Peoples Republic of South Devon

Regional development

posted by Cptn

Did you know that the consultation of Sub National Review of Economic Development and Regeneration was published today?

No? Well apparently it’s a “critically important document”, according the Colin Molton, deputy chief executive of the South West RDA. Then follows a lot of words about removing barriers to growth, real and long-term benefits and integrated blue prints.

But I think it’s summed up with Colin’s comments: “We continue to support an effective scrutiny process but are keen that the practical arrangements do not divert valuable resource away from delivery. In line with this, we believe it important to safeguard the commercial and long-term approach we bring to the region’s economic development.

“All in all, we welcome the review’s confirmation of the RDA’s important role in economic development.”

Indeed.

March 31st, 2008

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Calling all artists in Exeter

posted by Cptn

The Exeter Open Studios artists meeting will take place on at Exeter Art Spaces, 4 Red Lion Lane on Wednesday, April 2 at 7pm.

Last year’s event was a right success and rip-roaring fun to boot.

If you’d like to get involved in a super weekend of open studios then pop along, or, if you can’t make it and would like to express an interest – or for just more information – get in touch with Liz Harkman on 01392 265208 or email exeteropenstudios@exeter.gov.uk

There’s a bit more info and something on last year’s artists on the Exeter Open Studios page.

Or have a listen to an interview with Sonia Kemp on the eve of last year’s event (whose work is featured above).

March 31st, 2008

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Pass delays

posted by Cptn

If you’re looking forward to your concessionary bus pass plopping through the door tomorrow (April 1), then you’re going to be disappointed.

But despite the delays to the passes for the scheme, Devon councils have teamed up to provide an interim solution – those with Around Torbay and Devonwide passes can travel free on the buses throughout Devon and Cornwall.

‘This temporary facility will be available up to, and including, Sunday 13 April, by which time it is expected that people whose national bus pass has been ordered will have received it,’ says the press release, which goes on to explain: ‘The new national bus passes will enable anyone aged 60 or over, and people who qualify through disability, to travel anywhere in England on local bus services free of charge from 9.30am to 11pm on Mondays to Fridays, and at any time at weekends and on Bank Holidays.’

Oh, and the councils would also like it know that the delays are nothing to do with them.

(Cue joke about four arriving at once… not.)

March 31st, 2008

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Bush craft

posted by Cptn

Artist Martin Bush got in touch to ask people to spend this and any Sunday (normal opening hours Thursday to Sunday noon to 5pm) with him in his new studio-cum-gallery down at Royal William Yard, Plymouth.

Martin told the PRSD: “My latest painting is a celebration of the season with the yachties getting ready, and everyone looking forward to getting out more. My gallery in the Yard is looking smart and ready for the season.”

And if you’re thinking of splashing out on more than puddles, he says he’s reduced the price of some of his work.

Of course we wouldn’t send you out half cocked, here’s the a short film from one of his exhibitions.

March 30th, 2008

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Carpark cash

posted by Cptn

Council’s climate levy car park cash quiz, which is our way of saying that the Exeter City Council is looking for carbon cruching suggestions to spend the money it has raised through the environmental levy it placed on council car parks.

All those who submit an idea will be put into a draw for £50 of energy saving products (which used to mean an extra dishwasher, but now probably means an extra draining board).

All of the £110,000 that is hoped to be raised through the scheme is to be used on environmental projects within the city and all yous out there are being asked it should be spent.

Cllr Connel Boyle, Lead Councillor for Environment and Leisure, told the PRSD: “We want the people of Exeter to have ownership of this project and I think the fact that all of the money raised by the parking levy will be used to tackle climate change in an open and transparent way, can only help schemes like this to spread all of over the country.”

There are three categories:
· Reducing energy consumption in homes in Exeter
· Reducing energy use in businesses in Exeter
· Sustainable transport e.g. cycling, walking and reducing car use in Exeter.

And the council asks for: “Ideas, in no more that 300 words, setting out what the proposal is and why it would reduce carbon emissions, should be sent to the Council’s Environmental Co-ordinator, Exeter City Council, Civic Centre, Paris St, Exeter, EX1 1RQ or by email to Kathryn.lamble@exeter.gov.uk by Friday 11 April.

“Alternatively, they can be submitted online via the council’s website. Copies of Exeter’s Climate Change Strategy can also be obtained from the above address and on the council’s website.

March 30th, 2008

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Future History

posted by Jess Sains

A landlady in Plymouth has decided in all her wisdom to name her revamped pub after the man widely believed to be the first slave trader, John Hawkins. There has been uproar surrounding this all week, with some saying it is culturally insensitive, some saying that Hawkins is more than a slaver, he was a Plymouthian of high standing and still others saying she can call it whatever she likes, what does it matter, it happened so long ago. And yet, still today we see the implications of slavery and the slave trade – for one thing we may only now, in 2008, be seeing our first ever black President of the United States.

Should we bare a historical cultural guilt? Dose being German mean being guilty of what the Nazis did in the 1940s? The Dutch by extension are culturally at fault for Apartheid? Does being British mean you carry upon your shoulders the weight of the famine, the slave trade and the separating of India and Pakistan (plus goodness knows how much else)?

If we pursue this question further, can we separate aspects of an individual? Can we see Hawkins as a man who was a shipbuilder, naval administrator, commander, merchant and a navigator and who sailed with Sir Francis Drake whilst also accepting he was a slaver? Do the other aspects mitigate the one stark fact? Can a Fascist be a great parent or a nice person; can I be a nice person in the eyes of a Fascist? That’s perception, I suppose; what I see as repugnant, another individual may see as the political solution. Whether or not we need to accept one another’s solutions is another question. And a big one at that.

Like many people I am in an odd position being as I am both English and Irish in heritage – does that mean I need to apologise to one half of myself for what the other half did historically? Should I be angry at my English family? This seems highly illogical, but then there are some things which it seems shouldn’t be forgotten – slavery, the famine, both world wars, the holocaust… These things are bigger than history, they are history, they still shape society today, but does that extend to our feeling guilt over them? Perhaps only in so far that we need to be aware so that such things are not condoned by us – as a community – ever again. So, yes, I remember, I am aware and for that reason I would never decide to name a pub – by definition surely a public sort of place – after a man whose actions have caused ripples across the centuries.

March 29th, 2008

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Arthur Walker go Euro (exclusive)

posted by Cptn

It has come to our attention that next month, those angular Plymouth fellas collectively known as Arthur Walker, will make their international debut in Holland.

The band, who are said to have ‘more hooks than a hyperactive angler’ are like a bunch of excited school kids on lunch break having been given the slot at Bibelot, in Dordrecht.

Drew, drummer for AW, said: “The aim this year, along with releasing the album, is to really get out and play some other cities. We’re all super excited because the Dutch are so open minded about music, we’re hoping they’ll take it in pretty well.”

The boys will be appearing along side fellow Devon band Hey Molly, who will be out on a mini European tour. Though Arthur themselves will be on just the one show, they’re planning to make a road trip out of it, and no doubt get a bit messy on the way.

“We’re going to take the video cameras along, I guess to document the trip, but then also we’re staying the night in Holland, so there’s got to be some good footage from that right?! We’ll see what we can edit together,” said Drew.
Arthur Walker are currently working on recording their first full length record at Plymouth’s Deep Blue Sound, the release date is yet to be confirmed. Check out Arthur Walker on their website for gig listings and what nots.

March 28th, 2008

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Environmental matters

posted by Cptn

Step into the Plymouth Environment Centre’s Earth Cafe tonight at the Cellar Bar in the Fortescue pub on Mutley Plain, Plymouth.

There is a vegan buffet from 7.30pm to 9.30pm and live much from 10pm to 11pm.

Accompanied children at welcome and it’s £1 on the door and £4 for the buffet, plus 50p for cakes. So you can get right full of food, fun and music for just £5.50.

On another environmental note, last night’s The Last Polar Bear event at Coombeshead College, planted the seeds for an environmental body for Newton Abbot – similar to Bovey Climate Action.

We’ll bring you more news as and when, but if you’re interested in getting involved, just pop an email to info@peoplesrepublicofsouthdevon.co.uk and we’ll make sure the right people get it.

Meanwhile, listen to Rae Hoole, from Coombeshead College, explain what The Last Polar Bear was all about from yesterday’s Radio Devon show.

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March 28th, 2008

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Slow, slow – quick, it’s slow!

posted by Cptn

It’s time to get your skates on for Devon’s only Slow Food Market, and it’s on Sunday, March 30, just when the clocks spring forward.

Set the alarm clock and have a leisurely journey to St Matthew’s Hall, Topsham, to partake the delights life in the slow lane. There will be food and drink from more than 20 producers, including friend to the republic, and supporter of The Last Polar Bear environmental conference at Coombeshead College, Newton Abbot, last night, Bread of Devon.

But if you miss it, don’t worry, Slow Food will make another laid back and tasty appearance during the Exeter Festival of South West Food and Drink, in Northernhay Gardens, April 11 to 13.

March 28th, 2008

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Women in Farming (art review)

posted by Philip
- Exeter Phoenix Arts and Media Centre, Bradninch Place (off Gandy Street), Exeter, until April 12

For Women in Farming, organised by Aune Head Arts, three teams of two women artists each spent time with three women farmers on Dartmoor. Obliged to stay on the farms for at least four weeks over the period of a year, their creative responses are now on show at the Exeter Phoenix. The resulting exhibition documents the lighter as well as the more serious aspects of the farmers’ lives. At its best, the show looks anew at everyday life to reveal the poignant truths underneath.

Maddy Pethick’s photographs are a mission statement. They show bemused farm animals inspecting a series of fragile sculptures of brightly coloured plastic farmyard detritus. A cow is totally unimpressed by a waist-high pseudo-constructivist tower made mostly from plant pots, while a sheepdog is more interested in dislodging a frisbee from it: we can imagine the sheer delight of being around such sometimes comical creatures. Their irreverence towards the sculptures indicates that Women in Farming is about an earthy, engaged artistic practice rather than ‘removed’ high art.

However, this also means that there is often an uneasy tension between the creative and the documentaristic. Penny Klepuszewska’s photographs, for instance, focus on the women farmer hard at work and dramatise the demands of the business. They work well, bringing us up close to the tough side of earning a living. Tot Foster’s cabinets, on the other hand, have a less concentrated impact. They are filled with prosaic objects related to stories of events in the farmer’s life, which we can listen to via headphones. Yet the link between this oral history and the installation seems strained. The works simply don’t develop the same artistic momentum as those that transmute the experience of farm life into art in a more hard-hitting manner.

Notable among these are Jennie Hayes’ large photographs. They introduce a vital sensuality into the exhibition and forcefully convey the intense contact the artists had with life on Dartmoor. Hayes photographs sheep close up, their wool luminous and palpable, or a horse in black and white, its sinewy frame all the more energetic for it. Alongside her vibrant pictures of controlled burning, undertaken to renew the fields for another season, they remind us of the cycle of life and death that underpins the agricultural and livestock economy.

Yet the uncontested stars of the exhibition are three works by Hayes and Louise Evans (sadly the only collaboration in the show). For these, Hayes has photographed the heads of three sheep, which seem so clean and textured they could be photorealist paintings. Paradoxically, it is the humanity Hayes has captured in their beatific expressions that is so arresting. All have plastic tags in their ears: marked by the farmer, we are told elsewhere, for being good mothers. Evans has remade these in gold-plated metal and presented them along with each photograph. Thus the throwaway labels become medals, capturing the transience of human-animal interaction in a simple and moving way.

Ultimately, Women in Farming hence features a varied range of responses to an intriguing project.
(image: ‘Cockerel’. A photo by Jennie Hayes as part of Aune Head Arts’ Women in Farming project)

March 27th, 2008

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