EXETER'S ROUGEMONT CHAMBERS UNVEIL NEW BRAND

Over 100 associates and clients attended the official opening of Rougemont Chambers’ prestigious new offices in Victory House, Dean Clarke Gardens, Exeter.    The leading civil set of barristers west of Bristol was the first business to purchase premises in the refurbished Victory Wing building at the end of last year.  Judges, Barristers, Solicitors and members of the local business community enjoyed a champagne reception and watched the unveiling of the new brand undertaken by His Honour Judge Cotter Q.C.

Established in 1997 Rougemont Chambers has been recommended in the prestigious ‘The Legal 500’ for the last two years.   Chambers has several specialist teams including civil, employment, land, family, planning, mediation and criminal.  The new offices located in the vicinity of the Exeter combined Court Centre which incorporates the High and County Courts as well as the Crown Court offers two conferencing rooms, a visitor’s room, library and mediation rooms.  This makes it the only set of Barristers in the region to offer a dedicated mediation suite and be able to provide qualified mediators.   



Judge Cotter and Michael Berkley unveil the new brand



Michael Berkley Head of Chambers says, “We feel very privileged to have Judge Cotter carry out the official opening ceremony and reveal our new logo.  This has been an exciting year for Chambers; the team has worked in challenging conditions and it is wonderful to now be working in a modern and spacious building.  Conveniently located to the Courts we find that more and more solicitors are utilising the wonderful facilities we can now provide which offers privacy and comfortable surroundings. In addition, as a leading Civil set offering our services under the Bar Council’s Direct Public Access scheme, we are able to work directly with local businesses. Now being based right in the heart of the City helps us to further establish these links. We are going from strength to strength and very much looking forward to the future.”

www.rougemontchambers.co.uk

DEVON IN SIGHT REMEMBERS THE PAST AND LOOKS TO THE FUTURE WITH OPEN AGM EVENT

The annual AGM event for Topsham based Devon in Sight is taking place on Monday 17th October at Exmouth Pavilions from 12 noon onwards.  Admission is free with all welcome and visitors can enjoy a complimentary light buffet with pre-booking essential.  For the past 85 years the charity formerly known as The Devon County Association for the Blind has enjoyed a long and rich history.  The modern day charity has seen a lot of exciting changes over the past 12 months, including a new name, logo and website and has a lot to shout about.  Highlight of the year was the official opening of the newly refurbished Resource Centre in July by local celebrity Bill Pertwee MBE of Dad’s Army fame. 

Bill Pertwee MBE at the grand opening of the newly refurbished Resource Centre

The new name Devon in Sight was chosen earlier this year following a competition with the members and the aim of this new working title is to raise awareness of the Charity.

Gwyn Dickinson MBE Chair of Trustees says “The name change, new logo and website are just the start of some exciting changes for the future of this well established and valued charity. The expansion into the newly refurbished centre means that we can now grow and improve the range of services and support we provide and “taster” days such a bowls and a guided walk around Topsham."

Devon in Sight is moving forward at a fast pace and among the services offered is the provision of a low vision clinic at the recently refurbished Topsham Resource Centre.  Members of the team here are also on hand to assist people to choose the best equipment on the market today for their individual needs.

The Charity also offers a volunteer visiting service in Torbay and Mid-Devon to support visually impaired people to live independent lives.

Martin Pallett, Director of Services says: “This is a really important day for the charity and we are keen for as many people as possible to join us. On the day we will be discussing exciting future plans and how people can get more involved to help and support us.  Also there will be a feedback session where any issues or concerns about visual impairment can be answered.  In addition we want to build stronger links with the local community and businesses as well as providers of training so we are inviting everyone to come along and be part of the exciting changes and developments at Devon in Sight.”

If you wish to attend the event on the 17^th October or wish to find out more about the Charity please call:  01392 876666     www.devoninsight.org.uk

COME AND JOIN IN THE CELEBRATIONS AS WE HELP BROOM REID & HARRIS MARK 170 YEARS

SUPPORTED BY:



Independent hearing specialist Broom Reid & Harris - one of Exeter's longest established businesses celebrates 170 years with an exciting public exhibition at The Rougemont Exeter/Thistle Hotel, Queen Street on Monday 17 October from 10 am – 6.30 pm. 

Queen Street - Image courtesy of The Isca Collection, Exeter

Join us at this very special anniversary event in aid of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People.  Learn about Broom Reid & Harris' rich and interesting history; try out the latest cutting edge hearing technology and meet the famous ‘Put that ruddy light out!” Hodges Bill Pertwee MBE from the classic British Sitcom, Dad’s Army who is joining in the celebrations at this landmark event.



 





 Image courtesy of The Isca Collection, Exeter

 Established in 1841 as a Victorian Pharmacy on Queen Street, Broom Reid & Harris were there at the beginning of the pioneering launch of hearing care. Witnessing the progression from cumbersome ear trumpets right through to modern day ultra-discreet and intelligent hearing systems, we want to celebrate this landmark milestone and enable the people of Exeter to get a rare glimpse into just how far hearing technology has developed.







Experience the advanced hearing technology



 The day promises to provide some interesting background into the well known Exeter business with an insight into the exciting development of hearing care. There will be fascinating artefacts to view such as a wonderfully preserved Victorian medicine book, handwritten recipes to treat the ailments of the day as well as exhibition stands from world leading manufacturers showcasing the latest innovations and advances in hearing technology. Global experts in their field they lead the way in areas such as separating speech from background noise and restoring the subtler sounds that give us the beginning and endings of words in a way that's comfortable and practical for use in everyday life.





 

BR&H staff serving in the shop - Image courtesy of The Isca Collection, Exeter

In the afternoon join us for a traditional Devon cream tea- pre-booking essential. When BR&H was located in Queen Street with around 30 staff (pharmaceutical; optical; photographic and hearing) they would stop work for afternoon tea and cakes on someone's birthday. We thought we would take a walk down memory lane as a wonderful way to remember this traditional and quintessentially English pastime accompanied by nostalgic music from a live band.  There will be complimentary tea, coffee and biscuits throughout the day, a cash bar available and the opportunity to purchase hotel snacks if required. 

Celebrity guest star Bill Pertwee MBE better known as Captain Mainwaring’s arch rival, Chief Air Raid Warden “put that light out Hodges” from the vintage Dad’s Army sitcomwill be joining us from 12 noon. During the afternoon's entertainment he will be recounting some of his memories from the classic series and why he loves living in Devon. He will also draw the charity raffle prizes being held in support of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. The charity train and provide dogs that help people with very severe hearing difficulties by alerting them to important sounds and danger signals in the home, work place and public buildings. BR&H has seen firsthand the difference these dogs make but there's a huge shortage of trained dogs and want to help.  You will have the chance to meet one of these working dogs and there are some great prizes to be won to raise funds for this very worthy charity.

Local celebrity Bill Pertwee MBE will be joining in the day's events

Everyone's welcome to join us - it's not every day you're 170 years old!  It promises to be a unique and wonderful occasion and even if you don’t have hearing difficulties yourself you will benefit from the day.  It can be very frustrating when a friend, family member or work colleague isn't hearing as well as they should.  Maybe they have the TV on louder; say 'huh?' a lot; need things repeating more often or experience difficulties where there are a lot of people talking. Come along and find out more about how you can help them by getting some informal advice in a non-threatening environment supported by Exeter FM.

 

The Rougemont Exeter/ Thistle Hotel





www.brandh.co.uk



Monday 17 October 2011 – 10 am – 6.30 pm

@ The Rougemont Exeter /Thistle Hotel – Queen Street, Exeter

ADMISSION FREE:

Spaces for Devon Cream Teas are limited with reserved tables for the entertainment.  Pre-booking is essential

For more information or to book your place please contact BR&H:

T: 01392 436714

E: info@brandh.co.uk

DUNCAN MACGREGOR REVEALS HIS TRUE COLOURS AT TRITON GALLERIES PROMOTING HIS NEW COLLECTION

Many of the great artists of our time realise a creative talent at a young age, others work at it for years refining a style synonymous to them and some discover their mastership by chance...



Glen King with Duncan MacGregor



Glen King meets Duncan MacGregor on his  visit earlier this year to Triton Galleries in Torquay to promote his eagerly awaited collection “true colours”.  His work is very fluid and often interpreted as abstract. Hailed as one of Britain's most celebrated marine artists, he discovered his creative talents by accident.  When opening new office for his indoor climbing business just 10 years’ ago.  With a 20 metre blank wall and no budget, he set aside a weekend to gather some emulsion paint and a piece of canvas to create a work of art to fill the space.  Requests to buy his handy work flooded in and his wife Mary walked around galleries in London with a wheelbarrow full of his newly created art and his new career began at the age of 40.  Duncan describes this time as leaving him feeling 'fantastic, wonderful, euphoric.'  Today he paints in acrylic which dries very quickly and has just one chance to get in right with a confident stroke of the pallet knife.

Art lovers from all over the South West gathered at Triton Galleries to view Duncan's exciting new collection 'true colours' and the opportunity to meet the artist.  Speaking to Duncan, it was evident that there are similarities between him and his work.  Brimming with life and energy whilst remaining completely relaxed and serene, this is reflected in his striking yet hauntingly calm paintings. As the first to admit he has no formal training or academic perspective, Duncan draws little inspiration from other artists but instead from his memories in life.  I find his work so colourful it is a shock to discover that he is colour blind!

“I live in Norfolk with my wife and son who is 14-years-old, but we also have a little place in Scotland which we try and get to as much as we can in the summer months. I love Scotland; it fills me with a great feeling. The piece called 'Wild Flowers4' is from a time we visited Garvellachs off the west coast. It's where Columbus first had his monastery and it is completely deserted, unusually for the coast it is rich in limestone which is great for wildflowers. I remember sitting there and just being surrounded by the grass, a light breeze and a romantic idle of wildflowers around me.”



'Wildflowers4'



One piece that gained particular attention at the exhibition was a beautifully vibrant depiction of a lobster in rich reds, ocean blues and deep plum purples. Duncan's well known for his marine themes but paintings like this are a far cry from his well loved sailboats on the horizon.



'Bright Waters IV'



“I've always been experimental; I'm not prescriptive and am quite happy to just let things happen. I have periods when I paint just for me. I go really quite wild and all sorts of different things happen, or don't happen, there's no pressure. The lobster was simply me capturing the memory of my son catching his first lobster. He caught all these Pollock, gutted them and cut up the bits and bobs into a lobster pot then wandered off to a rocky outcrop and threw it out with such confidence. The next day he walked down and as he pulled it in it was getting all snarled on the rocks, still he had such faith he had caught something and blow me down there in the pot were two fat juicy lobsters!”





The Lobster







Duncan spent 18 months sailing across the Atlantic Ocean travelling to some of the most beautiful and remote parts of the world.  He also sailed around the British Isles including the much loved and inspirational Devon coastline, one place he will never forget though is Plymouth, an experience which evokes an emotional memory. Having bought a Victoria 34 sailing boat called 'Just So', Duncan and his wife Mary set aside a year to learn how to sail a boat on the sea; tie knots correctly; use celestial navigation and sail at night. Their first expedition was to sail as far as they could get along the South Coast.



'Towards Tomorrow III' 



“The weather had really closed down that night and it got very hairy, the wind was blowing us on to a lee shore and having listened to the local radio we knew we were one of only two yachts out. Suddenly, I'm not sure of the name of it but an old fashioned coaster came along side and put us into the lee of his. He dropped his speed right down and sailed alongside us for what about an hour, protecting us from the harsh conditions. Once we reached Plymouth Sound we parted ways and began sailing in.  Inexperienced as we were we forgot about the outer sea wall.  All I remember is seeing hundreds of lights glowing against the backdrop of Plymouth. Thankfully the channel ferry was coming in and we were able to follow it in. It was a scary night, we had got it a bit wrong but the coaster and the ferry saved us.  It will always stay in my memory.”

To view more of Duncan MacGregor’s work log on to: www.tritongalleries.co.uk

THE ROAD USER SUPPORT SERVICE IS A UNIQUE DEVON ORGANISATION THAT CAN HELP YOU TO A SPEEDY RECOVERY AFTER A ROAD TRAFFIC INCIDENT

Last year 1850 people were killed on Britain's roads and 22,660 seriously injured...

 Even a minor knock can deeply affect those involved emotionally and a major crash often causes concerns about using the road again.  The aftershock of a road traffic collision (RTC) can last long after any external scars have healed.

Glen King meets Rosemary Pell, Manager of The Road User Support Service (RUSS), a unique and professional service in Devon, known locally as the most effective post road crash trauma specialists.  The independent organisation is fully endorsed by Devon County Council, Road Safety Groups and Devon Drivers’ Centre.  RUSS provides a tailor made approach offering clients psychological, emotional and practical support to help them through this traumatic time and get their life back on track...



Rosemary Pell, Manager of The Road User Support Service (RUSS)



The team of qualified Counsellors and Advanced Driving Instructors, including an Advanced Motorcycle Instructor, offers complete rehabilitation assistance. The highly trained professionals help anyone involved in an RTC to regain their confidence and lessen anxiety following a traffic incident.  It is the only organisation of its type in the UK to offer this full service. 

Rosemary Pell says: 'RUSS creates a treatment plan specific to each client’s needs, which rebuilds driving confidence and resolves any emotional impact caused by a road incident.  We are able to provide assistance to anyone affected or involved in a collision, including witnesses and family members, irrespective of blame. RUSS has always worked independently and honestly, embracing strong ethical and professional values.  The team is 100% committed to helping people recover from their ordeal by dealing with clients face to face, treating them with the utmost respect, sensitivity and consideration.”

Although each person responds differently, according to their personality and past experiences, a wide range of common reactions can occur after being involved in a traumatic event, even if you were not the driver or in the vehicle at the time.

Our reaction will depend on a number of factors; how we were feeling at the time; any physical injuries incurred; how other people involved behaved plus our own personality and support system. 

Some characteristic and normal symptoms and reactions:

·         shock and disbelief

·         a feeling of helplessness and powerlessness

·         poor/disturbed sleeping patterns

·         flashbacks and intrusive thoughts

·         anger and irritability

·         social withdrawal

·         relationship problems

·         carelessness

·         guilt

Following an RTC it is usual to have a physical and emotional reaction that can last for a long time. Some post-crash symptoms may be overwhelming, distressing and disturbing so it is important to talk about the incident and express your emotions.

Advice and coping strategies following a road traffic incident:

·         ask for help from family, friends and professionals

·         writing a daily diary of your thoughts can be helpful

·         use relaxation techniques

For further details and the latest resource information visit: www.roadusersupportservice.co.uk or Tel: 01647 253264

CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS HAINES WATTS SPONSORS EXETER CONTEMPORARY OPEN FOR THE SIXTH YEAR RUNNING

Chartered Accountants, Haines Watts specialising in the owner managed business sector based in Southernhay has sponsored the Overall Award at the Exeter Contemporary Open 2011 hosted by Exeter Phoenix for the sIxth consecutive year. The annual exhibition at the Phoenix Gallery in Gandy Street, features new work of emerging and established contemporary artists from the UK and beyond which this year runs from 15 September – 2 November. Over the last six years it has become a significant opportunity to see work by some of the most talented emerging contemporary artists working today. 

This year’s exhibition represents a broad range of artistic practice, including and sometimes combining elements from across the disciplines of painting, sculpture, print, video, photography and performance based activity. Prizes are awarded including a £1000 Overall Award, two £500 Additional Awards and a £200 Audience Choice Award, voted for by visitors to the exhibition.



After receiving hundreds of submissions and short-listing fifteen artists, the judges of Exeter Contemporary Open 2011 announced at the opening that the overall winner of the £1000 prize sponsored by Haines Watts is Laura Philips whose work intersects performance, sculpture and film. The panel of expert judges included Matt Burrows, Curator of Phoenix Gallery at Exeter Phoenix.

Matt Burrows, Curator of Phoenix Gallery at Exeter Phoenix says: “The invaluable and ongoing support from Ben de Cruz and the team at Haines Watts has allowed this exhibition to grow in its reach and stature, year on year. It’s a pleasure to welcome them and their guests from the business community to be part of this exciting and creative event.”

Over 100 visitors attended the private opening preview of the exhibition including guests of Haines Watts who received personal guided tours by the partners and staff.



Ben de Cruz Senior Partner of Haines Watts says: “We always enjoy being part of this annual exhibition and by offering our commitment as a main sponsor since its inception means that we continue to help support the wonderful arts culture in the City for all to enjoy.  It also offers the opportunity for us to invite clients and associates from the local business community to join us for an event that is different, and which for some is a totally new experience.  The feedback from our guests is always complimentary and this year we had the added and unexpected attraction of a live snake which I am relieved to say was accompanied by a very competent handler!”



Catherine Strigner – Partner WBW Solicitors says: “It was a fascinating evening; however I missed the snake which was a shame as I quite like them.  My favourite exhibit surprisingly was the one with three people with buckets on their heads! It was also good to catch up with some familiar faces and it has very much become a firm date in my calendar.”



Caroline Thomas partner at Haines Watts and Ben de Cruz senior partner at Haines Watts
 pictured with Hanna and the snake



http://www.hwca.com/accountants-exeter/

QUEENSTREET CARPETS & FURNISHINGS ROLLS OUT 'THE RED CARPET' TO LAUNCH THEIR NEWLY REFURBISHED FLOORING DEPARTMENT

Wayne Handford, Gary Dixie and Steve Button of Queenstreet Carpets & Furnishings
rolling out 'the red carpet' for customers

Long established independent retailer Queenstreet Carpets & Furnishings based in Exeter announces completion of its extensive refurbishment of their carpet and flooring department.  The company has invested over £50,000 in the newly designed and designated flooring area situated within their large showroom at Alphington.  It boasts a larger range of flooring and includes updated lighting to make it easier for customers to select colours and textures.

The family run business founded in 1967 by husband and wife team Malcolm and Nikki Dixie is well known in the local area for building a reputation of trust, reliability and high quality products.  Originally based in Queen Street in Exeter, the business quickly expanded and moved to substantially larger premises in Alphington where it remains to this day. The company has been passed down through the family and is now operated by brothers Mark and Gary Dixie, who continue to run the business with the same traditional values whilst bringing the showroom and products bang up to date.

Gary Dixie Director says: “Although the shop frontage looks deceptively small, customers are constantly amazed when they enter the extensive showroom with 12,000 sq ft of retail space including three large departments of beds, furniture and flooring all under one roof. To ensure we are ahead of the pack in terms of development, we have now invested a substantial sum in refurbishing the carpet and flooring department. Customers can now expect an even larger choice of flooring and it will now be easier to browse through the mind boggling choice of flooring products, with help and guidance from our friendly team of experts.  We want to make it a much more pleasurable shopping experience for our loyal retail and commercial customers and to try and attract new ones.”

There are also plans to make further investment throughout the remaining bed and furnishings departments over the next 12 – 24 months. In the last ten years the team has grown to 12 employees with significant experience in product knowledge, delivery & installation and flooring fitting.  The company has expanded their offering in many areas including luxurious carpets from Axminster, hard flooring from Karndean and Natural floorings from Crucial Trading.

Says Gary: “We remain focused on providing quality flooring at great prices and still hold a large stock of carpets on display in the centre of the new showroom; this means customers will have quick delivery on many products. We are also major stockists of Persian and Modern rugs so we can accommodate all tastes and styles, whether traditional or contemporary.  We believe no other local retailer offers the flooring choice we now have at Queenstreet, as well as the ability to choose furniture and beds at the same time all under one roof in a friendly and relaxed environment.”

www.queenstreet.co.uk

DEVON IN SIGHT MEMBERS ARE BOWLED OVER!

Devon in Sight (formerly known as Devon County Association for the Blind) is continuing its run of unusual activities for local visually impaired people with a successful game of bowls afternoon held at Topsham Bowling Club founded in 1928.

John Chamberlain participating in the day's event

Charity member Eric Greenaway who regularly visits the new Resource Centre based at Station House in Topsham was one of the first members to sign up to this event.  He says:  “I wish to thank Devon in Sight for organising an afternoon at the Topsham Bowls Club which I enjoyed immensely. I have watched Bowls on the television for many years and have always wished to have a go. Everyone was so kind and full of understanding; the instruction was excellent and I was able to settle down very quickly. I  returned home tired and with a few aches but so happy with the afternoon’s events and the wonderful people I met – it was great to live my dream at last.”

Keith Woolgar, Adrian Elson, Margaret Brealey and Eric Greenaway getting tips from
England bowls coach David Nicholls

Carol Horgan Topsham Bowling Club Secretary says: “We were delighted to be part of this wonderful series of activities for the visually impaired people in the local area.  Having smaller numbers at the first event worked very well as we could assist each person on a one to one basis. Everyone seemed to enjoy the experience and hopefully we can repeat the day at the beginning of next season, perhaps early on in May or at the end of April when the weather is usually quite good.”

The afternoon concluded with tea and cakes for the members to relax after their fun-filled afternoon.



Hilary and Keith Woolgar enjoying tea and cakes after the bowling session



The computer courses have also proved popular with the charity working in association with the British Computer Association for the Blind House under the EyeT4All programme.  The series of training sessions at Station House are designed to help participants with writing letters and emails; shopping; reading; entertainment and using the web.  The free workshops will run from 10 am – 3.30 pm with refreshments and lunch provided.  The Charity is asking for a small £3 contribution towards the refreshment cost.

A photography course is also commencing this autumn. The aim of the participatory photography workshops is to provide a means of empowerment and engagement to the service users of Devon in Sight by engaging them in creative photography workshops. 



To find out more about the activities or to book your place please telephone 01392 876666 or visit http://www.devoninsight.org.uk/