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I have discovered soap making and at the moment am addicted. Look out for little homemade soap packages in our bedrooms with an option to buy to take home.

I have also discovered that the beautiful Cockington Manor in Torquay offers a soap making workshop and working with them have put together a two night bed and breakfast package which includes learning this new skill here in Devon at the Cockington Manor.

The price per person based on a two night stay bed and breakfast and attendance of a craft workshop will be from £85 depending on season. There would also be an option for an evening meal. The maximum number of people for attendance would be 12 so get like minded friends or family together and have a fun break learning a new skill. Contact me for info on available courses, prices and dates. email stay@buckinghamlodge.co.uk or tel 01803 293538

regards
Nicola
]]> General xml-rss2.php?itemid=70 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 21:01:40 +0000 xml-rss2.php?itemid=69
Anyway the soap I am making is totally chemical free and totally natural and will have lovely natural properties such as dried flowers and aromatherapy oils in them.

I have decided to have a go at the melt and pour way of soap making which is an easier method to begin with as you buy the base soap which has glycerin in it, melt in a microwave or bain marie then add your essential oils, dried flowers, honey or even oatmeal! I have even heard of a soap with sand in it for exfoliating, well I am in the right place to gather that if necessary although the Torquay council might object to me taking too much sand from Torre Abbey beach!

I'm impatient to get going - most of the my ingredients have arrived but Royal Mail have really let me down on my essential oils which I ordered from a company in Plymouth - a total of 45 miles away. So far, a week later, there is still no sign of them, might have been better to jump in the car and got them myself.

Maybe tomorrow will be the day........ I'll keep you updated on how the venture turns out! Oh and if anyone has any experience, hints or tips on soap making, please share by emailing me.]]> General xml-rss2.php?itemid=69 Wed, 15 Feb 2012 22:14:23 +0000 xml-rss2.php?itemid=65
The process is very simple and ingredients are minimal, as mentioned before you need oranges, lemons, sugar and water but the traditional process is quite labour intensive. Having squeezed 3kg of oranges I then needed to cut the orange peel very thinly by hand which took forever, I did attempt using the magimix but was not very successful ending up with chunky bits which was not the objective. Then the liquid has to boil for 2 hours before it can be decanted into sterilised jars. As I say, not a fast process and one that is quite sticky but a thoroughly enjoyable and productive afternoon. Go on give it a try!

So when guests next come, there will be home-made marmalade on the table....... just need to get to grips with the breadmaker now.]]> General xml-rss2.php?itemid=65 Sun, 5 Feb 2012 17:41:16 +0000 xml-rss2.php?itemid=63
And now they are coming to Torquay!

On Sunday 25th March 2012 the band will perform a one night gig at the Riviera Conference Centre, just a 5 minute stroll from our guest house in Falkland Road which means no need for parking fees...

Tickets ARE still available at £27.50 from box office, on 01803 206 333. (Under 14's must be accompanied by an Adult.)

Why not make a weekend of it and book a room at our lovely guest house with a special rate applying if attending the concert? Just call us direct on 01803 293538 for details.
Nicola

]]> General xml-rss2.php?itemid=63 Sun, 8 Jan 2012 15:53:00 +0000 xml-rss2.php?itemid=61 ]]> General xml-rss2.php?itemid=61 Sun, 25 Sep 2011 11:52:55 +0000 xml-rss2.php?itemid=59
Walks along the South West Coast Path – Exmouth to Dartmouth featuring the English Riviera Global Geopark and Walks along the South West Coast Path – Dartmouth to Plymouth, each feature spectacular walks along this magnificent coastline. They follow on from two walks books covering the length of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site and will continue along the entire length of the South West Coast Path between Poole and Minehead.

The spectacular scenery along the 630 miles of the South West Coast Path is enjoyed by thousands of walkers every year, each location has a story to tell about the processes that have shaped it. These books will help you learn as you walk, gaining knowledge that can only enhance your enjoyment. By purchasing these books you will support the English Riviera Global Geopark and the South West Coast Path and contribute to their conservation for future generations.

The books are available from bookshops, Tourist Information Centres and Visitor Centres along the coast from Exmouth to Plymouth. They can also be ordered from online websites, including the South West Coast Path Association’s online shop at www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk

For more information about the South West Coast Path National Trail and the various walks available, including full day long distance walking visit www.southwestcoastpath.com

]]> General xml-rss2.php?itemid=59 Wed, 22 Jun 2011 09:35:35 +0000 xml-rss2.php?itemid=57
Unfortunately, although some of us had success on the gee gees, Steve and I only managed some seconds and thirds but the atmosphere was so addictive it was just fun to have a flutter!

The next fixture is on Tuesday 14th June and is an evening meet - see you there!

http://www.newtonabbotracing.com/]]> General xml-rss2.php?itemid=57 Mon, 6 Jun 2011 21:48:31 +0000 xml-rss2.php?itemid=55
Admission is only £5 which includes a souvenir pint glass, under 18's are free but must be accompanied by an adult.

]]> General xml-rss2.php?itemid=55 Fri, 3 Jun 2011 12:18:05 +0000 xml-rss2.php?itemid=53
The baby came was born to father Oscar who is 17 years old and has been at Paignton Zoo since December 1994 and came from Chester Zoo. His mother, Carmel is 18 and came to Paignton in 1994 from Whipsnade Zoo. This is their eighth youngster and the Zoo’s first camel birth since March 2009.

Paignton Zoo has a varied amount of animals and is a fantastic way to spend a day whilst here on the English Riviera. Whilst staying at our guest house we can provide you with vouchers which entitle you to a £1 of each adult visiting the zoo and 50p per child.
]]> General xml-rss2.php?itemid=53 Wed, 11 May 2011 14:32:42 +0000 xml-rss2.php?itemid=51
The ERDF is now in its 29th year and is a celebration of everything to do with dance, with something in the festival programme to suit everyone. The event takes place every year in the ballrooms at the Victoria Hotel which is approximately 100 metres from our guest house.

As well as social and competitve dancing there will be masterclasses with champions, lectures, practise sessions and mini workshops and two Gala evenings at Torquay Town Hall with spectacular performances from World and British Professional Champions.

Click here for a full programme and contact us direct for accommodation prices letting us know that you will be attending the English Riviera Dance Festival to benefit from our special rates.]]> General xml-rss2.php?itemid=51 Sun, 8 May 2011 13:12:25 +0000