english riviera times

EXCLUSIVESPrime Minister visits the Westcountry,Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock) exclusive,Miss Devon 2014,Agatha Christie,Will.i.am, Muse,Positive living & much, much more

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PRICELESS

Since its foundation in 1196, Torre Abbey has witnessed, survived and even played a role in some epic moments of history. It is one of the best buildings in the country to tell the story of 800 years of Catholicism between 1196 and 1930.

A clever mix of authentic artefacts with hi-tech interpretation. From talking portraits and statues to interactive displays and one of the largest fine art collections in the South West, there really is something for everyone. Follow the garden trails or pick up a family guide or Experts’ Choice to discover many hidden mysteries.

Torre Abbey comprises two Grade I listed buildings, four Grade II listed buildings, an historic garden and palm house, and is a Scheduled Ancient Monument of national importance.

It has been a centre of religious and artistic expression and hospitality for over 800 years. The house has a floor area of nearly 600 square metres, divided into 122 rooms, on twenty levels with 265 individual steps.

With its fine gatehouse, guest hall, tower and remarkable undercrofts, the Abbey is the best preserved example of a medieval monastery in Devon and

Cornwall. It also has one of the five most complete early medieval tithe barns in England.

Torre Abbey was constructed in 1196 as a monastery for Premonstratensian canons and grew to be their richest monastery in England. After the dissolution of the monastery in 1539, the church was demolished and the west and south ranges were adapted for use as a country house.

From 1662 to 1930, Torre Abbey was home to the Cary family. A quiet family of country landowners, the Cary family were Catholics and, at a time when Catholicism had to be kept a secret, they stowed away a priest in an attic chapel. They built the present chapel, which dates from the late 18th century, when Catholic worship was legalised. Although the Cary family had previously lived here in style, from 1840 they fell on hard times and could no longer keep the Abbey in good repair.

Torre Abbey Historic House & Gardens Re-Open for 2014Artistic expression and hospitality for over 800 years since 1196

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Whatever the weather there’s always plenty to see and do at Living Coasts. Mingle with the playful penguins, get up close with the otters, come face to face with the seals and much more.

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The return of SherlockHolmes

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Prime Minister David Cameron spoke about the current situation at a press conference at Downing Street, after he toured some areas most affected by floods and storm damage.Following his visits to the South West on Monday, the Prime Minister visited Dawlish, Taunton and Staines where he met local residents, businesses and emergency services working together to deal with the flooding.

Government action on flood defencesEngland has faced the wettest January since 1776. The government response to this includes:• £30 million to be spent on urgent flood defence repairs this year on top of the £100 million next year• 42 new flood schemes given the green light• 55 schemes starting work

this year • they will protect

over 43,000 households across the country• they represent an investment of over £344 million in total

• Existing flood defences and

improvements to the way the

Environment Agency respond to incidents has meant over 1.2 million properties and nearly 2,500 square kilometres of farmland has been protected since the beginning of December

Information and advice from government departments and agencies about the winter storms causing disruption to parts of the UK.

For more information and updates on the weather please visit www.metoffice.gov.uk

Sense the creativity!

see

taste

hear

smell

touch

Craft studio shops, manor house, Kitchen Gallery, children’s play area, country park, weddings and room hire, events throughout the year. Open daily 10am-5pm - free entry

Visit www.cockingtoncourt.org, call 01803 607230 or email [email protected]

Searching for the

perfect

Valentine’s gift?

The

7 Torquay Road, Paignton T 01803 522011 www.torbaybookshop.co.uk

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20Years

IN PAIG NTON

CELEBRATING

On Saturday 8th February 2014, 23 beautiful, talented and kind hearted young women from across our county braved the horrendous winter weather to begin their journey to the Miss Devon fi nals.Such is the importance and interest in the Miss Devon event, that a documentary fi lm crew followed the progress throughout of the young hopefuls during the day as they received training and coaching at offi cial supporters venue Genting Casino in the morning and then took part in a fashion photo shoot at the beautiful Torre Abbey in the afternoon. Also in attendance on the day were offi cial sponsors; Anderton and Rowland, the charity Young Devon and a team of experts who had traveled from across the UK to work with the Miss Devon team.

“The aim of the day” said Linda Hill, “was to empower the women, give them self belief and confi dence and explain to them the importance of contributing to society by working with charities.

Miss Devon 2014 is supporting 3 x charities this year; the cancer charity - The Eve Appeal, Lady Taverners and also Young Devon”.

On Saturday the contestants were trained and coached by Lily John of Sandstorm the swimwear sponsors of Miss England, and they were coached and taught choreography by Anne George of Trevor George Entertainment and Artiste Management and they were given healthy lifestyle and fi tness coaching by Celebrity Personal Trainer and Life Coach - Rob Bowachi.

Linda Hill went on to say “We feel it is important to fi nd a young woman who is not just a pretty face, but a woman of substance who can represent our county. We’re delighted with the calibre of young women who have so far expressed an interest in this prestigious ambassadorial role”.The fi nals of Miss Devon 2014 are being held on 19th April and tickets are available to purchase via MissDevon.co.uk or via the TTA. The evening promises to be fun fi lled with a cabaret, entertainment and the crowning of Miss Devon 2014.

If you would like more information on how to get involved with Miss Devon as a contestant or sponsors please contact please email - [email protected]

Bo� � � � and see the latest events listings by scanning the QR zebra or visit www.paigntonzoo.org.uk

EVENTSEVENTSEVENTSEVENTSEVENTSEVENTSEVENTSEVENTSEVENTSEVENTSEVENTSEVENTSEVENTSEVENTSEVENTSEVENTSEVENTSEVENTSEVENTSEVENTSEVENTS201420142014201420142014201420142014201420142014This year Paignton Zoo celebrates the opening of In � g , our new with a variety of exciting events to keep all the family entertained! There will be an I � t Fe� � l, a But� rfl y Re� ase and a decorative A� T� il plus much more!

Our Ex� � i E � �s programme will appeal to animal lovers and green-fi ngered gardeners, Wi W� k and our annual Go� D� events will raise vital funds for our conservation work.

Learn about our animals when you become a J� i� V� f� � e D� or get involved in our Summer Schools programme and Science and Engineering Week.

Don’t forget to book tickets to our spooky Ha o� � and Fe� Ch¡ ¢ £ s events.

our new with a variety of exciting events to our new with a variety of exciting events to keep all the family entertained! There will be an keep all the family entertained! There will be an

In ¤ ¥ Ex¦b ¨

Wildlife charity volunteers have given more hours than ever before.

Volunteers at Paignton Zoo Environmental Park and Living Coasts in Torquay gave more than 26,000 hours during 2013 - equivalent to nearly 3 whole years, 155 weeks or more than 1,000 full days.

For the year ending in October 2013, 166 volunteers gave 26,074.5 hours – 1,932.25 more than in 2012.

Volunteer Coordinator Neil Thomas-Childs is full of praise for all the volunteers at both sites: “The support from our volunteers is very much appreciated as, without their time and dedication, much of what they do through their roles would not be possible”.

“Volunteers do not replace paid roles, but provide invaluable support for the organisation. Amongst many other things, they enhance our visitors’ experience, raise awareness of our work, help feed our animals and support our staff. They helped to raise nearly £47,000. It was a terrific year - volunteers not only supported us at both sites but also out and about in the Bay and around Exeter with the Great Gorillas Project.”

Simon Tonge, Executive Director of the Whitley Wildlife Conservation Trust, which runs Paignton Zoo and Living Coasts, as well as Newquay Zoo in Cornwall, said: “The stats are impressive - I am delighted with what the volunteers continue to contribute towards the operation of the zoos. My thanks, and those of our 11 trustees - themselves unpaid - go to all of our volunteers.”

The volunteers had little chance to put their feet up before Christmas. At Paignton Zoo they supported the Christmas event, filling 16 different roles each day. 460 hours were put in by volunteers preparing for and running the event. Over the year another 850 hours were spent knitting and crocheting 78 animals for the tree dressing and 12 Animal Days of Christmas trail in December. Volunteers also supported Santa’s Grotto at Living Coasts.

Zoo Wins National AwardPaignton Zoo Environmental Park has won a top national zoo award for its work with a bird that in this country is found only in the South West of England.

The Best Field Conservation Project award, from BIAZA (the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums), is for the charity’s work with cirl buntings.

The Zoo’s bird department has played a key role in a project to translocate cirl buntings to a secret site in Cornwall. Curator of Birds Jo Gregson said: “Zoo staff helped to collect young chicks from nests in South Devon for rearing and release in Cornwall. The birds have gone to a larger habitat which will allow them to expand their range in the future. The population in Devon has become land-locked due to development and farming practices. That sort of work needs a lot of care and experience.”

BIAZA (the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums) held its annual awards ceremony at ZSL London Zoo with over 150 people in attendance. The event, known as the Zoo “Oscars” is held to celebrate some of the incredible contributions made by the zoo community to animal welfare, wildlife conservation, public understanding and horticulture.

Dr Kirsten Pullen, the CEO of BIAZA, is a former researcher with the Whitley Wildlife Conservation Trust, the charity that runs Paignton Zoo, Living Coasts in Torquay and Newquay Zoo in Cornwall, as well as several nature reserves in Devon.

She said: “The BIAZA awards highlight the crucial work carried out in zoos and aquariums. All of this year’s award-winning projects show the exceptional contributions our members are making to animal husbandry and welfare, wildlife conservation and public understanding for species both in the UK and overseas. Huge congratulations to all the winners.”

Although both Paignton Zoo and Living Coasts have a core of dedicated volunteers, regular recruitment is needed to maintain numbers. Volunteer opportunities are advertised on the Paignton Zoo web site at www.paigntonzoo.org.uk/get-involved/volunteer or the Living Coasts web site at www.livingcoasts.org.uk/get-involved/volunteer

Zoo volunteers clock up 26,000 hours

The King’s Drive • Torquay • Devon • TQ2 5JE • 01803 [email protected] • www.torre-abbey.org.uk

The Spanish Barn, adjacent to the house, is so named because it housed 397 prisoners from the Spanish Armada. The Barn is currently used for functions, such as weddings, and exhibitions.

Torre Abbey Historic House is an accredited museum owned by Torbay Council with one of the largest art collections in the South West. This includes a large art collection which is rich in 19th century paintings and sculptures.

Browse the shop stocked with a range of souvenirs, gifts and books or sit down and enjoy a selection of drinks, snacks and light meals in the tearooms. The house, Spanish Barn and Palm House are licensed for civil weddings, partnership ceremonies and christenings. Torre Abbey can also cater for functions, corporate hospitality or training events.

A varied programme of events takes place at Torre Abbey throughout the year. Tours of the house are available out of hours to groups of 30 or more.

Admissions Open March 1st 10am - 5pm (last admission 4pm).

Day Annual pass ticket Adults £7.50 £15.00 Seniors £6.25 £12.50 Family £18.00 £25.50 Children £3.00 Garden only £4.00 School Group £3.00 per person (pre-booked) Adult Group £6.00 per person (pre-booked)

For more information please visit torre-abbey.org.uk or phone 01803 293593

Torre Abbey Historic House and Gardens Re-OpensThe Cary family had previously lived here in style, from 1840 they fell on hard times and could no longer keep the Abbey in good repair. In 1930 the family sold the property to the local Council, who turned it into an art gallery with a hospitality suite for the mayor in the south-east wing.gallery with a hospitality suite for the mayor in the south-east wing.

CULTURE

How did it feel reading the first script of the new series? It’s always a kind of cold-faced thrill because you get the first enjoyment of it. It’s like being the first audience of the finished product, so it was a real treat.

We knew what the rough trajectory was over the three films, but when you get the full script it’s just a delight. The first thing I go to is the big scenes, and every one of those scripts is a terrific read. It’s such a joy to read them for the first time - you get that thrill that hopefully the audience will get when they sit down and watch it.

What was it like getting back into character after a two-year break? I would say it was easier than the second series, but it’s never completely easy because of the break, and because of how extraordinary a character he is.

No matter what comparisons people draw between me and him - he is very different in his temperament. He is more mercurial, his rhythms are faster and more aggressive than mine are, and that goes for his intelligence and speed of talking - I feel like I have to ramp up a gear which takes a bit of time to get used to.

But you know, I love it and however hard it gets, and it is a tricky one to pull off, it’s a character I love playing, and I always feel sad saying goodbye to him.

What does Series 3 have in store for us? Without giving too much away, there is a fantastic trajectory in Sherlock’s character arc, which is going from a position of not really fitting in, and then doing incredibly well and forming a bond again with John. They have some extraordinary adventures in the first and second episodes, and then in the third they are challenged by a situation and a master villain who brings him to his knees. What’s exciting about this series is that we see Sherlock in real peril.

We know from the end of series two that he staged his death. He was out of the game, but calculating every move and therefore in charge. With this challenge he really is out of control. He really does lose his authority on the situation, and it’s really exciting to see a hero in that much jeopardy, and it’s very interesting to see what it does psychologically to him.

As far as plot goes, Sherlock and John reunite, there is an explanation, and there is a new character in the shape of Mary Morstan - it’s really about how the three of them kind of coexist. It doesn’t become a trio, but she is a leading figure in it. She’s not just a stay at home wife - she is someone who is very involved in both of the boys’ realities, but it’s a wonderful new dynamic to play with.

Arrogant and ingenious, one of Britain’s best-loved and most loyally-followed detectives is back on our screens this month. Benedict Cumberbatch returns as the legendary Holmes in BBC One’s Arthur Conan Doyle modernisation, Sherlock, so understandably we were rather keen to ask him for a few clues as to what the new episodes have in store for viewers.

Interviews • Exclusives • Local News • TV • Travel • Food & Drink • Family • Positive Living

What do you think Lars Mikkelsen brings to the series?

An incredibly steely reality, which is harrowingly possible. He is a businessman - he’s not a mad chaotic villain, not like the award-winning performance Andrew Scott gave as Moriarty.

He is something of great calm and measure that has a depth to it, which is an even bigger challenge than the chaos of Moriarty. He is so measured and precise - he is like a shark, a terrifyingly perfect predator of our age.

He will chime with people who know what a bully is - he is the

archetypal bully, and his means and methods are chillingly

everyday in our culture. He’s a smart creation, very real and not fantastical.

He’s got a foreign perspective on the

English culture, which Holmes

so perfectly personifi es.

He sort of reduces what Holmes protects.

Its a character I love playing. . .

‘‘’’

Welcome to Paignton BIDWelcome to Paignton, and the Business Improvement District. The businesses of Paignton developed a business plan and through the BID management this has to be delivered, from Town Centre events and activities to the winter illuminations that take us through the dark winter evenings and the marketing of this wonderful town.

The Paignton BID is about keeping Paignton alive and vibrant making sure people are aware of the diversity of businesses that we have and the uniqueness of Paignton which probably has more independent shops than any other towns in the UK, it is a tourist town with easy access by rail, bus or car

and with the beach just a 5 minute walk from the town centre it is a wonderful place to be by the sea.

The BID has delivered many projects since 2011 when it was first voted in, the Paignton Christmas Festival was re-established and with this a new set of winter and permanent

illuminations were established. Events in the town centre like the Easter Egg Trail, Paignton’s Big Day Out, Children’s Week and Paignton’s Christmas Light Fantastic have been developed plus the supporting of events by other organisations in the town centre to make the town centre be more creative. One of the

many business plan ideas was to have a Zoo trail around the town centre, and after talks with Paignton Zoo, this became a much bigger and larger project that Pippa and her team from the Zoo took on board called the Great Gorilla’s Project this was a very successful event that covered a wider area.

INDEPENDENT SHOPPING AND FAMILY FUN BY THE SEASIDE▼ Relaxed Shopping

by the sea

▼ Good Mix of family run shops and national stores

▼ Restaurants & pubs to suit all tastes

For more info: paignton.torbaytowns.co.uk • 01803 555630

PLEASE PICK

ONE UP TODAY!

Paignton Town Centre has

a Website paignton.torbaytowns.co.uk this site will

give you access to businesses in the town centre their websites and contact details, plus web links to organisations, News and Twitter Feed, Police details and dates to many events that happen in and around Paignton Town Centre.

We have developed the Paignton Guide and directory; these include Paignton BID business contact details and location, plus other points of interest in Paignton, both are great tools to know what’s going on and where businesses are, these are

available from tourist information points and also some businesses in the town centre.

Every £1 spent in a local business in Paignton, is worth £4 to the local economy, so please try to shop locally and keep Paignton Town Centre alive and vibrant and on behalf of the businesses of Paignton thank you for your custom, because where you spend your money really does matter. By Matthew DartPaignton BID Manager

For more information please visit paignton.torbaytowns.co.uk

Top Stress Busting Tips1 Take regular breaks – it may sound obvious but all too often we focus on what we have to do and

try to get it all done in one go, this can cause stress and mistakes.

2 Learn what you can and can’t control – If something is out of your control why worry about it? Concentrate on things that are in your control.

3 Eat properly – A poor diet can contribute greatly to stress levels

4 Drink plenty of water – If the body is dehydrated then so is the brain thus causing a lack of cohesion at times

5 Relax – It’s OK to take a break

6 Be grateful – All too often we concentrate on bad things and forget about the good, taking time out to be grateful for what you have is wonderful for soothing the soul

7 Exercise – Stress comes from the flight or fight syndrome so get those stressed out muscles working.

8 Do something for yourself – If you have a family or business you may not have time for yourself, make time even if its at the end of the day after everyone has gone to bed.

9 Laugh – You know it makes sense

10 Remember your successes and learn from your failures – If you intend to do something and complete that thing it’s a success even if it’s putting your knickers on the right way round.

If you would like to know more and come along for an initial free consultation please call Chris Fleet on 01803 500300 or please visit www.devon-clinic.co.uk/

Stress is now the number one reason behind sickness from work - overtaking the common cold as the biggest cause of absence, a report says.

One third of employers are now providing stress counselling for employees because they are increasingly worried about the impact the problem will have on their business.

A report by business information group Gee Publishing says that one in five companies with more than 1,000 staff consider stress to be a “major problem”.

How can Hypnotherapy help?It’s not always the situation of an event that makes us stressed, but how we react to that event. Whilst in hypnosis you are in a very relaxed state which allows you to experience the stressful situations while remaining calm. This has the effect of altering the associations between the stressful event and your reactions to it. When you re-experience the stressful event in real life, your reaction to it will be different. One of the guiding principles of hypnosis is that the subconscious doesn’t differentiate between reality and strong imagination – take for example a nightmare. You wake up with the sweats feeling edgy and nervous because you think the nightmare has just happened for real. In hypnosis we use that effect to our benefit by putting you into that stressful situation whilst experiencing calm thus re-framing the experience

1. Effect on the Gut Aloe vera has a wonderfully

benefi cial action on bowel function which results in smooth and effi cient transit of contents resulting in a softer, bulkier stool, making it easier to pass.

2. Assists in healthy digestion A healthy digestive tract ensures

that nutrients from the food we eat are absorbed into the bloodstream. There is clear, clinical evidence that by drinking Aloe Vera Gel the bowel is able to absorb these nutrients more effi ciently, especially protein. I also suspect that many other substances are much better absorbed under its infl uence.

3. Balances the Immune System Among the substances identifi ed

in aloe vera is a long chain sugar (polysaccharide) that is known to have an effect on the cytokine system - the chemical messengers of the immune system. Therefore it can act in a way that balances the system and so it can be considered and can be called an immunomodulator. In the U.S.A. this sugar has been extracted from aloe vera and made into a drug.

4. Effect on the skin When they are fi rst produced

deep in the epidermis, skin cells are rather large and very much alive, but by the time they reach the surface after 21 - 28 days (in normal skin), they are a shadow of their former selves and are transformed into just thin fl akes of keratin which eventually fall off. Aloe Vera Gel provides the essential nutrition to feed the basal cells. Therefore the skin remains healthy and is able to perform its vital functions more effi ciently – as well as looking much better!

5. Increases the activity of fi broblasts

Fibroblasts are specialised cells found in the skin. Their job is to produce fi bre such as collagen and

elastin. These fi bres give the skin its structure and of course, make it look plump and elastic. The more you have, the younger your skin looks.

6. Effects on the Musculoskeletal system

Certain substances in the aloe, such as the salicylic acid and the plant sterols are able to soothe muscles and maintain healthy joints, mobility and fl exibility.

7. Effect on gut fl ora Aloe vera is a natural ‘balancer’ in

many areas and nowhere more so than inside the gut, where it tends to regulate the various bacteria and yeasts that inhabit it. For example, if a person were to suffer with too much yeast in the gut, regular ingestion of the gel would tend to reduce this overgrowth. The same can be said of the more unfriendly bacteria that can accumulate in certain conditions.

8. A useful source of minerals Some of the minerals found in

aloe vera include calcium, sodium, potassium, iron, chromium, magnesium, manganese, copper and zinc. This is because the plant tends to grow in areas where soils are rich in these minerals and its roots are able to absorb and deliver them to us in a very available form.

9. A useful source of vitamins Aloe Vera Gel contains a large

range of vitamins - even trace elements of vitamin B12 which is rarely found in plants. Apart from vitamin A, it contains B-group vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin E and folic acid. Many of these vitamins cannot be stored by the body so we need to constantly top them up from the food that we eat. What better way than by drinking a daily amount of Aloe Vera Gel while at the same time building up the body’s defence system against oxidative stress naturally?

Move over, coconut water!Nutrient-rich aloe vera juice tipped to be the season’s hottest health drink

Top 10 Reasons to Drink Aloe VeraBy Dr. Peter Atherton (MB ChB, DObs! RCOG, FRCGP & Advisory Board Member)

As you can see from these 10 great reasons, taken daily - either alone or

mixed with fruit juice - Aloe Vera Gel is one of the best nutritional supplements

available!This means that the body can function

at 100%!For more information please visit www.

feelbetterforever.co.uk or email [email protected]

The English Riviera Times your No. 1 FREE newspaper covering South Devon,Torquay, Paignton and Brixham.

To advertise call 01803 405572, email [email protected]

10 A wonderful drink for good health By drinking the Aloe Vera Gel with all its

important ingredients (often now defi cient in food) including 19 of the 20 amino acids needed by the human body and seven of the eight essential ones that just cannot be made, the body is able to get enough to allow complex enzyme systems to work really well. This means the body can function at 100%. The net result to the individual is a wonderful feeling of wellbeing.

Move over, coconut water!

10 A wonderful drink for good health By drinking the Aloe Vera Gel with all its

important ingredients (often now defi cient in food) including 19 of the 20 amino acids needed by the

Move over, coconut water!

Positive

Living

The Agatha Christie Festival was awarded Gold at the 2012 Devon Tourism Awards and Silver at the South West Tourism Awards for Event of the Year

Look out for 2014.

Each September, the English Riviera transforms itself into the murder mystery capital of the country, with ladies and gents in their period finery immersing themselves in tea parties, theatre, dinners on steam trains and vintage bus tours. Why? For the annual award-winning Agatha Christie Festival in honour of the Queen of Crime, who was born in Torquay on 15th September 1890.

Since the early 20th century, Agatha Christie has been thrilling readers and TV audiences with her gripping stories of crime and mystery.

The statistics behind her life are impressive enough. In her 85 years she wrote more than 80 books, many of them bestsellers,

altogether selling an estimated two billion copies worldwide and making her the best-selling fiction author of all time. Her global appeal is testified to by the fact that her stories have been translated into more than 45 languages.

From the intricately plotted storylines and wonderfully created settings of a bygone England, to her two colourful detective characters – Miss Marple and Hercule Poirot - Christie’s work has captured the imaginations of subsequent generations, and continues to be frequently adapted for TV and film.

Discover Agatha Christie’s Riviera.

But the true story of Agatha Christie’s life is every bit as intriguing and fascinating as her books, and nowhere can you get closer to her legacy than on the English Riviera, South Devon’s beautiful bay. Christie was born in the Riviera town of Torquay, and spent many of the most important chapters of her life here, as well as using real places in the area as settings for her murder mysteries.

From the Agatha Christie Mile to the Agatha Christie Festival and visits to her beloved estate at Greenway, the English Riviera is the place to discover the real Christie.

For more information please visit www.agathachristie.com

But choosing not to fly doesn’t mean holidays have to be in the UK. There are many opportunities to visit the continent by train, or car and ferry, reaching destinations across France and Spain.

The benefits are many-fold: You can enjoy the freedom of taking your own car packed with everything you need (or might need) for your family to make the most of their time away. You don’t have to wait in the long queues for flights, and the excess baggage charges that often come with children’s paraphernalia. Plus check-in times for ferry crossings tend to be around 45 minutes before departure. There is more space and freedom with this type of travel, meaning that young children can explore and let off steam more readily. The bathroom facilities are easier to get to, making nappy changing a possibility rather than a test of ingenuity - as it can be within the small confines of aeroplane toilets. Plus, cruise and high-speed sailings often go direct to the holiday regions - avoiding the long drive through northern France to get to popular southern and Spanish resorts. Again, this keeps stress levels to a minimum, particularly when your children’s favourite CD fails to keep them

occupied, and they keep asking the perennial question: ‘Are we nearly there?’ Being able to answer ‘yes’ has huge advantages!

There are many activities available on board a ferry, too, so you can start your holiday immediately, and are free to move around while you cross the channel.

Children are well entertained by most operators, with well-equipped play areas and a great choice of places to eat. Most ships feature a selection of play areas, games rooms, live entertainment and cinemas.

During the summer holidays, ferry companies often provide live entertainment, such as game shows and pantomimes, on busier crossings. Also, dedicated children’s entertainers offering close-up magic, balloon modelling and more are regular features of family-friendly crossings.

It is possible on many boats to book en suite cabins. By day or by night, they give you a place to relax, sleep and store your belongings. They can also offer the opportunity for young children to get some rest, meaning they aren’t getting tetchy with the process of travelling - with the result that they, and their parents, arrive ready for the next stage of their holiday.

Many families with young children choose to avoid airports when going on holiday, because of the hassle of all the procedures and restrictions, and because it is easy to become stressed on a plane when your bundle of joy becomes everyone else’s nightmare. Most people would prefer not to sit near any child while in the cramped environment of a fl ight.

Travelling with children, kid’s play

Children under three should be carried in a safety seat which is the correct type for their weight, both for the comfort of the child and their safety. What is suitable for a baby is not suitable for a toddler, and car seats should be replaced as the child grows. The seat should be correctly fitted as defined by the manufacturer’s instructions and should be in compliance with current safety guidelines.

Always be aware that children are curious little beings. Employ child locks for every journey, and make sure that tiny fingers are out of the way when the electric sun roof or windows are opened or shut. The new style of sun shades which still allow the window to move up and down are a good addition to your car, providing shade on sunny days and protecting a stationary child from becoming overheated.

Most children cope well with the normal day-to-day journeys by car, but a longer trip can be a challenge for all concerned. Every parent will have experienced the stress that can occur on long drives with restless, bored children in the rear. It can be

very distracting for the driver but there are some very simple steps that can be taken both prior to, and during the journey, to alleviate this.

Pack your car before you pack the children in and make sure you don’t overload it and make it impossible for them to move. Be careful to ensure that items are secure and cannot be thrown about the car during braking or other manoeuvres. You can get your children to pack a small bag of favourite things to entertain themselves with on the journey so that they will see it all as an adventure and something pleasurable. Tell them where you are going, how long it will take and what you will be doing at the journey’s end, so they know what is going on and how long they are to be in the car. Put their favourite music or story CDs in the car to play during the trip and pack up a few healthy snacks and drinks, avoiding any with additives which may make your children hyperactive.

If the trip is very long, it is important to schedule regular stops for toilet breaks and to stretch little legs. There are plenty

of places that have play areas attached and just half an hour of running around will keep them from getting too bored, as well as giving the driver a chance to have refreshments and stretch their legs too. It is sometimes a good idea to travel at night as most children will happily fall asleep in

the car and only awaken when a large portion of the journey has been completed.

Driving long distances with children is not always a pleasurable experience but with a little forethought and planning it need not be something to be dreaded.

Conveying your children in the family car is an almost everyday experience but there are some important and often overlooked factors in making sure that the journey is a safe and pleasurable experience for all concerned

Driving with kids: keeping it stress-free

Getting kids into nature starts at home A lack of safe and family-friendly green spaces, too much traffi c and stranger danger are stopping parents letting their children play outdoors.

Fresh Look At Lunchboxes School dinners have had a radical overhaul thanks to the efforts of JamieOliver; but what about the lunchboxes we pack for our children?

Excessive health and safety rules, the rise in popularity of computer games and indoor entertainment, and demanding school days are also to blame for barring children from connecting with nature.

And the research by the National Trust warns that parents need more support to make the outdoors a part of everyday family life to avoid rearing a generation completely cut off from the natural world.

The Natural Childhood Inquiry - which sought submissions from experts and the public on the barriers and the solutions for children’s connection with nature - found that children’s love of nature is best started in the home.

The inquiry follows a report for the Trust by award-winning nature author and wildlife TV producer Stephen Moss which documented children’s declining connection with the outdoors and nature. Respondents said parents need more access to

family-friendly, green and natural spaces, as well as more opportunities for children to enjoy the great outdoors.

However the inquiry recognises that there were some big barriers to a building a closer relationship with nature.

These include excessive health and safety rules, the rise of indoor entertainment competing for children’s time and attention, traffic dangers, over-stuffed school days, and the poor quality and accessibility of green and natural spaces in many communities.

Research with children and parents commissioned by the Trust to accompany the publication of the inquiry findings strongly validates these conclusions. A YouGov survey of more than 419 UK parents of under-13s revealed that a range

of parental fears and concerns could be preventing children from getting the most out of nature. Stranger danger (37%), lack of safe nearby outdoor places to play (25%) and too much traffic (21%) were the top ranked barriers amongst parents of children aged 12 or under. Just short of half of parents of pre-teens identified more local safe places to play as the single thing which would most encourage them to let their children get outdoors and explore more where they lived.

The other two top solutions supported by parents were more supervised play spaces and increasing activities organised by schools or youth groups.

Trust Director General Fiona Reynolds said: “It is clear from the huge public response that our Natural Childhood report

struck a chord with the nation. Parents want their children to have a better connection with nature but they don’t feel completely confident in how to make that happen in a safe and stimulating way.

“Our inquiry showed that there is widespread agreement that this is an important issue and that now is the time to act. The worlds of conservation, government, education and child welfare need to work together with families and communities to find solutions.”

As part of its response to the lack of connection between kids and nature the National Trust launched its 50 Things to do before you’re 11 3/4 campaign in May. More than 250 Trust places took part, and in the first two months more than 200,000 activity scrap-books given away and nearly 20,000 users registered on the 50 Things website.

www.50things.org.uk

A study by the School Food Trust has revealed that over 40% of packed lunches don’t contain a single piece of fruit or vegetable that could count towards children’s five-a-day.

It’s just as important to make sure the lunches children take to school provide a healthy, balanced meal - and that means plenty of foods that contain the nutrients children need, and fewer that are high in sugar and saturated fat.

Starchy foods are a good source of energy, and should make up a third of the lunchbox. But don’t let things get boring.

Instead of sandwiches give kids bagels, pitta bread, wraps and baguettes. Use brown, wholemeal or seeded bread, not white bread.

Children often like food they can eat with their fingers, so chop up raw veggies such as carrots or peppers, and give them houmous or cottage cheese to dip the veggies in.

Breadsticks and wholemeal crackers are great finger foods and they can be spread with low-fat soft cheese or eaten with reduced-fat cheddar and pickles.

Replace chocolate bars and cakes with fresh fruit, dried fruit or unsalted nuts. Vary the fruit each day and get them to try

new things, like kiwi or melon. You could also make up a tasty fruit salad. Be inventive and encourage your children when they try something new.

A balanced packed lunch should contain:

Starchy foods - bread, rice, potatoes and pasta, and others. Protein foods - meat, fish, eggs, beans and others. A dairy item - cheese or yoghurt. Vegetables or salad, and a portion of fruit. It may take a while for your children to get used to a healthier lunchbox but it will be worth it for their health, so keep trying. You can help by eating a wider range of foods at home, as a family. Reading supermarket food labels can help you to buy healthier foods. Chocolate and cakes can be saved for occasional treats - praise is a better reward

for your child when they’ve tried something new. To get started, here are a few ideas for lunches for five to eight-year-olds: Monday - Banana sandwich on wholemeal, a tomato, boiled egg, low-fat fruit yogurt, box of raisins and semi-skimmed milk. Tuesday - Melon and satsuma kebabs, soy milk, banana and strawberry smoothie, salmon and rice salad, with peas, sweetcorn and spring onion. Wednesday - Three oatcakes with Red Leicester cheese, chutney, reduced-salt ham, cherry tomatoes, carrot & cucumber sticks, fruit in jelly, dried apricots and semi-skimmed milk. Thursday - Tomato, mozzarella and pastrami ciabatta pizza, carrot sticks, kiwi and strawberry fruit salad, reduced-fat strawberry fromage frais and a bottle of water.

Friday - Chicken and

couscous salad with spring onion, red pepper and cherry tomatoes, a pear and banana milk. Nine to 12-year-olds will enjoy these: Monday - Spanish omelette made with eggs, potato and pork sausage, green salad, Satsuma, teacake and flavoured milk. Tuesday - Falafel and salad pitta, houmous, peaches in fruit juice, reduced-fat natural yogurt and apple juice. Wednesday - Tuna pasta salad with spring onion, green pepper and cherry tomatoes, fresh fruit salad with low-fat fromage frais, slice of banana cake and a bottle of water. Thursday - Double-decker reduced salt ham salad sandwich, mini blueberry muffin, mixed dried fruit, a kiwi fruit and a bottle of water. Friday - Mexican chicken wrap, carrot sticks and baby corn, mixed fruit salad, malt loaf and a yogurt drink.

Fresh Look At Lunchboxes Friday

- Chicken and couscous salad with spring onion, red

Getting kids into nature Getting kids into nature starts at home Getting kids into nature starts at home Getting kids into nature stranger danger are stopping parents letting their children play outdoors.

of parental fears and concerns

Getting kids into nature Getting kids into nature starts at home Positive

Living

Growing an interest in antiques Often, an interest in antiques is something that quietly creeps up on you. Few people wake up one morning and think, “I know, I’ll start collecting Faberge eggs.” The interest in a particular fi eld of antiques is one that should grow along with your knowledge. Buying antiques does require a certain know-how if you’re not going to waste your money.

An antique can be any collectible item that is approximately 100 years old or more and has an aesthetic value. The value and collectability of certain items fluctuates along with current tastes. For example, the rise in popularity of computers for the home has lead to a marked devaluation of traditional writing desks. However, most collectables enjoy a steady market value.

What you first need to consider when looking to add to your collection is the piece’s history and originality. You will find many rare antiques come at a high price. The most common mistake is being fooled by what appear to be great buys when they are in fact replicas. Occasionally, you will also find that some antique dealers will put up retouched items for sale.

With any antique, they really do look their best and hold the highest value when they haven’t

been refurbished. The age and originality of the antique is what makes them so valuable. A little wear-and-tear is to be expected with something that’s over a century old. The only possible exceptions are items like chairs, where they may be dangerous in their original state, but even then, those that have been professionally refurbished are never going to hold their value as well.

Certainly, if you’re a beginner in the world of antiques and you haven’t carried out research correctly, you may have difficulties in telling the difference between a reproduction and an original antique. All antique pieces should show some wear-and-tear and such small details are something that you should look out for when considering a purchase. If you find the item looks flawless then it is more likely not to be a genuine antique.

The best thing to do before you purchase any antique item is carry out some research. The internet has become an invaluable resource for amateur antique collectors. It will provide you with information relating to the price of antiques around the world as well as providing a good history of the item.

Although the internet is a good source for information relating to antiques, you should purchase antiques online with great caution. It’s not possible for you to have a close inspection of the item being sold and irrefutable sellers will be keen to hide any defects. The rule is unless the item is being sold through a reputable dealer, buy elsewhere.

One of the best places you should go to when deciding to purchase an antique is an auction being held by a reputable auction house. These will ensure that the item you are likely to

purchase is genuine and should also come with a certificate of authenticity or originality. Keen collectors visit antique auctions regularly in the search for coveted items. The most important thing for beginners is to do their research first and find out what the current market value of an item is before getting carried away on a bid. Good auction houses will issue guides prior to the day of the auction to give you a head start.

You may even find that boot sales are a good place to find antiques, if you know what to look for. You may even be lucky to find a rare item at a very good price, although regular boot sellers probably have more knowledge about antiques than you would hope. Treasures are more often found amongst everyday house sales when the boot seller doesn’t quite know what they are selling.

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I know, I’ll start collecting Faberge eggs

‘‘’’

Muse

One of the UK’s most critically-acclaimed, not to mention best-selling, rock outfi ts are set for a major cinematic fi rst this month. Needless to say then, fans from Aberdeen to Ashford will be in their element. Earlier this year - 6th July to be a little more exact - Muse performed a staggering live show at Rome’s Olympic Stadium. A landmark tour in terms of production value and scale, and whilst several dates were played, the evening they spent in Italy’s capital is now widely regarded as the fi nest example of the outfi t in full-on stage swing.

With that in mind, it makes sense that the troupe have chosen said gig for a new fi lm, simply entitled Live in Rome, which arrives in cinemas imminently. The fi rst time a concert has been shot in 4K ultra-high defi nition, the idea is that movie buffs and musos alike will be able to experience the full power of these talented players for themselves - with unparalleled audio and visual quality.

To launch this groundbreaking recording, on 5th November 2013 Muse - Live at Rome Olympic Stadium will be screened at special events in 20 cinemas in 20 cities worldwide, beginning with Sydney and fi nishing in Los Angeles. London, Rio and Paris are also scheduled stop-offs in between, although trying to bag a seat in the crowd at any of them will take more than just a credit card. Thankfully, though, the exclusive opportunities to see them will then be followed by public screenings in cinemas up and down the UK.

So on 7th November, and for one night only, the majority of Britons with a Cineworld, Vue, or Showcase nearby will be able to catch the fl ick in all its big screen, big speaker glory. As a gig that originally saw 600,000 attendees, and a host of pyrotechnics and visual trickery put to good use, a modern cinema is probably the only place with any hope of doing the whole thing justice, and conveying something of the size of both crowd and stage sets. Featuring over 20 tracks, including Uprising, Supermassive Black Hole, Time Is Running Out, Starlight and Plug-In Baby, this is one unique ticket that we recommend buying. For full details of the 100+ UK screenings, and to watch the rather enticing trailer, go to fi lm.muse.mu.

Interview with will.i.am

The man with the most outlandish collection of sunglasses and spectacles in the world is back on our screens, helping to cast judgment over more hopeful singers. As BBC One’s The Voice UK heats up, we speak to expert coach and international superstar will.i.am about what it takes to succeed on the talent show.

Q How does it feel to be back for a third series? A It feels pretty cool. The singers are great. Q Were you disappointed last year that Leah didn’t win? A Yes, but it didn’t really matter if you have someone who is championing you. Let’s take One Direction. It’s a different show but somebody championed them. Somebody fought for them. We adopted Leah and we put her in our system. She is bringing out singles soon and she has been on tour with me.

Q So have you found some special people this year? A There are some people on my team, and some people on other teams that I would like to kidnap! It was tough deciding who stays and who goes. It was kind of hard saying goodbye.

Q Do the contestants have more of a game plan this year? A No, there are a lot of ‘green’ people.

Q How much do you want to win? A It would be cool, but I also want to teach them something. I would rather have someone I can adopt.

Q What advice have you been giving your contestants on your team? A I tell them: “if you have a job at Tesco and you are singing a constant gig every Friday at a pub, would you be happy?” And if they say no, I tell them they don’t love music. This is because if you have a constant gig every Friday and you are good, it will turn into every day. Every day will turn into 50, 500, 5000 and then 50,000 people. You will grow.

Q Do you miss Danny and Jessie J? A Yes, I miss them but I talk to Danny a lot. We still work together. He and I produced Now That I Found You with David Guetta for Britney. We still write together. I didn’t call him for Gaga but, if say I am working for someone like Britney, I will give him a call.

Q What are Kylie and Ricky like as coaches? A Kylie is amazing. Ricky is cool.

Q So you were impressed, then, by them? A Kylie is a great coach, not just for the girls but also for all the dudes who want to be a pop star. It’s something we didn’t have in the fi rst two seasons.

We didn’t have someone who has the stripes and badges for “I know how to get to pop status and keep pop status”. And so Kylie is defi nitely the queen of that. Ricky is for all the rebels in the audience who want to know how to start from nothing and build something on their own.

Q And Tom is back again? A Tom is a legend. He is there for what it takes to be a legend. There are a lot of people who have been around for a long time who aren’t legends. He is.

Q Has there been a lot of banter between you all? A No, there hasn’t been as much because it has been warmer. It has been more caring. The fi rst two seasons, we cared about the contestants, but it was

different. This time, Kylie is like a mediator. She is too snuggable. I want to cuddle her. I can’t go tit for tat with

her. I am more likely to say: “let me just give you the

singer then.” I am not going to fi ght for it, as I just want to snuggle with her!

One of the UK’s most critically-acclaimed, not to mention best-selling,

MUSIC

For bookings telephone 01626 353235or go to www.newtonabbotracing.com

Racing Fixtures 2014Tuesday 1 AprilEaster Saturday 19 AprilFriday 25 April (Eve)Thursday 8 MayWednesday 21 MayMonday 9 JuneMonday 16 JuneTuesday 24 June (Eve)Monday 7 July

Monday 14 JulySunday 20 JulyWednesday 13 AugustThursday 21 August (Eve)Saturday 30 AugustMonday 8 SeptemberFriday 19 SeptemberMonday 29 SeptemberFriday 10 October

Racecourse & Conference Centre

newton abbot

Admission Prices: Course £12 Paddock £18 Children Under 16 Free and Students with valid photo ID

The following discounts apply for Paddock Enclosure tickets only booked in advance of the day.Parties of 8-19 - 10% off £18 - £16.20Parties of 20-39 - 10% off £18 - £16.20 plus 2 free ticketsParties of 40 or more - 15% off £18 - £15.30 plus 5 free tickets

The Red Arrows

Team HistoryThe 1950s and 1960s were the heyday of Royal Air Force jet aerobatic display teams. By the mid-60s almost every Flying Training School, and several operational squadrons, had their own teams. So much time, effort and money was being expended on these non-established tasks that the Royal Air Force eventually decided to disband them all and form a single, full-time professional team. Thus, in 1964, the Red Pelicans fl ying six Jet Provost T Mk 4s became the fi rst team to represent the Royal Air Force as a whole. In that same year a team of fi ve yellow Folland Gnat jet trainers, known as the Yellowjacks, was formed at No 4 Flying Training School at Royal Air Force Valley in north Wales, led by Flight Lieutenant Lee Jones. The following year Jones was posted to the Central Flying School (CFS) to form the Red Arrows. The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team (RAFAT), the formal name of the Red Arrows, began life at RAF Fairford in Glouces tershire, then a satellite of CFS. Initially there were seven display pilots and ten Gnat jet trainers. The name ‘Red Arrows’ was chosen to combine the appeal and expertise of two earlier teams, the famous Black Arrows and the Red Pelicans.

Red Arrows’ fi rst display season!In their fi rst season, 1965, the Red Arrows fl ew 65 displays in Britain, France, Italy, Holland, Belgium and Germany, and the Team was awarded the Britannia Trophy by the Royal Aero Club in recognition of its outstanding contribution to British prestige in the fi eld of aviation. When the Royal Air Force decided to retain the Team for 1966, two spare pilots were established but the Team continued to fl y just seven aircraft in most displays. The fi rst display with 9 pilots was in July 1966 for the benefi t of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh. The practice of carrying spare pilots proved unsatisfactory because the display was so specialised that each position had its own demands. To be of any use at all, the spare pilots had to be capable of fi lling any position at very short notice.

Thus, they required more training

than any other member of the team and, as a result, became more skilled.

Not surprisingly

the spares became

dissatisfi ed with their roles as

reserves.

Diamond 9The Red Arrows fl ew nine aircraft in displays from time to time from mid-1966 onwards, but it was not until 1968 that the Team was offi cially increased in size to nine. Although there was nothing new in fl ying nine aircraft in a diamond-shaped formation, the Red Arrows’ perfectly symmetrical Diamond Nine quickly came to represent the peak of precision fl ying and it was eventually registered as an offi cial trade mark.

The Hawk arrives...The Red Arrows took delivery of the British Aerospace Hawk trainer in the autumn of 1979 and during that winter the pilots converted from the Gnat and worked up a display using the new aeroplane in time for the 1980 display season. Since being introduced into service with the Red Arrows, the Hawk has taken the Team on tours of eastern and western Europe, the USA and Canada, the Middle and Far East, Africa, the former Soviet Union and Australia. The 4000th display fl own in the Hawk was at Royal Air Force Leuchars’ Battle of Britain Airshow in September 2006.

Since the Team’s creation in 1965, the Red Arrows have fl own over 4,000 displays in 52 countries. Today the Red Arrows are renowned throughout the world, acting as ambassadors for Great

Britain when displaying overseas. They also support UK industry by demonstrating the capabilities of British equipment and expertise.

The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team (RAFAT), the formal

chosen to combine

expertise of two earlier teams, the famous Black Arrows and the Red Pelicans.

Thus, they required more training

than any other member of the team and, as a result, became more skilled.

Not surprisingly

the spares became

dissatisfi ed with their roles as

reserves.

You can see the fantastic displays by the Red Arrows in and around the Bay in August – please check www.raf.mod.uk/reds

The true community theatre for Torbay, in the heart

of Paignton.

The Palace Theatre recently went through a major refurbishment and has a brand new feel with state of the art lighting, sound and new

spacious seating.

The theatre is available to hire for meetings, conferences and events, and can be hired at resonable rates

for days or evenings. Please contact the Theatre Management on

01803 665800

For all shows at the Palace Theatre please take a look at the theatre listings

pages within this magazine or log onto the theatres’ website

www.palacetheatrepaignton.co.uk

and feel free to browse through all the shows and theatre information.

Alternatively visit www.creativetorbay.com

& search for Palace Theatre Paignton in the directory

Palace Avenue, Paignton, Devon TQ3 3HF

Box Office: 01803 665800

www.harboursalmon.com

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Beginner’s guide to wine At first glance the subject of wine can seem overwhelming and frankly rather intimidating, what with sniffing the bouquet and judging the finish a novice wine taster could easily be put off. However there really is no need, as all you need to remember is that wine is supposed to be enjoyable, so simply buy the wine you most like the taste of regardless of current fashions or trends.

To help you get started there are just three simple steps to remember when choosing a wine: look, smell and taste. But if you have time and the inclination, understanding the basics of wine types, selections, storage and tasting will add new dimensions to your wine experience.

A good way to get to know more about wine is to start by taking a grape variety you know, then work your way through different examples from around the world. Lovers of Aussie Chardonnay, for instance, might enjoy barrel-matured white Burgundy. Or if you’ve already discovered fruit-filled Chilean Cabernet, then you really need to try the aristocratic reds of Bordeaux.

Find out for yourself why the wines of New Zealand have become so popular, or experience the everlasting appeal of Burgundy. Just a few rungs up the price ladder, flavours become more intense, making it far easier to stick to a single glass. When exploring, don’t be afraid to ask questions of waiters or shop staff - if properly trained they will be full of useful advice. Generally speaking a good wine can be purchased for well under £10 these days, but try to avoid the really cheap offers, as these are rarely the best value for money. Excise duty, VAT, transport and packaging are virtually the same whether it’s a basic vin de table or from a prestigious estate. By paying a little extra - say £5 to £7 - you get a big increase in wine quality.

If you find the thought of buying wine in a specialist wine shop too daunting, then why not buy from the comfort of your armchair? More people are ordering their wine online thanks to the convenience and range of wines on offer. Online wine merchants invariably provide more information about their wines than you will find on the label when perusing the supermarket shelves.

When pairing wine with a specific food or meal there are just a few things to remember. Like a good marriage, wine and food were meant for each other, as each enhances and strengthens the experience of the whole. So why does it feel so daunting to try to pair foods with wines? If you are under the misapprehension that there is a hefty list of rules and guidelines that state which wine can be paired with which food then you are in for a surprise.

The truth is there are no rules when matching your favourite wines with your favourite recipes. Yes there are popular matches and well-used pairings of wine and food but ultimately the best match is what pleases your palate. It is truly a personal preference, but if you don’t feel confident enough to trust your own taste you can always ask for some more experienced advice.

With expert wine merchants available at your fingertips it has become a whole lot easier to learn more about wines and enjoy them at very competitive prices. The only golden rule would be to avoid cheap supermarket wine and you’ll discover a little good wine really does go a long way.

The snack that escaped rationing and is credited with sustaining morale through two world wars is once again in the spotlight.

Winston Churchill called them “good companions” and salty or saucy, most of us can’t resist tucking into a bag as a seaside treat or payday reward.

We’re talking the Great British chip, of course - and whether you cover yours in salt, vinegar or sauce, the condiment you choose might say something about you.

New research has revealed that the majority of Brits prefer to eat theirs with salt or vinegar, with nearly half the population plumping for both.

Tomato ketchup is also a favourite across the nation, with almost half of respondents picking it as the classic accompaniment, especially 18-24 year olds who are twice as likely to cover their snacks with the red stuff than the over-60s.

Surprisingly, the humble chip itself is not as British as you may think and is believed to have started life in either Belgium or France.

Its origins in England are the subject of fierce debate between the north and south, but it is generally acknowledged that chip shops started in London and Lancashire in the mid-1850s.

These early chip shops - or huts - consisted of little more than a cauldron of hot fat over an open fire but presented a welcome relief from the bland diet of the Victorian working class.

The popularity of this cheap and chunky snack grew and outlets sprung up across the country, supplemented by savvy Italian migrants who set up shops in Scotland, Wales and Ireland. Newspaper was the wrapper of choice in a bid to keep costs low, and this practice survived until the 1980s when health and safety legislation declared it was unsafe to eat food from newsprint.

Salt and malt vinegar were the staple condiments in the early days, and while foreign influences have broadened our taste buds, the YouGov survey discovered some revealing regional differences.

Londoners are the biggest fans of a good dollop of mayonnaise on their chips, a fact partly attributed to the capital’s multi-racial make-up. More than a quarter of city snackers enjoy the egg-based dressing compared with 22% of people living in the South, the East and the Midlands and less than 17% in the North, Wales and Scotland.

North of the border, brown sauce is the order of the day - twice as popular in Scotland as anywhere else in Britain where it comes tops with 22% of Scots, who sometimes refer to it as “chippie sauce”.

The fruity relish is the favourite with 13% of northerners, even though HP sauce, the original and most popular brand, has its roots in the Midlands where it was invented at the turn of the 20th century.

As well as the regional divide, brown sauce also stirs the battle of the sexes, with twice as many men liking it as women.

And while the traditional image of a brown sauce lover may be that of a stereotypical northerner, gravy is in fact the most popular accompaniment there with almost a fifth of Northerners pouring it over their chips, compared to just four per cent of Londoners.

And if it’s spice you’re after, the Welsh have the market cornered with one in four dipping their chips into a pot of curry sauce. The spicy seasoning is also popular in Northern Ireland, the North and the Midlands, but less so in the capital where just six per cent of Londoners like the fiery condiment. There is also an age split, with three times as many under-40s favouring the Asian-inspired accompaniment than the over-60s.

Whatever the topping, chips have been a British favourite for decades. And with 97% of Brits a fan of the humble fried spud,

their popularity is assured for decades to come,

whether you choose to cover them in ketchup, drown them in vinegar or smother them in mayo.


260mm x 30mm

Fresh, infused, smoked or roasted, trust Harbour Salmon Co.to make salmon quick, easy and delish!


unsafe to eat food from newsprint.

the over-60s. Whatever the topping, chips

have been a British favourite for decades. And with 97% of Brits a fan of the humble fried spud,

their popularity is assured for decades to come,

whether you choose to cover them in ketchup, drown them in vinegar or smother them in mayo.

www.harboursalmon.comFresh, infused, smoked or roasted, trust Harbour Salmon Co.to make salmon quick, easy and delish!

The “No mess. No stress” way to enjoy salmon!The “No mess. No stress” way to enjoy salmon!

newsprint.


FOOD &

DRINK

The Great British Chip Debate

Leek and Mushroom Risotto Risotto is a great stock-cupboard dish for any meal and can be made easily with ingredients you find in the fridge. This version is vegetarian, but can be used as a base for adding meat or fish if required.

Serves 4

Ingredients 1 litre stock (vegetable or chicken) 3 tsp olive oil 2 leeks, sliced 1/2 onion, finely diced 8-10 leaves sage, chopped tarragon to taste 150g arborio risotto rice 250g chestnut mushrooms, sliced 1 garlic clove, crushed pinch salt 1-2 tbsp parmesan cheese, grated

METHOD Bring the stock to the boil and simmer very gently. Put one tsp of the oil in a separate pan and put on a low heat on the hob. Add leeks and onion and stir briefly. Put the lid on and leave on the lowest heat for around ten minutes, checking occasionally. Add the sage and tarragon, another tsp of olive oil, stirring in, and then immediately throw in the risotto rice, stirring to coat with the oil. Add the stock ladle by ladle, stirring in each time, until the rice is cooked through. While the risotto is cooking (or beforehand if you prefer), heat the last tsp of oil in a small pan and put on a low heat. When warm, fry the crushed garlic and mushrooms with a pinch of salt. Stir, increase the heat slightly and put the lid on for about 5 mins, moving them about in the pan every now and again. Remove the lid and increase the heat slightly to finish off. Once the risotto and mushrooms are

cooked, add the mushrooms to the risotto and stir in. Add the parmesan to taste, and serve.

Chocolate and Orange Pancakes When it’s Pancake Day, everyone loves taking part in the Shrove Tuesday celebration of cooking up some simple ingredients to make a delicious pudding. These chocolate and orange pancakes make a nice change from plain versions.

Serves 4-8.

INGREDIENTS 90g plain flour 20g cocoa powder 25g caster sugar 1 large egg 300ml semi-skimmed milk 1/2 tsp vanilla essence Sunflower oil, for frying

For the filling: 2 medium oranges 250g tub ricotta cheese 25g plain chocolate, grated 25g sugar

METHOD To make the pancakes:

Sift the flour and cocoa into a bowl and add the sugar. Beat the egg, milk and vanilla extract together then add to the dry ingredients and whisk to make a smooth batter. To cook the pancakes, warm a non-stick frying pan, add a teaspoon of oil, then pour in a very large tablespoon of batter which should be enough just to cover the base thinly. Tilt the pan to distribute the batter evenly. Place on the hob and cook over a medium hot setting. When the edges are golden and the batter looks set, toss or turn with a palette knife and cook the other side for about 1 minute until golden. Remove from the pan and keep warm. Lift the pan off the hob, add another teaspoon of oil and add another spoonful of batter. After tilting the pan, set back on the hob to cook. Continue cooking the pancakes in this way until all the batter is used. Place a tablespoon of the ricotta filling onto each pancake and either roll up or fold into a cornet, and decorate with two orange segments.

To make the filling : Grate the zest from one of the oranges into a bowl. Cut away the peel and pith from both oranges and cut into segments, allowing the juice to drip into the bowl, but put the segments on a plate to one side. Beat the ricotta into the orange rind and juice until smooth and fold in the grated chocolate.

Baked Camembert Enjoy one of the best-known French cheeses in a delicious way, bursting with flavour and coated in breadcrumbs. Make sure the cheese is not too ripe and freeze before cooking to ensure the centre melts when baking.

Serves 4

4 individual Camemberts or one large Camembert cut into approx 80g/3oz wedges, frozen for 1 hour.

25g plain flour

1 egg beaten with 1tbsp water

25g breadcrumbs

50ml sunflower oil

raspberry coulis or cranberry sauce to garnish

METHOD 1. Preheat oven to 200C/400F/Gas Mark 6

2. Remove the Camembert from the freezer and carefully cut the white skin from the top, while leaving the bottom and sides in tact. Coat well on all sides with the flour.

3. Dip the coated Camembert in the egg mix and coat with breadcrumbs, then repeat both steps. Pat well to help the crumbs stick, then place in the fridge for 30 minutes.

4.Heat the oil over a medium heat. Remove the cheeses from the fridge and fry lightly on each side until light golden brown - approximately 1-2 minutes. Make sure the cheese does not begin to melt. Remove and drain excess oil on paper towels.

5. Place the lightly-browned cheeses on a lined baking tray and bake in the oven for 5-10 minutes or until the top is slightly puffed.

6.Serve immediately with a raspberry coulis or cranberry sauce.

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the heat slightly to finish off. Once the risotto and mushrooms are

cooked, add the mushrooms to the risotto and stir in. Add the parmesan to taste, and serve.

sauce.

Grate the zest from one of the

bowl, but put the segments on a plate to one side. Beat the ricotta into the orange rind and juice until smooth and fold

Grate the zest from one of the oranges into a bowl. Cut away the peel and pith from both oranges and cut into segments, allowing the juice to drip into the bowl, but put the segments on a plate to one side. Beat the ricotta into the orange rind and juice until smooth and fold in the grated chocolate.

Leek and Mushroom Risotto Risotto is a great stock-cupboard dish for any meal and can be made easily with ingredients you find in the fridge. This version is vegetarian, but can be used as a base for adding meat or fish if required.

Serves 4

FOOD &

DRINK

14 films we can’t wait to see in 2014 Her; dir. Spike Jonze; JanuaryStarring: Joaquin Phoenix, Amy Adams, Scarlett JohanssonWhen a lonely writer buys a new operating system for his computer, an unlikely relationship begins to develop. Fresh work from the enigmatic Jonze, boasting an all-star line-up of players. What’s not to like?

Last Vegas; dir. Jon Turteltaub; JanuaryStarring: Robert De Niro, Michael Douglas, Morgan FreemanThree sixty-something pals pack their prescriptions and reading glasses for what promises to be The Hangover with an esteemed, mature cast. Just imagine Morgan Freeman suffering from the night before - genius.

12 Years a Slave; dir. Steve McQueen; JanuaryStarring: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael K. Williams, Michael FassbenderDespite being a free black man from upstate New York, Solomon Northup is abducted and sold into slavery, in the next movie from Steve McQueen, arguably Britain’s most exciting director.

Jack Ryan - Shadow Recruit; dir. Kenneth Branagh; JanuaryStarring: Chris Pine, Keira Knightley, Kevin CostnerFollowing in the footsteps of Alec Baldwin, Harrison Ford and Ben Affleck, Chris Pine plays heroic CIA operative Ryan, the creation of bestselling spy novelist Tom Clancy, in this slick-looking shooter.

Celebrating LibertyThroughout 2014, Normandy will be a destination of choice for many people commemorating the 70th anniversary of D-Day.

Ceremonies, firework displays, street dances and parades have marked the event for many years - but this year is expected to be one of the last important anniversary dates to include those who are still in ‘living memory’ of the events of the Second World War.

Commanded by Eisenhower, Operation Overlord - the code name for the D-Day Landings - took place on June 6th 1944, when more than 150,000 soldiers including British, Americans, Canadians, French, Polish, Dutch, Belgians and Norwegians, landed by sea and air on Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword beaches.

There followed a huge battle, mobilising over three million soldiers, which ended on 21st August after 77 days of combat. Hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over the world are due to visit France this year - so now is a good time to book a visit and learn more about this significant period of 20th century history. Between the official commemorations and the cultural and tourist

programme of events, this year will be packed with events for Normandy - truly putting the region in the limelight.

The programme of cultural and family-orientated events aims to engage, explain and evoke an understanding of the importance of remembrance. Whether you travel alone, as a couple, as a family or with friends, you can step into history and walk in the path of those who have written it.

Whether you want to follow in the footsteps of the heroes by visiting chateaux used during the conflict, or take part in the various events of the season, there is something for the whole family.

Apart from the D-Day Festival, there will be a giant picnic on Omaha Beach, the ‘Freedom Tattoo’ Military Concert, air shows using model aeroplanes, a sound and light show at Bayeux cathedral and an extraordinary giant firework display to set the sky alight along the coast at 24 sites, all of which are emblematic of the D-Day Landings. You can also discover and explore sites from

the Caen Memorial to Montormel, from Sainte-Mere-Eglise to Bayeux and Cherbourg. The celebratory programme will also include historical reconstructions, concerts, film screenings, themed tours and walks.

In keeping with modern technology, a series of smartphone applications, GPS Tours and virtual visits has also been developed. For example, the Museum of the Liberation of Cherbourg will be equipped with multimedia technology showing the strategic role played by the port of Cherbourg during the Battle of Normandy, while the Open Air Museum will guide visitors from site to site via a GPS system, and you can relive the first days of the D-Day Landings on screen.

All this is easily accessible from the UK. There are regular sailings with Brittany Ferries from Portsmouth to Caen’s port of Ouistreham (literally at the end of Sword Beach), to Cherbourg and Le Havre and also from Poole to Cherbourg. DFDS also sail from Portsmouth to Le Havre. Wherever you want to go, or whatever you want to see, there is something for everyone in Normandy during these special celebrations - with a wealth of different kinds of accommodation available from camp sites, bed and breakfast rooms, inns, chateaux and hotels of all standards.

The 2014 season will be decidedly special, with the last few survivors of the battle being able to give first-hand accounts of the Landings, before they are

consigned to the records of history. Sailings to Normandy and accommodation will be busy around the 6th June, so you may want to visit earlier in the spring or later in the summer, to make the most of your trip.













MandelaAs untactful as it sounds, chances are producers behind a major new film based on the life of Nelson Mandela appreciated the timing of his passing. Not that we’re suggesting they planned it.

Nevertheless, as anyone who works in the media will know, cynicism outdoes empathy at every stage of the game. So if you’re planning on releasing a movie looking at the achievements and experiences of South Africa’s most legendary leader, and he dies a month before it opens in cinemas, that tragic loss couldn’t have been timed any better.

A key figurehead in the anti-apartheid struggle - and subsequently something of a poster-man for oppressed, marginalised and subjugated people everywhere - Mandela’s legacy is truly inspiring and impressive, to say the least. Surviving years in woeful

conditions inside a jail cell, and combating the most inherently prejudiced and racist government this side of colonial-era Belgium, are clearly no mean feats.

In terms of the film itself, which is directed by BAFTA-winner Justin Chadwick (The First Grader, The Other Boleyn Girl ), our focus is on the spokesman of freedom during the years prior to his eventual inauguration as South African president. Spanning the years from his early childhood, spent in rural poverty, to his rise to political and cultural prominence, it has all the makings of an epic biopic, for obvious reasons.

Fans of The Wire and Luther will be in their element, as star of those shows Idris Elba appears as leading man Mandela. Of course, his film appearances haven’t been quite as impressive as those small-screen outings (with both Prometheus and Pacific Rim failing to truly wow audiences), but nonetheless we’re rather keen to see him in this role. As an actor, he has always felt more confident and assured, not to mention deeply engrossing, when playing impassioned characters, making this casting decision more than understandable.

In addition to this, Winnie Mandela is played by Naomie

Harris (whose cinematic work has earned her a huge amount of acclaim, thanks to appearances in Skyfall and Pirates of the Caribbean , amongst other titles), which adds to our sense of excitement. Meanwhile, double Academy Award-nominee William Nicholson (Gladiator, Les Miserables ) has written the script, with Distant Horizon’s Anant Singh (Yesterday, Sarafina) credited as producer. Quite the esteemed ensemble cast and crew. Thanks to this, and the obviously important nature of the story at hand, we wholly recommend taking a look when Mandela arrives in cinemas on 3rd January.

Out of the Furnace; dir. Scott Cooper; JanuaryStarring: Christian Bale, Casey Affleck, Zoe SaldanaSet in backwoods, or should that be mountain-top America, Rodney Baze mysteriously disappears, and the law fails to investigate properly, leaving his older brother, Russell, to seek his own form of justice.

Robocop; dir. Jose Padilha; FebruaryStarring: Joel Kinnaman, Douglas Urbanski, Abbie CornishLoving husband and cop Alex Murphy is shot and almost killed, but returns rehabilitated in an armoured suit. A reprise of the cult 1980s flick, whether it lives up to its predecessor remains to be seen.

The Invisible Woman; dir. Ralph Fiennes; FebruaryStarring: Ralph Fiennes, Felicity Jones, Kristin Scott ThomasAfter his version of Coriolanus,

Ralph Fiennes turns his attention to another literary tale for directorial feature number two. This time round, it’s the secret lover Charles Dickens apparently had until death.

The Lego Movie; dir. Phil Lord, Chris Miller; FebruaryStarring: Chris Pratt, Elizabeth Banks, Will ArnettBizarre as it may sound on paper, this animated tale is already tipped for big things. An ordinary LEGO figure is mistaken for the MasterBuilder, and must stop the universe from being glued together.

The Grand Budapest Hotel; dir. Wes Anderson; FebruaryStarring: Saoirse Ronan, Edward Norton, Tilda SwintonWes ‘Offbeat’ Anderson is back with another tale full of colour and colourful characters. Here we’re privy to the memoirs of Gustave H, a former concierge at a splendid hotel during the interwar period.

300 - Rise of an Empire; dir. Noam Murro; MarchStarring: Sullivan Stapleton, Rodrigo Santoro, Eva GreenThe follow up to 300 will struggle to beat that live action-animated classic, but we’re dying to take a look anyway. Again Xerxes is threatening the Greek civilization with his invading armies. Bring it on.

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes; dir. Matt Reeves; JulyStarring: Gary Oldman, Keri Russell, Andy SerkisThe Planet of the Apes remake was great and quite scary in parts. But it only really hinted at man’s impending fall to chimps. In contrast, this next chapter will see that nightmare realised.

Sin City - A Dame to Die For; dir. Frank Miller, Robert Rodriguez; AugustStarring: Jessica Alba, Mickey Rourke, Rosario Dawson

We’re back in the muck and mire of Frank Miller’s graphic novel world as his Sin City returns to the big screen. Aesthetically stunning as ever, expect hard-nosed cops, crooks, hookers and more.

Interstellar; dir. Christopher Nolan; OctoberStarring: Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica ChastainThanks to a newly-discovered wormhole, a group of intergalactic explorers can go beyond the previous limitations of human space travel and into the furthest reaches of the universe. It should be an epic.

The Maze Runner; dir. Wes Ball; OctoberStarring: Dylan O’Brien, Will Poulter, Thomas Brodie-SangsterYet more steampunk fantasy for young adults. In a post-apocalyptic world, Thomas has his memory erased, and is sent to a community of boys deep within a deadly maze, from which he must then escape.

EasterEggs-travaganza

Easter Craft Workshop and come alongto see some “Furry Friends”

from Pennywelll Farm (TBC)

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