The Geopark

Geoparks, like National Parks, are special places that enrich our lives through their stunning natural landscapes and heritage. Specifically, they are sites recognised by UNESCO for their geological significance, and at the moment there are only 87 in the world, and only 8 in the UK and Ireland.

The English Riviera was designated a Geopark in 2007 due to its rich geological, historical and cultural heritage. Its geology has created the beautiful coastline we see today, which links the rich diversity of landscape with wildlife, people and culture. It is also the backdrop for a multitude of exciting sports and leisure activities that stem from the natural and marine environments. As the first urban Geopark in the world – that’s to say, others are in rural areas – the English Riviera has it all. Diving, sailing, kayaking, fishing, cycling, wild food and local crafts, plus plenty of beaches and a holiday atmosphere thrown in!

Geopark Discovery Packages

For those seeking to explore the Geopark, there are a number of exciting NEW packages that have been developed by the Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust.

1. Geopark Thrill Seekers

If you’re in search of an adrenalin rush there’s no better way to explore the Geopark coast than through this thrill seekers adventure! You’ll experience the exhilaration of coasteering with an experienced instructor, negotiating rugged coastlines, swimming across inlets, climbing on some of our spectacular cliffs and – for the more adventurous – taking part in adrenalin-fuelled jumps into deep water.

2. Canoe the Coves

Explore the coastline on this memorable canoe adventure – the perfect way to discover the Geopark’s stunning marine wildlife and geology. You’ll be kitted out and shown canoeing techniques by an experienced instructor, then take to the water and begin your sea voyage – accompanied by a marine ranger to help spot seals, dolphins and seabirds. We’ll stop in a secluded cove to enjoy a beach picnic and a brief rockpooling session.

3. The Geopark From Sea to Plate

Join Simon Hulstone, Head Chef of the Michelin-starred Elephant Restaurant, on this culinary journey from sea to plate. In the morning you’ll be taken out on a fishing boat to test your angling skills catching local mackerel. Later, you’ll visit the Elephant Restaurant to watch as Simon demonstrates cooking techniques and delicious masterpieces using local fish, before enjoying a two-course seafood lunch.

4. Mussels By Moonlight

Enjoy an unforgettable evening boat trip exploring the spectacular Geopark coastline with a marine ranger, while an expert chef cooks up delicious local mussels sourced from the Brixham Sea Farm. The mussels of Tor Bay are renowned for their quality and delicious flavour!

All the packages are organised by the Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust.

For the Free Spirits

All year round independent adventures – diving, sailing, kayaking, fishing, sight-seeing cruises, hiking, cycling and more – can be organised through a range of providers that hire equipment and offer adventure breaks. Information can be found on the Geopark Leaflet produced by the ERTC.

Geopark Gateway Sites

For an in-depth understanding and appreciation of just what the Geopark is all about, visitors can go to one of the four key gateway sites. These are:

- Kents Cavern: Devon’s most ancient secret! One of the most important Stone Age cave sites in Europe and the Ice Age home of Britain’s earliest humans. www.kents-cavern.co.uk Tel: 01803 215136

- The Seashore Centre: A great place to explore the coastal life of the English Riviera Geopark! www.countryside-trust.org.uk Tel: 01803 528841

- Berry Head National Nature Reserve: An internationally-acclaimed heritage site, home to a fascinating array of wildlife and history.  www.berryhead.org.uk Tel: 01803 882619

- Royal Terrace Gardens and Rock Walk: Landscaped gardens on the side of the cliff face with stunning views out to sea, newly-restored in 2010 and featuring a magnificent illuminated staircase.

Other Sites of Interest

There are a number of other key sites linked with the Geopark: Occombe Farm, Cockington Court, Torquay Museum, and Brixham Heritage Museum.

Festivities

Every May/June the English Riviera hosts the Geopark Festival, a celebration of all things Geopark. More information on the events is available online at www.englishriviera.co.uk.

English Riviera Tourism Company Welcomes Journalists

We host a number of familiarisation visits throughout the year and tailor each itinerary to suit your perfect story. We are always happy to welcome journalists to the English Riviera, if you are interested in visiting please contact:

Lydia Stone
e-mail: lydia.stone@englishriviera.co.uk
Telephone: 01803 408346

Launched in October 2010 the ERTC is a new private sector led public/private tourism partnership leading on the official promotion of the English Riviera as a leading UK resort and overseeing the effective delivery of the 2010-2015 Turning the Tide for Tourism in Torbay Strategy.  To download a copy of the strategy please visit: www.englishriviera.co.uk/ertc Please note that the ERTC is a company controlled by the council of the borough of Torbay.

A bright crisp Sunday lunch time beckons and with great anticipation this edition’s local review is of the multi talented, highly acclaimed acoustic duo, The Mafia Babies!

Mafia Babies are Christian Pitocco – Vocals – Rhythm guitar and Jonathan Lee – Lead and Rhythm guitar, Logarythm Stompbox, and Backing Vocals. Over the years these guys have gained the reputation as being one of South Devon’s premier acts. I wasn’t going to look at this review as an opportunity to state the obvious but seeing these guys in a laid back different environment got me curious to see if they could rise to every occasion.

As you can appreciate a Sunday afternoon set list is going to differ greatly from a jumping Saturday night. That is one of the real great advantages of acoustic music, there is a lot of versatility to be had but the right feel and song choices are essential not too dissimilar in painting a picture – light and shade and different moods very rarely work out of their comfort zone. In reality a quiet acoustic gig hunting for the mood is as ever challenging as entertaining a pub packed full of people. Also the softer more attentive songs make a band a lot more exposed and vulnerable, even to the most avid listener.

The first thing that struck me was the sheer level of ability and talent that these guys have.

The set list was very well chosen and well delivered and effortlessly blended into the panoramic views this venue has to offer.

Classics like Rod Stewarts ‘Handbags & Gladrags’ and Newton Faulkners ‘People Should Smile More’ gently filled the room.

They also did fantastic versions of Marvin Gaye’s ‘Heard it through the Grapevine’ and Al Greens ‘Let’s Stay Together’. The set was very played down, very methodical and very relaxed which just goes to show their versatility.

Capturing the art to create music to complement the moment is an incredibly difficult thing to do yet these guys delivered exactly what was needed effortlessly. The singing and harmonies were soulful yet powerful and the playing was to a level very
few local musicians seldom do achieve. For any local musicians aspiring to get to their level it wouldn’t do any harm in watching how these guys just melt into a collage of meaningful sound. The Mafia Babies are one of the most hard working acoustic duos around in the South Devon area. They have been playing together for the past 5 years and they are available for pub gigs, private parties, weddings and in short whatever occasion you would like!

I would highly recommend these guys if you appreciate a high calibre of music and also equally to any aspiring musicians who want to up their game!

14th February 2012 from 7pm onwards

Delicious Three Course Dinner
Plus Coffee and Mints

Starter
Parma Ham & Melon
served with a garnish
Tartlet of Goats Cheese, Pepper & Pine Kernels
served with a salad garnish
Roast Chicken & Stuffing Terrine
served with red onion marmalade & melba toast

Main
Confit of Duck in a Red Wine Jus
served with duchess potatoes & green beans & bacon
Sea Bass with a Prawn & White Wine Sauce
served with duchess potatoes & green beans
Feta Cheese, Wild Mushroom & Spinach Cannelloni
served with parmesan shavings & a rocket salad

Desserts
Rich Chocolate Mousse
served with passion fruit sauce & raspberries
Sweet Waffle, Bananas & Brandy Toffee Sauce
served & vanilla ice cream
Cheese Board
served with biscuits, grapes & chutney

And fabulous entertainment with James & Murphy

£25 per person
Open to non-residents for this event

Please contact Vicki on: 01803 559682

A.J’s BIG BAND – SWING CLASSICS WITH MEMORIES OF MILLER

 In 1983 Devon based A.J’s Big Band was chosen to play the on stage role of the Glenn Miller Orchestra in Little Brown Jug, a premiere at the Northcott Theatre. Exeter. This show, based on the last few weeks of Glenn Miller’s life, proved so popular that its run was extended. Twenty eight years later and the 17 piece is still performing across the West Country and beyond.

 Over the years the band’s repertoire of swing music from the late Thirties and Forties has extended to include more modern pieces – a format which has met with approval from enthusiastic audiences and particularly from young people who rarely have the opportunity to hear big band music live on stage.

 Glenn Miller’s compositions, with their unique sound, remain firm favourites. This year’s concert programme will feature a comprehensive set of these evergreens such as Moonlight Serenade, In the Mood, Little Brown Jug and Perfidia. Miller’s popular vocal harmony numbers are not forgotten and the band’s singers will reprise Don’t Sit Under The Apple Tree, Elmers Tune and Chatanooga Choo Choo. At Last, the late Etta James hit, will feature A.J’s outstanding vocalist Paula Mitchell with her superb range of ballads and up tempo numbers.

 This is an unmissable evening of top quality swing and jazz from a band that always delivers a show rich in entertainment value.

 Contact – G. Bess 01392 411194.

You can see AJ’s Big Band perform on the following dates

Manor Pavilion Sidmouth, Friday 9th March 7.30 p.m. A.J’s Big Band. Ticket £13.50p. Box office 01395 514413.

 Carlton Theatre, Teignmouth, Saturday 3rd March 7.30 p.m. A.J’s Big Band. Ticket £13.50p. Box office 01626 879944

Exposed In The Light Tour 2012

THE SUNDAY TIMES described them as “the best tribute band in the world” and Floyd drummer Nick Mason has gone on record as saying that “they probably do Floyd better than we do”.

TRIBUTE band extraordinaire The Australian Pink Floyd Show, whose skill at their renditions of Floyd classics led to them being the band chosen by Floyd guitarist David Gilmour to play at his 50th birthday party, is touring the country again
with an updated show.

Their sound is uncannily like the original band and during a concert, if you close your eyes, you could easily believe that they were the originals.

But it’s best not to close your eyes though, as like the band they so faithfully reproduce, they have a light show that is second to none, with not just lasers, but massive inflatables making their shows a treat for all the senses.

It helps that all the band are Pink Floyd fans, and some of the backroom team behind the Aussie Floyd Show – or TAPFS as the name is usually shortened to – worked behind the scenes for Pink Floyd themselves!

One such veteran is Front of House Engineer Colin Norfield, who is controlling the state-of-the-art sound and light system.

The band is renowned for pushing the boundaries both sonically and visually and last year they introduced 3D visuals to augment the songs.

“They actually went very well,” says keyboard player and founder-member Jason Sawford.

“OK, they were a bit of an experiment, but it was pretty successful. Definitely a ‘Floydy thing to do.”

Jason, relaxing in Wroclaw, just before the Polish leg of the ‘Exposed In The Light’ tour (with the name taken from a line of the lyrics in the song ‘Shine On You Crazy Diamond’ says.

“We’ve just arrived here from the Czech Republic and so far the tour is going well. From Poland we go to France, Germany, Holland, Ireland and then the UK.”

The band, which was originally formed in 1988 in Melbourne, still has two of the original members in Jason and guitarist/vocalist Steve Mac, explains that they constantly update the show.

“Well, this year we have more video material with some psychedelic themes, a redesigned light show, the inflatables and quadraphonic ‘surround’ sound; all of which is controlled by Colin Norfield, who handled Pink Floyd’s ‘Division Bell’ tour.

From humble beginnings in Australia, TAPFS has become a worldwide phenomenon, with ticket sales of over three million.

Bassist Colin Wilson, who joined the band in 1992 states, “For us, of course, the music has always come first. We like to breathe life into some material that would otherwise not get heard.”

During last years’ tour, they did indeed cover some lesser known tracks including ‘Dogs’ from the ‘Animals’ album.

“Yes,” agrees Jason, his once strong Australian accent now almost non-existent. “We’re still doing some older tunes, but a different selection exploring the psychedelic, space-rock side of Floyd.”

“We are doing ‘Set The Controls For The Heart of the Sun’ and a newer version of ‘Astronomy Domine’ and from ‘Animals’ we’ve got ‘Pigs’ and ‘Sheep’.

“Also, we’ve got a few references to Syd Barratt (the genius behind the early Floyd whose reliance on drugs led to him being sensationally sacked by the band).”

The boys from Oz are not forgetting the best-known songs though.

“No, we are doing a fair selection from ‘Dark Side of the Moon’ with songs like ‘Time’, ‘Money’ and ‘Us and Them’ plus ‘Shine On You Crazy Diamond’ and ‘Within The Flesh’”.

Also, for this tour, they have a special guest. Singer Lorelei McBroom will be joining the band on stage. Lorelei toured as a backing vocalist with Pink Floyd on their ‘Momentary Lapse of Reason’ and ‘Delicate Sound of Thunder’ tours.

“It’s quite an honour to have Lorelei with us,” Jason tells me.

“It makes for a spectacular performance of ‘Great Gig in the Sky’ and she has been telling us stories about Floyd.”

There’s been a few new faces in TAPFS recently.

“That’s right,” says Jason, “And they’ve all been doing nvery well.”

“David Domminney Fowler on guitar in particular. He’s a great asset and also helps out behind the scenes.”

Some of the venues on the tour are in theatres and some in arenas, but apparently the size of the venue doesn’t detract from the shows.

“No,” asserts Jason, “We have a capable crew who can get as much of the show in as possible. All that may happen is that we might not be able to fit all the inflatables in at some of the smaller venues.”

He continues, “However, we should be able to get all the lights and lasers in – plus the smaller places are a bit more intimate.”

“We try not to alter the show too much.” He reassures me.

But what happens nest? They seem to have now out Floyded Floyd in almost every aspect of the show.

“There’s always the problem of what to do next,” says Jason.

“We could perhaps pay tribute to another album like we did with ‘Dark Side’ a few years ago; we could do different themes – say the Syd Barratt years et cetera.”

“Our plans vary from year to year, but for this year we are looking at doing some summer shows, plus we hope to do a lot more in America; we had a very successful tour there in 2011 and we are going back later this year.”

“And we are taking footage during the tour and we hope to put together a documentary DVD.”

The Australian Pink Floyd Show will be performing Pink Floyd’s classic songs, at the Plymouth Pavilions on Tuesday 27th March. Tickets are priced at £29.50 (subject to a booking fee) and are available from the Box Office and all the usual agencies.

Written by Martin Hutchinson.

For more information and to book tickets for Plymouth Pavilions contact the box office 0845 1461460 or check the website www.plymouthpavilions.com

For more information and tickets for other tour dates check their website www.aussiefloyd.com

The 21st Century Business – Tuesday 7th &Wednesday 8th February
Web Fuelled Business, is a programme of free events across England designed to help support small businesses by offering advice on how to leverage the internet to its fullest potential. There are only 300 spaces at these exclusive events, so register now to secure your place. For more information about the event visit www.yellwebfuelledbusiness.co.uk

WABBA Fitness Instructor Course - Monday 6th to Friday 10th and 13th to Friday 17th February
In FebruaryWABBA (the world governing body for weight training instructors) will be running a week long course to achieve a Fitness Instructor Training Qualification. For more information contact Alan Runacres at alan@wabba.co.uk or 08450 941941.

TorbayWine GuildWine Tasting – Tuesday 7th February & 6th March, 7pm
Join the TorbayWine Guild for their monthly wine tasting event. For further information please
contact either Philip Redhead on 01803 607586.

Herald Express South Devon Business Excellence Awards – Friday 10th February, 6:30pm
The Herald Express South Devon Business Excellence Awards will celebrate successful businesses in Torbay, Teignbridge and the South Hams who have achieved exceptional results. Tables of 10 or individual seats can be purchased at a rate of £50+ VAT per ticket or £450 + VAT for a table. For enquiries please contact Sharon Jordain on 01803 676 722, email sjordain@heraldexpress.co.uk.

Valentine’s Theme Night – Saturday 11th February, bookings from 6:30pm
Treat your loved one to 3 deliciously romantic courses for just £20. To view the menu visit: www.rivieracentre.co.uk/events/144. To book call 01803 206337

4N Networking – Tues 14th & 28th Feb & Tues 13th & 27th March, 8am to 10am
Join 4Networking for an effective opportunity to meet new local business contacts and of course enjoy a delicious breakfast. You may visit this 4Networking group up to 3 times before joining as a member. For more information or to book visit
www.4networking.biz/Events/Group/Torquay.

Torbay Schools’ Festival of Performing Arts – 23rd, 27th, 28th, 29th Feb & 1st March
The festival is organised by Torbay Academy of Performing Arts (TAPA) with support from local Businesses. For more information please contact ColinWaller on 01803 208917 or email
tapa@torbay.gov.uk.

Majestic Tours Choir Festival – Saturday 25th February & Saturday 3rd March, 11am to Midnight
Majestic Tours will once again be holding their annual Choir Festival at the Riviera Centre. For moreInformation and details on how to book, please contact Majestic Tours on 01626 770246.

Christian Talk Group – Weds 29th FebWeds 28th March, 9:30am to 11:30am
The Christian Talk Group takes place on the lastWednesday of every month at the Riviera Centre between
9:30am and 11:30am. The sessions are as much of a social and friendship group as it is a Christian group.
The sessions are free and anybody and everybody is welcome. For information please telephone Ken
Harris on 07833 637950.

Civic Charity Mad Hatter Gala Night – Friday 2nd March, 7:15pm to 1am
Join the Civic Charity for a night to remember with drinks Reception followed by a 3 course meal and dancing to Jubilee. Tickets cost £28.50. To purchase tickets call Anne Mulholland on 01803 207025 or email anne.mulholland@torbay.gov.uk. Prizes will be awarded for the best ‘Mad hat’, fascinator or head attire!

Sally Morgan On the Road – Thursday 8th March, 7:30pm
Celebrity Psychic Sally Morgan will be re-appearing at the Riviera Centre in March 2012 following her sell-out performance earlier this year. Tickets are £25 which includes a £1.50 booking fee. Tickets are available from the Riviera Centre Box Office on 01803 206333.

The South Devon Business and Tourism Exhibition 2012 – Thursday 15th March, 10am to 4pm
This event provides businesses and accommodation providers with the networking highlight of the year.
There will be over 75 Businesses exhibiting so this presents a great opportunity to meet local attractions and collect this year’s vouchers. To register as a visitor or download an exhibition booking form please visit: www.rivieracentre.co.uk/events/6. For more information contact Jenny Thompson: jthompson@ricc.co.uk / 01803 206307.

St Patrick’s Night Theme Night – Sat 17th March, bookings from 6:30pm
Celebrate all things Irish and join the Bay Brasserie for 3 deliciously authentic Irish courses accompanied by Irish music and decorations for just £20pp. To view the menu visit: www.rivieracentre.co.uk/events/153. To book call 01803 206337.

Mothers Day Sunday Lunch – Sun 18th March, bookings from midday to 3:30pm
Treat that special lady in your life to a leisurely afternoon Sunday Lunch. 4 courses followed by freshly brewed coffee with petit fours for £18.95, Children £10. To see the menu visit: www.rivieracentre.co.uk/events/14 Booking essential, call 01803 206337 to reserve a table.

McFly – Up Close and Personal Tour – Sunday 25th March
Make a date to see McFly on Sunday 25th March when they visit the Riviera Centre as part of their Up Close And Personal UK tour. Tickets are £27.50 + £3 booking fee per ticket. To book tickets call the Box Office on 01803 206 333. (Under 14′s must be accompanied by an Adult.)