Please mention Totnes Directory when responding to adverts 1www.totnesdirectory.co.ukOver 4,200 copies delivered free every month to the homes and businesses of TotnesFebruary 2026 | Issue 224TOURISM IS KEY FOR THE TOTNESECONOMYHELP SHAPETHE 2026 TOTNESFRINGE FESTIVALCAMPAIGN TO SAVE LOCAL BANKINGST MARY’S CHURCHEXPERIENCE THE TRANSFORMATION2026 FINANCIAL CHECKLISTEXPLORING DARTMOORSLIMMING WORLD RECIPES Vacancies to deliver Totnes Directory Good pay Please call07875 538848
2 Advertise from just £24 per month* | Call 07875 538 848 Open 9-5:30 pm7 days a week visit our websiteGREENTABLE.CAFELower Drive / Dartington Estate TQ9 6EEARTISANSmoker/pizzaMEAT/FISH/VEGANBAR/COCKTAILS/WINElive music/PARTIESNow available for evening private hire
Please mention Totnes Directory when responding to adverts 3CONTACT UST: 07875 538 848E: [email protected] TOURISM IS KEY FOR TOTNESJohn Birch Totnes district councillor10 EXPLORING DARTMOORGidleigh and Scorhill Circular14 UNDERSTANDNG YOUR BODYWhat’s your gut reaction?18 HEALTH MATTERSBeating prostate cancer29 ICONIC TOTNES SLATETotnes Memories30 SAVING LOCAL BANKING Transition Town Totnes48 THE MEANDERING NATURALIST In search of wildlife in Costa Rica52 2026 FINANCIAL CHECKLISTMartyn James54 YOUTH COMMUNITY PROJECTSTotnes Trust72 LOVE READINGLatest book reviews74 TOTNES LIBRARY The future of libraries 76 TOTNES TOWN BUSRoutes, timetables & a national award 78 A-Z INDEXAdvertisers & service providersInside...ST MARY’S CHURCH EXPERIENCE THE TRANSFORMATION08HELPING TO SHAPE THE 2026 TOTNES FRINGE FESTIVAL 7034PREPARING TO GROW YOUR OWN Image: Slimming World/ Gareth Morgans, Sam Folan Shutterstock.com24SLIMMING WORLD RECIPES
4 Advertise from just £24 per month* | Call 07875 538 848Dear resident...Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of material published, the Totnes Directory take no responsibility for accuracy of statements made by contributors or advertisements or for the loss arising from non publication of any advert. All images and content are accepted and reproduced in good faith. This publication may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form in whole or part without the express permission of the publisher.Police 999 or 101Post Office 0845 7223344Electricity 0800 365900Gas 0800 111999Water 0344 346 2020Flood Watch 0845 9881188Totnes CommunityHospital 01803 862622Leatside Surgery 01803 862671Catherine House Surgery 01803 862073COOP Pharmacy 0500 970487Morrisons Pharmacy 01803 840340Citizen Advice 0808 278 7948Town Council 01803 862147Tourist Information 01803 863168Library 01803 659945 Rail Enquiries 08457 484950RSPCA 01752 665599South HamsDistrict Council 01803 861234Totnes Caring 01803 865684Totnes Social Services 01803 869300Caring Town 01803 864450The Priory Church of St. Marys, Totnes 07775 356 652Useful NumbersWelcome to the February edition of the Totnes Directory.The moment many local residents have been waiting for has finally arrived! On the first day of February and following a refurbishment which is understood to have exceeded one million pounds, St. Mary’s Church will reopen its doors to the public. To discover how you can experience the transformation please turn to page eight.The town of Totnes is very much a year round tourist destination making a considerable contribution towards the local economy and with it much local employment in sectors such as hospitality, retail, culture, transport and supporting services. Tourism is particularly important in maintaining our popular town centre with its independent shops, markets, evening venues and heritage attractions all of which contribute towards the footfall that retains the town’s economic viability. This month Totnes District Councillor John Birch discusses the importance of tourism and the part being played by the recently refurbished Steamer Quay caravan site.After the huge success of its inaugural festival, Totnes Fringe is looking for more volunteers from the local community and across the South West, for the 2026 event. To discover the roles available and how to apply please look out for the Fringe page in this edition.Along with our regular features together with a comprehensive index of local traders and service providers we hope you find the directory both useful and interesting. Please don’t forget we will be delighted to receive any community news, stories or entertaining articles which you believe your fellow residents may like to read.Finally please remember to say: “I SAW IT IN THE TOTNES DIRECTORY” when responding to adverts.Richard & Shonalittlebookofwalks.co.uk
Please mention Totnes Directory when responding to adverts 5Anyone with financialobligations can have lifeinsurance, regardless oftheir age.Life insurance is forthose renting property,as well as for peoplewho own their homes. You should consider whatprotection your partner orchildren may need shouldanything happen to you.It is essential to understand the difference between the various types of lifeinsurance cover as well as calculating how much cover you may need. Speakto one of our advisers to make sure you have adequate cover in place for yourcircumstances.Have you been thinkingabout life insurance?CLARITY WEALTH MANAGEMENT LLP IS AUTHORISED AND REGULATED BY THE FINANCIAL CONDUCT AUTHORITY.REGISTERED IN ENGLAND AND WALES AS A LIMITED LIABILITY PARTNERSHIP NO OC371189.GIVE US A CALL ON 0800 2335599 OR VISIT WWW.CLARITYWM.CO.UKWATERSIDE HOUSE, THE PLAINS, TOTNES, TQ9 5DWAre the things that matter most to you protected should the worst happen?
6 Advertise from just £24 per month* | Call 07875 538 848 Walking past the Steamer Quay caravan site just after Christmas and seeing the large number of mobile homes made me realise what a good move it was on the part of South Hams District Council to engage with The Caravan Club in bringing about a fully equipped all year round site rather than the previous part-time set-up.This improvement has brought about an economic boost for the town with an increase in visitor numbers. The plans for a new hotel next to the railway station will, if it materialises, also bring about an increase in visitor numbers. The recently opened South Hams Way, starting in Totnes, is also attracting visitors.Tourism plays an important role in the economy of Totnes. We are a successful South Devon market town that relies on trade and businesses that bring money in from outside the area. Tourism does exactly this. Visitors spend on cafés, restaurants, pubs, shops, markets, attractions, transport and events, bringing with it income for those local businesses and traders who make the town a success.Totnes’s role as a year-round tourist destination makes a considerable contribution towards the town’s economy and with it much local employment in sectors such as hospitality, retail, culture, transport and supporting services. Tourism is particularly important in maintaining our popular town centre with its independent shops, markets, evening venues and heritage attractions all of which contribute towards the footfall that retains the town’s economic viability. The importance of tourism becomes even clearer when one considers what would happen if there was a decline. A reduction in visitor numbers could weaken business viability, reduce employment and lead to shorter opening hours or closures. Therefore it is important that we as a town see tourism as a benefit rather than an encumbrance and do what we can to encourage initiatives that will increase visitor numbers.Totnes benefits most from steady, year-round, smallscale tourism. Many people come from all over the country and abroad for short breaks or as a base for visiting the town and the beautiful surrounding area. There can be no doubt tourism strengthens the local economy and underpins our successful town centre.South Hams District Council and the Totnes Town Council are preparing a Community Economic Plan for Totnes and undoubtedly tourism will feature as a key contributor towards the town’s future economic wellbeing.TOURISM –A KEY PARTOF THE TOTNESECONOMYArticle by Cllr John Birch, Totnes district councillor
Please mention Totnes Directory when responding to adverts 7Protecting your futureAward winning green Home InsuranceBy taking out home insurance with Naturesave, youwill help support our charity, The Naturesave Trust.We have donated more than £1.2 million, providinggrants for environmental projects across the UK.We will also plant you a tree and continue workingon our mission to create a more sustainableinsurance industry.For your bespoke, ethical home insurance quote,please visit naturesave.co.uk/get-a-quoteor call us on 01803 864 390Naturesave Insurance Brokers is a trading name of Naturesave Policies Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the FinancialConduct Authority. Naturesave® Policies Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England No.02797137. Registered Office Affinity House, Taunton, Somerset, TA2 6AA. Calls may be recorded for use in quality management,training and customer support.
8 Advertise from just £24 per month* | Call 07875 538 848 ST MARY’SIS BACK!Experience the transformationThe moment our community has been waiting for is here! On Sunday February 1st, Saint Mary’s reopens to the public, starting with an evening Rededication Ceremony with + Mike Harrison, Bishop of Exeter.STEP INSIDECome and experience the newly renovated space, with its state-of-the-art heating system and completely renovated nave area. Whether you are looking for a place of worship, a quiet spot for meditation or a fascinating insight into 1000 years of history and heritage, our doors are open once again to you. SAVE THE DATES!Feb 1st (Evening): Rededication Ceremony (Free entry: but ticketed due to likely demand).Opening Week: Catch the Friends Café on Tuesday 3rd, followed by a lunchtime organ recital by Ian Curror, or our special «Unity in Diversity» gathering on Thursday evening to continue rededicating the space.Daily Opening: The church will be open daily from Feb. 2nd dawn till dusk.March: Watch out for two first full concerts in the new space.Post-Easter: Our full, action-packed program of music and activities begins!GET INVOLVEDSaint Mary’s has been reimagined as a true hub for local engagement. We invite community groups to explore the space with us, while our heritage volunteers continue to curate exciting ways to bring the building’s rich history to life for every visitor. There are several ways to be involved, so do get in touch. We can’t wait to welcome you back!After the reopening we will always welcome volunteers to help cover the cultural, heritage and church housekeeping related roles in the next phase of St. Mary’s. To sign up to the Uplift newsletter or to express an interest in volunteering please email us at [email protected] further information please contact:[email protected]
Please mention Totnes Directory when responding to adverts 9We are a local independentsupplier and fitter of quality flooring specialising in carpets, engineered wood, laminate and luxury vinyl (LVT) at great prices.Free in home survey and planning service, where we will discuss and advise you in the appropriate flooring choice and go through all work that is necessary to ensure a beautiful finish.Our team comprises flooring experts that have decades of experience and knowledge in the various aspects of flooring. We aim to exceed expectations, both in service and quality.Pop in to our showroom or contact us to arrange a survey and quote, all with a personalised approach from start to finish.Just Beautiful Floors10a Babbage Road, Totnes, TQ9 5JA01803 [email protected] jbfloors.ukSOUTH HAM’S ONLYWe are now supplying and fitting fitted bedroom furniture and made to measure blinds!
10 Advertise from just £24 per month* | Call 07875 538 848 FEBRUARY WALKIt’s a bit of a mission getting to the start point of this walk as the lanes to the west of Chagford are very narrow and often steep. If you are nervous about reversing or own a monster SUV, maybe give this one a miss! Park on the lane by the village hall in Gidleigh – there’s space for quite a few cars here. With the village hall on your left, turn right up the lane and after about 200m take the signed footpath on the left which leads uphill through woodland. At the top of the hill, follow the footpath signs along a narrower path which descends the side of the Teign valley and follows then crosses the North Teign river on a wooden bridge. Downstream from here, the valley becomes part of the property of Gidleigh Park, one of the fanciest hotels on Dartmoor.On the other side of the river, the path climbs steeply uphill through woodland that has been cleared in recent years and then emerges onto a lane. Walk straight ahead on the lane and when it bends left, continue ahead on a footpath. At the T junction, turn right and follow the path as it climbs steeply uphill and then emerges on the open moor of Chagford Common at a “stroll” – this is a kind of walled funnel into which stock could be herded before being brought off the moor. (You’ll see another one of these near the end of the walk.) Continue uphill following the wall and heading for the tor ahead of you – Kestor. On the way there you will pass some very substantial hut circles, constructed in the late Bronze Age/early Iron Age. (The OS map shows them in the wrong place, further south, so don’t be confused when you come across them.) The area north of Kestor contains a substantial Iron Age village – you can see the remains of field boundaries and dwellings all around you as you head up the hill.Kestor itself has one of the largest rock basins on the moor on its summit and boasts some wonderful panoramic views. After admiring them, take the clear path that goes south towards the (just visible) Long Stone. This ancient standing stone is the culmination of a long stone row, but became a boundary marker in medieval times. On different faces you will see a C (Chagford), GP (Gidleigh Parish) and DC (Duchy of Cornwall) carved into the granite. Bear right here and follow the path northwest through the Shovel Down ceremonial complex. You’re following a double stone row which leads to a cairn circle from which two double stone rows run northwards downhill. This area was highly populated by the Bronze Age people and there is a huge field system and more settlements to the left of the path. Unfortunately much of it is now overgrown with the dreaded Molinia (purple moor grass) which has taken over most of this area.Follow the path down the hill to the picturesque Teign-e-ver clapper bridge over the infant North Teign river. Soon after there’s another clapper bridge over the Wallabrook. The peninsula in between the two bridges was heavily worked by tin miners who left behind many mounds and heaps of stone waste. Climb the hill on the far side, cross the leat which takes water to the village of Gidleigh and then you will reach Scorhill stone circle, the most impressive of all Dartmoor’s stone circles. It has 23 standing stones and 11 fallen ones. Many more are missing as farmers in the past probably took them to use as gate posts. You can see that one large fallen stone has had holes drilled down it as preparation for splitting it, but for some reason the operation was abandoned. Like all the stone circles on the moor, it sits below the summit of the surrounding hills but with huge views over the surrounding land.GIDLEIGH AND SCORHILL CIRCULAR – 5.5 milesAn OS Map of Dartmoor is essential to be able to follow this walk
Please mention Totnes Directory when responding to adverts 11Take the well trodden path up the hill from the stones and it brings you to another stroll which leads down onto a lane with a small parking area by Scorhill Farm. Now you just need to walk all the way down this pretty lane and it will bring you back to Gidleigh. If you still have some time, walk into the village to visit the church beside which the leat you crossed earlier emerges and a little further on you can peer through the railings at the remains of Gidleigh castle (on private land). Actually it’s a fortified manor house which was built around 1300 and all that’s left now is a tower or keep.Dartmoor Walks This Way offers regular guided walks on Tuesdays and Sundays as well as leading bespoke walks on request.www.dartmoorwalksthisway.co.ukDartmoor Walks This WayMade to measure guided walksInga Page07914 184220Hut circle with Kestor beyondTeignever clapper bridgeScorhill stone circleShovel Down stone row
12 Advertise from just £24 per month* | Call 07875 538 848 8 Symons PassageTotnesTQ9 5YS01803866822DENTAL CARE FOR THE WHOLE FAMILYDr. Kalina BorskaBDS (Poland), MSc implantology (Rome), PG Dental Sleep Medicine (UK), Dipl Interceptive Orthodontics with clear aligners (UK) Dr. Nicole O’BrienBDS, DrMedDent (Germany)EndodonticsOrthodontics (Airway Focused)ImplatogolyOral SurgeryChild Orthodontics & DentistryProsthodonticsLaser Teeth WhiteningCosmetic DentistryAirway Dentistry for Sleep disorders, bruxing & TMD Symptomswww.venusdentalcare.co.uk
Please mention Totnes Directory when responding to adverts 1325yrs experience. Professional Diagnosis, Holistic Advice & Treatments.Uses many Hands-On techniques plus Thor LX2 Infra-red Bio-feedback Laser for pain relief/healing.From Stroke rehab to painful backs, necks, shoulders… Call Mike Traynor on 07956 409300 TTNeurophysio.com/ZenPhysio.comBridgetown and Totnes ClinicsYOGA CLASSESDip BWY; yoga for healthy lower backs; Dip Bones for Life.Celebrating 20 years of yoga teachingTuesdays10-11.30amFollaton Community Hall, Totnes.Please ring Claire 07577 951781email : [email protected] Claire Parker Specialist in yoga for backs and bone density work. Small classes, lots of space. Suitable for all including those seeking gentle yoga. Pre - booked spaces only. Private tuition available.
14 Advertise from just £24 per month* | Call 07875 538 848 HealthWhat’s your gut reaction?By Kate HodalHealthConsidering the majority of the body’s immune system is the gut, keeping yourself healthy means keeping your tummy healthy.Well that’s according to Maxton Pitcher, consultant gastroenterologist at London’s St Mark’s Hospital.He explains that explains maintaining a proper diet, healthy lifestyle and good sleeping patterns, will all help keep that nine-metre-long digestive system, healthy.Understanding the gutIt’s worth thinking of the gut as the engine of our bodies: the better the food we put into it, the better it runs. But everyday factors like poor diet, stress, illness and even ageing can all a ect the gut negatively, leading to problems such as constipation, diarrhoea, bloating and wind, says Dr Pitcher.“Think what happens when you get an attack of nerves before an exam, a driving test, a date, or when you’re upset,” he says.“Those acute positive or negative stresses cause the stomach to churn with butterflies, which in turn causes us to rush to the toilet - an example of the ‘brain-gut axis’ in operation.“The external environment and our daily perception of it very much dictate how our gut behaves, which is why we have the expressions ‘gut feeling’ or ‘gut reaction’.”More than 25 di erent health conditions relate to the digestive system - ranging from the acute and chronic to the mild and temporary. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), for example, commonly relates to an emotional or stress-led disturbance of the large bowel and a ects approximately 25% of the UK population. Eating well: Why it countsAs the primary function of the gut is to process and absorb nutrients from food, keeping it in good shape entails eating well.And that means eating a varied diet that takes in fibre, 5-10 portions of fresh fruit and veg a day, says Dr Pitcher.With one in three people su ering from a digestive problem, now has never been a better time to look a er your gut. We take a look at what you can do to get your ninemetre marvel back into shape.
Please mention Totnes Directory when responding to adverts 15“Changes in our diet can alter the composition of the bacteria in our gut, making us more vulnerable to functional gut symptoms such as diarrhoea or bloating, and other factors that can damage the lining of the gut in the early stages of disease processes,” he says.Replacing your white bread, rice and pasta with wholegrain ones instead, will increase your daily fibre intake and give you the minerals and antioxidants you need - without you even noticing much of a dietary change!“Yoghurts can also improve the barrier function of the gut wall and stimulate its immune system of defence,” says Dr Pitcher.Another top tip to good gut health is to eat your food slowly. Slow lunches and dinners mean you give your gut a better chance to digest the food, as the process of chewing physically releases enzymes which aid digestion.A healthy lifestyle helpsSleepless nights and stressful days can a ect your bowel function, appetite and body weight, so aim for at least 8 hours of shut-eye a night, advises Dr Pitcher.Once you’re up, make a habit of ‘going regularly’. By encouraging your bowels to move once a day, you’re keeping your digestive tract on track. “If you put o going to the toilet, you could find yourself with constipation,” warns Dr Pitcher.Smoking can also a ect the digestive system, contributing to common disorders like heartburn and peptic ulcers. It could also increase the risk of gallstones and Crohn’s Disease, which causes inflammation of the gut. If you’d like to quit smoking but need help, try visiting your GP or pharmacist for advice, or visit the NHS website.Exercise for a healthy gutA brisk 15-minute walk to work or a daily swim could really help improve your gut health - as it’ll get your digestive juices flowing in all the right directions, says personal trainer Sophie Christy.“Carrying excess weight around the midrican really a ect the digestive system, as the extra weight can put pressure on the stomach, squashing food, mixed with stomach acid, back into the gullet.”To avoid common gut-related problems such as heartburn, constipation and piles, all you have to do is get your heart pumping a few days a week.The question of fluidsKeeping hydrated means that your stools are so er and easier to pass, so you should aim for 8-10 glasses of fluids a day, says Dr Pitcher.But that doesn’t mean beer or wine! Alcohol can irritate the lining of the stomach, which in turn can a ect your digestive system - so be aware of how much you’re drinking a day. According to Government guidelines, men and women should drink no more than 14 units a week. To check your own unit consumption, visit www.drinkaware.co.uk.
16 Advertise from just £24 per month* | Call 07875 538 848 Feel freeto visit our website:Where confidence takes shapeTOTNES: 01803 867837naturalbodysculpt.comWe offer a free consultation to discuss what you would like to achieve, our treatments, costs and answer any questions you might have.before after beforebefore afterbefore after afterbefore afterANTI-AGEING FACIALNO-NEEDLE FILLERGYNAECOLOGICAL ISSUESBODY SCULPTINGINJURY RECOVERYSKIN TIGHTENINGINSTANT INCH LOSSPERMANENT FAT LOSSNON-SURGICAL FACELIFTINCONTINENCEMUSCLE BUILDINGPERMANENT HAIR REMOVALCELLULITE REDUCTIONNON-SURGICAL TUMMY TUCK
Please mention Totnes Directory when responding to adverts 17General Podiatry• Nail cutting, ingrowing toenails and toenail surgery• Removal of hard skin and corns• S30 Podylas laser for treatment of fungal nails• Swift microwave therapy for verruca treatment• Diabetic foot care, foot health check• Preventative foot care advice and treatment plans• Toenail reconstruction using Wilde-PediqueBiomechanical / Musculoskeletal Assessment• To include state of the art dynamic gait analysis. This assessment is ideal if you’re suffering from foot, ankle or lower limb pain• Custom made 3D printed foot orthotics/insoles• EMS extracorporeal shockwave therapy• Foot, ankle and lower limb joint mobilisation• Tailored exercise programmes• Soft tissue laser therapyTOTNES CASTLEFind us at:8 High Street, Totnes, TQ9 5NNSOUTH STTHE NARROWS HIGH STCASTLE STHere at Footworks Podiatry we strive to be a step ahead with the latest in footcare techniques and equipment.So, whether you are looking for general footcare and advice, or you are suffering from foot, ankle or lower limb pain, please give us a call to book in for an initial assessment with one of our highly skilled, HCPC registered podiatrists.Rosanne Hunt BSc (Hons) MRCPod Alexandra Snape BSc (Hons) MRCPod Harriet Bragg BSc (Hons) MRCPod Call: 01803 868888www.footworks-podiatry.co.uk
18 Advertise from just £24 per month* | Call 07875 538 848 We want a future where lives are not limited by prostate cancer. We unite the brightest minds in science and healthcare and the most passionate and caring people to help men live long and live well.Find out about your risk, learn about possible signs and symptoms and get all the information you need on treatment and support if you’re newly diagnosed or living with prostate cancer.Risk checker1 in 8 men will get prostate cancer. If you’re over 50, or you’re black, or your dad or brother had it, you’re at even higher risk. Prostate cancer is not always life-threatening. But when it is, the earlier you catch it the more likely it is to be cured.All you need to know about prostate problemsOur information is here to support you and your loved ones. Find out about your risk, learn about possible signs and symptoms, and get all the information you need on treatment and support if you’re newly diagnosed or living with prostate cancer. You can find all our information online, or download or order our free publications. The support you need, your wayIf you or your loved one is concerned about prostate cancer or a prostate problem, we’re here for you. Talk through any questions or concerns with our Specialist Nurses over the phone, email or our online chat provided by LiveChat. You can also speak to a volunteer or others going through similar experiences on our online community or via support groups.Together we can beat prostate cancerTo find out more please visit: www.prostatecanceruk.orgMen, we are with youAnswer three quick questions to check your risk by visiting prostatecanceruk.org
Please mention Totnes Directory when responding to adverts 1907818 [email protected] wellBe wellStay wellCHRISTINE ELIZA MAYHomeopathyAllergy/food sensitivity testingReikiSuitable for all ages and stages of life.If you’d like to find out if I can help with your health issues then do get in touch.Call us now 01803 266246www.extra-help.co.ukWe can help with:• Companionship• Escort to appointments• Cleaning and tidying• Laundry and ironing• Shopping errands• Meal preparation• Parents’ helpand so much more!
20 Advertise from just £24 per month* | Call 07875 538 848 T:07528840732e: [email protected] w: www.alisonmillerskincare.co.ukAlison Procter MillerAdavanced Skincare TherapistAdvanced Skin & Aesthetic Treatments in TotnesAlison Procter MillerDr James Willis BDS (Hons)Discrete, private clinic with free parkingFlexible appointments to suit youLuxury, results driven treatments, all FDA/CE approved.Regulated Ofqual,/Itec/Cibtac Qualified & InsuredRegistered Dental Professionals with over 40 years specialised, combined industry experienceWinners of 'The best clinic in Devon 2024!tteeaa ''nn''ttiinnkkeerriinnggFeel like you could do with ahealthy boost of connectionand company? Come along toour bike recycling workshopsat the Totnes Bike Hub.Our sessions provide awelcoming space for peopleto come together to meetothers. We tinker with bikes,we drink tea, chat and havefun.No prior experience isnecessary. If you, orsomeone you know, wouldlike to join us, then pleasepop by or give us a call.Tuesdays 10-1pmTotnes Bike HubThe Mansion, Fore StreetTucked away by the library07761 [email protected] HOCHIRE£12PHTherapyRooms✔ Space without ongoing commitment✔ Simple online booking via our website✔ No ongoing costs, pay only for hours you bookSee www.chapelhousestudios.com for info and application form.Chapel House Studios Station Road, Central Totnes TQ9 5HW
Please mention Totnes Directory when responding to adverts 21Free dental health check-ups for children under 5*Healthysmilesstart here*Terms and conditions apply. A children's dental health check is included at no additional cost when booked alongside a full-priced adult dental health check. This offer applies to children aged under 5. The practice accepts no liability on behalf of the treating clinician. For full terms and conditions, visit www.dartvaledentalcare.co.uk/family-dentistryCall us on 01803 840200 to book your next family dental health check-up.
22 Advertise from just £24 per month* | Call 07875 538 848 Life SkillsT hese goals do not have to be huge scary milestones that we set ourselves. In fact it is very important that when we set ourselves goals that whilst we may want to stretch ourselves we ensure that they are achievable. Goals unlock your positive mind and release energies and ideas for success and achievement. Without goals, you simply drift and flow on the currents of life. With goals, you fly like an arrow, straight and true to your target. Setting goals will give you direction, purpose and a focus in your life. It also helps you to take more control over what happens to you. There are lots of benefits to setting goals. First and foremost, they help you to develop clarity which is the first step to helping you achieve what you want in life. If you have clear goals and focus on them, you will get more of what you do and want and less of what you don’t want. When you are clear about where you want to go, you can set up a plan with some steps and actions of how to get there. This increases your efficiency because you are working on what is really important. MODERN LIFE SILLS Goal Setting By Liggy Webb - www.liggywebb.com “Setting goals will give you direction, purpose, and a focus in your life. “ SETTING GOALS IS A GREAT WAY TO KEEP OURSELVES MOTIVATED AND HAVING SOMETHING TO LOOK FORWARD TO CAN HELP YOU TO FEEL MORE INSPIRED AND POSITIVE. Goal Setting - Six Steps to Success Positively embrace the benefits of goal setting Be clear about why you are trying to achieve something Use the SMART formula Set goals that you are committed to Ensure that you record your personal action plan Share your plan with someone else If it is important to you – Stick with it!
Please mention Totnes Directory when responding to adverts 23Aesthetics and Wellness Aesthetics and Wellness Clinic [email protected] www.lisamann.co.uk lisa mann beauty 07581 04782247 Brantwood Drive, Paignton, Devon TQ4 5HYNEW TREATMENTS NOW AVAILABLE!Specialising in the following treatments:Fire and Ice FacialA powerful skin rejuvenation treatment with Cryotherapy (cold treatment)& Radio frequency RF (heat). Visable results with minimal downtime.Optileen Pro Laser treatmentSpider Vein and Vascular formation removal. Provides long lasting and stable results.Hydro FacialHydro facial & microneedlingDermaplaningIPL rejuvenation/PigmentationIPL Hair removalHIFU Face & BodyFractional RF micro-needlingFace & BodySkin BoostersCryopen: removal lesions, sunspots, skintagsPressotherapy lymphatic drainageCosmetic & auricular acupunctureCarbon FacialMicro-blading & SPMUTattoo Removal
24 Advertise from just £24 per month* | Call 07875 538 848 RecipeImage: Slimming World/ Gareth Morgans, Sam Folan. . . continued on Pg 26
Please mention Totnes Directory when responding to adverts 25watersidebistro.com The Plains, Totnes, TQ9 5YS01803 864069Romance By The WaterIndulge in love’s culinary delights this Valentine’s.Seize the moment - reserve your table today for Saturday, 14th February.Happy Hour Daily 4-6pmBistro Sunday Lunch £16.95
26 Advertise from just £24 per month* | Call 07875 538 848 Recipe
Please mention Totnes Directory when responding to adverts 27Fall in Love with Our Fresh Take on Indian Cuisine This Valentine’s.Call us biased, but we love our fresh take on authentic Indian cuisine, and if you haven’t tried it yet we think you will too. Treat yourself and your favourite person to our dishes this Valentine’s Day.Bookings can be made online:www.tamarindtree.co.uk/87-high-street Call: 01803 862 605 Email: [email protected]
Sweet fluffy pancakes topped with zesty cream cheese and berry compote www.paysanbreton.co.ukButtermilk Breakfast pancakesWhat to do:Whisk together the flour, bicarbonate of soda, salt and sugar in a large bowl. Whisk together the buttermilk, milk, eggs and melted butter in a jug or smaller bowl. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk to combine. Put the batter in the fridge while you make the toppings. Combine the cream cheese, yoghurt, orange zest and maple syrup and mix together in a small bowl.Gently warm the berries in a small pan until they are defrosted, and they release their juice. Add a couple of teaspoons of sugar, to taste. Heat a frying pan. If your pan is non-stick you probably won’t need any butter. If not, melt a little knob of butter. Spoon the mixture into the pan, you’ll probably get 3-4 pancakes in the pan at one time. Let them cook on one side and then flip over and cook on the other, keep warm in a low oven while you cook all the pancakes. Stack the pancakes onto plates and top with a spoonful of cream cheese mixture and a spoonful of berries. Serves 6Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 10 minutesYou’ll need: 350g self-raising flour1 tsp bicarbonate of soda½ tsp salt2 tbsp caster sugar200ml buttermilk*400ml milk2 eggs70g melted butter (plus a little extra if needed to cook the pancakes) 150g Paysan Breton French Sea Salt cream cheese, at room temperature2 tbsp Greek yoghurtFinely grated zest of 1 orange1tbsp maple syrup200g frozen mixed berries Optional: 1-2 tsp caster sugar *if you don’t have buttermilk, you can add the juice of half a lemon to 200ml milk and leave it to stand for a few minutes instead 28 Advertise from just £24 per month* | Call 07875 538 848RecipeSweet fluffy pancakes topped with zesty cream cheese and berry compote www.paysanbreton.co.ukButtermilk Breakfast pancakesWhat to do:Whisk together the flour, bicarbonate of soda, salt and sugar in a large bowl. Whisk together the buttermilk, milk, eggs and melted butter in a jug or smaller bowl. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk to combine. Put the batter in the fridge while you make the toppings. Combine the cream cheese, yoghurt, orange zest and maple syrup and mix together in a small bowl.Gently warm the berries in a small pan until they are defrosted, and they release their juice. Add a couple of teaspoons of sugar, to taste. Heat a frying pan. If your pan is non-stick you probably won’t need any butter. If not, melt a little knob of butter. Spoon the mixture into the pan, you’ll probably get 3-4 pancakes in the pan at one time. Let them cook on one side and then flip over and cook on the other, keep warm in a low oven while you cook all the pancakes. Stack the pancakes onto plates and top with a spoonful of cream cheese mixture and a spoonful of berries. Serves 6Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 10 minutesYou’ll need: 350g self-raising flour1 tsp bicarbonate of soda½ tsp salt2 tbsp caster sugar200ml buttermilk*400ml milk2 eggs70g melted butter (plus a little extra if needed to cook the pancakes) 150g Paysan Breton French Sea Salt cream cheese, at room temperature2 tbsp Greek yoghurtFinely grated zest of 1 orange1tbsp maple syrup200g frozen mixed berries Optional: 1-2 tsp caster sugar *if you don’t have buttermilk, you can add the juice of half a lemon to 200ml milk and leave it to stand for a few minutes instead
Please mention Totnes Directory when responding to adverts 29A recent screening at Totnes Cinema of the 1977 documentary presented by Alec CliftonTaylor as part of BBC series ‘Six English Towns’ reminded the audience, or made it aware, of the significance of Totnes Slate seen on a large number of the Town’s buildings and rooftops.Slate was mined locally in nearby quarries such as Larcombe (situated between Harberton and Diptford) and Penrecca (situated near Landscove) which are still visible today. Once the slate, rock dating from the Middle Devonian period, had been split into thin slabs, it was used for vertical hanging and roofing. Blocks of slate could also be used for building purposes. By the 1930s, however, as local slate mines were no longer being worked, slate was obtained from elsewhere, e.g. from Delabole in Cornwall, as was the case of the 1927 Main Totnes Post Office (now Trespass), or imported from Wales. Many of the Town’s timber-framed Tudor houses and a number of the later ones, having been in-filled with lath and plaster, were masked with stucco or slates hung on battens across the front of the house. These hung slates are deemed by Clifton-Taylor to be the ‘special feature’ of Totnes’ domestic architecture, even though some of the slates have regrettably, in his opinion, been painted over to give the Town a ‘more lively’ appearance.A walk up through Totnes’ main street, starting at the Royal Seven Stars Hotel in Fore Street and ending at the Bay Horse Inn in Cistern Street, will reveal many slate-hung first floor facades. Most hung slates are plain rectangles of varying size but are occasionally adorned with decorative patterns, e.g. fish-scale shapes, as seen on the front of 88 High Street. Totnes also displays examples of polychrome slate-hanging where slates of contrasting colours are hung in simple horizontal bands.Retracing one’s footsteps downhill as far as Castle Street and climbing to the top of Totnes Castle will reveal the panorama over the Town’s slate rooftops. The iconicTotnes slateVisit www.totnesimagebank.info for more fascinating imagesIf you have any photos of the above, please bring/send them to the Totnes Image Bank to keep the memories alive.Photos of the above memories can be purchased online or at the Totnes Image Bank Office.Back in the High Street one is reminded that, as usual in historic towns and cities, casting one’s eye upwards, above sometimes much modernised and altered ground-floor shop and office frontages, will enable the visitor or local to admire the remarkable architectural heritage represented by Totnes buildings, many of which are hung with iconic Totnes slate and largely unspoiled despite the ravages of time, weather and traffic congestion.Larcombe slate quarry and workers c.1920Totnes rooftopsBay Horse InnFore Street, Steam Laundry, 1902
30 Advertise from just £24 per month* | Call 07875 538 848
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32 Advertise from just £24 per month* | Call 07875 538 848RENEWABLE ENERGYSOLUTIONSBOOK NOWOur Services:Solar PV Battery Storage EV Chargers Maintenance Contact Us01803 [email protected] 4,400 copies delivered free every month to the homes and businesses of Totneswww.totnesdirectory.co.uk07875 538848 • [email protected] COSTEffectiveAdvertisingNEWS & VIEWSInformation and What’s OnLEAFLETSDesign, Print & Distribution
TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR ENERGYCOSTS WITH SOLAR & BATTERYWe are your local solar PV and battery specialists - for afree quote or some expert advice, call us or pop inand see us at our Dartington office01803 200999WWW.BLOOMRENEWABLES.CO.UKCall us now to discuss your installation:Trusted local experts. Real savings all year round.Please mention Totnes Directory when responding to adverts 33
34 Advertise from just £24 per month* | Call 07875 538 848 GardeningAs the winter gloom persists, it's a welcome escape to think ahead to summer and the possibility of growing delicious, juicy red fruits which are a taste of warmer weather. Raspberries, blueberries and other easy-to-grow fruits such as redcurrants will combine beautifully and are easy to grow. Raspberries, for instance, are among the most versatile fruits - they freeze well and make the most wonderful jam and the great thing about them is that you don't need a really sunny place. They will crop in a bit of dappled shade because they are basically a woodland plant. You don't need a lot of space as you can grow them in a row, up wires, or make a little hedge at the back of your vegetable garden or herbaceous border. Scottish raspberries are always the best varieties so go for types including 'Glen Moy' and 'Glen Ample'. With autumn-fruiters chop them right down to the base in really early spring and they'll come back year after year. Other fruits which are easy to grow and make great additions to summer puddings include blackberries, blueberries, redcurrants and strawberries. Strawberries will spread hugely so are easy to propagate by taking the runners and dipping them into little pots of compost. When you've done that, take them away to make a fresh strawberry bed. Put them round your flowers if you don't have enough room elsewhere and they'll make good ground cover and you'll get a lot of fruit that way, but keep suckers to a minimum once you've grown on what you want. If you are a beginner to gardening and can only grow one ingredient for your dessert, grow a blackcurrant bush. It's completely straightforward, will fruit prolifically and will just get better and better. The maintenance is simple. Every few years you just take out a third of the oldest wood and that's it. You can even grow a bush in a big half barrel container, provided you don't use proprietary multipurpose compost. You'd need a loam-based compost because the plant will be there a long time and you need really rich soil. Like gooseberries and redcurrants, blackcurrants tolerate a wide range of soil conditions but prefer well-drained, moisture-retentive soil. They prefer full sun but will tolerate light shade. Avoid frost pockets, as frost can drastically reduce yields. One bush should yield about 4.5kg (10lb) of fruit, In small gardens they can be grown in containers. Bare-root blackcurrants should be planted in late autumn, while containerised plants can go in at any time of year, as long as the soil is not too wet. If you decide to go for blueberries, they require a moist, acid soil, can be grown in pots of loam-based ericaceous compost and also provide an ornamental feature thanks to their warm autumn colours. Just grow a little row of raspberries or just a few strawberries, which are cheap enough but will repay you 100 times over. Grow Your Own Fruit Shutterstock.com
Please mention Totnes Directory when responding to adverts 35Thoughtfully designed,expertly craftedFULL GARDEN DESIGN • GARDEN BUILD & INSTALLATION • PLANTING PLANSDESIGN CONSULTATION • LANDSCAPE CONSULTATION • GARDEN CONCEPT & LAYOUT PLANSumbelstudios.co.uk / 07711 053892 / [email protected] umbel_studios Our philosophy begins with the landscape itself.Its character, rhythms, and inherent beauty. We designgardens that belong to their place, blending natural forms with refined design principles to create environments that are timeless, harmonious, and enduring. Every detail is crafted with care, balancing the needs of people and nature. By integrating sympathetic materials, supporting biodiversity, and combining traditional and contemporary approaches, we create gardens that are functional, sustainable, and rich with life, growing more beautiful with time.
36 Advertise from just £24 per month* | Call 07875 538 848 GardeningDesign a timesaving garDenBy Hannah StephensonFor many, changes in design are often made to accommodate the lack of time available to tend their garden. This can mean losing areas of lawn which are high maintenance and fiddly to mow, replacing perennial borders with evergreens to add interest all year round, and introducing large allyear plants to containers rather than annuals which have to be changed from season to season.There are some who fear that a low-maintenance garden will become dull and colourless or simply a haven to paving slabs and concrete, but it doesn’t have to be that way.Cottage gardens are probably out for the timestrapped gardener as they are generally teeming with plants which need some care, including annuals, perennials and roses and although they may look natural, they need an awful lot of cutting back and dead-heading.Likewise, traditional formal gardens with the neatest of flower borders, bowling green lawns and carefully-clipped hedges require a lot of maintenance and time.You can, however, create a visually pleasing space which won’t take huge amounts of time to tend if you plan carefully.Small, enclosed spaces are perfect for paving, which could be surrounded by raised beds, narrow borders and pots, so you can still experiment with planting but won’t be weeding and digging for hours on end.You might include different textures to your hard landscaping to create interest, such as ceramics or cobbles. Raised beds can also offer casual seating and changes in level to an otherwise-featureless space.Low-maintenance larger gardens can be separated into compartments which can be screened from each other to provide surprises and changes in mood. Many ornamental grasses can be dotted at ground level in gravel or slate to provide texture to otherwise boring areas.Large single specimen plants of architectural interest, such as Japanese maples or phormiums, stand out if placed against uncluttered backdrops and can provide a far more pleasing picture than a series of smaller pots containing a variety of different plants.To reduce maintenance, use fences with climbing plants rather than hedges which need trimming, paths of gravel or bricks instead of grass ones and self-watering hanging baskets instead of free-draining ones.Don’t make your flower borders too deep as you’ll end up becoming a slave to weeding and watering. Use reliable ground cover plants such as cranesbill geranium to take up any visible soil space and mulch your borders and areas of bare ground to suppress weeds.Paved or decked areas, which are easy to keep tidy and weed-free, provide the hard landscaping for you to tend your surrounding plants, which ideally should include a selection of low maintenance flowering shrubs and evergreens.Remember, though, that while some gardens can be low maintenance, no garden is ‘no maintenance’. Work out how much time you are going to have to look after your garden and then plan accordingly. Take time now to make design changes and you’ll save a heap of time later in the season.The start of the year is often the time when many gardeners plan what to grow in their vegetable and flower borders and look into changing their garden’s design.
Please mention Totnes Directory when responding to adverts 37AS FEATURED IN www.fencingandlandscaping.com [email protected] 053892A trusted family-run business providing bespoke fencing and landscaping services tailored to your vision. With over 15 years of expertise, we pride ourselves on reliability, exceptional craftsmanship, and meticulous attention to detail.Including • Stone Walling• Retaining Walls• Groundworks• Driveways• Patios & Paths• Gates• Drainage & Irrigation• Fencing & Decking etc. Garden landscape specialists in Devon and CornwallGatcombe Mill, Littlehempston, Totnes TQ9 6LW 01803 864871 [email protected] Family Business Since 1976 Company No.3942610 FullInsurance Competitive Quotes www.afbrown-sons.co.ukBring lifeto yourgardenthis springContact us today and we’ll behappy to help07840 313 449fallowandferngardening@gmail.comfallowandferngardens.co.ukGreening the world, one garden at a timeGarden MaintenanceGarden DesignRHS QualifiedEco SensitiveBest of the bunchGalanthus (Snowdrop)They are the first bulbs to emerge which provide the curtainraiser for the gardening year, from January onwards. Their dainty white and green bellshaped blooms hang on 6in stems and look wonderful in drifts in woodlands, as a carpet in dappled shade under trees or as a welcome addition to rockeries and scree beds. Snowdrops should be planted in early autumn in a moist soil rich in organic matter, in semi shade. Plant in groups of 10 or more and add to them each year.Good enought to eatRedcurrants (Ribes rubrum)These red fruits go perfectly with raspberries and can be grown alongside them, or alternatively, made into redcurrant jelly which is a wonderful addition to gravy if you’re having roast lamb. The bushes also look attractive when trained against a wall, their colourful trusses of berries just waiting to be picked. They are also easy to grow in a sheltered spot in fertile, well-drained soil and will even withstand a north-facing wall or semi-shade, although they do prefer sun. Plant them from October to March, spacing bushes around 1.2-1.5m (4-5ft) apart, mulch in spring and feed in April with a general purpose fertiliser. Water well in summer while the fruit is swelling and leave them to ripen fully before picking them. In the last few weeks the berries will increase in size significantly and turn a brighter red. Remove the whole truss by tearing it gently from the plant. Redcurrants are great added to fruit salads or as a decorative garnish for desserts or cakes.Jobs to do...n Check stakes and ties on newly planted trees, making sure they are not rubbing.n Complete winter digging if the ground’s not too wet or frosty.n Keep bird feeders topped up and don’t allow ponds and bird baths to freeze over.n On fine days, continue to remove garden debris, clearing away fallen leaves around plants and burning or binning diseased material.n If you haven’t already done so, wrap insulation around outside taps. If possible, turn off the supply to outside taps during the winter to avoid any chance of burst pipes.n If your seed and potting compost is kept in a cold place, bring it into the greenhouse several days before use to warm it up to the glasshouse temperature.n Protect the crowns of hardy fuchsias outdoors with garden compost.n Start keeping a gardening diary and record book and update it each week.Three ways to... Make the most of evergreens1Choose evergreens which have shiny leaves that reflect light, rather than the matt-leaved varieties which can look dull in winter.2When planting evergreens, water them well and keep well-watered throughout their first summer to stop them going brown underneath, by which time it’s often too late to do anything about it.3Use evergreens in repetition. Box balls or upright junipers look great lining the pathway to houses or defining a patio.
38 Advertise from just £24 per month* | Call 07875 538 848 GardeningBest of the bunchGalanthus (Snowdrop)They are the first bulbs to emerge which provide the curtainraiser for the gardening year, from January onwards. Their dainty white and green bellshaped blooms hang on 6in stems and look wonderful in drifts in woodlands, as a carpet in dappled shade under trees or as a welcome addition to rockeries and scree beds. Snowdrops should be planted in early autumn in a moist soil rich in organic matter, in semi shade. Plant in groups of 10 or more and add to them each year.Good enought to eatRedcurrants (Ribes rubrum)These red fruits go perfectly with raspberries and can be grown alongside them, or alternatively, made into redcurrant jelly which is a wonderful addition to gravy if you’re having roast lamb. The bushes also look attractive when trained against a wall, their colourful trusses of berries just waiting to be picked. They are also easy to grow in a sheltered spot in fertile, well-drained soil and will even withstand a north-facing wall or semi-shade, although they do prefer sun. Plant them from October to March, spacing bushes around 1.2-1.5m (4-5ft) apart, mulch in spring and feed in April with a general purpose fertiliser. Water well in summer while the fruit is swelling and leave them to ripen fully before picking them. In the last few weeks the berries will increase in size significantly and turn a brighter red. Remove the whole truss by tearing it gently from the plant. Redcurrants are great added to fruit salads or as a decorative garnish for desserts or cakes.Jobs to do...n Check stakes and ties on newly planted trees, making sure they are not rubbing. n Complete winter digging if the ground’s not too wet or frosty. n Keep bird feeders topped up and don’t allow ponds and bird baths to freeze over. n On fine days, continue to remove garden debris, clearing away fallen leaves around plants and burning or binning diseased material. n If you haven’t already done so, wrap insulation around outside taps. If possible, turn off the supply to outside taps during the winter to avoid any chance of burst pipes. n If your seed and potting compost is kept in a cold place, bring it into the greenhouse several days before use to warm it up to the glasshouse temperature. n Protect the crowns of hardy fuchsias outdoors with garden compost. n Start keeping a gardening diary and record book and update it each week.Three ways to... Make the most of evergreens 1Choose evergreens which have shiny leaves that reflect light, rather than the matt-leaved varieties which can look dull in winter. 2When planting evergreens, water them well and keep well-watered throughout their first summer to stop them going brown underneath, by which time it’s often too late to do anything about it. 3Use evergreens in repetition. Box balls or upright junipers look great lining the pathway to houses or defining a patio.
Please mention Totnes Directory when responding to adverts 39
Please mention Totnes Directory when responding to adverts 41
42 Advertise from just £24 per month* | Call 07875 538 848 Why choose Dart Chimney Sweep Services?• HETAS qualified to install solid fuel burners• Modern, friendly and reliable• Rotary Power Sweepings• Cowls and bird guards fitted / maintained• Brush and vacuuming service• Bird nest removal• Certificates issuedCall Jason 07775 436730 www.dartchimneysweepservices.co.ukdartchimneyservices@hotmail.comCelebrating 20 years in TotnesFor enquiries and quotes [email protected] reliable cab service4, 6 & 8 Seater Cabs available Lady driver available Text message service 07435 963 215
Please mention Totnes Directory when responding to adverts 43Enqui re Today:Company Di rec tor : Mel Ri chardswww. s taycat ionecoc leans . com07902 792466info@s taycat ionecoc leans . comEco Fr iendly C leaning Servi cesDomes t i c CleansDeep CleansEnd of TenancyHoliday Let sSecond HomesWe are hi r ing !£ 16ph - Self EmployedOwn Tr anspor t Prefer red But Lif tSha res May Be Ava il ableWor k In A Team & SoloAll Area s Of The South HamsAll Produc t s SuppliedUniform ProvidedFr iday & Sa turday Wor k Needed ButOther Days Are Ava il ableEnqui re Today:C ompany Di rec tor : Mel Ri chardswww. s taycat ioneco. com07902 792466info@s taycat ionecoc leans . comSERVICES INCLUDE: Window & Frame Cleaning Solar Panel Cleaning Roof Cleaning Conservatory Roofs Gutter Cleaning Fascias and SoffitsVisit: www.your-view.org Call Tomasz: 07885 427570PURE WATER POLE SYSTEMABLE TO REACH EVERYWHERE AND FINISHED TO THE HIGHEST OF STANDARDS TICKETY FLUECHIMNEY SWEEP• NVQ Qualified• DBS checked• Fully insured• Professional• ReliableContact Elaine075 1318 [email protected] FLUECHIMNEY SWEEP• NVQ Qualified• DBS checked• Fully insured• Professional• ReliableContact Elaine075 1318 [email protected] FLUECHIMNEY SWEEP• NVQ Qualified• DBS checked• Fully insured• Professional• ReliableContact Elaine075 1318 [email protected]
By Sarah O’MearaThrowing inimiTable Flemish phrases This way and ThaT, hoards oF guTTural-sounding Teenagers wiTh brighTly coloured, nylon rucksacks meeT me and my moTher aT sinT pieTers sTaTion.The national language of Belgium, Flemish is a variant of Dutch, and quite hard on the ears. So, tired after our journey, we stop and wait for the surge of hormones to wash round our wheelie suitcases and on to trains bound for Brussels and beyond, taking advantage of the breatherto absorb our new weekend home.“I think this might be a university town,” I say wisely, as the tide of blunt fringes, blank stares and skinny jeans gradually dissipates.Up until this moment, our journey to Ghent, a thriving city half an hour from the Belgian capital, has been non-stop. A three-hour, streamlined and futuristic trip from London.After bouncing our suitcases over cobbles for half an hour, we finally saw the glowing sign of the Marriot beaming down from an attractive,historic red-brick house, metres away from where we’d been all along.But the charm of this medieval city has already started to rub off, and shoving frustration to the back of our minds, we tore up to the entrance, determined to unpack and rejoin this magical city as quickly as possible.It was growing late by the time we actually made it back out (post snooze and some inconclusive chit chat about making a holiday ‘plan’).And by that time, the night had transformed Ghent’s gothic stone skyline into a romantic, back-lit film set.Quite apart from the collection of churches (complete with Rubens paintings) and gorgeous views, there were museums devoted to everythingfrom psychiatry and outsider art at the GHENTA Sweet Belgium TreatBy Sarah O’MearaThrowing inimiTable Flemish phrases This way and ThaT, hoards oF guTTural-sounding Teenagers wiTh brighTly coloured, nylon rucksacks meeT me and my moTher aT sinT pieTers sTaTion.The national language of Belgium, Flemish is a variant of Dutch, and quite hard on the ears. So, tired after our journey, we stop and wait for the surge of hormones to wash round our wheelie suitcases and on to trains bound for Brussels and beyond, taking advantage of the breatherto absorb our new weekend home.“I think this might be a university town,” I say wisely, as the tide of blunt fringes, blank stares and skinny jeans gradually dissipates.Up until this moment, our journey to Ghent, a thriving city half an hour from the Belgian capital, has been non-stop. A three-hour, streamlined and futuristic trip from London.After bouncing our suitcases over cobbles for half an hour, we finally saw the glowing sign of the Marriot beaming down from an attractive,historic red-brick house, metres away from where we’d been all along.But the charm of this medieval city has already started to rub off, and shoving frustration to the back of our minds, we tore up to the entrance, determined to unpack and rejoin this magical city as quickly as possible.It was growing late by the time we actually made it back out (post snooze and some inconclusive chit chat about making a holiday ‘plan’).And by that time, the night had transformed Ghent’s gothic stone skyline into a romantic, back-lit film set.Quite apart from the collection of churches (complete with Rubens paintings) and gorgeous views, there were museums devoted to everythingfrom psychiatry and outsider art at the GHENTA Sweet Belgium Treat44 Advertise from just £24 per month* | Call 07875 538 848 Holiday and Travel
Dr Guislain Museum, to a Design museum that boasted a nine-metre vase by Italian designer Andrea Branzi.Each experience sounded rich and vivid, and more thought-provoking than your traditional visitor fodder.We started with the basics and a little walk round the car-free city centre, taking in St Baafskathedraal (also known as St Bavo’s).While not the place for a relaxing catch-up with your maker, this 14th century Gothic style cathedral is nevertheless impressive. Big onsculptures featuring tormented souls, it also boasts the Van Eyck brothers’ 15th century polyptych altarpiece The Adoration of the MysticLamb, as well as Saint Bavo Enters The Convent At Ghent by Belgian’s most famous baroque painter Rubens.Reminders of the country’s strident artistic influence back in the 17th century, when the socalled ‘Flemish Masters’ such as Vermeer reignedsupreme, can also be seen across the city’s modern cultural life, as you wander past modern art galleries with strikingly bold and challengingsculptures and paintings.There’s also a thriving young artists’ community, kept alive by the university and made visible at SMAK (the city’s museum for contemporaryart).We then headed over to the Castle of the Counts - a massive medieval fortress in the heart of the city built in 1180, before stopping for a cup of tea in an uncrowded coffee shop overlooking the canal, just a few steps away.Despite its landmark tourist sites and powerfully beautiful medieval aesthetic, this city isn’t overwhelmed by tourists.Both the third largest city in the country, and the capital city of North Flanders with a population of 264,000, it has a port, university and relatively thriving local economy of its own, making it ideal for Eurostar fans who’ve done the cutesy trip to Bruges or enjoyed the bureaucratic beauty of Brussels.In the afternoon, we wandered north of the historic centre to find independent clothes shops, interior design boutiques, eclectic vintageshops and fantastic value second-hand furniture at Antiek-Depot (www.antiek-depot.com).Another discrete treasure, tucked behind apparently domestic doors, is the Aqua Azul spa (www.aqua-azul.be).Unlike any spa I’ve ever visited, the upper floors remain faithful to its art nouveau roots (it was originally the home of textile baron Juliaan Vandamme) complete with polished light wood floors and period furniture, while in the basement is a lavish spa, with tiled walls, grotto-style Jacuzzi, steam room and saunas, as well as an outdoor Japanese-inspired cooling area.In this ‘silent’ spa, you move carefully, under instruction from the owner, between the different temperature saunas, plunge pools and showers, before heading upstairs to relax in the library, have a massage, and then start all over again.There’s an artistic, boho vibe to Ghent, which is distinctly high-end. It’s all rather hypnotic and addictive. And I’m pretty sure if I livedin Ghent I’d rarely leave. In fact, it wasn’t easy to convince ourselves to get back on the train.key facts - Ghentbest for: A weekend of cultural pottering.Time to go: Ghent is an all-year-round destination, but take plenty of layers in winter.don’t miss: If you like interiors, leave enough room in your suitcase for impulse buys.need to know: Don’t leave town without eating at LOF Restaurant.don’t forget: With so many museums to enjoy, make a plan before you head out.Castle of the CountsArchitecturePlease mention Totnes Directory when responding to adverts 45
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THE MEANDERING NATURALISTIn search of wildlife inCosta RicaBY COLIN HAIRIn 1987, Costa Rica, like most tropical countries was undergoing rapid deforestation and half of the natural forests were cleared for crops such as banana, palm-oil and pineapples, often in the ownership of large corporations. Since that time legislation has been introduced to reduce deforestation, create nature reserves and provide financial support to farmers.Last spring, I was fortunate to be able to tour the southern half of Costa Rica in search of the wonderful array of wildlife. Costa Rica is relatively small, about the size of Wales with the eastern Caribbean coastline and the Western Pacific coastline separated by the Central Highlands with over a dozen inactive volcanoes. The road network works quite well with the Pan-American Highway, running the length of the country. Like most of Central America and the Caribbean much of the housing consists of colourfully painted corrugated-iron dwellings which do not hold up in a hurricane.There are four main species of primates found in Costa Rica, howler monkeys, spider monkeys, capuchin and as spotlighted in my photograph; the black-crowned Central American squirrel monkey (BCCASM) also sometimes called the red-backed squirrel monkey. Perhaps the Latin is the best classification after all: Saimiri Oerstedii. But even that is not so simple; as they used to be called common squirrel monkeys but with advances in molecular biology, scientists have now split the genus Saimiri into seven species and seven subspecies throughout Central and Southern America.Squirrel monkeys are found in social groups or troops numbering between twenty and seventy and sometimes with as many as one hundred individuals. The young are born after a gestation of about five months and are carried by their mothers for the first thirty days and are totally weaned after six months. They are unusual in that the females leave the troop before becoming sexually mature at one year, while the young males remain; although they do roam during the breeding season in September. They are omnivorous, feeding on a range of fruits and insects and play a key ecological role by spreading seed in their faeces and so promoting forest regeneration. They will also catch and eat small tent-making bats while they themselves can fall prey to jaguars, coatis, the larger capuchin monkey, collard forest falcons, crested eagles and boas.As I alluded to earlier; much of the forest in Costa Rica has become fragmented and nearly all of the primary forests have been felled over the years, so becoming secondary growth forests. Squirrel monkeys rarely descend to the ground and so become isolated in islands of forest; surrounded by intensive agriculture. There has been a sixty per-cent decline in squirrel monkey populations in less than thirty years with about 2,750 remaining on the Osa Peninsular along the southwest coastline. The closely related grey-crowned Central American squirrel monkey is found in the nearby Manuel Antonia National Park where 250 remain. It is estimated that over 4,000 of the black-crowned Central American squirrel monkeys are found to the south in Panama but are more likely to be trapped for the pet trade in this region. They are considered a pest by farmers growing bananas, maize and lychees and if that is not bad enough; they can be killed by feral dogs and electrocuted by live cables. It is not surprising therefore to find the BCCASM classified as threatened in the International Union for Conservation of Nature list of threatened species.It is important to remain hopeful for our endangered species and an example of what can be achieved is found with the mountain gorilla, with just 425 remaining in a few isolated areas at the turn of the century; now after massive local and international conservation efforts there are over one thousand mountain gorillas today in the wild.Remembering Dr Jane Goodall DBE. 1934 - 2025. Jane Goodall Institute.Shutterstock.com48 Advertise from just £24 per month* | Call 07875 538 848
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Jason Mountjoy’s - Independent financial guidanceThree Yearsof GoodInternational stock investors have had an incredible run. The S&P 500, the world’s leading stock market index, increased by 24% in 2023, 23% in 2024, and 16% in 2025. Three years in a row of above-average performance is something to be thankful for, especially because long-term average returns are between 8 and 10%.We talked with clients at this time last year about the potential for downside volatility to reappear after two successful years. Yes, it did. Concerns over tariffs caused a steep drop in March and April, putting investors’ resolve to the test globally. However, markets made a robust recovery, and those who stuck with it profited. We have the same attitude going into 2026.Recognising the Present SituationFollowing three years of above-average performance, many investors are wondering if the markets are now “overvalued.” That’s a fair question. Unfortunately, no one can definitively answer this question. We do know that over time, markets have a tendency to return to their long-term averages. Pessimism is not what this is. Simply said, that’s how markets have always operated. Long stretches of high returns are frequently followed by slower growth or brief drops that bring valuations back into line.In other words, following the run we’ve had, a period of below-average returns would be historically reasonable. However, “normal” does not equate to “predictable.” We have no means of knowing what may cause such a time, when it might start, or how long it might endure.The UnknownTechnology and artificial intelligence firms currently hold a majority of the market. A shift in attitude might undoubtedly be brought about by these titans’ disappointing revenues. However, tariff worries, which few were talking about a year earlier, were the cause of the downturn we saw in early 2025.Almost invariably, the catalyst for the subsequent market downturn is not what investors anticipate. This is the exact reason we plan instead of speculating. Attempting to time market entry and exits has repeatedly failed investors, as demonstrated by decades of data.How to Face the Upcoming YearYou may be tempted to make portfolio adjustments right now in light of everything. must change tactics to become more “defensive” in case of a decline. We suggest avoiding this temptation.Your portfolio is already built around your long-term objectives and your capacity to withstand short-term setbacks. It is speculation, not planning, to make adjustments based on opinions about the direction that markets may go in the near future.Rather, make sure you have enough money on hand to cover any anticipated short-term costs. You can avoid having to sell investments at a bad moment by taking this easy action. Your long-term investments should continue to be just that—long-term investments—after that.The paradox of effective preparation is that it frequently appears to be doing nothing. This is understood and found to be peaceful by those who are financially knowledgeable.Being Prepared and ConfidentYour long-term trajectory won’t change in 2026, whether you continue to make progress or experience a brief setback. When they do occur, declines have always been brief. The world’s largest corporations have consistently grown over the long term.It is your responsibility to stay involved through the future, not to forecast it. We’ve been through periods of uncertainty before. 2025 served as a reminder that this strategy is effective.We continue to believe that having stock in the top companies in the world has the potential to increase wealth. Regardless of what news stories take centre stage, these businesses will keep innovating, adapting, and increasing their profits.We want you to face 2026 with confidence and clarity.Jason Mountjoy DipFA / Independent Financial Adviser (Diploma) & Life PlannerBased at Waterside House, The Plains Totnes TQ9 5DW / [email protected] Advertise from just £24 per month* | Call 07875 538 848