Indholdsfortegnelse for October 2023 i Coast

Such was the thrill when the Eden Project first started taking shape in Cornwall, I even visited whilst it was being constructed when the team behind the scheme cannily offered the south west public the chance to go on tours of what was essentially a building site. But what a building site it was! I can still remember the open-mouthed wonder I experienced on arrival. Those iconic domes were taking shape in the bowels of a former chalk pit like some alien spaceships which had landed on Earth. I have been back many times in the intervening years and there is still such a thrill on seeing that outlook from the viewing platform, with all the wonders of the Eden Project laid out before you. And Eden has not only…

FIND OF THE MONTH Extend the holiday fun with a wallpaper that reminds you of a favourite seaside spot – the new collection at Joules, created in partnership with Graham & Brown, includes Name The Plaice, £48 per roll, and is paste-the-wall so easy to hang. (joules.com) PROUD PARENTS In between Lyme Regis and Sidmouth lies Seaton Wetlands, a nature reserve with nearly 4km of level trails and boardwalks. Freshwater Seaton Marshes and inter-tidal lagoon Black Hole Marsh both attract wildfowl and waders in winter, and this summer saw a county first – a newly hatched family of avocets. “Strategic plans to attract avocets have long been in place and it’s a magic sight to witness them breeding here,” says East Devon councillor, Geoff Jung. wildeastdevon.co.uk. PLASTIC FANTASTIC “We’re all…

It couldn’t be easier to sign up for a whole year of vitamin sea with a subscription to coast magazine, the magazine which loves our special shores just as much as you do. Join the coast family and you’ll be part of the ever-growing community who love everything to do with our wonderful coastline. The people, the places, the environment, the places to eat, the walks, the dream homes, the best spots to stay…we have it all contained within our pages. coast is a holiday in a magazine. Full of joy and passion for coastal living, it’s the perfect read for those who love to visit the sea, want to move to the sea, are inspired by the ocean or care about marine wildlife. Guarantee your copy every month with…

Earlier this year I left Cornwall and schlepped to Scotland to work on updates for one of my books. As part of this trip I made it my business to swim in Scotland’s three heated outdoor pools; at New Cumnock, Stonehaven and Gourock. On the way I took another detour into the Peak District to swim at Hathersage’s delightful lido. Going to Hathersage was a proper English day out. The pool feels timeless, like it has been there forever (it was built in the 1930s). Its bandstand adds an air of genteel expectation, as if the brass section could count time for me as I swam. By contrast, the pool at New Cumnock, a small town in Dumfries and Galloway, is altogether newer and with an overexcited feel about it.…

Curlew – Morecambe Bay boasts one of the country’s biggest concentrations of Europe’s largest wading bird with its distinctive long, curved down bill. Bittern – Leighton Moss with its impressive reed bed is the place to try and spot this secretive thick-set heron although the male’s giveaway is its boom, heard in spring. Oystercatcher – these stocky birds can be seen on almost all UK coasts but in winter, large numbers particularly flock to Morecambe Bay. Bearded tit – comedian and artist, Jim Moir, visited Leighton Moss to glimpse this moustachioed bird for his television series, Painting Birds with Jim and Nancy. Redshank – these birds, with their distinctive orange-red legs, hunt by probing their bills into soil and mud, making Morecambe Bay their ideal feeding place.…

There is something magical about crossing Plymouth’s River Tamar. Meandering to the west of the city and emptying into the iconic Sound, it creates a natural threshold to the wonders of the south west. For me, crossing the bridge is like passing into another realm, leaving the stress of the east behind and following the setting sun to the west. Approaching Plymouth by sea is even more inspiring. The Sound is one of those rare places where a mix of random features comes together to create something truly magnificent. Like Falmouth just down the coast, Plymouth’s crowning jewel is its network of creeks and rivers - like the Tamar - that flow into the Sound. From a birds-eye view they look like roots of a tree and down on the…

The fort has changed use several times over the years. Originally built as one of five ‘Palmerston’ forts in the 19th century to guard the Bristol Channel against French invasion, it was home to over 50 men. Between the years 1910-1936 the building was then converted into the Old Fort Picnic Refreshment Rooms for holidaymakers from Weston-Super-Mare. In 1941, Brean Down was re-fortified for the war against Germany and it is relics from this period which are most visible today. A large concrete arrow set in the ground was used for target practice, and rusting rails are remnants from Project Baseball where the military tested their ‘bouncing bombs.’…

BEST FEET FORWARD Slipfree is the safe solution to holiday footwear. Thanks to their ground-breaking patented sole, Slipfree footwear creates a clever barefoot feel. Kids can swim in them, and thanks to the fast drying fabric, feet dry out too. As well as super-fast drying technology, the fabric is sun safe with ultimate UPF 50+ sun protection. We loved the amazing range of patterns and colours too! slipfree.co.uk SHIELDED AND STYLISH Outdoor clothing specialist Gill has introduced a new collection of performance-driven UV protection gear for outdoor enthusiasts. From hats and sunglasses to shorts and lightweight tees, this innovative collection looks great. We were especially enamoured with the UV Tec Tee Polo, which uses an ultra-lightweight, quick-drying technical fabric that actively wicks moisture away from the skin. It also has…

Dunwich, Suffolk This circular walk takes you across heather-dominated heathland, accompanied by the sound of breaking waves, to the village that replaced what had been the capital of East Anglia. The route then returns via attractive mixed woodland. tinyurl.com/ymzrzke2 Kynance Cove and Lizard Point, Cornwall A stunning circular visiting the gorgeous Kynance Cove and Lizard Point. The scenery, wildlife and geology makes this route an absolute joy. tinyurl.com/5xvfhcxt North Berwick, East Lothian A beautiful and historically rich walk around North Berwick, passing through the town centre and along the coast, offering stunning scenery. tinyurl.com/3734fzwc…

1 Start with a coffee and doughnut at Heartbreak Hotel in Braunton, just a short stroll away from the Wanderlust Life store. (heartbreakhotelcoffee.com) 2 Go for a wild swim at Broadsands, Watermouth - an out of the way swim spot accessed via 200 steps or rent a kayak. (activeescape.co.uk) 3 Book in some healthy hedonism at the stunning Source Spa with views over the dunes, part of the Saunton Sands Hotel. (sauntonsands.co.uk) 4 Lynton Cinema is an independent and ‘intimate modern picture palace’, showing films seven days a week. (lyntoncinema.co.uk) 5 Take a boat trip and visit two atmospheric villages on the Appledore to Instow ferry, running from April to October and tide dependent. (appledoreinstowferry.com)…

HAROLD HOUSE A beautifully restored gentleman’s townhouse in the heart of old Cowes dating from the late 1700s. Within a stone’s throw of restaurants, bars, and independent shops it’s a perfect weekend bolthole, or take advantage of wine-tasting, private chef, and local spa services for a real treat. Weekends from £970. luxurycottages.com PINKMEAD ESTATE Bag yourself an estate for the weekend and immerse yourself in local wildlife, walks, and a luxurious residence to relax in. A 24 acre dog friendly estate located in the heart of the Island with unparalleled riverfront views, every detail has been taken care of from hi-tech interiors to outdoor fire pit experiences From £3250 per week. pinkmeadestate.co.uk…

The existing stone ruin was taken down and rebuilt to the same proportions. A larch-clad mirror image was created alongside and connected to the stone structure by a triple-glazed link. Architect Neil Stephen says it was a simple but effective design: “The challenge was to do something that fitted. Having an existing building gave us a good starting point and we were able to mimic the exact proportions in the new build.” Neil and colleague Ian Hall worked closely with Chris throughout the project. “Good architecture can only happen with a good client,” says Neil. “There was a strong idea of what we wanted to do and we were able to follow it through. That was very satisfying.” Both Neil and Chris would like to say a special thanks to…

• Most candle makers will give you an estimate of the burning time of each candle, so get the most out of your investment. • No candle should be lit for more than four hours. • You should NEVER leave a candle lit in an unoccupied room. • An hour is long enough to create a melted pool of fragranced wax. Wicks should also be trimmed to keep the wax even. • Cream Cornwall uses their signature inky blue sea-dwelling designs to create the perfect coastal accessory. These bone china-encased candles are real keepers and the pot can reused with nightlights or consider planting some tiny houseplants like succulents. • Candle vessels and pots are still ending up in recycling bins and landfills. If you want to get the most…

STYLISH BANDANA FOR YOUR POOCH…AND YOU! Give you and your dog a stylish makeover with this Cotton Shore Bandana Scarf from doggie gift experts Kintails. From the dog walking paradise of Cornwall, Kintails creates thoughtfully designed accessories for dogs and owners that are beautiful, functional, and durable enough for everyday adventures. Slow and considered in their approach, Kintails works only with UK-based manufacturers and craftspeople to help reduce their carbon pawprint. A collaboration with UK designer Siobhan Palmer and inspired by Kintails’ local coastal dog walks, this accessory can be worn by both hound and human – share or double up for a twinning look! £35, available end of August. kintails.com IN ASSOCIATION WITH FORTHGLADE Salmon with Dill Fishy Bites are a super indulgent grain free treat for your four-legged…

You will struggle to convince me there is a better place to enjoy a holiday than the UK coastline…and I speak as a man who has been lucky enough to visit plenty of countries abroad over the years. If you like beaches, clifftop walks, coves, harbours, cute coastal communities, dining out or watersports and adventures…you name it, the UK coast has it all. In this special coast supplement we have a wonderful collection of great places to enjoy a staycation in the UK, from special seaside town to islands to amazing attractions juts waiting to be discovered. I do hope our recommendations prove as wonderful to you as they did to us…have a great time out there! @coastmaged @coastmaged andy.cooper@kelsey.co.uk…

Salcombe is pretty much a town for walking around. It’s not that the car is banned – indeed one will encounter vehicles nudging their way around crowds of holidaymakers, even on the busiest of days. But it does make sense to use your feet to get around. And the same applies if you are staying. You want to find a base which allows you to pop in and out of the town on foot – or on the water. And in terms of ease of convenience for the centre of Salcombe you really can’t beat Victoria Quay. I have ambled along the narrow pathway so many times over the years and hankered after spending some time in one of the gorgeous terraced cottages along it, facing as they do out…

Two places stood out for us on our visit and are recommended. The locals call The Potted Lobster Bamburgh’s first serious fish restaurant and there’s no doubting the quality of the seafood (thepottedlobster.co.uk). Every chef mentioned in a food feature is ‘passionate’ (they’d be something wrong if they were described as merely ‘quite good’) but it’s clear head chef Richard Sim is enthused by, and enjoys working with, ingredients from the surrounding shore and farms. I loved his hake with a lobster and truffle mayo plus fries and ‘Sim’s Smoked Haddock Chowder’. Not far away at Craster, The Jolly Fisherman (thejollyfishermancraster.co.uk) slightly undersells itself from the outside but enter and make yourself comfortable in the lovely, nautically themed two-tiered dining rooms. While overlooking the little harbour and sea (and with…

LOUISE BRYNING Louise Bryning is a Lancashire-based freelance journalist who also provides publicity support to organisations, mainly in the arts and heritage sectors. She has strong links to Morecambe where her Sandgrown’un dad and grandmas were born and which she visits weekly to enjoy the ever changing views across the famous Bay. RACHEL MEAD Never happier than when she’s following new footpaths, Rachel invites you to join her as she explores the often overlooked county of Somerset. In this issue Rachel is off to Brean Down, where a new walking festival is showcasing the secrets of the Somerset and Exmoor coastline. REBECCA PITCAIRN Rebecca has over 18 years’ experience as a journalist and editor working predominantly in regional media. Having completed the WSET Level 3 Award in Wines, she now…

1 THIS HANDMADE MUG Sip your morning cuppa from a stoneware, wheel-thrown mug made by ceramicist Nina Paloma who works near the Kent coast – her 330ml Gull Mug has a hidden gull egg painted on the inside. (£36, ninapaloma.co.uk) 2 THIS CUSHION Falmouth-based company Sati uses pomegranate rind and peanut husk dyes in its all-natural, block-printed yoga and meditation accessories, such as the Mustard Stripe Zafu cushion. (£85, satidesign.com) 3 THIS TEA TOWEL Dynamic young designer Corinne Alexander has come up with a bold new Fish & Chips tea towel design, made from premium cotton. A framed print of the design is also available. (£14, corinnealexander.co.uk) 4 THIS SOAP Rich in Fair Trade shea butter, Sea Kelp natural soap has a seaside scent derived from rosemary, spearmint and eucalyptus…

How much is too much? Eating and swallowing sand can cause stomach problems for your dog because it can cause a blockage. Choose toys that pick up less sand – a Frisbee rather than a ball, for example. Salty sea dogs: If your dog’s been in for a dip, give them a rinse with fresh water when you get home to prevent them licking any salt from their fur. Stay put: Don’t go after your dog if they go into the water or get stuck in mud. Move to a place they can get to safely and call them – they’ll probably get out by themselves. If you’re worried about your dog, call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.…

Morecambe Bay shrimps – these fishy delicacies, much smaller than a prawn, should be boiled, peeled and cooked in butter and spices, and were much favoured by the late Queen Elizabeth II. The Hairy Bikers also enjoyed them on one of their trips. Dave Myers hails from Barrow, on Morecambe Bay. Cross Bay Walks – held regularly during the summer, these walks are led by a King’s Guide to the Sands who has specialist knowledge of the ever changing flats and channels. They are a unique way to soak up the bay’s scenery and wildlife. Midland Hotel – celebrating its 90th anniversary this year, the Midland Hotel on Morecambe Promenade is recognised as one of the country’s finest examples of Art Deco architecture and design. Eric Gill and Eric Ravilious…

With so much diverse flora and fauna, Brean Down requires careful management. Owned by the National Trust since 1954, Joel Bunting is the area ranger for Mid-Somerset. Joel reveals: “As part of our management plan for the site, we are having to intervene with the scrub encroachment. If we didn’t do this, the site would slowly cover with bracken and bramble and then into a dense scrubby layer of vegetation. “By using a combination of Roboflail and tractors we can cover wide areas of the site to support the diverse grassland which makes the site so special. “Our long-term vision for the management of the scrub and grassland is to perfect the use of grazing animals on the site, such as cattle, to naturally control the scrub and grassland balance.…

Ann Hume is a Brodick-based jeweller who draws inspiration from the world around her. Here she shares the best of the village’s arts scene. What can visitors expect from the arts in Brodick? I’d recommend following the Arran Arts Heritage Trail, with sandstone plinths celebrating artists who have been inspired by Arran’s landscape. In Brodick the featured artist is Craigie Aitcheson, whose plinth is on the seafront facing Goat Fell. At Arran Heritage Museum there is a second plinth celebrating the potter Hugh Purdie, along with a permanent display of his work. There’s also the Arran Art Trail, which takes in three stunning studios in Brodick. arranartsheritagetrail.com arranarttrailcom Which are your favourite arts outlets? I often visit Saltwater Gallery at Cladach for its eclectic mix of work, mainly inspired by…

1 ‘This is a fantastic house, affording super views across Keyhaven River to the Solent’ 1 LYMINGTON, HAMPSHIRE OFFERS IN THE REGION OF £7,850,000 This is a fantastic house, affording super views across Keyhaven River towards the Solent, Hurst Castle and the Isle of Wight. The house itself has been finished to take full advantage of its unrivalled position, with seven bedrooms and spacious reception rooms including a kitchen/dining/family room, drawing room and sitting room. Outside, the property enjoys approximately two acres of beautiful gardens and grounds with an impressive leisure complex featuring an indoor pool and gym, and two separate cottages which enjoy their own private gardens. Caldwells (01590 675875, caldwells.uk.com/property-details/client_14/100839004235) 2 CLEY, NORFOLK OFFERS OVER £2,000,000 Umgemi is a rare and characterful five-bedroom house with spectacular views across…

The north west is an intriguing coastline not always given the showcase it should have. Stretching along the shorelines of Cheshire, Merseyside, Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Cumbria, it is home to over seven million people. Like all island dwellers those living within these counties like to watch the waves whenever possible and with the ever increasing road improvements this is entirely possible from anywhere within the region. Due to its distance from London and southern cities this coastline remains predominantly the preserve of the regional population, other than those venturing en-masse into The Lake District. Just south of The Lake District is Morecambe Bay - the largest expanse of intertidal mudflats and sand in the United Kingdom, covering 120 square miles. A favourite destination for seaside trips. Other than the…

When a place is called Seatown, you can’t help but arrive with certain seaside expectations. Seatown in Dorset certainly delivers coastal charm, although its name is misleading because it’s not a town but a hamlet of honey-coloured houses. By the beach are two unexpected delights: a fantastic pub serving food and award-winning local real ales, and a timber sauna hut on wheels. I’m here to try them both out. Three friends are joining me for a communal sauna experience with a difference; the Seaside Sauna Haus is nothing like the saunas I’ve been to before. For starters, it looks like a shepherd’s hut, the glamping kind. We arrive in our swimsuits with towels and beach shoes, as per instructions. There’s laughter as owner Sarah Higgins hands us pointy felt hats…

If one considers that the last time I visited Alderney my oldest son was a babe in arms and now he is a 30+ six-footer, then the memory will be a little hazy but I do recall the island as being a wonderfully isolated spot with magnificent beaches and a somewhat untouched feel. Well reader, having just returned from another visit, I can tell you not a great deal has changed in the intervening years – and yet there has been one significant update on the island which makes Alderney somewhere I will be not be leaving it so long to visit again. And that change is The Blonde Hedgehog. Thus uber chic hotel created from the restoration of three historical buildings in the centre of Saint Anne is reason…

Wrea Head Hall, Scalby Built in 1881, this gothic country house was once the home of John Edward Ellis MP and his wife Maria Rowntree of the famous ‘chocolate’ Rowntrees family. This is a hotel made for whiling away the hours in relaxing surroundings, from the extensive grounds to the pretty conservatory and contemporary bar perfect for a ‘winding down’ drink after a busy day exploring the area. The 24 bedrooms and suites are exceptionally stylish with a sense of tradition in the furnishings, many with views across the grounds and National Park. wreaheadhall.co.uk Highfield House, Great Driffield By contrast, Highfield Hall is a fanciful experience of exuberant colour and character. Each suite has something different to commend it, from the four poster opulence of the deep blue 1610 to…

Pippa Monies started growing flowers as a hobby in 2016. “I live on a farm near Zennor and trialled growing, taking photos and putting them on Instagram,” she explains. This led to commissions for wedding flowers and five years later Pippa took up a corner of her sister’s cafe in St Ives to sell her arrangements. It was an invaluable experience that laid the groundwork for her own business venture, Zennor Wild shop and cafe, founded with her partner Harry, which opened a year ago at Causeway Head. At Zennor Wild the focus is on independent brands. “I’ve always loved looking for new and unique items and Lois who works for me has an amazing eye for finding new pieces too,” reveals Pippa. Products made in Cornwall include handmade pottery…

Tickets for the spectacular Christmas Train of Lights on the Dartmouth Steam Railway in Devon sell out early, so start planning now. You depart from Paignton, travelling in style on a steam train with vintage carriages decorated with thousands of lights, inside and out. After a short journey, the show starts at Churston Station as you travel towards Kingswear. Emerge from the 450-metre Greenway tunnel into the enchanted forest which will be transformed by a multitude of lights. The stunning show ends as you leave the forest to be greeted by the twinkling lights of Dartmouth reflected on the River Dart. You can alight at Kingswear to take photographs from the platform before returning. Multiple services between November 24 and December 30. Book online at dartmouthrailriver.co.uk.…

Regular meals, plenty of walks, the occasional biscuit – and rescuing nine people from drowning. Yes, Whizz the Newfoundland led an extraordinary dog’s life. The gentle giant was one of only a handful of dogs in the UK trained to help save people in difficulty in the water. Owner David Pugh happily acknowledges that Whizz has been his greatest success story. He set up Newfound Friends in 1989 to showcase the work Newfoundlands can do through demonstrations of their skills in the water, all while raising money for charity. So far, Whizz has been the only Newfound Friend to have carried out life-saving work outside of these display sessions. The 12-stone gentle giant spent years patrolling the Bristol Channel and the River Severn with the Royal Navy, the Severn Area…

You’ll never forget the view as you sail into the port of Brodick. The Scottish Isle of Arran’s main village lies where the depths of the Firth of Clyde segue into a mile-long sandy crescent sheltered by pointy summits. They rear up from gentle folds of farmland, suddenly topping out on the pyramidal peak of Goat Fell at 2,867 feet, and are scythed open here and there by deep glens. Tightly packed cottages and villas dating from the 1920s and ’30s line the south side of the bay, facing the red sandstone turrets of Brodick Castle that protrude from towering pine trees on the opposite shore. Brodick is an hour’s ferry crossing from Ardrossan on the mainland, itself an hour from Glasgow, but this scenery is unexpected. As a result…

FOR BREAKFAST… With a port-side perch, coastal styling of white and royal blue, and a counter full of homemade cakes, Little Rock has all the trappings of the seaside café. It opens at 9am daily, serving breakfast options such as the ‘Arran Brekkie’ of Arran Butcher’s links sausages with black pudding and tattie scones from Wooley’s, the Arran bakery on the seafront. The cafe is run by husband-and-wife duo Ailie and Chris, who with their friendly team offer some of the best service in town. There’s a dog-friendly section and a deli selling produce from independent wholesalers. littlerockarran.com FOR LUNCH… The Wineport occupies an unmissable candy pink manor at Cladach that was the old traveller’s inn. These days it’s popular with hikers fresh off Goat Fell. For lunch, the locally…

The 145 routes we have created for Paths to Wellbeing are just one part of what we offer. Ramblers Routes, our online library, is jam-packed with thousands of tried-and-tested routes across England, Scotland and Wales. And with over 4,000 routes to choose from, you’ll be sure to find the perfect walk for you. Ranging from easy strolls to challenging hikes, you can filter for accessibility requirements, total distance and by the facilities available. And you don’t even need to be a Ramblers member to get started: you can sign up to a free Ramblers web account to see the details of all our walks under three miles. Explore the library here: ramblers.org.uk/go-walking/routes…

Having spent her childhood growing up in the sleepy coastal town of Instow in north Devon, Georgie Roberts was keen to see more of the world, spreading her wings and setting off on adventures when she was old enough. In between her travel experiences, Georgie found herself working in a variety of roles from opening galleries to running yoga retreats, through to working for creative agencies - all useful experience for starting her own business. Her love of travel and exploration eventually led Georgie back to her home patch and creating her own brand, Wanderlust Life Jewellery. Georgie reveals: “Experiencing an eclectic range of job roles, I always knew that I wanted to be at the helm of my own ship, so to speak. I was lucky enough to spend…

‘One of the most appealing aspects of moving here is the opportunity to embrace a more relaxed lifestyle. It offers a quiet escape from fast-paced cities, shorter commutes, a slower rhythm, and a breath of fresh air’ If you’re seeking a change of pace and a slice of idyllic island life, then the Isle of Wight is the perfect destination, offering a myriad of reasons to entice individuals and families to make it their home. From stunning natural landscapes and a strong sense of community to a thriving arts scene and a more relaxed lifestyle, it’s the ideal choice for those considering a change of pace. The island is one of the UK’s seven UNESCO-designated biosphere reserves and is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty with miles of picturesque coastline,…

Chris Johnson is sitting in her open-plan living room, talking about a 30-year career that has taken her to some of the world’s most unstable regions. She has just returned from a stint in Yemen’s third city, Taiz, working with a global organisation to try to support long-term economic recovery in this war-torn area. Before that, Chris spent nine years in Sudan and eight years in Afghanistan. If ever there was a moment not to mention cushions, this was it. But, somehow, I manage it. “Yes, I’ve got some lovely cushions with Afghan embroidery,” says Chris. “I’ve also got a few really nice old rugs, collected from Afghanistan, a comfy sofa and an old chaise longue which I picked up from a tiny little antique shop in Kinlochewe.” Many different…

If you are not ready to shop for candles, or don’t like the idea of having naked flames in your house, there are plenty of ways to please your senses without the price tag. Opening your windows for a short period of time to freshen your home can have a massive effect on the air in your room – think of those gulps of fresh air we enjoy. Try opening all your windows for half an hour a day and let the outside in. If opening windows in winter seems a bad idea, get those textiles out on the line. Don’t worry about washing them – putting a throw out on a windy day for a couple of hours can have a massive effect. Add a few drops of essential…

There is no greater fan of the north Devon coast than me. After years spent living there and loving it so much, whenever I get the chance to return I will always grab the opportunity – it’s such a lovely part of the world. But I know that loveliness – and its resulting popularity with visitors – can occasionally come at a price and that’s how busy it can get, especially in the popular resorts. Now I am not one of those ‘NIMBYs’ who want the place for myself, accepting as I do that the tourism pound helps the Devon economy tick. But it does mean if you find a quieter spot with easy access to the coast then it is one to cherish. And that’s why I am so…

For those who have memories as long as mine, the phrase ‘Love is in the air’ instantly conjures up the poppy 1978 disco hit of that name by Australian John Paul Young. It was a summer smash the year I got married and memories are accompanied by the song and its catchy lyrics about love being in ‘the whisper of the tree’ and ‘the thunder of the sea’…oh, oh, oh. I’ll do the maths so you don’t have to – that was 45 years ago (it’s a sapphire anniversary apparently). So naturally we wanted to do something to celebrate. But how to mark the occasion in style? Seekng a little luxury, from our home in Plymouth we skipped over the border via the Tamar Bridge and headed west to the…

The only Renoir exhibition in the world in 2023 - Renoir in Guernsey, 1883 - will celebrate the 140th anniversary of Renoir’s stay in Guernsey this autumn. The collaboration between the Musée des Impressionnismes Giverny, Guernsey Museums and local charity Art for Guernsey, will bring together works related to Renoir’s time on-island for the community to enjoy. There will be a fine art exhibition at Candie Museum, with other exhibitions and activities also planned at the Priaulx Library, the Renoir Walk and Art for Guernsey’s Gallery in the Old Quarter of St Peter Port. A public photography exhibition is also taking place, where participants will be encouraged to take photos of the locations painted by Renoir and share them on social media using the #RenoirSnaps for the chance to have…