Western Morning News, The Plymouth (UK) back issues from March 2008:
Seals and stamps from past
Mar 01, 2008 ... Various seals with an Irish provenance will come under EricDistin's hammer at Callington today, including a group of ninereceipts and six stamps, used to settle bills in 1837. One is from an Irish distillery and another from a drapers, andthey range from a Penny Red to a Purple ...
Rare opportunity to buy work of pioneer
Mar 01, 2008 ... Art lovers owe a great deal to Stanhope Forbes, as before he cameto the region there was no real structure to art training. Todaythis region can boast some of the finest schools of art in thecountry - but when he came to Newlyn in 1899 there was no formallearning or sharing of skills at ...
Artist who captures 'living slices of the sea'
Mar 01, 2008 ... If you have a spare afternoon and like the idea of travellingover Dartmoor, indulge yourself and visit Monks Withecombe Galleryon the outskirts of Chagford, where a really gifted artist has asolo exhibition. But those seeking pretty views of the moor will be disappointed,as ...
Fine dining and its collectable legacy
Mar 01, 2008 ... Easter usually heralds the start of special fine art sales at thelarger auction rooms and with the festival falling at the end ofMarch this year, we have already heard about a few. It is natural tokeep back some of the better quality pieces for these sales, whichwill attract greater ...
Elegant wall mask captures the '30s
Mar 01, 2008 ... A stylish pottery wall mask will appeal to anyone looking for analternative to a picture when it comes up at Jeffery's, Lostwithiel,on Wednesday. It is modelled as an elegant woman with a black hat, black pearlnecklace and matching earrings. She has a mass of curly ...
Manor yields treasures
Mar 01, 2008 ... Until the sale last year of the Jacobean manor house NewtonSurmaville, in Somerset, the estate had been occupied by generationsof the Harbin family, and was almost untouched by recent times. This is obvious in many of its furnishings, being sold onWednesday by Sotheby's, ...
Fresh selection for the spring
Mar 01, 2008 ... White Space Art will unveil its new spring collection ofpaintings and sculpture at this month's Affordable Art Fair,Battersea, from March 13 to 16. It marks the beginning of busyperiod for the Totnes gallery, with a fifth birthday and Easterexhibition following ...
Getting to the essence
Mar 01, 2008 ... Martin Procter follows the River Dart while John Piper evokes theessence of West Cornwall at an exhibition at Marine House at Beer from March 29 to April 11. Martin Procter has built his artistic reputation as thedefinitive portrayer of man and his interaction with the ...
Arts and crafts designer was fashion leader
Mar 01, 2008 ... Though not from a particularly artistic background, CharlesRobert Ashbee (1863-1942) was brought into the enlightened world ofhis parents where, although a merchant's clerk, his father, HenrySpencer Ashbee published a three-volume catalogue, Notes on Curiousand Uncommon ...
Horse worthy of terracotta army
Mar 01, 2008 ... A bronze figure group of a fine shire horse stallion dancing ineager anticipation as he is led by his handler out to work in thefields could almost be one of the terracotta army, so clean are hisrippling muscles and head carriage. Only the feathers give the gameaway, as in China these ...
Biscuit tins that boosted business for firm
Mar 01, 2008 ... Lithography was invented in the 1820s, but it was not until theend of the century that the process had progressed sufficiently toallow printing directly onto tin, which boosted sales especially ofclockwork toys. It was a process also used by the famous biscuit ...
Variety ensures buyers will be spoilt for choice
Mar 01, 2008 ... Regular exhibitor Stephen Dymond Antiques, from Cornwall, has adesirable Victorian jardinire in bur walnut and kingwood at thisweekend's antiques and collectors' fair at Westpoint, near Exeter. From around 1870, it has its original top and will costpounds2,100, but the earlier ...
Second life-sized sheep adds novelty to well-loved event
Mar 01, 2008 ... A few weeks ago a life-sized sheep made news in the region whenselling for a lot of money - and here is another, this time in pineand believed to be about 50 years old. It will be available at BathDecorative and Antiques Fair at the Pavilion in North Parade Road onFriday and Saturday, ...
Great day out for all
Mar 01, 2008 ... This Sunday sees the second fleamarket at Shepton Mallet for2008. With 200 inside stalls and half that outside, it is a greatday out for all, offering everything from antique furniture tocollectable cuddly toys - plus one of the best fudge shops in theregion. Linens are offered ...
Dining table an exception to the rule
Mar 01, 2008 ... Heavy pieces of furniture are not in demand as a rule, but alarge Victorian dining table with three leaves is the exception tothe rule, as it has been in the same Cornish property for severalyears. On original ceramic castors on four substantial cabochoncarved and fluted legs, this ...
Designers always find inspiration in animal world
Mar 01, 2008 ... Creatures in the wild have inspired innumerable patterns, andpossibly also the design of some objects - if a pair of Victoriansilver ribbon scissors under offer at Hampton & Littlewood, Exeter,is allowed into this category. With maker's initials of IB & GB, they have Birmingham ...
Aesthetically pleasing table
Mar 01, 2008 ... Our featured antique is an attractive George III demi-lune teatable in mahogany. It has a hinged top with a "B" moulded edge thatopens to reveal a polished interior, supported by a back centralleg, that slides out. The frieze, crossbanded in mahogany, is raised on four ...
From Merlin to mud - a trip through Glastonbury
Mar 01, 2008 ... One year, Stone arrived early at Glastonbury Festival. Walkingacross a field with a group of friends, he was lagging behind whenhe caught sight of a man who could have been Merlin the wizard. "Helooked like he had stepped from the time of King Arthur," Stonesays. "He just looked like he ...
Why equities are still the smart choice
Mar 01, 2008 ... Here we are at the beginning of yet another month, with Easterjust around the corner and gardens looking as if summer is not faroff. You do not need me to tell you that time does not stand still.When it comes to financial planning procrastination is definitelythe thief. Putting off ...
Thrill of the chase inspires crime novels
Mar 01, 2008 ... Ever fancied yourself as a bit of a crime writer like AgathaChristie? Well, Simon Hall comes closer than most. He is the BBC crime correspondent for the South West and issuccessfully using his on-the-job experience with the release of hissecond crime fiction novel, The Death ...
Precious restores faith in the world
Mar 01, 2008 ... Alexander McCall Smith first spied Precious Ramotswe, the warm-hearted, spirited lady detective at the heart of his bestsellingseries set in Botswana, on a visit to that African country "manymany years ago". "I was staying with friends and I saw a woman in Mochudi chasinga ...
So much to do in lakeland
Mar 01, 2008 ... Imagine pulling up at a four-star Lake District hotel as the sunmelts into Lake Windermere and finding a free bottle of bubbly andchocolate truffles in your bedroom. Surrounded by rolling hills and dramatic waterfalls andoverlooking the most famous of the dozen lakes, even on a ...
How to protest with French style
Mar 01, 2008 ... "LADIES and Gentlemen, here is the news. As expected, from 7amthis morning, a line of local taxis blocked the A30 dual carriagewayand brought morning commuters to a standstill for several hours. Aspokesman for the taxi companies involved said it was a protestagainst the threat to their ...
Early treats lying in store
Mar 01, 2008 ... Last month among the many bits of promotional material that Ireceived was a recipe card from one of Britain's best-lovedsupermarkets. No names, but it should have known better. This wasfor a "warm asparagus salad" - in February. If there is anything calculated to annoy me it is ...
Market makes its debut
Mar 01, 2008 ... A new food market makes its debut this month. More than 20 localfood businesses are expected to attend the first Colyton localproduce street market on Tuesday, March 11. The organisers hope torun the market quarterly in March, July, October and December."We've already had commitment ...
Mother's time
Mar 01, 2008 ... It only took a crocus or a daffodil in bloom And mum was like a little girl reborn Restored within her sprit to the bright and bonny child Who'd skipped among the thistle and the thorn. It was not the end of winter and you couldn't call it spring But it ...
Spectators welcome to witness live action
Mar 01, 2008 ... The East Devon Congress at Exeter's Corn Exchange, formerly StGeorge's Hall, started last night and continues throughout today andtomorrow. Interested spectators will be welcome. Devon's third division, the Schofield Cup, has been won byTeignmouth on tie break from the defending ...
Catch best buy with well-priced alaskan salmon
Mar 01, 2008 ... Like the majority of British people, I am more than a little concerned at rises in the basic living costs in the country -utilities and the weekly housekeeping bill is what worries all of uswho have a home to run. I had a little extra time last weekend anddecided just for once not to ...
Chalet style chez vous
Mar 01, 2008 ... Many of you will already have been on, or are perhaps planning totake, your annual skiing holiday. Nothing comes close to thisactive, alfresco break, with hours spent on the slopes in thefreshest air, followed by wholesome lunches at altitude, and thenthe well deserved feast to follow in ...
Hard at work as showtime nears
Mar 01, 2008 ... It's the beginning of March and, rain or shine, spring is justround the corner. Many gardeners will have made a start already, butif you are still hiding indoors with your head in a gardeningmagazine, shake yourself out of it and get cracking. Work tacklednow will see your spring flowers ...
Be a world book day winner
Mar 01, 2008 ... It's World Book Day on Thursday, March 6, a date designated byUnesco as a global celebration of books and reading. To mark the occasion we have teamed up with Arrow publishers togive away five sets of two new, inspirational titles. How Life Imitates Chess by Garry Kasparov is ...
Let's go on with the show
Mar 01, 2008 ... Aplump tear trickled down my cheek and dripped on to theprogramme in my lap as Billy Elliott talked to the apparition of hisdead mother. So absorbed was I in the troubled, but inspiring, worldof young Billy - played with charm and skill on the West End stagethat evening by hugely ...
Win tickets to lord of the rings musical
Mar 01, 2008 ... A world of stumpy hobbits, graceful elves, elderly wizards, uglyorcs and an unsightly, pitiful creature by the name of Gollum comesto life in the spectacular and ambitious West End musical version ofJRR Tolkien's world-renowned trilogy, Lord of the Rings. It's a visually stunning ...
Weakling makes an unlikely slave leader
Mar 01, 2008 ... I'm Spartacus." "I'm Spartacus." "I'm Spartacus." The pivotalscene in Stanley Kubrick's 1960 film has slave leader Spartacussaved from certain death by all the other slaves claiming that theyare Spartacus too. Kirk Douglas, the leather thong-clad Spartacus, was the perfecthero - ...
More than margaritas
Mar 01, 2008 ... Tequila has a mixed reputation. Some is good, some is bad, butall of it is shaken up with other ingredients to make Margaritas orother fancy concoctions. Mexico's national drink, it has always seemed to me, gets a rumdeal here in Britain. It has grown more popular during the ...
Unveiling a unique heritage
Mar 01, 2008 ... It is one of the most beautiful and historic stately homes in theWestcountry, but until today its secrets have been witnessed only bya privileged few. This afternoon, Lord and Lady St Germans open thehouse and grounds at Port Eliot to the public for the first time ina move to share its ...
Heirlooms are given a rock 'n' roll treatment
Mar 01, 2008 ... She perches on the edge of the long, white-clothed table, onefoot resting unceremoniously on a pile of ancient books. Her dressof beautiful Germolene-pink silk and intricate hand-made lace isspread out around her and her jet-black hair is piled up wildly likesome 19th century Amy ...
Balance needed in badger cull debate
Mar 01, 2008 ... I was surprised by your rebuttal of Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg's briefing on bovine TB and your assertion "the need fora cull of diseased badgers is overwhelming". "Opinion" is all very well, but that is all it is. On whatscientific authority do you hold this opinion as ...
Welcome signs herald spring
Mar 01, 2008 ... Sunshine through grey clouds, the hint of a rainbow in thedistance, a gentle wash of colours and the old lane lit greentelling of spring around the corner. Raindrops hanging on blackthornbranches in the hedge each carry their own rainbows, sparklingagainst white blossom as a breeze sighs ...
Ideas could win pounds200,000 grant
Mar 01, 2008 ... West Devon Borough Council has asked people to rack their brainsin the hope of receiving a pounds200,000 Lottery grant for localchildren. The pounds200,000 is available from the Big Lottery Fund - butWest Devon Borough Council must prove that the funds will beutilised ...
Supermarket plan opposed by councillors
Mar 01, 2008 ... A contentious new supermarket plan has been condemned as "out ofcharacter" and "catastrophic" by a Devon town council. Honiton Town Council in East Devon has decided to oppose Tesco'splans to relocate its supermarket to a new site. Members of the council's planning committee ...
Wearing the badge of faith with honour
Mar 01, 2008 ... The rules about badges at my grammar school were quite clear. Only those that were part of an official school organisation couldbe worn on the blazer. As an eleven-year-old my lapel was adornedwith several items that told you about my interests and activities. There was my cycling ...
Change in cider tax can halt teen binges
Mar 01, 2008 ... N the good old days "white" meant good. You had the white rabbitand the white knight on his white charger, you even had whitewitches, but these days the euphemism "white cider" has gone alittle awry. Many people are now blaming white cider, along with cheap lager,for fuelling ...
Heed Sir David's words
Mar 01, 2008 ... I have always enjoyed Sir David Attenborough's nature programmes.Now he has spoken in his quiet way in favour of a wind turbine forGlyndebourne in the middle of what is about to become the SouthDowns National Park. Sir David said he had seen at first hand the effects of ...
Narnia casts its spell on remote rural hamlet
Mar 01, 2008 ... It is possibly the most eccentric place in Britain - so it comesas no surprise that the remote rural hamlet has been twinned withthe mythical land of Narnia. With its reputation for ghostly visitations, bizarre history andisolation, the tiny hamlet of Warleggan near Bodmin, ...
MPs in call for St Piran's day to be public holiday in Cornwall
Mar 01, 2008 ... Cornish MPs are leading calls for an extra public holiday in thecounty to recognise St Piran's Day on March 5. The county's five MPs - all Liberal Democrats - claimcelebrations are "growing in scope, support and significance" eachyear. North Cornwall MP Dan Rogerson tabled a ...
An institution in rude health
Mar 01, 2008 ... Roucho Marks once said marriage is a wonderful institution - butwho wants to live in an institution? It's a good one, a dusty gagI've committed to memory for weeks like this. Why? Because when agood friend brings you fresh word of his impending nuptials,tradition demands a reaction of ...
Spontaneity was marred by copycat snapper
Mar 01, 2008 ... My memory fails me as to the exact year when I photographed theGreat Dane and the Nanny Goat, but it was this picture, firstpublished in the WMN, that probably started the Animal Magic ballrolling. It was the late 1980s, most newspapers were still being printedin black and white ...
Brown bows to plastic pressure
Mar 01, 2008 ... The Western Morning News revealed weeks ago that, despite hispublic calls for a plastic shopping bag ban, Gordon Brown'sGovernment was still ordering millions of the polluting plasticcarriers to be given away by ministerial departments. "What hypocrisy," we raged, exposing what we ...
Coroner presses MoD over body parts mix-up
Mar 01, 2008; ... A coroner has requested a meeting between the Ministry of Defence(MoD) and the families of 14 servicemen killed in an air crash inAfghanistan to allay their fears over a body parts mix-up. Some remains of the troops who died when the Nimrod spy planecame down near Kandahar in ...
Window jump threat drama
Mar 01, 2008 ... A 36-year-old Exeter man threatened to jump from a first floorwindow in the St Leonard's area of the city on Thursday. Police negotiators spoke with the man for more ...
Chicken out! Campaign has changed the way we shop
Mar 01, 2008 ... Research has revealed that 70 per cent of shoppers claim theyspend more money on higher-welfare chickens in the wake of a high-profile campaign on broiler birds. An RSPCA poll of the South West's main cities has shown thatnearly three out of four of people feel supermarkets should ...
Former SAS soldier still 'gagged' by injunction
Mar 01, 2008 ... An injunction served on a former SAS soldier aimed at preventinghim making further disclosures about the work of special forces inIraq was continued by consent following a court hearing yesterday. Ben Griffin, 29, from Exeter, gave a press conference in Londonon Monday saying that ...
Man attempted to rob bank while out on parole
Mar 01, 2008 ... A robber who tried to hold up a Devon bank while on parole from alife sentence has been put back behind bars. William Ford, 55, was given a sentence of imprisonment for publicprotection and was warned by Judge John Neligan that he might neverbe released. Exeter Crown Court ...
Songwriter and singer with Dave Clark five
Mar 01, 2008 ... Mike Smith, the lead singer of the Dave Clark Five, has died,less than two weeks before the band is to be inducted into the Rockand Roll Hall of Fame in America. His death, from pneumonia, was a complication of a spinal cordinjury that he sustained in 2003 that had left him ...
PM bans plastic bags
Mar 01, 2008; ... Prime Minister Gordon Brown has finally ordered every Governmentdepartment to stop buying branded plastic bags - after the WMNrevealed the scale of Whitehall's waste mountain. And he said the Government was ready to force supermarkets toreduce the use of plastic bags if they did ...
Final push for great South West walk
Mar 01, 2008 ... For one day only, all those who missed out on the fundraisingextravaganza of the Great South West Walk last year have a finalchance to join in the fun. The WMN's biggest fundraising campaign ever will return on May 18for one final push to reach a target of pounds200,000. Last ...
Boss rejects hypocrisy claim over convicted footballer
Mar 01, 2008 ... A westcountry football boss has rejected claims of hypocrisyafter failing to sack a footballer convicted of drunken violence. Truro City midfielder Marcus Martin, 23, had been accused ofattacking a nightclub doorman - but has been back in action despitehis club operating a ...
Hospital staff 'have been made scapegoats'
Mar 01, 2008 ... Staff at a cottage hospital which was temporarily closed aftercomplaints were upheld about its poor quality of care claim theyhave been made "scapegoats". Nurses and other health-care workers at Whipton Hospital inExeter have approached Unison to make it known that they ...
Police fail to attend break-in
Mar 01, 2008; ... Officers should have visited the victims of a burglary instead ofsimply sending them a letter, Devon and Cornwall Police admittedyesterday. Stephen Earp, who lives in Horsebridge, near Tavistock, WestDevon, was "incensed" when police failed to respond after burglarsraided his ...
Painting stars is just as gregory likes it
Mar 01, 2008 ... An artist with a love of the cinema was in his element when hewas asked to paint portraits of the cast of the latest Shakespeareproduction. Gregory Wellman, from Tiverton, Mid-Devon, was invited on to theset of Kenneth Branagh's version of As You Like It, which is out onDVD this ...
'Wonky' yellow lines mean double trouble for council
Mar 01, 2008 ... These wonky yellow lines may look as if an angry resident tookto the streets with a tin of paint after a night on the town - butin fact they were the handiwork of council staff. The normally parallel parking restrictions swerve and bend as ifto avoid obstacles on Sutherland ...
Accident verdict on widow, 90, who died after falling from hoist at her home
Mar 01, 2008 ... A 90-year-old woman died ten days after she fell from a hoistbeing operated by two carers, an inquest heard yesterday. Widow Violet Hore, from Penwithick, near St Austell, fell up tothree feet from a hydraulic hoist while carers were trying to moveher from her bed to a ...
Third protest group formed to fight airport expansion
Mar 01, 2008 ... A campaign group has been launched to oppose plans to expandExeter Airport. The group, which calls itself Stop Expansion of Exeter Airport(SEEA), follows in the footsteps of two other groups, AirportConcern Exeter and Airport Watch South West. They are fighting proposals to ...
Magnolia magic casts its spell
Mar 01, 2008 ... Magnificent magnolia blooms are proving a feast for the senses atthe National Trust's most westerly outpost. Trengwainton Garden, at Madron, near Penzance, is one of only ahandful of the charity's gardens to be accorded special status bythe Royal Horticultural Society. And ...