Autumn is for Apples: Killerton Apple & Cider Festival Rings in the Season

Exeter's local National Trust property, Killerton House, is ringing in the harvest with their annual Apple and Cider Festival. On Saturday 18 & Sunday 19 October, visitors to their Sparrow Park orchard will be treated to food, drink, song, and yarn bombing at their annual event.

Along with the cider festival, they're laying on a hog roast, morris dancers, live bands, a magician, wood crafts, archery, cycle tours, cider press demonstrations and more. Not to mention the fact that it's all going to look blooming magical with all the leaves changing colours.

This epically autumnal event is in honour of National Apple Day and Killerton's truly epic apple collection. With over 500 acres of traditionally managed orchards on the Killerton estate, they are growing 100 varieties of old English apple including the Killerton Sweet and Killerton Sharp which originate there. Killerton's wardens and volunteers produced an award-winning cider using a 200 year old farm press, as well as apple juice, apple chutney and orchard honey. And because they use traditional methods, the apples are grown without any chemicals, fertilisers or pesticides.

I was lucky enough to get a hold of a box full of some of their summer harvest and have been whipping up a few recipes to countdown to the event and celebrate this fabulous fruit. In the weeks to come, I will be sharing them here on the blog, so keep an eye out for tastiness.

Film, Food, Fun & Frolics at The Globe's Blues Brothers Night

This Thursday, 30 Jan, Newtown will be abuzz with a night of Blues Brothers booze, food, music and a little bit of fancy dress when the Reel Collective kick off their brand new night at the Globe with a Blues Brothers party to make James & Elwood proud. I caught up with Andy at The Globe to get the scoop on what's in store.

So who are the Reel Collective? 

The Reel Collective is made up of Sal Hughes, Ali Pym, Ben Rothwell and Andy Miller. Sal works as a media lecturer at South Devon College and also co-hosts Ben and Sally's Film Show on Phonic FM. Ali is also a lecturer in media and film at Exeter College. Ben works at The Picturehouse in Exeter and as a projectionist, and is the other half of Ben and Sally's Film Show. Andy is co-owner at The Globe in Exeter. This collaboration came about through a shared passion for classic films, community engagement, coupled with having a bit of fun. 

What can we expect on the night? 

The first Reel Collective night is on Thursday the 30th of January with a screening of the cult classic, The Blues Brothers. This won't be your ordinary screening, the upstairs room will be lovingly decorated in a Blues Brother's style. A vegetarian friendly supper is included as part of the ticket price, as is post-movie dancing with soul, swing and Motown classics being lined up on the house record deck. If you're thinking of coming along, don your shades, pork pie hats, and anything else that gives a nod to the era and in particular the movie narrative itself. 

You guys have done a great job revitalizing the pub and giving it a welcoming & modern feel. This is should be a fun start to the new year, what else have you got in mind for 2014?

Thanks, that's really kind of you to say. 2014 is looking good already with lots of projects on the cards right from the word go. We aim to run the Reel Collective nights on a bi-monthly basis. We will be serving food for the first time within the next few weeks, which is very exciting, as the kitchen refit has taken much longer than we first anticipated. Live music will still be a major feature on the landscape at The Globe going forwards, with some exciting new nights in the offing. We plan on utilising the upstairs bar space a lot more going forwards, again we will be posting any new developments on our Facebook page - keep your eyes peeled for those in the next couple of months.

Source: black.zack00

Weekend Playlist: Exeter Gigs & Raves

The city is alive this weekend with all kinds of music. Feast your ears on this fine selection on gigs and happenings.

Friday

Indie band, The Raptors will be launching their new EP at the Exeter Phoenix's 'New Sounds' night. Drop in to rock out The Raptors, Foot-Joy, and the New Lights. Free from 8pm.


Dorset band The Devils Rejects, will be burning up the stage at The Firehouse on Friday night. Normal start is about 10pm. £1 entry, delicious pizzas, ales and ciders to be had.


Late night DJ mecca, Cellar Door will be bring the funk with their new Friday night jam, Fly Society. We're talkin' garage, hip hop, DnB, house and all out party tunes from 10-3 for £3 on the door.

Saturday

Adam Sweet, is easily one of Exeter's premiere acoustic blues men and you can catch this long legged crooner on Saturday afternoon at Evolution Cafe on Fore Street from about 1pm.



Rufiji's parties are kind of legendary. They raise money for an Africa village and generally blow the roof off wherever they go. Saturday the will be joined by up and coming indie act The Beacons, for fun and frolics at the Exeter Phoenix. £8 from 8pm.

Sunday

Wicked awesome Americana band Cut Purse Rascals will be launching their new EP at the Bike Shed on Sunday. They've got a great sound and a vintage style, should be a perfect Bike Shed evening.

Raise your glass to the 25th Annual Exeter Festival of Winter Ales!

Pint of the local please!

Exeter's local CAMRA will be celebrating quarter century of awesomeness today when they open the doors to the 25th Exeter & East Devon Festival of Winter Ales at St James Park today. If you're wondering whether they're serious about it, we're talking 66 delicious winter ales, 12 refreshing real ciders, and Ginger Ale for good measure.

I went last year and the year before, and was delighted on both occasions. There is great representation from local breweries like the Otter, Exeter, Exe Valley and Driftwood breweries, as well as some northerners from Somerset and beyond.

If you go along, expect a casual, friendly atmosphere and a lot of very merry people. They open at 11 on Friday and Saturday. Last year they had 1800 visitors and in the past they've sold out(!) so grab a glass and get down there if you can.

Couple jars from last year's Festival

Speaking out for Exeter, Together

Cllr Richard Westlake, TOSFOR's Nazima Khan, MP Ben Bradshaw
and myself at Ben's recent Multicultural Lunch event

Exeter is a city that is home to a beautiful purpose built mosque, one of the country's oldest synagogues, a Sikh Temple, a number of restaurants and business serving our large Chinese student population and one of the South West's largest annual celebrations of diversity. I have friends here from all corners of England, Scotland, and Wales, as well as the Ivory Coast, Hong Kong, Palestine, Lebanon, Poland, Iran, Egypt, Germany, Venezuela, Mexico, Columbia, Kenya, South Africa, Malawi, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Italy, Brazil and France...to name but a few. Our city celebrates Diwali, Chinese New Year and Dia De Los Muertos, alongside Christmas, St George's Day, and our local Llamas Day traditions. It's part of who we are. It's part of what makes our city a great.

On Saturday, 16 November, Exeter will stand up for the diversity that has shaped our city for hundreds of years and will stand against a visiting contingent from the EDL. In 2011, the last time the EDL held a 'march' in Exeter, their half dozen members left with tails between their legs because they were met with about 300 people from all different backgrounds reveling in their rights to revel with whomever they chose! For Round Two, the fine folks from Exeter Together will be standing together for what we believe in with colourful English Disco Lovers style counter protest. I spoke with long time activist and Exeter Together rep, Lizi Allnatt about plans for the day.

Who is Exeter Together?

We are an umbrella group of lots of local organisations such as faith and political groups and trade unions, Woodcraft Folk and Exeter Unite Against Fascism.   

Why are you demonstrating?

We are demonstrating because the English Defence League have decided to call a national demonstration in Exeter on Nov 16th. This is the first time the EDL have called a national demonstration here.  

What have you got planned?

Initially we wrote a statement which condemned the EDL and called for people to support an alternative event on the 16th Nov. So far over 80 local organisations have signed the statement and nearly 500 individuals. We have asked people to join with us and celebrate the diversity our beautiful city has. On Nov 16th we are marching from Belmont Park to Bedford Square and holding a rally in the centre of town. We have invited dancers and singers and poets to perform and there will be family friendly activities available.  We hope that our event will be loud and proud and colourful. The police have assured us that our route does not clash with any plans the EDL may have so we really hope families will join us for the event.

Why is it important?

We believe it is important to have an alternative demo to show that the EDL are not speaking for the people of Exeter when they claim that they are coming to claim back Exeter because it is being over run by Muslims both at the University and the city. They spend their time making racist Islamophobic comments/threats on their  Facebook pages. Even Tommy Robinson their old leader admitted recently that the organisation is riddled with racists and fascists. We do not want these people to march around Exeter without an alternative view being shown. They do not really seem to know why they are marching here, however we fear that unchallenged views like those of the EDL can grow and spread fear and hatred and divide a community.


Come along to the Exeter Together march on 16 Nov at 1030, starting at Belmont Park, Exeter.

Exeter Big Screen at the Park 2013 listings announced!

The good folks at the Exeter Phoenix have really outdone themselves this year with the lineup for the 2013 Big Screen in the Park at Northernhay Gardens. One absolute classic, one total legend, a masterpiece and a visual feast? There will be much popcorn eating methinks.

If you've never been before, the way that it works is for 4 days every summer, they put a...big screen...in the park....and everyone comes along with a picnic and enjoys the show. It's brilliant. It used to be free but they sell tickets now at a reasonable £3 per film so that they can afford to do it again next year.  Shows start at 9pm and it's just lovely to cozy up with your sweetheart and a film as the sunsets.

Envelope please. And the nominees for best Devon hillside picture show are....

The Goonies on Weds 14 Aug

Poster by Brickhut

Skyfall on Thurs 15 Aug

Poster by Jack Woodhams

Life of Pi on Fri 16 Aug

Poster by Chungkong

The Great Gatsby on Sat 17 Aug

Poster by Tiffany Chen

Meet me Halfway: My Year in Exeter So Far

It's hard to believe that Summer Solstice has come and gone. That the long dark, cold, wet winter which started back in March 2012 and only relented at the end of May 2013 will soon be making it's approach. Today, the longest day of the year and midpoint of our annual orbit of the sun, I reckon is a good time to take stock and look back on what I did with the whole first half of the year.

NYE 2013

I was lucky enough to spend NYE at The Grapevine in Exmouth with my band Lazy Lizard. Wearing a carnival head dress and a brand new frock from Exeter's best dress shop, Off The Hook, we had an amazing night and I was feeling pretty good.

Exeter CAMRA Festival of Winter Ales

This is one of my favourite annual Exeter events. More than 60 amazing real ales on tap at this fabulous beer festival run by our local chapter of CAMRA every January. If you're a fan of real ales in Exeter it is a must do. If you're a local you are certain to find someone that you know there toasting a pint so you can raise a raiding party or just bowl up on your own and you're guaranteed a good time. I've been twice now and it's always full of friendly people and of course, delicious ales, ciders and even a few ginger beers.

Artist Michael Buckland

I met London born, Exmouth based, artist Michael Buckland one evening whilst checking out Melosa that The Grapevine in Exmouth. Tucked away in a corner, I could see him taking in the surroundings and scribbling way in his note pad. As he got up to leave I got a sneak peak at the drawing he'd done of  our table of friends an was in awe of how much detail he'd captured such a short time. A few weeks later he popped up on my Facebook and somehow we arranged for me to sit for a portrait. I was honoured. Such a lovely experience.

Tony Law at Exeter Phoenix

Irreverent, surreal and joyful Canadian comedian Tony Law played his first show at the Exeter Phoenix back in February. It was brilliant. He's amazing. I'm not telling you anything more about he elephants though.

Telling Our Stories, Finding Our Roots at RAMM

As part of Telling Our Stories, Finding Our Roots, I have been researching the history of black American GIs who were based in Exeter during WWII. It has been a fascinating journey that has taught me so much about England, American, historic and current attitudes to race, my family, my culture, and my city. There are lots of different elements to the project. Interviews, research and storytelling will help us to present a website, school materials, and even a guided tour to the wider public, helping to spread the word about some of Exeter's multicultural histories. In March we did our first storytelling evening at RAMM to an audience of more than 100 people. Everyone in our volunteer group and from the Global Centre, worked so hard to make it happen.

Exeter Pride at Exeter Phoenix

Exeter Pride has been going for a few years now and there are so many brilliant people working to make it on of the best pride celebrations in the South West. My band, Lazy Lizard, played at the March 2013 post parade party and it was oh so much fun. There was a conga line during our set and more importantly I got to wear the shiniest dress I could find from Jane Norman.

History of Exeter's Black GIs

In April, the Global Centre hosted a book launch for Marika Sherwood's latest title 'World War II: Colonies & Colonials'.  I was honoured to be asked to speak alongside this marvelously inspiring woman. She is a prolific writer and historian who's explored all aspects of BME history in Great Britain and subverted histories around the world. Her latest title is one of more than 50 publications that she's penned and is a must read.

Exeter Respect Festival

Exeter Respect Festival 2013 was just brilliant. The weather was fabulous and they organisers really worked hard to use every possible resource to put on what is probably the city's largest annual event. Bringing together live music, community groups, faith groups, and local businesses, it was a great celebration of the diversity and energy of our city. I was lucky enough to participate as a performer with my hip hop group The Bitterati on the PhonicFM stage and event more randomly, we were on ITV Westcountry!

Photo by Clive Chilvers

Cheers to all my Exeter friends and neighbours for making this a great year so far!

Telling Our Stories, Finding Our Roots Story Telling Evening at Exeter Phoenix

Story Teller Sandhya Dave 

Hot on the heels of a fully booked spring performance at RAMM, Telling Our Stories, Finding Our Roots, presents an evening of storytelling, inspired by new historical research into Exeter's multicultural history, on Wednesday 5 June at the  Exeter Phoenix  for the 2013 Exeter Ignite Theatre festival. Rich story-telling, music and verse bring a new multi-cultural perspective to Exeter’s history in a special performance.

Expect an evening of traditional tales mixed with original stories of people from around the world, moving to, living in and affecting lives in Exeter. Hosted by story-teller Sandhya Dave and local historian Lucy MacKeith, Telling Our Stories' volunteer team will present stories of Black GIs in St Thomas, Exeter's Jewish History, tales of slavery, abolition and more.

In this special performance for Exeter's Ignite Theatre Festival, the Telling Our Stories, Finding Our Roots collection of stories takes inspiration from new research uncovering Exeter's diverse past. Part of a year long Heritage Lottery Funded project, the 5 June event follows hot on the heels of a fully booked storytelling evening at the RAMM earlier this spring and will give insight into just a few of the human stories revealed in more than 20 different research inquiries and interviews with modern day Exeter residents from a wide range of cultural backgrounds. 

The stories will include pieces that bring new perspectives to the Royal Albert Memorial Museum's Collections and local stately homes. How did war time Exeter respond to a US Army presence that kept black and white GIs separated on the city's streets? Hear tales of Exeter's Jewish community in the Middle Ages and today. Discover how Exeter's residents were affected by slavery and abolition. What happened when Tennessee's Fisk Singers Jubilee Singers arrived in Victorian Exeter and more.

Telling Our Stories, Finding Our Roots, £6/£4, at Exeter Phoenix on Wednesday 5 June at 7:30pm for more information visit www.exeterphoenix.co.uk

Stand-Up For Human Rights Night at Matthews Hall on Friday 26 October

Carrying on Amnesty International's great tradition of the Secret Policeman's Ball, Award winning comedianne Rosie Wilby will headline a comedy night in aid of Exeter's branch of Amnesty International at Matthew's Hall in Topsham on Friday 26 October.

Wilby tops an bill of all female acts with Julie Jepson and duo O'Shea & Ogilvie in tow. Hot off a well received stint at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival with her show, 'How not to make it in Britpop', Rosie Wilby is known for weaving jokes in with interactive elements and music for a show that's sure to keep everyone in stiches. Brighton native Julie Jepson is currently touring her 'Personal Triumph' show and is know for comedy that is thought provoking and personable. And you might recognise O'Shea & Ogilvie from this year's Ignigte Festival or from a recent stint at the Cygnet Theatre where they brought their special brand of sketch comedy to our fair city.  Looks like a wicked line up so I think thinks people of Topsham are in for a treat!

The night wouldn't be complete of course without a raffle & great prizes to be won, a few rounds of "Irish"  bingo, and a licensed bar .Tickets £10 are available at the Topsham Bookshop on Topsham High Street, or alternatively via comedystandupforhumanrights@gmail.com. The venue, Matthew's Hall, Fore Street, Topsham, holds an audience of 170 seated around tables of 8 (cabaret style) and the fun starts at 7.30.

Best of Exeter's Jubilee Events

Exeter Cathedral from Princesshay

There is bunting absolutey everywhere and enough union jacks to make your eyes blurry, but it's finally here, the bank holiday we've all been waiting for, The Queen's Diamond Jubilee! Royalists and Republicans alike will no doubt be enjoying the extra few hours in bed, an absurd amout of cake and, fingers crossed, some good weather in Exeter. Though it's tempting to spend the weekend in bed, there are lots of great events around town this weekend, so grab a hat, put on your red, white & blue and go meet the neighbours.

Source: Radio Exe

Exeter Respect Festival @ Belmont Park, Saturday 2 & Sunday 3 June
The Respect Festival has come a very long way in just a few short years. From humble beginnings at the Exeter Phoenix to a regular Playday in the Park, to Exeter's biggest outdoor music event of the year. I am lucky enough to be part of two local bands that are playing on each day - The Bitterati on Satruday and Stalie & Knight on Sunday -  and there are lots of other awesome groups, dance troops, tasty food, community projects, arts and crafts there too. I'm particularly looking forward to seeing, Laid Blak, NUMB and Dakar Audio Club.

Crickey Queenie It's Vintage @ Exeter Thistle Hotel, Saturday 02 June, 10.30 - 4pm, £2

For their 1940's inspired vintage fair you can expect a host of delightful retro goodies with crafts, music, make up and more. Back in the day delights will include a vintage tea dance with Company B and DJ Louie Louie to complete with dance floor!  A raffle to help raise money for TheWomen's Land Army Tribute charity. Not to mention over 50+ stall holders of vintage and handmade goodies, new sellers added everytime, as well as the good old favourites! Two vintage fashion, Pop up beauty parlour, Retro photo-booth,  Make & take sessions with La di da presents The Sewing Sanctuary, and Rivka's fantastic fascinator workshop.

Lord Mayor's Street Party @ Exeter Guildhall, Sunday 03 June at 1:30pm
Pary frocks on! Hats at the ready! It's party time! The Lord Mayor accompanied by the Lady Mayoress, Deputy Lord Mayor & Deputy Lord Mayoress will host  a Diamond Jubilee Celebration Tea Party for local children in front of the Guildhall.

Source: Kim of the Topsham Food Festival

Topham Food Festival @ Topsham High Street, Saturday  to Sunday 3 June
Food music, and events, Topsham is readying itself for fabulous long weekend with their Topsham Food Festival. The centre piece of Topsham's Jubilee event will be 'Nello's Longest Table' taking over Fore Street from 2pm on Sunday where visitors will be able to enjoy communal meals of local and locally sourced food and drink in a unique atomsphere of community and interantional friendship. If you can't make in on the Sunday, be sure to tune into the live broadcast on Radio Exe 107.3 FM.

Jubilee Party on the Green @ QEII (formerly Wonford Playing Fields), Saturday 3pm
The Wonford Jubilee Celebrations Party on the Green will take over the newly named Queen Elizabeth II Playing Fields with a fun day will be officially opened by deputy Lord Mayor, Cllr Percy Prowse. Attractions will include a dog show, fairground rides, a bouncy castle, strong-man competition and a tug of war between local pubs. At 7.30pm, a major city-wide talent show, Youth Factor, will be held at Wonford Community Centre. A firework display will round-off the celebrations at the playing fields at 10pm.

Souce: National Trust

Last night at the Proms @ Killerton House, Monday 4 June
Celebrate the Jubilee in style and join us for this family concert in the park. Bring rugs and flags and enjoy a summer evening with one of the South West's premier brass bands.Adult £15, child £5, family £35. Call 0844 249 1895 to book or buy your tickets online.