The Strictly stars on iris = = life suits them down to the ground LYNMOUTH LOOKS BACK Remembering the 70th anniversary — of the town’s devastating flood Onl her Sper Things = _ suecessandenjoying = PERFECT PAIGNTON og home herei in Devon ee _ Special seaside town = “Why the are among the best in the worl es ‘im — THE NEW OFFICIAL ROLEX RETAILER The tradition of offering an authentic Rolex experience continues at the new Official Rolex Retailer. With a diverse selection of watches and the highest standards of service, your retailer will ensure a lifetime of satisfaction and quality from your Rolex. #Perpetual Visit the new Official Rolex Retailer at No.2 Cornwall Street, Plymouth, Devon, PL1 1LP. Now Open. ROLEX MICHAEL SPIERS WATCH FEATURED SUBJECT TO STOCK AVAILABILITY OYSTER PERPETUAL DATEJUST 41 ROLEX BRING THE TIMELESS BEAUTY OF WOOD INTO YOUR HOME At Beach Bros we manufacture and supply an extensive range of luxurious wood flooring that will enhance any home. A natural and sustainable choice, wood is warm and inviting and will last for generations. To find out more about our products, call us or visit our website for details. 7 Architect: Camilin Denny Design. Photography: Richard Downer Photography. 01392 257 891 © beachbros.co.uk WESTERN ROAD, EXETER EX4 1EQ. OPEN MONDAY - FRIDAY, 8AM - 5PM. ESTABLISHED 1868 BEACH BROS LTD a4 WOOD FLOORING SPECIALISTS ¢ EXTENSIVE SHOWROOM ¢ BESPOKE MANUFACTURING FACILITIES Gold Trusted Service Award KeKkKkk 2021 feefo*° [Vy My oe Life. oll - ge Hearing. Technology. Telephone: (01392) 984123 | Website: audifyuk : Ale sud! Te Ne; ' EDITOR'S COMMENT Surt’s up ahead... ook away now if you're a fan of surfing —- and I know there are thousands of you out there — but I have never really been an enthusiast. Correction, actually: I have never really understood the appeal. Perhaps I have never been properly educated in the rite of passage that is becoming a surfer. Maybe it’s how I look ina wetsuit — think mono Michelin Man - or the fact when I do find myself striding into the briny with a bodyboard (which I appreciate is NOT a surfboard) I can’t even get the hang of ‘catching a wave’ with a piece of balsa wood in my hands. The thought of sitting up on something bigger and trying to look elegant and stylish fills me with dread. And don’t even get me on standing up on the darned thing...you are looking at aman who fell off his paddleboard last summer and drew blood above his eyebrow by headbutting it on the way down. Or perhaps it’s the language surrounding surfers which puts me off. When people talk of ‘groms’ or ‘hanging tight’ or ‘wipeouts’ I feel like a High Court judge confronted with a discussion about TikTok videos. I’ve vaguely heard of it and nod along gently but in reality, Andy has a picture in his own mind of how he might look if he takes up surfing in later life. I have no idea what anyone is going on about. Frankly, I really SHOULD be a fan of surfing as I was lucky enough to move to North Devon over 30 years ago and find myself surrounded by beaches where striding into the waters board in hand was as natural as taking a bucket and spade to the sands. That was my chance to really get into it and make myself at least passable at a pastime I understand brings so much pleasure to so many. But somehow, I didn’t grasp the opportunity. Allis not lost, however. There is still time for me to make up on this yearning gap in my life’s experiences. As I stood in the car park at the ever-wonderful Putsborough recently and saw the youngsters about to take their first surfing lesson I realised it’s about time I took the plunge, literally and metaphorically. As aman mellows into late middle age it feels like he starts to tick off all the things he really should have done and has not yet accomplished. And learning to surf feels pretty near the top of my ‘to do’ list. I am not going half measures on this though. As the sunset of retirement starts to move inexorably close to my horizon, I have decided it’s got to be all in when I do this. That’s why the chap pictured sharing this page with me here may well be my role model for when I finally find the time to hit the water. The hair, the physique, the tatts... all something to aspire to for someone who will absolutely refuse to go gracefully into that good night. Wish me luck in my eventual endeavours. Until next time...and enjoy the magazine. 010d YDS AWEIY :0}04d ANDY COOPER, Editor, Devon Life 07785 629293, [email protected] You can follow Andy on Twitter y» @DevonLifeEd drizzleditch A tale of two trees in a big wide wood Indeed, I can honestly say I have never seen so much beauty in the hedgerow at this time of yean T do believe the inclement weather has actually been beneficial to woodland growth this summen £ © Steve Evans 2022 STE/G/ANZ You're right. This is a more civilised way for a tree to drink. |/ www.planetlifeart.com Devon Life: August 2022 ¢ 7 12 Surf’s Up North Devon has been named as the 12th World Surfing Reserve, joining an exclusive list that includes Australia’s Gold Coast. INSIDE August 2022 The Lynmouth Flood August marks the 70th anniversary of the Lynmouth flood disaster. We look back on a terrifying night the North Devon coastal town will never forget. 24 Hours in Paignton Kate Williams takes a wander through the charming seaside town of Paignton and discovers there is plenty to see and do, from flume fun to bistro dining. IOD Competition A fabulous bumper prize of the county’s best food and drink must be won in our competition, run in association with Food Drink Devon. 0}0Yd420}S1/saBewy| Aj@9 :0}0Ud 8 @ Devon Life: August 2022 Kate Bush Her global fame has ramped up to another level after one of her songs was used in the soundtrack for a worldwide smash TV series... and yet Devon remains the place where Kate Bush retreats away from it all. 2 3 rol 8 > 5 3 2 a 8 8 g 3 3 of 8 Devon Dogs World renowned dog trainer Lauren Langman helps pets and their owners achieve remarkable things. We pay a flying visit to Devon Dogs in Okehampton. POOMAeH UAASIS 10]0Ud i ae = Jimi and Flavia Flavia Cacace and husband Jimi Mistry tell us why they have swapped the Strictly Come Dancing ballroom for the good life in Devon. ON THE COVER Our photograph showing surfers walking towards the world-class waves at Saunton Sands in North Devon was taken by Nigel Hicks POOMAeH UAAays :0}0Ud re 1 ' Subscribe and get a £10 | be rs “ WATERSTONES e-Gift Card ~SSA PLUS 44 100 103 115 124 134 144 148 153 163 183 187 Honiton Saddle up at Devenish Pitt Riding School. Gardens A fairy trail to follow at The Garden House. Walk A stroll from Lee Bay in North Devon. Nourish Festival How to eat your way around Bovey Tracey. Specials board Dining out with Andy Cooper. Cooking with fire Keep it simple, says Luke Mackay. Art Life Artists and exhibitions. Cultural Life Our guide to Devon events in August. Books Authors, festivals and reviews, Fashion Life We visit a popular Totnes boutique. Antiques Motoring memories. Health The benefits of moving well. Education What next after the A-levels? Objects of Desire The Stove Company. Property of the Month Westwell Hall, near Ilfracombe. 202 My Devon Police and crime commissioner Alison Hernandez. To order next month’s issue go to magsdirect.co.uk ™~ / E nic ‘ aX Yy UP TO 40% OFF 10 ¢ Devon Life: August 2022 EVONLIFE devonlifemagazine.co.uk EDITOR Andy Cooper 07785 629293 / [email protected] PRINT EDITOR, MAGAZINES Owen Jones owen,[email protected] DESIGN AND PRODUCTION Michelle Collin and the Archant editorial designers HEAD OF CONTENT, COUNTY MAGAZINES Liz Nice 07785 616263 / [email protected] ADVERTISEMENT SALES MANAGER Lisa Bengey 07785 629255 / [email protected] ACCOUNT MANAGERS Stacey Wathes 07785 616297/ [email protected] Michelle Piggott 07918 696498/ [email protected] Gemma Jose 07809 552164 / [email protected] Cody Embley 07584 503041 / [email protected] Melanie Else 01271 341627 / [email protected] NATIONAL SALES The Mediaforce Group 020 8477 3706 / [email protected] CLIENT & CAMPAIGN PARTNER Charlie Collins 01603 772190 / [email protected] GROUP ART DIRECTOR Andrew Woollacott 07834 101696 / [email protected] SUBSCRIPTIONS CUSTOMER SERVICE 0208 959 1173 / [email protected] RETAIL SALES AND DISTRIBUTION 01603 772841 / [email protected] Devon Life magazine is published by Archant Community Media Limited (company number 19300) and printed by William Gibbons & Sons. 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