf since 1995 and the opportunity to see them locally has gone down a storm with people of all ages.
Charlotte Mortimore, 21, and Sam Taylor, 20, from Teignmouth, were the first to get their Saturday gig tickets – despite a last minute hiccup when Charlotte realised she had lost her bankcard.
But after a few panicked minutes she got her hands on four for the Saturday night event. Both said they were “ecstatic”.
Charlotte said: “We are so excited now. It’s going to be awesome. Last night was so much fun, we have not had any sleep, and stayed up all night chatting to people and playing drinking games.”
Sam added: “We are going to celebrate with a few drinks before going home to bed for a kip.”
Brothers Jakk and Harry Tranckle, from Teignmouth, queued with friends.
Jakk, 19, said: “I am absolutely shattered but it was worth the wait.
“I’ve been listening to Muse since I was 12 years old. I think it’s amazing they are going to be playing in their home town.”
Harry, 22, added: “I can’t believe it’s only two weeks. It’s going to be brilliant.”
Dale Stewart, 22, of Teignmouth, said: “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. They have not forgotten where they have come from and that is great.”
Jacqueline Daviss started queuing at 1.30pm on Thursday and got Saturday tickets for her and children Emily, 19, Jazmine, 14 and Oscar, six.
She said: “There has been a great atmosphere. The good thing was that the queue was full of local people. My children have grown up with Muse so I think it’s wonderful they have remembered their hometown and are putting on these concerts.”
Otterton Mill announce autumn series
23-08-2009
OTTERTON Mill has announced its autumn music season. As ever, the programme features world-class musicians from the fields of folk, blues, americana and jazz. All concerts take place in the intimate setting of the Mill’s restaurant situated within the historic Mill buildings, and music-goers can enjoy a fabulous meal from 6pm. Music starts at 8pm. (Note: ticket prices shown cover music only).
SEPT 24: JEFF & VIDA - tickets £11.50
A long-awaited return from one of the US’s finest new country/bluegrass duos. Vida's powerful vocals and driving 1942 Gibson J-45 guitar with Jeff's rock-n-roll approach to mandolin and guitar will get your feet stomping. Performing original songs spanning Appalachian bluegrass to alternative country, the duo are as perfect a combination as you’re likely to find. www.myspace.com/jeffandvida and www.jeffandvida.com
OCT 1: NAOMI SOMMERS - tickets £10.50
From Nashville, Naomi is the daughter of New England’s folk legend Phil Rosenthal. Her gorgeous voice, magnificent songs and irresistible personality are rapidly earning her a reputation as an emerging star. With roots in bluegrass, the blues, jazz, folk and old-time country, her music will warm your soul. “Magnificent” Maverick.
www.myspace.com/naomisommers and www.naomisommers.com
OCT 8: ROB LUTES - tickets £10.50
One of Canada’s finest singer/songwriters joins us on his first solo UK tour. Rob’s moving meditations on life and love, his stunning award-winning songs, great voice and impassioned live performances make for an unforgettable show. A recent headliner at the Montreal Folk Festival, Rob plays blue-based Americana at its best. www.myspace.com/roblutesmusic and www.roblutes.com
OCT 15: STEPHEN FEARING - tickets £11.00
A fourth visit from another wonderful Canadian musician and one of our most popular acts! Stephen always exceeds expectations with his powerful lyrics, pure vocals, masterful musicianship and onstage charm.
www.stephenfearing.com & www.myspace.com/stephenfearing
OCT 22: KEITH JAMES & RICK FOOT - tickets £11.50
A special concert to celebrate the music of John Martyn. John’s powerful, yet often lamenting songs, seductive guitar style and enigmatic voice earned him a devoted following and numerous industry accolades over two generations. Keith and Rick’s intimate format of voice, acoustic guitar and double bass pay tribute to John, alongside songs by Davy Graham, Sandy Denny and Nick Drake.
www.myspace.com/mrkeithjames & www.keithjamesandrickfoot.com
NOV 12: MIKE DOWLING - tickets £11.00
A welcome return from the master craftsman of guitar players. Mike’s career spans four amazing decades and has attracted a string of awards from just about every blues, folk and bluegrass organisation, culminating in a 2005 Grammy for his fingerstyle guitar playing on ‘Pink Guitar’, and the recent honour of receiving a National Resonator signature guitar, a remake of a 1932 vintage. A must see! www.mikedowling.com
NOV 19: LISA FITZGIBBON - tickets £10.50
UK-based, Australian singer/songwriter Lisa puts the power back into contemporary folk music. “If you took the sexiness of Charlene Spiteri, the angst of Natalie Merchant and the vocal range of Eddie Reader, you’d have a pretty good idea of what to expect from Lisa Fitzgibbon” WightVibe. Playing as a duo with talented guitarist Jon Fletcher.
www.lisafitzgibbon.com & www.myspace.com/lisafitzgibbon
NOV 26: PETE OXLEY & LUIS D’AGOSTINO - tickets £12.00
Two of the finest guitarists around are back for a scintillating evening of music from classic tangos to works by Chick Corea, Egberto Gismonti, Joni Mitchell and Norah Jones. This Anglo-Argentinian pairing combines Pete’s jazz pedigree with Luis’ latin guitar virtuosity and makes for a sensational sound. www.peteoxley.com
DEC 3: GERRY COLVIN - tickets £10.50
Gerry is the exceptionally talented songwriter behind folk-pop fivesome ColvinQuarmby. This solo tour showcases Gerry’s incredible creativity and the full range of his distinctive voice with new material in a jazz/swing vein. Gerry is a consummate entertainer and brings joy and enthusiasm to every performance. Accompanied by keyboard player Elliot Rooney.
www.colvinquarmby.com & www.myspace.com/colvinquarmby
DEC 10: TOM MCCONVILLE & DAVID NEWEY - tickets £11.00
Tom’s 36 year contribution to the folk scene was recognised earlier this year with the coveted prize of “Musician of the Year” at the BBC Folk awards. His wonderful fiddle playing, great voice and inimitable Geordie wit make for a memorable live performance, and an evening of warm enjoyment. Playing with wonderful guitarist David Newey. www.tommcconville.co.uk
DEC 17: RAG MAMA RAG - tickets £11.50
On popular demand, we finish the year again with Rag Mama Rag. Husband and wife team, Ashley and Deborah, played a barnstorming gig last December and we just had to invite them back. Playing a mix of 20’s and 30’s country blues with their own original songs on everything from guitar and ukele, to washboard, harmonica, spoons and an African drum, they’ll have your feet tapping in no time. www.ragmamarag.co.uk & www.myspace.com/ragmamarag
For tickets, call 01395 568521 or visit the Mill’s craft shop housed within the Mill building. For information, go to the Music section of the Mill’s website at www.ottertonmill.com
Torquay's Princess Theatre announce line up
21-08-2009
TORQUAY'S Princess Theatre has announced the line up for the rest of this year - so support your local theatre, book your tickets, get good seats and enjoy the top class entertainment on your own doorstep:
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
AUG 24 at 7.30PM - JOE PASQUALE SUMMER TOUR 2009
AUG 25 at 7.30PM - ABBA MANIA
AUG 27 at 7.30PM - THAT’LL BE THE DAY
SEPT 1-6 (various times) - JOSEPH
SEPT 10 at 7.30PM - ROY CHUBBY BROWN
SEPT 11 at 7.30PM - COUNTRY LEGENDS SOLID GOLD
SEPT 12 at 7PM - KEN DODD
SEPT 13 at 7.30PM - JANE MCDONALD in CONCERT
SEPT 14-19 - (various performances) - THE SPIDERS WEB SEPT 22-26 - TOPS Muscial Productions - ANYTHING GOES
SEPT 28 at 7.30PM - CAROLYN ROWE AS SHIRLEY BASSEY
SEPT 29 at 8PM - JOE BROWN Live In Concert
SEPT 30 at 7.30PM - MAXIMUM RHYTHM ‘N’ BLUES – A Night at the Flamingo
OCT 3 at 7.30PM - JAKE & ELWOOD The Best Blues Brothers Show Eve
OCT 5 at 7.30PM - I’M SORRY I HAVEN’T A CLUE The Official Stage Tour
OCT 6 at 7.30PM THE ORCHESTRA – ELO & ELO partII Former Members
OCT 7 at 7.30PM - GOTTA SING GOTTA DANCE
OCT 11 at 7.30PM - MAGIC – A Kind Of Queen, we are the champs
OCT 12 at 7.30PM - BEST OF BRITISH MEDIUMSHIP with
COLIN FRY & TJ HIGGS
OCT 13 at 7.30M - SPIRIT OF THE DANCE
OCT 16 at 7.30PM - ULTIMATE BOWIE
OCT 17 at 7.30PM - ROCKIN’ ON HEAVEN’S DOOR
OCT 19-24 - 7.30PM SAT MAT AT 2.30PM - STEPPING OUT
OCT 21 at 6.30PM - THE PRINCE AND THE PAUPER – Pollyanna Buckingham NEW
OCT 27 at 7.30PM - CACOPHONY NEW
OCT 28 at 7.30PM - THE ILLEGAL EAGLES
OCT 29 at 7.30PM - THE NUTCRACKER
OCT 30 at 7.30PM - An Evening With CHARLIE LANDSBOROUGH
OCT 31 at 7.30PM - DAVE SPIKEY The Best Medicine – repeat prescription
NOV 2 at 10.30&1.30PM - SHAKESPEARE 4 KIDS UK LTD – Macbeth
NOV 5-7 at 7.30PM - DANCING IN THE STREET - SAT MAT AT 2.30PM
NOV 9 at 7.30PM - DAVID ESSEX plus support
NOV 16 at 7.30PM - HEATHER SMALL NEW
NOV 17 at 7.30PM - JOE LONGTHORNE in concert plus special guest
NOV 19 at 7.30PM - SPIRIT OF PINK FLOYD SHOW
NOV 20 at 7.30PM - WATERLOO
NOV 22 at 7.30PM - VAMPIRES ROCK
NOV 24 at 8PM - GRUMPY OLD WOMEN Live 2 Chin Up Britain
NOV 26 at 7.30PM - THAT’LL BE THE DAY CHRISTMAS SHOW
NOV 28 at 1PM - NODDY
NOV 30-DEC 12 - EVITA Various 2.30pm & 7.30pm
Performances
DEC 13 at 7.30PM - ROYAL MARINES Christmas Spectacular
DEC 17-JAN 3 – CINDERELLA - Various Perf Times
Think Local: 10 things to do before you are 10
18-08-2009
LAST year, the National Trust found that children spent so little time outdoors that common British wildlife was alien to them, with one in three unable to identify a magpie and half confused between bees and wasps.
To combat this the National Trust has launched a campaign to get you and your family going wild this summer with 100’s of specific ‘wild child’ events designed to encourage children’s interest in local wildlife.
The trust has come up with a fun and easy way to get started, why not get your young ones involved in our '10 things to do before you're 10' challenge. Not only will the little ones love it, but it's a great way to recreate some of your own wilder childhood memories. There are also a few suggestions about places in Devon and Cornwall where you can ‘go wild’.
10 things to do before you’re 10
1: Get lost in a maze. There’s a great one at Glendurgan.
2: Dress up in fancy dress. Try Killerton’s Wizards and Dragons Afternoon on August 19.
3: Go bat spotting – if you dare! At Arlington Court on 19 and 26 August.
4: Make friends with a giant hedgehog! Go to Trusty’s Family Fun Day at Lanhydrock on August 30.
5: Go bird spotting. See how many different types of birds you can spot from the bird hide on the walk to Lydford Gorge’s White Lady Waterfall.
6: Discover strange and scary creatures. Try the Weird Wildlife and Nasty Nature Trail at Castle Drogo throughout August.
7: Go dabbling in rock pools. Join the Rock Pool Quest at Porth Mear on August 21.
8: Get soaked by the Great Squirt! The Tudor garden watering device at Trerice.
9: Find out where bugs and beasts hide. Join the Creepy Crawly Club at Trelissick on 27 August.
10: Go wild in the woods. With woodland activities and games at Saltram on August 26.
Kids will love the FREE ‘wild child’ packs, which are available at most National Trust properties and are full of games and activities, plus loads of helpful hints at spotting wildlife on your day out. There is also a fantastic website with games and wacky wildlife facts galore - so log on and become a wild child this summer at www.wild-child.org.uk
You can also visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/devoncornwall to download your free Devon and Cornwall summer holiday planners.
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Make use of local events
13-08-2009
THERE's lots to do in the Westcountry during August. Below are a list of events to cater for everyone:
August 12 Barbecue and entertainment with Miracle Theatre, The Croust House, Roskilly’s, St Keverne, 01326 281924
August 12 Spanish Paella Midweek Supper, Devon Wine School, near Crediton, www.devonwineschool.co.uk
August 13 Barbecue and entertainment with Jumping out of Jazz, The Croust House, Roskilly’s, St Keverne, 01326 281924
August 18 Children’s Pick and Cook, Riverford Farm and Field Kitchen, Buckfastleigh, www.riverford.co.uk
August 18 Barbecue and entertainment with Black VElvet, The Croust House, Roskilly’s, St Keverne, 01326 281924
August 19 Early supper and children’s tractor ride, , Riverford Farm and Field Kitchen, Buckfastleigh, www.riverford.co.uk
August 20 Barbecue and entertainment with Out of the Blue, The Croust House, Roskilly’s, St Keverne, 01326 281924
August 22 Glorious Rosé, Devon Wine School, near Crediton, www.devonwineschool.co.uk
August 25 Children’s Pick and Cook, Riverford Farm and Field Kitchen, Buckfastleigh, www.riverford.co.uk
August 25 Barbecue and entertainment with St Keverne Band, The Croust House, Roskilly’s, St Keverne, 01326 281924
August 26 Early supper and children’s tractor ride, Riverford Farm and Field Kitchen, Buckfastleigh, www.riverford.co.uk
August 27 Barbecue and entertainment with Me and the Devil, The Croust House, Roskilly’s, St Keverne, 01326 281924
August 28 Friday Night Supper, Cowslip Workshops, St Stephens nr Launceston, www.cowslipworkshops.com
August 31 (bank holiday Monday) Newlyn Fish Festival www.newlynfishfestival.org.uk
August 31 Barbecue and entertainment with The Roosters, The Croust House, Roskilly’s, St Keverne, 01326 281924
August 31 April 13 Gweek August Bank Holiday Fair, Gweek Village Hall, Gweek
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
‘Dance Bites’ at Port Eliot Festival
16-07-2009
DANCE Bites, an exciting evening of the most ‘Contemporary’ of Contemporary Dance from across the region, is to make an appearance at the wonderful Port Eliot Festival.
A Getting Cornwall Dancing initiative from The Works Dance and Theatre Cornwall, Dance Bites – which premiered at the Acorn in Penzance on 4 July and is now appearing at Port Eliot on July 25 & 26 – also forms part of RELAYS from the Legacy Trust UK and FEAST from Arts Council England.
Specially designed to showcase and nurture high quality choreographic work from young professional and emerging choreographers and companies all based in Cornwall and the South West, the shows provide a unique platform for fresh talent to test out bite-size dance works in front of live audiences and a panel of experienced professionals.
The performances – which include films, live performance and installation – will be critiqued by a panel of experts and will also receive feedback from audience members.
Sally Williams of The Works and Cscape and coordinator of Dance Bites, says: “There’s never been a platform entirely dedicated to new professional-level choreography and dance in Cornwall before. This is a key moment for dance in the region.
“Dance Bites is all about spotting and helping new talent. We want to be seeing the next Cscape and Angela Praed coming through at these events; I’m sure that some of the dancers or choreographers you’ll see performing here will go on to do great things. Come to Dance Bites and see who YOU think is going to be the next big thing.”
Performers and choreographers launching their work through Dance Bites include Bretton Hall-trained Emily Dobson showing two dance film collaborations, ‘Face’ and ‘Displacement’ created with film maker Brett Harvey and photographer Kevin Clifford.
Dancer Emily Dobson says: “I just think it’s a brilliant opportunity for local dancers to perform as part of a platform such as this, and in venues and environments that are highly professional but also very supportive. The Acorn and the Port Eliot Festival are both fantastic places to perform, places where like minds will be - people who want to make and see amazing work. Especially for new choreographers and performers it can be quite a scary world to step into, so to show work in a sympathetic context with great technical backup, and to have the chance to get vital feedback to help shape your ideas, is priceless.”
Other performers include Sarah Eldin, a graduate of the Northern School of Contemporary Dance with her new solo piece ‘Minding the Body’. All A Scrawl, an exciting new young dance company based in Cornwall, directed by Laban graduates Jessica Leonard Streeter and Taylor-Sian Paciuszko, presents a trio entitled ‘Four’.
Flock, a company comprising two Middlesex graduates Rosie Taylor and Lizzie Carr, are showing ‘Successions’, an installation piece originally created alongside artists, musicians and designers in a residency at Newlyn Art Gallery in 2008. And Gemma Kempthorne, who trained at Dance City and London Contemporary Dance School, is to perform her four-minute work ‘The Stutter’ at the events.
Alongside Sally Williams, The Works’ Dance Officer and Co-Director of Cscape, the professional panel is also set to include Tim Brinkman, Director of the Hall for Cornwall, and Lois Taylor, former director of Attik Dance and now an independent choreographer.
Sally Williams said: “It’s really interesting to be able to involve a live audience as well as an expert panel in the shaping of new work, and the feedback for dancers and choreographers has been really successful so far. Everyone really learnt a great deal from showing their work at the Acorn and have since been very busy making tweaks ready for the Port Eliot Festival.
“Dance Bites is a really wonderful event – it’s a huge success and we are hoping to make it an annual event. The works are really proud to be able to support the dance community in this way.”
Arts Council England, South West Executive Director Chris Humphrey said: “We are delighted to be able to support RELAYS to enable innovative projects like 'Dance Bites' to become part of the Cultural Olympiad in the south west. It’s the first time in Cornwall young & emerging choreographers can showcase their work in front of live audiences and receive support to nurture their talent.”
Dance Bites can be seen at the Port Eliot Festival, St Germans on July 25 – 26; see www.porteliotfestival.com for full details and ticket information.
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Enjoy Piazza Opera in the heart of Plymouth
08-07-2009
THE Royal Opera’s The Barber of Seville will be beamed live from Covent Garden’s Royal Opera House to a big screen in The Piazza for the first time this summer as part of the BP Summer Big Screens Programme 2009.
Plymouth residents can watch The Barber of Seville on Wednesday 15 July at 7.30pm. The free event will be one of 42 free screenings around the country this summer as thousands of people enjoy world-class opera and ballet in their own local area.
The BP Summer Big Screen relays are a great opportunity for people to get together, bring a picnic and enjoy wonderful ballet and opera for free – the events have continued to grow in popularity regardless of the UK’s notorious summer weather.
The Barber of Seville completes this year’s screenings live from Covent Garden’s Royal Opera House on 15 July at 7.30pm. With its familiar music, the most famous of all Italian comic operas features love, laughter and a resourceful heroine, aided and abetted by Figaro, town barber, extraordinaire.
Tony Hall, Chief Executive of the Royal Opera House, said: “I think it’s very exciting that we’re able to relay live opera and ballet performances from the Royal Opera House to all of these new and existing big screens across the country, and all completely free for audiences. This is a fantastic opportunity for family and friends to come together this summer and experience these world class performances in the outdoors, maybe even with a picnic. Each city creates a unique atmosphere – there’s such an air of excitement and expectation with hugely enthusiastic crowds. The support of both BP and the BBC has been critical to the success of the big screens, and we’re very excited that more people than ever before will be able to see our performances on the big screens this year.”
This year will see the largest number of BP Big Screens ever with 42 screenings in 20 locations. Aberdeen, Belfast, Bradford, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Rotherham, Ipswich, Swindon, Sunbury, Derby, Trafalgar Square and Canary Wharf in London will again have FREE live screenings through this ongoing collaboration between the ROH, BP and the BBC. New venues for 2009 are Bristol, Cardiff, Middlesbrough, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Swansea and Waltham Forest.
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Gig racing a great spectators sport
08-07-2009
A BID to make gig racing a more spectator friendly sport for people on dry land proved a spectacular success at a Cornish resort this weekend.
Looe Gig Club, with an eye to the popularity of their annual race meeting, altered the course to make the race easier to watch in its entirety by tourists who flock to the picturesque town.
Mike White, Secretary of the club, said it had been a big hit.
“The pier was packed. There were hundreds watching the races.
“We had a lot of support from the town as well as the tourists who seemed really interested in what we were doing.”
The races on Saturday, which attracted 20 clubs from Devon and Cornwall, launched from the town’s East Beach.
In the past, the triangular course would have taken the rowers away from supporters and bystanders lined up to watch them.
But after looking at how other clubs ran their regattas, the organisers decided instead to run the contest in a course across the beaches.
“The aim was to make it a more spectator friendly day and I think it worked,” said Mr White.
The new regime was not without teething problems, he added.
“It was easier for people to watch the race, although we had to shorten the course after the first race which was a bit long with the slowest crew coming in at 28 minutes.
“We changed it so the races were around 16 minutes and it worked very well.”
The gorgeous June weather created perfect racing conditions for Saturday’s regatta at Looe.
However, further down the coast at Helford on Sunday, sunshine seemed in short supply for the club’s annual regatta.
“It rained at first, which was a bit of disappointment,” said Helford club secretary Bryony Hadley.
“But fortunately the clouds cleared away and we were left with some good racing conditions.”
Launching from the beautiful surroundings of Helford Passage, the event attracted 16 visiting clubs and proved the most successful ever staged there.
Some teams, from clubs like Mounts Bay and Falmouth had raced the precious day at Looe, but still chalked up top places on the score boards.
Although the host club just missed out on a podium place in a number of races, Miss Hadley said they were buoyant about their prospects for doing well in future races.
“They’re often just behind the pack in the top five places coming in sixth or seventh, which is pretty good.
“Our ladies and men’s teams have been working really hard and it takes time for a team to gel and a crew to work together, so we’re quite hopeful about what they will do in the future.”
Results from Looe:
Men’s A: Falmouth, 2 Caradon, 3 Mounts Bay
Ladies’ A: 1 Roseland, 2 Caradon, 3 Mounts Bay
Men’s B: 1 Caradon, 2 Falmouth, 3 Roseland
Ladies’ B: 1 Roseland, 2 Mounts Bay, 3 Fowey
Under 14: 1 Looe, 2 Fowey, 3 Rame
Under 16: 1 Fowey, 2 Looe, 3 Rame
Veterans: 1 Roseland, 2 Cattewater, 3 Fowey
Mixed: 1 Caradon, 2 Looe, 3 Teignmouth
Results from Helford:
Men’s A: 1 Mounts Bay, 2 Falmouth, 3 Falmouth (corr)
Ladies’ A: 1 Falmouth, 2 Mounts Bay, 3 Truro
Men’s B: 1 Falmouth, 2 Mounts Bay, 3 Cadgewith
Ladies’ B: 1 Falmouth, 2 Mounts Bay, 3 Flushing and Mylor
Under 14: Cadgewith, 2 Zennor, 3 Pendeen
Under 16: 1 Mounts Bay, 2 Helford, 3 Cadgewith
Men’s Veterans: 1 Mounts Bay, 2 Helford, 3 St Ives
Ladies’ Veterans: 1 Mounts Bay, 2 Helford, 3 Helford
Mixed: 1 Helford, 2 Hayle, 3 Mounts Bay.
Overall winner: Mounts Bay
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Exmoor marks anniversary week
08-07-2009
EXMOOR, which straddles West Somerset and North Devon, is a special corner of England with stunning coast and country scenery dominated by the National Park.
To celebrate this years National Parks Week, which runs from July 27 – August 2, Exmoor is planning several fun events.
2009 also marks 60 years since the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 was formed, which set-up the creation of National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Sunday 26 July – Wimbleball Lake Picnic in the Park
Events start on Sunday 26 July with a free fun family Picnic in the Park at Wimbleball Lake. For anyone who volunteers to help with an environmental task in the morning, there’s a free barbecue lunch but booking is essential by calling Patrick Watts-Mabbott on 01398 323665 or 07973 727 469. Then between 2 - 4pm everyone is welcome and there’s no need to book, just bring along a picnic and join in the fun. There will be games for the children and guided walks with a National Park Ranger. Alternatively, there is a tea room at the lake where refreshments can be bought. Dogs on a lead welcome.
Monday, July 27 - Lynmouth Seaside Safari
On Monday, July 27 you can join a National Park Ranger to find out about the mini-beasts living unnoticed in the rock pools. Come and find out about the variety of creatures that help make the National Park a special place. All ages welcome, just come along at 2pm and meet the ranger on the seafront opposite the Cliff Railway at Lynmouth. The free rock pool ramble will last about two hours. Dogs on a lead welcome.
Tuesday July 28 - Simonsbath Evening Deer Search
On July 28 join an Exmoor National Park Ranger for an evening deer search to try and locate the Red Deer of Exmoor. Meet in Ashcombe Car Park, Simonsbath at 7pm for the free two-hour/three-mile walk. Binoculars, walking boots/clothing are essential. Regret no dogs.
Saturday August 1 - Navigation Day
On Saturday, August 1 there’s a chance for you to improve your confidence in exploring the countryside by gaining basic map reading and compass skills, and discovering what you can do where! The Navigation Day, which runs from 10am – 3pm, includes practical sessions and there is a £10 charge per person. Booking is essential by calling 01398 322292; minibus pickup may be available otherwise meet at Exmoor National Park's Pinkery Centre for outdoor education, near Simonsbath. Walking clothing and boots essential. Regret no dogs.
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Think Local - join in the fun!
08-07-2009
July 4 Strawberry Fair, Trevaskis Farm, Gwinear, Hayle
www.trevaskisfarm.co.uk
July 5 Beef and Veal Masterclass, Manna from Devon and Anzac Street Bistro, www.mannafromdevon.com
July 8 Unusual and Delicious White Wine Supper, Devon Wine School, near Crediton
www.devonwineschool.co.uk
July 10 Friday Night Supper, Cowslip Workshops, St Stephens near Launceston, www.cowslipworkshops.com
July 10 William Dalrymple Literary Lunch, Castle Hotel, Taunton, www.the-castle-hotel.com
July 10-12 South Devon Football, Food and Drink Festival, Bovey Tracey
July 11 Italian Masterclass Devon Wine School, Crediton, www.devonwineschool.co.uk
July 11-12 Dorset Seafood Festival, Old Harbour, Weymouth, www.dorsetseafood.co.uk
July 14 Tea Total Lunch, Charlton House Hotel, Shepton Mallet, www.charltonhouse.com
July 14 Beer Masterclass and dinner with Rupert Ponsonby, Hix Oyster and Fish House, Lyme Regis, www.restaurantsetcltd.co.uk
July 15 Yalumba Wine masterclass with Jane Ferrari, Darts Farm, 01392 878228 or foodclub@dartsfarm.co.uk
July 16 Supper Club with Michael Caines and Mitch Tonks, The Seahorse, Dartmouth, www.seahorserestaurant.co.uk
July 18 Riverford Summer Party, Riverford Farm, Buckfastleigh, www.riverford.co.uk
July 22 Early supper and children’s tractor ride, Riverford Farm and Field Kitchen, Buckfastleigh, www.riverford.co.uk
July 23 Barbecue with St Keverne Choir, The Croust House, Roskilly’s, St Keverne, 01326 281924
July 25 Marldon Apple Pie Fair, Marldon
July 28 Children’s Pick and Cook, Riverford Field Kitchen, Buckfastleigh, www.riverford.co.uk
July 28 Pork and Bacon Masterclass, Manna from Devon and Anzac Street Bistro, www.mannafromdevon.com
July 29 Early supper and children’s tractor ride, Riverford Farm and Field Kitchen, Buckfastleigh, www.riverford.co.uk
July 30 Barbecue with Cadgwith Jazz, The Croust House, Roskilly’s, St Keverne, 01326 281924
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Barnfield thinks local to help younsters
22-06-2009
YOUNGSTERS are being given the opportunity to tread the boards at the Barnfield Theatre, where they will learn to sing, dance and act in a special inclusive workshop organised by InterAct, which helps disadvantaged youth.
There are 60 places available for the two workshops (morning or afternoon) which start on July 27 for a week.
The workshops are open to all young people aged between 10 and 19, with learning, physical or financial difficulties, or for those who have social problems, or problems at home.
InterAct workshops follow the Stagecoach Theatre Arts format, but unlike Stagecoach which costs around £300 a term, these workshops are absolutely free.
Mike McNulty, chief executive of InterAct, said: “InterAct’s inclusive workshops create opportunities for underprivileged and disadvantaged youngsters to join mainstream children, to develop and learn valuable skills for life by giving them the opportunity to participate in the arts.
“InterAct is for everyone, whatever their background, who for whatever reasons, find it difficult to join a part-time school like Stagecoach. Our aim is to include as many children as we can in the activities of drama, music and movement, with the same key outcomes as Stagecoach, developing self-expression, gaining confidence and building self esteem.”
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Coming soon to a street, lido or theatre near you
21-06-2009
TASKFORCE are staging a week of performances in Dartington, Buckland Abbey and Plymouth, most of which are free.
JUNE 20
TaskForce collaborates with dance artists from University College Falmouth for a promenade performance that explores Dartington’s unique Tiltyard and its historical water connections.
Dartington, Totnes at 3.30pm and 5.30pm. Limited on-site parking.
JUNE 21
Interdisciplinary artist Dan Faberoff is involved in a performance that highlights the architecture of the Great Barn at Buckland Abbey, home of Sir Francis Drake, the man who brought fresh water to Plymouth, and now National Trust.
Buckland Abbey, Yelverton at 1.30pm and 3.30pm. Free parking but normal National Trust admissions apply (£4.20 adults, £2.10 children, NT members free).
JUNE 22
There will be a screening of two original dance shorts created during last year’s TaskForce USA – Kid Galahad Karaoke and Chinatown: Watermark (inspired by locations from Roman Polanski’s film, Chinatown) plus a short documentary on the project in America, footage from the Plymouth rehearsals and a question and answer session with Stephan Koplowitz.
Jill Craigie Cinema, Roland Lewinsky Building, University of Plymouth at 7.30pm. Tickets £5 (concessions £3): 01752 585050.
JUNE 23
A camera obscura in Devonport, Plymouth, is part of a multi-site performance in different locations. Every half an hour, a small audience inside the camera obscura in Seymour House will be able to see the dancers some distance away. Performances are every 30 minutes.
Seymour House, Mount Wise, between 3pm and 6pm. You must reserve the free tickets online at www.dartington.org/taskforce.
JUNE 24
TaskForce moves into Plymouth City Centre and their first performance is down the centre of Armada Way, starting at the Copthorne Hotel and working down to the sundial.
Armada Way, 1pm and 5pm.
JUNE 25
Visual artist Ella Huhne will work with TaskForce to create a performance in and around Smeaton’s Tower on Plymouth Hoe to mark its 250th anniversary year.
Smeaton’s Tower, Plymouth, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm.
JUNE 26
Guest Helen Snell, a paper artist, will be involved in the performance to highlight the iconic status of the Mayflower Steps.
Pilgrims Point, The Barbican, 12pm, 1pm
In the evening you can see TaskForce Remixed at The Barbican Theatre at 8pm. Tickets £5 (concessions £3). 01752 585050.
JUNE 27/28
The week ends with a unique promenade tour of Tinside Lido on the Hoe.
6pm on both days.
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Carnival mood will get streets jumping
21-06-2009
A CARNIVAL atmosphere will prevail on the streets of Exeter next Friday when the city’s summer festival gets under way. The masked procession through the city centre from midday will be followed in the evening by the Party on the Quay, an extravaganza of free entertainment.
There will be music, street theatre and circus tricks, and workshops, all culminating in a display of spectacular fireworks on the banks of the River Exe.
These festivities mark the start of a packed programme of music, theatre and comedy at venues across the city.
The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra will perform a programme of Rossini, Brahms and Dvorák in the cathedral on Saturday, June 13 with a cello solo by rising star Bartholomew LaFollette.
Celebrated cellist Julian Lloyd Webber gives a solo with the Rotterdam Chamber Orchestra on Tuesday, June 23 in a programme which includes Tchaikovsky, Mozart and Haydn, also in the cathedral.
Putting some contemporary glamour into classical music are Pavão Quartet, who’ve been heard on Radio 1 as well as such rarefied venues as the Wigmore Hall in London.
They perform music by Mozart and Mendelssohn in the historic setting of the Chapter House on the Cathedral Green on Sunday, June 21 with champagne and strawberries.
Comedy at the festival includes Pappy’s Fun Club, irreverent stand-up from four young men in silly headgear, at the Phoenix on June 18.
For something completely different on the same night, head to the Northcott, where Kit and the Widow will be treating their audience to a decadent evening of lounge cabaret of another era.
In quite another style again, controversial and confrontational Australian funny man Brendon Burns will be at the Exeter Comedy Club in a festival special on Friday, June 26.
There is a good selection of avant- garde theatre on offer.
The play Home, on June 27, is part of the trend of “nomadic theatre” where scene changes are achieved by moving the audience instead of the props.
The cast of the play, by Tangled Feet Company, will meet their audience at three points in the city, to explore with the help of a tent what we mean when we talk about “home”.
Another unusual piece of theatre is the critically acclaimed Whisper, at the Phoenix on Tuesday, June 23, which asks the audience to question “what is real?” in a world of increasing technological sophistication.
Each audience member is given a set of headphones through which they hear the voices of three live performers narrating a fictional walk through a fictional city. Meanwhile, behind a cinematic screen, the performers can be seen in silhouette and shadow, acting out the silent movie to their narrative.
A piece of dance theatre which stretches the boundaries is on offer at the Northcott on Wednesday, June 24. Trapped tells the story of five characters caught up in a surreal Kafka-esque landscape, with dance and mime to original music.
Children might enjoy Butterflies, from TPO, an Italian theatre company which specialises in entrancing younger audiences. The production at the Phoenix on Monday, June 14 takes the audience on a magical journey following the life of a butterfly, using digital imagery, dance and theatre.
No summer festival would be complete without a glass of Pimms. Savour yours at the Northcott while listening to the poetry of Keats, Shelley and other Romantics, on Friday, June 26. Perfect.
Visit the www.exeter.gov.uk/festival website for full details of the Exeter Summer Festival. Box office: 01392 493493.
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Pupils play their part to promote mining story
21-06-2009
THE fascinating story of Cornwall’s rich mining heritage is to be told in a new stage play.
Western Morning News writer Simon Parker penned the piece Gonamena, which is set in the stunning Gonamena Valley and mining area around Caradon Hill, near Liskeard, in South East Cornwall.
The tale centres around the home of one family as they face up to the challenges of the rapid transformation of the industry during the late 1800s.
In a bid to generate publicity for the play, Year 9 pupils from Looe Community School have been dressing up in clothes of the period and appearing at town centres across the county.
The group have dubbed themselves the Gonamena Guerrilla Marketing Team and have created posters and flyers for the event as well as publicity on the web.
Lauren Newton, 14, from Looe, one of the Gonamena Guerrillas said: “This is a great opportunity for us and we’re all really excited to be involved in the promotion of the play.
“We need to make it a success as it’s great to have something like this right on our doorstep.
“The story is relevant to all of us today even though it’s set in the past and is full of emotion and humour – there won’t be a dry eye in the house by the end.
“So many local people are involved and we really want the whole of Cornwall to come along, support all the hard work these people have put in and of course enjoy a brilliant show.”
Gonamena opens at Sterts Theatre, near Liskeard, on Saturday, June 6 at 7.30pm and will run for 10 performances on selected dates until July 22.
Tickets cost £8.50 for adults (£7 concessions) and £5 children. Sterts is an all-weather covered amphitheatre and theatre-goers are advised to bring a cushion, a jumper and a picnic.
To book tickets, call 01579 362382 or visit www.sterts.co.uk
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
There’s life in the old Bonzo dogs yet
21-06-2009
THEY were innovators of their generation, laughed at and loved in equal measure as they married musical mayhem with comedy and wacky theatrics on stage. The songs and antics of the Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band still hold fond memories for so many who fell under their spell in the mid to late 1960s.
While it’s no longer possible to reunite the whole team, following the untimely death of the legendary Vivian Stanshall in 1995, three of its key members are flying the flag for all things madcap and Bonzo under the title Three Bonzos and a Piano, and will be performing for the first time in the Westcountry this month. Original Bonzos Roger Ruskin Spear, Rodney Slater and Sam Spoons have teamed up with super- pianist Dave Glasson to create more fun, music and subversive diversion in the spirit of the ageless band – “a sort of Bash Street Bonzos” according to Roger.
The band started as an art school group combining elements of music hall, trad jazz, psychedelic rock, and avant-garde art, playing in London pubs and gaining broader public exposure through TV programmes such as Do Not Adjust Your Set.
“We had a brief illuminating time between about 1964 and 1970 before going our separate ways. Most of us have been doing our own stage acts and shows in the meantime,” explains Roger, who provides voice, saxophone and cue cards.
The ingredients of Three Bonzos and a Piano had been playing together as a group as the Slightly Dangerous Brothers.
Then the idea of a Bonzos 40th anniversary show came up, and the whole tribe reunited to pay tribute to Vivian, with Bonzo original Neil Innes and some special guests on board – a move that was followed by a tour. Fans were clamouring for more, but Neil wasn’t keen to continue. Roger and Sam resumed their own collaboration, then asked Rodney to join them to play some Bonzo tunes. Dave Glasson – ex-Whoopee Band – completed the line-up.
“We decided we couldn’t really use the whole band title if Neil wasn’t involved, so we had to find a new name,” says Roger.
Many crazy suggestions were made but none ticked the box. Watching The Jonathan Ross Show one night, Roger spied Three Poofs and a Piano, and Three Bonzos and a Piano were born. Roger is in charge of sax, clarinet, trouser press and giant robots (don’t ask!), Rodney plays saxophones and washboard, Sam is on drums, electric spoons and didgeridon’t, while Dave takes control of piano, bass, pullover and glasses. Andy Roberts is an occasional reunion guest on guitar, banjo and ukulele.
They have been digging out all the old songs from the Bonzos’ back catalogue in honour of Viv, including some that have not previously been performed, as well as brand new songs, but they’ve avoided Neil’s distinctive numbers, which they feel can’t be reproduced well without him. “We are dotted all over the place, so it’s tricky getting together and we’ve decided not to push ourselves to do more than two or three shows a month so we don’t get tired or jaded. We’re all old people now, you know,” says Roger, but it’s clear there’s life in the old dog yet.
On the setlist will be Jollity Farm, Ali Baba’s Camel, Hunting Tigers Out In India, Alley-Oop, Trouser Press, Monster Mash, Tent, Can Blue Men Sing The Whites?, I’m Bored and many more.
They are also promising robots, smoke, unsuitable medical technology, ancient theatrical props and the kitchen sink to recreate the atmosphere of those formative years of the Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band at such legendary venues as The Tiger’s Head in Catford.
“It’s general chaos on stage – a bit like a workshop really,” says Roger. “We don’t want to get too slick with the act, but there little chance of that. We have collective amnesia.”
It’s a bit of a Westcountry reunion for the chaps – Roger has a place at Glastonbury where they will convene for the tour, Sam recently settled in Ilfracombe, and another Devon resident and old Bonzo, Vernon Dudley Bohay-Nowell, will be joining the party.
Unfortunately brief collaborator and part-time Dartmoor dweller Adrian Edmondson, who joined the ranks in the Viv Stanshall role for the band’s 40th anniversary gigs at London’s Astoria and subsequent tour, won’t be on stage with them. He’s too busy with his new venture, the Bad Shepherds.
“We set him on that road, you know, because he thought you had to be good to be a musician. When he was on tour with us he found out you don’t. He just got a trumpet and started to play,” says Roger.
Three Bonzos and a Piano play at Exeter Phoenix (01392 667080) on June 19; the Landmark Theatre, Ilfracombe (01271 324242) on June 25 and Golowan Festival, Penzance (01736 365520) on June 26.
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Golowan gigs give us a reason to get ‘mazed’
21-06-2009
THE now nationally famed Golowan Festival at Penzance this month presents a wealth of entertainment, from theatre to music, carnival, parades and comedy, to delight its thousands of fans.
As a new feature Tim Boulton, a Cornish music leader, will present three performances at The Exchange gallery in the town in aid of the Cornish Music Therapy Trust.
On Monday, June 22, local poet Jane Tozer gives a summertime selection of poems exploring the themes of nature, music, dance and love, with dancers from Shallal Dance Theatre and music from the music therapy team.
Jane’s infectious enthusiasm for life and poetry is balanced by Shallal’s dynamic yet touching dance, with live music.
The following day – Tuesday, June 23 – Penzance musicians Tim Boulton and Nigel Wicken are joined by German cellist Barbara Dagener for a concert that includes two Bach Viola da Gamba sonatas, performed on cello and viola, with harpsichord, and Handel’s D Major Viola Sonata with harpsichord and cello continuo.
On the Friday, June 26, internationally renowned harpist Ruth Wall, who lives near St Buryan, performs an eclectic programme of music, ranging from ancient to new, on Scottish lever harp and wire-string Gaelic harp.
“Many musicians and music lovers know that music can touch in unique ways,” said Mr Boulton.
“But no-one experiences this power more keenly than music therapists, whose work so intimately touches the lives of some of the most disadvantaged members of our community. Yet, through music, they may find a new way to share and experience life together.”
The performers are happy to support the valuable work of the Music Therapy Trust which helps those suffering from mental or physical illness or living with disabilities, emotional or behavioural difficulties, through the provision of music therapy. All three concerts start at 8pm and tickets, priced £4, are available at The Exchange on the nights of the performance.
Two other major music events are planned for Golowan on Thursday, June 25. Squashbox Theatre’s children’s show, Skillywidden, will be at The Exchange at 6.30pm, and at Chapel Street Methodist Church on the same evening the splendid Camborne Town Band will be in concert. The programme will include their first performance of Simon Dobson’s composition, Penlee, a tribute to those lifeboatmen who lost their lives in the tragedy of the Solomon Browne.
As in previous years, the centre of Penzance will be transformed into a Mardi Gras of colour, sound and spectacle as schoolchildren and bands parade through the streets for Mazey Day.
Mazey Day has become part of Penzance’s calendar during the past 19 years and many parents of those who march this year took part in the processions themselves.
Golowan continues to grow and evolve. This year instead of using the seafront marquee Golowan is taking over the former Ritz bingo hall, a large and beautiful art-deco cinema which is being transformed into a performance venue.
This year’s headliners include Three Bonzos And A Piano, a hilarious band containing many original members of the Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band; Neck, a wild Irish punk-folk band direct from Glastonbury; and Bollywood Brass, complete with projections and curry.
Other attractions include afternoon talks from author Patrick Gayle, broadcaster Tamsin Thomas and Cornish buildings expert Stephen Tyrrell.
The Acorn Arts Centre will present Peter Knight’s Gigspanner, Steve Tilston, comedian Paul Kerensa, Bishbashbosh Theatre, Robin Williamson and Hank Wangford, while there will be around 50 street acts on Mazey Day.
For more details call 01736 369686, email golowan@hotmail.co.uk or visit www.golowan.org
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
A reason to believe why Rod still rocks
21-06-2009
I NEVER thought I’d see the day when I could witness Rod Stewart in concert virtually on my doorstep. When my all-time favourite superstar singer appears at Plymouth’s Home Park football stadium on July 2, a 10-minute bus ride will deliver me to the venue to hear a dream set of greatest hits among fellow devotees.
It’s a major coup for the club to secure Rod’s only UK date of the summer, and a personal delight for me. Rod and I go back a long way, and I can honestly say that he changed my life.
The first time I saw him live on stage was the first time I’d ever been to a “proper” gig; there had been the odd fledgling band making a racket in the local youth club, but this was going to be something else. 1972 and the gravel-voiced, spiky-haired satin-clad Maggie May crooner was going to be on stage at The Rainbow in Finsbury Park with the super-cool raggle-taggle bunch who completed The Faces – Ronnie Lane, Ronnie Wood, Kenney Jones and Ian McLagan.
I’d seen their ramshackle, danger-filled, breathtaking performance on Top of the Pops, blasting out Stay With Me. When I saw the announcement for the gig in the Melody Maker I knew I just had to be there.
I lived in London, but the Rainbow was in the alien north, uncharted territory for a naive, barely teenage softy southern schoolgirl. With websites and Internet purchases not even a dream on the horizon, the tickets went on sale at the venue’s box office on January 15 – my mother’s birthday. I cruelly neglected her and spent from dawn till dusk with my friend Susan in a queue that snaked around the theatre’s perimeter, to secure a pair of coveted passes to musical mayhem and magic.
On the day of the show, a few weeks later, we were delivered in style by my uncle in his dusky pink Hillman Husky, dispatched by my parents so that we wouldn’t be travelling alone after dark.
After a great warm-up set by Scottish band Nazareth, suddenly they were there on stage and I found myself open-mouthed with awe, standing just three rows back, midway between Rod and Woody, as the crazy party got started.
The infectious honky-tonk bluesy rock and roll sound, Rod’s deliciously husky tones, his cheeky grin, the way he swung his mic stand around, his tight trousers, silky scarf and leopard-print jacket, the bottles of hooch the band swooped from the stage-side bar, Woody’s ever-present fag in the corner of his mouth; it all struck a massive chord that confirmed my destiny as a rock-and-roll-loving gig-goer. Mesmerised, it took me a few seconds to realise that Susan wasn’t right next to me, similarly enchanted; she was slipping to the floor in an overwhelmed faint. That could have been the end of my night, but the St John Ambulance man was charm personified and personally guaranteed her welfare while I charged back into position in time for the glorious finale and the start of a lifelong passion.
Oddly, although I’ve seen hundreds of other artists live in the intervening decades, I didn’t make it to see Rod again until a couple of years ago when I took a friend to see him at Sheffield (the only weekend show a working girl could get to) as a surprise gift for her 50th birthday. I have to say it was a night just as fabulous as that first evening in Rod’s company.
We’ve both matured in our musical tastes, he’s still brim-full of fun and enthusiasm and perpetuates the cream of a bottomless back catalogue delivered in a voice that’s matured like a vintage champagne.
It was like being an honoured guest at his personal party, with a singalong spirit that spilled into a spontaneous version of I Don’t Want ToTalk About It on the tram-ride back to our hotel.
Rod even spoke to me. When he told the 13,000-strong crowd he was going to sing a song that was the B-side of the Maggie May single and asked if anyone knew its title, I shouted out the answer, thinking I’d be one of many. Mine was a lone voice yelling: “Reason To Believe”.
“Thanks, darlin’,” called Rod, waving.
I have great expectations for his Plymouth show.
Rod Stewart plays Home Park, Plymouth, on Thursday, July 2. Tickets, priced £65 and £55 are available from Home Park box office (0845 338 7232, www.pafc.co.uk), Ticketmaster and See Tickets.
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Cinema goers supprt local theatre
21-06-2009
MORE than 10,000 film fans have had a night out at the flicks, at the latest venue in a growing Westcountry cinema chain.
Penzance-based Merlin Cinemas converted the former drill hall in Falmouth to a five-screen multiplex, which opened its doors to the public last week.
The Falmouth Phoenix is the latest in a string of nine Westcountry cinemas to have been opened by Geoff Greaves, who also owns a picture house in Cromer, Norfolk.
“It’s been a tremendous start,” Mr Greaves said.
Since buying Penzance’s Savoy in 1990, ardent cinema fan Mr Greaves has been on a mission to bring film back to small towns in the region.
The independent chain now employs 120 staff and has an annual £3 million turnover.
Mr Greaves said recession had proved a boom time for cinema, which is nationally up 10 per cent on last year’s takings.
“In the UK, cinema admissions have hit 170 million – three times higher than they were in 1985,” he said. The sector is bearing up incredibly well at the moment – it’s the perfect escape from television coverage of economic gloom.
“Cinema in small towns can be tough, but we run a fairly tight ship and can be more flexible with our bookings than larger multiplexes in terms of turning around film schedules.”
Serving communities where giant multiplexes are too far for regular nights out, Merlin has also rescued listed and well-loved buildings from redevelopment.
Seven of Merlin’s venues were old cinemas built for purpose between 1912 and the 1930s, while the remainder, including Okehampton’s New Carlton, were building conversions.
Merlin’s smallest cinema, in Tiverton, is the only traditional single-screen venue in its portfolio. It has maintained an audience despite viability issues of the one-screen format.
“We had a massive fight to get it from the developers,” Mr Greaves said, who believes that there are just two Westcountry towns left that Merlin can viably expand its cinema chain to.
He said that despite approaches by towns beyond the Westcountry to save their cinema, the business was South West-based and would be unlikely to extend beyond eleven local venues.
The Cromer cinema, which formerly belonged to old friends of Mr Greaves, is an exception to the rule.
“Cinema is a very competitive and interesting business,” he said. “The next challenge will be adapting to digital film: Unless they get it right, this will close a lot of cinemas.”
Mr Greaves sought funding advice for the expansion through NatWest. The Phoenix is expected to increase Merlin’s turnover by 30 per cent in the next year.
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Think Local: Enjoy a range of Westcountry festivals
20-05-2009
WE all love our beer, food and craft festivals so visit local, buy local and enjoy the taste of local at the following festivals -
May 1-4 Ale and Pie Festival, Smugglers Den, Trebellan
May 1-4 Landmark Annual Beer Festival, Landmark Theatre, Ilfracombe
May 1-4 Celtic Landmark Beer Festival, Plymouth
May 1-4 Ale and Sausage Festival, Driftwood Spars, Trevaunance Cove
May 3 Godolphin Spring Fair, Godolphin House, Godolphin Cross, near Helston
May 4-10 National Honey Week www.honeyassociation.com
May 7 Wine tasting with Ross Brown of Brown Bros, Darts Farm Food Club, www.dartsfarm.co.uk
May 7 Wine and food tasting, Hazelwood House, Loddiswell, www.hazelwoodhouse.com
May 8 Friday Night Supper, Cowslip Workshops, St Stephens near Launceston, www.cowslipworkshops.com
May 9 Bread-making demonstrations for National Mills Weekend, Otterton Mill, Budleigh Salterton, www.ottertonmill.com
May 9 National Mild Day, www.camra.org.uk
May 15-18 Tresco Beer Festival, New Inn, Tresco, www.tresco.co.uk
May 16-17 Taste of the Tamar and Crafts Festival, Morwellham Quay, www.castleskitchens.co.uk/tasteofthetamar
May 18-24 National Vegetarian Week www.vegsoc.org
May 19-20 The Anniversary, performed by Creative Cow at the Cadeleigh Arms, Cadeleigh, www.thecadeleigharms.co.uk
May 20 Tapas Supper, Devon Wine School, near Crediton, www.devonwineschool.co.uk
May 21-23 Devon County Show, Westpoint, Exeter, www.devoncountyshow.co.uk
May 22 Friday Night Supper, Cowslip Workshops, St Stephens near Launceston, www.cowslipworkshops.com
May 22-31 Fal River Festival www.falriverfestival.co.uk
May 23-30 Devon Wine Week, www.devonwineweek.co.uk
May 23 Eastcott Vineyard and Pebblebed Vineyards, guided tours, www.devonwineweek.co.uk
May 23 Wine Supper, Riverford Field Kitchen, Buckfastleigh, www.riverford.co.uk
May 24 Eastcott Vineyard and Yearlstone Vineyard, guided tours, www.devonwineweek.co.uk
May 24 Country Fair and Farmers’ Market, Pencarrow House, Cornish Guild of Smallholders, www.cgos.co.uk
May 25 Barbecue and entertainment with Bagas Porthia, The Croust House, Roskilly’s, St Keverne, 01326 281924
May 25 Eastcott Vineyard and Lily Farm Vineyard, guided tours, www.devonwineweek.co.uk
May 25 Cornish Fayre, Trevaskis Farm Shop, Gwinear, Hayle, www.trevaskisfarm.co.uk
May 26 Sharpham Vineyard, Vine to Wine guided tour and Exeter Chamber Choir, Summer Songs in the Winery, www.devonwineweek.co.uk
May 26 Yearlstone Vineyard, guided vineyard tour, www.devonwineweek.co.uk
May 26 Children’s Pick and Cook, Riverford Field Kitchen, Buckfastleigh, www.riverford.co.uk
May 26 British Cheese and Wine Masterclass with Juliet Harbutt, Hix Oyster and Fish House, Lyme Regis, www.restaurantsetcltd.co.uk
May 27 Behind the scenes at Kenton Vineyard, www.devonwineweek.co.uk
May 27 Vine to Wines, guided tour, Sharpham Vineyard, www.devonwineweek.co.uk
May 27 Early supper and children’s tractor ride, Riverford Farm and Field Kitchen, Buckfastleigh, www.riverford.co.uk
May 27-30 Royal Bath and West Show, Shepton Mallet, www.bathandwest.com
May 28 Barbecue and entertainment, Out of the Blue, The Croust House, Roskilly’s, St Keverne, 01326 281924
May 28 Eastcott, Sharpham and Yearlstone Vineyards, guided tours, www.devonwineweek.co.uk
May 28 Kenton Vineyard, Sparkling tour and tasting, www.devonwineweek.co.uk
May 28 Devon matches Tuscany, Pebblebed wine cellar, Topsham, www.devonwineweek.co.uk
May 29 Eastcott Vineyard, guided tour, www.devonwineweek.co.uk
May 29-30 Cornwall CAMRA Beer Festival, St Ives, www.carnmenellis.demon.co.uk
May 30 Eastcott, Pebblebed and Yearlstone Vineyards, guided tours, www.devonwineweek.co.uk
May 30 Wine and local cheese tasting, Kenton Vineyard at Otterton Mill, www.devonwineweek.co.uk
May 30 Fish n fizz, Yearlstone Vineyard, www.devonwineweek.co.uk
May 30 Octopus Festival, Provedore, Falmouth, www.provedore.co.uk
May 30-31 Food Glorious Food Fair Barrington Court, Ilminster
June 4-6 Royal Cornwall Show, Wadebridge, www.royalcornwallshow.org
June 4 Supper Club with Jane Baxter, The Seahorse Restaurant, Dartmouth, www.seahorserestaurant.co.uk
June 5 Friday Night Supper, Cowslip Workshops, St Stephens, near Launceston, www.cowslipworkshops.com
June 6 Chardonnay Masterclass Devon Wine School, Crediton, www.devonwineschool.co.uk
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Gearing up for celebration of ales, ciders and perries
20-05-2009
ONE of the favourite fixtures on the real ale calendar takes place later this month.
The St Ives Beer Festival is set to be the biggest and best yet, with more than 60 beers and perries on tap.
Festival Organiser Gerry Wills said it promised to be a great event, adding: “Months of dedicated and enthusiastic preparation by CAMRA Kernow, the Cornwall Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale, have gone into arranging what will be a truly wonderful celebration of real ales, ciders and perries.”
“We are very proud to be offering more than 60 different ales, plus a whole host of ciders and perries to choose from. There will be a really great range for festival-goers to try”.
The festival runs for two days from Friday, May 29, at the St Ives Guildlhall from 11am to 11pm.
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Music students Think Local for gig success
13-05-2009
MUSIC students at City College Plymouth are completing their final major music projects – by gigging around the local music scene.
The second-year students, who are all studying towards the National Diploma in Music, are lined up for two gigs.
The first is an acoustic night on Thursday, May 14, at the B Bar at the Barbican Arts Centre, featuring the bands ‘Eskimos on the Sun’, ‘Cipolli’ and solo performers, Chris Corbett, Chris Hard and Curtis Edwards.
The second, a rock night at the Voodoo Lounge on Friday, May 14, at Drake Circus, featuring two bands, ‘Cryptic Insanity’ and ‘Eskimos on the Sun’
Colin Seddon, course leader at City College Plymouth said: “Both these bands have worked very hard on this project, composing their own music from scratch. This show will bring together all the skills they’ve developed since they began studying music at City College Plymouth.”
These final projects are the culmination of all the skills learnt during their two years and provide an opportunity for real work experience, liaising with promoters and event organisers, taking care of sound and lighting as well as marketing their events.
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
119 teams to take part World Pilot Gig Championships
01-05-2009
MORE than 100 rowing teams are poised to descend on the Isles of Scilly for this year’s 20th World Pilot Gig Championships.
The highlight of the gig racing calendar takes place from Friday until Monday and continues to grow in popularity.
A record 119 gig teams have signed up for the 2009 event – 111 took part last year.
Rick Persich, chairman of the World Pilot Gig Championships Committee, said the islanders were busy preparing for the rowing extravaganza and everything was so far going according to plan.
He added: “Preparations are going splendidly this year. This is the first year we haven’t had any hiccups. The islands are a frenetic hive of activity and we’re looking forward to a great weekend free from gales and high winds.”
Mr Persich said that although more gigs than ever were to compete, the credit crunch had affected some of the overseas teams.
He said: “Most of the teams are from the South West. However, this recession has meant the American teams are not coming over this year because it is hitting them so hard.”
However, other teams from countries a little closer to home were still making the journey over.
Mr Persich, said: “The Dutch ladies team are having their gig built here on Scilly by local gig builder Peter Martin.”
He said that the vessel would be blessed and launched today. The action kicks off on Friday at 6.30pm with the Ladies’ Veteran race from St Agnes to St Mary’s Quay and is followed by the Men’s Veterans at 8pm along the same route.
Saturday continues with the Ladies’ Round 1 and Men’s Round 1 both from St Agnes to St Mary’s Quay followed by Ladies’ Round 2 and Men’s Round 2 from Nut Rock to St Mary’s Quay.
On Sunday, the Ladies’ Round 3, Men’s Round 3, Ladies’ Final and Men’s Final take place from Nut Rock to St Mary’s Quay.
The event finishes on Monday with the Rugby “international” at The Garrison and the Gig Sail Race.
Full coverage of this year’s event will be in the Western Morning News and here on Think Local.
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Gig flotilla enjoys sunshine on the Dart
01-05-2009
THIS flotilla of gigs made an impressive sight as it powered its way through the water at Dartmouth.
Members of 12 rowing clubs had battled their way through heavy Easter river traffic for an afternoon of superb racing at the Dart Gig Club Regatta.
The event was held at Dartmouth Yacht Club, with rowers coming from Appledore, Caradon, Cattewater, Paignton, Rame, Rock, Salcombe, Swanage, Tamar and Tavy, Teignmouth, Torridge and Weymouth.
As the sun shone generously hundreds of spectators lined the Embankment to watch the spectacle.
Dart Gig Club’s Ladies B team started things off and struggled to get a good start line with the tide racing out.
They came in eighth place with Teignmouth Rowing Club’s Ladies B team taking first prize.
The Men’s B team started off well, enjoyed a good race and finished sixth – Caradon Rowing Club came first.
The club’s Ladies A team had a great start in their race and finished in seventh place – Caradon won.
Dart Men’s A team rowed well and came third in their race – Weymouth were victorious.
The Ladies Vets came third in their battle on the waves – Rock Rowing Club took first place.
The Men’s Vets also finished third with Rock managing to steal another win.
The final race of the day was for C crews and was raced as one.
It included Men’s C, Ladies C, one Mixed C.
Dart came second in the Men’s C, which was won by Caradon.
Teignmouth won the Ladies C with Paignton winning the only Mixed C rowing.
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Rowers dust off cobwebs in season opener
01-05-2009
GIG-ROWERS had the chance to shake off the winter cobwebs when the flag went down on the first race of the season.
Caradon Gig Club hosted the Three Rivers Race, giving more than 400 athletes an opportunity to warm up for the contests ahead.
Club vice-chairman Leanne Kent said it had been a great event.
“The day went really well, the weather was perfect, we had a lot of clubs down here from as far as Weymouth and Penzance and the racing was really good,” she said.
The race starts under Brunel’s iconic rail bridge over the Tamar and heads up to the River Tavy. The course then U-turns, with rowers heading back to touch the River Lynher.
It is a gruelling five miles, which attracted 32 women’s crews and 35 men’s teams.
The event is also an opportunity to test out the gigs after their winter lay-off and before they are dispatched the Isles of Scilly for the World Gig Racing Championships in May.
“It’s the first big race of the season and the chance to see if all the winter training has paid off,” said Miss Kent.
“Everybody wants to see what the competition is like.
“Most clubs will be starting to send their gigs off to the Scillies for the World Championships, so the Three Rivers Race is a chance to use them before they go.”
The fiercely fought women’s contest was won by reigning world champions Falmouth, in Irene 2, with Caradon in Millers Daughter second and Mounts Bay in Kenza third.
In the men’s event, Caradon in Millers Daughter came through the finish line first, followed by reigning world champions Mounts Bay in Kenza and Caradon B in Jupiter.
The Western Morning News will be continuing its highly successful coverage of gig racing this year. Reporter Lyn Barton and photographer Emily Whitfield-Wicks will be at the World Championships on the Isles of Scilly to give up-to-the-minute coverage of the big events.
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Saltash can’t call regatta Royal
01-05-2009
By Keith Rossiter
A TOWN in South East Cornwall has lost a bid to have the title “Royal” restored to its annual regatta.
The title is engraved on the 1909 Prince of Wales Cup awarded to a Saltash regatta race for HMS Raleigh crews, and appears as late as a 1948 programme.
But when the regatta committee applied to the Queen to have the title restored, it was in for a shock as the title was never allowed in the first place.
The Ministry of Justice wrote back and declined to designate the event – to be held this year on July 4 and 5 – a Royal Regatta.
The Ministry’s letter revealed Saltash had never been authorised to use the title “Royal” and requests for its use were also turned down in 1966, 1984/5 and 1994. However, there was a consolation for the committee as Prince Charles has agreed to be the regatta’s patron this year.
Saltash councillor Joe Ellison, chairman of the regatta committee, said: “This is disappointing news but at least we now have an answer to a question that has been nagging away for years – and we also now have the honour of patronage from the Duchy of Cornwall.”
The growing popularity of the regatta has brought to light a trophy that had been missing for more than 70 years.
The Davy Challenge Cup for four oars and a cox was won in 1934 by Bill “Nobby” Gould, who worked on the Saltash Ferry. The large silver cup was awarded by the then Mayor, HJ Davy.
The trophy has been presented to the committee by John Lumsden, who now lives in Liskeard, after his grandson discovered it in an attic.
Ironically, the 1934 trophy is also inscribed “Saltash Royal Regatta”.
This year’s regatta will again feature gig racing mixed and veterans’ championship, which attracted more than 100 crews last year, and a major dinghy regatta at Saltash Sailing Club.
The popular England and Back fancy dress race for amateurs, and the Five Towns Challenge race for local councillors will also be held.
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Rowing team celebrates the arrival of new racing gig
01-05-2009
ROCK Rowing Club is poised to launch its new gig.
Gig rowers will be celebrating the arrival of the vessel Swift on the Camel Estuary today.
The gig was built by D Currah of Looe and delivered to the club last October.
Grants from Sport for All and North Cornwall District Council allowed the club to buy its new gig, and also purchase a secondhand wooden gig which will be rededicated with the name Shearwater on the same day.
Joining the two new gigs will be their original gig Speedwell, which has been receiving some tender loving care from members of the club over the winter.
Rock Rowing Club has a full calendar of racing events for the coming season.
The first is the Three Rivers Race at Saltash in March.
Budding rowers who may be of a less competitive nature are also catered for with a more social row every week on Wednesday evenings once the clocks go forward, followed by refreshments at the Rock Inn.
For the more adventurous rower, there was even a row to Lundy from Clovelly last summer. Rowers in the club range from an 80-year-old to junior members as young as 12 or 13. The event begins at 12.30pm.
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Teign rowers splash out with a £25,000 gig
01-05-2009
A ROWING club proved that a Cornish tradition is alive and well in Devon when members celebrated the launch of the first gig it has bought outright.
The River Teign Rowing Club raised £25,000, including a £15,000 lottery grant, to buy the vessel, which was launched after a procession through Teignmouth, in South Devon, yesterday.
The club’s vice chairman, Nigel Potts, said: “It’s a really historic time for us. We have been going since 1995, but this is the first time we have paid for our own gig.”
The vessel, named Morgan, was launched by George Payne, who donated the Cornish pilot gig Jeannie to the club on long-term loan in 1998. The club has two other gigs on loan, but will lose one of them later this year, when her owner takes it to Holland.
Yesterday, Morgan was rowed by the founding 12 members of the club, following a march through the town and a blessing by the Rev Sue Astbury.
Mr Potts voiced hopes the new boat would serve members well at this year’s international gig racing championships on the Isles of Scilly.
He said: “It will be quite unusual, because it’s a very new boat rowed by a very experienced team. We’re hoping for really good things.”
The River Teign Rowing Club has 600 members, making it the largest in the UK. It has 28 Seine Boats – traditional rowing vessels specific to South Devon.
But Mr Potts said gig racing had become popular, and that members gave their Cornish counterparts a run for their money in events.
To find out more, visit www.rtrc.co.uk which includes a video blog of the vessel’s construction.
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Row, row, row your gigs – all three of them
01-05-2009
CHAMPAGNE corks were popping at the weekend as rowers in Cornwall celebrated the launch of a new gig.
Gig rowers from Rock, on the Camel Estuary, were able to buy the new gig Swift, and a secondhand one called Shearwater, thanks to grants from Sport for All and North Cornwall District Council.
The club’s original gig Speedwell, which has been revamped over the winter, joined the line-up for the celebrations at the club.
The three gigs took to the water together for the first time on Saturday.
Amanda Pennington, treasurer at the club, said it offered something for everyone.
She added: “Rock Rowing Club have a full calendar of racing events they will be attending this season.
“Budding rowers who may be of a less-competitive nature are also catered for with a more-social row every week on Wednesday evenings once the clocks go forward, followed by a few refreshments at the Rock Inn. For the more adventurous rower, there was even a row to Lundy from Clovelly last summer.”
She urged more people to have a go at the traditional Cornish sport.
“Rowers in the club range from a sprightly 80-something-year-old, to our junior members who are as young as 12 or 13. All abilities are catered for.
“Rowing is a fabulous way to get fit, meet new people and enjoy our beautiful surroundings here in North Cornwall from a different perspective,” she said.
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Think Local: Lewis Hamilton's hat to raise gig funds
09-04-2009
A BASEBALL cap signed by Lewis Hamilton is to be auctioned off to raise funds to encourage youngsters to take up rowing.
The Formula One champion’s hat is being put under the hammer on the same day that Coverack Gig Club blesses three new training boats.
The thriving West Cornwall club will also auction a signed greatest hits album by Swedish superstars Abba at the afternoon event, which will also feature a barbecue and stalls.
As well as two training skiffs, named Sophie and Kirsty, the club’s 32ft fibreglass training gig, Future, will also be blessed on Saturday, April 18.
The club’s grants and fundraising coordinator, Trevor Richards, said: “We are thrilled to have these three new boats. Now we can attract more young rowers and they will be able to spend more time out on the water, improving their skills and performance.
“The auction will raise further funds so we can make even more improvements at the club. This is about ensuring a bright future for gig racing.”
The event will be held outside the White Hart in St Keverne from 3pm. More information about the club is available online at www.coverackgigclub.co.uk.
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