" Fat Boy Cooks"                                               

Michael celebrates his recent birthday with a Day at Manna From Devon Cookery School. 

What a great day we had at the cookery school Manna from Devon. We made our way across to Kingswear as foot passengers. David picked us up the other side and took us to Fir Mount House where they live and operate the Cookery school.  We started the day with tea and coffee and the best homemade award winning chocolate brownies we had ever tasted.

Then we prepared bread and pizza dough under David’s guidance and left this to rise while we were shown how to joint a chicken and add to a marinade. Then Holly explained how to prepare squid, plaice, and mackerel and scallops each of us having a go.  Michaels Mackerel did not look too good after his attempt; he was rather heavy handed with the knife! Then we were shown how to make home-made mayonnaise which tasted wonderful.

The sun came out so the wood fired oven was lit and we enjoyed cooking and eating everything that we had prepared al-fresco with a glass or two! We had a great day and are looking forward to doing this again soon.  David and Holly will tailor the course to suit you or your group. We wanted to specialise in bread and fish and use the Wood fired oven which is great fun.

We had a fabulous day I’m sure you will too!    Caroline & Michael

Check out their website for what’s on next.  more    During each workshops you will learn to recreate, as authentically as possible, some typical and some less well known dishes of each region. and at the end of your hands -on cooking we'll sit down to a long lunch with a glass of appropriate wine.

"What's on this Summer" 

Totnes Festival  Friday 3rd to Sunday 12th September

An annual event, held to celebrate the unique heritage and culture of Totnes. Venues throughout town play host to local, national and international artisits and practitioners from a wide variety of disciplines: music, arts and crafts, performance, literature and complementary therapies. more

Kingsbridge Show 4th September

Borough Farm , one mile north of Kingsbridge on the A38,  Kingsbridge Show continues to grow whilst trying to maintain that local feel, keeping it's traditional agricultural and horticultural roots.  more

Agatha Christie Week - 13th - 19th September 2010

Coinciding with the birth of the famous novelist, Agatha Christie week is a part of a celebration, all over the country, of her life. The week includes talks, performances, screenings of films of her novels, and creative writing workshops. There are also routes to explore Agatha Christie country by car and, of course, to visit Greenway - once her home on the East side of the River Dart at Galmpton. For further information telephone 01803 211211 more www.englishriviera.co.uk/agathachristie/festival

Widecombe Fair 14th September

First held in the 1850’s, it now attracts many thousands of visitors and interest from all over the world. The famous folk song recalls the story of Uncle Tom Cobley and his friends riding to Widecombe Fair on a grey mare. Needless to say, he and his faithful nag will be there again this year!  This is real Devon country fare. Something for everyone- especially children. Livestock, Sheep and Equine classes, Terrier Racing, Family Dog Show, Vintage Vehicles and Machinery, Gymkhana, Maypole Dancing, Rural Crafts, Fancy Dress, Uncle Tom Cobley Downhill Race, Bale Tossing, Tug of War and much, much more.  A wide variety of Trade Stands will be on the Fairfield plus our popular Produce Show and Children’s Exhibition. Our on field caterer will be there to provide food and licensed refreshment and in the evening there’s Music and Dancing!  more

Vintage Bus Day, Kingsbridge 18th September

2010 is a very important year for a Bristol type which, for many years was the mainstay of Western National’s Kingsbridge depot – the Bristol SU.  It is hoped to attract as many surviving SU's as possible. The Kingsbridge event will hopefully also see the return to operation of one our older vehicles – more on that as the summer progresses!  Our Bristol H will also take a few turns on some of the country routes.  This year we will be changing some of the routes operated last year which proved to be too ambitious due to having to compete with sea-siders brought out by the very good weather.  more

OTHER FORTHCOMING SOUTH DEVON EVENTS NOT TO BE MISSED

"A Star is Born! "

Whilst the nation was watching the skies for the Meteor Shower, a ‘star was born’ at a local Theme Park in Devon. Late on the night of 12th August Samantha the Donkey, at Woodlands Family Theme Park near Dartmouth, gave birth to a gorgeous baby boy. 

Animal Keeper Natalie Veale discovered the gorgeous foal and mother in the early hours of Friday morning. “He was already up, feeding and walking around when I came into work” she said.  “We decided on the name Comet as he was born on the night of the Perseid Meteor Shower”. 

“The baby boy is a stunning chocolate colour and the spitting image of his Dad Nutmeg”, Natalie explained.  “He already has such a mischievous character and is having great fun getting to know his surroundings”. He loves having a fuss from the park’s keepers & visitors, I can’t believe how friendly he is for two days old”, Natalie said.

“The gestation period for Donkeys is usually 12 months but it has been just over 13 months so we were all very excited to see Comet when he finally arrived”, Natalie told us.

Comet has settled in really well, both Mum and baby are doing great. Comet and his parents can be seen at the Zoo-Farm at Woodlands Family Theme Park near Dartmouth, Devon UK. 

more

"  Our Junior Reporter Visits Morwellham Quay !"

We went to Morwellham Quay which was really fun. The first thing we did when we got there was go up to the mine train ride where our guide told us all about how they used to live before and how all the men and children used to work in the mine, I’m lucky I wasn’t there 100 years ago because I would be down in the mines risking my life. There are a lot of displays in the mine but I really enjoyed the  train ride down into the mine.

After a Drink and something to eat in the tea rooms we had the chance to dress up in some old clothes which was a lot of fun. We didn’t get a chance to go on board ship because the day that we went there they were filming, and the ship area was closed to the public but we did watch the filming for awhile.

We also walked up to the farm where they had lots of animals, I saw donkeys, pigs and chickens but my favourite animals were the horses because I was allowed to stroke them and they were really friendly. I also saw their collection of carriages that were kept up at the farm. My trip to Morwellham Quay was a great day out and a lot of fun and I think more people should go there because it is worth it.

Hillfield Junior Reporter  Thomas Loftus (age 10)

"Christmas or New Year in a snug Self-Catering Holiday Cottage "

South Devon is a great place to spend Christmas or New Year - whether you want to rent a cosy cottage for two or a large cottage for up to eleven you will find wonderful accommodation in the Village at Hillfields. If you want to spend a romantic week away for Christmas or New Year in South Devon with your loved one then you have come to the right place. If you want to spend the holidays with friends or family you will find the perfect accommodation at Hillfields. 

   

Book early to ensure the cottage you want. This is especially important if you're looking for a large cottage or a group located together.  Some cottages are already booked for Christmas 2010 and especially New Year 2010/11.  The smaller cottages for 2-6 are still readily available - please contact for details. Larger groups might be interested in opting for adjoining cottages in the Village.

Call Caroline on 01803 712322

 

"Big Holiday Cottage - Big Really is Beautiful! !"

If you're looking for a great place for your fun family holiday, getaway with friends, reunion, celebration or house party, we have some of the finest big holiday cottages in the South West, we'll help you find the perfect self catering accommodation. Call Caroline on 01803 712322