SCHOOL PROJECT EXCITES THE SENSES

Green fingered schoolchildren, parents and staff from Topsham School based in Orchard Way which teaches girls and boys aged 3 - 11 lent a hand to local charity Devon in Sight for the visually impaired to create a brand new sensory garden to mark the official opening of the new Resource Centre at the charity's headquarters in Topsham.

Back Row L-R: Justin Vernon, Martin Pallett Director of Services (DiS) Front Row: Patrick Hurcombe-Dennell, Marilyn Lant, Leo Tapp and Mo the Guide Dog

Five families and trustee Marilyn Lant lay the groundwork and started initial planting for the sensory garden, before pupils from the local school carefully chose plants and flowers which stimulate the senses through scent and sound in the passing wind. The garden is an attracive replacement to the granite which existed previously. All plants, as well as planted tubs and hanging baskets have been kindly donated by local garden centres St. Bridget's Nurseries and Otter Nurseries.

Sustainability Coordinator Justin Vernon says, “The charity approached us to find out how we could get the involved with the launch of the Resource Centre. We were pleased to help this worthy charity particularly as the project fits nicely with our local community projects. The children have been fully involved in the design and choosing the plants which have been generously donated and personally delivered by both St. Bridget’s and Otter Nurseries. It gives the children ownership and get involved with local community projects for different groups and with people with specific needs.  Also a lot of the children walk past the centre on their way to school so in the long term they can continue to see all their hard work develop and grow.”

The project is part of an ongoing school incentive to increase the children's awareness of sustainability issues. The Eco club was set up seven years ago and since then has been involved in numerous local projects including The club pays regular visits to Highfield Farm, a local organic farm in Topsham, where they helped to set up a kitchen garden and bring produce back to the school to cook or sell. The group will also help with the upkeep going forward. Future plans include developing what will initially be a gravel area, into a floral mosaic and building a seating area.

Director of Services, Martin Pallett says, “We are very grateful for the time and energy spared by the children, parents and staff at Topsham school. The sensory garden is going to be a huge asset to the charity by stimulating the senses of those who visit us whilst also giving the building some real kerb appeal. I was delighted that we managed to have it completed in time for the launch of our new resource centre on the 14^th July, when the famous Dad's Army actor Bill Pertwee cut the ribbon marking its official opening.”

www.devonblind.org

ROYAL ARTIST EXHIBITS NEW COLLECTION AT TRITON GALLERIES TORQUAY

Sensuelle 1

Outstanding British artist Darren Baker, commissioned to paint Her Majesty The
Queen visits Triton Galleries in Torquay to unveil his highly anticipated new collection.  The exhibition included limited edition prints on canvas entitled Vision Sensuelle I, II and III, plus many new original paintings.

Local art lovers got the rare chance to meet this modern master at two separate exhibitions held at Triton Galleries in Torquay.  The first was a private viewing for clients at the new dedicated Triton gallery within the luxury designer fashion department store Hoopers located in the restaurant area on Friday 1st July.  The second event was held at the Torwood Street Gallery on Saturday 2nd July between 1.00 – 3.00 pm with a champagne reception.

Awarded best artist at The Fine Art Guild Ceremony in London and The Garrick Prize, Christies, Darren Baker is taking the art world by storm with his classic realism. Having painted notable figures including Prince Charles, Tony Blair and the Bahrain Royal family, he is now embarking upon the the most prestigious commission of his career painting The Queen in celebration of her 85th birthday and the 90th anniversary of The Royal British Legion, an accolade accorded to a very small number of artists in the monarch's lifetime. The finished original will be unveiled at the end of August at the Royal British Legion Headquarters.

Darren Baker second from right with Anne Craib and art lovers

Commercial Director at Triton Galleries, Anne Craib says, “We are delighted to be welcoming such a prestigious and celebrated artist to Torquay. Darren continues to leave the art world in awe of his stunning originals and the nation is eagerly awaiting the
unveiling of his portrait of The Queen in August.”

Darren Baker's fine art works span a number of different subjects including interiors, figurative works, equestrian and ballet studies, portraits and landscapes. Darren says his true admiration in the art world is for the grand masters including Rembrandt and Vemeer.  The latest achievement for Darren is being selected to exhibit his fine art at the Florence Biennale, the most prestigious and respected contemporary art event in the world.

www.tritongalleries.co.uk

EUROPE’S LEADING CAR & VAN HIRE COMPANY EXPANDS TO NEW BRANCH

Award winning Europcar, UK’s leading Car & Van Hire Company which has its South West Head Quarters based at Exeter expands to new premises in Plymouth. The occasion is marked with an official ribbon cutting ceremony by newly appointed Lord of Mayor of Plymouth, Councillor Peter Bradshaw on 30th June 2011.

Jim Howard licensee of Europcar Group UK, Lady Mayoress of Plymouth, Lord Mayor of Plymouth and James Eland Operations Director

Councillor Peter Brookshaw, The Lord Mayor says: The Lady Mayoress and I are delighted that the Europcar franchise are moving to new premises in Millbay. Their facilities will be well received by other businesses in the area and by the public in Plymouth. We wish them every success with their new venture and welcome any new or expanding business that brings employment into the City. We very much look forward to joining them for their opening ceremony."

Entrepreneur and local businessman, Jim Howard operates the official Europcar franchise at outlets based in Exeter, Plymouth and Taunton through his independent company Vehicle Save (UK) Limited. In addition to the Europcar franchise, Jim also operates Vehicle Save Contract Hire & Leasing Limited an independent business which complements the daily hire operation and has its head quarters based at Marsh Barton.

Jim Howard licensee of Europcar Group UK Limited says: “We are very excited about our move to larger premises in Plymouth which is situated in close proximity to the centre of town with more facilities and the opportunity for growth. This means we will be able to offer an even better service to our customers across the South West and nationwide. In addition it adds value to our contract hire and leasing service located in Exeter. We are able to give a unique service in the region as we are able to meet customer’s needs from a one day hire through to a five year contract. As the leading car and van hire company nationwide, Europcar has established an excellent reputation and position in the market place and this latest move is as a result of our mid – long term expansion strategy.”

Formerly National Car Rentals before they merged with Europcar two years’ ago, the new larger premises have the benefit of being located close to the town centre with a dedicated secure car park accommodating 30 – 40 vehicles and additional parking for staff and facilities for the disabled.