Torquay and Devon Holiday Blog » Torquay News

Skydiving Staff

Jenny — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 10:09:03 +0000

On Saturday 6th November, a group of TLH staff are getting together to raise money for Rowcroft Hospice (Reg. 282723). Rowcroft Hospice, the Torbay and South Devon Hospice, believes that everyone facing a life-limiting illness should have access to the highest quality care, tailored to their needs and aimed at giving the best possible quality of life. Rowcroft’s specialist services include Hospice at Home, community team, lymphoedema clinic and in-patient ward. Care is provided at the hospice and wherever it is required in the wider community; in residential and nursing homes; community hospitals; in people’s homes; even in local prisons. At Rowcroft a patient’s mental, social, psychological and emotional needs are considered, alongside the traditional medical approaches we use to treat the physical effects of their illness. They also strive to meet the needs of their loved ones. Every year they care for over 1000 people, relying on donations to do so.

We are going to be doing a sponsored skydive at Dunkerswell Airfield near Honiton in Devon where we will freefall for up to 2 miles before the parachute opens for our glide to land. We are hoping to raise a minimum of £2000 for the charity so any support that you can give is greatly appreciated. Taking part in the jump will be myself, Darryl Patrick (Restaurant Manager at the Carlton Hotel), Steph Brooke (Assistant Manager at the Derwent Hotel), Ryan Rogers (Head Chef at the Aztec Bistro) and Adam West (Albert’s Bar). If you would like to come along on the day to support us that would be great!
Please go to http://www.virginmoneygiving.com/team/TLH to see our fundraising page and sponsor us online. Thank you for your support. Jenny Shipton

Skydiving Staff is a post from: Torquay and Devon Holiday Blog

Blues fans everywhere ….Walter Trout is coming to Devon!!!

Nigel Beck — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 08:00:58 +0000

Yes it’s true. Walter Trout, the infamous American Blues guitarist is performing at the Exeter Phoenix on Sunday 24 October 2010. His recent new album “Common Ground” – his twentieth album to date – has received rave reviews and I am sure it will be a sell-out show and one you really can’t afford to miss.

In his early days Walter Trout played with Canned Heat and then John Mayall’s Blues Breakers. Trout, who hails from New Jersey, began his solo career in 1989. He was immediately embraced by European audiences and released his first album, “Life in the Jungle” that same year. Despite his prolific recording schedule, Trout’s first U.S. release was 1998’s critically heralded “Walter Trout”, which immediately established him as a staple of the American blues scene as well.

So what better excuse do you need to plan a trip to Devon – and why not make the most of it. Take a 3 night weekend break, arrive on the Friday at the Toorak Hotel in Torquay, part of TLH Leisure Resort, and on the Sunday a short drive over to Exeter to be entertained by the awesome guitar sounds of the Walter Trout Band. All serious blues fans will be there and you’ll probably see me down at the front as well, so you’ll be in good company – rock on!!!

Click here to view the embedded video.

Blues fans everywhere ….Walter Trout is coming to Devon!!! is a post from: Torquay and Devon Holiday Blog

Murder, Mystery, Intrigue……..and Dinner!!

Nigel Beck — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 10:10:10 +0000

Murder Made to Measure in action!

On Saturday 18th September, as part of the forthcoming annual Agatha Christie Festival here on the English Riviera, “Murder in the Abbey” takes place – a Murder Mystery Dinner. The evening begins at the famous Torre Abbey, full of historic atmosphere and intrigue. After a welcoming drink in the atmospheric under-crofts embark on a tour of the Abbey, which has to be one of Devon’s spookiest venue.

What’s that – a blood curdling scream!!! Murder most foul!!! Who is responsible for this terrible deed and what were the motives?? Afterwards we cross the road and return to the safety of the Toorak Hotel, just opposite the Abbey. Following a police debriefing, our super sleuths will enjoy a delicious 3 course dinner followed by the unravelling of the who-dunnit. Will you have the powers to solve the riddle?

Whodunnit!

The theatre is provided by the excellent Murder made to Measure group who have worked at TLH Leisure Resort with the Toorak Hotel on several previously successful occasions. Linking up with Torre Abbey makes this September event particularly special.

Tickets are £35 per person and pre- booking is essential. Spaces are limited so book now directly with the Toorak Hotel on 01803 400400, or at the Tourist Information Centre on 0800 0563 666.

The Agatha Christie Festival runs from 12th – 19th September. Check the English Riviera website for a full programme of events .

Torre Abbey at night

Further details about TLH Leisure Resort please go to www.tlh.co.uk.

Murder, Mystery, Intrigue……..and Dinner!! is a post from: Torquay and Devon Holiday Blog

TLH Entertainments Team bring Broadway to Torquay with their show’s premier

Zoe — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 14:02:40 +0000

Hi guys!

Well what a cracking Summer, the weather was gorgeous for the early part, our guests are fab and it’s great to see our Summer regulars back again: Emily C & parents, Zinger, Acid David, Andrew & Ria and of course Shrek and Donkey & kids!

Well we premiered our new show this year ‘Big on Broadway’ and what a fab show it is, I couldn’t have asked any more of my talented team with every single one of them singing and dancing. We finished to raptuous applause and a standing ovation.

Zoe B and I came up with the idea in the Spring and it was a good 2 months in the planning by the time we’d got together the music, choreography and costumes… people are already asking how I am going to top it next year. (I think I had better start my show writing now!) However, the next production, already in progress will be the Xmas one “Arrrrgh!!!” and it’s only August!

Well we hope you have a great Summer everyone and hope to see you all again soon.

…oh and we have some changes happening in the team too, we welcome back Karma and also Wendy. Watch this space.

Bye for now

TLH Entertainments Team bring Broadway to Torquay with their show’s premier is a post from: Torquay and Devon Holiday Blog

Red Arrows and Fireworks in Torquay next week!!!

Nigel Beck — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 11:02:52 +0000

The Red Arrows

Yes, we’ll all be looking skywards next week for two real treats that have become an annual event and part of the annual Torbay week. This coincides with Torbay Royal Regatta, a fixture on the English Riviera social calendar for nearly two centuries

On Monday 23 August we have the spectacular firework display and on Wednesday 25 August at 6.00pm we have the awesome display by the RAF Red Arrows who never fail to impress, amaze, thrill and lots of other adjectives as well!! If you’ve seen them before I know you’ll agree and I’m sure, like me, you still want to see them again and again. You also get a second chance to see the Red Arrows on Friday 27 August as part of the Dartmouth Royal Regatta just along the coast. Seeing the Hawks flying in formation above the River Dart, you can be looking down on the planes as they pass up the valley – quite an incredible sight.

So, if you still have not decided where you are going to take the family for a Summer break, head west to Torquay in Devon to the Toorak Hotel part of TLH Leisure Resort as we have lots to offer. A range of family accommodation and an array of leisure facilities, children’s programmes for all ages, a choice of nightly entertainment and lots more besides have a look at our website at www.tlh.co.uk. And we’ve got some great last minute special offers in August with Kids under 10 staying FREE from 30 August – 2 September. Put the kids out of their misery and take them away for a break, you’ll enjoy it too!!

Red Arrows and Fireworks in Torquay next week!!! is a post from: Torquay and Devon Holiday Blog

TV Crew film Rainbow Wedding at the Carlton

Lee — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 08:44:59 +0000

Lights, camera, action – a recent wedding held at the Carlton Hotel and Spa in Torquaywas filmed by Channel 5 for a programme to be shown on TV this Autumn. The story behind this rainbow themed event can be found on This is South Devon website and we will have more pictures and details when the programme broadcasts later this year.

If you are interested in finding out more about weddings and events at The Carlton Hotel and Spa in Torquay, or any of the TLH Hotels, then visit our website, or for more details or call Lynda on 01803 400131.

PS – Congratulations to Jo and Ty on your marriage, best wishes from everyone at the Carlton!

TV Crew film Rainbow Wedding at the Carlton is a post from: Torquay and Devon Holiday Blog

Back to School

Vicky — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 12:06:12 +0000

I don’t know why we’re so keen to make New Year’s Resolutions in January, to my mind September has always been about new starts and fresh beginnings.

Maybe it’s because I was a September baby, but the month always seems an exciting one to me. Birthday presents aside, it must be to do with nostalgic memories of going back to school armed with a brand new pencil case and shiny new shoes. Neatly writing all my teachers’ names on the front of fresh exercise books and the smell of crisp sheets of unused paper would always fill me with expectation.

As the years have passed I now get a similar feeling from starting an evening class, a new fitness regime or a project at home. The thrill of new possibilities; a better educated, fitter, more streamlined version of me is all within reach before Christmas – or so I like to tell myself!

This September I will be resuming German evening classes (clutching a new pencil case, pen and exercise book) and starting a proper exercise programme at the Aztec Studio - the new Power Tone classes sound just the thing. If I didn’t live in Torquay I’d also be tempted by the ‘Winning with Watercolours’ break at the Toorak Hotel. And I also fancy a new haircut, a revamped autumn wardrobe and an updated kitchen – that’s what September is all about – possibilities, no matter how unlikely!

You can find out more about other learn & improve breaks at TLH Leisure Resort on 01803 400500 or www.tlh.co.uk

Back to School is a post from: Torquay and Devon Holiday Blog

Devon Sperm whale seen again …… discover the wildlife beauty of Devon

Nigel Beck — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 11:36:11 +0000

Sperm Whale seen off Torquay

Torquay isn’t the most likely place to go whale watching but just lately there have been several sightings of a magnificent sperm whale in Tor Bay, off the coast of Torquay, and it’s believed it may even have a calf with it. The whale was spotted from the cliff tops earlier this month and again in July.

The Sea Watch Foundation say that although occasional sightings are made in the western English Channel, it is very rare for a whale to find itself in the shallower waters further east. They have asked to be notified of any further sightings as there is a risk the whale may become stranded.

Although a rare sighting, whales aren’t the only wildlife you’ll spot along the South Devon Coast. Seals are commonly seen, as are bottle nosed dolphins. TLH Leisure Resort in Torquay makes a great base for discovering the natural beauty that Devon has to offer, from the wildness and rugged beauty of Dartmoor to the nature reserves of Dawlish Warren. Why not walk the South West Coastal Path or take the children to the Goodrington Seashore Centre? There are no end of wildlife ideas to entertain and inspire the whole family.

Summer is an especially good time to visit – call 01803 400500 to check out the availability for the rest of August – but every season brings it’s own interests in nature’s calendar. And you never know, you may even see a sperm whale.

Devon Sperm whale seen again …… discover the wildlife beauty of Devon is a post from: Torquay and Devon Holiday Blog

TLH Rules!

Vicky — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 09:15:36 +0000

Young Lauren Hopkins is a veteran when it comes to TLH Leisure Resort. This summer is her ninth visit with her family! The Hopkins family, from Uxbridge, London, started coming to TLH when Lauren was just 2 years old and they have been coming back ever since. In fact whenever one of the family have suggested going somewhere different, Lauren always manages to convince them that a family holiday in Torquay really is the best option!

This year Lauren thought she would celebrate her ninth visit to Torquay by designing a T-shirt which she proudly wore on the first day of her stay at TLH’s Victoria Hotel. The T-shirt announces what we’ve known all along – TLH Rules!

Lauren says, ‘I love coming back to TLH because there is so much to do here. And all the staff are really friendly.’

From all of us at TLH, we’d like to say, ‘Thank you Lauren for being such a big fan – we hope to see you again next year!’

TLH Rules! is a post from: Torquay and Devon Holiday Blog

Bridget is Back in the Bay!

Vicky — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 10:17:20 +0000

Bridget Rowland

Local fitness enthusiasts may remember Bridget Rowland from her popular classes in the Bay. Bridget, who has been teaching fitness for 20 years, has spent the last 5 years working in Spain, but has now returned to Torquay eager to bring some new and improved classes to the Aztec Studio clientele. Zoe Bowden, Aztec Studio’s Manager, commented, ‘We are delighted to have Bridget with us. She’s always had a good local following and many people will be glad to know she’s back, ready to help them tone up and keep fit.’

Bridget’s Power Tone class is on Thursday evenings and Tuesday mornings, with more classes scheduled for September. Call Zoe Bowden at the Aztec Studio for details 01803 400190.

Bridget is Back in the Bay! is a post from: Torquay and Devon Holiday Blog