Mayfair & St James's Life January 2012

mayfair & st james’s life

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& st james’s I S S U E

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VINTAGE HOME & INTERIORS FAIR NATIONAL WEDDING SHOW PRIMROSE HILL FASHION FAIR BOTOX BEAUTIFUL www.thelifemagazines.com

Brad

pitt Retiring at 50?

the quality local LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE ISSUE 33 JANUARY 2012

Plus: Olympic Review OLYMPICS SPECIAL

THE LONDON 2012 SUMMER OLYMPIC GAMES GUIDE

L

in London from 27th July – 12th August 2012 Paralympic Games 29th August – 9th September 2012

ondon will become the fi rst city the modern Olympic Games to officially host three times having previously done so in 1908 and in 1948 London was selected as the host city during the 117th IOC Session in Singapore, defeating Moscow, New York City, Madrid was headed by former Olympic and Paris. The successful bid champion Sebastian Coe

The Olympics has prompted a redevelopment of many of areas of London. The Games will make use of many venues which were already in place before the bid, including Wembley Stadium, Wembley Arena, Wimbledon All England Club, Lord’s Cricket Ground, The O2 Arena, Earls Court Exhibition Centre, Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy and the Excel Centre JANUARY2012

LONDON life

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EVENTS

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HISTORY

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house & GARDEN

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

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FOOD & DRINK

ALWAYS IN FASHION DISCOVER THE KING’S ROAD

FASHION & BEAUTY | HOME | FOOD & DRINK |LK

BENNETT |MY OLD DUTCH |IGLOO |LAURA ASHLEY |DESIGN HOUSE STOCKHOLM |BEA’S OF BLOOMSBURY |CINEWORLD CINEMAS |NORTHCOTE GALLERY & OLUFSEN |SIGMAR |CLASSIC PRINTS |DESIGNERS GUILD |THE STOCKPOT |WILLOW |HEALS |DELCOR |SWEATY BETTY |LIMELIGHT MOVIE ART |SUKIES |PAPERCHASE |THE DUMPLING AND NOODLE BAR |SPACENK |MIMI |MIJOLA DANIEL |WELCHOME |WATERSTONES |COMPTOIR DES COTONNIERS |SCRIBBLER |BOOTS |FRENCH SOLE |NATURAL SHOE STORE |JONES BOOTMAKER |AZTECA |JUST KITCHENS |REVITAL HEALTH SHOP |TRI YOGA |RYMAN |VENISE COLLECTION |PETER JONES |BEAUFORT HOUSE |KNIGHT FRANK & CO. |BRISSI |BLUEBIRD CAFE & RESTAURANT |THE SHOP AT BLUEBIRD |RUSSELL & BROMLEY |BRORA |151 NIGHT CLUB |HENRY J BEAN’S |CHARLI |BIG EASY |AUSTIQUE |ANONYMOUS |SOFA WORKSHOP |CATH KIDSTON |MARILYN MOORE |JUJU |SUSHINHO |GHOST |OSBORNE AND LITTLE |INDIA JANE|BYRON |CADOGAN ARMS |POLIFORM |VARENNA POLIFORM |MADE IN ITALY |STEPEVI |WILLIAM YEOWARD |CHELSEA QUARTER CAFÉ |BANG

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horizon? Then put Sunday 5th February into your diary, which marks the opening of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew’s month-long Tropical

• Loft conversions beautiful timber windows

Extravaganza festival, in celebration of all things bright, beautiful and of

• Extensions • Refurbishments • Basements • Design • New Build • Bespoke Joinery

course, tropical.

Happy New Year and welcome to our January issue.

Welcome to the January On 24th February 2011,here’s Cancer Research UKa is hosting its annual issue and to Depressed by the&thought of those long winter looming on the ‘Sound Vision’ music heritage eventmonths at the iconic Abbey Road Studios. happy and successful 2012 horizon? We Then put Sunday 5th February into your diary, which marks take a closer look at the up and coming charity event. toofall ofBotanic our readers. the opening the Royal Gardens, Kew’s month-long Tropical Extravaganza festival, in of allPitt things bright, beautiful and of When you say you’re see most Brad in person there’s one request Atul Kochhar is celebration oneoffoftothe critically acclaimed chefs in Britain and that will inevitably be made by men and women alike: ‘Tell me what course, tropical. the Chef Patron behind the highly acclaimed Indian restaurant and bar, he looks like in the flesh’.

Benares in Berkeley Square, Mayfair. We meet the wonderful chef at his is without doubtCancer one of the biggest stars on the planet but Brad has On 24thHe February 2011, breathtaking restaurant. Research UK is hosting its annual announced he is to retire in three years at the age of 50. Saturday 4th

‘Sound &February Vision’ 2012 musicmarks heritage event at iconicBotanic AbbeyGardens Road Studios. the opening of the the Royal Kew’s

long Tropical festival, whereevent. the Princess of Wales We take month a closer look theExtravaganza up in and coming charity Claridges wasatbought 1854

by Mr and Mrs William Claridge, the Conservatory is transformed into a sea of exotic orchids.

hotel received the ultimate accolade in 1860 when Queen Victoria With is more 140most exhibitors fromacclaimed Europe the WinterinDecorative Atul Kochhar onethan of the and This was visited Claridge’s to seecritically her friend Empresschefs EugenieBritain of France.

b e s p o k e

s a s h

Antiques & Textiles Fair offers interior designers and private buyers the Chefan Patron behindopportunity thea highly acclaimed Indianwhich restaurant and bar, inspirational to purchase 20th century design, the beginning of tradition of royalantiques, visits, continues to this day. works of art and pictures, decorative accessories and collectors’ items Benares in Mayfair.history We meet theworld wonderful chef at his Hotel.

WeBerkeley exploreSquare, the fascinating of the famous Claridge’s from the 17th century to the present day.

&

c a s e m e n t

w i n d o w

Come and visit us at the showroo 406 Merton Road, London SW18 5 Telephone 0208 877 89 www.ayrtonbespoke.co

breathtaking restaurant.

We take a look at the stunning royal barge that will carry the This gives you just a small taste of exciting events and articles Queen down the River Thames during her Diamond Jubilee Claridgescelebrations was bought inyear.

1854

by Mr and until Mrs William Claridge, the this featured in this month’s issue, next month...

hotel received the ultimate accolade in 1860 when Queen Victoria

The vessel will lead a 1,000-strong flotilla along the river on 3rd June,

visited Claridge’s to see her friend Eugenie This as the monarch marks 60 yearsEmpress on the throne.

She of willFrance. be joined by was her husband, the Dukeofofroyal Edinburgh, and other memberstoofthis the day. the beginning of a tradition visits, which continues Royal Family.

We explore the fascinating history of the world famous Claridge’s Hotel.

Faye Manning

b e s p o k e

s a s h

&

c a s e m e n t

w i n d o w s

Come and visit us at the showroom: 406 Merton Road, London SW18 5AD Telephone 0208 877 8920 www.ayrtonbespoke.com

Editor This gives you just a small taste of exciting events and articles Manning, Editor featuredFaye in this month’s issue, until next month...

Published by the Fish Media group Ltd.

PUBLISHED THE FISHSquare, MEDIA GROUP LTD,Herts, AL10 9NA Faye Manning 2nd Floor, titan Court,BY 3 Bishop Hatfield,

Editor

The Ridings, Woodfield Lane, Essendon, Herts, AL9 6JJ.

0844 8008439 8439 0844 800

email: rory@fishmediagroup.co.uk www.thelifemagazines.com Editor EDITOR BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT SALES Faye Manning Faye Manning MANAGER Jason Trotman Editor’s Assistant EDITOR ASSISTANT Vanessa Lane Barry John Katie&Miller Katie Miller DESIGN PRODUCTION James Marshall SUB EDITOR ToniSub PerryEditor DIRECTORS Published by the Fish Media group Ltd. Alex Lux Alex Lux ACCOUNTS/ADMIN Rory Smith 2nd Floor, titan Court, Hatfield, 9NA Fashion Editor Herts, AL10 FASHION EDITOR3 Bishop Square, Kathy Manning Patrick Smith Hazel Englander Hazel Englander Ken Fleet Peter Smith

0844 800 8439 Senior Business Development Manager

email: rory@fishmediagroup.co.uk

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Vanessa Lane St albans Life, Harpenden Life, Radlett Life is copyright and January not be reproduced in any form either in part or whole without Design & Production written permission from the publishers.

Whilst the Fish Media group Ltd takes every reasonable precaution, no responsibility can EDITOR BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT SALES be accepted for any property, services or products offered in these publications and any loss arising therefrom. Whilst every care Jules Breckenridge is taken with all materials submitted to the St albans Life, Harpenden LifeJason & RadlettTrotman Life the publisher cannot accept responsibility Faye Manning MANAGER for the loss or damage to such material.Fish group Ltd reservesManager the right to reject or accept any advertisement, article BusinessMedia Development EDITOR ASSISTANT Vanessa expressed Lane are strictly those of Barry John or material prior to publication.opinions the authors and do not necessarily represent the views Samuel or policies of Fish Media group Ltd.We accept no liabilityFinnegan for any misprints or mistakes and no responsibility can be taken for Katie Miller DESIGN & PRODUCTION James Marshall the content of these pages.

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SUB EDITOR Toni Perry DIRECTORS James Marshall Alex Lux ACCOUNTS/ADMIN Rory Smith Directors FASHION EDITORLONDON JanKathy Manning Patrick Smith INNER 070111 i31.indd 3 Rory Smith, Patrick Smith Hazel Englander Ken Fleet Peter Smith

© all Rights Reserved.

St albans Life, Harpenden Life, Radlett Life is copyright and January not be reproduced in any form either in part or whole without written permission from the publishers. Whilst the Fish Media group Ltd takes every reasonable precaution, no responsibility can be accepted for any property, services or products offered in these publications and any loss arising therefrom. Whilst every care is taken with all materials submitted to the St albans Life, Harpenden Life & Radlett Life the publisher cannot accept responsibility for the loss or damage to such material.Fish Media group Ltd reserves the right to reject or accept any advertisement, article or material prior to publication.opinions expressed are strictly those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views or policies of Fish Media group Ltd.We accept no liability for any misprints or mistakes and no responsibility can be taken for the content of these pages.

Find out more on: www.landd.uk.net 07968 842170 • 0208 646 6855

19/01/2011

Architectural and Interior Design by footprint 07976 151 307 jon@footprintdesignstudio.com www.footprintdesignstudio.com

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Join us for the Marriott Wedding Open Day on 29th January 2012 Get inspired for your fairy tale wedding day and start dreaming of the exciting journey ahead. No appointment necessary and entry is complimentary.

Grosvenor House, A JW Marriott Hotel*: 12 pm to 4 pm London Marriott Hotel County Hall: 11 am to 3 pm London Marriott Hotel Grosvenor Square: 3 pm to 7 pm London Marriott Hotel Maida Vale: 11 am to 4 pm London Marriott Hotel Marble Arch: 12 pm to 4 pm London Marriott Hotel Regents Park: 11 am to 4 pm

Visit MarriottEvents.co.uk/Wedding for other locations and dates across the UK.

*Pre-registration is required for free entry. † Terms & Conditions: To qualify for this promotion, a wedding must be booked by 31st December 2012 and held on either a Friday or Sunday between 1st January 2012 and

31st March 2013 with a minimum spend of £3000 in qualified catering revenue. Qualifying charges include food and beverage, room rental and audio visual charges. Qualifying charges do not include any taxes, gratuities, service fees, third party charges or incidental charges on individual guest room bills. A 1 night Worldwide Stay Voucher will be awarded for every £1000 spent up to a maximum award of 7 nights per wedding. The vouchers will be awarded upon payment of final invoice based on the actualised revenue of the event.

Offer is valid for hotel catered events only. Offer is subject to availability. Offer is valid for new bookings only and cannot be combined with any other promotion.

It’s what makes your holiday Get away from it all and find your idea of luxury in one of our beautiful, self-catering properties.

Choose from our wonderfully stylish range of cottages, apartments, barns and lodges in some of the most stunning areas of the UK. Our accommodation is perfect for families, couples and even your pets. So however you spend your time away, surround yourself with the kind of quality you can really relax and make yourself at home in.

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London events

The Jewel in the

This is the first image of the royal barge that will carry the Queen down the River Thames during her Diamond Jubilee celebrations this year.

Crown T

he vessel will lead a 1,000-strong flotilla along the river on 3rd June, as the monarch marks 60 years on the throne. She will be joined by her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, and other members of the Royal Family.

The barge will be adorned with flowers from the Queen’s gardens. The monarch and her husband will be seated on ornate chairs under a gold canopy as the vessel, the Spirit of Chartwell, cruises down the Thames.

12 j a n u a r y 2 0 1 2

In a nod to the richly decorated royal barges of the 17th and 18th centuries, the sides of the craft will be decorated with red drapes, while the Queen’s cipher and a crown will be displayed on the bow.

The floral displays will feature a red, gold and purple colour scheme and will be created by horticulturist Rachel de Thame, who appears on BBC Two show Gardeners’ World.

The project to transform

the Spirit of Chartwell into the royal barge is being led by designer Joseph Bennett.

Donated for the occasion by owner Philip Morrell, the vessel is 64 metres long and has a top speed of 11 knots.

Mr Morrell said: “As the Spirit of Chartwell evolved, I knew we had built something special - ideal, I thought, for the carriage of royalty, but little did I even vaguely suspect that in the course of one short year we should be graced with such an honour.”

The barge will lead 1,000 other craft east along the Thames from Battersea to Tower Bridge.

Adrian Evans, pageant master for the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant, said “The royal barge must be a jewel - the most magnificent vessel in the flotilla.

“Joseph and Rachel have come up with a truly inspiring design, one that references the coronation, the Commonwealth, the gold state coach and all the traditions of royal barges on the Thames, while creating something

The barge will lead 1,000 other craft east along the Thames from Battersea to Tower Bridge. that is distinct and modern.”

The organisers of the event are assessing all the entries that applied to join the pageant and those who are successful would have been told by the end of 2011.

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The Mayfair showroom are currently holding a unique one off refurbishment sale with up to 50% off designer brands.

Hurry down to pick yourself up a genuine bargain or alternatively please visit our site where you can view the x-display on line.

London events

d - Sunday 5th Thursday 2n 12, Earls Court February 20

Destinations The Times presents

T h e H o l i d ay & T r av e l S h o w

D

estinations: The Holiday & Travel Show, will celebrate its 18th birthday with even more events, incredible choice of exhibitors, expert advice and exclusive offers, and is your chance to find the perfect destination for your next trip.

There will be over 72 hours of entertainment over four days, so what better way to escape a grey February day in London without actually getting on a plane? Wander around the Show and find the perfect trip for you by talking to hundreds of leading and independent travel companies, many of which are offering exclusive travel offers only available at the Show. It’s simply a great chance to get one-on-one expert advice.

There will be two theatres playing host to travel personalities, celebrities and experts, who will share their travel experiences with you.

Speakers include distinguished broadcaster and journalist Sir Trevor McDonald OBE, Marine Biologist and TV presenter Monty Halls, broadcaster and journalist Kate Humble, Bang Goes

14 j a n u a r y 2 0 1 2

the Theory’s Liz Bonnin, Historians and Father & Son TV presenter duo Peter & Dan Snow, Architectural Historian and TV presenter Dan Cruickshank and worldrecord breaking adventurer Dave Cornthwaite. There will also be expert panel sessions with a host of industry experts on Travel Writing, Responsible Travel, Career Breaks, Going Solo and Gap Year Breaks.

For the first time, there will also be a new feature for all photo enthusiasts - the Amateur Photographer Travel Photography Theatre, which will cover all aspects of

travel photography. Join the experts for free masterclasses and advice on essential equipment and accessories that should definitely be in your hand luggage.

Don’t forget to visit the World Entertainment Stage, where you can enjoy some spectacular entertainment from around the globe. You can not only see some fantastic performances, but also join in.

Learn to dance like a Ballroom star, play a range of cultural instruments or learn the steps to a famous Bollywood number.

Be inspired by Indonesian dance, Japanese Taiko drums or Argentine Tango.

What would the show be without a chance to actually TASTE some of the delicacies and drinks from the seven continents? Watch the entertaining entrepreneur and celebrity chef Levi Roots demonstrate his passionate Caribbean cookery skills, enjoy wine from local vineyards and taste the East with mouth watering Thai food.

If that’s not enough, we have a special area for all animal lovers - Tropical Inc Ltd., the UK’s largest educational animal

company will be exhibiting a wide range of exotic animals from snakes and creepy crawlies to parrots and meerkats.

The official Show charity, Stuff your Rucksack (www. stuffyourrucksack.com) is a UK based charitable website conceptualised by broadcaster and journalist Kate Humble. It helps responsible travellers to make a practical difference to the lives of under-privileged people in developing countries and there will be a feature wall where you can find out what small things you can take on your 2012 travels to do your part.

And if you would like to do more for charity, please bring your old mobile phone to Destinations and volunteer organisation, Camara, will recycle it and raise money to promote education in African communities. So you are not just doing something good, but you will also have a chance to win a holiday, courtesy of On the Go Tours.

For further information on the Show, please visit www.destinationsshow.com Follow the Show on Twitter: @Destinationshow

London events colour and early, springflowering plants, the UK’s best nurserymen and growers will gather in RHS Lawrence Hall to showcase spectacular floral displays. Exhibitors include multi-RHS Gold medal winners Jacques Armand and Avon Bulbs.

Plants are available to buy.

Making the most of small outdoor spaces is a major theme of the show, and two of the 2011 RHS Young Designer of the Year finalists, Alexandra Froggatt and Owen Morgan, will stage show gardens demonstrating how you can transform a neglected, unloved alleyway into a beautiful green oasis. The Society of Garden Designers will also be running a design clinic in RHS Lindley Hall, where visitors can put questions to the experts about the designs on display.

Tickets: www.rhs.org.uk/ londonshows or telephone 0845 612 1253

RHS London Plant and Design Show 14th - 15th February 2012 RHS Horticultural Halls, Greycoat Street, London, SW1P 2PE

B

eautiful plants to see and buy, show gardens by top designers, seasonal ideas and expert advice, unique artwork and exciting new features; a dayout to a Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) London Show is a perfect way to spend the day celebrating the seasons, in 2012.

Kick-starting the flower show year with winter

16 j a n u a r y 2 0 1 2

About the RHS London Shows

The RHS London Flower Shows are the longest running of all the Royal Horticultural Society flower shows.

ideas and expert advice, unique artwork and exciting new features Established in 1862, they were first held at the RHS garden in Kensington, but moved to the RHS Horticultural Halls when they were built in 1904 and have remained there ever since.

About the RHS

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s foremost gardening charity, helping and inspiring millions of people to garden. We do this at our gardens and shows and through our scientific research, publications, libraries and our education and community programmes. We are entirely funded by our members, visitors and supporters.

RHS membership is for anyone with an interest in gardening. Support the RHS and secure a healthy future for gardening. For more information call: 0845 130 4646, or visit www.rhs.org.uk RHS Registered Charity No. 222879/SC038262

A Garden Room For All Seasons...

SPECIALISING IN BESPOKE GARDEN ROOMS BESPOKE TIMBER GARAGES BESPOKE TIMBER STABLES LANDSCAPING LIGHTING Tel 01491 612 820 Email enquiries@crownpavilions.com www.crownpavilions.com

Whatever your dream scheme for the perfect garden building, the experienced designers at Crown Pavilions can put it all together to create the ultimate outdoor room.

Bring your ideas to life at www.crownpavilions.com or call 01491 612820

London events

London events

An

Explosion of Colour

Ignite your senses at Kew’s Tropical Extravaganza 2012. Saturday 4th February Sunday 4th March 2012. Princess of Wales Conservatory, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

S

aturday 4th February 2012 marks the opening of the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew’s month long Tropical Extravaganza festival, where the Princess of Wales Conservatory is transformed into a sea of exotic orchids.

It’s a celebration of all things bright, beautiful, and, tropical.

The theme for this year is ‘Forces of Nature’ - visitors will be immersed in an environment where natural foliage and planting schemes will be interspersed with representational displays that dynamically explore and raise awareness of the four classical elements: air, fire,

water and earth. Ornamental displays of tropical flowers will represent the elements by colour themes, such as hanging baskets of aquatic hues for water, and arches decorated with blazoned reds, yellows and oranges for fire.

The wet tropical zone with its lush landscape will contrast with the colour-structured ‘forces of nature’ displays. Using the architecture of the building and a range of suspension, receptacle and planting devices, the zone will be transformed into a landscape of sumptuous tropical plants.

As well as the stunning

floral displays, a number of sculptures will be in situ, including representations of wind-dispersed seeds, fungi, mangroves, cabanas, and wildlife. There will also be an atmospheric sound-scape that will covey the importance of air and wind to nature’s balance.

Tropical Extravaganza will also highlight Kew’s global science and conservation programmes, illustrating how plants and fungi depend on and moderate the classical elements across our planet.

You can book now for the tours: Tropical Nursery Tours

Tour the entire nursery, usually closed to the public, and discover a fascinating world of carnivorous, bromeliad, orchid and cacti zones, including the nursery’s plant conservation work. Meet Kew’s expert horticultural staff afterwards for a Q&A session. For more details: 020 8332 5604 Orchid Nursery Tours

A chance to enter the Orchid zones and see the skills and techniques used to take care of Kew’s diverse collection.

18 j a n u a r y 2 0 1 2

Speak to Kew’s horticultural staff orchid experts after the tour with a demonstration on how to pot up and care for your orchids at home. For more details: 020 8332 5604 After visiting the Kew Tropical extravaganza, you can relax with a Vanilla Tea! Experience the taste of Vanilla from around the world with specially selected and blended teas, fragrant cakes and pastries in the elegant surroundings of Kew’s Orangery.

Sat 4th February-Sun 4th March, 2-4.30pm £15 per person. For further details: 020 8332 5680 Valentine’s Dinner for two in The Orangery

The perfect Valentine’s dinner for two, with delicious dishes made for sharing. Spend a romantic evening with champagne and canapés to start, followed by tasty mains, and delicious deserts.

Tuesday 14th February, 7pm onwards, £45 per person Booking essential: call 020 8332 5680 For more details, please visit www.kew.org

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London events

R o y al H o rt i c u lt u ral S o c i et y pla y s

Cupid on Valentine’s Day Speed-dating at RHS Plant & Design Show, 14th February 2012 (5.30-8.30pm) RHS Lawrence Hall, Greycoat Street, London, SW1P 2QD (nearest Tube St James) £8 (RHS Members FREE)

F

or the first time, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) invites single Londoners to find love amongst the flowers at a speed-dating event being held at the RHS London Plant and Design Show on St Valentine’s Day Thirty men and women, between the ages of 23 - 35, will be given the opportunity to let love blossom, as they move throughout the floral setting in accordance with the rules of speed dating.

Bob Sweet, Head of Shows Development at the RHS, explains, “Since time began, flowers have been associated with love, so what better way to fall head over heels than surrounded by the perfect petals and sensual perfumes of over forty floral displays.

“This is the first time the

20 j a n u a r y 2 0 1 2

RHS has offered this event, but with our gardens in Surrey and Devon licensed for weddings, then who knows, we could have an affair to remember on our hands.”

The seductive scent of Spring, coupled with enticing seasonal colour will welcome participants as they enter RHS Lawrence Hall. Champagne and wine will be on hand to calm pre-dating nerves, while

the stunning back drop of the Plant & Design Show will offer even the shyest of daters a conversation starter.

The price of speed dating is included in the ticket price, but participants are asked to register beforehand, so please contact Ed Horne on 0207 821 3356 or edhorne@rhs.org.uk, if you’d like to book a place.

About the RHS London Shows

The RHS London Flower Shows are the longest running of all the Royal Horticultural Society flower shows.

Established in 1862, they were first held at the RHS garden in Kensington, but moved to the

what better way to fall head over heels than surrounded by perfect petals and sensual perfumes

RHS Horticultural Halls when they were built in 1904 and have remained there ever since.

About the RHS

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s foremost gardening charity, helping and inspiring millions of people to garden. We do this at our gardens and shows and through our scientific research, publications, libraries and our education and community programmes. We are entirely funded by our members, visitors and supporters.

RHS membership is for anyone with an interest in gardening. Support the RHS and secure a healthy future for gardening. For more information call: 0845 130 4646, or visit www.rhs.org.uk RHS Registered Charity No. 222879/SC038262

CMYK 30.72.74.84

CMYK 17.36.47.38

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London events nuary 24th-29th Ja Park, 2012 Battersea J N 4 11 London SW

The Decorative Antiques & Textiles Fair

Winter Edition Period interior design and decoration at its most inspirational...

Fiona McDonald Pair of 1950s Italian chairs attributed to Paolo Buffa (new upholstery). £1850

Holly Johnson An early Piero Fornasetti magazine rack. “Acquedotto Architectura”.

Lithographically printed on metal and brass.

Applied label. Italy.

Mid-1950s. £2500

W

ith more than 140 exhibitors from the UK and Europe, the Winter Decorative Antiques & Textiles Fair offers interior designers and private buyers an inspirational opportunity to purchase antiques, 20th century design, works of art and pictures, decorative accessories and collectors’ items from the 17th century to the present day.

The Decorative Fair is renowned as a source of unusual and practical furniture, from fine Georgian English and quality Continental for connoisseurs, to painted pieces and country chic for relaxed living areas; fabulous lighting and mirrors; textiles and upholstered chairs, sofas and seating of all kinds; and for original vintage glass and ceramics as well as highly collectable named designer furniture of the 20th century.

Exhibiting dealers carefully select stock with stylish looks, all original, one-off designs that help create an individual look in a design scheme. Their displays provide inspiration for the visitor, and much of the furnishing stock is offered at very reasonable prices, comparable with high street designer home stores.

Anyone who loves beautiful design will appreciate the wide variety of smaller and very affordable decorative items available from many

Superb Regency painted chair back settee, laurels & flowers detail on back rail. English, circa 1825 £2450

22 j a n u a r y 2 0 1 2

dealers at the Fair. It is easy to find a treat to take home at well under £100. Cushions created from antique textiles, vintage monogrammed French linens, glassware such as goblets, decanters, vases and sculptural works from the C18th to mid-C20th, treen bowls and decorated boxes, carved wood fragments and panels, ceramics of all periods including creamware jugs for the kitchen and entire porcelain services for the dining table to elegant art deco vases and studio pots, metalware from cast iron Victorian door-stops to Regency brass candlesticks, silver cutlery or dressing table items, vintage toys...

For an affordable treat, one might find a variety of antique and vintage wine glasses and goblets at prices from as little as £25. Midcentury modern Scandinavian ceramics and glass can be found from well under £50.

A group of Victorian green glass ‘dumps’, stippled with flecks and bubbles of air, mixed with patterned paperweights, priced perhaps from under £30 to around £100, make a beautiful, light-catching display.

Mirror-backed or mercurylined glass is not too expensive, and the wonderful shapes (and sometimes various colours) of these Continental bottles and candlesticks add sparkle to a mantelpiece or coffee table.

Vintage soda syphons come in various colours, shapes and sizes, some with patterned wire covers. Antique glass finials, or even carved wood ones, would group nicely. The fun is in finding a favourite type of object to start your decorative collection, then visiting the Fair to search out a new item to add to it. The Decorative Fair runs three times a year in January, April and October, sufficiently often to build up a collection quite quickly!

For more details, please visit www.decorativefair.com

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London events

Vintage Home and Interiors Fair Primrose Hill, 5th

A

February 2011

Vintage Home and Interiors Fair is to take place on 5th February at Cecil Sharp House in Primrose Hill.

The fair is for lovers of shabby chic and a home filled with the charm of true vintage pieces that bring comfort and beauty from faded textiles and restored vintage furnishings.

These together with treasures collected over the years all make an inspiring home which is certainly ‘where the heart is’........

At the fair you will be able to find selections of vintage furniture, some painted and restored, tableware, glassware, lamps, mirrors, linens, textiles, curtains, eiderdowns and garden items. Also trinkets, treasures and unique gifts.

This is a great shopping alternative to escape the general high street trends and also the many reproduction ‘vintage’ items that appear in abundance!

Nothing is comparable to a piece of true vintage.

Entrance to the fair is £2.00 Open from 11am - 5pm Cecil Sharp House, 2 Regents Park Road, London NW1 7AY. For further information please visit www.vintagefashionfairlondon.co.uk 24 j a n u a r y 2 0 1 1

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London events

P r i mr o se H i ll

Vintage Fashion Fair January 2012 Sunday 22nd

Cecil Sharp House, 2 Regents Park Road, London NW1 7AY

O

ver the past ten years Britain has developed a passion for vintage fashion thanks to the likes of Kate Moss, Sienna Miller and Sex and the City stylists who’ve whetted our appetite for a variety of vintage fashion.

One of the best ways to find a large selection of vintage fashion is to visit a Vintage Fashion Fair - and to satisfy this popular demand there are a number of vintage fairs throughout the year.

Vintage Fashion Fair are again organising the Primrose Hill fairs at the great Cecil Sharp House venue. The fairs are small and friendly, a total of 28 stands, and have the best choice of vintage you could wish for.

Vintage clothing, hats, handbags, gloves, shoes, jewellery and textiles from 1800’s - 1980’s will be on show. You can spend a leisurely Sunday browsing 26 j a n u a r y 2 0 1 2

and buying from the many stalls at this exclusive venue in Primrose Hill.

You will be able to find very wearable vintage pieces at affordable prices and also designer labels if you are looking for something extra special.

There is a selection of delicious home made

food and refreshments at very reasonable prices.

Due the growing popularity of vintage fashion and our fairs we are looking for new stall holders to satisfy this demand. If you have a range of quality vintage fashion, clothes, accessories and textiles please get in touch l Cecil Sharp House, 2 Regents

Park Road, London NW1 7AY l Opening Hours - Doors Open 11am and close at 5pm l Entry - £3 on the door PURCHASE ONE TICKET & RECEIVE ANOTHER FREE, VIA THE WEBSITE FROM MONDAY 9TH JANUARY! www.vintagefashionfairlondon.co.uk

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London events

V

intage has been growing in popularity and is now the perfect addition to your wardrobe.

Selling vintage clothing, including vintage designers such as Biba & Mary Quant, there are also many stunning vintage jewellery stalls with many top designer pieces.

Everything from vintage silk Hermes scarves, to beautiful handbags from days gone by. The date range is from early 20th century right up to the 1980s.

Pop Up Vintage Fairs London will be returning to the stunning St Stephen’s Rosslyn Hill, Hampstead for their Vintage Valentine’s Fair on Sunday 12th February. A chance to purchase that unique Valentine’s vintage treasure for your loved one! The Pop Up Tea Room will be serving teas on delicate vintage china and homemade cakes and cupcakes with a Valentine’s theme.

There will also be a Pop Up Vintage Beauty Parlour offering retro hair & makeup transformations for those all important pincurls, victory rolls, eyeliner & red 28 j a n u a r y 2 0 1 2

Sunday 12th

February

The Good Old Days!

Pop Up Vintage Fair, St Stephen’s Rosslyn Hill, Pond Street, Hampstead NW3 2PP

Further dates can be found at: www.facebook.com/popupvintagefairs Email: info@popupvintagefairs.co.uk. Enquiries: 07716 295998

lips for Valentine’s Day! Live music is always a feature at their fairs and previous performances have included the fabulous Elle & The Pocket Belles and The Three Belles, singing nostalgic forties songs.

In addition to clothing, accessories, jewellery, homeware and small pieces of vintage furniture, there will also be antiques, collectables, including vintage vinyl, film posters, ephemera, textiles, antique lace, vintage knitting & sewing patterns, vintage teasets and cakestands, in fact the list goes on and on!

Why not pop along on Sunday 12th February for that special Vintage Valentine’s Gift. You never know what hidden treasures you may find there!

Feb-Apr dates for Pop Up Vintage Fairs are as follows: ✱ Feb 12 - St Stephen’s Rosslyn Hill, Pond Street, Hampstead NW3 2PP ✱ March 25 - Hampstead Town Hall, 213 Haverstock Hill, Hampstead NW3 4QP ✱ April 22 - St Stephen’s Rosslyn Hill, Pond Street, Hampstead NW3 2PP

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London events BRUARY 23RD- 26TH FE T HOUSE 2012, SOMERSE

VODAFONE LONDON FASHION WEEKEND Say hello to London’s Premium Designer Shopping Event

A

s soon as the last welcomed the celebrity fashion model has stepped off pack and the industry elite the catwalk at London during London Fashion Week.

Fashion Week, Somerset This exclusive opportunity House is instantly transformed gives visitors the chance to into a unique 4-day designer soak up the unique atmosphere shopping emporium. Set as we showcase an array of within the stunning grounds Spring/Summer 2012 trends to of Somerset House, Vodafone inspire you before purchasing London Fashion Weekend your new wardrobe essentials. is the complete experience.

Discover the hottest hair Style-savvy label lovers can trends and get your own new get their wardrobe fix from look with Toni&Guy, get heritage British brands such skin care and makeup advice as Pringle of Scotland, Jaeger from Elizabeth Arden and London and Linda Farrow be pampered throughout to some of London’s best the event with manicures emerging designers including at The Broadway Nails Holly Fulton, James Long Bar and much more... and Maria Francesca Pepe.

Be entertained by Vintage Find over 100 of all your acts and top DJs or inspired favourite brands selling oneby talks by top fashion off pieces at reduced prices. personalities. Get your foodie New feature areas for fix by dining at some of February 2012 include London’s best restaurants and a Lingerie Boutique by bistros including Somerset Rigby & Peller, The Vintage House’s resident outlets by Boutique (curated by Tom Aiken and the new Wayne Hemingway), the restaurant from Fernandez and Benefit brow & lash bar, a Wells. Find delicious treats pop up spa from Cowshed, throughout the event in our a dedicated concierge pop-up bars and from brand service and many more. partners Diet Coke, Frae Vodafone London Fashion Frozen Yogurt and Chambord.

Weekend also offers the rare Join us for a fantastic day opportunity to experience out with your friends, an after our trendsetting catwalk work style fix or a fabulous show in the official British wardrobe update. Your ticket Fashion Council Show Space. to fashion’s favourite designers Only hours before your seat shopping event awaits!

Buy your tickets now at www.londonfashionweekend.co.uk or call 0871 230 1558

READER OFFER

Get your shopping fix this season, with £5 off Vodafone London Fashion Weekend tickets. Don’t miss out on the exclusive 4 day designer shopping emporium! www.londonfashionweekend.co.uk and add the code LONDON FASHION in the discount box!

30 j a n u a r y 2 0 1 2

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London events

LONDON MASLENITSA FESTIVAL

Maslenitsa is the traditional Russian festival that says goodbye to winter with vodka, pancakes, music and song.

BRUARY 19TH – 26TH FELondon 2012, across

T

he London Maslenitsa Festival is the largest celebration of Russian culture outside Russia itself. Supported by Boris Johnson, the Festival takes place across London from 19th – 26th February, with a week-long programme of events culminating in the final spectacular in Trafalgar Square.

The programme will provide a chance for Londoners to immerse themselves in Russian culture both modern and traditional as venues across the city are brought to life with theatre performances, food demonstrations, exhibitions and special events.

Highlights include a fashion show from leading and up-and-coming Russian designers at the Victoria and Albert Museum, a children’s production performed by the renowned Moscow State Gogol Theatre at Shaftesbury Theatre, and master-classes with Russian chefs exploring authentic Russian cuisine, including the quintessential Maslenitsa delicacy: the Blini.

On the day of Maslenitsa itself – Sunday 26 February 32 j a n u a r y 2 0 1 2

Russian:

Все заботы бросьте, Приходите в гости Phonetic: Vse zaboty broste, prixodite v gisty!

English: Put aside all your cares (Put your cares behind) come to visit Maslenitsa!

- a huge celebration of all things Russian takes place in Trafalgar Square, which will be transformed into a bustling bazaar.

Russian shops, restaurants and top chefs will have pavilions across the Square providing an opportunity for all Londoners to sample as slice of Russian culture while feasting on traditional Maslenitsa food of pancakes

and caviar and vodka! (The event is hugely popular - over 90,000 people attended last year). At the same time, performances from some of Russia’s most acclaimed dance, theatre, folk, pop and jazz artists – including the celebrated Pyatnizky Choir, which celebrates its 100th anniversary this year - will entertain the audience from the Festival’s main stage.

Entrance is FREE and events run from 1pm-7pm.

London is home to around 160,000 Russians and the city is the second most popular destination for flights out of Moscow after St Petersburg.

Boris Johnson, the Mayor of London said: “In 2012 London will welcome the world for the Olympic and Paralympic Games and throughout the year fantastic events like the Maslenitsa festival will vividly illustrate why London is the most exciting international city on earth.”

Trafalgar Square will be connected to Red Square via a live interactive video link – enabling Londoners and Muscovites to talk to each other (square to square!) and exchange traditional Maslenitsa greetings.

See www.maslenitsa.co.uk for full listings. Follow the festival on Twitter @MaslenitsaDoll

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L ON D ON events

Discover your family secrets at

Who Do You Think You Are? LIVE 2012 EBRUARY, 24TH - 26TH F PIA LONDON OLYM

W

ho You Think You Are? Live returns for its sixth year, with leading genealogy experts, one to one sessions, informative workshops and over 150 exhibitors specialising in researching your family tree all under one roof.

Sponsored by Ancestry. co.uk, the 2012 show will feature more exciting ways

to look deeper into your ancestry whether you’re just starting out on your family history trail or you’re a seasoned researcher. Ask an expert for advice, identify and date those mystery photos, attend one of the informative workshops and investigate the resources of libraries, museums and family history societies from across the UK.

✱You can book your tickets for WDYTYA? Live

by phoning 0844 873 7330 or by visiting www. whodoyouthinkyouarelive.co.uk where you’ll also find all the latest news as well as great competitions and offers. You could also join the Facebook group and follow @WDYTYALIVE on Twitter so you can share your thoughts about the show.

Tickets A single ticket will cost just £15 in advance but Life Magazines can offer you two tickets for just £25, a saving of £19* when you quote code LIFE2425. *£2 transaction fee applies. Standard on door price is £22. Offer ends 10th February 2012.T

34 JANUARY 2 0 1 2

There’ll be some great new interactive features along with favourites like the Military Pavilion and the Society of Genealogists’ Workshop Programme.

Silent Witness actress, Emilia Fox has been confirmed as the third celebrity to be appearing at Who Do You Think You Are? LIVE 2012.

Emilia will take to the stage on Saturday 25th February in the Celebrity Theatre, talking about both her experience on the TV show and her ancestry trail; a journey which led her to discover that she hailed from a long line of fellow thespians and led her to the north of England to uncover the rags-to-riches story of her 3 x great grandfather.

Emilia will be joining two other celebrities, EastEnders’ Larry Lamb and TV presenter and

producer Richard Madeley.

Like Emilia, both men made fascinating discoveries about their forebears.

Also returning is the ‘Heirloom Detective’, antiques expert Eric Knowles.

Eric will be on hand in the Photography Gallery to date and identify your family treasures, so you can find out more about the relics which have been passed down the generations of your family.

There will also be a bigger dedicated Irish section for those whose family tree harks back to the Emerald Isle, with Irish genealogical experts on hand to point you in the right direction for discovering your Irish heritage.

There is a huge variety of companies and services involved in family history at the event; from major online resource holders to libraries, museums and dozens of family history societies from across the UK, and companies who can show you how to create and store your family tree information, restore old photos, take a genealogy course and more. It’s your chance to be part of the world’s biggest family history show, share your experiences and meet others who are just as enthusiastic about looking into their past as you are?

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F

or Spring 2012 the National Wedding Show has been given a makeover and unveils a fresh new look. There is an exciting newly designed website to tie in with the launch of inspirational new areas within the National Wedding Show.

In keeping with the growing vintage trend, there is a new area within the show compromising of a collection of authentic vintage and vintage inspired suppliers covering every aspect of weddings from fashion and accessories to stationery and venue styling. This will culminate in a central vintage café area where visitors can relax with a quintessentially British cup of tea and a delicious array of cakes.

Event Director, Alejandra Campos comments: ‘The Vintage area at the show is a reflection of the huge trend for vintage-style weddings that has been so popular in recent years. The National Wedding Show is consistently responsive to the needs of the visitors and exhibitors: brides are always turning their thoughts to the past when it comes to styling their weddings, and we felt that in keeping with the demands of our clientele a dedicated Vintage space at the show would be the best way to

National Wedding Show

has a Spring Makeover for 2012 24-26th February 2012, London Kensington Olympia

present this. The addition of bridal bloggers Rock My Wedding to the Autumn shows proved immensely popular with visitors, so the RMW team are set to return once more with their insightful seminars on wedding planning and styling. ‘ The cream of the show’s bridal wear designers will be showcased in a stunning catwalk fashion show, where wedding dresses, groomswear, bridesmaid and mother-ofthe-bride looks from some of the country’s leading bridal retailers will take to the stage. Sponsored by Wedding magazine, the inspirational show will take place five times daily, with reserved seating for press and VIP ticket holders.

The fantastically popular How to Look Good Show will return, bringing back its expert big day beauty advice from former Clothes Show host Caryn Franklin and Jane Galpin, producer of How To Look Good Naked. With live step-by-step makeovers it’s not to be missed!

Former Britain’s Next Top Model judge Michele Paradise will be in house with her essential Bridal Coaching which includes indispensible guidance such as how to keep your cool on the big day, how to work the camera and how to walk in wedding heels!

The Designer Flower Zone will once again see some of the UK’s best florists displaying their creative talents, while the ever popular Chambord & Champagne Bar is sure to be a hive of activity, the best way to relax at the end of a long day’s shopping!

TICKET GIVEAWAY FOR LIFE READERS!

We have five pairs of tickets available for Friday & Sunday only – please email competitions@ nationalweddingshow. co.uk to be in with a chance of winning!

Tickets are now on sale 0844 581 1404 36 JANUARY 2 0 1 2

flowers by Wedding of my Dreams, cake by Cotton & Crumbs, dress by Vintage Wedding Dress Company at White Mischief, bridesmaid’s dress by Little Bevan

L ON D ON events

The RSA is a beautiful venue for a wedding.

The staff are exceptional and helped make the day run smoothly, the quality of the food was fantastic and all of our guests had a great time Katherine & Martin

Located in the Heart of London, the RSA House offers Georgian grandeur with contemporary style to create a number of fabulous spaces under one roof.

A short walk from the River Thames, Covent Garden and Trafalgar Square, it’s an unrivalled location in the heart of London.

Our talented and dedicated team will create your perfect day in a truly memorable setting.

8 John Adam Street London WC2N 6EZ T: 020 7451 6809 E: weddings@rsa.org.uk W: www.thersa.org/house

Stay 2 nights & Dine For Free Two nights price reduction, free wine and dine a la carte Available until 4th April 2012 When booking please quote re: StAL2012Q1

Terms and conditions · One dinner or lunch per person, per stay · Half bottle of house wine per person, per stay · Lunch or dinner subject to availability · Dinner not available Saturday nights · Includes full English breakfast · Cannot be used in conjunction with any other hotel offer, discounted rate, functions or weddings · Not available 11th-15th Feb or 18th March 2012 · Full dining price charged if second night cancelled · For reduced room prices, call us or visit our website St Michael’s Manor, Fishpool Street, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL3 4RY T: 01727 818 961 • reservations@stmichaelsmanor.com • www.stmichaelsmanor.com

London events

Sense and the City: Smart connected and on the move Until 18th March 2012

graphics that present evocative visions of future city living.

Future Cities highlights the obsession today’s image makers have with the possible metropolis of tomorrow. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with guest filmmakers.

L

ove it or hate it, emerging technologies are transforming the way we live, work and play in our cities. London Transport Museum’s Sense and the City: smart, connected and on the move exhibition explores how emerging technologies are changing the way we access and experience London and compares this with past visions of the future.

Sense and the City closes Sunday 18th March 2012, before then, visit the new poster display Painting by numbers or take part in a series of special events that will be taking place January to March.

38 j a n u a r y 2 0 1 2

Painting by numbers is a new poster display to complement the Sense and the City exhibition showing historical versions of data visualisation. Dating back to the 1930s and earlier, the 20 posters on display include works by Hans Schleger, Theyre Lee-Elliott, James Fitton and Misha Black & David Langdon.

Film: Future Cities Wednesday 1st February 2012 6.30pm - 8.00pm

onedotzero introduce an eclectic selection of short films, animations and motion

Debate: Shock the System Wednesday 8th February 2012 6.30pm - 8.00pm

Broadcaster and author, Robert Elms chairs and invites the public to debate the trade-off between the freedom new technologies bring us and the price we pay in terms of our privacy. The panel includes the Evening Standard’s Comment Editor - Andrew Neather, the London Mayor’s Director of Environment and Digital London - Kulveer Ranger, and award-winning documentary filmmaker David Bond - who made Erasing David, a chilling film about privacy and surveillance.

Artists’ showcase: Play and the City Friday 16th March 2012 - 6.30pm - 8.30pm

Mobile devices and social media are having a dramatic impact on the way we use our city. Technology designed for navigation and communication purposes is being subverted by artists and gamers who seek alternative urban adventures.

During the evening artists will share how mobile and social networking tools can transform a city into an interactive playground.

All events take place in the Cubic Theatre, London Transport Museum, Covent Garden Piazza, London, WC2E 7BB. For ticket prices and to book visit www.ltmuseum.co.uk or telephone 020 7565 7298.

The Sense in the City exhibition and poster parade are in the Museum’s galleries, adult tickets are £13.50 (£10.00 concessions) which allows free admission for a whole year. KIDS GO FREE.

17/11/09

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olympics sp e c i al

The London 2012 Summer Olympic Games guide in London from 27th July – 12th August 2012 Paralympic Games 29th August – 9th September 2012

L

ondon will become the first city to officially host the modern Olympic Games three times having previously done so in 1908 and in 1948 London was selected as the host city during the 117th IOC Session in Singapore, defeating Moscow, New York City, Madrid and Paris. The successful bid was headed by former Olympic champion Sebastian Coe

The Olympics has prompted a redevelopment of many of areas of London. The Games will make use of many venues which were already in place before the bid, including Wembley Stadium, Wembley Arena, Wimbledon All England Club, Lord’s Cricket Ground, The O2 Arena, Earls Court Exhibition Centre, Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy and the Excel Centre january2012

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The Sports The London 2012 Olympic Games will feature 26 sports, which break down into 39 disciplines Aquatics Diving Swimming Syncronised Swimming ✱ Archery ✱ Athletics ✱ Badminton ✱ Basketball ✱ Beach Volleyball ✱ Boxing ✱ Canoeing Sprint ✱ Canoe Slalom ✱ Water polo ✱ Cycling - BMX ✱ Cycling Mountain biking ✱ Cycling - Road ✱ Cycling - Track ✱ Equestrian - Dressage ✱ Equestrian - Eventing ✱ Equestrian - Jumping ✱ Fencing ✱ Hockey ✱ Football ✱ Gymnastics ✱ Artistic Gymnastics ✱ Rhythmic Gymnastics ✱ Trampoline * ✱ Handball ✱ Judo ✱ Modern pentathlon ✱ Rowing ✱ Sailing ✱ Shooting ✱ Table tennis ✱ Taekwondo ✱ Tennis ✱ Triathlon ✱ Volleyball ✱ Weightlifting * Wrestling ✱ ✱ ✱ ✱

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Paralympic Sports There are 20 sports in the Paralympic programme for the London 2012 Games.

Paralympic Cycling breaks down into two disciplines: ✱ Road and Track ✱ Paralympic Archery ✱ Paralympic Athletics ✱ Boccia ✱ Paralympic Cycling - Road ✱ Paralympic Cycling - Track ✱ Paralympic Equestrian ✱ Football 5-a-side ✱ Football 7-a-side ✱ Goalball ✱ Paralympic Judo ✱ Powerlifting ✱ Paralympic Rowing ✱ Paralympic Sailing ✱ Paralympic Shooting ✱ Paralympic Swimming ✱ Paralympic Table Tennis ✱ Sitting Volleyball ✱ Wheelchair Basketball ✱ Wheelchair Fencing ✱ Wheelchair Rugby ✱ Wheelchair Tennis

Venues of the 2012 Summer Olympics and Paralympics The Aquatics Centre

The Aquatics Centre will be the venue for Swimming, Paralympic Swimming, Diving, Synchronised Swimming and the Aquatics discipline of the Modern Pentathlon. Location: South-east corner of the Olympic Park. Number of events: 192. It will be the ‘gateway’ to the Olympic Park, with more than twothirds of spectators expected to enter the Olympic Park over a vast bridge that runs over the top of part of the venue.

After the Games, The Aquatics Centre will be transformed into a facility for the local community, clubs and schools, as well as elite swimmers. The two temporary wings will be removed, although it will be possible to increase the capacity for major competitions. The Aquatics Centre will also have a creche, family-friendly changing facilities and a cafe, alongside a new public plaza in front of the building.

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Eton Dorney, Berkshire

Eton Dorney will be the venue for Rowing, Paralympic Rowing, and Canoe Sprint events, during the London 2012 Games. Eton Dorney Rowing Centre at Dorney Lake, is a world-class venue near Windsor Castle. Number of events:30.

The venue is a 2,200m, eight-lane rowing course with a separate return lane constructed to international standards.

It is set in a 400-acre park with a nature conservation area.

In 2006, it hosted the Rowing World Championships, with high praise from both competitors and spectators.

The Basketball Arena

The Basketball Arena will host Basketball, Wheelchair Basketball, Wheelchair Rugby and the final stages of the Handball competition. Location: In the north of the Olympic Park. Number of events: 7. It is one of the largestever temporary venues built for any Games. Parts of it are expected to be reused or relocated elsewhere in the UK. The BMX Track

The BMX Track will host the Olympic BMX competition during the London 2012 Games. Location: In the north of the Olympic Park. Number of events: 2. The 400-metre circuit is located next to the Velodrome. After the Games, the temporary seating will be removed and the BMX Track reconfigured to make it suitable for community use.

Brands Hatch

During the London 2012 Paralympic Games, the Road Cycling discipline will be held at Brands Hatch, home of numerous international racing events. Both the Road Race and Time Trial events will be held at the venue. The riders will race round a course that passes through the Kent county and the district of Sevenoaks.

Brands Hatch will be the base of approximately half of the course, including the start and finish. After the Games, Brands Hatch will

revert to its role as one of Europe’s leading motor racing venues.

City of Coventry Stadium

The Stadium is home to Championship club Coventry City. It is ideally located in the centre of England, in a city which already has strong links with London 2012. The stadium will play host to 12 Football matches, including the women’s bronze medal match. After the Games, the stadium will continue to host Coventry City matches Earls Court

During 2012, Earls Court will be transformed into a spectacular Volleyball arena ready for the Games. The Volleyball competition will have 288 athletes taking part, with the action beginning on 28th July. Earls Court is close to the Victoria and Albert, Science & Natural History Museums. After the Games, the venue will continue as one of London’s best exhibition and event spaces.

Eton Manor

The sporting facilities at Eton Manor will be the venue for Wheelchair Tennis. Location: In the north of the Olympic Park. Number of events: 6.

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in Aquatics events. It will have three 50m pools for swimmers, and smaller pools for synchronized swimmers and Water Polo players.

It will then host Wheelchair Tennis during the Paralympic Games, and remain a training facility for Aquatics competitors.

After the Games, It is intended that Eton Manor will be transformed into a unique mix of sporting facilities for local and regional communities, including a tennis centre with four indoor and six outdoor courts (four of which will be used for Wheelchair Tennis during the Games), a hockey centre with two competition pitches and five-a-side football pitches. The facilities will be able to accommodate elite hockey events for up to 15,000 spectators.

ExCel

With it’s five arenas, ExCeL will host a total of 143 sessions across a wide range of Olympic and Paralympic sports including: Boxing, Fencing, Judo, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Weightlifting, Wrestling, Boccia Paralympic Table Tennis, Paralympic Judo, Paralympic Powerlifting, Sitting Volleyball, Wheelchair Fencing, Location: ExCeL is situated near London City Airport in east London’s Royal Victoria Dock.

After the Games, ExCeL will revert to its role as one of Europe’s largest and most versatile exhibition spaces.

Hampden Park, Scotland

Hampden Park is Scotland’s national football stadium. It recently underwent a £70m refurbishment and is situated a few miles to the south of Glasgow in Scotland. Number of events: 2.The stadium will host a total of eight Olympic Football matches, with action in both the men’s and women’s competitions.

The Handball Arena

The Handball Arena will be the venue for Handball, Goalball and the Fencing discipline of Modern Pentathlon.

Location: In the west of the Olympic Park. The Handball Arena will host the preliminary rounds and quarter-finals of the Handball competition. It will also be the venue for the Fencing discipline of Modern Pentathlon. In the Paralympic Games it will be the venue for Goalball. After the Games, the Handball Arena will be adapted to become a multi-use sports centre for community use, athlete training and small to medium-sized events. It will be able to cater for a wide range of indoor sports, including basketball, handball, badminton, boxing, martial arts, netball, table tennis, wheelchair rugby and volleyball. It will also include a health and fitness club with changing facilities and a cafe for use by the local community.

Greenwich Park

Greenwich Park is London’s oldest Royal Park, dating back to 1433. Within the Park is The Royal Observatory and the home of Greenwich Mean Time. Greenwich Park will host the Olympic and Paralympic Equestrian competitions, plus the combined running and shooting event, of the Modern Pentathlon. Greenwich Park is on the south bank of the River Thames, in south east London. Number of events: 19. The temporary structures will be taken down after the Games.

Hadleigh Farm, Essex

A new Mountain Bike course will be provided in Hadleigh Farm, Essex, with temporary grandstands and facilities to be built in the run-up to the 2012 Games. Number of events: 2.

Hadleigh Farm is owned by the Salvation Army. The venue covers a 550-acre site including beautiful grassland and woodland.

It also includes the surrounding countryside of Hadleigh Castle Country Park. Spectators will be able to watch the action along a course winding through woods and parkland.

Hampton Court Palace, Surrey

During the London 2012 Olympic Games, the Cycling Time Trial will take place on the roads around the stunning Hampton Court Palace, formerly home to many famous monarchs. Hampton Court is located in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. Hampton Court will host the start and finish of the men’s and women’s Time Trials in the Road Cycling competition. Both the men’s and women’s Time Trials are free events. Number of events: 2.

Hockey Centre

The temporary Hockey Centre located in the Olympic Park will have two separate pitches, one with spectator seating. The facility will also be used for Paralympic 5-a-side and 7-a-side Football.Number of events: 4. The Hockey Centre will have two pitches, one with spectator seating and one for use as a warm-up area. As well as the Olympic Hockey competition, the facility will host Paralympic 5-a-side and 7-a-side Football.

After the Games the Hockey Centre will move to the north of the Olympic Park, joining a group of facilities in the area known as Eton Manor. It will have 3,000 permanent seats with the ability to increase to up to 15,000 for major events.

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Horse Guards Parade

The Beach Volleyball competition will take place on the Prime Minister’s doorstep at Horse Guards Parade, at the heart of Whitehall, the political centre of the UK. It is close to Downing Street and across St James’s Park from Buckingham Palace. A temporary arena will be built in 2012, with sand brought in to create London’s very own ‘beach’. Number of events: 2. Not surprisingly, the temporary facilities will be taken down after the Games!

Hyde Park

The largest of London’s Royal Parks, Hyde Park has been open to the public since 1637. It will host the Marathon Swimming and Triathlon events.

Spectators will enjoy a grandstand view of the finishing area for the London 2012 Triathlon, with many thousands more able to watch as the athletes swim, cycle and run on the course. The park is also expected to be home to the music, theatre, film and cultural events that will take place throughout the summer of 2012. Hyde Park lies within London’s West End, within easy walking distance of top class accommodation and shops. Number of events: 4.

After the Games, the grandstand and course will be removed.

The Lee Valley White Water Centre, Hertfordshire

Located in Hertfordshire, it will host the Canoe Slalom competition. Located on the edge of the 1,000-acre River Lee Country Park, part of the 26-mile long, 10,000-acre Lee Valley Regional Park in Hertfordshire. Number of events: 4. Two new canoe slalom courses are being built for the Games: a 300m competition course and a 160m intermediate/training course. A new 10,000sqm lake is also being constructed. After the Games, the two courses and the

facilities building will remain and the Centre will become a venue for canoeing and kayaking for the local community and visitors, and be suitable for beginners to elite athletes. It will also be a major leisure attraction for white water rafting.

Lord’s Cricket Ground

Lord’s Cricket Ground has been home to cricket since 1814 and will host the Olympic Archery competition. Lord’s is in St John’s Wood, near Regent’s Park. Comparatively little preparation will be needed to get this world-class venue ready. An Archery range will be created on the outfield of the main ground and the Nursery ground. Number of events: 4. After the Games, Lord’s will return to its traditional role as the home of cricket, providing a base for the Marylebone Cricket Club and Middlesex County Cricket Club. Archery equipment from the training, warm up and competition venues will be given to clubs and schools across the country. january2012

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The Mall

During the London 2012 Games, the Olympic and Paralympic Marathons and the Olympic Cycling Road Races will start and finish in The Mall - an iconic location in the heart of London.

Following the celebrations to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and birthday in 2012, there will be a period of 36 days in which to erect the required temporary seating, scoreboards, video boards, tents, cabins and generators. The Marathons are free events, but spectators can apply for tickets to some viewing areas. The same applies to the Race Walks and Road Cycling races. Number of events: 11. After the Games, all the temporary structures will be dismantled and The Mall returned to its usual state.

Wembley Stadium

Wembley is the biggest of the six stadiums staging the London 2012 Olympic Games Football competition. It will host the gold medal events in both the Men’s and Women’s competition.

It was announced in November 2011 that both the men’s and women’s Great Britain teams will play group matches at the stadium. The new stadium’s arch soars over 130m into the sky, more than four times the height of the towers of the old Wembley Stadium. Each seat has an unrestricted view of the pitch and plenty of leg room. Number of events: 2

The Millennium Stadium, Cardiff

The Millennium Stadium is located on the banks of the River Taff, right in the heart of the Welsh capital, Cardiff.

The Millennium Stadium has the honour of hosting the very first event of the Olympic Games, with women’s Football matches starting on 25th July. It will also host the men’s bronze medal match. It was announced in November 2011 that both the men’s and women’s Great Britain teams will play group matches at the stadium. Number of events: 2. After the Games, the venue will continue to be used as the home of the Welsh football and rugby teams.

North Greenwich Arena

Originally built for the Millennium celebrations, North Greenwich Arena has been transformed into a sports and entertainment arena with shops, restaurants and more. North Greenwich Arena will host Artistic Gymnastics, Trampoline Gymnastics and the Basketball finals during the Olympic Games and then, a few weeks later, Wheelchair Basketball during the Paralympic Games. North Greenwich Arena sits on the point of the Greenwich peninsula, right on the Meridian Line. Number of events: 20. When the London 2012 Games are over, the North Greenwich Arena will revert to being a multi-faceted music,sports and entertainment venue.

Old Trafford, Manchester

One of the most famous football grounds in the world, the ‘Theatre of Dreams’ is home to Manchester United Football Club. Old Trafford will host nine Football matches during the Olympic Games, including a semi-final in both the men’s and women’s competitions. It was announced in November 2011 that the men’s Great Britain team will play a group match at the stadium. Number of events: 2 Olympic and Paralympic Village

The vibrant Olympic and Paralympic Village will be located in the Olympic Park. It will comprise residential apartments for around 17,000 athletes and officials, along with shops, restaurants, medical, media and leisure facilities and large areas of open space. Athletes will have easy access to the travel and leisure facilities of the adjacent Stratford City complex, and the High Speed 1 Javelin® shuttle service will link the Village to central London in just seven minutes. After the Games, the Olympic and Paralympic Village will be a lasting legacy of essential new housing for east London. It will be transformed into 2,800 new homes, including 1,379 affordable homes. The communities that develop in the area after the Games will be supported by new parks, open space, transport links, and community 46 j a n u a r y 2 0 1 2

facilities including Chobham Academy – a world-class new education campus with 1,800 places for students aged 3-19.

Olympic Stadium

The Olympic Stadium will host the Athletics and Paralympic Athletics events, as well as the Opening and Closing Ceremonies. Number of events: 208. The Stadium will have a capacity of 80,000 during the Games: 25,000 permanent seats in its permanent lower tier, and a temporary lightweight steel and concrete upper tier holding a further 55,000 spectators that can be removed after the Games. The Stadium is designed to be flexible enough to accommodate a number of different requirements and capacities in legacy.

Itwill continue to be a venue for sport and athletics, as well as cultural and community events - leaving a lasting legacy.

The Royal Artillery Barracks

The Royal Artillery Barracks will be the venue for Shooting, Paralympic Shooting and Paralympic Archery. Location: On the edge of Woolwich Common in south east London. Number of events: 36. The London port of Woolwich has a long military history and the construction of the current Royal Artillery Barracks buildings began in 1776. Four temporary indoor ranges for Pistol and Rifle Shooting will be built together with outdoor shotgun ranges for Trap and Skeet events. After the

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Water Polo Arena

The temporary Water Polo Arena on the Olympic Park will host both the men’s and women’s Water Polo competitions. It will contain a warm-up pool and a competition pool. The Aquatics Centre and Water Polo Arena will be adjacent to each other in one of the most compact areas of the Olympic Park. The Water Polo Arena will be taken down after the Games. Elements of the venue are expected to be reused or relocated elsewhere in the UK. Wembley Arena

Wembley Arena will host the Badminton and Rhythmic Gymnastics events. Number of events: 7. The Badminton World Championships took place at the venue in August 2011, acting as a test event for the Games. Around 6,000 spectators will be able to enjoy the action during the Olympic Badminton and Rhythmic Gymnastics competitions.

Wimbledon

Wimbledon is the home of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club and the setting for the famous Wimbledon tennis tournament since 1877. The London 2012 Olympic Games Tennis competition will take place just three weeks after the end of the annual grand slam tournament. Wimbledon is in south west London, near Richmond Park and the World Heritage Site of Kew Gardens. Number of events: 5 Weymouth & Portland, Dorset

Games, London 2012 is working with the Government and other key parties to identify opportunities where elements of the venue and sports equipment could be reused after the Games.

St James’s Park, Newcastle

Home of Newcastle United football club, St James’ Park has hosted many exciting matches, and has a great atmosphere created by fans - so it is well prepared for what’s to come in 2012. St James’ Park will host a total of nine matches, including a quarter-final in both the men’s and women’s competitions.

Weymouth Bay and Portland Harbour will be the venue for the Olympic and Paralympic Sailing competitions.

Location: Dorset, on the south coast of England. Number of events: 13. Weymouth and Portland provides some of the best natural sailing waters in the UK, with facilities on land to match.

Weymouth and Portland Bay is a natural amphitheatre and there are several vantage points to watch the Sailing events from if you do not have a ticket. The Local Authority will be also providing a big screen to watch the Games coverage on Weymouth beach, and putting on a range of free sporting and cultural activities. There is no seated ticketing for the Sailing event, so spectators will be sitting on the ground or standing.. After the Games, The National Sailing Academy will benefit from the improved facilities that the Games will leave behind, providing a state-of-the-art facility for elite training, competition and local community use.

Velodrome

The Velodrome will host Track Cycling and Paralympic Track Cycling. The Velodrome’s concrete lower tier will have 3,500 seats located around the track. A further 2,500 seats will be suspended in two upper tiers within the two curves of the venue’s roof. In between the lower and upper tiers there will be a glass wall, giving spectators a 360-degree view across the Olympic Park and allowing people outside the venue to see the sporting action taking place inside.

The back-of-house area - including broadcast, catering and security facilities - will be shared with the Basketball Arena to make efficient use of space. january2012

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TEAM GB

Although we are waiting for the Team GB squad to be officially confirmed, there are some stars we are pinning our hopes on to take us to Olympic gold!

The London 2012 Olympic medals

In 2010, it was announced that the Royal Mint would produce the medals for the Olympic and Paralympic Games.The medals are 7mm thick and weigh between 375400g. Each medal will have the sport and the discipline engraved on the rim. Like the last few Olympic medal designs the front will once again have the Greek goddess of victory, Nike stepping from Parthenon.The reverse side has the Games logo, and a ribbon depicting the River Thames with a grid symbolising pulling together and radiating energy. The medals will have a purple ribbon attached to them which symbolises Royalty and protocol.

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MO FARAH LONG DISTANCE With World Championship gold for the 5,000m and silver for 10,000m plus setting two new British records last year, this man is fast!

RICHARD WHITEHEAD - PARALYMPIC MARATHON & 200M. Richard is a congenital double amputee, and is World Record Holder for 400m, 200m and Marathon.

SIR CHRIS HOY CYCLING The first Briton for a century to win three gold at one Olympics (Beijing, 2008). He now boasts four Olympic and 10 world titles.

DAI GREEN 400 METRE HURDLES The 25 year old was one of just two British athletes to celebrate a win at the 2011 World Championships, and is already European and Commonwealth Champion. Hopefully we will be jumping for joy when he jumps for glory

ALASTAIR & JONNY BROWNLEE TRIATHLON The brothers came first and second in the 2011 World Championships.

So between them, we hope they can achieve gold and silver!

TOM DALEY DIVING Britain’s youngest-ever world champion in an Olympic sport when he won gold on the 10m platform in 2009, at just 15. Now at 17, we hope he will do it again.

JESSICA ENNIS HEPTATHLON She is former world heptathlon champion and current world indoor pentathlon champion.

Hugely talented.

BETH TWEEDLE GYMNASTICS With three world titles and six European gold medals there are high hopes for Beth.

BEN AINSLIE SAILING The most successful British yachtsman in history, so hopefully it will be plain sailing all the way for Ben!

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LONDON 2012 FESTIVAL

MARK CAVENDISH ROAD RACE CYCLING The 2011 Road World Champion was Britain’s first world road race champion for 46 years, and is favourite to win gold for GB.

SHELLY WOODS PARALYMPIC WHEELCHAIR RACING Shelly Woods is one of Britain’s top wheelchair racers, and she currently holds the British records in the 400m, 800m, 1500m, 5000m and marathon.

VICTORIA PENDLETON CYCLING Victoria won gold in Beijing and received an MBE for her sporting achievements.

REBECCA ADLINGTON SWIMMING At 22, she is the first British swimmer to win two gold medals since 1908, and is Britain’s most successful swimmer in over 100 years.

STEFANIE REID PARALYMPIC LONG-JUMP AND SPRINT Achieved bronze in Beijing & 2011 World Championships, and is 2010 Long Jump World Record holder. She has a great sense of humour and has legs for every occasion - including a water leg, a high-heel leg, an everyday leg, a general sports leg and a cheetah leg, which she wears for competition.

ANDY MURRAY TENNIS Let’s hope the Scot can play an ace and clinch a gold for Britain.

The biggest festival the UK has ever seen! Leading artists from all over the world will come together with a chance for everyone to get into the spirit of London 2012 through dance, music, theatre, the visual arts, film and digital innovation and leave a lasting legacy for the arts in the UK. The London 2012 Festival will open on 21st June 2012 and run until 9th September 2012 - the last day of the London 2012 Paralympic Games. A series of countdown events from January 2012 will give you a taster of what’s to come.

In total, the festival features more than 1,000 events, with 10 million free opportunities to get involved. Some of the events are ticketed and the majority are free to attend.

Many have already been announced, with more to come over the coming months.

Please see www. london2012festival. co.uk for more details.

We welcome millions of people to London and the UK for an unforgettable experience...The London 2012 Olympics. january2012

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Image: www.shutterstock.com

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G UIDE

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W

elcome to our new monthly section. Every month, our London historian, Sean Davies will explore London to pick out a variety of wonderful historical stories.

This month, Sean visits Fleet Street (seen here in 1948) and looks back at the 1948 London Olympics‌ Make sure you do not miss Sean’s fascinating articles next month and every month!

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A HISTORY OF

1948 London Olympics

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London h i st o r y

T

he 1948 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XIV Olympiad, were an international multi-sport event which was held in London, England. After a 12year hiatus because of World War II, these were the first Summer Olympics since the 1936 Games in Berlin. This was the second occasion that London had hosted the Olympic Games, having previously been the venue in 1908.

Britain almost handed the 1948 games to the USA due to post-war financial and rationing problems, but King George said this could be the chance to restore Britain from World War II. London will be the first city to host the Olympics for the record third time when London hosts the 2012 Summer Olympics.

At the time of the Games, food, petrol and building rationing was still in place in Britain; because of this, the 1948 Olympics came to be known as the “Austerity Games”. Athletes were given increased rations, the same as those received by dockers and miners, which meant 5,467 calories a day, instead of the normal 2,600. Building an Olympic Village was deemed too expensive; athletes were therefore housed in existing accommodation.

Male competitors stayed at RAF camps in Uxbridge, West Drayton and Richmond; female competitors in London colleges.

The Games opened on 29th July 1948. Army bands began playing at 2pm for 85,000 spectators in Wembley Stadium. King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, with Queen Mary and other members of the Royal Family arrived at 2.45pm. The competitors then entered the stadium in a procession that took 50 minutes.

When the United Kingdom had passed the saluting base, Lord Burghley began his welcome: Your Majesty: The hour has struck. A visionary dream has today become a glorious reality. At the end of the worldwide struggle in 1945, many institutions and associations were found to have withered and only the strongest had survived. How, many wondered, had the great Olympic Movement prospered?

After welcoming the athletes to two weeks of “keen but friendly rivalry”, he said London represented a “warm flame of hope for a better understanding in the world which has burned so low.”

At 4pm, the King declared the Games open, 2,500 pigeons were set free and the Olympic Flag raised. The Royal Horse Artillery sounded a 21-gun salute and the last runner in the Torch Relay ran a lap of the track and climbed the steps to the Olympic cauldron. After saluting the crowd, he turned and lit

the flame. After more speeches, Donald Finlay of the British team took the Olympic Oath on behalf of all competitors.

The National Anthem was sung and the massed athletes turned and marched out of the stadium, led by Greece, tailed by Britain.

A record 59 nations were represented by 4,104 athletes, 3,714 men and 390 women, in 19 sport disciplines. Because of their roles as aggressors in World War II, Germany and Japan were not invited to participate; the USSR were invited but chose not to send any athletes. The United States team won the most total medals, 84, and the most gold medals, 38. Great Britain won 23 medals, three of them gold.

Arthur Wint became the first Jamaican to win an Olympic gold medal, in the men’s 400 metres, and Alice Coachman became the first woman of colour in the world and the first African American woman to win a gold medal in track and field in the history of the modern Olympics.

Seven rowing events were contested, all open to men only. The events were held on the same course as the Henley Royal Regatta. No new venues were built for the Games.

Other venues taking part in the 1948 London Olympics included... ✱ Empress Hall, Earl’s Court boxing preliminaries, wrestling, weightlifting, gymnastics ✱ Royal Regatta Course, Henleyon-Thames - canoeing, rowing ✱ Herne Hill Velodrome, Herne Hill - track cycling ✱ Windsor Great Parkcycling road race ✱ Arsenal Stadium, Highbury - football preliminaries ✱ Craven Cottage, Fulham - football preliminaries ✱ Champion Hill, Dulwich - football preliminaries ✱ White Hart Lane, Tottenham - football preliminaries ✱ Guinness Sports Club, Park Royal - field hockey preliminaries ✱ Polytechnic Sports Ground, Chiswick - field hockey preliminaries ✱ National Rifle Association Ranges, Bisley - shooting, modern pentathlon (shooting) ✱ Finchley Lido,Finchley - water polo preliminaries ✱ Royal Military Academy - modern pentathlon (running) Thus were launched the Olympic Games of London, under the most happy auspices. The smooth-running Ceremony, which profoundly moved not only all who saw it but also the millions who were listening-in on the radio throughout the world, combined to give birth to a spirit which was to permeate the whole of the following two weeks of thrilling and intensive sport.

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1923

A HISTORY OF

FLEET STREET

f

leet Street is a street named after the River Fleet, a London stream that now flows underground. It was the home of the British press until the 1980s. Even though the last major British news office, Reuters, left in 2005, the street’s name continues to be used as a metonym for the British national press.

Fleet Street began as the road from the commercial City of London to the political hub at Westminster. The length of Fleet Street marks the expansion of the City in the 14th century. At the east end of the street is where the River Fleet flowed against the mediæval walls of London; at the west end is the Temple Bar which marks the current city limits, extended to there in 1329.

Publishing started in Fleet Street around 1500 when William Caxton’s apprentice, Wynkyn de Worde, set up a printing shop near Shoe Lane, while at around the same time Richard Pynson set up as publisher and printer next to St Dunstan’s Church.

Fleet Street soon became the haunt of many important literary figures. More printers and publishers followed, mainly supplying the legal trade in the four Law Inns around the area. In March 1702, London’s first daily newspaper, The Daily Courant, was published in Fleet Street from premises above the White Hart Inn. The term Fleet Street is also used to indicate that a journalist is a member of the generation that worked on newspapers prior to their move away from its vicinity, and is synonymous

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with a bibulous, collegial tradition characterised by such figures as Paul Callan and Brian Vine. Gossip was exchanged over liquid lunches at such hostelries as El Vino’s. Liquid dinners were equally familiar, editors often dining in the Grill of the Savoy Hotel, returning about 10pm to see the first editions of their papers roll off the presses. These were then transported by road to railway stations to catch the night mail expresses to far-flung corners of the United Kingdom and Ireland.

A significant mythology has accreted around Fleet Street, its characters, their scoops – and imaginative expense accounts. The most durable, however, concern stories that were not printed, usually on account of Britain’s strict libel laws. Few of the novels referenced below constitute exaggerations, the truth being, in the cliché of the sub-editors on the back benches, “stranger than fiction”. According to journalistic lore it was not editors who constituted the heart of Fleet Street but diary writers and gossip columnists, whose stories would often make the front page: the exploits of Diana Princess of Wales provided frequent examples of diary stories transmuted into news and even news features.

The content of a Fleet Street newspaper is influenced by its proprietor, editor, journalists and columnists. Many of the owners achieved notoriety, notably Lord Northcliffe, Lord Beaverbrook and Robert Maxwell, all of whom used their papers to support

London h i st o r y

their political agenda, an approach still employed by some present day proprietors. Generally newspapers are run on more business-like lines today, with some expectation of profit, or at least manageable losses. Ownership was long considered an honour for which the proprietor was expected to pay: with it came influence, and if exercised responsibly, an honour usually followed.

Fleet Street remained the centre of London’s publishing industry until the late-20th century. However, in 1985 News International suddenly transferred its production of the Sun and the The Times to Wapping, ending the restrictive ‘Spanish practices’ of the London printers and, with new technology, made it easy to produce the papers away from the centre of the London.

The printing presses that once stood below the newspaper offices in Fleet Street were abandoned as the other newspaper organisations moved out to Docklands and sites south of the river.

Fleet Street is also famous for the barber Sweeney Todd, traditionally said to have lived and worked in Fleet Street (he is sometimes called “the Demon Barber of Fleet Street”). An early example of a serial killer, the character appears in various English language works starting in the mid-19th century. Neither the popular press, the Old Bailey trial records, the trade directories of the City nor the lists of the Barbers Company of the City mention any such person or indeed any such case.

One of the most famous of Fleet Street’s taverns, is the Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, which advertises itself as rebuilt in 1667.

A building on this site was originally turned into a pub in 1538, though the cellars have been preserved from a Carmelite monastery dating from the thirteenth century.

Except for the cellars, the building burned down in the Great Fire of 1666 and was rebuilt the following year.

The pub has been well-known even from the seventeenth century. Around the corner from Dr. Johnson’s house, the pub was patronized not only by Johnson but also but other literary luminaries, including Mark Twain, Alfred, Lord Tennyson, Voltaire, Arthur Conan Doyle, and Charles Dickens. The pub is even alluded to in Dickens’ novel A Tale of Two Cities.

Today Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese is a labyrinth of narrow

corridors and staircases, dining rooms and fireplaces, and small stone rooms tucked into corners. There are several bars scattered around the building. It is worth it to follow the narrow staircases down to the bar in the cellars, where tables and chairs are tucked under the archways and low ceilings of the old and dark monastery vaults. There is no natural lighting inside, giving it a gloominess that easily makes it one of the most atmospheric bars in London.

Fleet Street is now more associated with the law and its inns and barristers’ chambers, many of which are down alleys and around courtyards off Fleet Street itself, almost all of the newspapers thereabouts having moved to Wapping and Canary Wharf.

The former offices of The Daily Telegraph, drawn upon as a source by Evelyn Waugh in his comic novel Scoop, are now the London headquarters of the investment bank Goldman Sachs.

C. Hoare & Co, England’s oldest privately owned bank, has had its place of business here since 1690. An informal measure of City takeover business employed by financial editors is the number of taxis waiting outside such law firms as Freshfields at 11pm: a long line is held to suggest a large number of mergers and acquisitions in progress.

The French-owned international news and photo agency Agence France Presse is still based in Fleet Street, as is the London office of D.C. Thomson & Co., creator of The Beano.

The Secretariat of the Commonwealth Broadcasting Association is also an important Fleet Street address. Since 1995 Fleet Street has been the home of Wentworth Publishing, an independent publisher of newsletters and courses. In 2006 the Press Gazette returned to Fleet Street, albeit only briefly. The Associated Press and The Jewish Chronicle remain close by.

St Bride’s Church, just off the eastern end of Fleet Street, remains the London church most associated with the print industry. A plaque in the church records the vigils held for journalists held hostage in Lebanon in the 1980s and 1990s, including John McCarthy and Terry Anderson. In the adjacent, St Brides Lane, is the St Bride Library, specialising in the type and print industry.

The Daily Telegraph and Sunday Telegraph have recently returned to the centre of London after exile downriver in Canary Wharf, but are still a few miles away, near Victoria Station.

Liquid dinners were equally familiar, editors often dining in the Grill of the Savoy Hotel, returning about 10pm to see the first editions of their papers roll off the presses.

JANUARY 2 0 1 2

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to start your aquarium. You won’t need to go shopping for any additional parts and you’ll get full instructions to help you on your way. Just add water and fish. Then sit back and enjoy the magic of keeping fish without lots of work. Ask about biOrb at your local aquatics retailer or visit us at www.reef-one.com

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0207 228 9628

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Everyone who knows and loves quality Indian food appreciates the importance of well prepared, fresh ingredients. With our newly opened restaurant “BOMBAY DINE” you will now find an opportunity to experience a blend of new, inspired dishes that however uniquely combine creativity with authenticity. Indian food is as diverse as the country itself and its ethnic groups.

Keeping this in mind, our Chef has prepared the menu with meticulous care, so that our customers can enjoy the different varieties and flavours of India here in beautiful Battersea. Our experienced kitchen team is led by Chef Umeed. Chef Umeed has worked in many high end Indian restaurants across the globe.

Here at home in London he has shared his cooking experience in the famous Bombay Bicycle Club and the Holy Cow Indian Kitchen as Executive Head Chef. We believes in bringing together the finest ingredients sourced locally wherever possible; including the very best fresh fruits and vegetables, fish, meats and, of course, aromatic herbs and spices.

Chef Umod is dedicated to create a healthy cuisine, meaning he cooks with as little oil as possible and always without artificial food colourings.

If there is any item not included in Chef Umod’s delicious menu, please do not hesitate to ask us as our team will always be happy to adapt your dish by making it less or more creamy, less or more spicy, less or more fenugreek. We can of course adapt our dishes for your kids’ taste as well.

We want you to experience Indian food at its best.

And if you would like to enjoy a great Indian take-away at home, we can serve all our dishes in special stay-fresh packs, ready to collect or to be delivered to your doorstep within 45 minutes*.

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Auction of Pocket Watches & Accessories Monday 13th February at 10am Antique & Modern Jewellery

Thursday 16th February

Above left to right A gilt key wind pair case repousse pocket repeater.

Estimate £2,500 - £3,500

Coins & Medals

Monday 27th February

A late 19th century 18k gold key wind open face chronograph pocket watch signed F Rotig of Havre.

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Visit www.fellows.co.uk/life for a complimentary catalogue Fellows Auctioneers | 19 Augusta Street | Birmingham B18 6JA | 0121 212 2131

f as h i o n b e aut y

Be Curious.

Expect Miracles Zaeem Jamal

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bright young shiny star landed on New Kings Road at the end of Autumn, a nice surprise for anyone in search of the perfect dress…

Zaeem Jamal is an extraordinary new luxury brand fusing stunning embroidery, hand picked radiant gem stones, luscious fabrics and vibrant colours, creating pieces that are design alchemy in motion. With a lively philosophy that injects soul and purpose in to the dynamic world of fashion and centred around a unique design strategy, it weaves cutting edge energetics and spiritual philosophies into the world of couture.

Backed by an experienced, world class international team, and drawing from a wide range of influences, the brand is truly global both in appeal and

impact. Created by visionary creative designer Zaeem Jamal, the first collection created such a stir, he was awarded the Best New designer of the Year at DFW, and is listed in the top 100 top people to keep an eye on. With celebrity clients lining up for private fittings and bespoke pieces, it appears he really is.

Specially selected quality crystals uplift and provide energy, while the process of delicate stitching and hand embroidery is done with detail, energy, joy and fine work ethics, embodying each piece with a special feeling and radiance.

For the current Fall Winter season, the ‘Colours of I’ collection is based on colour therapy and the use of gemstones in affiliation with the rainbow & chakra system, setting stones such as jade, rubies and sapphires in

strategic positions creating pieces that not only reflect style & glamour but create the experience of an energetic event. Each piece is not only a garment but a happening.

The acclaimed Angels & Seraphims collection, which shall be arriving in early 2012 in time for Spring, embodies flowing drapes and “Angelic capes” across its range of chiffon dresses and silk gowns that touch upon the heavenly realms.

With several global studios catering to bespoke clientele and a limited number of independent stores, Zaeem decided to open his flagship London store this Autumn in the Fulham & Chelsea area, across the river from his home in Wimbledon Village. His eagerly anticipated Hollywood store opened on December 1st catering to his celebrity clientele in Los Angeles.

Zaeem Jamal, Founder and Creative Director, says, “We recognize the demands on time and energy that life puts on us, especially our clients in the public eye, and so our goal is to create fashion that gives a much needed lift in order to enable women to shine from the inside, out. We want to inspire women to be creative and enlightened with their style, looking at both external glamour and internal beauty, and we hope to awake their relationship to each piece as a reflection of an aspect of their core being, and an opportunity to shine. We do not offer a wardrobe of clothes but a wardrobe of experiences...’

If you are in search of the perfect dress for your Charity Gala or Bridal party and would like to look and feel elegant, graceful, vibrant, stylish and unique, then this is definitely the store to experience….

Zaeem Jamal, 273 New Kings Road. SW6 4RD. Open from 11am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday. For private fittings & bespoke appointments please telephone: 0207 736 3536.

Los Angeles: 8109 Melrose Avenue, W. Hollywood, 90046.

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t

Kay Greveson RGN BA (HONS) Independent prescriber

london’s BOTOX queen

here is an increasing trend for both men and women to seen non-surgical, non-invasive methods for achieving a younger look. There are various options available that fall into this category, including wrinkle relaxing injections such as Botox®, dermal fillers and skin peels, to name just a few.

Erika Moore recently visited Sister Kay Greveson at her clinic in Hampstead after becoming increasingly frustrated by her lines and wrinkles. Here she outlines her experience.

I work in a job that involves dealing with clients on a daily basis, so my appearance is important. I was increasingly aware of the lines on my forehead and between my eyes.

I always felt as though I looked angry, and older than I was, even though I am only in my early 30’s. I approached Sister Kay Greveson her clinic within Aquarius Spa, Hampstead, about two months ago as I had been recommended to her by a friend. I was initially nervous as I have never had any sort of treatment like that before. I was worried about having the injections and what I would look like afterwards but Kay put my mind at ease immediately. We had a detailed chat about what results I wanted from the treatment; she took a medical history and some photographs. Kay explained that Botox® is a safe, naturally occurring protein that works by blocking nerve

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before

before

after

after

It was so exciting to see the lines disappearing little by little each day and I don’t think I’ve ever looked in the mirror so much as I did in those first 2 weeks! signals to specific muscles that cause facial expression; relaxing the muscle and making the treated area smoother and less wrinkled. She gave me the option of using a ‘numbing’ local anaesthetic cream, which I took. Despite being nervous, I did not find the procedure bad at all. Kay talked me through each step and made sure I was comfortable throughout.

She was very gentle and I hardly felt the injections; it certainly wasn’t as bad as I had imagined. She explained that

it would take between 2 and 14 days for the full results to be visible and advised me to come back after this time so she could check on the result and have a ‘dose adjustment’ of treatment if required. It was so exciting to see the lines disappearing little by little each day and I don’t think I’ve ever looked in the mirror so much as I did in those first 2 weeks! In the end I did not need more treatment as I was more than pleased with the results. I have a natural look and still have facial expression but no lines!! Botox® is not permanent, lasting only three to four months, after which, the lines that were there prior to treatment slowly return. I will definitely have it again when the time comes as it has made me feel so much more confident with my appearance.

I feel that I look more relaxed and don’t have an ‘angry’ look from frowning all of the time.

Sister Kay Greveson has over ten years experience working as a specialist nurse within the NHS. She qualified as an independent prescriber in 2007 and works as a mobile aesthetic practitioner in Regents Park & Hampstead, and does home visits at her clients’ convenience.

Regents Park Facial Aesthetics Tel: 07745845777 E-mail kaygreveson@msn.com Web: www.facebook.com/ regentsparkfacialaesthetics Follow at: www.twitter.com/regentparkbotox www.regentsparkfacialaesthetics.com

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NOTTING HILL

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5 Top

NEW YEAR beauty resolutions

by Levanah Reyes-Wainwright

I WILL cleanse, moisturise and use a serum

If you are craving a healthy, dewy complexion for 2012 then you really need to uphold a daily skincare regime.

Without removing the day’s dirt and grime you simply create the perfect environment for spots and bacteria to multiply. Double cleanse to remove all impurities using cosmeceutical grade effective skincare with biologically active ingredients. Use a moisturiser with an added SPF to protect you during the day, and a restorative night cream to repair. Finally, don’t forget to use a targeted serum before moisturiser. Serums are special boosters for the skin, packed with higher concentrations of ingredients that can penetrate rapidly into the top layers of the skin to help feed the skin with nutrients and delay onset of ageing.

Try: Vitage Revitalising Daily Cleanse (£24,cosmeceuticals. co.uk), Clinique Youth Surge Day SPF15 Age Decelerating Moisturizer (£39,clinique. co.uk), Tara Walker’s 62 j a n u a r y 2 0 1 2

Regenerating Dream Night Creme (£69,tarawalkersdream. com), Functionalab Eye Contour Serum (£49, Harrods) I WILL look after my hair

2012 is when you will get your hair mojo back, I promise.

Get your hair trimmed every 6-8 weeks and ditch the two-in-one shampoo & conditioner! Shampoo and Conditioner are made up of different molecules - one is foamy, the other is silky. Get yourself haircare tailored to you, such as Aussie Miracle Moist shampoo and rinse thoroughly. Then use an Aussie Volume Conditioner and comb it through your hair whilst it’s on using a brilliant hair tool called Tangle Teezer to minimise knots, then rinse off. I can’t stress this enough - only put it on the ends of your hair or your scalp will get greasy quicker. Finally consider a radical cut - a fringe, a pixie cut or layers to change up your style for the better. Try: Tangle Teezer (£10.20, Boots), Aussie Big Size (£5.99, available nationwide)

I WILL spring clean my skincare and detox my make-up bag and brushes.

According to research by retailer Debenhams, the average British woman’s make-up is out of date by a staggering four years! A regular make-up and skincare detox is essential, throw out old or broken make up and any skincare that smells funny, has changed colour or separated (mascaras should be thrown out after four months). And don’t forget to clean your make-up brushes every fortnight, this doesn’t take long and can prevent the constant build-up of any new bacteria. Wash them in warm water in a little shampoo, and leave to air dry.

I WILL take care of my body

This is the year when you stop making excuses and start exercising, getting fit and toning up. I recommend starting to take a beauty supplement to nourish your skin with active ingredients from the inside out to achieve long-lasting results beneficial to nutrition and your health. Also, exfoliate your body at least twice a week and don’t forget to moisturise with a super moisturiser like Lanolips Lovely Lanolin(tm) Golden Ointment for silky smooth and radiant skin.

Try: Functionalab Beauty Dose Hair, Skin and Nails (£26, Harvey Nichols), Soap & Glory Flake Away Body Polish (£6.64, Boots), Lanolips Lovely Lanolin(tm) Golden Ointment (£17.99, victoriahealth.com) I WILL try something new!

If you are stuck in a make-up rut, break it in 2012. Dare to wear that bright pink lipstick you lust after, paint on neon or dark nail polish if you’ve never been brave enough and don those false lashes to flutter. It can give you a real confidence boost and completely transform your look. Even better is that if you don’t like it you can take it off, that’s the beauty of it!

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d is c o u n t

IN A

CLASS OF THEIR OWN The definative guide to exercise classes

L

ooking for a new way to keep fit for 2012? You have made the decision to get in better shape through exercise and like the idea of doing so in a group environment or fitness class. The camaraderie of a fitness class – along with the motivation, instruction and expertise of the instructor – can help to ensure you get the most out of your workout.

Here is a guide to the fitness class - which one is for you?

Zumba

Zumba is the new fitness craze! Originating from Latin dance styles, Zumba is a cardiovascular and aerobic exercise routine that infuses exercise with dance and choreography. The workout is alternates between fast-paced and slow-paced dance moves which are practiced in time to Latin rhythms. Among the dance form’s influences are salsa, hip-hop and rumba.

This South American workout tones the body through its use of resistance exercises which effectively amount to interval training due to the varying speeds at which they are carried out. Zumba has gradually gained in popularity in the last decade, and is now at an all time high!

Aerobics

Aerobics has come a long way since Jane Fonda first donned her legwarmers! The basic premise remains, however: aerobics involves exercising to music, using repetitive patterns of movement to work the cardiovascular system and burn calories.

Many aerobics classes have moved more towards dance recently – and so aren’t the best choice for the choreographically challenged – but there is also a move back towards more simple movement patterns, where the focus is on getting a 64 j a n u a r y 2 0 1 2

good workout rather than learning moves you can take to the dancefloor. Aerobics can be ‘high impact’ or ‘low impact’: ‘High impact’ aerobics simply means that the impact is greater, because moves in which both feet are off the floor simultaneously are involved – such as star jumps and jogging on the spot.‘ Low impact’ aerobics means that one foot is always in contact with the floor during a movement – such as when you’re marching on the spot, rather than jogging.

Step aerobics

Step aerobics has fluctuated in popularity since its introduction in 1989, but it never goes away. As with aerobics, step classes can range from an athletic but simple routine – involving various ways and combinations of stepping up and down onto an adjustable platform – to practically dancing over a step. The simple act of stepping up and down forms a solid aerobic workout that focuses on the muscle conditioning of the legs and bum. The step is also often used as a base for floor exercises at the end of the class.

The names of the different types of step classes give a clue to their content – for example, ‘athletic step’ or ‘power step’ will involve more jumps and power moves, while ‘step ‘n tone’ is likely to focus more on the muscular endurance side of things, and may involve hand weights for upper body conditioning.

Aqua aerobics

Aqua aerobics is an umbrella term for all kinds of fitness classes that take place in water. Aqua aerobics have got a bit of a reputation as being only suitable for pregnant women and old ladies – but this is far from the case. While the water does provide a supportive environment and minimises the impact of exercise on the joints, it also provides resistance to every move you make – so even marching on the spot in water is harder than it would be on land. Aqua aerobics is also a good option for those returning to fitness after an injury, Some aqua classes take the standard aerobics format and use music, while others are more akin to circuit training classes, where you move from one exercise to another with a short rest period between each Body conditioning

The focus of a body conditioning class – variations of which include ‘sculpt’, ‘legs’, ‘body tone’ and so on – is to improve muscular endurance rather than burn lots of calories. Set to music,

h e alt h b e aut y the moves in a body conditioning class tend to be simple, slow and controlled, and will probably use tools such as resistance bands or light hand weights. Most body conditioning classes start with standing moves and then move on to the floor.

While this type of class will improve muscular endurance, it won’t really build much strength, as the weights used simply aren’t heavy enough. It’s best to combine body conditioning with aerobic exercise if your goal is to lose weight.

Circuit training

Circuit training involves a number of exercises – or ‘stations’ – which are performed one after the other, with a short rest in between. The whole exercise circuit is usually repeated a few times. Exercises vary, but tend to include aerobic exercises such as shuttle runs, star jumps and burpees, along with strength moves such as push-ups, squats and lunges.

The nature of a circuit training class means that, rather than raising your heart rate and keeping it high for the duration of the class, it gives you more of an ‘interval training’ effect, where you mix intense bursts of activity with recovery periods.

It is a very effective way of improving aerobic fitness.

Boxercise/Kickboxercise

Boxercise and kickboxercise are derivatives of boxing and kickboxing and use the drills and techniques of their respective sports in a non-contact setting, usually in the form of a circuit.

For example, you might find yourself shadowboxing, skipping, using punch bags or teaming up with a partner to punch or kick focus pads. Both are considered one of the best all-round high intensity exercise classes to get you in great shape.

One study found that people felt more calm, more focused and less anxious after a kickboxing class. Taking out all that aggression on a punch bag can therefore be a great stress reliever!

Pilates

Pilates is a form of exercise which works on restoring correct posture and alignment (which are under constant attack from our seated, sedentary lifestyles), strengthening the muscles that stabilise the joints, and working particularly strongly on the abdominals and back.

Pilates is named after Joseph Pilates, who developed a series of exercises to help dancers with injuries and muscle imbalances and weaknesses in the 1930s. The movement exercises are very precise, focused and controlled, and performed on an exercise mat in a class context.

Yoga

Yoga strengthens muscles, improves joint flexibility, and enhances balance, coordination and posture through a series of diverse poses (or ‘asanas’).

There are many types of yoga.

For example, ashtanga yoga is more energetic than viniyoga.

Yoga works on the whole body without favouring one side (unlike daily life!), and includes forward and backward bending, twists, balances and inversions.

Movements are coordinated with the breath. Different types of yoga have very different focuses and approaches – so it’s best to watch a class or speak to the instructor before you take part.

Pump/body pump

The concept of a group strength training class using adjustable barbells and set to music has now diversified, and you may find classes with other similar names. Traditionally, ‘pump’ is pre-choreographed and set to music – so you might do lower body moves to one track, chest moves to another track, and a set of exercises for the arms to yet another different track.

The good thing about pump class is that the weights available are heavy enough to invoke a strength training response (unlike body conditioning classes) – which is a good way of introducing yourself to the whole concept of strength training without having to set foot in the gym! The fact that you do so many repetitions of each exercise, and that you move swiftly from one muscle group to another, also gives each pump class a reasonable aerobic element.

Tai Chi

Tai Chi has been described as ‘meditation in motion’ – and one look at a Tai Chi class in action will tell you why. It is a slow, flowing sequence of movements, known as ‘the form’, which has been practised in China for centuries. There is a strong focus on how to breathe, and the movements are very precise.

Well known for being a good stress reliever, research has shown that Tai Chi can help to lower blood pressure, improve the body’s immunity and alleviate back pain.

Fitball/Swiss ball

Seen those oversized ‘beachballs’ knocking around at your gym? These are fitballs – also known as ‘Swiss balls’ – which were originally utilised in a physiotherapy environment for rehabilitation but are now widely used to improve people’s core stability, posture and muscle conditioning.

A fitball class will typically begin with a standard aerobicsstyle warm-up, using the ball as an accessory – but the main focus of the class will be on slower, more controlled bodyconditioning moves, such as squats, push-ups, sit-ups and back extensions. The theory is that exercising on such an unstable surface will make your core stabilising muscles work overtime.

Dance

While it’s not strictly a fitness class, dance has permeated onto so many gym studios and fitness timetables that it cannot be ignored!

The common factor of dance-based fitness classes is that they are derived from the pure form rather than being a lesson in it. In other words, ballet sculpt class won’t teach you to be a ballerina, and salsaerobics won’t give you the necessary skills to take to the floor like a dance champion!

What they will do, though, is give you a taste of the benefits of dance and appeal of the ‘real thing’.

Dance classes are a lot of fun and tend to be very sociable – plus the high concentration factor means you’ll hardly be aware that you are doing a ‘workout’. On the downside, though, you won’t actually get much of a workout if you spend half the class trying to figure out which way to spin or how to shimmy.

That said, there are so many different types of dance to try that you are sure to get the hang of one of them. january2012

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The 2012 formula for

the perfect body

by Levanah Reyes-Wainwright

A TASTY YET HEALTH SNACK

Something high in fibre, 100% wholegrain and less than 100 calories per pack can’t possibly taste good can it? Think again! Propercorn, the newly launched gourmet, British, popcorn brand is ready to show the nation how popcorn is done properly and is already the snack of choice in work places including Google. Following secret recipes that use only the most authentic

ingredients, the freshly popped butterfly corn is a delicious, guilt-free snack. They come in four delicious flavours: Fiery Worcester Sauce & Sun Dried Tomato, Sweet & Salty, Sour Cream & Chive, and Lightly Sea Salted - with more exciting flavours to follow soon. Propercorn (95p, available from various London eateries, cafés and restaurants including Benugo’s and Leon).

SMART DRINK

NO MORE EXCUSES!

Having previously been put off exercise due to a bad back, neck and painful hips, I’ve finally found a solution - Pure Sports Medicine (PSM). PSM is the first full-service specialist sports injury practice in the UK bringing a network of the best sports medicine specialists together, under one roof.

PSM is dedicated to the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of sports injuries and musculoskeletal problems; using state of the art equipment. Just because you 66 j a n u a r y 2 0 1 2

might not practice sport it’s not a problem - of the entire case load of patients the clinicians treat at PSM, a third is non-sports related.

The focused and empathetic quality patient care that I received made it clear why PSM has become the number one choice for professional athletes, non-exercising individuals and sports clubs alike.

Pure Sports Medicine is open 7 days a week and based in the City, Canary Wharf, Raynes Park and Kensington: 0844 770 0800 www.PureSportsMed.com

Pledge to swap those naughty fizzy drinks and switch to the healthy alternative Vita Coco 100% natural coconut water.

Vita Coco has zero fat or cholesterol and is jammed packed full of potassium and naturally electrolytes making it the perfect post workout drink. Vita Coco is a great tasting, low calorie way to ensure you look and feel your best inside and out.

Available in pure, and four fruity flavours, the natural hydration and nutritional properties have won the brand a loyal following from celebrities including Halle Berry, Jay-Z, and fitness queen Madonna!

Vita Coco (from £1.49 available in three sizes 330ml, 500ml and 1litre at leading retailers including Sainsbury’s, Waitrose and Harvey Nichols)

CELEBRITY FITNESS INSTRUCTOR = THE PERFECT BODY IN 2012

When Gwyneth Paltrow wants to get in shape for her next movie, she calls on her best buddy and fitness trainer Tracy Anderson. Tracy’s method teaches her celeb clientele a combination of dance cardio and muscular structure work to transform their body.

Transform yourself by getting hold of Tracy’s fitness DVD’s.

She is constantly developing new moves, routines, and techniques to ensure that her method stays fresh. www.tracyandersonmethod.com (UK DVD available on Amazon UK)

CELLULITE BUSTING HOTPANTS!

Maximise your workout (and your time) and shift that post-Christmas bulge with new Zaggora Hotpants™, whether just doing housework or at the gym.

These must-have fitness shorts are the latest in high impact fitness clothing which have specially engineered Celu-Lite™ technology that encourages perspiration by up to 80%. You’ll be sweating off the calories, and breaking down toxins, zapping your body fat and reducing the visible appearance of cellulite all-in-one. Not to mention you can also lose 2 jean sizes in 2 weeks, when the Hotpants™ are worn for 30 minutes a day under normal clothes. Get buying! Zaggora Hotpants™ (RRP £44.99, www.zaggora.com).

h e alt h b e aut y

RECOVER FROM THE FESTIVE SEASON WITH

THE UK’S LEADING DETOX PROGRAMME B

egin 2012 feeling cleansed and rejuvenated. The Lemon Detox is retaining its position as the UK’s leading detox concept and is known as much for its A-list following as its far-reaching benefits.

The Lemon Detox programmes vary length and intensity and can be altered specifically to suit every need and lifestyle, from a five to 10 day fast to more relaxed food combining variations.

Each programme delivers immediate results including weight loss, reduced stress, clearer skin, boosted energy levels and improved sleep.

Longer term benefits include improved dietary and lifestyle habits and subsequently a healthier body and mind.

Sold in some 30 countries throughout Europe, Asia and America and enjoying high profile support from stars such as Beyonce, Gwyneth and Naomi, Lemon Detox provides an ideal way to

The Lemon Detox is one of the worlds most popular and talked about detox programmes.

eliminate wastes and toxins.

The detox is also an ideal way to prepare the body for a longer-term weight loss programme as it instantly sheds unwanted pounds, which in turn boosts motivation and retrains the appetite, preventing the desire to binge.

Lemon Detox is fully endorsed by leading medical

experts including Jan de Vries, acclaimed naturopath, nutritionist and author, Amanda Griggs, leading nutritionist from the prestigious Balance Clinic in London, Doctor Sarah Brewer, eminent nutrition expert and health journalist and Suzi Grant, nutritionist and acclaimed author.

Made up of pure water, fresh lemon juice, cayenne pepper or ground ginger and Madal Bal Natural Tree Syrup, it is this last ingredient that gives the body the essential nutrients it needs to sustain optimum performance and vitality throughout the duration of the programme.

The Madal Bal Natural Tree Syrup was formulated in the eighties by an impressive specialist team led by, among others, Dr. Meywald (GP & Homeopath) and Dr. Raabe (GP & ayurvedic doctor). Both organic and fair trade, the syrup consists of four different South East Asian palm syrups rich in essential minerals and nutrients such as manganese, zinc, potassium and calcium.

Five years and thousands of tests later, the result was a finely balanced mixture meeting all the mineral and nutrient requirements for the Lemon Detox. This syrup now sells more than half a million litres each year to 33 countries worldwide.

The health and beauty benefits of Lemon Detox include: ✱ Cleansed body and mind ✱ Weight loss ✱ An ideal way to prepare

Lemon Detox enjoys high profile support from stars such as Beyonce, Gwyneth and Naomi

the body for a diet ✱ A way to normalise the appetite ✱ Improved complexion ✱ Thicker, more shiny hair ✱ Stronger, whiter nails ✱ Time to detox!

For stockist details and more information consult www.lemondetox.com or call 0845 370 1012

january2012

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Get your best look for 2012 with

DR. ARIEL HAUS London’s Most Talked About Brazilian Doctor Before

After

O

ne of London’s most celebrated Harley Street dermatologists is Dr Ariel Haus. Brazilian Dr Ariel Haus is passionate about skin. Helping his patients to feel positive and confident about their skin, is what he does and this year should be the year that all Londoners with increasingly busy schedules do not neglect their skin.

Here is your checklist to get your best look with Dr Haus:

Area

Solution

Sun Damaged Skin Skin peel Wrinkles & Frown Lines

Botulinum Toxin

Facial lines and lack of volume

Dermal fillers

Lack of rejuvenation

Ablative and

non-ablative lasers

Scars

Dermaroller

Dark under eye circles Carboxytherapy

Dr Haus also offers a selection of non-invasive body treatments including semi-permanent laser hair removal and VelaShape to eliminate cellulite.

Focus On: Dermal Fillers (for the face/lips/hands)

Dermal Fillers are used for volume replacement and facial 68 j a n u a r y 2 0 1 2

remodelling to counter the effects of aging. As a woman ages the reduced amount of collagen in her skin means that the skin in the cheeks, chin, jawline and nose will start to lose its structure and sag. This can lead to the appearance of deep lines that are not reversible by the use of other treatments such as botulinum or skin peels. The appearance of the lips will also change as a woman ages, due to the thinning of vermillion and the loss of collagen in the lips. Smoking, alcohol consumption and sun damage all worsen this situation. Through the use of quality dermal fillers such as Restylane and Juvaderm, Dr. Haus can safely add volume to the face and lips to reverse these effects of aging.

The actual treatment that Dr. Haus recommends will depend on the individual circumstances of the patient and the area to be treated, but in each case, the results will be visible immediately.

In Dr. Haus’ experience dermal fillers will achieve excellent results when used to add volume to the lips, the area between the nose and corners of the mouth (nasogenal) and the cheekbones (malar).

Dermal fillers such as Restylane consist of sterile gels that comprise stabilised non-animal based hyaluronic acid.

The products are injected into the skin using a thin needle to correct lines, wrinkles and folds in the face, to sculpt lips and form facial contours. Whilst patients are able to resume their normal activities after treatment with dermal fillers there are some precautions that must be taken and Dr. Haus will advise his patients on the precautions they should take in the 24 hours following treatment.

Time for your best look with Dr Ariel Haus. www.drhausdermatology.com, 10 Harley Street, London W1G 9PF Tel: +44 207 467 1525 Em Portugues/In Portuguese: 07796 235 603

Dr Haus has regular columns in UK magazines and is often consulted by manufacturers of leading skin products and brands to offer insight and his opinion owing to his extensive experience.

WelcoMe to a healthier aND happier 2012 our members stay with us because they value what we offer, and love what we do

Voted best private spa aND health club iN loNDoN* All the benefits of London’s leading health and fitness club with no annual contract.

call Mill hill 020 8457 3300 call Muswell hill 020 8482 3000 *time out’s best Gym in london

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limited spaces available

h e alt h b e aut y care for and nurture your natural nails.

anuary is the perfect time of year to start focusing on you. It is the time of year that encourages you to think about the changes you want to make to your life, for the better. This year, commit to yourself, and everything else will follow. If you are feeling great, then all other areas of your life will reflect this, resulting in a successful 2012.

Your health and beauty routine will always be placed high up on a list of priorities, as when you look great on the outside, you will instantly feel good on the inside. While you focus on making yourself look and feel great, you should always choose the best quality products and treatments that will only have positive effects on your body. Your hands and nails are an essential part of your beauty regime, and must not be neglected.

Unlike your legs and bodies that go into hiding in the colder winter months, your hands are constantly on show, so they must always look their best. While looking their best, you must ensure that you are caring for your nails in the long term, it is important to choose a nail treatment that will not only look great but will

NEW YEAR

Bio Sculpture provides the perfect beauty treatment that will strengthen and condition you natural nails whilst ensuring that they look great for up to 3 weeks. Bio Sculpture Gel is a nail treatment applied as a coating onto your own nails to strengthen and condition them with no damage.

Your nails will be transformed to their exceptional potential. Gel dries instantly under a UVA Curing Lamp in a choice of over 140 different colours, French or natural finish. The gel is easily removed without any damage to your natural nails. No more chipped nail polish as your gel nail colour will be long wearing and chip proof and your nails will keep their well manicured look long after application.

So, make 2012 your year by making choices that will benefit you on the inside and out.

For your nearest salon or information on training courses for beginners or experienced nail technicians: Tel: 0845 331 2347 www.biosculpture.co.uk

Ask for Bio Sculpture Gel the original everlasting manicure tried, tested and proven system adding strength and durability to natural nails

Bio Sculpture Gel is the original must have nail care product. Unlike varnish that chips and peels, this durable Gel is applied as an overlay onto natural nails by a qualified nail technician. The Gel is set under a UV Lamp giving it that strong, flexible, glossy finish which lasts for three weeks.

Easy removal without damage to nails.

For your nearest salon or information on training courses for beginners and experienced nail technicians, call 0845 331 2347.

New Design Gel Pots Coming Soon

www.biosculpture.co.uk

Established in 1991 a patient centred, The London Clinicspecialist Symposium Consultant led Breast integrated Thursday 7 October 2010 breast care service for the Assessment, 108 Harley Street, London, W1G 7ET Investigation and Treatment of all Registration: 6.00pm Commence: 6.30pm benign and malignant breast problems●

Breast Awareness Month Daily clinics allowing rapid, accurate diagnosis through expert Cancer or Not clinical examination with onsite full field digital mammography

THE LONDON BREAST CLINIC AT

and ultrasound imaging l Chairman – Miss Fiona MacNeill – Consultant Breast and Reconstruction Surgeon at The London Breast Clinic and The Royal Marsden

The London Clinic offers Hospital,Breast London.

Surgical Director at The London Breast Clinic

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Consultant Breast Surgeon led, specialist team l Breast Surgeon – Mr Richard Sainsburymulti-disciplinary – Consultant Breast Surgeonclinics at The London Breast Clinic and Southampton University HospiDaily tals NHS and IOW NHS Primary Care Trust.

Full breast Trust screening Genetic / family history advice “It looks like Breast Cancer but is It?” Full field digital mammography l Radiologist – Dr Bhuey Sharma – Consultant Radiologist at AlliBreast ultrasound ance Medical and The Royal- Marsden NHSaspiration Trust.

Aspiration cytology (FNAC fine needle cytology) Core biopsy “Breast Cancer Imaging: “PET, CT, MRI, bone scans Vacuum biopsy key clinical points in 20 minutes” Minimally invasive techniques l Geneticist – Dr James Mackay –Consultant Clinical Genetic OnOncoplastic surgery cologist at The London Breast Clinic and an honorary senior lecturer in Fast to surgery theaccess Department of Biology, University College London.

Rapid results “Introducing a new cancer blood test; informing the public” Specialist Breast Carebreast Nurses Specialist reconstructive and cosmetic surgery Plastic Surgeon – Mr Stuart James - Consultant Plastic Surgeon at The London Breast Clinic and The Royal Marsden Hospital.

‘Breast Reconstruction following Prophylactic Mastectomy’

MEDICAL CHAMBERS 108 HARLEY STREET LONDON WIG 7ET

The Royal College of GP’s have indicated that attendance would count towards annual CPD requirements.

MEDICAL CHAMBERS

The Home of

For more information about the services available please visit our website www.108harleystreet.co.uk Q&A Email: enquiries@108harleystreet.co.uk To book your place TheFax: Practice Tel:please 0207contact 563 1234 0207 Manager 563 1212 (0207 563 1234 or email symposium@108harleystreet.co.uk)

h e alt h b e aut y

Star style resolutions

Take your fashion cue from the celebrities in 2012 as they reveal their New Year fashion and beauty goals. By Lisa Haynes Making a resolution doesn’t have to be all about quitting.

Whether it’s stocking up the beauty cabinet or adding to your wardrobe, overindulge your favourite habits instead and make 2012 your most beautiful year yet.

If you’re stuck for good intention inspiration, these celebrities have their New Year goals sussed. Here are some resolutions you’ll surely want to keep...

looking healthy and shiny, so I may experiment with the style a little now. It’s always nice to have a change.” ✱ TV presenter Louise Redknapp is the face (and hair) of Schwarzkopf ’s LIVE Salon Style range, available from Boots Angelic routine

Lauren Goodger: “To always remember to take off my make-up before going to bed.

I also aim to drink more water and start taking vitamins.” ✱ TOWIE’s Lauren is founder of Lauren’s Way beauty range (www.laurensway.com)

Facial finesse

Coleen Rooney: “I already cleanse, tone and moisturise every morning and night, but I’d love to get a facial every six weeks. I like the natural look, so fresh, clean skin is key.” ✱ Entrepreneurial WAG Coleen’s latest fragrance Butterflies (from £25) is available at Selfridges

Skin-kind diet

Me-time treat

Gok Wan: “My beauty New Year’s resolution is to set aside at least an hour a week for some much needed pampering.

You forget how great it makes you feel and with my busy schedule, I never get enough time to indulge in it.” ✱ The TV stylist’s pampering range Gorgeous by Gok is available from Boots Lighten up

Sadie Frost: “My New Year’s fashion resolution is to wear more colour - I wear far too 72 j a n u a r y 2 0 1 2

Regular rejuvenation

Liv Tyler: “I aim to use a mask on a weekly basis. I don’t get enough sleep being a mum, working and travelling, so masks are important - I use Givenchy Black For Light Mask (£59.50) to instantly brighten my skin.”

Actress Liv Tyler is the face of Givenchy

much black. I also need to stop living in my yoga clothes for business meetings.” ✱ Fashion designer Sadie Frost is co-founder of Floozie

by Frost French lingerie, available at Debenhams

Heavenly hair

Louise Redknapp: “I’m all about hair for 2012. It’s much easier to keep my new darker shade

Pearl Lowe: “My New Year beauty resolution is going to be cutting out dairy, wheat and sugar - I find it’s so much better for my skin.” ✱ Fashion designer Pearl Lowe has collaborated with DP London to design a limited edition candle collection (www.dplondon.com) Crowd pleaser

Jade Thompson: “I’m going to try and stand out in 2012 by making bold outfit choices that showcase my individuality at red carpet events. I want to make a statement through fashion.” ✱ Model Jade Thompson is the winner of Britain’s Next Top Model 2011 and face of Peugeot RCZ Sports Coupe More pampering

Fearne Cotton: “My

I also plan to go to bikram yoga weekly, not monthly!” ✱ TV stylist Grace Woodward is Wella Professional’s fashion ambassador Clean living

Jamelia: “My beauty resolution is to begin a healthier routine, but my birthday is on January 11 so my New Year resolutions always start on the 12th, not the 1st!” ✱ Singer Jamelia is backing the music industry’s Parental Advisory scheme Saddle up

Anna Ryder Richardson: “For 2012, I’d really like to focus on expanding my equestrian look. Everything from leather riding boots, vintage pocket squares and even a button front cape and scarf. Fabulous!” ✱ TV presenter Anna Ryder Richardson is a style consultant for Magnet Kitchens Fashionably fit

Davina McCall: “Postworkout, I love easy-to-wear pieces such as slouchy tops that fall off the shoulder.

But when I’m working out, I want to wear something a bit wow and zingy - I really like bright colours.”

Presenter Davina has teamed up with Next to design a new fitness range, out spring 2012

Wardrobe detox

Lynda Bellingham: “I will be getting rid of any clothes I haven’t worn for more than six months and making sure that everything I have is a wardrobe staple that I’ll wear time and time again.” ✱ Actress Lynda Bellingham is style ambassador for ladies fashion retailer Isme (www.isme.com) Effortless tresses

New Year’s resolution is probably just to relax a bit more - to chill out and be a bit less hyperactive!” ✱ DJ and TV Presenter Fearne Cotton has a clothing range at online retailer Very (www.very.co.uk)

drink more water, and have more massages. Also, I want to have a facial because I’ve never had one before.” ✱ TV presenter Emma Willis is the celebrity ambassador of Regis Hair Salons

allow myself some time off from work and look for fashion inspiration outside the studio.” ✱ Fashion designer Matthew Williamson is behind Debenhams’ Butterfly range

Chill out

Massage mission

Matthew Williamson: “My wish for 2012 is to try and

Grace Woodward: “Drink more water. I hate drinking water but it’s great for your skin.

Emma Willis: “Sleep more,

Healthy hydration

Lauren Pope: “To finally achieve Sarah Jessica Parker-style ombre hair, my hairdresser has been taking my roots darker for the last few months. 2012 is all about low maintenance, effortless style and ombre hair means I’ll never have to get my roots done.” ✱ TOWIE’s Lauren recently DJ’d for Glam Rock Watches at boutique.Goldsmiths january2012

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HOW TO FIND YOUR COLOUR OF THE YEAR

WORDS LISA HAYNES

Welcome to the year of Tangerine Tango. The global authority on colour, Pantone, has designated the reddish orange as its colour of the year in succession to Honeysuckle pink. The vibrant shade is now being touted as a go-to in cosmetics because of its versatility. It’s exotic but in a friendly, non-threatening way, according to the Pantone colour gurus. But whether you dance to the tune of Tangerine Tango for your lips, nails or even eyes, it’s clear the 2012 tone won’t be for everyone. When refreshing your 74 j a n u a r y 2 0 1 2

make-up bag for January, the key to finding your own colour of the year lies in your hair and complexion.

“Understanding your colouring is the next step in helping you to achieve a perfect make-up look,” explains Pat Henshaw, co-author of new book Colour Me Beautiful Makeup Manual. “The aim is to create balance and harmony between your natural colouring and the colours of clothes and make-up you wear.” By wearing your own bespoke brand of make-up shades, Henshaw believes

you will not only feel good but look younger, healthier and fitter.

Here’s how to discover your colour palette for 2012 and beyond...

LIGHT Your overall look is pale and delicate.

The undertone of your colouring can be warm, with golden tints to your hair and a few freckles on your skin, or cool, with ash tones to your hair and a slight pinkish tint to your skin.

LIGHT CELEBRITIES UMA THURMAN, GWYNETH PALTROW, MERYL STREEP.

MAKE-UP MANTRA It’s all about adding subtle definition to your Light features. “Give a hint of colour to eyebrows and eyelashes - a warm brown mascara will be more flattering than black,” Henshaw advises. “Try not to overpower your delicate colouring with strong shades of eye shadow or lipstick, even when it comes to more glamorous make-up. Instead, use

the right colours from your palette and apply them in different ways.”

WARM CELEBRITIES CHRISTINA HENDRICKS, SUSAN SARANDON, FLORENCE WELCH

MAKE-UP MANTRA To enhance your warm and rich colouring, your make-up should always have yellow undertones.

Henshaw advises: “Brown eye pencils and mascara flatter more than black for both day and night.

“Choose a blush powder with a warm undertone and simply apply with a bit more depth depending on the time of day or occasion.

Whether you want subtle lip colour or more dramatic lips, keep your lip colour warm with lovely, golden earthy tones.”

PALETTE Medium grey, light navy, cocoa and taupe for neutrals. Pastel pink, geranium, sky blue and apple green for accents.

DEEP Your skin can be porcelain to black but all your features - hair, eyebrows, eyes and lashes - are dark and defined so your make-up should be similarly deep and rich in tone.

DEEP CELEBRITIES HALLE BERRY, PENELOPE CRUZ, AUDREY TAUTOU

Palette: Bronze, olive, pewter and camel for neutrals. Apricot, primrose, terracotta and lime for accents.

MAKE-UP MANTRA Your features have a lot of depth to them and stand out on their own. “Accentuate your look by complementing it with dark, rich colours, even when it comes to more subtle daytime looks,” Henshaw suggests. “Blushers will add some depth to balance your colouring. Lipsticks in rich shades will look fantastic on you. However, if you prefer softer colours, you will need to ensure that your face is balanced with strong make-up.”

of what look you are trying to achieve. Take your barely-there make-up up a notch by defining the eye area and do so with grey, blue and lilac shades of eye shadows and eye pencils.”

PALETTE Charcoal, dark navy, spruce and purple for neutrals. Light teal, rose pink, cornflower and blue red for accents.

COOL CELEBRITIES JAMIE LEE CURTIS, DAME HELEN MIRREN, DAME JUDI DENCH

MAKE-UP MANTRA Make the most of your distinctive colouring by wearing make-up colours with a cool or blue undertone. “Most cools have a striking look, so don’t be afraid to use brighter shades of lipstick and colours that will define your eyes,” says Henshaw.

PALETTE Black, aubergine, chocolate and pine for neutrals. Royal purple, scarlet, emerald green and true blue for accents.

WARM You’re the golden girl of complexions with skin tone ranging from porcelain with freckles to golden brown. Auburn hair tones go as light as strawberry blonde to dark rich red.

“Cool, blue-based tones of eye shadows, blush and lipstick will always look best on you regardless

BROWS LIFT FORCLINIQUE.CO.UK INSTANT W. CLINIQUEBLONDE, £13 WW IN SOFT

You may have found a little of yourself in each of the previous colouring types, but didn’t fit exactly. You have medium depth of skin tone, blonde to dark brown eyebrows and mousy blonde to light brown hair - often with highlights.

SOFT CELEBRITIES BEYONCE, SCARLETT JOHANSSON, KIM CATTRALL

CLEAR Your most outstanding features are your eyes, which are highlighted because of the contrast to your dark hair. They will have a clear, jewel-like quality to them.

CLEAR CELEBRITIES CARLA BRUNI, KATE MIDDLETON, MILA KUNIS.

COOL You have blue, grey or cool brown eyes and ash tones to your hair, be it blonde, white, grey, salt and pepper, dark brown or black. Your colouring may have become cooler as you’ve aged.

SOFT

MAKE-UP MANTRA Your eye make-up shades should always enhance and not detract from your eye colour. “As a Clear, you can have the choice of making a feature of your eye make-up or your lipstick but not both,” warns Henshaw.

“Forget the rules about matching your eye shadow to your eye colour - it will only make your eyes blend in with your look and you really should make them pop.

Bright colours are great during the day, whereas an aubergine pencil with purple eye shadow will be more glamorous for evenings.”

PALETTE Black, black brown, royal blue and soft white for neutrals.

Blush pink, ruby, Chinese blue and evergreen for accents.

ER G IN WAT.UK CO BURNIN EMURA W.SHUUEMURA. R SHU U WW WKW FO LETTE, £39 PA

MAKE-UP MANTRA The gentle combination of your hair, skin and eyes means that your make-up needs to be soft and subtle - but you still need colour and definition. Henshaw advises: “Your Soft colouring needs to be complemented with muted tones. Anything that is too bright or dark will detract from your face.

“Your eyebrows should always be defined with a blonde eyebrow pencil, while your eyes need to be lined with soft browns or mossy shades, not black.”

PALETTE Rose brown, charcoal, charcoal blue and stone for neutrals. Claret, sage, soft violet and lavender for accents.

Henshaw’s money saving tip...

“Once you understand your colouring type and your best make-up shades, you can limit the cosmetics that you buy, investing only in those that will make you look fabulous.”

Colour Me Beautiful Make-up Manual by Pat Henshaw and Audrey Hanna is published by Hamlyn, priced £12.99. Available now

L PARIS L’OREAL COLE CHERY D EDITION E LIMIT RICHE COLOR K IN RED LIPSTICN, £8.16 PASSIO BOOTS

E, £39

PALETT RTY EYE K OOL PA N.CO.U OWN C W R B RO I IB B OBB BOB WWW.B

BENHAMS

DE TTE, £35 OW PALE D EYSHAD CAY NAKE DE N BA UR

WN AL BRO 50 6.

T BADG BENEFI MASCARA, £1 .UK CO METICS. EFITCOS WWW.BEN

january2012

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©Terry O’Neill

‘The Beatles backyard, London 1963’. Edition of 50, signed As one of his first assignments Terry photographed a new, upcoming band... The Beatles at Abbey Road recording studios! This shot was the first time a pop group appeared on the front page of a British national newspaper. And the newspaper sold out. 20 x 24 inches £ 1,950.00

Canvas Gallery W John Myatt ‘Morning Ride’ (Anton Mauve) John Myatt is regarded as one of the finest art forgers of his generation.

His impressions of the masters usually vary slightly from the original so the viewer might just believe it could be a missing Monet, or Picasso, or Miro............ you name it.

Oil on canvas 24 x 36 inches £20,000 76 j a n u a r y 2 0 1 2

hether it’s art for the heart or investment, Canvas Gallery, located on the prestigious Wimbledon Village High Street, has been successfully dealing artworks since 2008.

Canvas houses the finest eclectic mix of works complemented by informative and affable staff in a calm and contemporary space. At the gallery and online you will find an ever evolving collection of paintings, sculpture, fine art photography and limited edition prints ranging in price from hundreds to tens of thousands of pounds.

The gallery shows work by well-established and emerging British artists as well as world famous names like Lorenzo Quinn, Bob Dylan, Eve Arnold, Andy Warhol, Keith Haring and Terry O’Neill.

Currently one of the key elements of the gallery’s business is sourcing good quality investable art; this is being exploited by everyday buyers (with a good eye) who are seeing far greater returns from well-sourced art compared with their more usual avenues of investment. A great example of this comes from canny

buyers who acquired signed Bob Dylan prints in 2008, some of which are now valued at more than treble the original price.

Another response to customer demand comes in the shape of the gallery’s wide range of ‘large scale’ artworks. In order to relate to today’s trend for large open-plan living spaces clients are choosing big powerful statement pieces. A single painting

by William Thomas, for example, can be over two metres wide.

The gallery also has a thriving online business shipping art to all corners of the globe; visit on the web at www. canvaswimbledon.com & www.canvascontemporary.com Nearer to home in London, Canvas offers a very useful scheme whereby customers can ‘loan’ an artwork and ‘live’ with it at home for a few days before making their decision. This option has been incredibly popular; clients feel they’re not under any pressure to make a hurried choice in the gallery and the logistical matters of size, shape and colours can be taken into account in situ.

To find out more or enquire about any of the artworks please telephone Chris or Nick, or if you can, make the worthwhile trip to Wimbledon Village.

Canvas Wimbledon, 38a High Street, Wimbledon Village, SW19 5BY e. info@canvaswimbledon.com. t. 020 8605 2229

Eve Arnold ‘The cast and crew of The Misfits visit the casino, 1960’ From a collection of Marilyn Monroe by her friend, the late Eve Arnold.

59 x 39 inches

Canny buyers acquired signed Bob Dylan prints in 2008, some of which are now valued at more than treble the original price.

Bob Dylan ‘Train Tracks’ Limited Edition print Signed by Dylan £4000

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L u x u r y

b e d

m a k e r

c r e at e s

ultimate sleep experience for 40 Winks

78 j a n u a r y 2 0 1 2

A

cclaimed interior designer David Carter has commissioned bespoke, hand crafted beds from Marshall & Stewart on London’s King’s Road to add the finishing touch to his theatrical 18th century boutique hotel. 40 Winks, in trendy East London, has become the world’s first hotel to offer guests the unique Marshall & Stewart sleep experience.

Brent Cooper, MD of luxury bed specialist Marshall & Stewart, said: “We’re thrilled Marshall & Stewart has been commissioned to create beds for 40 Winks. The hotel is an incredible destination for visitors looking for a unique experience, so it is the ideal environment to showcase beds from our new Diamond Collection. They are some of the world’s most exquisite beds - each being hand crafted using traditional techniques and the finest natural materials, a perfect fit for such a luxurious environment.”

The decadent 40 Winks, dubbed the “world’s most beautiful small hotel” by German Vogue, is a favourite for fashion and lifestyle shoots. Last year Mr Carter completed his home’s two guest bedrooms, opening them up to enchant his bustling flow of celebrity visitors. Mr Carter, who was keen to work with a British bed brand, approached Marshall & Stewart last year to design and build the beds incorporating his choice of fabrics and upholstery. They were unveiled at the hotel in October 2011 so guests at the glamorous residence are now able to experience an exceptional night’s sleep in the finest of surroundings.

David Carter said: “40 Winks is not a conventional hotel.

What we offer is an ambiance that guests can slip in to, and a place where they can disappear from the real world.

Having a fantastic night’s sleep is an essential element of this experience, and we spent a long time searching for the perfect bed. “I was so excited to discover a British company making some of the finest beds in the world that I was delighted to commission them for 40 Winks. My guests can now enjoy a level of luxury and comfort that is unparalleled.”

The innovative beds are part of the Marshall & Stewart Diamond Collection which was launched in June 2011.

Consisting of six models, each bespoke bed is handmade in the UK using traditional techniques and a progressive spring system surrounded by layers of the finest natural material to create a sanctuary for restorative sleep.

Winter Promotion Images: Credit: Mark Jarvis Photography

✱ Experience luxury for less with the Marshall &

Stewart Winter Promotion. Enjoy up to 30% off Hästens and Marshall & Stewart ex-display models.

All orders on new beds will receive a 10% discount as well as exquisite linens worth 10% of the bed value. ✱ Visit Marshall & Stewart for a complimentary bed consultation this winter Visit www.marshallandstewart.co.uk, call 020 7384 2020 or visit the showroom at 579-581 King’s Road, London. ✱ To experience Marshall & Stewart at 40 Winks, visit www.40winks.org or call 020 7790 0259.

january2012

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&

house g ard e n f e atu r e

SWIM AT HOME EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR AN ORIGIN POOL. IT'S A FAMILY THING...

O

rigin has been in the business of constructing indoor and outdoor swimming pools for over thirty years. In that time they have progressed from simple timber buildings to the impressive architect design schemes of today.

To celebrate this anniversary Origin has commissioned a total redesign of their visual identity.

This includes a bright new logo, excitingly updated publicity material and van fleet, and an interactive user-friendly website. To accompany this flurry of activity the company has produced an all new colour brochure, showing as never before the breadth of Origin's capability. Covering all the styles that this unique British company has become known for, from classic original styles to custom designed extensions that are a true product of yours and Origin's combined thinking, the brochure is economical with words, letting the beautiful pictures tell the story.

Origin has also committed to an occasional newsletter, NewsWave, to announce the latest and greatest improvements the company has been working ?

NOVEMBER2011

80 j a n u a r y 2 0 1 2

on, and of course show the pick of the recent triumphs. Add a monthly emailing, Origin eNews, and the new publicity thrust is complete ready to take on the next thirty years!

But the caring attention to detail, the meticulous, design work and the insistence of only using the finest materials available hasn't changed. The company still handles every element of the process, without bringing in any outside experts whatsoever. From the first meeting, to the sketch ideas produced as a result, to the architectural drawings and finished visuals, to the guidance through the planning process, to the earthworks, the building and completing. Origin takes the process from beginning to end -

and all you have to do is jump into the state-of-the-art heated pool at the end of it all. Origin has become Britain's longest established, best known pool company because they have accepted every challenge, crossed every hurdle, and with great experience and ingenuity created a product that is considered second to none, by customers and the pool industry alike.

The architects and designers are seasoned players in their fields, and bring a wealth of experience to every aspect of this complex and demanding business. Even the teams who build the final pool houses are eminently professional, many having been involved since the very early days of the company.

Building an indoor pool house is a complex business, so many of Origin's buildings are based on the company's established styles. For example,

The Panorama has a light, airy construction with a bright hipped glazed lantern roof – and is built from solid timber with an optional brick or rendered facing, to co-ordinate with the style of your home. The Barn has all the appearance and appeal of a country barn conversion, but built to state-of-the-art standards to be the home for a superb heated pool. The Sirius has exceptional designer looks and a wide expanse of glass bringing a real indoor/outdoor feel to your swimming. These established style-inspired pool houses come in a wide range of standard sizes, and the heated pool will be in a style of your choice.

Origin is recognised as the foremost designers of one-o buildings and extensions, designed and developed to co-ordinate with their surroundings perfectly. Materials and finishes are carefully matched with the existing structure – so the finished result is a handsome extension to the property, hiding a luxurious heated pool.

To do full justice to Origin's expertise they include outdoor pools as part of their remit. The company is famous for creating pool houses, but they are all too aware that many people prefer to swim in the sun (or under the stars) and an outdoor pool can be one of the most aspirational features a home can have. The level of skill and understanding of pool technology has helped Origin to become one of the country's foremost outdoor pool providers.

Origin's new logo has a strapline "The original indoor & outdoor pool company." Get in touch, and find out just why the original is usually the best.

Origin Leisure Harefield Middlesex UB9 6TH Telephone 01895 823366 or email info@originleisure.com for the new brochure, or to be included in future distribution of NewsWave and Origin eNews.

And check out the all new website: www.originleisure.com

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A ROOM FOR ALL SEASONS Y You want to move.! You need to move! You need more space for living, relaxing, entertaining. But moving is expensive and uncertain, and you have lavished a lot of time and money on your house and garden. Fortunately there are many ways to extend your property, from creating rooms in your loft, building a conservatory, to adding a garden room. All of these options create space and add value. Much has been written about loft conversions and conservatories, but garden rooms are still a largely undiscovered way of providing flexibility and fun.

When most people think of outside structures in the garden they think of gazebos and summerhouses.

But these days the range of options is staggering. Given our British climate, rooms open to the elements might seem a risk.

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How many days a year would you use it? What would you use it for?

How would it fit into my garden?

Luke Dejahang, Managing Director of Crown Pavilions, one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of garden

of open gazebos any more. Our garden gazebos are for all year use. They have durable canvas side panels that can be rolled down in the winter. The blinds come with zips and PVC windows as well as highly effective infrared heaters.

A garden room should be an extension of your house, and you can put it wherever you want. You can landscape around the garden room to create an integral part of your garden... rooms, provides some of the answers. All these features mean the gazebos can be used all through the year.

But you can also think about “Times have changed” he said, outdoor kitchens, sitting rooms with “and the design of garden rooms plasma screens, studies with storage has developed to meet people’s and internet connection, screens to changing needs. Don’t think only

When you are looking at extending your house, a garden room could be the answer that you are looking for...

protect you from the weather, mood lighting for evening entertainment, heating, hot tubs. These days we can provide a wide range of buildings for a variety of requirements, all designed around the needs of the families we build them for”.

A garden room should be an extension of your house, and you can put it wherever you want. You can landscape around the garden room to create an integral part of your garden.

Luke explained, “When we install a garden room we are especially mindful of the landscaping around it. Our sister company, Crown Gardens, will look after every aspect of planting and creating a beautiful setting which fits in with your existing garden. After all, the garden

room should be a sanctuary that reflects your house and enhances your garden. The lighting and heating are also important, especially if you want to entertain in the evening. We take care of all that too. We make sure that all parts of the structure work together in harmony, whether you are just relaxing or whether you are entertaining guests.”

can subject it too; fade and insect-resistant in the summer and mould-resistant in the rain.

Luke Dejahang Managing Director of Crown Pavilions

The possibilities are endless.

Whether your garden is large or small, or merely a paved courtyard you will find a garden room to suit your taste.

Luke comments “People want to enhance their homes and gardens Of course, these days we also have and create spaces which to be especially careful about our are flexible for family life green credentials. The beauty and entertaining friends. of a garden room created by a Garden rooms extend company such as Crown Pavilions, the scope of how you use is that you can be sure that the your house and garden, timber is ethically sourced as well create exciting and beautiful as deigned for easy maintenance focal points, potentially with a quality and natural finish. increase the value of your The structure must be sturdy and property, and they are fun”. the soft furnishings need to be resistant to everything our climate www.crownpavilions.com january2012

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TITCHMARSH

WORKS

TOWARDS

HIS IDEAL

GARDEN WORDS HANNAH STEPHENSON

AS THE IDEAL GARDENS AMBASSADOR FOR THIS YEAR’S IDEAL HOME SHOW, TV GARDENING EXPERT ALAN TITCHMARSH NEEDS TO STAY AHEAD OF THE TIMES. Keeping a keen eye on gardening trends, landscaping designs and what the public will be growing in 2012 and beyond, he predicts that the ‘grow your own’ campaign will be as strong as ever this year.

“Growing your own will still be popular,” he says, “and veg can be fitted into pockets on the flower border as well as on a dedicated veg patch. “Climbers on house walls are set to make a resurgence - who needs to look at boring brickwork?

Just make sure that adequate wire or trellis supports are provided.

“And repeat-flowering roses should be in every garden - in and among border perennials and shrubs dedicated rose beds are now out,” he says.

Despite heavy TV commitments, Titchmarsh will be out in his 84 j a n u a r y 2 0 1 2

Hampshire garden this winter, preparing it for spring and beyond.

“Getting my garden ready for spring is something that, like everybody else, I try to fit in around work. But it’s vital and my garden is my safety valve as well as my canvas.

billowing banks of perennials, shrubs and roses. “I also have a wild flower meadow and a wildlife pond, providing great entertainment and a really good way of doing my bit for conservation. My garden is my sanctuary.”

I also have a wild flower meadow and a wildlife pond, providing great entertainment and a really good way of doing my bit for conservation. My garden is my sanctuary...

“My garden has good lines. perspective, proportion and form are every bit as important to me as colour. There is lots of evergreen topiary - clipped box and yew but within the borders there are

Winter offers time for planning new borders and allows gardeners time to do jobs little by little, he says. “The great thing about winter is that things move slowly in the garden and we have a chance to

catch up. It’s not all about tidying, though there is some of that to do - border perennials to cut back (I like to leave some old foliage on in winter to help insects and birds), the last of the leaves to clear up and compost.

“I lightly fork over the earth between plants in early spring, working in a sprinkling of blood, fish and bone and then, among shrubs in particular, I mulch with chipped bark to seal in moisture and keep down weeds.”

Winter is a great time to take a long, hard look at the garden and work out where there are gaps in terms of interest, he reflects.

Deciduous trees and shrubs are best planted now (provided the soil is not waterlogged or frozen) to give them a head start in spring, while perennials should be ordered now for planting in early spring so that

the year can get off to a flying start.

If the ground’s too hard or wet to work on, curl up on a winter’s evening with some seed catalogues and work out what you want to grow this year, making your order quickly for the best selection, he suggests.

If you’re creating a new veg plot, decide what you like eating and how much space such crops will take up. Then work out sowing and harvesting times so that the best use is made of your veg patch.

but good architectural value and some of the upright varieties, such as M. x media ‘Charity’, which bears vivid yellow flower spikes in winter, make good barriers against intruders. Others, such as M. japonica, which grows to 2m (6ft), make useful plants for a woodland edge or shrub border in shade. For a later-flowering variety, try M. aquifolium ‘Apollo’, which bears

Be warned, though, it’s an invasive perennial with deep roots that regrow when they’re broken off and, once established, can be as difficult to get rid of as ground elder. Grow it in a bottomless bucket sunk into the ground with its rim about an inch above the surface so that the roots don’t spread up there and to keep clumps in check.

“Order your seeds early and store them in a shoe-box in order of sowing times,” he advises. “Don’t sow too much of quick-maturing crops such as lettuce and radish at the same time, but make smaller sowings every few weeks to ensure a succession of tender young crops.”

Indoors in January and February, you can sow geranium (pelargonium) seeds early - they take a long while to grow and will flower sooner if they are raised on a warm windowsill. Sprout seed potatoes so that they get off to a flying start when they are planted out later.

At the Ideal Home Show 2012, itchmarsh will be judging the Ideal Young Gardeners of the Year competition in which six colleges go head to head to create sustainable show gardens.

We need to do much more to promote horticulture as a career and to pass on our gardening skills. It is the most rewarding of jobs, tough at times, yes, but one which allows us to do our bit for the future of the planet..

“We need to do much more to promote horticulture as a career and to pass on our gardening skills.

It is the most rewarding of jobs, tough at times, yes, but one which allows us to do our bit for the future of the planet.”

The Ideal Home Show at London’s Earls Court runs from March 16 to April 1. To book tickets, visit www.idealhomeshow.co.uk or call 0844 858 6763.

clusters of scented, acid-yellow flowers in spring. All of the popular varieties are easy to grow and are not BEST OF THE BUNCH - MAHONIA fussy about soil type.

This winter shrub provides interest in both colour and form, with its deep green, glossy, holly-like leaves and clusters of fragrant yellow flowers, followed by purple or black berries. Mahonia will grow happily in shade, providing not only scent

GOOD ENOUGH TO EAT HORSERADISH If you’ve loved horseradish with your roast beef this winter, why not try growing your own for an eyepoppingly hot accompaniment?

Only the root of horseradish (Armoracia rusticana) is used.

Buy plants from specialist herb nurseries, or some seed companies offer roots in their autumn catalogues for planting up in late winter or early spring. Make a hole in the soil with a dibber and push a single root into it, thickest end uppermost, leaving the tip at ground level. Plant three roots about 60cm apart for a good

clump. Let the plants grow for two years before harvesting. Dig up one plant in September or October, using the biggest roots for the kitchen and cutting off one of the thinner roots to replant.

THREE WAYS TO... DISPOSE OF YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE 1. Ring your local authority, which may provide a disposal service if you leave the tree out with your recycling bins, or will give you details of local household recycling centres where you can drop off the tree.

2. Invest in a good quality saw, such as Bosch’s new Keo cordless garden saw, and a shredder, to cut up the tree and then shred it into a mulch to place on top of beds and borders.

3. If you bought a container-grown tree, grown for at least one season in its pot and rarely taller than 1m (3ft), it can either be planted out with a very good chance of success or re-potted into a larger pot to continue growing.

WHAT TO DO THIS WEEK Continue to take root cuttings of acanthus, Oriental poppy, phlox and verbascums.

Continue to keep bird feeders and troughs topped up with bird food and water.

Keep the strong, whippy shoots of apple tree prunings to support bulbs later in the season.

Bring container-grown shrubs such as viburnum, rose and deutzia into the greenhouse for forcing, maintaining a minimum temperature of 13C (55F).

Sow sweet peas in deep pots under glass.

Protect hairy-leaved alpines from winter wet with an open-ended cloche.

Plant bare-rooted roses as soon as they are delivered.

Firm down plants which have been lifted by frost.

Bring pots of herbs indoors for use in the kitchen.

Continue to harvest parsnips, kale and winter cabbages.

Protect shrubs of borderline hardiness with layers of fleece or netting if frost threatens.

Plant shallots and Jerusalem artichokes.

Sow celery in a heated propagator. january2012

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INNER 070111 LONDON Jan i31.indd 83 INNER 070111 LONDON Jan i31.indd 83

19/01/2011 14:16:26 19/01/2011 14:16:26

NEW LOOK NEW PRODUCTS NEW PRICES KITCHENS STARTING FROM £10K

142 Crouch Hill, London N8 Telephone 020 8341 2020 42 Cross Street, London N1 Telephone 020 7359 4041

www.funktionalkitchens.co.uk

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19/01/2011 14:08:07

floors & fabrics

www.rogeroates.com London Showroom 1 Munro Terrace, Riley Street, Chelsea, London SW10 0DL For copies of our brochures please call 020 7351 2288

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West One Bathrooms

Look no further – Annual sale starts 28 December

F

or those wanting a genuine bargain on their future bathroom, West One Bathrooms Ltd is currently holding their once a year only sale, with massive reductions on well-known brands across all of their showrooms.

With 8 showrooms in London and the South East and up to 40% off leading brands, this is a sale not to be missed.

Further adhere, their

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Mayfair showroom is currently holding a unique one off refurbishment sale with up to 50% off designer brands.

Hurry down to pick yourself up a genuine bargain or alternatively please visit their site where you can view their ex-display on line.

West One Bathrooms is known as one of the country’s most innovative suppliers of bespoke bathrooms. With eight showrooms, with six in London, one in Kent and another in Sussex and with over 30 years’ experience, is able to source the very latest, and most technically advanced, products from all over Europe. The company works closely with architects, designs and developers worldwide, as well as customers looking for stunning, state-of-theart bathroom products for their own homes.

West One Bathrooms also offers a complete design service to help customers create their perfect bathroom, including a home visit and a personalised plan presented as an initial hand-drawn design, and later as a floor plan, mood board and 3D visual so you can see exactly how the finished room will look. With its Europe-wide connections, West One Bathrooms can access over 500,000 products, so whether you want a contemporary, minimalist or traditional-style bathroom, you’ll be able to find fixtures and fittings that perfectly suit your requirements.

All showrooms are open Monday–Saturday, 9am–6:00pm, so feel free to pop in and browse, or speak to one of West One’s expert, professional staff to see how they can help you realise the bathroom you’ve been dreaming of. www.westonebathrooms.com sales@westonebathrooms.com

Fall in love with your home.

All over again‌ At Increation we make the dreams for your home a reality by offering a complete service of design, cabinet making and installation. You and your home are our inspiration. We pour years of craftsmanship, thought and sheer hard work into every kitchen, every bathroom and every complete home we create. Its what our reputation is based on. What our business is built on.

YOUR INVITATION: Discover just what you and your kitchen are capable of. Select your free top of the range cooker with your kitchen and we’ll also ask a professional chef along to your home to teach you a truly inspirational signature dish.

To view this and your other home experience invitations in full, please visit us at

www.fallinlovewithyourhome.co.uk or call 0203 131 2531

Home

Chic SONIA RYKIEL MAISON 2012 Home Accessories Collection

Home I

n May 1968, Sonia Rykiel founded her fashion label and opened her first boutique in Rue de Grenelle, on the Left Bank in Paris. She transformed the sweater into her signature item and was appointed the fashion world’s “Queen of Knitwear” by the Women’s Wear Daily magazine in 1970. In quick succession Sonia invented inside-

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out stitching, no-hem, and ‘unlined’ pieces that reflected a brand new philosophy: ‘la démode’, or ‘un-fashion’.

She believed in a totallook adapted to a woman’s individual personality and created a unique style that is recognized the world over, whose key motifs are black, stripes, lace, crystals and written messages.

On the 40th anniversary of her fashion house there was a tribute show in Paris by 30 designers including Jean-Paul Gaultier, Karl Lagerfeld and Christian Lacroix showing Sonia Rykiel inspired outfits, Her daughter Nathalie is now Creative Director and CEO of the company, taking it from strength to strength.

A spirit of rebellion and Rykiel are inextricably linked and the brazen stripes, seductive textures and humour are now evident in the SONIA RYKIEL MAISON collection of fabrics and accessories for the home.

The collection for 2012 includes ready-made curtains - ‘Sorbet’ with delicious

pastel striped linen gently floating and filtering the air; ‘Envoutant’ in dark and brilliant cotton and silk damask and ‘Lin d’Argent’, linen shimmering with a thread of silver and a flash of light to illuminate the texture The ‘Chouchou’ cushion is ultra feminine and sensual in silk damask ‘Rue SaintSimon’ fabric or enchanting in ‘Saint-Germain’ with sophisticated stripes while the ‘Froufrou’ taffeta cushions are flirty, tactile and seductive in sugar almond colours ...

Like an Italian still life painting, the delicious ‘Api’, ‘William’ and’Muscat’ 100% wool cushions are embroidered with apples, pears and grapes.

Jewel-like ‘Exclusif ’ cushions in velvet are special treasures adorned with crystals and the hyper confidential, ‘Doudou’ cushion is in luscious satin with a crystal zip to slide love letters or other secrets inside ...

Sweet pastel coloured stripes are scattered on the soft and enveloping mohair throw ‘Guimauve’ with matching ‘Roudoudou’ cushions ‘Elle’ and ‘Lui’, are cube shaped poufs, chic in ‘St Germain’ stripes or playful patchwork And last but certainly not least, the over-sized cushion ‘Tricot’ is just like curling up with a Sonia Rykiel sweater ... at home. Prices from £81.00 - £468.00 For stockists of SONIA RYKIEL MAISON, readers should contact LELIEVRE on 0207 352 4798 or visit www.lelievre.eu

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Sweet pastel coloured stripes are scattered on the soft and enveloping mohair throw ‘Guimauve’

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BritishEco

The sun still shines on your investment with the new solar PV Feed-In Tariffs

E

arlier this year the Government announced their first comprehensive review of the Feed-in tariffs for small-scale renewable electricity generation. On the 31st October 2011 they released their second comprehensive review which is considering various aspects of the scheme which include the tariff rates.

Solar PV is still a great investment at the new rate of 21p per kWh. It will give you an average return of 8% to 10% which is still more than any ISA or building society would offer you today.

There have been extensive price reductions in the last 6 months for a solar PV system which enables you to receive great returns on investment.

From the 1st April 2012 any individual wanting to install a solar PV system will also require an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) to which they must 92 j a n u a r y 2 0 1 2

achieve a minimum of band C energy rating to receive the 21p per kWh tariff. Any properties below band C will need to be brought up to band C by installing energy efficiency measures outlined in the EPC recommendations to be eligible for the high tariff.

Any property below band C after the 1st April 2012 will only receive 9p per kWh until energy efficiency measures are implemented.

BritishEco is an accredited MCS installer able to service The time to act is now to secure the high Feed-In Tariff levels with great returns and savings highlighted below: A typical 4kW domestic system could attract:

£720 Feed-In Tariff Payment £223 savings on electricity bill £53 from exporting to the national grid Estimated returns and savings

Annual saving of £996 10.4% Initial tax-free return on investment Estimated earnings over 25 years £34,396

There have been extensive price reductions in the last 6 months for a solar PV system which enables you to receive great returns on investment. your needs whether you are a domestic, commercial or public sector customer. We can supply you with a free desktop survey advising you on the suitability of your property, the cost of the relevant system and the returns in which you can expect. We specialise in the design & install of solar PV panels and other renewable energy systems. Our team of skilled PV solar installers will ensure that the unit is fitted exactly as designed.

Please call us today on 0845 257 0041 or visit www.BritishEco.com for further information.

Call us today on

0845 257 0041

You know when you have made the right decision.

Maximising your investment in renewables Choosing the right combination of equipment is only part of the decision, the other half is selecting the right company to handle your investment in renewable energy.

We have been designing and installing renewable energy systems nationwide since 2002 and have gained a reputation for excellence through our technical knowledge, onsite experience and customer care enabling you to know you have made the right decision in choosing BritishEco.

Solar Thermal

Solar PV

Wind Turbines

Heat Pumps

For more information please visit: www.britisheco.com Biomass Boilers

Rainwater

h o us e ga r d e n

T ROMANTIC INTERIORS With Valentine’s day just around the corner, thoughts turn to romance.

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T

o set the right mood throughout the year, here are some simple interior tips and a handful of extra special touches to dress your home.

So whether you are planning a Valentine’s Day party or some intimate time for two, check out these romantic ideas.

Consider printed pillows, woven throws, porcelain figurines, classic framed prints and the like, creatively displayed throughout your home.

Treat yourself to flowers. There are not only florists, but great sources on-line and in catalogues for a wealth of pretty posies. While roses are the original symbol of romance, tulips in white, red, and pink or even a bouquet of carnations can brighten any room. Paperwhites and other bulbs will bring a welcome touch of Spring, as well.

Consider using paper or silk flowers if live aren’t your bag.

For those with a sweet tooth there is always a treat for Valentines! Consider well placed candy dishes, heart-shaped of course, in crystal, silver, or ceramic. Whether filled with chocolate kisses, or pastel melts, it adds that sense of sweetness.

Get the kids involved with baking special Valentine’s sugar cookies, heart shapes with pink and red sugar sprinkle topping to share with family and friends.

Honour those close to your heart. Choose favourite pictures of your children, spouse, significant other, or friends and group them in heart shaped frames. If red, pink, and white aren’t your favourite colours, go with gold or silver, but do promote the sense of romance with sparkle and elegance.

Romantic bedroom decoration is created by using curved lines flowers, curved lines, light shade colours, floral patterns, soft fabrics, floral patterns and dim lighting.

The colour of the room has a great effect on the mood. Add some romance with rich red, make an elegant look with regal purple or go for fantasy by using a deep blue colour hue painted on the ceiling.

Romantic bedroom decoration can also be done by creating a cozy canopy bed. It gives a feeling of privacy with draping fabrics along the corners of the wall.

For bedding soft, warm and comfortable fabrics should be used.

You can also create a sense of luxury by having some assorted cosy pillows and throw pillows of different shapes and sizes. Hang some candles on the wall or arrange them artistically on the tables. You can also use floating candles. If you feel candles are risky if left unattended then you can also use battery or electricity operated dim lights can be used for romantic bedroom decoration.

Fill the air with some exotic perfumes to set up the mood. Try to sprit the linens with scented oils before making the bed. Use subtle scents like patchouli, lavender or sandalwood to make it irresistibly romantic.

One more important thing that can be considered for romantic bedroom decoration is headboards. Some fascinating headboard ideas contain full length mirrors, tapestry or quilt, room divider screens, garden lattice, or you can make a nice headboard (padded) of your’ own.

What makes you feel romantic?? These days the opportunities are endless, take advantage of the day and make it special.

Consider using paper or silk flowers if live aren’t your bag.

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Experience

luxury bed linen D

rawing on over 160 years of history, Yves Delorme has become an international reference in luxury bed linen and today is a true lifestyle brand. The Yves Delorme style is a blend of tradition and creativity, draws from the French cultural heritage. The passion and know-how of five generations are woven in every sheet and every towel. When you buy linen from Yves Delorme you take home with you the whole wealth of this tradition.

Product creation is our major asset: the Yves Delorme collection stands out through its creativity, its exceptional quality and the attention devoted to the slightest detail, a characteristic inherited from French haute couture.

In addition,Yves Delorme has created a global decoration concept by adding home fragrances, accessories and occasional furniture to its renowned ranges of textiles for bed and bath.

LONDON, 54 Duke of York Square SW3 4LY, 020 7730 3435 KENT, 6 Royal Parade, Chislehurst BR7 6NR, 020 8467 3347 yvesdelorme.com

The Yves Delorme style is a blend of tradition and creativity, draws from the French cultural heritage. january2012

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n

ot for the first time we have a crazy situation wherein some types of antique silverware are worth more money for their scrap metal value than they are for their historic and functional qualities. Currently this applies to those large Victorian tea services, trays, memorial centre-pieces and presentation cups. Thankfully most people today are resisting the temptation to scurry along to the nearest collection point and cash in, unlike the similar temptation of late 1970’s.

This was when a demand for the scrap metal saw even fine Georgian coffee pots, candle sticks, teapots and tankards being melted down for cash. This is of course a tragedy because antique silver from the UK and C.I. is one of the few classes of antiques that by means of the finest guarantee system in the world, it is possible to tell from the hall marks stamped upon it when a piece was made, where it was made, where it was tested for quality, who tested it, what the quality is, when it was made, whether duty was paid, and most fascinating of all, the life story of the person who made it.

It all began way back in the 12th century when King John 1167 – 1216 recognized that some semblance of order and uniformity needed to be introduced to the manufacture of coin of the realm and functional and commemorative silverware, correctly termed ‘wrought plate’. This is because pure

John Bly

antique silverware was worth more for melt than it was as a tangible piece of history

silver is too soft to be durable and so is mixed or ‘alloyed’ with a hardening agent.

At first copper alone was used but over the centuries many other ingredients have been introduced. The problem was that copper does not alter the colour of the silver and so it was not beyond the temptation of a silversmith to dilute the quality of the costly primary metal by adding any amount of copper before starting to make coin or object.

At the time of King John the leading silversmiths in the Western world were Germans, and so a party of them were invited to come to England and advise on a ‘fineness’, that is a maximum percentage of silver to copper to make a metal pure enough to have maximum intrinsic value while being soft enough to ‘work’ or make with, yet be hard enough to withstand handling and use. The Germans settled on a ratio of 92.5% fine (pure) silver to 7.5% copper, which standard has remained the same (officially) from the 12th century to the present day with the exception of a short break between 1697 – 1720.

Legend has it that the Germans were not overly welcome and were given the nickname ‘Easterlings’. The silver they produced was labeled the same and over the years the first two letters were dropped – we were as lazy with our language then as we are today – and the word ‘sterling’ became used to describe fine silverware and anything

else of guaranteed quality.

As coin and wrought plate were the same material it was possible and much practiced to melt coin to make wrought plate when you got rich and melt wrought plate to make coin when things got tough.

It was on such an occasion that any substandard silver was discovered but to date there was no true means of tracing the perpetrator.

So in 1300 a statute of King Edward I provided that no ware of gold or silver should be sold until it had been taken to the headquarters of the guardians of the craft of silversmiths - correctly referred to as goldsmiths later to become known as an Assay Office. There it was to be tested, the details of which we shall look at later, and if approved be stamped with a mark as a guarantee of quality.

The mark, known at first as ‘the King’s mark, depicted the head of a lion, but as it was symbolic, and the then popular French language term for a lion in heraldry was ‘leopart’ it soon became known as the Leopard’s Head mark. At this time the headquarters of the Guild of Goldsmiths, already established earlier in the 13th century, was in London and it was not long before the Leopart’s Head mark in turn became known as the London town mark.

Now this was all very well but there was still no definitive method of tracing an unethical goldsmith who had cheated in his material structure by

putting too much copper into his mix. So to protect the honest smith and his clients as well as to trace the crooks a second mark was added in 1363 through a statute of King Edward III which provided that every goldsmith “should have a mark by himself ” to be struck next to the King’s (London town) mark. Then, before any wrought plate

was melted down a note was made of the maker’s name and if the silver was found to be substandard, he could be traced and held responsible.

Now this is taking longer to cover than I had imagined, and we haven’t even begun to talk about Channel Isles silver, so I’m going to make this the first of at least three episodes in the coming months, and I

hope you will stick with it.

Just briefly back to that crazy situation I mentioned at the beginning in the early 1970s.

It was when the American oil billionaire Nelson Bunker Hunt and his brother William Herbert began accumulating large amounts of silver in an attempt to corner the market in this raw material.

They nearly succeeded for

by 1997 they had acquired estimated silver holdings of 100 million Troy ozs.

Between 1979 and 1980 the scrap price rose from around £6.50 an ounce in September 1979 to just over £30 an ounce in January 1980. Such a value was unsustainable and silver prices ultimately collapsed to below £6 an ounce two months later. It was estimated that the brothers benefitted by between $2billion and $4 billion before Nelson filed for bankruptcy in 1988.

But such a phenomenal rise meant that old and new wrought plate was worth more for its material content than it was as an object, whatever it was. So antique silverware was worth more for melt than it was as a tangible piece of history, and I hope to show you in the ensuing chapters just how extraordinarily detailed that tangible history is.

Incidentally apart from his failed attempt to control the world’s silver supply and his spectacular bankruptcy, N. Bunker Hunt is accredited as saying - words to the affect that - “A billion dollars isn’t what it used to be” and “People who know how much they’re worth aren’t usually worth that much”.

Read that with a rueful smile.

John Bly Est Antiques 1891.

Tel: 01442 823030 Mobile: 07831 888826.

Website: www.johnbly.com Email:john@johnbly.com

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London basements The only way is down

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ith every square foot of floor space at a premium within London, basement construction has become the most popular form of home expansion. When you have either expanded to the limits of your property above ground, or have been refused planning for expansion above, a basement is the obvious solution. Maggie Smith of London Basement tells me that it is no longer a second choice for expanding homes, it has become the first choice for home owners and indeed for purchasers of new properties. It is the only way to gain such a large amount of space, indeed, a whole new floor level!

London Basement is the original basement company, who have been building basements for over 15 years, who have to date built a remarkable 1000 basements.

Maggie Smith told us that they have seen a steady increase in the construction of basements over the years 100 j a n u a r y 2 0 1 2

service, with all staff trained to the highest standards, Research has shown that there are many new companies springing up, stating that they have the experience and history to be able to take on these highly specialised projects, but please make sure to do your research into the track record of any company

It is the only way to gain such a large amount of space, indeed, a whole new floor level! and they are generally working on an average of 30 – 40 sites at any time. The reasons are simple and obvious, the improvement in lifestyle, a basement is generally cheaper than moving, taking into account the larger house, stamp duty and moving costs, the added living space is a perfect investment in your home where properties have achieved a 30% increase in value and when you have invested time and money to create your home and perhaps

your children are settled in local schools, a new basement floor level to improve your lifestyle, makes complete sense.

The old concept of dark damp basements has been fully dispelled, as you can see from the portfolio on London Basement’s web site, showing wonderful living and entertainment areas, which I have to admit, fill me with envy. It is also refreshing to find a company that provides a true design, build and project management

you are considering. You are putting the very foundations of your property into their hands, so you need absolute certainty that you are dealing with the very best with the design, engineering and construction expertise necessary to safeguard your home.

London Basement Tel: 020 8847 9449 www.londonbasement.co.uk

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long ball Pitt plays the

He’s one of the biggest stars on the planet but Brad Pitt has announced he’s going to retire in three years time at the age of 50. By Susan Griffin

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hen you say you’re off to see Brad Pitt in person there’s one request that will inevitably be made by men and women alike: ‘Tell me what he looks like in the flesh.’

That’s because Pitt is so famous he’s almost taken on an otherworldly status.

The truth is the actor, voted ‘sexiest man alive’ countless times during his career, doesn’t disappoint when he casually strides out onto the terrace of a Mexican hotel for a photocall to promote his new baseball movie Moneyball.

He’s tall (a rarity among Hollywood’s elite) and broad, having spent the last few months in training for the film World War Z, a postapocalyptic horror, which has seen Pitt, his partner Angelina Jolie and their brood of six reside in Glasgow, London and Cornwall during filming.

His dark blonde hair is grown out and tucked behind his ears, his stubble is salt-andpepper grey and, despite the balmy temperatures, he’s wearing a long-sleeved top.

He may be an A-lister, but he’s rarely spotted on the red carpet these days, and while he smiles for the assorted cameras and cracks jokes with 102 j a n u a r y 2 0 1 2

co-star Jonah Hill, his eyes remain hidden behind aviator sunglasses and his hands stay tucked into the pockets of cream linen trousers.

Given the theme of his new film, baseball is the name of the game later that day when, in a quiet, shady spot, Pitt reveals that while he likes to play ball with his kids, his own relationship with the all-American sport has been traumatic.

“I knew very little about baseball besides taking one in the face when I was in junior high,” laughs Pitt, 47.

“Eighteen stitches was the result of that incident. This scar here,” he says pointing to the side of his head. It takes iron will not to lean in for a closer inspection.

Moneyball is based on the controversial 2003 book Moneyball: The Art Of Winning An Unfair Game in which the author Michael Lewis wrote about the exploits of Billy Beane (Pitt), a former baseball player turned general manager of Oakland A’s baseball team.

Beane revolutionised the way the baseball industry assessed its players by employing a statistical analysis that showed the qualities historically used to value players were outdated.

He then bought players who’d been ignored by larger, more lucrative teams, but who would help his team to victory.

“The film didn’t fall into convention and it was a difficult one to get made,” admits Pitt, looking a little shiny-faced despite the shade (so the man is a mere mortal then.) “We’re in tough economic times and people start betting on safer, more tried-and tested brands,” he says, before adding that while he’s never spent a lot of time watching baseball, he became obsessed by the book.

“Billy Beane’s team had a

ran a truck company, and his mum Jane, a school guidance counsellor, Pitt was studying for a journalism degree when he decided to give acting a whirl. Like thousands of other goodlooking hopefuls, he travelled to Los Angeles where he subsidised his acting classes with odd jobs, including dressing as a chicken, before earning his big break in Ridley Scott’s 1991 movie Thelma & Louise. His screen time totalled less than 15 minutes but when the film was released everyone was asking who the man who seduces Geena Davis was, and it led to parts

“I knew very little about baseball besides taking one in the face when I was in junior high” $40 million payroll and they were trying to compete with teams with $240 million payrolls. It forced these guys to back up and say: ‘We can’t fight how the other guys fight. We have to search for new baseball knowledge.

We have to re-examine the sport and where we place value’.”

Through that process they discovered great inefficiencies on how people were judged, and Pitt says: “The film is ultimately about how we place value on people and how society informs how we value ourselves.

“These themes are universal.

And the ideas these guys employed have now permeated other sports, like football, various arms of business even the film industry.”

Raised with his brother Doug and sister Julie in Missouri by his dad Bill, who

in Robert Redford’s A River Runs Through It and the dark thriller Kalifornia.

Pitt says it was only when Legends Of The Fall was released in 1994 “that celebrity hit me”. “You get no warning and you’re kind of overwhelmed. I didn’t understand all the attention,” says Pitt, before returning to the recurring theme of value. “The attention doesn’t come from a place of real value. People want to get near you but it has nothing to do with you as a person.

It has more to do with something those people are missing in themselves.”

In the 20 years since his scene-stealing performance in Thelma & Louise, Pitt’s managed to keep the audience guessing his next move. He’s depicted death in Meet Joe

Black, an incoherent Irish brawler in Snatch, a Nazi killer in Inglourious Basterds and aged backwards in The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button. “Film-making is about longevity,” says Pitt.

“Is it a quality picture? Is it a quality story? Is there something original about it?”

These are the questions Pitt asks himself before embarking on a project today but admits he may have lost focus for a while and the result was The Mexican (2001), Spy Game (2001), Troy (2004) and Mr & Mrs Smith (2005).

The latter remains a personal favourite though, as it was the film on which he met Jolie, with whom has adopted children Maddox, 10, Pax, seven, and Zahara, six, and biological children Shiloh, five, and twins Knox and Vivienne, three.

Today he’s less concerned about a film making money. “There’s such a thing as the quiet victory, the personal victory that only you and you alone experience.

And that’s enough,” he explains.

“Films that I’ve loved [making], like The Assassination Of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford and The Tree Of Life, they’re ‘fine wine’ pictures - they’ll age well.”

Pitt recently announced he’s looking to retire at around 50, and as the producer of 20 titles perhaps he’ll spend the autumn years of life behind the scenes. “It’s just about getting stories across that may have a more difficult time seeing the light of day,” he says. “That’s all I want, to see movies get made that I believe should be made.

And if my name, whatever it may or may not be worth, can help that process, then that’s what I’m going to do.” january2012

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E s c ap e t o

Hintlesham Hall Suffolk’s 16th Century Grade I Listed Hidden Gem

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intlesham Hall is the ideal escape from it all and surrounded by 175 acres of unspoilt Suffolk countryside close to the 16th Century wool merchants’ villages, located near to a selection of pretty river estuaries. Hintlesham Hall itself, a 16th Century Grade I listed building sits in beautiful parkland with broad lawns and a garden and pond area leading onto an impressive rose garden and orchard.

The renowned Herb Garden designed by Robert Carrier is a stunning addition and guests can often see chefs at work picking fresh produce.

Each of the spacious 33 bedrooms fuses traditional English country home interiors with a selection of modern touches. This traditional charm continues throughout all lounges and break out areas of Hintlesham Hall allowing guests to unwind and relax throughout the house as and when they please.

Guests can also make use of the Health Club which includes an excellent gym and an outdoor heated swimming pool. Using ESPA, the Health Club offers a selection of health & beauty treatments including facials, body treatments, makeup, tanning and waxing. Guests can also opt to enjoy dedicated whole day ‘Health Days’ or ‘Pamper Days’; ideal for any type of escape. Golf fans also benefit from the proximity of the adjacent 18 hole, par 72 Hintlesham Golf Club which is one of the finest courses in the PGA’s Eastern Region.

The award winning restaurant by Head Chef Alan Ford is a destination in itself.

Using local produce and only the finest quality ingredients including fresh herbs from the famous garden, Alan has created a selection of menus targeting those seeking a gourmet experience and also those looking for healthconscious options. In all, there are three dining rooms, all ideal

for a selection of memorable celebrations and events. The extensive A La Carte menu features starters including; Quail, duck egg and pancetta salad dressed with hazelnut oil & Wild Mushroom and Madeira risotto amongst others.

Mains showcase British dishes at their best and include Suffolk Pork cooking in three ways with Aspall cider Jus & Roast local partridge, beetroot and celeriac remoulade with a bay reduction amongst several fish and vegetarian main courses.

Desserts include Cinnamon parfait, baked honey and museli custard with butterscotch sauce & Armagnac crème brulée, date and walnut tuille biscuit amongst another 8 options. A dedicated Sunday Lunch menu is also available as is an afternoon tea menu which can be enjoyed in any of the three dining rooms of Hintlesham Hall or outdoors.

Wines too are taken very seriously at Hintlesham Hall, the award winning 350 bin wine list crosses the Old world to the New world with an extensive selection of wines from France to as far as Australia.

A casual dining menu is also available for those seeking a quicker meal and these dishes include comfort foods such as Steak & Mushroom Toasted Sandwich & Chicken Caesar Salad amongst others.

Owned today by hotelier Dee Ludlow, Hintlesham Hall still exudes its original grandeur including the impressive Grand Salon. The history of Hintlesham Hall can be traced back as far as 1454 but it is in 2012 that Hintlesham Hall fuses history, seclusion, food and escapism like no other property in Suffolk. www.hintleshamhall.co.uk Hintlesham Hall Hotel, Hintlesham, Ipswich, Suffolk IP8 3NS Tel : 01473 652334 Accommodation & Breakfast priced £189.00 per room based on two sharing and includes use of Health Club facilities

DELICIOUS, NUTRITIOUS, SEASONAL & SUSTAINABLE

Feng Sushi is committed to serving the finest food with the least possible impact on the environment – from our eco-friendly packaging to friendly cycling delivery service.

We are also passionate about promoting seasonal ingredients and UK produce. We believe foods in season contain all the nutrients and minerals that our bodies need at particular times of the year.

Eat healthily, tread lightly…

Eat In | Take Away | Deliveries Order online fengsushi.co.uk or by telephone FENG SUSHI RESTAURANTS: Kensington 24 Kensington Church Street W8 4EZ TEL: 7937 7927 Area W1,W6,W8,W14,SW5,SW7 Borough Market 13 Stoney Street SE1 9AD TEL: 7407 8744 Area EC1,EC2,EC3,EC4,E1,SE1,SE11, SE16,SE17,WC1,WC2,SW8 Billingsgate Unit Q9 Trafalgar Way, Billingsgate Market, Poplar E14 5ST TEL: 7537 9160 Area E2,E3,E14,E16 Festival Hall Unit 9 Festival Terrace SE1 8XX TEL: 7261 0001 Local SE1 area only

Fulham Road 218 Fulham Road SW10 9NB TEL: 7795 1900 Area SW1,SW3,SW6,SW8,SW10,SW11,SW8 Notting Hill Gate 101 Notting hill gate W11 3JZ TEL: 7727 1123 Area W2,W3,W4,W9,W10,W11,W12,NW10 Chalk Farm 1 Adelaide Road NW3 3QE TEL: 7483 2929 Area NW1,NW3,NW5,NW6,N1,NW8

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LITERARY LONDON: The Radisson Edwardian Bloomsbury Street Hotel

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ocated in London’s literary quarter, resides the stunning Radisson Edwardian Bloomsbury Street Hotel – a gem within the Radisson Edwardian Hotel collection, and one of London’s best-kept secrets.

Situated in the heart of Bloomsbury, The Bloomsbury Street Hotel is a stone’s throw from theatre land, Covent Garden, the cultural British museum and bustling Oxford Street. The beautifully designed spaces provide true five-star luxury at four-star prices and without doubt The Bloomsbury Street Hotel makes the ideal location for a London stopover.

Dominating the hotel’s reception space is a striking art installation, the perfect backdrop to a team of attentive and dedicated Reception staff. Paying homage to the hotel’s location – previously home to literary legend Virginia Woolf – the hotel has dedicated an entire wall to pages from Virginia Woolf ’s celebrated novel Mrs Dalloway.

And its literary links don’t stop there. Make sure to check out the hotel’s recommended ‘Book of the Month’. The Radisson Edwardian Bloomsbury Street Hotel is the first hotel to host its very own book club concept and invites its guests to take away a complimentary copy of their chosen book. This January guests get a chance to exclusively preview Bloomsbury’s ‘Short Stories 2012 Collection’, and next month ‘The Picador Book of Love Poems’ is the perfect accompaniment to a Valentine’s stay.

The Bloomsbury Street Hotel offers some of the most stylish and largest bedrooms in London, with 174-bedrooms in total. And as expected each room contains the most up-to106 j a n u a r y 2 0 1 2

date and essential room amenities; flat screen TVs, wireless Internet and the mini-bar. The hotel also has three incredible suites to cater for those extra-special occasions. And whilst you’re there make sure you check out the exclusive 7th floor, especially the luxurious Studio Suite 7007; with its stunning views over the British Museum’s famous dome, it also houses its own very impressive suspended swing egg chair!

Whether you are staying at The Bloomsbury Street Hotel or are simply passing-by, make sure to visit the hotel’s stunning Bloomsbury Street Bar & Restaurant. A welcome haven for discerning diners, the dining space is the most intimate and opulent of foodie destinations. Opt for the smoked haddock and sweet corn fishcake with Caesar dressing and pea shoots, followed by an English classic of roast pheasant with black pudding served with fondant potato, seasonal vegetables and a deep onion and rosemary jus. Finish off with the the white chocolate and raspberry dome with strawberry coulis and mocha cream – it definitely is a must-try!

Overall, The Bloomsbury Street Hotel does not fall short in its offerings. Luxury bedrooms, a fantastic in-house restaurant and bar, innovative meeting and events suites – all these stunning spaces attribute to the hotel’s great profile.

For further information please visit www.radissonedwardian.com Radisson Edwardian Bloomsbury Street Hotel, 9-13 Bloomsbury Street, London, WC1B 3QD For reservations please call: +44 (0)20 7636 5601 For more information: www.radissonedwardian.com/bloomsburystreet

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