Man About Dorset - Collection 1

Man About Dorset Collection :1 Winter 2016

Available at

1 Crown Mead Mews, High St, Wimborne, Dorset BH21 1HS T: 01202 888302 • E: shop@bertiescountry.com • www.bertiescountry.com

Have you experienced breakfast overlooking the beautiful Durley Chine, with ocean views across to Harry Rocks, and the sound of the waves lapping on shore, then a visit to us this time of year is perfect, open every day of the year for breakfasts and lunches, through to New Year, with a licensed premise, and fresh food prepared to your liking we are the ultimate in Dorset for quiet beach walk coffee stops, a spot of breakfast for those on the daily dog walk, or even book our incredible site for your private events.

With tailored bespoke menus to suit specific requirements, we can offer you your food of choice, and we can tailor your Christmas parties to any budget, size and requirement, with outstanding views and a safe place to relax, this is the definitive in festive party fun, why not just enjoy your beach all year round?

DURLEY CHINE RD BOURNEMOUTH DORSET BH2 5JG EMAIL: HELLO@CHINESIDE.CO.UK PHONE: 01202 438288

We also cater for weddings, birthdays, office functions, and small or large parties. If you’re looking for a great place to hold a get-together think of Chineside! Our outstanding location and set up means we can cater for any occasion from birthdays and anniversaries to staff parties and reunions, with space for up to 100 guests! We are fully licensed and are happy to create tailored meal packages suitable for your event’s requirements.

Flip flops may turn into wellies but Chineside is the perfect winter venue for all.

We even have a doggy treat waiting for your four legged friend.

G

randees, welcome to the first longed-for edition, our gathering of #MADSTUFF, the thoughts behind this ‘satchel bag mag’ is to showcase to you the motivating, the smart, the talented and the utterly cool folk that build businesses, create jobs, teach, paint, photograph and produce inspiring business models in our beautiful and popular county.

We have created Man About Dorset for everyone to enjoy, a chance to check out how some of the busiest businessmen in Dorset get through life, everyday folk, living the life of hard graft, quick thinking, decision makers and risk takers that create the skyline of the coast, to the dark northern shooting inns of the South. We’ve got the lot upcoming across our 2017 collections, all mixed in with a touch of creative nonsense, over the year As men, we’re all here for one thing aren’t we want to hear your tales, find out more we, not to make massifs of money, but about you, your business, your hobbies, hopefully, to experience life to the fullest, your man cave, and your garage treasures. we only get one go at it, and here is our little slice of the men giving it their all, Any questions you may have on your helping fashion the finer things in Dorset. health, wealth advice, job hunting, new business partnering on SME enterprises, We have assembled an incredible we have the contacts and we have the collection of interviews with men of expertise all within our reach. curiosity, top artists, and chefs and looked at the toys and the gear we hope If you have anything you think is worth you’ll delight in, take something from it saying, then please email us and we’ll get (take it home) and perhaps wish to get you an answer, fancy sending in a ‘truly involved in all we are about, we want to embarrassing story’ then go for it, got any bring in businesses from all divisions, good jokes? We want to hear them, this is men of interest, storytellers and more… a chance for men to be men, to embrace

the fact we’re all fellow dudes, and rock out in Dorset with pride, we see the women of Dorset being awarded for the wonderful empires and classy businesses they have built, BUT US GUYS we seem to get put on the back shelf a little, so this has to stop fellas, lets change things and make 2017 the year of the man, dont get even get #MAD!!!

If you enjoy what we’re trying to do, then give us a holla on Facebook at #MAD or manaboutdorset, we want your support, this is our time, let’s make the men of Dorset rise up and roar!

Danny Nash

Editor and Publisher.

www.manaboutdorset.com

Email us on info@arkadiamags.co.uk and we’ll get back to you asap, or call us on 01202 885 960 to give us your thoughts, what you’d like to see in future editions, and if you have anybody you think would make a great addition to our little magazine.

Man, this is for you, please take it home, read it, twist it into pages of around 2 or 3 sheets, and dink it slightly, PLEASE turn me into kindling.

SOME OF THIS EXILED. GIGGLE. THREADS. NOSH. SALUT. BROOM...

Cover Photo - ferrioliphoto.com

Made in Dorset by the bloke at madpublishing

Printed and finished by the men at Bishops Printers Ltd - 023 9233 4900

twistedhalodrinks.com Please drink responsibly

Giles Cooper is an energetic and enthusiastic Entrepreneur, based in Dorset but working across the UK & Europe, he loves challenges and is always on the lookout for new business opportunities.

Giles has built his success on capitalising on opportunities as they have arisen in the Bournemouth, Poole & Dorset area.

Using his talent and expertise his passion is growing small businesses into successful enterprises.

Having attended Sherborne Prep School, moving to be a boarder at King’s College, Taunton, and after leaving at the age of 16, he achieved national and international standard as a junior tennis player. From 1987 to 1999, his passion for work was in the tennis industry, not only coaching, retailing, promoting and playing but building a strong team of coaches, running sporting holidays, UK and European tennis camps, local municipal sites and clubs.

From managing a large portfolio of properties in Dorset to losing the majority due to the downturn in the market in the late 1990’s, Giles built and lost everything twice in a 7 year period.

Undaunted, in 2002, he focused on building a highly successful chain of barbers and hairdressing salons. He now actively pursues business opportunities, sharing his expertise and experience with like-minded entrepreneurs whilst still competing on Senior Professional Tennis circuit.

What does your typical day look like?

logical step from being a Vegetarian. I feel great and I’ve even been invited to write for Vegan magazines where I’m known as ‘Giles Cooper - The Entrepreneur Vegan’.

Coming from such a sporting background, do you have a strong desire to win?

Oddly enough, no. I don’t need to win at everything I do, but I do feel a need to push myself which is why I am always looking for different sports to master and new business challenges to get out of my comfort zone.

So do you have a favourite sport?

I love ALL sport! I guess tennis and skiing are up there but I’ve just taken up mono-skiing and have achieved Level come in overnight. I then do a run or a bike 2 on a Powerboat course. I’m also doing ride for an hour then back to take the kids more endurance sports like the occasional to school and walk the dog. The rest of my marathon and long distance bike rides as it morning until midday is filled with meetings gives me a chance to clear my head and do and phone calls, salad for lunch and a power some serious thinking. nap for 20 minutes. Then it’s back to the grind until 6pm, wine time is 7pm (just one What’s your latest venture? glass) and then close out last minute emails until 8pm. Don’t even try contacting me I’ve invested in an awesome new drinks after 9pm as I will be sleeping like a baby. brand called Twisted Halo, working as Brand Ambassador. It’s a low calorie, 100% So it’s true you drink 2 litres of lemon water natural flavoured, vodka-based cocktail a day? Why?! which is taking nightclubs, bars and boutique hotels by storm.

It is true! It actually energises me for the day ahead, making me less tired.

What’s your mantra?

This is essential for anyone in business maintaining a hectic lifestyle. It also helps Passion, experience, adaptation and delay the ageing process which has got to be diversification are key to a successful a good thing. business life.

I’m naturally an early riser, from And you’re a Vegan? approximately 4.15am every day of the week! Starting off with warm lemon water, I have a strong and passionate belief in then freshly ground coffee, responding to emails and social media messages that have health and fitness and it seemed the next

If you want to find out more about Giles, visit www.gilescooper.me or Twisted Halo at

www.twistedhalo.com

D I S C OV E RY D AV E N E W M A N

In each edition we like to find 'unknown' local talent to showcase to our readers. It was whilst on Facebook that we came across some stunning images by Dave Newman, a chap with a certain something when it comes to landscape and scenery shots. You can see one of Dave’s images illustrating our feature on the Anthony Gormley statue in Arkadia Magazine (Spring 2016) We asked Dave to tell us in his own words, what inspires him to pick up a camera for his own personal enjoyment, how he has created his own style and what the future holds...

"It was a visit to Las Vegas and stumbling across a landscape gallery

by Peter Lik five years ago that first piqued my interest in photography. I liked the idea of recording snapshots in time for others to see in the future.

So, armed with a second-hand DSLR, which I still use to this day, I set out to do just that. Hours of perseverance, internet searches and lots of trial and error later, I discovered a style that works for me and a project close to home.

So, for the last three years I have been travelling around my beautiful home county to try and complete a book called Dorset A-Z. The style I have adopted is something called Single-File High Dynamic Range (HDR). This allows me to show the full range of an image to the viewer. To some photography purists this style is classed as cheating, or even crass.

I do not believe this to be the case at all. I see it is another type of art. I can’t paint, so for me this is a way to express myself artistically. It seems to have been successful as I have been published worldwide over the last few years.

Photography has been a hobby that gives me immense pleasure and it allows me to escape from the pressures of life. I am currently on a career break due to and I am determined sit down and to get finished the book I started. If only I could find somewhere in Dorset that starts with the letter X."

Email - sales@arkadiamags.co.uk or call 07881 748 251 -01202 885 960 Full Page H 176 mm x W 250 mm £395.00 Issue 1 £295.00 Issues x 3

Double Page H 176 mm x W 500 mm £695.00 Issue 1 £550.00 Issues x 3

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Quarter Page W 120 mm x H 88 mm £115.00 Issue 1 £95.00 Issues x 3

www.manaboutdorset.com

The Great Indoors If you’ve ever fancied waking up in a woodland cottage or log cabin, but were worried about having to leave those mod cons behind, then take a look at The Hut. Situated on the edge of Charmouth Forest and cushioned from the outside world by around thirty acres of ancient meadows, The Hut offers a ‘Grand Designs’ experience on an intimate scale, without compromising on creature comforts. On the contrary, the open-plan Hut provides beautiful, well-appointed accommodation for two people, in a building that offers the perfect balance of rustic charm and carefully considered design.

Naturally, in such surroundings, you would expect a country style kitchen and The Hut doesn’t disappoint. At its heart beats a classic 1930s Aga, providing inspiration for your ‘inner chef’, as well as keeping you nice and warm in the winter.

The kitchen also contains a washing machine and dishwasher to make you feel completely at home and there’s even an electric oven and hob if you prefer the familiarity of the modern, to the period character of the Aga. The bathroom is equally well-equipped and contains everything you’d expect, including a free-standing bath and a power shower.

The remainder of the ground floor comprises the living and dining area, offering plenty of space to relax and with a large woodburner to keep you feeling cosy, whatever the weather. The full-height windows offer a panoramic view of the breath-taking countryside that surrounds The Hut, blurring the boundaries between the great outdoors and the great indoors!

This effect is amplified by the extensive use of timber in The Hut. It seems only right that a building which sits within a wooded landscape should not only rely on timber for its construction but also for its finish.

You will find wood everywhere, from exposed joists and reclaimed scaffold board floors to the beautifully crafted staircase that leads you to the mezzanine.

Up here in the eaves, you’ll discover a gorgeous bedroom, complete with Kingsize bed and, across a short gallery offering glimpses of the ground floor, there is also a useful dressing area.

The standard of décor in The Hut is so high that you could almost be forgiven for not venturing outside at all. But don’t forget where you are! Outside there is a beautiful veranda, with a view to die for, accompanied by the sound of birdsong and a babbling brook.

Here you’ll find your front row seats to some of the best wildlife the county has to offer, with birds of prey and deer being among the many regular visitors. The forest, a mixture of conifers and deciduous trees, is a truly magical place, especially in spring when the forest floor disappears under a blue and white sea of bluebells and wild garlic.

A stay in The Hut will make you feel like you are in your own little world, whilst offering easy access to everything this part of Dorset has to offer, including the Jurassic Coast (Charmouth and Lyme Regis are just 4 miles away) and a wealth of great places to eat.

For more details visit www.thedorsethut.co.uk

Beales Gourmet Ltd Home Fine Dining | Bespoke Wedding Catering | Corporate Entertaining | Special Occasions

Awarded Dorset’s Best Wedding Caterer 2013 The

Dorset

Wedding Supplier

Awards 2013

t. 01202 700 992 e. info@bealesgourmet.com www.bealesgourmet.com

Beales Gourmet Ltd, The Italian Villa at Compton Acres, 164 Canford Cliffs Road, Poole BH13 7ES Image courtesy of Nick Rutter Photography

Tony Beales is the Managing Director of Beales Gourmet, the acclaimed caterers who also run their own exclusive events venue, The Italian Villa at Compton Acres. We asked him how he’s managed to build two powerful local brands…

When did you start Beales Gourmet and can you tell us why?

Beales Gourmet was born in 2005. This is the year I returned to Dorset after spending 10 years cooking on private yachts in the South of France for the rich and famous. I had the idea to set up a gourmet catering and events business back in 2003. I didn’t know where and I didn’t know how.

What I did know however, is that I was going to do it and it was going to work! As a chef, I have a passion to make people happy by giving them great food and service.

I am always trying to exceed expectations at weddings and events by dismissing the myth that wedding and events catering is repetitive and safe. Our food is rosette standard, served in a coordinated and organised fashion by trained staff who really care about every single customer at the wedding or event. 11 years on, and I am delighted to be running the most successful wedding and event catering business on the South Coast.

What was your background before starting the company?

I trained as a chef right here in Dorset at Bournemouth & Poole college for 3 years in 1989.

I also worked in various local restaurants and pub whilst at college. I then worked in London for 3 years in 5-star hotels and Michelin star restaurants to get the very best training I could find. I then had an idea to write a cook book, so

I travelled the world for 16 months taking notes along the way. Unfortunately the book hasn’t happened yet, but I had great fun working in France, Australia, Asia and Canada along the way. In 1995 I stumbled upon a career cooking on private yachts in the south of France which I enjoyed so much I stayed 10 years. During my last 2 years in France I had the honour of being the personal chef to the Queen of Bahrain when she was in Europe, which included cooking for her high profile guests in Paris, Cannes and on board the family yacht.

Give us a brief overview of your business.

In 2016 we are catering around 240 weddings.

150 of these are at our very own award winning venue, The Italian Villa in Poole, Dorset.

The balance are at some of the South’s other most prominent venues and marquees. We also cater for loads of private and corporate events: everything from awards dinners for 550 people to exclusive home dining parties for 10 people.

Why do your customers choose you?

When we created the ‘Beales Gourmet Experience’, one of the crucial elements of that was the service – it has to match the outstanding cuisine served! And it’s not just about service on the day of any given wedding or event – we make sure that we guide our customers through from initial enquiry right to their event with ease – we love doing what we do!

It’s all about attention to detail – if we can do little things that constantly exceed our customers’ expectations, we feel ‘great for making it happen’..

To provide that level of service, our staff receive regular and ongoing training – it’s all part of our quest for continuous improvement – KAIZEN!!!

www.bealesgourmet.com 01202 700992 www.the-italian-villa.co.uk 01202 816074

FOX TAILORING BOURNEMOUTH’S VISITING TAILOR THE COMPLETE GENTLEMAN’S OUTFITTER

01202 289090 (BY APPOINTMENT ONLY)

As an ambassador himself for the finer things in life, Man About Dorset have managed to grab the enigmatic John Parrett of Fox Tailoring by the tail cuffs, to find out what makes this gentleman of the cloth tick. How it all started for this purveyor of pinstripe is fascinating, the twinkling eyed buccaneer of tweed tells his tale, made-to-measure!

After 11 years with Austin Reed, 3 and a half with Burberry and 3 years with Dax Simpson, I went on to work with a small company called Giles Fox. There were 3 shops, one in Liberties in Regent St, Princes Arcade off of Piccadilly and a small shop in Newmarket. Unfortunately after 9/11 lots of shops closed, I was offered a redundancy, but was informed that I could take on tailoring in one of his stores. It was a non-paid role, and I would only get commission on work I carried out, so I started knocking doors, networking my contacts and clients … I hated every second of it.

I went to JP Morgan in the city, hence the connection to Dorset! Now anyone who lives in London will know that you do your shopping after work or in your lunch hour, your trade is done from 1.00 to 3.00 o’clock, so I felt we had to take the shop to our clients. I took my little stand along to the dining hall, and that’s how I got going. We would go directly to them instead of the larger businesses, but because of security issues and 9/11, places like JP Morgan stopped outside traders coming in. It was hard work and after a year or so of this, without any real help, I decided to take the leap and go alone. I wanted clients, cloth merchants and so on, so I tried to reverse the situation. I loved doing what I was doing with the tailoring, so I told him I was going to leave, consequently resulting in being offered a chance to take over the business. I was asked to pay Giles Fox a small commission and rent the showroom and take the company name… I didn’t have to think long about it!

Firstly, I wanted to make it my own. Now obviously people knew the name and the quality, but I wanted people to realise what we do, so I went basic‘what it says on the tin’ so to speak, Fox and the Tail… Fox Tailoring was born. I had a showroom downstairs and he had sailing wear upstairs called Paul & Shark, which he then brought downstairs, which left me with no space. I decided to leave the showroom, I rented a lovely little shop in my area

(Hornchurch) next to a dry cleaners, which suited us both really well. This was in 2006, we had 8 years there spending time building the brand name and then I decided to go to the customer directly after building a huge client base. In 2007, ‘Bartercard’ approached us, a company with a large base that wanted tailored suits. I found myself inundated, as the business worked on a ‘quid pro quo’ basis, I needed to find a manageable income. I achieved this by recruiting our cloth merchants and tailors into the business so I could then do as many suits as I wanted without paying cash. This gave me the connection to Bournemouth for a client who wanted a suit.

I decided to meet him in his Bournemouth Offices, turned out there were a mass of local men wanting suits. I ended up booking into The Langtry Hotel, enjoying two solid days measuring and fitting suits.

Every half hour I was measuring up, this was just 5 years ago and the name Fox Tailoring was suddenly prolific in the Town. With high street ‘off the peg’ suits being the norm, we decided to give it a go here - the Essex site is still going well but our client base here is a lot more suited to the services we offer and have the right feel for the cut of our cloth.

Working now by appointment only, we have seen the new offices in Compton Acres take off, it’s really exciting times!

An interesting phone call from Bournemouth Football Club arose, asking us to make the suits for the catering staff and receptionists, this led to me asking, “Do the players ever wear suits?” At that time they wore them only to home matches, I won the business, which launched us to a new audience. This was an incredible experience, 30 players to measure in 2 days and in between training sessions, I needed a brandy after that… but it helped me incredibly. I took the office in Compton Acres, with big thanks to Ann who owns Bluewater Designs, helping me tremendously to move my operations to Dorset. With the bespoke service we offer, the personal touch and the fact our clients have become our friends has made this such a pleasurable experience. As a trained colour consultant I can offer a completely different service to anyone else- with a basic skin tone we can match the right colours to the right undertone of your skin, reflecting in your hair, skin and eye colour which helps us dress you perfectly for the right environment.

I think people recognise colours that work on them, but don’t completely understand why, so this understanding and then seeing how it works, gives an overall satisfaction when buying a fitted piece from us.

With the knowledge John has and the years of working within the industry alongside a high sense of fashion, John enjoys the TLC side of the businessmen don’t get enough care in the clothing industry, something men perhaps won’t admit, but we do love a bit of attention!

John says “Clients tend to open up, talk about their lives, you become a confidant to them, the way perhaps you do with your favourite barber. I want people to walk out with a piece, feeling as confident and totally satisfied as possible. Satisfaction leads to better confidence and when you look and feel confident, you go out and you perform better at what you do. Fitting the colour and style to the body shape is the key to our success, a unique piece that you know no-one else has got that suit. A fox piece is a walking advertisement for us, so we want to do the best we can do and I want to improve the look and style of Dorset’s men, each individual one at a time…

I hope people continue to enjoy the experience of our service”.

A cost of an average fitted suit ranges from the young man looking to kit themselves out for the first day at the office, through to the leading entrepreneur who wishes to look great daily. John says “People are governed by price, but when I go to networking events and ask people where they got the suits from, we know it may cost more to wear a tailored piece and it isn’t a high priority, but we showcase why our suits last longer, and the fit will be perfect for them. A suit that makes you look the part and is well cared for with the right fabric, you will get a lifetime of enjoyment from your garments”.

Why not pop in and have a relaxed chat with John, feel free to get measured at his office or have him visit you at home, a fabulous chance to actually see what it costs and how you may be wearing your ‘off the peg’ suits wrong. An initial consultation is free and you will make a new friend with this amiable gentleman outfitter – call Fox Tailoring now to kit yourself out for the Winter Festivities!

The whole evening was generously sponsored by Beales Gourmet, who continue to provide exceptional in-kind support for the Orchestra.

Recognising the BSO’s generous supporters at annual Black Tie Gala The beautiful setting of The Italian Villa at Compton Acres in Poole saw the return of the BSO’s Black Tie Gala on Thursday 29 September 2016. Now in its third year, the annual event is a celebration of the generous support the BSO receives from its valued community of Patrons and Performance Champions, whose invaluable contributions enable the BSO to continue its vital work to enrich and inspire the cultural lives of many.

As a registered arts charity, the BSO is increasingly reliant on the support of individuals, charitable trusts and companies, so the Black Tie Gala event is a special evening to recognise the generosity of these benefactors. The gifts donated by Patrons and Performance Champions help the Orchestra

in a wide range of areas, based on their own interests and passions, for example in concerts and performances, the commissioning of new music, the maintenance of key equipment and instruments and also in the delivery of BSO Participate, the Orchestra’s participation and community programme.

“For me, supporting the BSO enables me to say ‘thank you’ to the BSO for the rich, musical impact it has made on my life from schooldays until retirement. We are so lucky to have such a fine orchestra.”Janet - Performance Champion, Bournemouth.

Guests at this year’s event enjoyed a very special evening with a ‘three-course performance’ to match the outstanding dinner personally curated for the occasion by the dynamic Tony Beales, of Beales Gourmet, the BSO’s Gourmet Catering Partner and a corporate sponsor.

“Supporting the BSO, the South and South West’s most celebrated arts institution and a registered charity, is an absolute pleasure and delight. We have enjoyed being involved with their team and look forward to building on this wonderful relationship in the year ahead.” Tony Beales, Managing Director, Beales Gourmet.

The evening began with a special welcome on the red carpet before guests were escorted to the glorious setting of the Italian Garden for a Prosecco reception and ensemble performances. During dinner, guests were wowed by a special collaboration between BSO Principal Cellist Jesper Svedberg and surprise guest, the prodigiously talented violinist Chloë Hanslip who performed the showpiece Passacaglia by Handel/ Havorsen, and Allegro from Ravel’s Sonata for Violin and Cello. The evening was a thoroughly enjoyable occasion for all who attended and plans are already underway for the next Black Tie event in 2017.

If you would like to find out more about supporting the BSO as a Performance Champion or Performance Patron, please contact Joanne Madders on 01202 644729 or email development@bsorchestra.co.uk

The new vintage racer and coffee saloon hits Wimborne.

There is nothing more satisfying than cruising on a beautifully restored vintage bicycle. Your ride is completely unique and gets tons of looks. It would seem the old days were the good old days for bike enthusiasts, now we’re seeing more and more of these hand built, steel stallions on our streets, and one man to thank for this retro revival is Rob at Psychling Wimborne.

Sitting proudly on East Street Wimborne, Rob has opened up a new and very cool vintage bike store, with an urban Parisian feel, this man cave of wood, scaffolding and funky vinyl, playing its scratchy vibes through the sound system is an oasis of calm, a hideaway of frames and gears, a place to escape the rat race, all of this has been successfully achieved in this retro roadside retreat. “We aim to source fine classic bicycles along with rare parts and accessories that help cyclists to maintain their machines. Combined with good coffee we hope to give people an opportunity to look, discuss and reflect upon their own rides and in turn the historical value of the bicycle.” The term ‘they don’t make them like they used to’, has become cliché, but here it’s a very apt description of the contents.

Memories of the bikes you used to ride in the late 70’s and early 80’s sitting proudly on the walls, this eclectic mix of parts, frames and full on speciality bikes are to some a vision of sunset rides across the hills, a throwback to the heady days of woollen racing sweaters, the pulse of your pastel blue Sony Walkman personal cassette player, gently strumming

Now 7 through the fluffy eared headphones.

It is rare to find solace in a bike shop unless you are a complete aficionado of the game, but here amongst these skeleton frames of a golden era, you can sit peacefully logged into the free Wi-Fi and relax your limbs, in peace and quiet but in sight of the busy high street, slowly melting into a hot java roast, the superb artisan coffee is courtesy of Beanpress Coffee Co. roasted within a 20-minute jaunt of the shop and pumped into your cup by a fantastic Faema e61. Those cycling fans among you will recognise the name made famous as the team sponsor of the great Belgian cyclist Eddy Merckx in the late 1960s.

Don’t let the outwardly 1920’s look of this funky freestylers retail ride store fool you, step over the threshold and kick back with a man who can talk turkey about bikes, vintage levis, and any era of soul you may have jammed to in your youth. I will see you there Saturday morning, as it is very rare for someone to have captured all of the things I adored as a child now on my doorstep. Back off muddy mountain bikers, and make way for the new generation of cool hipsters on their vintage Peugeot’s…

Robert admits ‘“There are still a few spokes to tighten”, but being surrounded by bicycles I guess he is constantly reminded that you need to move forward. A visit to Psychling will certainly be an experience, one that won’t leave you disappointed, and if old science lab stools bring back bad memories then this is definitely the place to put them right.

Psychling offers a complete range of serving for bicycles of any age and can provide advice on period restorations and upgrades.

A complementary coffee is also available for any servicing over £10 and there is also a place to park and lock your machine behind the shop.

psychling 44a East Street Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 1DX 01202 880901

WIN – A Men’s pamper and haircut worth – £146.95!

Prize includes: • Cut and finish with our top stylist Christine in our Sherborne salon • 45 min Tulasara Facial • 60 min Deep tissue massage

To enter, simply visit: robin-james.co.uk/MAD to enter our prize draw.

All entries must be received before 31st December 2016. Winner will be notified. Terms and Conditions apply.

Robin Hague, founder of Robin James salons in Sherborne, Poole and Dorchester; talks to us about his brand and what inspires him.

Firstly, can you tell us about the Robin James brand ? How did you start and what has been the evolution of the brand since your launch?

The Robin James brand was launched in 1989.

When I opened the first salon. Robin James are my christian names and I thought they looked really smart above the door. 27 years later I hope that the name represents high quality. It is always my objective to be the best in everything we do.

Did you always want to work in hair & beauty?

Where did you start your career?

Pretty much, I started my career in a salon in Yeovil. I always enjoyed socialising as a teenager in Sherborne though and so it was no surprise to find myself there in business.

What is it that appeals to your clients?

Hopefully our high standards and consistent drive to improve them.

Do you have a favourite brand?

Vidal Sassoon, Brora Cashmere and The Fine Cheese Co. What does British craftsmanship mean to you?

The best in the world bar none.

Who inspires you in the world of product innovation?

Rob Dennis, CEO of McLaren.

What’s next in 2017?

We are living in a time of tremendous opportunity.

2017 is going to be very exciting.

What inspires you — do you focus on trends?

I am inspired by everything around me. My team is incredibly inspirational. I am fascinated by trends and how we latch on the certain things that become fashionable and why.

What is your service philosophy?

I see myself as a discerning customer and I would like to think if I was a customer of Robin James my high expectations would be met. That is my yard stick. Nothing should be too much trouble. I personally get a huge kick out of serving people well.

Robin James has salons in Sherborne, Dorchester and Poole. For an appointment, call the salon direct or book online.

Sherborne: 69 Cheap Street, Sherborne, Dorset, DT9 3BA Telephone: 01935 812112 Dorchester: 8 Antelope Walk, Trinity Street, Dorchester, DT1 1BE Telephone: 01305 250240 Poole: 12 Quayside, The Quay, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1HU Telephone: 01202 666373

robin-james.co.uk

©Katherine Davis

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Our inspection bay.

Only a Bentley Pre-Owned Dealer can offer you the confidence that your car is exactly as Bentley intended. Ensuring the excellence of your Bentley is not just a technical matter to us, it’s a sense of honour. Plus, right now to celebrate the opening of the new showroom, for a limited time only every Pre-Owned Bentley comes complete with a complimentary service plan.† Regular maintenance is vital in order to preserve the performance and condition of your Bentley. Keep your Bentley in peak condition with an interim service at £499 inc vat* or a major service at £1,499 inc vat* at Bentley Hampshire.

Plus, why not enhance your experience behind the wheel during the same visit? A selection of Upgrade Packs are now available to help you make your Bentley undeniably yours.

For more information or to book an appointment, contact Bentley Hampshire today on 023 8081 3206.

BENTLEY HAMPSHIRE 15026

Bentley Hampshire. Bramshaw, Lyndhurst, Hampshire SO43 7JF T: 023 8081 3206 www.harwoods.uk.com/bentley

The Boy Has Done Good!

I’m sitting in the back of a very nice Audi that belongs to Darren Northeast founder and Director of Darren Northeast PR. He’s driving his team to a major business awards ceremony at a hotel in the depths of the Dorset countryside.

After a couple more roles along the way I decided to ‘go it alone’ and see if I could make working for myself work.’

There’s great excitement. A number of their clients are finalists and Darren Northeast PR itself is up for Small Business of the Year. When we arrive at the glitzy occasion, the room is already filling up. It’s a large event. Nearly 400 guests. It feels as though most of them know Darren! People gravitate towards him, seeking him out.

‘No, not simple at all. Believe me, it wasn’t all plain sailing. That’s why tonight’s success is so special. There were times in the early days when it was really tough.

One of his clients goes on to win two awards – including the big one – Business of the Year.

Darren Northeast PR is the proud recipient of the Small Business of the Year. It’s a popular win. Many photographs and congratulatory wishes later, we are back in the car, winding our weary but happy way home through the dark Dorset lanes.

‘What? Just like that? So simple?’

An even bigger laugh.

I was starting my own business with nothing but vision and passion. At one point, I even took a job cleaning holiday apartments at weekends so that I had money to put petrol in the car to take me to meetings the following week.

I nearly gave up. I even started sending out my CV for jobs that I didn’t want. Then one day, I sat down and thought “I have a choice: a job working for someone else or to make a success of Darren Northeast PR”.

There was no choice. I scrapped my CV, stopped looking in the recruitment pages and focussed all my time and energy on what I really wanted to achieve. That was 13 years ago and it’s been hard work. It is such hard work, no one knows what it’s like if they’ve not done it themselves. But I ‘So, come on, Darren, how did you come to set up wake up in the morning looking forward to the Darren Northeast PR in the first place?’ day ahead. I think that’s my real success.

There’s something very revealing yet comfortable about conversations in cars – it was our chance to learn more about this charismatic and innovative boss!

‘Well’, he replies, ‘I left school and immediately started working for Poole Council for a year, and then onto Barclays for 13 years.’

‘What about university?’

He laughs. ‘Nope. No university. No academic qualifications at all in fact, but I did leave school with a head full of ideas and a shed full of determination to make them happen.

After working for Barclays I joined a local charitable organisation and was given a PR style role. I enjoyed the job so much. I was really good at it, and built up a great relationship with the media along the way.

We’re tired and settle more snugly into the plush leather seats. We’re glad he chucked away his CV. We’re clutching our cut glass award, already writing press releases in our heads for the next day.

‘What should the headline be?’

‘Ooh, I don’t know. How about ‘The Boy Done Good!’... Yeah, how about that?

Because, actually, he really has!

www.darrennortheast.co.uk

Timeless accessories

Wallets

for modern living

Cufflinks

Beard Accessories mangunbear.com

Tony Carr Founder of Man Gun Bear.

Many of our items can be personalised as we want our customer’s personality to be expressed, not just the person receiving the gift, but the gift giver too.

How do you go about coming up with new product ideas?

We have tried to create a range of high quality men’s suit and travel accessories, sometimes just items we think are great.

Because we make items ourselves we can be flexible with the design and have fun with it.

Launched in 2012, Man Gun Bear is a quality We also do lots of research and listen to other men’s accessories brand based in The New people’s needs and wants. Some inspiration Forest, UK. is bred from consumer queries or bespoke enquiries, it almost becomes a challenge for What were you doing before you started us to fulfil their brief. Where possible, we Man Gun Bear? will always try to think of a solution and if it’s viable we then turn the prototype into a I have worked in design since leaving commercial product. university, working in a range of industries from fashion to technical bag and case design What makes your products unique? and more recently in Aerospace.

Everything is made to order and many Man An interesting variation, but the design Gun Bear products have their own individual principals are the same. My background has serial number. Therefore, no two items given me a good understanding of design, are the same. It’s a great feeling to receive materials and manufacturing processes. something that you know has been made specifically for you.

What was the inspiration behind Man Gun Bear?

How are your products made? Do you use particular methods e.g. all handcrafted?

Purchasing something sophisticated, combined with intricate craftsmanship and a Our products are made from a range of kick of personality proved difficult…Man Gun processes, these include hand cutting, CNC Bear was about filling a niche in the market. machining, routing, engraving and printing to hand sanding, varnishing and stitching.

The products we make are developed with We take care and precision over every thought, care and attention to detail. We individual item. wanted to offer a service enabling customers to give gifts to friends and loved ones in the Our products are made from the highest knowledge they have been made to order in quality materials, our UK cowhide leather is the UK, using the highest quality ethically a by-product of the food and drink industry sourced materials. and our wood is FSC certified. So not only do our products look good they are also ethical.

Could you paint a picture of where you work,location, the space, the size of your team etc?

Has this changed over the years?

Well over the years things have changed quite considerably! From the humble beginnings of our garden shed, we now reside in a purpose built workshop and office space in The New Forest.

Production happens downstairs where we have specific areas for different disciplines i.e engraving, wood work shop, machining, assembling, oiling and dispatching.

Upstairs has more of an open plan feel with lots of space to have creative meetings, complete with a chill out area, this is where the, design, marketing and customer service takes place.

We are now a team of 7 but over the busy periods we do have extra help from some of Santa’s elves.

Where can you get hold of Man Gun Bear’s products?

We are an e-commerce business so you’ll be able to find everything on our website www.mangunbear.com.

We also sell through marketplaces such as Not on the High Street, My Gift Genie and Etsy.

What’s your favourite Man Gun Bear product?

I love the Aluminium Bronze Letter Opener, it’s a simple, functional design yet with timeless style.

What three words best describe you?

Curious, driven, tired!

MAKE & MODEL 1967 Honda SS Available in 90cc-125cc FEATURES STEEL UNIBODY CHROME FINISH BRONZE ACCENTS CUSTOM EXHAUST/MUFFLER EXPOSED SUSPENSIONS CATTLE SKIN LEATHER SEAT CUSTOM CONTROLS CUSTOM REAR SET ELECTRIC START ALUMINUM INDICATORS QUARTZ GLASS BRAKE LIGHT

If a limited edition piece of art is your thing, then look no further for your fun boy’s toy collection, this weekend ride is a thing of real beauty, rock up to Poole Quay on a Tuesday night and be the talk of the Town, this is the Bandit9 EVE Motorcycle.

The Bandit9 Motorcycles are stylish machines you will want to cherish, with the right amount of get up and go that will keep you cruising in style, with a Honda Supersport 125cc engine, the EVE from Bandit9 is sold all over the world, so get on the website and check out the aesthetically pleasing visions of engineering, I know what is now on my Christmas wish list...

Yes’sir it is a Bandit, the sort of bike you would want to be chasing ninja street warriors through the streets of Westbourne, with a cool Quentin Tarantino ‘Kill Bill’ homage. The look, the feel and the swagger of these incredible bikes are spot on for this period in time, built for comfort, and largely based on the Honda Supersport 125, these bikes are fit for most age groups and most riders, and starting from around £7800.00 these will be right up your dark alley.

Each bike is produced in a minimal limited edition run, around 9-10 bikes of each spec are made, but you do have the option to choose the finish and the spec of your ride, sleekly designed using finest materials, this handcrafted steel ‘uni-body’ frame can be your coveted possession, with your own designs, be it snakeskin, marble or chrome, these guys have the parts to make your bike super unique.

www.banditnine.com

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two courses ÂŁ26 or ÂŁ32 pp ask us about our lunch and private bookings Find your local Koh and book today

Traditional timeless fine art oil paintings Paul Dolman - born in Derbyshire and moved to Devon where he collected a series of awards as a Junior Artist, his first job was as a pottery designer and he quickly moved on to become an Illustrator for the South Devon Scene, a local newspaper based in the internationally renowned art college at Dartington Hall near Totnes.

Paul became an immediate success and was commissioned to produce pen and ink drawings for clients in the publishing industry.

In more recent years Paul has moved towards Oil Paintings taking inspiration from the views he enjoys from his long distance walking. Paul’s high standards of work have achieved recognition for its quality, clarity and popularity amongst local people in Dorset and those visiting the area.

Dramatic light and atmosphere are what feeds Paul Dolman’s imagination as he moves around the Dorset coast line. Paul is passionate about painting – and his specialty is creating wonderfully atmospheric oil landscapes that are vibrant and zinging with light.

Recently Paul spent a month in Mauritius was commissioned to paint various scenes of Mauritius.

With his paintings hanging in New York, Australia New Zealand, Nantucket and all round the world you can still catch Paul demonstrating his art, and enjoying his painting at Avon Beach most weekends in the summer where he displays and sells his work.

Wareham Road Sandford, Dorset BH20 7AE 01929 550 800 / contact@thesandfordpub.co.uk

• DrinK • EaT • EnjoY •

01929 550 800 / contact@thesandfordpub.co.uk

Jamie Perry, Chef, Landlord, Businessman MAD finds out what makes this man tick.

With 3 differing sites across Dorset you now run, how do you cope with it all?

What have been the highlights so far in building your business empire?

Did you start to share your culinary delights from an early age, were you the only boy in home economics class?

It’s handy that all the Businesses are within 30 minutes of each other and yet to open the newest venture we are currently hiring and training all the new team members on site at the Sandford. So when it comes to the grand opening we would have already had the team working together, following and understanding company procedures and methods. I am quite thrilled to have had some part time and full time team members that have now worked with me for 7 years. The staff are key along with good pay, benefits and training, a saying I work by is we are only as good as the weakest link. The perks we offer our staff as well are that working for us means that one day you may be waitressing at either of the pubs, the next you will be in a field serving at a wedding and the day after on the beach or at a festival cooking a whole pig for hog roasts. The diversity of a job role is paramount to some of our employees.

I still get a buzz at the end of a good day especially big events, weddings and festivals.

We catered for crew last year at V Festival and served over 12,000 meals in 10 days which was amazing. We were also recognised this year as a National Finalist for the Community Hero Awards for the Sandford as we have now donated/raised close to £20,000 since taking over in 2014. The company itself has chosen Dorset Blind Association as its main charity but also has donated to lots of smaller local charities.

There were a couple of us boys but I actually failed Home Ec. got suspended and forced to do Textiles for a bit. In one of the first classes we had we were told to bring in the ingredients to cook a dish of our choice, where most students were cooking jacket potatoes and making soup I did a Filet de Beouf Stroganoff, which had brandy as part of the dish to flambé. It was at this point that Mrs Billingham escorted me to Mrs Hills office at Purbeck school Wareham for A, bringing alcohol into school and B, deliberately starting a fire. It turned out after that I didn’t much like Home Ec. as I thought I already knew more than the teacher.

What dishes can we expect to find on your menu, do you cater for vegans or is it a meat inspired menu?

In this day and age we have to cater for everyone. We are currently in the national finals for the Free From awards in recognition of our work towards creating a menu for dairy and gluten free guests. Both of our pubs have its own character with the Sandfords menu being designed more for family friendly and discerning diner. Whereas the Sly Fox is going to be a seven day a week carvery and steakhouse, it will also have a wood fired pizza and milkshake bar in one of the out buildings.

Suppliers at both sites lean when possible to local companies.

We currently source most of our meat from Jurassic Meats in Winfrith, we have bar snacks like our pork scratchings supplied by Shakeys out of Weymouth, sorbets and ice-creams are from Purbeck Ice Cream in Corfe Castle and on the pumps we are currently promoting Piddle Brewery based in Piddletrenthide.

What do you like to do in your ‘down-time’?

To be honest there isn’t a lot of downtime. I tend to go 100mph for most of the year and then enjoy a couple of holidays (I am in fact writing this on a balcony as the sun is setting whilst away on annual leave). When we do get a night off it is going out and eating or socialising in other pubs, hotels and restaurants to keep up with current trends, or the rare occasion when we do hide from the world with a takeaway and a movie.

Hunting or Fishing?

Fishing (Sea Fishing) I have been lucky enough to have caught some great fish whilst away on holiday, but at the same time most of my best memories growing up in Swanage was on the San Gina 1 and 2 with Capt Tom Greasty.

Any serious struggles you’ve had to overcome Trying to get a good work life balance, this industry isn’t a job it is a lifestyle and you never really turn off. There are a lot of sacrifices to make when your mates are off on weekends away, family birthdays and even my own which if coincides with a big event then the business has to come first.

What’s going on the Perry Christmas Table?

After cooking an 8 course Xmas Lunch for nearly 80 guests I will be happy to have a turkey sandwich and an early night. But as I have the whole family coming up to the pub along with a few of our locals and staff who would otherwise be alone it will be another evening no doubt eating and drinking way too much.

Night out or night in?

Tough one...love a night out catching up with friends and family but also can’t go wrong with a take away, movie and the sofa with the missus.

Advertising: It’s a very visual world, what with magazines, newspapers and now the biggest visual extravaganza of them all, the Internet, all playing such a huge role in selling your wares. Potential customers don’t want, or may not have the time, to read reams of text, especially not on a small mobile phone screen, so this means images mean everything, and I don’t just mean good quality images, I mean good quality images that are different, images that stand out, images with well… imagination.

As a photographer, this means the world to me, because if there’s one thing you can’t accuse me of it’s a lack of imagination, especially when it comes to product and commercial photography. I’m more than happy to photograph anything for a client in any way they want, and indeed I do, but what I really love to do is photograph ‘Big Boy’s Toys’, they inspire and fire my imagination and really get my creative juices flowing. I love it; cars and guitars, planes and trains, huntin’ shootin’ ‘n’ fishin’, in fact, anything that can be remotely associated with a man’s world. OK, I know there are plenty of ladies reading this article who have the need for speed too, you wouldn’t be here if you didn’t, so obviously I include you too.

So what do I mean by images with imagination? Well, it’s certainly not just standing a subject against a boring background and snapping away. I like to place the item I’m photographing into context, and photograph it in a way that’s sympathetic to what it’s trying to portray, be it the product itself or the company’s ethos or image.

A heavy Winter ale, for instance, could be photographed in an environment that emphasises that for example, in front of a roaring log fire with a couple of sympathetic props, a light summer ale could be photographed outside in the sun with, say, a Ploughman’s Lunch. Let’s put an aeroplane in the sky where it belongs, a racing car on the race track, a camper van on the beach with a couple of surfboards – see what I mean?

And why not include the producers too? Give the company a face; the blacksmith at the forge with sparks flying or shoeing a horse, the mechanic wielding a spanner or a welding torch, the shooter shooting....

I love letting my imagination run riot as it brings my photographs and the subject alive. However, taking photographs is just half the job, and post processing, just like the old darkroom days, is de rigueur. Whether it be a simple dodge and burn, a tweak to contrast or a full blown composite creation, this is what brings the final images to life and my ideas to full fruition.

I shall be meeting some of you over the coming months as Danny lets me loose with my camera in his quest for imaginative and creative images for M.A.D magazine articles, something I’m really looking forward too. In the meantime, however, if you or your business have a need for me, my camera skills and, of course, my imagination, then please get in touch. kris@southernscenicphotography. co.uk www.southernscenicphotography. co.uk

Caution: M.A.D. Photographer at work

increased by almost 150% to 14 kWh giving an electric range of up to 31 miles.

The all-new PDK transmission, which is standard in all models, now has eight forward gears. Gears seven and eight are designed for motorway driving, saving fuel and increasing comfort on long drives. Maximum speed (190 mph for the Turbo) can be reached in sixth gear.

The shift-by-wire technology allows an optimum position of the gear selector on the rising centre console.

The new Panamera.

Courage changes everything.

The new Porsche Panamera, redeveloped from the ground up, is a sports car and luxury saloon in one. Its engines and transmission were re-engineered, the chassis perfected, the display and operating concept interpreted for the future with multitouch controls, and its design embodies core brand values even more. Almost everything about the new Panamera is a technological leap forwards.

The second generation of the Gran Turismo is currently available in four all-wheel drive versions: Panamera 4S, Panamera Turbo, Panamera 4S Diesel and Panamera 4 E-Hybrid.

Even at first sight it is clear that the exterior is sharper, more elegant, yet with a silhouette that is inherently Porsche. Bold touches resonate with sports car genetics. It borrows its dynamic roofline from the 911 and an illuminated rear profile strip across the whole width of the car nods to the AWD models of the 911 family.

The range introduces a completely new generation of powerful yet efficient engines, 2.9-litre V6 for the Panamera 4S and 4.0-litre V8 for the 4S Diesel and Turbo. The Diesel delivers 422 hp with 850 Nm of torque. For the Turbo, the

layout of its two exhaust turbochargers within the V of the cylinder banks results in shorter exhaust paths and more immediate responsiveness.

This translates to 550 hp, 770 Nm of torque and 0-62 mph in 3.6 seconds with Sport Chrono Package and Launch Control activated. However, its adaptive cylinder control means that when not required, four of the eight cylinders can be deactivated automatically, saving fuel in the process.

Any doubts about hybrid technology will evaporate behind the wheel of the new Panamera 4 E-Hybrid. 462 hp of sports car power with a top speed of 172 mph and 0 to 62 mph in just 4.6 seconds with Launch Control. Yet combined fuel consumption is an impressive 113.0 mpg and only 56 g/km of CO2 emissions are produced.

The Hybrid drive consists of a new 330 hp, 2.9-litre V6 twin-turbo engine producing 450 Nm of torque and a new 136 hp electric motor offering 400 Nm of torque. With both drive elements working in parallel, 700 Nm of torque is available immediately and constantly across a wide speed range. Significantly, the battery capacity has been

THIS ALL SERVES TO UNDERLINE THE PANAMERA’S CREDENTIALS AS A TRUE SPORTS CAR. INDEED, IN RECENT TESTS THE PANAMERA TURBO LAPPED THE NÜRBURGRING NORDSCHLEIFE IN JUST 7:38, A RECORD FOR A ROAD-GOING SALOON CAR.

This Porsche Advanced Cockpit is the control centre for a wealth of new connected services, accessed via the new Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system with a high-resolution 12-inch touch screen in the centre console. All new Panamera models feature the innovative Porsche Connect Plus module as standard with free online map updates for 24 months. This module enhances existing vehicle functions with intelligent services and makes the connection between the car and driver more intuitive. It is the gateway to assistance functionality such as self-learning destination search, Realtime Traffic Information, even parking information and fuel prices.

The Porsche Connect App provides a seamless connection between information stored in the car and on your smartphone, including streamed music or calendar entries. With the new Panamera your car’s infotainment becomes an extension of your other connected devices.

AT THE HEART OF THE CHASSIS ITSELF, INTEGRATED 4D CHASSIS CONTROL OPERATES AS AN ADVANCED CENTRAL BRAIN DELIVERING OVER 100 MESSAGES PER SECOND TO ALL THE CHASSIS-RELATED UNITS, ADAPTING DRIVING PARAMETERS TO MAINTAIN THE OPTIMUM SPREAD BETWEEN COMFORT AND SPORTINESS. The chassis has also been comprehensively redeveloped and now offers sophisticated innovations such as the adaptive air suspension with three-chamber technology. With 60% increased air volume the sporty tuning is pure Porsche and sets a new standard for driving comfort in the luxury saloon market. The Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control Sport (PDCCS) no longer relies on hydraulic actuators: they are now electromechanical, responding faster and dramatically improving anti-roll stabilisation.

speeds the rear wheels turn up to 2.8 degrees in the same direction as the front wheels, virtually lengthening the wheelbase for greater stability.

Even the lightweight hybrid aluminium/steel construction is intelligent. How? By using the right materials in the right place Porsche has managed to reduce the car’s weight, despite a 30 mm longer wheelbase, while improving overall agility and fuel consumption.

Speed limits and overtaking restrictions are displayed in the instrument cluster and information from the navigation system indicates tight bends ahead. In traffic, adaptive cruise control can be specified to maintain the car’s distance to the vehicle in front between speeds of 18 and 130 mph and can apply braking when necessary.

The optional rear-axle steering allows both axles to be steered in opposite directions up to speeds of 31 mph, effectively shortening the wheelbase and so making manoeuvring a breeze. At higher

The new Panamera models are on sale now.

For ultimate comfort, the driver can specify 14way power memory seats with additional massage function, and, if the soundtrack of the optional new sports exhaust system doesn’t distract you, the Burmester® 3D High-End surround sound system is available for a concert-hall experience.

You can even add in an ioniser to create the perfect air quality.

The boot space is a generous 495 litres, 63 litres larger than the predecessor, providing ample luggage space. For those who appreciate a sportier exterior, there are plenty of options available, from the sports tailpipes of the sports exhaust

system to the new alloy wheel designs.

Cosmetic non-surgical procedures: Not just for Girls!

By Tracy Cullen Registered Nurse Prescriber, Aesthetic Nurse Consultant. www.coastalskinthetics.co.uk Welcome to my first column for Man About Dorset! I’m excited to talk to you today about the growing number of men opting for medical cosmetic procedures, particularly Botox. The feedback I have from my male patients is you often feel there’s lack of information for men and think of it as a girl/ woman thing and vanity orientated. This needn’t be the case; there are more men interested in treatments but just don’t know where to start.

If you are considering Botox® or other non-surgical aesthetic procedures within Dorset, Hampshire or Wiltshire, with more than 51,000 people in the UK opting for cosmetic procedures in 2015, according to the BAAPS, you are not alone.

My interest in the plastics, cosmetic surgery and the aesthetic medicine industry began in 1989 while I was serving in the army and working on one of the busiest burns and plastics units.

Botox®(or perhaps we should call it Brotox?) has many practical uses. It can be used to prevent or treat wrinkles, of course, but it can also offer a more subtle effect: softening the features or perhaps to help make you appear more refreshed, not frozen as is the common myth regarding Botox® treatments.

Since 2000, I have had the privilege of working for several of the south’s leading consultants in plastic, cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. I knew that I wanted to offer aesthetic services to patients, male and female, in order to enhance and maintain the outcomes of their surgery.

It was then that I embarked on my career development in aesthetic medicine, supported by the former President of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) and I haven’t looked back since.

And BAAPS stats also show that the number of men opting for Cosmetic/aesthetic procedures has nearly doubled in 10 years – going from 2,440 treatments in 2005, to 4,614 in 2015, and that number is rising all the time.

One client, James, 51, was pretty much wrinkle-free when he visited me but his eyes were turned down a little at the corners... a common effect of working hard and playing hard! A tiny touch of Botox® to the eye region lifted his whole expression and made him look more awake.

What’s more, his friends didn’t notice he’d had anything done - they just said that he looked “really well”.

That’s the best thing about my treatments - they are subtle. No-one wants to look like they’ve had ‘work done’, they just want to look (and feel) good.

It’s also highly effective for excessive sweating.

I have treated people who have found new confidence through this treatment. What’s more, it’s perfect for grooms-to-be - after all, do you want sweat patches in your wedding photos?

David, 45, was getting married for the second time and was a bag of nerves, understandably!

His partner had opted for pale lilac suits, which, of course, show up sweat patches more than normal.

It only took one treatment to not only stop the sweating but also give him the confidence to enjoy his big day, - this can last 6-12 months!

A young man, Harry, 18, came in with his mum for treatment for sweating, too. His shoulders slumped, he couldn’t look directly at me - years of teasing over his sweating had taken their toll. But when he came back for a review he was a different person. He bounded out of the car with a smile on his face, stood up straight, so confident. He had a new lease of life and it’s moments like this that make my job SO worthwhile and rewarding in itself.

I’m very proud to be Save Face accredited, awarded with their Status of Excellence and boast more than 30 years of nursing experience. Hello!

Magazine says Save Face is a “safe, impartial and accessible register. Save Face covers Botox® and fillers, lasers, radiofrequency and IPL, sclerotherapy, chemical peels and cryolipolysis (using extremely low temperatures to destroy fat cells)”.

Why not come in and see me for an informal, complimentary consultation?

I truly believe everyone can take the opportunity, if they so wish, to make the most of their appearance. It gives you confidence and everyone deserves to feel good. Why not take some time out for you and be the best (looking), confident man, you can be.

It is also backed by Dr Christian Jessen, presenter of TV’s Embarrassing Bodies and Supersize vs Superskinny. He knows a thing of two about how treatments can transform a person’s life and he insists that it’s important to be cautious. “It’s deeply disturbing that anyone can inject fillers and that Botox® is not more closely monitored,”

Coastal Skinthetics is a unique treatment clinic, where you can be treated by highly experienced and knowledgeable medical consultant practitioners, providing a range of medical and aesthetic procedures. As well as Botox®, Tracy and her talented team can advise and offer an effective fat reduction, lip enhancement/fillers, cheek fillers, skin peels, skin needling and mesotherapy, thread lifts, treatment for thread veins and, of course, skin care and cosmetic surgery advice.

My company, Coastal Skinthetics, is all about patient-centred care and I offer free consultations to put you at ease and discuss your options. We now take card payments for all your treatments, too, as well as a pay plan to help spread the cost.

We are of course fully insured and I am registered with the Nursing & Midwifery Council.

It’s vital that you see an experienced practitioner, who is used to treating men, to get the effects you want, as well as stay safe. Whitney Bowe, who is an assistant medical director for cosmetic and laser services at Advanced Dermatology in New York, told Men’s Fitness magazine: “Although exact dosing regimens do not yet exist, there is widespread consensus that men require higher doses of Botox® than their female counterparts.”

But let’s be serious for a minute. Please note that Botox® is a prescription-only medicine and can only be administered once seen by a prescribing practitioner. You can rest assured, I am a qualified nurse and prescriber with more experience than most within the plastic and aesthetic industry.

To learn more and discuss your options please call 0800 612 4468 or 07828617807, you can also send a text message or email info@coastalskinthetics.co.uk For further information see www.coastalskinthetics.co.uk

All treatments are clinically proven so you can be confident that you will achieve your desired results. Coastal Skinthetics provide an intimate and professional service in a relaxed and confidential environment.

They have treated thousands of patients over the years - head to the website to read some testimonials from their satisfied customers.

War... what is it good for?

Welcome to the mad, mad world of Jason Cameron, owner of Incentive Designs Ltd and the guy responsible for the ideas and designs of gun bits!, a combination from his BA (Hons) Product Design, mixed alongside the skills built up within his own business of designing & manufacturing bespoke contemporary furniture. Here at #MAD we needed to know how a bespoke furniture designer and maker get involved in the design and build of airsoft weapons and accessories.

I blame Nigel Streeter the editor of Airsoft Action, well that’s what I told him when we recently met for the first time. A few years ago I sat down in my favourite chair with a cup of coffee and my latest copy of Airsoft Action, there was an article that started with “The grenade launcher, the most feared weapon on the airsoft battlefield”, and so it began, it got me thinking about how I could make it a little more feared…

I began my research and came across a weapon called the EX41 that was designed and built towards the end of the Vietnam War to replace the thumper. I began sketching and working out the internal mechanism with a unique trigger system.

As you can tell from the pics my furniture skills came in handy.

The end result was the C-42, a double barrel shotgun style M203 grenade launcher capable of firing both shots at the same time. The C - 42 was the very first Airsoft weapon I built from scratch.

WAS THIS A FUN PROJECT? I enjoyed every minute of its development and cannot wait to build a planned run of around six of them. I intend to really go to work on them with different wood combinations and anodised aluminium with some very nice laser etched details, a big thank you to Nigel for setting me off on a journey of madness HOW DID IT START? My interest in weapon design began from an early age and has developed over the years. It began as a hobby in my spare time, building prototypes for my own amusement. As soon as Airsoft began

in the UK I became involved, having finally found a sport that could satisfy my strange addiction to weapons and allow me to focus my ideas on a fascinating industry. My design mission was always clear in my mind; to bring you as close to the reality of a battle scenario as possible.

What was I looking for? What was missing?

What would make the experience more real?

These are the questions that I constantly asked myself. As a keen Airsofter, I am often buying new products only to be faced with disappointment for one reason or another. This did, however, allow me to clearly see the basic requirements needed before all else; to develop products that A) FIT B) WORK C) PUT A SMILE ON YOUR FACE. Having assembled a unique team of individually skilled people for development and production, all products we now produce are of an extremely high level of quality and function.

When did you launch ‘Incentive Designs’?

Four and a half years of hard work and product development led me to set up Incentive Designs Ltd in 2013, a company that I could attach my weapon designs solely to. By carefully studying the gameplay and also keeping a close eye on weapon development I have finally reached the conclusion of the first three unique products that we believe will change the face of Airsoft forever; these will be unleashed upon the fine world of Airsoft within the coming months.

FIRST I WILL BRING YOU LIGHT: (m.f.g VENOM) A simple idea with a huge gameplay impact, the muzzle flash generator. Creating a muzzle flash will enforce a more tactical and realistic gameplay and dramatically enhance the visual effects.

THEN I WILL BRING YOU SOUND: (s.m.g Rattle) as I write, we are close to the conclusion of the sound module generator, having undergone development with a high-end audio specialist, to bring Airsoft a product that will blow your mind and your ears.

THEN I WILL BRING YOU FEAR: (Project Red) A project to create the third missing element from an Airsoft game: FEAR.

www.incentivedesigns.co.uk

Practical, professional or purely for pleasure – learn boat building or woodworking skills at the Boat Building Academy in Lyme Regis. The Boat Building Academy teaches the widest range of hands-on boat building courses in the world, specialising in composite, modern and traditional wooden construction, restoration and repair.

From the Ahoy! craft to the craft...

Land

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professional or38 purely for pleasure – learnof boat building or in addition a piece furniture Students onPractical, the intensive woodworking skills at the Boat Building Academy in LymeCity Regis. & TheGuilds Boat to gaining and week course gain practical Academy teaches of hands-on boat building Level 3 certification.

Students experienceBuilding by working on a the widest range in the world, specialising in composite, modern and traditional join the Academy from every wider rangecourses of construction profession and from all over types than wooden foundconstruction, in mostrestoration and repair. the world. Many will go on to boatyards or on any other boat Students on the intensive 38 week and make ain piece of furniture in addition to work the marine industries building course.

Students do course not gain practical experience by workingbut on gainingthe City & Guilds and Levelalso 3 certification. but courses appeal work on commercial projects a wider range of construction types than Students join the Academy from every to those taking a sabbatical learn by building and working found in most boatyards or on any other profession and from all over the world. Many from their ‘real’ lives or on a wide range of real boats boat building course. Students do not will go on to work in the marine industries simply escaping the rat race. selected forwork their educational on commercial projects but learn by but the courses also appeal to those taking Based on Monmouth beach value and relevance to students’ building and working on a wide range of real a sabbatical from their ‘real’ lives or simply in Lyme Dorset, aspirations.boats The intensive andvalue selected for their educational escaping the rat Regis, race. Based on Monmouth the lies atthethe heart of highly practical courses inThe Academy and relevance to students’vary aspirations. beach in Lyme Regis, Dorset, Academy the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO length fromintensive 5 days to practical 38 weeks. and highly courses vary in lies at the heart of the Jurassic Coast, a Heritage Site.

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Heavens!

In flight mode, the adventure really begins.

The SkyRunner has a take-off speed of 37mph and, once airborne, can reach a top speed of 55mph, quickly soaring to an altitude of 10,000 feet. The reflex paraglider wing has been designed for dynamic and responsive control and, in the event of engine failure, will bring you and your SkyRunner gently back to earth (there is also a reserve chute fitted for those who prefer the ‘belt and braces’ approach). Reassuringly, throughout its evolution, the SkyRunner has been set many challenges and tested to the limit. This has included being flown across the Sahara, as part of a gruelling 42-day, 3700 mile flight from London to Timbuktu!

By Robin Savill If you’ve ever sat in a traffic jam and looked up at a vapour trail in the sky, thinking “If only...”, then help is at hand, in the form of the Parajet SkyRunner. Designed by Dorset-based engineers, Gilo Industries of Semley, the SkyRunner combines a lightweight carbon fibre frame with an eco-engine and cutting-edge paraglider wing technology to deliver a road-legal car that becomes an aircraft in just 3 minutes!

Historically, hybrid vehicles have often been the victim of compromise, exhibiting a clumsy split-personality, rather than being a fully-functioning blend of both parents. It’s therefore good to hear that the SkyRunner’s designers have used a “holistic approach” to create a “dynamic vehicle that combines an adventure-filled mix of driving experience

“Roads? Where we're going, we don't need roads.”

Visit www.fly-skyrunner.com for more details.

and thoroughbred aviation technology.”

So, let’s put that claim to the test and look at how the SkyRunner performs as a car. Well, weighing in at just 420kg and boasting 123 brake horsepower from its 1.0-litre turbo engine, the SkyRunner will catapult you from 0-60 mph in just 4.3 seconds. That’s faster than your average Porsche 911, so nothing to be ashamed of there. When it comes to top speed, the SkyRunner peaks at 115mph so that Porsche will overtake you in the end but, don’t forget, the SkyRunner isn’t just a car.

All you have to do is pull over, make a few adjustments and three minutes later you are ready to see what the SkyRunner can do in the air!

It’s not all about beating that 911 off the line - the SkyRunner is a winner in the looks department too. The super-cool exterior has razor-sharp, hornet-like features, giving it the appearance of a hybrid between machine and insect rather than car and aircraft. The manufacturers even refer to the chassis as an exoskeleton (a term usually reserved for insects) but the parallel doesn’t stop there thanks to the sting in the SkyRunner’s tail - a non-stop adrenaline shot!

So, if you fancy yourself as the pilot of a Dorset-made adventure of a lifetime, all you need is a full driving licence, 12 hours of flying time with a certified instructor under your belt and, oh yes, around £75,000.

Named ‘Conductor of the Year’ at the 2013 Royal Philharmonic Society Music Awards, Kirill has conducted many of the world’s major orchestras including the BBC Symphony, Danish National Symphony Orchestra and the Budapest Festival Orchestra. Appointed Chief Conductor of Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra in 2008, we ask what makes the man tick…

What’s the best thing about being a conductor?

I think it’s the possibility of communication with so many people involved in the process.

On one side you have the orchestra which you need to prepare and train in a certain way; and from the other side, you have different audiences - every country, every venue has different audiences. Finding the balance between those two elements is the most challenging and interesting thing. If it does work and you can create an excitement for the orchestra’s side and audiences enjoy it, then you are the one who is in the middle of this excitement. You get a lot of positive energy from both sides and it’s a fascinating feeling.

What are your interests outside music?

How things are at the moment, I don’t have actually very much time to spend doing anything else seriously. But I do have hobbies - I like yoga and I like reading. I shouldn’t say I like travelling as it’s part of my profession but I like travelling and feel at home in many countries now.

What concerts are you particularly looking forward to conducting in the BSO 2016/17 season?

I look forward very much to working with Nemanja Radulovic, with Khachaturian’s violin concerto in December. I’m also looking forward to conducting Tchaikovsky’s Suite No.3 which will be new for audiences and the Orchestra as well. And I’m looking forward

to working again with Guy Braunstein for Elgar’s Violin Concerto and Valeriy Sokolov for Prokofiev’s Second Violin Concerto. Every programme is different and I look forward to all of them in a different way The Orchestra has just finished recording Walton’s Symphonies 1 & 2. Of the recordings you have made with the BSO, do you have a favourite?

It’s hard to say. I really enjoyed our recording of Korngold’s Violin Concerto with Nicola Benedetti. It was a very, very good recording and in the spirit of it. I think Walton’s symphonies will be a fantastic recording – the orchestra felt very much at home in this repertoire and we created a nice energy in the recording session. I haven’t heard it yet but I’m sure this will be one of our best recordings - especially Symphony No.2 which is absolutely underrated. I hope we can open a new perspective for the performance of this great symphony.

You have written the foreword to the new book celebrating the BSO and its achievements; during your time with the Orchestra, what do you feel has been the BSO’s greatest achievement?

From my perspective, the greatest achievement and most valuable for me is our relationship. I think and hope very much we respect each other still after 8 years of collaboration. Another great achievement and also a personal achievement, because I have done a lot to make this happen, is our approach to classical and early music. It is now performed on a totally different level and the musicians have a totally different understanding of that style. Another achievement I should mention is our relationship with our audiences, which we have created together. Now we can perform almost anything in Poole and audiences have trust. 8 years ago, Bruckner was no-go with audiences; Haydn was no-go, but now we have seen last week, the hall was full for Bruckner’s Symphony No.4. I think that’s a fantastic achievement.

Kirill Karabits

Principal Conductor Talks exclusively to #MAD

Matt Tebbutt

Making A Debut A true baptism of fire followed in the form of a traineeship with renowned Michelin-starred chef, Marco Pierre White, working at The Oak Room and then The Criterion. Matt later moved to the kitchens of Chez Bruce, working under the tutelage of Bruce Poole, master of classic French food and leading advocate of affordable excellence.

Matt presents Food Unwrapped on Channel 4.

Series eight of this award-winning food show is now in production. Matt, Jimmy Doherty and Kate Quilton, present the food and science series that travels the world to lift the lid on what’s really in the food we eat.

He is the new lead presenter of Saturday Kitchen on BBC1, along with John Torode. This 90-minute cookery show is broadcast live on Saturday mornings and is a well-established favourite on the BBC.

Working at Clarke’s, Sally Clarke’s Kensington restaurant, Matt was exposed to the art of bread making at one of the most skilled bakeries in the UK.

Recently making good use of his Geography and Anthropology degree, filming ‘Kings of the Wild’ a food and travel show for the Discovery Channel. The aim being to avoid becoming lost and starving in amazing jungle locations around the world.

One of his strongest influences, clearly evident in his recipes and menus is Alastair Little, pioneer of the non-stuffy, high-quality eatery and renowned for revolutionary freshness and flavour. Matt worked with Alastair at his Lancaster Road and Soho restaurants, celebrated for its no-nonsense British cooking, with a Northern Italian twist.

Matt presented Market Kitchen with Rachel Allen, Tom Parker-Bowles, Amanda Lamb and Matthew Fort. This UKTV food show was an audience favourite for 5 years. It was followed

by Market Kitchen’s Big Adventure. Matt also appeared in the BBC productions Great British Menu, Great British Food Revival and Great British Waste Menu.

He is a regular contributor to Waitrose Kitchen magazine and other food publications and he has co-presented several cookery shows on the Food Network with Lisa Faulkner. In July 2013 he hosted the cookery demonstrations at Buckingham Palace for the Queen’s Coronation celebrations.

Matt’s first solo cookbook, featuring all his favourite restaurant recipes was ‘Matt Tebbutt Cooks Country’. His more recent offering is ‘Guilty Pleasures’ – a selection of sweet and savoury indulgences in 130 easy recipes.

Matt is a passionate exponent of Modern British cooking, using only the freshest, seasonal, locally sourced ingredients within honest recipes designed to highlight the quality of those ingredients.

Background in Food: Matt has always loved cooking, so when he was unable to further his ambition of a career in the RAF, he returned to his first love – Food.

Having completed a diploma course in London with Leith’s School of Food & Wine, Matt Tebbutt set his sights on some of the best restaurants in the UK, with a view to acquiring the breadth of experience that would set him up to run his own successful restaurant.

He owned and ran The Foxhunter, an award-winning restaurant in Monmouthshire, for thirteen years until 2015. Here, the daily-changing menu featured an exciting range of wild and foraged foods from the local countryside and seashore.

He is now a consultant for bars and restaurants including his new venture Schpoons & Forx in the Hilton hotel, Bournemouth.

www.MattTebbutt.com

Vodka cured salmon Nothing is more satisfy in the food world than a dish like this. The art of curing transforms what is in essence a rather dull piece of farmed fish into a wildly flavoursome show stopper. It’s incredibly easy and gives so much back, which is more than I can say for a lot of things!

1 side of fresh salmon, skin on & pin boned 150g caster sugar 200g salt 2 tsp crushed peppercorns 150 ml of vodka 1 bunch of fresh dill, chopped..stalks & all 1 lemon zested Basically just mix up all the ingredients and spread it generously over & under the salmon. Wrap in clingfilm & press down in a tray with a weight... a few tins of beans, that sort of thing. Every day turn the fish over & put the weight back on. Press for three days.

When ready, brush off all the excess salt & sugar & slice as thin as you dare along the length of the salmon. Serve with some sour cream, a few lemon wedges, a nice little picked herb salad & great rye bread....and obviously a few shots of vodka

LAW BUT DIFFERENTLY VISIT OUR NEW OFFICES IN BREWERY SQUARE FOR ALL YOUR BUSINESS AND PERSONAL LEGAL REQUIREMENTS.

WWW.THECOMMERCIALLAWPRACTICE.COM

Firearm Licence Appeals and Revocation At THE COMMERCIAL LAW PRACTICE we provide specific personal, business and probate / estate advice relating to firearms. Leading the growth of our firearms department is Ben Monksummers.

Whilst Ben has a long working knowledge and experience of firearms law, he also has full Team GB colours and has competed within the sport for over a decade, both nationally and internationally, at both a European and World Games level in small-bore shooting, gaining numerous national titles and international medals. His family runs a registered firearms dealership and are heavily involved within the shooting community nationally and at a governing body level. Ben has not only captained international teams but now coaches at a national level. Ben regularly shoots fullbore, rough shoots and occasional shotgun events. We are therefore able to provide a very unique service from shooters to shooters in which we understand the intricacies of the sport and the technicalities involved enabling us to give you the best possible service.

We understand that shooting as a sport is wide and varied. For some it is only a hobby and for others it is a major source of income and an intrinsic part of their way of life.

Whatever your background or situation we are here to help you obtain a fair decision in what can be a very daunting, complex and convoluted area of law. We particularly help those who have fallen foul of unfair decisions and simple mistakes in this very sensitive area of the law. Individuals who are avid clay target shooters or target rifle shooters can often bear the brunt of a sometimes unfair system through no fault of their own and, as to be expected, the action is always to confiscate first and ask questions later. Without specialist help this can be a daunting prospect causing many unfair and unjustified decisions to go unchallenged.

Ultimately a Firearms Licence or Shotgun Certificate can be revoked by the Chief Officer of Police at any time provided that they can show good reason under one of the prescribed headings. This will then lead to an individual being required to surrender their guns or face confiscation of all firearms and/or shotguns which could potentially be valued at tens of thousands of pounds. The Police will however allow you to take your firearms to a registered firearms dealer, or to another licence holder, and our team can assist you in this respect.

We can provide legal advice and assistance relating to:

• Firearm & Shotgun Appeals,

certificate revocations and refusals

• Licencing and Certificate Applications or Variations

• Challenging Unreasonable Certificate Conditions or Restrictions

• Historic, Gallery, Sports and Theatrical Weapons

Taking advice at an early stage is absolutely crucial and can sometimes avoid your certificate being revoked or your firearms confiscated in the first place but, if this has already happened, you may only have 21 days in which to appeal the decision so time is absolutely of the essence. Even if revocation has already taken place and you are out of time we are still able to provide alternative options to you including negotiating with the police on your behalf. In the worst case scenario an appeal must be lodged with the Crown Court where each appeal is judged separately on its own merits allowing new evidence in support to be put forward. In circumstances such as these we are able represent you in the Crown Court as a part of the service that we provide.

• Emergency Permits, Police Permits,

What about the cost?

•

Legal aid is not available for licencing matters but we are happy to discuss the costs of representation and, if you are a member of the BASC, NSRA, NRA, CPSA or other governing body, your membership may include insurance which can sometimes cover your legal fees.

Our specialist firearms lawyers are available to provide you with an immediate service and, due to the strict deadlines imposed, you should contact us without delay if you are in any doubt as to your legal position in any matter involving firearms, shotguns or any civil action for a free consultation. We do not however deal with circumstances involving any criminal charges.

• • • • •

Visitor Permits and European Passports Wills and Estates involving Firearms and Shotguns Business and Company agreements involving dealers, firearms or shooting clubs Conveyancing of shooting grounds or club buildings Shooting rights and licence agreements Specific advice for Shooting Clubs, Auction Houses, Youth Groups, The Scout Association, Schools and Cadet Forces Air Weapons, Imitation firearms and Airsoft

How did you end up living in Los Angeles?

After leaving school I did general building work up until the age of 25, when my good friend at that time asked me if I wanted to go to America with him to go visit another friend of ours. I jumped at the chance and we arrived in Orlando, Florida on January 18th, 1991. The moment I arrived in Fort Lauderdale, I realised that I wanted to live in the USA.

Exile Corporation is the first of three novels in the Exile series written by Mark McClafferty.

Mark’s second book, Life in Exile, is now scheduled for release. Exile Corporation is based on Mark’s true story; loving life and living large as a millionaire in Los Angeles, becoming a fugitive on the run from the FBI and ending up serving 4 years and 9 months in U.S. Federal prison.

This is his story.

Who is Mark McClafferty?

I am the youngest of four children and grew up in a happy household, attending Winton Boys School.

I played all types of sports and had a lot of friends, most of whom I am still close with to this day.

I would like to think that I am a thoughtful person who cares about his family and friends. I am a self-driven entrepreneur who sees life as full of opportunities; my outlook on life is what I like to call ‘relaxed intensity’ being focused on the job at hand and not to take life too seriously as it can always be a lot worse.

I am a risk taker at heart and understand that having a vision does not always mean that others can see the end result while you are chasing your dream.

I had other friends from Bournemouth who were already living in LA, and later that same year I took a Greyhound bus across America to go stay with them. I stepped off of the bus with £50 in my pocket and moved in with my friend’s in Hollywood. Over the next 6 months I was doing building work until one day I realisd that I had travelled 5,500 miles to start a new life but I was doing the same thing that I had been doing back home. I decided to reinvent myself and see what I was capable of achieving and answered an advertisement in the LA Times that read ‘Will train to become a Stockbroker’, and the rest as they say is history!

How did you end up embezzling $117 million?

I had been working for a Brokerage firm in Santa Monica, California, for a couple of years when in the summer of 1995 I read an article about a 23 year old guy who had literally become a millionaire overnight from taking his company public after having invented a web browser for this new revolutionary method of communicating, called, the Internet. The moment I finished reading that article, I felt that my life had changed forever.

I spent the next few months working on my idea for my own internet company and then showed it to some of my friends in the investment industry.

This was when I was introduced to the Boiler rooms; people sitting in telemarketing offices, reading from scripts, whose sole purpose in life to separate you from your money so that they can make a big commission for themselves, which are still operating to this day.

I managed to get some offices to begin raising money for my internet idea in January of 1996 and by mid-May we closed-out the offering, having raised $5.8 million. From this success, I then

went on to develop seven internet companies and gained control of 18 boiler rooms across 7 U.S. States, raising $117 million between 1996 and 1999.

What happened to all that money?

In reality, the big number is the headline, but after salaries, commissions, overheads and other expenses the actual amount I earned was quite a lot lower. From 1996 through to 2001 I guess I did what any thirty-something guy would do making fast cash; I drove fast cars, chased fast women and lived like a movie star by day and a rock star by night. As fast as the money came in I did my best to try and spend it. I lived in a million dollar home by the beach in Marina del Rey, California and partied in nightclubs as a VIP throughout LA, Las Vegas and Miami. Whenever I went out on the town with my entourage I could do whatever

I wanted and most often did. I was loving life and living it large until one day in 2001.

Why did you choose become a fugitive?

On May 23rd, 2001, a warrant for my arrest had been issued for Securities Fraud. I had only seen what prison was like from watching movies and documentaries. I made a decision that same day that if the FBI were looking for me, and they wanted me bad enough, then they would have to come get me. I made for the Mexico border that same afternoon. It took another 3 years for the FBI to catch up with me. I was extradited from the UK back to the USA in November of 2004.

What was it like in Federal prison?

I went into prison thinking I had better try and make the best of a bad situation as there was nothing I could do to change it. As a Brit in a U.S. prison, and also because I was in for a financial crime, I was something of a celebrity and was quickly accepted by the prison hierarchy; the shotcallers, who taught me the first lesson to surviving prison is, trust no one.

For the first 16 months I was on a maximum security floor, where I worked out, played chess, watched television and played cards with some of the most hardened criminals throughout America; the Mexican Mafia, Hells Angels and Cartel members along with your every day gangbanger who were all locked up for crimes ranging from weapons charges, drug trafficking to murder.

Prison is you; it just depends on your outlook to it. I was flown across America on Con Air to New Jersey where I got to break bread with some of the old New York Mafia guys and also hung out with George Jung, who Johnny Depp played in the movie, Blow. After about one year I was then back on Con Air being flown down to Texas, where I did my last 2 years, which was like Hell on earth.

Arriving in a new prison each time I had to walk the line and re-establish myself, which was always difficult, but at least I knew when I was getting out.

You have to man-up and get each day done holding your head up high and make sure you don’t get caught up in any prison politics, but if the day comes when you gotta get down, make sure you

get busy and throw down hard. My first fight was over a 50-cents cup-a-soup and I made damn sure I made a statement. From then on, the other guys know that you will put work in when needed.

The idea for Exile Corporation came to me from having befriended a lot of the high-power convicts in each prison. Each of them had stories about their lives and how they ended up in the joint. As part of my sentencing, I have a lifetime ban from America, so I am living in Exile, and as I operated several corporations, the title for my book just made sense. After 4 years, 3 months and 20 days, I was out.

Now that you’re back in Bournemouth, what are you up to?

I have been writing the sequel, Life in Exile, while negotiating the feature film Rights for Exile Corporation with a Hollywood production company. I have also co-written a screenplay called BROKEN, adapted from the original story

by Joe Bryant. I am producing BROKEN through my production company, NVS Media Group; Hollywood director, Steven R. Monroe (I spit on your Grave) will be directing it. We are slated to begin shooting in Malta and then throughout Dorset in the spring of 2017. The film business is really tough as there are so many elements involved in making a good film but I am learning every day and am enjoying the challenges that come with it.

What have you learned from this experience?

There are consequences for every action we take, and that you have no one else to blame for any decision that you have made yourself. You have to live with it and move on. People will talk about you in a good way or a bad way, it is just human nature for them to do it, so don’t worry about what others might think of you, do what makes you happy in life. If you want to fly then you have to give up the things that weigh you down.

I have been lucky to have been brought up in a loving and supportive family and I have great friends all over the world. I am blessed to have found my beautiful, kind and caring girlfriend, Jan Weekes, who loves me for who I am, who I now live with and is making me learn Argentine Tango!

I have realised that just like a book, life is made

up of chapters. No matter what your past, you have the chance to turn the page and embark on a new journey. Dorset has a lot to offer anyone of any age. Living in Dorset, we have great landscapes all around us and many unique sites and areas to visit. All of the towns in Dorset have many features which make them different from one another. Having grown up in Bournemouth, I have seen it transform from a retirement town into a vibrant, fast paced and diverse small city with people from all over the world choosing to live and work in it.

There are tremendous opportunities to be had here and I for one feel appreciative of all that it has to offer both in its beautiful beaches and its awesome nightlife.

What does the future hold for me?

I have my chance at redemption, and I would like nothing better than to help someone else fulfil their dreams, and who knows, maybe someone reading this article will end up playing a part in one of my movies!

Truth is stranger than fiction. Fiction can sometimes come true. Be happy with what you have while working for what you want, but most of all, Love life and live it large.

Mark McClafferty:

nvsmediagroup@gmail.com Photo Credit: JSK Photography, Jason Kernan

Urban Explorer

www.theurbanexplorer.co.uk

The Daily Mail would have you believe that the country’s prisoners are sat in five-star accommodation with flat-screen TV’s and a Playstation in every room. There’s not much evidence of that in Dorchester prison. It is grim. Pure Victorian detention in all it’s glory – and it’s wonderful!

It’s hard to believe that such a bleak, harsh building could be turned into 189 homes. But that’s exactly what developers City & Country plan to do. The blueprints look promising & the inclusion of a museum is a nice touch. The site is of important historical & archaeological significance and was also the location of the last public hanging in Dorset. City & Country’s track record with this type of building is thankfully a good one Walking up to the main entrance, it’s tall & imposing, and as you go up the stairs there’s quite a condescending motto aimed at anyone about to spend time at her majesty’s pleasure… “Holding the key to a brighter future” – I suspect raised eyebrows from many inmates!

HM Prison Dorchester has two main wings and with room for less than 300 prisoners, at the time of closure in 2013 half were convicted prisoners, and half remanded inmates. Before the doors closed for the final time in 2013, Dorchester prison had a bit of a rollercoaster last few years. 2008 saw the prison labelled “the most improved prison” after suffering with serious drug problems & over-crowding.

HM Prison Dorchester.

Dorset

The tiny cells are a real eye-opener. And my description of grim is all too true. Damp & blackspot litter the cold, stone block walls, the only heating source is a pipe running down one side of the cell. The metal framed bunk-beds have an air of torture about their features, and in the corner, a stainless steel toilet with nothing but a curtain to divide you from your cellmate.

A brief, comical moment of panic sets in as we shut the cell door behind us only to find the all the handles were removed, an all too realto-life experience! The whole wing feels very claustrophobic, with cages all around you and just enough room for one person on the walkways.

A lot of the prison is locked down (unsurprisingly) and difficult to explore fully but as we moved to the outside we noticed a stained glass cross on a higher level. Heading back in we found the chapel, modern in contrast to the interior of other rooms in the prison.

After taking one last walk around the wings to make sure we hadn’t missed anything, we made our way out. A walk that inmates of Dorchester prison would have enjoyed, I’m sure!

Canvas cocktail bar and music lounge is the best small music venue the town centre has seen since, well, probably ever. It perhaps takes influence from Ronny Scott’s jazz lounge in London, although this certainly isn’t limited to jazz. It is even the home of up and coming TV talent show, ‘Britrox Presents’ and is the choice venue for numerous local live shows and club nights. Of course, events are nothing without an audience and Canvas has brought the clientele in droves. It is a beautiful venue without the tunes and is popular for cocktails and dining. Regular sell out shows by niche and mainstream acts alike are the icing on the cake. This is largely thanks to the work of the MD James Maidment.

We make a conscious effort to plan family breaks, holidays and time out. It’s hard with a fledgling business, as most business owners will fully know. I genuinely love what I do and I have to be pulled kicking and screaming from the office (or bar).

If you had a mantra what would it be?

When you walk into a venue, what is the first thing you notice?

Bright lights, rude staff and music that stops and starts.

Lighting and volume of the music versus voices. Odd I know.

Live music is a big part of your business. How much is it also a part of your life?

What do you think it takes to succeed in Bournemouth in particular, as opposed to other possible locations?

James, Canvas turned one year old at the end of October. Congratulations to you and the team. Can you sum up the experience in a sentence for us?

When I work it out I will let you know. It’s a small town so like Russell Crowe in Gladiator you need to ‘win the crowd’.

Not as much as it should be these days.

Having said that I am lucky enough to be seeing Tony Momrelle at the Barbican tomorrow evening. It’s so flattering to receive personal invites to gigs from artists that have enjoyed coming down here to Canvas.

A whirlwind year that has flown by in the blink of an eye!

Any particularly stressful moments that stand out for you?

Nearly every gig! No one sees what goes on behind the scenes, from artist strops to burst water pipes there’s always a stressful moment.

As long as the final delivery to the paying customer is spot on that’s all that matters.

Conversely, any highlights?

So, so many. James Morrison was great fun as our first known artist. We were very green back then but it was still a fantastic gig. Also, BlackStreet in the summer were great fun, the whole place went absolutely nuts for them.

They ending up having such a great time after the show they cancelled their London hotel for the next day and stayed at my house for homemade chicken, rice n peas!

Obviously, achieving something like this takes a phenomenal amount of work. And you’re a dad too! What do you do to relax?

Why Dorset, for you? What keeps you here?

My wife and I have been lucky enough to travel a fair amount over the years but we always agree that we live in such a beautiful part of the world. If we were ever to move abroad I would strongly consider moving to Croatia, such stunning, unspoilt scenery.

You used to work for JP Morgan, isn’t that right? That’s quite a change. How did you get to be doing what you are now?

I’ve always worked in and around the hospitality industry, covering pretty much every role in that time. Even during my JPM days I still worked weekends in bars and clubs. I always referred to that as my ‘real job’ often to the dismay of my managers!

Get Sh*t Done!

What’s one thing that would really upset you in a venue?

If you had to impart some advice to somebody who wanted to follow in your shoes, what would that be?

Make sure you are totally committed and know what you are getting into, this game eats up serious hours. Make sure you have a stable home life as it puts a lot of pressure on relationships and most importantly make 100% sure you step back every now and again and take stock.

What’s your biggest career achievement?

Probably putting Canvas on the touring map so quickly.

Who inspires you?

What’s the worst job you’ve had?

Straight talking, genuine people that are chasing their own dreams for their own reasons, not to impress others.

JP Morgan! It’s just not my cup of tea.

High fashion or ‘Old Fashioned’?

You can tell a lot about a man by his favourite Cocktail. What drink most whets your whistle?

Certainly an Old Fashioned. My GM Ben Piercy makes a wonderful Old Fashioned with rye whisky instead of bourbon. It’s sharper and less sweet which suits my palate.

It would have to be a Barrel Aged Negroni.

Into the World of Danny... let’s find out what makes the gentleman behind MAD tick!

You weren’t born & bred here, what brought you to the beautiful English County of Dorset?

Funnily enough I have launched a magazine some 4 years ago that celebrates the unique nature of this delightful County, but I was born in the Midlands, I moved down in 2003, my partner at the time was offered a role with Animal, then based at Wareham, so we upped sticks and came down, I have been here ever since.

So Arkadia began…

A chat with a Man About Dorset...

Arkadia began after I left the role as sales manager at a company that looked after local council publications. I built BH Life into a successful creative ‘council magazine’ then ‘About Purbeck’, I then won the Wiltshire council magazine. But I was bored to tears and decided I wanted to try life working alone. I started out ‘buying’ pages from the likes of Newsquest and Blackmore Vale Mag, at a rate that was exclusive to me, then utilising these rates to get my clients a better service. Long story short, I launched a magazine called ‘Village’ but parted from the company that now produces it for several reasons, mainly the guy there couldn’t produce the goods. I then decided to throw my weight into Arkadia (Arcadia - refers to a vision of pastoralism and harmony with nature.)

People, I find people coming together is the greatest strength, the relationships I have made over the last few years with people all over Dorset has been prolific in the success of Arkadia, and now hopefully Man About Dorset.

Describe a typical work week…

Ha...funny, there isn’t a ‘typical week’ in this world! I can go from being a delivery boy, to an events promoter, to a social media service, then the next week, I can be putting up marquees, designing fliers, taking photos for features through to journalism. I guess I am a little bit of an all-rounder, that and I get bored quickly, I need to have a task, a challenge and I want to try to do things that make people smile, I have always been that way.

Can you share one of your favourite articles in #MAD…?

I love finding out things that nobody else really knows about, I have enjoyed interviewing all of the guys involved, Mark and the ‘Exile’ piece is great though!

Everyone needs a break, what do you read in your own time?

I tend to pour through books, I can take anything as long as it has some grit, I am a big fan of Dean Koontz, and I think I have everything in his collection, even the biography on this charming and clever chap.

Have you always been a creative soul?

What sparked your idea for MAD?

I guess so, I have trained in several different areas, I was an engineer for a long while, working in the quarry industry, then I went on to start my own clothing company, alongside a DJ service, then onto producing Monthly dance events in the Midlands, the 90’s were pretty full on to be honest.

I never really launched Arkadia to be anything more than a slice of Dorset seen through my eyes, the artisan flavour of the magazine fills me with joy. Speaking to photographers, artists, and the foodie side is always amazing and the drop sites are incredible. But I never really get to go full on with the kind of blokes I know are out there, the balance has always been tilted to the female audience. This is fine for the large audience we reach, but nothing has

What are your particular strengths?

been done to promote the quality and strength of the Counties leading businessmen, this I find incredible. So this is my own little piece on the men that I have found inspirational to me, and hopefully readers of this little ‘satchel bag mag’ will get something from it too.

Where do you see it taking you?

I see it leading me into some amazing and creative places, we have already got a host of advertisers and features booked in for the spring collection, this is looking fabulous already, and we haven’t even touched the surface of Dorset.

How do you find your content?

Networking, getting out there, talking to people, asking the right questions, and getting leads off the right men in each town. Being prepared to talk to someone face to face is a big part of ‘selling’, I have never truly sold a page advert in my life, I have found the energy you give off attracts a similar vein of person. Of course if you make your product quality, then people want to be involved.

What social platforms work well for increasing the reach of your content?

I did use Twitter a fair bit when I launched, but I have now found my personal Facebook page to be the best way to speak to clients, this is a new era for business, I can sit in shorts, t-shirt and flip flops and still pull off great deals.

Whether for the magazine, sponsorship deals for our events, or associated press deals for the publications, I think people in all business sectors see the benefits of being able to reach someone with a small click and send off a personal message, as long as it isn’t at silly o’clock at night (Which I have done after a few vinos ).

How would you describe the voice of your brand?

Northern… with a touch of humour, I am truly

passionate about making life fun, and those who know me well, know I care considerably for the wellbeing of SME and local artists.

I think having a platform you can utilise to benefit all businesses is a great thing, I am not into this ‘society magazine’ platform, I find it off-putting. I have always stood by my beliefs that ‘real people’ want to read a real magazine, and hopefully young aspirational men in Dorset will get a kick out of knowing a little more about the real voices of local business gurus.

Festivals are another string to your bow, can you tell us a little about that…

Yes, festivals… I have stopped doing ‘festivals’, we now put on cracking parties, invited through Facebook mainly, so if you want to come along feel free to send me a friend request. The next one is the annual ‘Badbury Rings Rewind’ a thousand like-minded relaxed families, hippies, kids, grandmas, friends and travellers alike chilling with local gin, cider and food. With quality local live bands all relaxing with each other, it’s just how old school parties in fields should be, no trouble, no idiots and people making new friends.

How do you sustain interest in even the most mundane aspects of editing, proofreading, fact checking & source checking etc.?

I actually enjoy writing, editing I am useless at, proofreading... forget it, but I do love design, I am self-taught and just lose myself in it, it is my meditation sometimes, I like colour, and I like clean layout, but I also love seeing a piece finished and having the client love what we’ve done.

What challenges have you faced so far?

I have always put the events on alone really, the build up to an event is great, getting the right quality of performers, foodies, kid’s entertainment, all on paper looking great. But the reality of 3 hours sleep in a 4 day period,

pouring rain, wet feet constantly, high winds, hacked off traders, traffic jams, health and safety, are always a huge challenge mentally, physically and emotionally to be honest. I usually book myself a few days off after a gig, and my voice disappears, my lips fall off, my legs go to jelly and I just sit in a hot tub for a few days thinking about how much fun the last week was…

Which of your ideas so far would you consider to have been most successful? How do you measure success?

Obviously Arkadia magazine is a good business success, it gets me out there and the events are always successful. I am not driven by money, I am driven by the look on people’s faces, the fact that I can look at a sea of people jumping around to a great band, and think I did that.

The relationships I have built allow me to put parties on at sites nobody else will ever be offered, this is the buzz that keeps me going.

So what does the future hold for Danny Nash… any other exciting ideas bubbling away?

Ha-ha...always, if I could clone me I would have a bar, men’s clothing brand, a fleet of food vans, be out DJ’ing most nights, and maybe a vintage store selling junk. But as it stands I want to make #MAD the best it can be, there are many ‘bolt on’ paths to this magazine and we are already in discussions with some of the higher end services in Dorset. The fun side of the events business is going to kick in at some point, hold tight men, we have a year of fun to come in the world of Arkadia Publishing and Events!!!

Small classes. Happy children.

Outstanding achievements.

Buckholme Towers School & Nursery Independent Preparatory Day School & Nursery for girls and boys aged 3-11 www.buckholmetowers.co.uk | office@buckholme.dorset.sch.uk telephone 01202 742871 | 18 Commercial Road, Poole, Dorset, BH14 0JW.

as I had no previous business experience. But,

by September 2010 I had a business partner on board, someone who could develop a clear business plan, and we were in a position to take over.

A family full of teachers I always knew I was going to be a teacher of some sort. Not because both of my parents were teachers and my sister still is (although I do know a lot of teachers whose parents are or were teachers), but because I’ve always known how to communicate with young children. No one taught me how to do it, it was just there, in me.

At first, I was able to combine my love of teaching with my love of water sports and my love for travelling, by becoming a windsurfing and sailing instructor. I did this after I’d earned my degree and thought that outdoor education was the way I wanted to go. Seasonal work was fun but I didn’t feel I was putting my skills (or my degree, for that matter) to best use and when I was 24 I took my first teaching job in Bournemouth, because I’d heard that Poole was a Mecca for windsurfing.

The international experience I taught in the same school for around 15 years, with a year’s sabbatical teaching in Mexico City in 2001. I enjoyed the experience of working abroad in an international community, but with a baby on the way, I decided it was no place to be starting a family.

And the vision I had for the school back then remains my vision today. Buckholme Towers is small. It doesn’t have fields, it doesn’t have a swimming pool, it doesn’t have tennis courts, but they can be found at Poole Park, the Dolphin Centre and at East Dorset Lawn Tennis and Croquet club, all of which are on our doorstep. Being small has ‘acres’ of advantages; being small means that it is easy for children to be happy, because they feel secure among people they know.

Being small means that children can achieve their potential more easily, because there are plenty of qualified adults around who give them feedback throughout the day about their progress. Being small means that issues can be picked up and dealt with quickly and effectively. Being small means that teachers get to know children really well, their strengths, their weaknesses and what it is that needs to be done for each child to facilitate their learning.

Iain Robertson - Headmaster - Owner After a short stint teaching in Mallorca a few years later, I decided I wanted to put roots down and in 2006 took over the Deputy Head’s role at Buckholme Towers. It was perfect; it offered a step up the career ladder, being a leadership position, while still allowing me to do what I loved most, which was teaching.

A vision for Buckholme Towers Within a few months, the Headmistress had left and I stepped into her shoes. I grew into the job. At the time, the school was a Charitable Trust, being managed by a Board of Trustees, but times were changing and the business side of the school was struggling to keep up.

After about a year, it was clear that it needed someone at the chalk face, someone with a vision, to take the reins and drive the school forward. It took about 2 years to convince the trustees that I was that person, particularly

We have a pre-school for up to only sixteen 3 and 4 year olds, set up to provide the best possible ‘small school’ start; a classroom where young children can really start to explore learning in both formal and informal ways.

So, my vision for Buckholme Towers School?

To be the best at being small, plus I still get to teach, occasionally...

If you would like any further information about our school or our preschool, please get in touch via the school website at www.buckholmetowers.co.uk or by telephoning 01202 742871.

Buckholme Towers School is an independent day school in Ashley Cross, Poole, for pupils aged 3-11 years.

STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD webawaba.com

make life changing money, you had to ride the next business movement such as mobile phones or, as in my case, ecommerce.

The business grew quickly. From the first adverts in Loaded and FHM, Boys Stuff exploded in popularity, resulting in millions of unique users visiting the website each month and growing sales. I sold 11% to VC’s to fund growth and went into partnership with FHM. Realising greater margins lay in producing Boys Stuff own branded products, I utilised my design degree and travelled the world scouring shows for companies that could manufacture the next big thing such as the first emergency mobile phone charger.

We get the chance to speak to Peter Bowdler, Director of Webawaba.com, the new kids on the block in Dorset, with a host of very cool clients we wanted to know more about the man behind the cool dog...

Man About Dorset: As you now run digital marketing agency, Webawaba, can you recall when you first became aware of the world wide web?

Peter: It was in 1997. My first son, Archie, had just been born. I was managing a successful retail store and decided it was time to take life a little more seriously. I set up an ecommerce and mail order business company called Boys Stuff – The One Stop Shop For Big Boys Toys. I knew that to

On the back of the design department, Wowstuff was born, the B2B arm of the group that supplied big boys toys to the high street and developed toy ranges for clients such as the Science Museum. By 2001, the Boys Stuff Group was worth £65 million so we geared up for a floatation on AIM. Unfortunately, due to the Dotcom crash, the floatation never happened.

Man About Dorset: Do you still own the Group?

Peter: No. My second son, Charlie, was born in 2002 so I decided to sell up and move to sunny Poole; a stark contrast to Wolverhampton.

Man About Dorset: You obviously have an entrepreneurial spirit. What did you do next?

Peter: I invented a unique pharmaceutical

packaging product, that after intensive development of the design and IPR with a blue chip brand was valued at over £250million. Unfortunately, after 12 months, the CEO decided to change the company’s direction and the project was shelved.

Man About Dorset: What did you learn from these projects and how do you apply them to your new business, Webawaba?

Peter: I’ve learned to monetarise relationships earlier, not to be greedy and always leave enough meat on the bones for everyone. Regarding Webawaba; I like to think the service we offer is unlike other design agencies. It is purposefully small and boutique so we can move quickly – a necessary attribute when working with entrepreneurs.

Not only do we create great branding and brilliant websites, we also apply our wealth of business experience to mentoring clients.

We particularly like the start-up phase of a business’s journey, the creation of business plans, raising seed finance and the subsequent growth.

We have just taken a stake in a new clothing brand, embarking on the development of a new range of food products and taken a stake in a new fashion brand incubator. We believe the principle of sales and marketing never really changes only the mechanism to deliver the proposition does. www.webawaba.com

The Illustrator Tony Kerin - taking #MAD readers on a journey through Dorset... each and every edition

photographŠrichardjeffery.com

Sunshine on Damp Road February 2012 Driving on the A351, with the Purbeck Hills just beyond the gleaming summit of the road. Although it was an emotional response to something seen, I had to memorise the relationship of the shapes within the picture plane. In the studio I floated thickish acrylic on sodden watercolour to represent wet tarmac and passing vegetation.

Morning Moon, White Swan, Zebra and Three Jackdaws December 2000 Again, I was taken by a moment – the moon in the blue December sky, streets in shade and rosy sunshine on the rooftops. This time I could stop and draw and add the accumulating activity of twenty-odd minutes standing still.

Thin watercolour added in the studio.

Everyday life has interested artists throughout the centuries, but there was never much money in it. Still isn't. It's every day and we don't take too much notice. Most of our photographs show us away from daily life, in best clothes or on holiday. Even personal Facebook posts tend towards the exceptional or the sentimental.

As a young illustrator, I found it almost impossible to find a way to see and describe the look of the everyday. But I had to draw 'Dad at the table eating beans' or 'Mum on a bike'.

Of course the obvious answer is to look at a photograph, which I did. The other is to try and draw the everyday, which I also did. I now have about 180 small black sketchbooks which are filled with drawings of family life, Saturday nights, streets, journeys and theatre productions. Also hills, skies, beaches and the sea – but I live in Swanage (so every day's a holiday).

I moved there in 1986.

The process of drawing from life is physical.

It's not photography. You engage eye and hand: use materials that have texture and contrary qualities.

The subject matter is all in front of you.

But what is it that you want to draw?

The drama of the thing that's happening?

An accident of light that has moved you?

The memory of this moment?

Sometimes, the marks you make are an integral part of a complete image. At others, they serve only to map as accurately as you can, the information that will later become the structure of a painting. As well as illustrating and writing, I've recently taken on a studio at the Boilerhouse Gallery, where I'm turning this experience into oil-paintings. And I'll still be out and about with my sketchpad.

I use Daler-Rowney 'Ivory' A6 Artist's Sketchbooks. They're expensive, but the paper is smooth and perforated – always handy for tearing out the rejects.

And they fit in your pocket.

Out for the Second Half December 2011 In fairness to Ringwood Town FC, I was standing on a pile of hard core that I supposed was there to repair the pot holes. It was done with love and humour in pen line, which is less subtle and less forgiving than pencil but it’s decisive so you get a strong image. The watercolour has bled a little but I hope it all adds to the damp atmosphere of Sunday morning sport.

Simon Gudgeon Sculptor

‘Most sculptures don’t start out as a conscious thought, with all the aspects of form and meaning carefully considered. What happens is that an idea enters my head – be it a shape, a movement or an emotion – and I simply want to convey it. I must convey it! Ideas come from a combination of observations, thoughts, beliefs and the profound experiences of one’s life.’

Simon Gudgeon, b.1958

Simon Gudgeon is one of Britain’s leading contemporary sculptors. He is best known for his very large-scale minimalist, semi-abstract forms, created in his signature smooth style. Simon takes nature as a major influence, working directly from his encounters with, and observations of, live subjects and the natural world. He is perhaps best known for his monumental sculptures Serenity and Search for Enlightenment, both placed in London’s Hyde Park. Simon captures specific moments through the crafting of clean lines that suggest rather than depicts a form, a movement or a feeling, provoking a strong connection between the viewer and the object.

In 2007, alongside his wife Monique, Simon created Sculpture by the Lakes at Pallington Lakes, near Dorchester in Dorset, which has been described as one of the most beautiful and unique sculpture parks in the UK. Designed to provide a tranquil backdrop for his monumental sculptures, as well as housing his workshop and gallery space, the sculpture park is open to the public and provides a unique environment within which clients can consider the works in situ. The gardens are a perfect backdrop for Simon’s sculptures throwing light and shadow across the works, bringing them to life and creating new shapes. Throughout the cycle of seasons, new perspectives are revealed as the light changes and flora and fauna appear, disappear and transform. The 26 acre park also offers careful planting, and plentiful wildlife, making it as much a destination for garden and nature lovers, as it is for art enthusiasts.

Simon continues to create and develop new ideas while his work is displayed permanently at Sculpture by the Lakes as well as several galleries in the UK including Gladwell & Patterson, London and in the US at Altamira Fine Art, Wyoming and Creighton Block Gallery, Montana. His works are also featured in important private collections in the UK and overseas including those of HRH the Duke of Edinburgh, Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, The Duke of Bedford and The Duke of Northumberland.

This year Simon has exhibited at the Chelsea Flower Show where his sculpture garden won the Five Star Tradestand award for the second year running. He also had a solo show in Basel in Switzerland and exhibited at The Hamptons Art Fair in New York, Birds in Art in Wisconsin and at the National Museum of Wildlife Art in Wyoming.

Sculpture by the Lakes is open to the public, and tickets are £10. Opening hours are 11am – 5pm, Tuesday to Sunday from April to September and 11am - 5pm Tuesday to Saturday from October to March.

www.sculpturebythelakes.co.uk

Bonkers for Conkers

From humble beginnings, to award winning Dorset’s leading Gin supplier, Rupert Holloway, we last spoke to Rupert in our sister magazine Arkadia, just as the mad journey into retail and building his gin empire began, looking back now, has it been a whirlwind of a journey?

It certainly has, I have been blown away by it all, to be honest. Every expectation has been smashed and in just a few years we seem to have become a household name for those who like their gin.

Because I wanted Conker to be a proper classic Gin, led by Juniper and perfect for your G&T, I started by just learning how to make a decent London Dry. I then looked at introducing local botanicals like gorse flowers, elderberries and marsh samphire, which replaced some traditional botanicals and gave the gin a uniquely bright and herbaceous flavour. We don’t do the whole ‘secret ingredient’ thing, but the recipe is closely guarded! Now we are working on our next product – so the tinkering continues!

How is it all going, for you Rupert?

What was it like serving at The Q Awards, it must have been a pretty cool gig for you and the gang?

All good thank you! We are all busy bees at Conker HQ and at home the family is expanding! We had an incredible year and I can’t believe it’s already coming to an end – time flies when you beavering away at what you enjoy I guess.

Yeah, it was an ace, if a little random time.

We rubbed shoulders with the likes of Blondie to Ronny Woods and Meatloaf. Conker went down very well too, the bar was rammed for hours on end! They either liked Conker or the fact that it was free!

Anybody who knows of your background, will know you were once a chartered surveyor prior to chasing the challenge of a locally sourced gin, was it really as cut and dry as reported, was it a methodical decision, had you done your research on distilling and retail and manufacture, or was it all one big leap of faith?

We think you made a fabulous choice with your branding, you have hit it right first go, where though did you get the ‘Conker’ name from is it derived from the hard, shiny dark brown nut of a horse chestnut tree, or is the fact you wanted the challenge of ‘conkering’ over everyone else?

Well, the idea to launch a distillery certainly came out of nowhere – I was never anything other than a recreational gin drinker! But I had been desperate to do my own thing for a while so my eyes were peeled looking for opportunities. When the gin light bulb landed I did some reading, met some experts and then just got started. I’m a big believer that knowledge isn’t a barrier, anything can be learnt and if you are prepared to make mistakes and get back up again then you will always move forward.

It must have been a fair old journey of discovery to reach the place where you were happy with the taste of the gin. Is the recipe a closely guarded secret now, and are you finally able to breathe a little and enjoy yourself more?

The brand is one of the things I’m most proud of. It feels like an extension of me! We won the IWSC Best Gin Branding 2016 – don’t you know!? The name Conker was, however, a complete accident! It was inadvertently texted to me by my girlfriend after I proposed the idea of quitting my day job to launch a gin distillery – maybe she meant bonkers!?

What do you enjoy the most about your world at present?

Well despite working harder than ever, with silly long hours and working weekends, it all still doesn’t feel like work. I graft and I’m knackered but I can’t remember my last ‘Monday morning blues’ feeling. That’s pretty cool.

Do you still get a kick out of walking into a local establishment and seeing your product on the shelf, or hearing someone in a bar or restaurant ordering your elixir?

Yeah, it’s the best - not that I get out to bars much! It used to always be a cold sell to people, but now they stop me mid sales pitch and say ‘’hold your breath, I’ve got a bottle at home!’’

Can you give us a ‘MAD’ guide to the basics of distilling processes?

To put it simply we purify wheat spirit through rectification, by cutting out the nasties by selecting different parts of the spirit depending on its boiling point. While this happens we are also imparting the flavours of the botanicals into the spirit. The ideal outcome is a spirit that so smooth you can sip neat and a botanical mix where each plays their part without shouting about the rest. Hopefully, Conker ticks these boxes!

What do you do to relax outside of work?

There’s no chance of that! To be honest it’s just hanging with my girls. I and My fiancé Emily have Beau who’s 18 months old and we have another on the way in December. So they are my downtime, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Finally, what does the future hold for you, any plans to take on other concepts or are you still looking to expand the brand further afield.

If you’ve had your ears to the ground, you may have heard whispers of a new product.

We’ve been beavering away on a new Conker creation since January this year. It’s a bit of a curveball, but we think you’ll be pleasantly surprised. Think Dorset’s first (of course!), think premium without the shortcuts, think… liqueur! Pretty sweet, eh? (Massive pun intended). We were hoping to lift the curtain on it this Christmas, but perfection takes time! So sit tight, practice some patience and set your alarms for the New Year!

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