Plympton Magazine March 2026 by OM Plymouth Magazine

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March

March arrives with a growing sense of momentum, as Plymouth begins to shake off winter and welcome the promise of spring. The days are noticeably longer, the first signs of colour return to our gardens and green spaces, and there’s a fresh energy in the air that’s hard to ignore. It’s a month of transition — lighter mornings, brighter evenings and a renewed sense of possibility.

This edition reflects that uplifting spirit. March is a time to step forward with intention, embrace new opportunities and reconnect with the people, places and projects that inspire us. As the season changes, it’s the perfect moment to refresh our perspective and make space for new ideas to take root..

As always, I’d love to hear from you. Your thoughts, stories and suggestions help shape this magazine and keep it closely connected to the people and places that make Plymouth special. You can reach me at [editor@oracle.uk.net] and I’ll always do my best to respond.

Community

All rights reserved. Nothing in this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without the expressed written permission of the publisher. We have done our utmost to ensure that all the content is correct and accurate at the time of print, but we emphasise that Oracle Publications accepts no responsibility for any mistakes or omissions in this publication. All opinions expressed in The Plympton Magazine are that of the individual contributor and are not always shared by the publication.

A Seamless Transformation:

Cheryl and Martin’s Kitchen Journey with KF Kitchens

When Cheryl and Martin began planning their kitchen as part of a wider home extension, they wanted more than new cabinetry and appliances. They were looking for a space that would elevate everyday living, practical, refined and uncompromising in quality.

What followed was a carefully considered transformation delivered by KF Kitchens.

From their first showroom visit, they felt confident in the team’s expertise. As they later shared, “From the moment we walked in, we knew we were in expert hands.” That reassurance shaped the entire experience.

Design was the foundation of the project. Derinda worked closely with Cheryl and Martin to understand both their aesthetic

preferences and how they use their home day to day. The result was a sophisticated Nolte kitchen in Artline Coffee and Neo Pure Bronze, finished with MatrixArt Bronze rails for a sleek, handleless look. The layered tones add warmth and depth while maintaining crisp architectural lines.

For the worktops, they selected Dekton Kelya in 20mm, an ultracompact surface combining dramatic marble-inspired veining with exceptional durability. Resistant to heat, scratches and stains, it delivers both visual impact and longterm performance, ideal for a hardworking family kitchen.

Nathan’s technical expertise ensured every decision was informed and purposeful. His

consultative approach gave clarity around each specification, from cabinetry construction to appliance layout. As Cheryl and Martin noted, “He didn’t just sell us a kitchen; he educated us on the ‘why’ behind the ‘what.’”

A key design challenge was integrating the existing utility room into the new layout. A 750mm access door created practical flow without disrupting the kitchen run, while illuminated open shelving added both function and visual interest, transforming a potential constraint into a seamless design feature.

Appliances were selected to provide professional-level performance at home. Two Neff added-steam ovens offer flexibility for entertaining and everyday cooking, while a Neff venting hob

preserves open sightlines through integrated extraction. An extrawide Neff fridge freezer completes the suite, providing generous storage without compromising the overall aesthetic.

By choosing five qualifying Neff appliances, Cheryl and Martin also benefited from a Neff Cashback promotion, receiving £1,400 back on their purchase. With the cashback offer revived again this year, it presents an added advantage for homeowners considering a premium appliance package. Functionality extends beyond cooking. A Quooker Fusion Square tap in black, paired with the CUBE system, delivers instant boiling, chilled and sparkling water from a single fixture, reducing worktop clutter while enhancing everyday convenience.

As this kitchen formed part of a larger extension, Cheryl and Martin had their own builders and trades in place. KF Kitchens’ installation team worked seamlessly

alongside them, ensuring timelines aligned and standards remained uncompromised. Every detail, from cabinetry alignment to final finishing touches, was executed with precision.

Reflecting on the experience, they described KF Kitchens as “perfectionists in the best sense of the word,” highlighting the team’s dedication to getting the finer details right.

Even after completion, the journey continued. Keen to maximise their

new appliances, they attended one of the KF Kitchens Neff cooking demonstration days, gaining hands-on insight into advanced features and techniques.

For Cheryl and Martin, this renovation was about more than aesthetics. It was about trust, expertise and a team that genuinely cared. The finished kitchen reflects that collaboration, refined in design, engineered for performance and built to enhance everyday living.

To transform your kitchen space, book a consultation in the KF Kitchens Studio, by email (enquiries@ kfkitchens.co.uk) or phone (01752 255022). You can also check out their website (www.kfkitchens. co.uk), and social media on Instagram (@kfkitchens) or Facebook.

Hearing Aids

International Women’s Day, 8 March: Celebrating Plymouth’s Women Who Lead, Build and Give Back

International Women’s Day (IWD) on 8 March is a global opportunity to recognise women’s achievements.

This year, OM Magazine is proud to highlight three women whose work is making a tangible difference across the city: Lesley-Ann Simpson of The Chestnut Appeal, Tricia Kennedy of Mortgages 4 Plymouth and Derinda Damarell of KF Kitchens.

Lesley-Ann Simpson, The Chestnut Appeal Plymouth

As Chief Executive of The Chestnut Appeal, Lesley-Ann Simpson has played a central role in advancing awareness and support for men affected by prostate, testicular and penile cancer.

Her leadership has been recognised nationally, with Lesley-Ann awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to men’s health in the New Year Honours. Locally, she is known for her openness and commitment to partnership, regularly sharing progress, encouraging difficult conversations and building networks across healthcare, business and the wider community.

Under her guidance, The Chestnut Appeal has continued to strengthen its presence in Plymouth, ensuring that men’s health receives the focus, funding and visibility it deserves.

Derinda Damarell, KF Kitchens Plymouth

KF Kitchens was founded in 2008 by Nathan and Derinda Damarell and has grown into a recognised Plymouth name for fitted kitchens. Reputation and customer experience sit at the heart of the business.

Tricia Kennedy founded Mortgages 4 Plymouth in 2000 and has since built a reputation grounded in trust, experience and advocacy. With decades in the industry, she is known for guiding clients through what can be an emotional and complex process, from first time buyers to those facing more challenging financial circumstances.

An award-winning adviser, Tricia has been recognised for both quality and contribution, including winning Top Individual and Outstanding Contribution to the Network awards in 2018. Her expertise has also been acknowledged nationally, with recognition through industry awards longlists such as Women in Protection.

Through clear advice and steady support, Tricia’s work has helped many Plymouth families move from uncertainty to security, one decision at a time.

The company has earned national recognition, including winning Best Showroom Experience at the Häfele Studio Partner Awards and winning the BKU Awards 2025 for Best Kitchen Retailer for Customer Service; As well as this they are also the proud winners of the KBSA Customer services Award 2025 Their Plymouth showroom has become a destination for homeowners seeking quality, design and craftsmanship. Derinda’s leadership highlights the importance of female expertise in traditionally male-dominated industries, demonstrating that vision, creativity and commercial strength go hand in hand.

Tricia Kennedy, Mortgages 4 Plymouth

Derinda Damarell - KF Kitchens

Tricia Kennedy - Mortgages 4 Plymouth

Around 1 in 5 children aged between 10 and 15 years old in England and Wales experienced at least one form of online abuse in the preceeding year. Be more aware

“We

South Devon

What’s On March 2026

SpiceS & SenSeS Wine TaSTing

Le Vignoble, New Cooperage, Royal William Yard, Plymouth 5th March

Wine tasting is an inexact science - an expression of taste shaped by knowledge and experience. Our senses are not instruments of measure, and when you taste a wine you're never seeking a single flavour but a series of unfolding impressions.

During this unique wine & flavours tasting, we'll return to the roots of the four big flavours - pepper, ginger, vanilla, and cinnamon, exploring how these familiar spices reveal themselves in the glass. Some are easier to identify than others, but all offer a pathway into understanding how specific flavours, spices, and senses pair with different wines.

The tasting will include a guided tasting of carefully selected wines, accompanied by complementary food samples, allowing you to explore these flavour connections firsthand.

Please mention

Men'S Day OuT

Plymouth Albion RFC, Brickfields Recreation Ground, 25 Damerel Cl, Plymouth, 14th March

Grab your mates and join the mass of big-hearted men marching through Plymouth making a massive difference for families in your local community who need the compassionate, expert care St Luke's provides when it matters most.

Stride our scenic 12km (7.5 mile) route along the waterfront and through the city, starting and finishing at Plymouth Albion rugby ground.

The Box Plymouth, Devon, Plymouth 7th March

Here come the girls! Celebrate this year's International Women's Day at this hugely popular event as our two DJs battle it out while you show us your best moves underneath the historic Royal Naval figureheads. Doors open at 7.30pm and the dancing goes on until 11pm. This event is a true celebration with everyone welcome. In the spirit of artist Beryl Cook whose major exhibition is currently on display at The Box, leopard print is encouraged! Enjoy female-led tunes, themed drinks, and a fun, empowering night out.

Our Top Gift Ideas For Mother’s Day

Showing your love and appreciation for your Mum when you are miles away from her can seem like an impossible mission, especially with the shops currently closed, but it can be done so we have created a list of our favourite gifting ideas to help treat your Mum to the Mother’s Day she deserves.

Flowers, chocolates and a big dose of appreciation are just what the doctor ordered this Mother’s Day. It has been one whole year since the first national lockdown and, for some of us, the last time we got to see our Mothers. This March may be very similar in terms of a lockdown which means gift-giving becomes ever the more important.

Hampers and Gift Sets

Compiling a hamper full of your Mother’s favourite things is a great way to show her that you’re thinking of her. Grab a cardboard box and some tissue paper or any kind of filling from your last online purchase and fill it with things like chocolates, alcohol, socks, perfume, toiletries, jewellery and don’t forget a handwritten card. Online shopping will become your best friend when buying all of your Mum’s favourite things if the high-street shops are still closed. When you have finished decorating it and adding in all of the gifts; the hamper then becomes the parcel when you add her address on to the box and hand it over to the post office. Have a look at the delivery times in advance so you know the right time to post it. Don’t forget to cushion the gifts and tape up the box well so

that it doesn’t get damaged on the journey.

Creating a hamper can be tricky to execute yourself if you don’t have much time or the right shaped box to begin with. There are plenty of pre-made hampers online from websites such as; www. notonthehighstreet.com, www.hampers.com, or head online to your Mum’s favourite shop, for example, M&S, Hotel Chocolat, John Lewis, Harvey Nichols to find their versions. Lots of online shops also have a ‘Letterbox Gift’ section with a large choice of letterbox friendly hampers for a low-cost, smaller, but just as thoughtful gift idea.

If you would like to treat your Mum to a home spa or pampering set, have a look online at her most loved brands and you will find a gift box section. These have a very similar appeal to a hamper, and you will rest assured knowing your Mum will love everything inside.

If you want to really personalise the hamper, head to www.dontbuyherflowers.com or www.bookblock.com where you can choose between lots of wonderful gift options.

And not forgetting those Mum’s to be, there are some gorgeous hampers on www.babyblooms. co.uk complete with a cuddly toy for the new-born and some fresh roses for the new Mother.

Personalised Gifts and cards

Adding a touch of personalisation to any gift can enhance the meaning and the thought behind the gift itself. Websites are much more convenient when it comes to personalising gifts as opposed to going in-store because there is a wider range of items to choose from and you can send it directly

to the receiver. They tend to make it easy to follow and virtually impossible to get wrong once you have checked the spelling and the image quality.

The list of things you can personalise these days are endless! Mugs, photo collages, cushions, cards, socks, t-shirts, it really does go on. These gifts are all widely available to order from online printing companies.

If you are wanting to think outside of the box, there are some other gifts that you can personalise, for example, an illustrated print of you and your Mum. These can be found on www.etsy.com and you can personalise the hair colour, clothing and text so that they really come to life! Some of these prints are based on a photo that you send in where you can get bespoke paintings by an artist or you can have someone create it digitally depending on the look you want.

Having a Mum who lives in a different country can be especially saddening right now. A print of two hearts with the maps of each country that you and your mum live in is a nice sentimental gift that goes a long way (Literally!) You can personalise the map and the text to make it really meaningful.

Wherever you are in the world, there is one thing that will always be the same. The night sky. You can now name a star after your mum and you will both be able to see it even though you may not be able to see each other. Head to www.star-name-registry.com to find out more.

Send a hug

For those of us who are missing the comfort of their Mum’s embrace, you could send her a hug as a gift. These hug gifts can be gift sets with warming items inside, for example, a candle, hot chocolate, teddy bear and a book of heart-warming quotes. Or it can be some biscuits or cookies with the words ‘Sending hugs’ or ‘Consider this a hug’ baked onto it for example. These biscuits can be pre-ordered at

selected local bakeries or cake companies and can be collected in store when they are ready.

If you are after something a bit longer lasting, you can send her a plaque or hanging decoration with the words ‘Sending a big hug to you Mum – From...’ Some of these items you can fully personalise with photos as well as changing the text.

Cushions and blankets are everyday items that we love to hug, so why not send them a ‘bear hug’ cushion or a ‘The snuggle is real’ blanket. All of which can be found on www.thedriftingbear.com

Flowers by mail

A beautiful bouquet is enough to brighten up anyone’s day and is the perfect accompaniment to your chosen gift. Consult your local florist to see whether they will be able to deliver to your Mother’s house, and if they are unable, then there are lots of online florists to choose from. With a lot of online florists, you can choose an exact delivery day, this means the flowers won’t have to be kept in hiding until the day and they will stay fresher for longer. The majority of florists will deliver in a large upright cardboard box with the bouquet already arranged, however, to minimise the use of plastic for the wrapping, you can now opt for a letterbox friendly parcel. This is a handy idea you are unsure if they will be at home when they arrive.

Mothering Sunday can be an exceptionally saddening day for those who have lost their Mums. Adding some gorgeous fresh flowers to her grave or perhaps an artificial flower wreath to withstand the windy coast is a lovely heart warming gesture.

Is your Mum constantly dressing her shelves with new flowers? Why not treat her to a flower subscription from her favourite florist! She will receive a fresh new bunch of flowers each month through a paid subscription plan.

If your Mum prefers flowers that don’t die after a week or two, dried flowers are a great alternative. Not only are they a more environmentally friendly option to plastic flowers, but they can last up to 3 years! With muted hues and elegant textures, dried flowers are becoming increasingly popular with interior designers and florists. You could have a go at drying your own flowers.

The current Covid-19 restrictions may alter our plans to see our Mums this Mother’s Day, but it doesn’t mean it has to be any less special. With these ideas, we hope they will inspire you to treat your Mum to a wonderful surprise through the door.

HOME & GARDEN

Home and gardening remodelling ideas to help make the most out of your space this Spring.

If you can’t buy, renovate! Giving your home a makeover can mean more than just the furnishings and a lick of paint. In order to make the most of the space or increase the value of your property, it might be worth thinking about doing some renovating. We renovate our homes and gardens to make the most out of the space and to be able to enjoy them for years to come. We also self-consciously update our homes to improve the market value of the property when it comes to selling down the line. Spending that little bit of extra money and time on things that are built to last will save you more money in the long run.

Exterior

Starting with the exterior of your home is a great way to increase curb appeal and can make a huge difference to the overall look of your home. Cleaning or re-painting your windows and doors will help to bring them back to life again and make your home more welcoming. Spray Vision offer a service like no other where they can spray paint your UPVC windows and doors any colour you like and leave you with a factory finish and a 10-year guarantee. They are also able to re-paint the exterior walls of your home which helps uplift the house and keeps it looking modern and inviting.

If you are quite happy with the look and colour of your windows and just feel like they need freshening up, Your Cleaner Windows are here to help. They offer window cleaning, gutter clearing, soffit and fascia cleaning and conservatory roof cleaning.

Tired or broken doors and windows can make the whole house feel neglected, they also let in more drafts causing your energy bills to increase. For all types of door and window repairs, The Door Doctor offers a mobile repair service based in Plymouth to help your windows look brand new again.

Garages can feel very cluttered very quickly, even the garage door itself can take up that much-needed space. Garolla Garage Doors have a unique solution with their electric roller garage doors. Fully fitted, insulated and with 24 colours available to choose from, these garage doors are the space-saving items of the future.

A well installed driveway will add to the value of your property while making it look polished and clean. J Davis Paving, Plymouth offer affordable driveway installations and repairs with a wide variety of patterns, colours and materials.

Interior

If you can’t decide on which room to renovate, we would always recommend doing the kitchen to make the biggest impact on the overall look of the house and on your lifestyle. We spend a large amount of time in the kitchen, it’s where we cook, entertain, socialise and gather for meals so it’s important to get it right. However, if you are renovating to sell, the kitchen may not be the place to spend your money as everybody’s

tastes are different and the new owners may end up ripping it out anyway.

If you are happy with the general layout and style of your kitchen but feel it needs a change of colour and a bit of updating, Spray Vision can also spray your kitchen cabinets too giving new life to old kitchens. The results after Spray Vision has transformed your kitchen look flawless and have a factory finish every time.

Flooring obviously runs through your whole home and although it’s not technically a statement piece, it can make a huge impact when it has been refreshed. Even just giving it a good old clean will help to bring light into the room and make the floors feel new again. Herringbone and seagrass flooring are very popular at the moment as we are picking out neutral colours and natural materials. It also provides a base if you then wanted to add a splash of colour to the room. Russells Flooring is your local hard flooring & carpet specialist, visit their showroom in Plympton to see for yourself.

When it comes to selling or renting your property, Tech Surveys can aid you in making sure you have an upto-date EPC, as well as Legionella risk assessment. They can also supply you with floor plans available in full colour, black and white or 3D from as little as £30 for a standard 2D B&W plan of a 1–4-bedroom house.

Garden

It’s all systems go in the garden in March. Whether you’re a novice gardener or have your own veg patch complete with a greenhouse, anyone can have a go, no matter the size of your garden or balcony. Knowing what seeds you have to sow indoors, outdoors or plant straight into the soil is the first thing to keep in mind.

Seeds of carrots, parsnips, lettuces, radishes, turnips, broad beans, beetroot, peas, salad leaves, leeks and spinach can now be sown outdoors. Make sure they are sheltered with some protection or kept in a mini portable greenhouse. They will each have instructions on the back of the packet in terms of sunlight and feeding.

For a splash of colour, sweet peas can now be sown outdoors after being sown indoors from autumn. And hardy annuals can be sown outdoors for a gorgeous display of colour when summer arrives.

Man for all seasons can give you a helping hand in your garden with their highly skilled gardeners and landscapers. They will listen to your garden wishes and help to transform your garden into a space you’ll want to call your own.

If low maintenance is more your style, Green Scheme Solutions, based in Plymouth, offer realistic artificial grass suitable for many different uses as well as composite decking for a hassle-free garden.

Choosing the colour of your fence should complement your house but not necessarily match it. Colourfence in Plymouth offers low maintenance steel fences with no painting required. You can choose from a wide variety of popular colours as well as four height options. They come in two varieties, a plain, sleek and smart design or with a decorative trellis design on top that you can customise with contrasting paint colours.

All businesses mentioned in this editorial are local to Plymouth and trusted with years of experience. We hope that this has given you the confidence to transform your own house into a space that you’re proud to call home.

World WildlifeDay

This March why not embrace your wild side and let open up your garden to all sorts of wildlife.

Living in Devon it is clear that we are blessed with an abundance of wildlife around us. Weather it’s the hedgehogs roaming around in the early hours of the morning or the many sea creatures that roam the waters around us. Plymouth and the surrounding areas are one of the most biodiverse developed environments in the country and that is only possible because of all the effort that local people go to in order to ensure a happy home for our animal friends. As it’s World Wildlife Day this month I’ve complied some little things you can do in your garden to protect the local wildlife.

Her murder has sent shockwaves through our community, and we owe it to Claire—and to all women—to turn this grief into action. We must work together to create a world where women are safe, valued, and empowered.

HAVInG A HEDGEHoG HoUSE

As winter fades and spring emerges, we are sure to see more colour and spark in our landscape so why not embrace that feeling and invite some new animals into your garden. A hedgehog house can also provide shelter and a place to raise its young so don’t be surprised if you have more than a few visitors. Hedgehogs can also help clean up your garden from garden pests such as slugs or snails so if you’re having a problem with some pesky holes in your garden veg then a hedgehog house might just be the perfect solution for you.

You might be asking how the hedgehogs are supposed to find their new little home well that’s where a wildlife corridor come in. This simple hedgehog-highway can be made by simply making holes in your fences maybe to a field or just an open space, if you want to get really into your wildlife conservation your can ask your neighbours to join you and create a hedgehog superhighway by having holes that stretch from one of the of your road to the other. Maybe you have already got a hole in your fence that you’ve been meaning to patch up and now all you need to do is leave it or possibly make it the right size for some friendly spiky neighbours to pop their heads through.

BIrDS AnD BUTTErFLIES

If you want to further increase the biodiversity of your little oasis you can buy or build a beautiful birdhouse. Similar to hedgehogs a bird in the garden might not sound like the solution to your garden woes however, they are excellent pest control as well great weed control and soil fertilization. not only is a birdhouse good for your garden but it may also be good for you; listening to birds chirping has been shown to decrease stress levels in people and it’s also a great way to show children a new perspective of nature and allow them to see up close why even in an urban environment animals such as birds are still so vital to the ecosystem. So whether you’re trying to relax after a tiring week or you’re just trying to have someone else tidy up the garden for free then definitely consider putting up a home made bird box.

There are not many flowers that will be bad for introducing some life into a garden, but some are better than others. one of the most effective are Zinnia flowers, not only do they flower within just a few weeks, but they are also an absolute favourite of all sorts of bee’s and butterflies. You can directly sow these wonderfully colourful flowers at the start of spring as now is the perfect time. Additionally, you could go all out and create a min-meadow in a

corner of the garden this way you can embrace the spirit of spring even more by just putting a chair down and watching the butterflies go to work in your own little sanctuary.

THE BEnAFITS oF A WATEr FEATUrE

If your find yourself feeling like your garden is still missing something, then one of the best things you can do is add a water feature. This not only looks amazing but in a similar fashion to having a bird in the garden having a water feature can help create a calming environment, this can be perfect when you’ve had a stressful week at work or just in general. If you’re worried about the water going stagnant then the good news is some pond plants you can oxygenate the water so that way you will have a lovely water feature all year round and give the bees and butterflies some extra places to land.

A SIMPLE SWAP

If you already have many of the features discussed, then something you may not have thought have thought of changing the fertilizers you use. This can be as simple to swapping to a seaweed feed or even better your own compost. Something else you can do is regularly mulching the ground; digging over soil in the beds and boarders can destroy vital micro-organisms that help our gardens come to life. Mulching the ground instead can help keep everything in balance and eliminate to add artificial fertilizers. This balance is vital for keeping the local wildlife happy and create a great habitat for the circle of life.

LET IT GroW!

If you’re not sure about how to go about creating a great garden for some wild companions, then maybe the easiest option is to do nothing. By this I mean that letting a corner of your garden grow wild can be an excellent low-effort way to nurture the perfect environment for many wild animals.

Although it may look a bit mesy at first a wild corner of a garden is something to be proud of. If you have particularly green sleeves it might be hard to resist going some TLC so this area but after a short while you will be able to marvel at your wonderfully wild corner and gaze into its freeing nature.

The best time to plant a tree in the garden was probably twenty years ago but the second-best time is now. A tree can

foster many different animals from birds to squirrels to the occasional owl. Trees suck up plenty of carbon dioxide over the years and provide some natural hedging across the edges of your garden. There is also nothing quite like sitting under a tree with a nice cold drink marvelling at the garden you have created over the years.

WHY IS WorLD WILDFLIFE DAY IMPorTAnT?

World wildlife day is an opportunity to take a stepback and appreciate the amazing animals that surround us. Many of these animals play curial roles within our area and its imporant that we give back to them, even in the smallest of ways.

I hope by reading this you’ve found some inspiration to let some wildlife into your garden this month. our local animals might not be as interesting as some other places across the world but its important to appreciate the beauty of our area when it’s cared for. our wildlife is so important to our ecosystem and by making a few changes in your garden you can change it into a lush natural nursery for all sorts of wildlife. So, get out to the garden and embrace your wild side!