An audience with Lord Julian Fellowes

An audience with Lord Julian Fellowes @ Gidleigh Park, Chagford

Thursday 10^th October – in aid of Families for Children Adoption Agency

Sponsored by Brewin Dolphin Exeter

Brewin Dolphin Exeter Office www.brewin.co.uk/exeter is delighted to be the main sponsor of this prestigious event, an exclusive evening with actor and creator of Downton Abbey, Lord Julian Fellowes in aid of a worthy South West charity: http://www.familiesforchildren.org.uk/

This is the latest in a succession of highly successful fundraising events organised by prominent West Country businessman John Casson. Previous events have welcomed other high profile guests such as Sir Michael Parkinson, General Sir David Richards and the Falklands war veteran Simon Weston raising thousands of pounds for a variety of charities.

A special dinner will be prepared and cooked by award-winning Chef Michael Caines MBE, one of Britain's most acclaimed chefs with two Michelin stars. AA Chef's Chef of the Year in 2007 and awarded an MBE in 2006 for services to the hospitality industry, Michael is Executive Chef at Gidleigh Park, the acclaimed and prestigious country house hotel on the edge of Dartmoor at Chagford.   Adopted by Exeter-based parents he is a Patron of the Families for Children (FFC) charity.  The gourmet dinner with Petit Fours is complemented by high-quality wine generously supplied by Private Cellar together with a Champagne reception

Richard Pike Divisional Director of Brewin Dolphin Exeter says: “We are delighted to once again be the main sponsor for this wonderful charity fundraising event.  John Casson works extremely hard to make these events highly-successful and raise substantial monies for worthy causes.  Gidleigh Park is a renowned and prestigious restaurant and Exeter-based Michael Caines a revered Chef; it has all the ingredients to be a memorable evening.  This high-profile fundraiser with celebrity guest Lord Fellowes coincides with the new autumn series of the popular Downton Abbey drama so promises to be an event not to be missed.”

The ultimate VIP experience! Rolls Royce... Champagne... Diamonds...

Fabulous charity prizes generously donated by local business include a unique auction for an 18ct white gold diamond cluster pendant worth over £1,000 from independent South West jeweller Michael Spiers.  The winning bid includes a chauffeur driven 1978 Rolls Royce Silver Shadow II formerly owned by Oscar-winning actor, the late Sir John Mills.  On arrival the successful bidder and guest will be welcomed at one of Michael Spiers’ four South West showrooms with champagne and a delicious lunch.  www.michaelspiers.co.uk.  More fabulous prizes can be seen on this link: http://johncasson.com/auctionitems/

Renowned Artist Diana Mackie, will be exhibiting some of her breath-taking oil on canvas paintings at the event one of which will be auctioned to raise funds for the charity.  Based on the Isle of Skye, Diana’s paintings seek to capture the effects of the elusive ‘Skye Light’ on the stunning landscape that surrounds her on the island.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Diana-Mackie-Artist/412168012136663?fref=ts

For details on how to purchase tickets, please contact: Alice Edmonds –

aliceedmonds@johncasson.com

M: 07718 425 742

Rural Consultancy Appoints New Farming Consultant

Haines Watts Rural Business LLP, sister firm to Bideford-based Chartered Accountants Haines Watts North Devon LLP announce the appointment of Lucy Thomas as a farming consultant.  Rural Business LLP agricultural consultants assist with decision making in response to ever-changing agricultural market conditions and cover all aspects of farm business management with clients across the South West.

A farmer’s daughter, Lucy graduated from Harper Adams with honours gaining experience in Land agency including Land Sales, Single Farm Payment and Planning when working for Rendells.  Lucy followed on as a South West Food and Farming Adviser for the National Farmers Union prior to joining Haines Watts Rural Business. 

Lucy’s new role is to be actively involved with clients offering sound advice and support in response to the dynamic agricultural market.   She will provide farm consulting on all aspects of rural business including budgeting, landlord and tenant matters, planning applications, grant schemes and technical performance across the region.

 

Lucy Thomas, Consultant – Haines Watts Rural Business LLP says: “I am passionate about farming and very excited about this new role with a well-respected firm which specialises in the agricultural sector. I am looking forward to supporting the team and also working with clients and getting in new business.”

Mike Feneley, Partner Haines Watts Rural Business LLP says: “At Haines Watts Rural Business we understand the challenges faced by progressive and dynamic agricultural enterprises.   Lucy has farming in her blood and her knowledge and passion for agriculture will be a great asset to the Haines Watts team.  As the youngest member of the team she has a dynamic and enthusiastic personality coupled with impressive qualifications and practical experience. We are delighted to have her on board.”

www.hwca.com/agricultural_consultants

Exeter Arts Draw On Link To Italian City

Names on image L – R

Glen King, Kristi Johnson, Dina Clements, Ylenia Tumani, 

Liz Oram, Linda Assarsson, Christina Garrod, 

Rebecca de Mendonca – Exeter Artist

New local company AventHolidays; the brainchild of Woodbury-based Jeremy Jackson, announces the first of its new all-inclusive six day Italian painting breaks in the UNESCO World Heritage City of Ferrara, Italy, an outstanding success.  Ferrara with a population of 350,000 boasts the oldest university in Italy together with a castle and is linked to Exeter University. The inaugural painting holiday was led by Rebecca de Mendonça a renowned artist who has developed considerable skill in the use of pastels.  She spent 10 years working alongside Channel 4 Grand Designs presenter Kevin McCloud as his assistant and now lives in Exeter where she runs art courses.

A press conference was held in the city’s castle with members of the Italian press meeting Jeremy Jackson and Exeter artist Rebecca de Mendonça together with BBC Radio Devon presenter Judi Spiers.  The President of Chamber of Trade Carlo Alberto Roncarati and the Head of Tourism for the Emilia Romagna Region Davide Bellotti welcomed the Devon contingency to their City.  Afterwards Bellotti  gifted a bespoke commemorative plate designed by local Art college students to each of the AventHoliday guests to signify the forged links between the two cities.

AventHolidays works alongside AventArt.com, launched by Jackson in spring this year to promote unknown but talented Devon and Cornwall artists through a web-based outlet. A keen charity supporter, artist, writer and retired public relations executive he was inspired to start the new ventures by local anaesthetist Charlie Collins who is raising money to pay for a hospital for the EarAid charity in Nepal.   Although this will operate as a commercial venture, helping to promote art and artists, a percentage of the money will be donated to this worthy cause.

Jeremy Jackson – Founder of AventHolidays says: “I decided to start a business which will be a 100% commercial enterprise, with a percentage of the revenue going to charity.  I am absolutely delighted with the success of the first Italian painting break which not only attracted guests from Devon but also Sweden and two American ladies. It is wonderful to think that we have strong Exeter Links with this stunning city and the very warm welcome we received.  Going forward we are looking to organise further themed Italian holidays, not just painting breaks but also cycling and cooking”.

Rebecca, one of the AventArt artists, designed the Italian course so the travellers could soak up the atmosphere of the medieval city of Ferrara and draw from the architecture, the people and the authentic Italian life away from the busy crowded tourist hubs. Rebecca’s course in pastels focused on the use and techniques of this medium and included a day tour to the romantic city of Venice.

Judi Spiers – BBC Radio Devon Presenter says: “I haven’t picked up a paint brush since my Art A-levels.  This wonderful painting break in a stunning location and under the stewardship of Rebecca awakened the inner artist in me and has inspired me to continue to paint.  It was a delightful and unmissable experience.”

The next planned holiday is 14-20 September 2013 in Ferrara with an Italian artist – for more information contact: Liz Oram  - enquiries@aventholidays.com  www.aventholidays.com

Medispa Invites Local Businesses to Meet and Greet for Free

Recently opened Radiance MediSpa based in central Exeter, is opening its doors to local companies to offer complimentary venue hire.  This includes a light and airy conference room with the latest technology which seats up to 80 and is perfect for meetings; presentations and training.  Evenings will be available for corporate networking events including bespoke ladies and men only events which can be tailored to the individual company’s requirements.

Owned by dynamic mother and daughter duo, Dr Ros and Katie Debenham the luxurious and spacious 7,300 sq.ft premises boasts 11 sumptuous treatment rooms, a dedicated gym for personal training sessions, a high-end hairdressing salon and nail suite.  The only MediSpa of its type in the South West the unique Radiance offers a variety of complementary therapies and pioneering treatments, dedicated to bringing together a complete environment for the promotion of health and beauty.

Co-owner, Dr Ros Debenham MBChB MRCGP has over two decades’ experience in general practice and is a renowned Aesthetic doctor with advanced qualifications.  She says: “We expanded from our original premises in Budleigh Salterton to move to this fabulous location in the centre of Exeter.  Exeter has a thriving and close-knit business community and we wanted to engage with local companies and charities by offering our extensive premises and optional facilities free of charge. When people walk in they are absolutely amazed at the WOW factor and there is nothing like this in the local area or indeed the whole of the South West region.”

For more information contact: 

T: 01392 277799

info@radiancemedispa.co.uk

www.radiancemedispa.co.uk 

Matthew's delighted to join six others as partner at firm

PARTNERS: Jonathan Gifford and Matt Melksham
with managing partner John Edwards.

Matthew Melksham has been promoted to partner at Haines Watts North Devon LLP. The appointment brings the number of partners at the Bideford office to seven.

Matthew, 34, started his career in his home city of Bath in the catering and hospitality trade, which provided him with hands-on experience in business and a strong customer-focused approach.

For six years he was based in Somerset where he advised both corporate and non-corporate, owner-managed businesses before he moved to North Devon seven years ago.

Matthew has been working as an accountant for more than 12 years and joined Haines Watts' Bideford office as a senior manager in December 2012 to look after the firm's corporate clients.

John Edwards, managing partner at Haines Watts North Devon, said: "We welcome Matt as a new partner. His accounting expertise coupled with a broader business experience makes him a well-rounded business adviser.

"The feedback I have received from clients is that Matt's excellent communication and technical skills mean he is a man you can talk to and trust. In addition to his impeccable qualifications and experience, he brings with him dynamic enthusiasm to do the very best for his clients, which absolutely fits the ethos of Haines Watts North Devon."

Matthew said: "I am delighted to be a partner and am looking forward to my new role in the firm. I believe that all businesses deserve the best advice possible, and with Haines Watts's national backing and expertise we can provide this at competitive local prices.

"I provide a personal service including accounting, tax and business advice to incorporated and non-incorporated business entities, owner managers and sole traders by giving a structured, pragmatic and timely advice to help grow clients' businesses.

"My role covers the areas a financial director would normally deal with, which allows the owner or managers more time to concentrate on the other aspects of the business, with the added advantage that they don't have to pay a full-time financial director's salary.

"Using the resources of Haines Watts I look to grow the net worth of the owner managers I work with and ensure that all is done to the highest standard."

Visit www.hwca.com/accountants-north-devon for further details.

Read more: http://www.thisisdevon.co.uk/Matthew-s-delighted-join-partner-firm/story-19536072-detail/story.html#ixzz2acUDhLlR