Life begins summer 14

Life

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Summer 14

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Palin talks about return of Monty Python + Summer Fashion, Audi R8 Review Herb Gardens, Dirty Dancing & more!

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CARE • IN

edition

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In this

4 8 11 14 16 18

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Dubai for a weekend

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Showbiz - 5 minutes with globe-trotter and comedy genius Michael Palin Property - Rogue Traders and tips on house buying in the current boom

Travel - Excess in Dubai - we experience the ultimate that this city has to offer

Reviews - Latest gadgets under the microscope: Doro mobile phone and Nextbase dash-cam Fashion - Cobalt blue is the colour to be seen in this summer

Cobalt blue is the colour of summer

Food - Actress Jane Asher teams up with leading high street retailer and bakes a treat

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Entertainment - All the listings for the must-see events and shows across Dorset & Hampshire

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Entertainment - We review Dirty Dancing that is taking the UK by storm

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Gardening - Start a herb garden - we show you how.

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Money - The pension revolution begins PLUS: Avoid being a victim of the ‘Crash Scam’

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Competitions - Win a Nextbase dashcam worth £149.99 or tickets to see Sir Garfield Sobers

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Motoring - We test drive the awesome Audi R8 and are left wanting

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Special feature: Full Stompn’ On The Quomps programme

A stompin’ good issue

Welcome back to Life Begins maagzine - to our loyal readers and new readers alike. We gather we’ve got quite a few new readers if our current research is anything to go by. We’ve increased the amount of outlets that Life Begins Magazine is available from, to make sure there’s enough copies to go around. Go to our website at www.lifebeginsmagazine.com to find out your nearest stockist.

The observant and not-so observant among you can’t help but have noticed that Life Begins has changed it’s look. In response to reader feedback, we’ve made the size more user-friendly so it’s easier to pickup and take home. We’ve also freshened up the look - hopefully you, our trusty readers approve of the changes.

Do let us know your comments by emailing us: editor@lifebeginsmagazine.com or why not go to our facebook page or follow us on Twitter for all our latest news and get involved.

This summer, we’re proud to once again be the main media sponsors for this year’s Stompin’ On The Quomps’ festival at Christchurch Quay on 2 August. Last year proved to be a fabulous day out for all ages, with thousands in attendance.

The weather was fine and the music sublime. You’ll notice in this edition of Life Begins we’ve incorporated the festival programme, so our readers will be the first to know what’s happening at this years’ event. Why not come along and sample the great atmosphere?. Bring the fold-up chairs, a picnic and perhaps a bottle of wine and stay for the day. What’s even better is that it’s free!

If you’re coming to the show, come and say hello at the Life Begins stand. We’ll even have the Audi R8 supercar that we test drove for our motoring piece (p26) on show - sadly we can’t let you drive it but you can read the article and see the car in the flesh on the day!

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Life

How did we rate the Audi R8?

Editor:

begins...

Jason Harris

Advertising:

Brian Case Emma Churcher

Artwork:

Jason Harris Kim Freeman Kelly Adkin

Production:

Kim Freeman

Published by IMS Group www.ims-group.co.uk

Email: info@lifebeginsmagazine.com To advertise in Life Begins, please call our sales dept: Brian on 01202 611104 Emma on 01202 611103

Until the next time, Jason Harris, Editor The views and comments expressed in Life Begins magazine are the views of the contributors and not that of the publishers. Life Begins magazine, IMS limited and its associated websites cannot be held responsible for any misinterpretations or errors in its editorial coverage. Adverts are supplied in good faith and Life Begins Magazine, IMS Limited and its associated websites cannot be held responsible for the products or services offered and advertised in its publications. The ASA (advertising standards authority) exists to regulate advertising and if you wish to complain about any particular product or service advertised then you should contact the ASA directly, they can be found at www.asa.org.uk or by calling 020 7492 2222

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Showbiz News

5 minutes with...

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Life Begins Summer 14_Layout 1 14/07/2014 11:29 Page 5

Showbiz News HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT A WHOLE NEW

AUDIENCE SEEING THE COMPLETE AND UTTER HISTORY OF BRITAIN?

It’s funny, everything that one does now is attainable on the internet or somewhere. When we started off doing things like The Frost Report and even Monty Python, once they’d had their screening, that was it. A lot of them were just destroyed to make room for other tapes and stuff. The Complete and Utter History of Britain was quite a progressive show at the time, a bit of a risk and very experimental. But I think it’s great that people can see all the bits that survive, and make up their own minds about it.

WAS IT FUN FOR YOU TO LOOK BACK AT IT? Yes it was. I really enjoyed doing it. At that period, I’d only been working as a writer and actor for about four years, and we’d done so much. We worked and wrote and sold our material wherever we could, whether it was The Russ Conway Show, The Two Ronnies, The Frost Report or wherever. So it was great to do a series that you could have some control over.

YOU’VE GOT YOUR OWN TOUR COMING UP IN

SEPTEMBER, WHAT CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THAT? It’s really to help publicise the last volume of diaries, which cover the period 1988 to 1998, which is when I suddenly took this leap into the dark and became a travel presenter. That’s why the diaries and the show are called Travelling to Work. I’ve done a lot of one-man shows on stage, at book festivals, where they’re partly about the travels and partly about Python and all that, so really it’s doing a sort of streamlined version of those

IS THERE A DREAM PROJECT YOU’D LIKE TO

GET OFF THE GROUND? Well, that’s a very good question, and there are things buzzing around in the back of my mind... ‘I’m not sure at the moment’, is probably the best answer to that. I hope to do a bit more acting, and maybe take on a challenge or two.

HOW ARE REHEARSALS FOR THE RETURN OF

MONTY PYTHON GOING? They’re not going at the moment. We won’t really start rehearsing properly until about two weeks before. We’ve got a script, we know the material, but we don’t want to peak too early, we’re old blokes!

ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO IT? Yes I am. I wish it were coming along a little bit sooner, but there we are. But I love playing comedy with those guys, and I hope that we can relax into it and have fun because if we don’t have fun, the audience won’t either.

IT WILL BE A FRIENDLY AUDIENCE...

The speed at which the tickets sold was astounding to us all. So there are a lot of friends of Python out there, and as you rightly say, I don’t think anybody’s going to come along who doesn’t like us. Apart from the sketches that are well known there’s a few new bits and pieces. Certainly the presentation will be different from anything we’ve done before. The visual stuff is so hi-tech these days that we can integrate Graham Chapman much more. It’ll

...Michael Palin shows, but with some new material. It is basically firsthalf travel, then second-half how you make the change from being a schoolboy who told jokes on the class back row in Sheffield to standing in front of 15,000 people at the O2. I wanted to make it a national tour because I love getting out of London.

WHY NOW? WHAT MADE YOU GET TOGETHER

AFTER ALL THIS TIME? Purely financial, I think. There have been previous suggestions, but this time it’s partly because we’ve had this court case hanging around when one of the producers of The Holy Grail decided he needed a bit more of the cut from Spamalot - and court cases don’t come cheap. Something had to push us into it, but I think if we hated the sight of each other and couldn’t face the prospect of learning all those sketches again, we wouldn’t have done it.

:: The Complete and Utter History of Britain is available on DVD and Blu-ray now. For further information about the Travelling to Work tour see: www.palinstravels.co.uk.

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Life begins

DID YOU ALWAYS WANT TO WORK IN TV & FILM? I think I probably did but never ever thought I would. I enjoyed acting at school, but my father in particular was very, very stern about that. He thought the idea of being an actor would be a waste of his money and time, and my education. It was only really when I went to Oxford in 1962 where I met up with people like Terry Jones who gave me the opportunity to act in plays there and also in revue. So yeah, I gravitated towards the few strengths I had, writing and performing, and just didn’t tell my father I hadn’t become a bank manager or a BBC trainee or something like that. I think, in the end, I made the right decision.

probably be quite moving, to see Graham up there.

But it does mean we’re all together in a way.

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Life Begins Summer 14_Layout 1 14/07/2014 11:27 Page 7

Get your message across to 65,000+ readers across Dorset & Hampshire...

Life Begins is the region’s most widely distributed magazine for the 50+ age group. Our readers could be your next customers.

Call IMS Group’s marketing consultants today and start talking to our readers!

Tel: 01202 611 100

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Avoiding

Life Begins Summer 14_Layout 1 14/07/2014 09:39 Page 8

Homes & Property

the cowboys

How to find a good tradesperson By Julia Gray There can’t be many who haven’t had a bad experience with tradesmen - and, yes, let’s face it, it’s usually men because tradeswomen are pretty thin on the ground.

Problems can range from the relatively minor but extremely annoying, such as not turning up and not telling you they’re not turning up, to the much more serious, such as abandoning the job halfway through, leaving you thousands of pounds out of pocket and with a home that may not even be habitable.

Yes, it is definitely hard to find a good tradesperson - even the ones who are good at their jobs can often be unreliable or unwilling to answer their phone when you need them.

Thankfully though, there are ways to find better ones.

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It’s no secret that the best way to find someone who’ll do a good job is to get a recommendation however, this doesn’t necessarily follow when it’s a recommendation from another tradesperson.

While your plumber may know a good electrician they’ve worked with before, for example, be wary - it might just be a case of them trying to get a mate some work. I’ve had some bad experiences of this lately, resulting in me employing unreliable, incompetent and work-shy tradesmen (and even one who had serious psychological flaws and wasn’t afraid to show them...).

Recommendations from a former customer, or from your own friends, colleagues and neighbours, are more reliable, but if no one you know can suggest the person you need, where can you turn? An architect, if you’re using one, should have contractors they use regularly and will be happy to get quotations from. Depending

on how much you want the architect to do (and how much you want to pay them), they will often be able to manage the project and the contractors for you.

A trade body, such as the Federation of Master Builders (www.fmb.org.uk) or the Federation of Roofing Contractors (www.corc.co.uk), can also be a good place to start. Many trade bodies have a section on their website where you can search for members. There should also be an explanation of what qualifications members have, the code of practice they’ve signed up to or the undertakings they make, etc, so you know what to expect.

For some jobs, it’s essential to check the tradesperson belongs to the professional body they claim to. For example, if you need someone to work on a gas appliance, by law they have to be a member of Gas Safe Register. You can check someone’s credentials at www.gassaferegister.co.uk and also search for members near you.

Gas Safe Register members can self-certify their work complies with building regulations, and this is useful with other trades, too. It means you don’t have to employ a building control or approved inspector (unless it’s a job only they can sign off) to confirm that the contractor’s work complies with building regs, as the contractor can do it themselves and, crucially, can issue a certificate to confirm this (which you’ll need when you sell your home). While this isn’t necessary for all jobs, it is for some, including a lot of electrical work.

Many electricians who can self-certify their work belong to NICEIC, and their website www.niceic.com - is particularly useful because it has a ‘Householder Wall of Shame’ page, which lists companies trying to pass themselves off as

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Life Begins Summer 14_Layout 1 14/07/2014 11:26 Page 9

Don’t buy blind

Homes & Property

That ‘shabby-chic’ brickwork may be hiding a rotten story...

Buying a home is expensive enough, so having it surveyed as well can seem like an extra expense you and your bank balance can’t quite manage.

But not getting it done could be a false economy.

A surveyor can identify problems you haven’t noticed, and as a result, you may be able to negotiate a lower purchase price, or decide to withdraw from the purchase altogether.

If you’re buying with the help of a mortgage, the lender will instruct a surveyor to value the property to ensure it’s worth what you’re paying. This valuation should identify any very obvious problems with the property, but that’s about it - the lender is simply protecting its interests.

While the valuation is sometimes free, you usually have to pay the lender for it. You can often upgrade to a survey by paying more, the cost of which may be subsidised by the lender, or you can get a survey done independently of the lender’s valuation. If the valuation is less than the purchase price, the mortgage lender may not agree to give you the loan, or may reduce the size of it. It could also put a retention on some of the loan, which may only last until you fix a serious problem, such as damp, or get a specialist report on it.

Apart from the lender’s valuation, there are two main kinds of survey for buyers: the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors ( RICS) HomeBuyer Report and the RICS Building Survey (or full structural survey) see www.rics.org/uk.

The HomeBuyer Report is usually quite long, but divided into sections to make it easy to digest. It uses an easy traffic-light system so you can clearly see what repairs (and maintenance) are required, and how urgent they are. A green/number one rating means that repairs aren’t currently necessary, amber/number two means something needs to be repaired or replaced but isn’t serious or urgent, and red/number three means it is.

The surveyor will check the property thoroughly, but, as with the HomeBuyer, they’ll only examine things that are visible or easily accessible, although they can adapt their inspection to suit your requirements.

Again, the surveyor may recommend getting in specialists to look at potential problems. The Building Survey should be very thorough and lengthy, often containing a long list of defects - but remember all properties have defects, so don’t necessarily be alarmed.

Many buyers trust the surveyor implicitly, but it’s useful to bear in mind that surveyors can get things wrong.

Reporting on one house I was selling, the surveyor said that a lock needed to be upgraded, but it was a five-lever British Standards lock; that the cold-water tank in the loft should be supported, covered and insulated, but it wasn’t connected or in use because the boiler was a combi; and that the (dated-looking) boiler was a new installation, which it wasn’t. The buyers’ solicitor therefore wanted the paperwork for the boiler and wouldn’t believe that we hadn’t fitted it - because the surveyor said it was new until I produced a photo showing the boiler in-situ when we bought the house.

Surveyors are experts and most of us aren’t, but they’re not infallible, so get a survey done, but it’s woth using some common sense when evaluating it.

A homebuyers report will typically cost between £250 - £400. A relatively small price to pay on one of the biggest purchases most people will ever make

The surveyor will often recommend getting experts in to make further investigations, such as a timber specialist to confirm if woodworm damage is active or historic, or an electrician to check the wiring. The HomeBuyer Report is designed to provide a snapshot of the overall condition of the property, rather than a detailed investigation.

For this, you need the Building Survey.

The Building Survey is the most extensive and expensive - type of survey. It’s particularly suited to properties that are large, listed, very old, of unusual construction, in need of renovation, or have been altered substantially.

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Life Begins Summer 14_Layout 1 14/07/2014 09:40 Page 10

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Travel & Holidays

Alternative

Arabian nights

By Catherine Wylie

I’ve come to Dubai with a group of friends to discover whether or not a long weekend here is worth the six-and-a-half-hour flight... ‰

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Travel & Holidays

:: Travelbag offers two nights at the five-star Jumeirah Zabeel Saray on The Palm (half-board) and two nights at the five-star Jumeirah Emirates Towers (half-board) from £779* per person, including direct flights with Royal Brunei from London Heathrow.

‰ City of gold. Dubai is renowned for it’s extravagance

A

s I look up at the beautiful mosaic ceiling, I sigh indulgently as the masseuse pours silky suds all over my freshly exfoliated skin. I’m having my first ever Turkish hammam and I like it, a lot.

Afterwards, as I’m given a fluffy bath robe and tucked into a cosy, cushioned alcove, I think to myself: “This is the life.”

In Dubai, where historical landmarks are in short supply, the spa takes centre stage as part of the daytime activities in a girls’ getaway. I’ve come to the emirate with a group of friends to discover whether or not a long weekend here is worth the six-and-a-half-hour flight.

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We arrive feeling remarkably alert after a flight with Royal Brunei; the airline’s Dreamliner service uses a special climate control system which circulates more oxygen - which means less headaches - and LED lighting to help passengers seamlessly adjust to different time zones. Great for a short break when you don’t want to waste time recovering from jet lag.

Almost immediately, I discover the stories I’ve heard about Dubai’s excess and over-the-top luxury are true.

Home to the seven-star (yes, you did just read sevenstar) Burj Al Arab hotel, this is a destination that takes both customer service and grandeur very seriously.

But I also learn that a lot of the preconceptions people have about supposed strict laws in this manmade city aren’t entirely accurate.

In fact, I find the blissfully serene experience at the Talise Ottoman Spa in the gold-encrusted Jumeirah Zabeel Saray hotel on the Palm Island, to be the calm before the hedonistic storm.

On arrival at the hotel - where Hollywood stars including John Travolta and Susan Sarandon have stayed - we are instantly made to feel like VIPs. My fancy hotel room has a view across the sea, and in the morning, speedboats and yachts float past my balcony as the sun twinkles on the still water.

In the bathroom there’s a marble tub that would easily fit four people and a gold sink epitomises the excessiveness of a city where there are no limits on how far the decadence can go. The ultimate display of tailored luxury is the dressing gown folded up on my bed which has my name sewn on.

Mornings are spent taking a dip in a pool lined with palm trees, followed by a stroll along the private beach in front of the hotel. As lunchtime draws closer, excitement grows; one of Dubai’s key attractions is undoubtedly the variety and quality of the food - with truffle and foie gras a daily offering.

In pursuit of memorable eats, we book into the famous Friday brunch at the hotel’s Imperium restaurant. It’s a whopping three hours of culinary self-indulgence.

Lebanese dishes, sushi, trays of roast meat, oysters, pies, breads and a whole lot more take pride of place on beautifully decorated tables in a

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Travel & Holidays huge dining room lit by chandeliers. With a live band, and people dressed in their best, this feast is quite the event.

As digestion sets in, we struggle across town to get a taste of what it’s like to stay in the city itself, moving into the Jumeirah Emirates Towers.

Here, from my bed, I have the pleasure of looking out at the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, though an enormous floor to ceiling window.

Now we’re in the city, it’s time for some retail therapy. Dubai and consumerism go hand in hand, which is why any girls’ trip is bound to involve some mooching around the mall, or in my case, the souks.

After haggling for a good price, I come away with a cerise pink pashmina and a very cool handbag, bound to score fashion points at home.

For research purposes only, a friend and I venture into the fake designer black market, hidden away in buildings near to the souk. But after being escorted through various doors, up a flight of stairs and into lifts, we decide no designer copy can be worth so much hassle, so we make our excuses and leave.

To get a feel for the more traditional side of Dubai, we go on a Platinum Heritage desert safari and have breakfast with a Bedouin man who claims he doesn’t know what age he is or how many children he has.

We travel in an open-top vintage Land Rover through the Arabian sands, before arriving at a camp where we’re served noodles with oregano-soaked bread.

After a quick puff on the strawberry-flavoured shisha, it’s time for the obligatory camel ride, with all of us in Arab headscarves, taking to the animals two by two, prompting giggles aplenty.

For a totally different daytime activity, and one associated much more with the new Dubai than the days of old, we take to the skies for an afternoon of sightseeing on a helicopter ride. To add to the glamour, our Helidubai pilot tells us he’s currently working on the latest Mission Impossible film with Tom Cruise.

‰ A traditional Souk (market) a little thigh.

Outside, lining the street like a trophy cabinet is an array of cars including a Rolls Royce, a Porsche, a Maserati and a Lamborghini.

When the kitchen stops serving food, the venue turns into a playground for party people where anything goes.

If the trip had a theme tune it would be Madonna’s Material Girl, because there is no doubting Dubai’s worship of materialism, money, exclusivity and luxury.

With dreamy spa treatments, excellent food and hedonistic parties, our girlie group returns home happy with a whole new perception of what it means to enjoy Arabian nights.

From my bird’s eye view, I can confirm that The Palm really is shaped like a palm tree, and the Burj Khalifa sparkles just as much from above.

So, having furiously haggled for a bargain and shared an aircraft with one of the stars of a Hollywood blockbuster (sort of), it’s time to sample the city’s nightlife. But given our preconceptions about culture and society in Dubai, we’re all stumped about what we should wear.

Demure dresses below the knee, and strictly no cleavage, is the order of the night.

However, when we arrive at the exclusive supperclub restaurant and club, we encounter a wild liberalism which we weren’t expecting. Sparkling wine and cocktails flow like tap water, and women wear tight revealing dresses that show more than just *Price quoted was correct at time of going to press

‰ The pool at Talise Ottoman Spa in Jumeirah Zabeel Saray

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On Test

Doro Phone Easy 622

by Jason Harris

We put it to the test

You may have seen the TV adverts or branding in some phone shops which proudly boasts of Doro being one of the easiest to use phones on the market. Some of the Life Begins readership are elderly and some just want a simple phone to send the odd text, or take a photo or two and make a call.

So our team put Doro to the test, loaded with a new SIM, we put the iPhone down for a week and took the Doro Easy 622 on holiday down to the West Country to put it through its paces.

What’s in the box?

It arrived in its bright green and white box and the first thing I noticed was the good sized text, no silly small writing like you get on the ingredients in a supermarket. The side of the box clearly shows what benefits the phone offers and these include Loud and clear sound, Hearing aid compatible, large keys, adjustable text size, easy menu handling and a unique option to hide unwanted functions. Along with the phone you get a wrist strap and easy to use cradle charging device.

Setting up my device

Like most phones the battery compartment and SIM holder are situated together on the back of the phone, here we hit our first minor problem, we had the SIM free option and when we contacted Vodafone for a SIM they had trouble finding the phone on their system to obtain the correct SIM. Unusually, in today’s phone market the Doro uses a Mini card (whic in fairness is easier to fit) so be aware of this if getting the SIM free option. If purchasing the phone from a phone shop with a contract, the shop should fit the SIM card for you.

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Charging up the phone was quick and easy. When you switch it on for the first time, you have an option to use the set up wizard. Unless you know what you are doing, our advice is to use the wizard.

If you are purchasing this phone for an elderly parent, of if you live alone, then the phone has an excellent ICE (In case of Emergency) feature, which stores all your critical data and lets someone know in an emergency, who you are, and who to contact.

Ambulance personnel, for instance, are trained to look for this information on a phone, if they arrive at an emergency and the person is not able to communicate with them. It’s easy to set up and something we think all phones should have. (See manual for full instructions)

How well does it perform?

The phone is well contained in its sturdy flip-open casing, taking us back to the days of the early phones. The screen is of a good size, as is the keypad great if you have unsteady hands. The text is easily readable too.

Reception is down to your network provider and also your location but we encountered no problems.

The camera is of good quality and the picture quality is satisfactory but probably not as good as the leading smartphone brands. The phone can also be connected to your PC to off load photos. Sending a text is great with the big buttons and it offers both predictive text (although turning it on isn’t too easy), and the option of pressing number keys and spelling out the letters.

What we loved about the phone

The phone does exactly as it says on the box - it is an easy to use phone that makes and receives calls, takes and receives okay photos and is well designed. (especially for anyone who may be hard of hearing who is using it with their hearing aid). It’s big buttons and fonts are good for those with a less than perfect eye sight. We particularly liked the ICE feature (In case of emergency) which then contacts any member of the family with one click of a button.

Overall verdict

If you understand the capabilities of this phone, before your purchase then you will find this to be a well-designed and thought out phone with the elderly person put at the forefront of its design. If you are looking for a phone which the user can connect to the internet, Facebook etc then this phone is not for you as it does not offer this function.

We felt the battery life could be better though we have to say it is better than many of today’s phones.

It’s not particularly intuitive in predicting what you the user may want to do with it, but it is fair to say the phone is not designed with this in mind. One great little feature is the one touch weather button, its great and ticks that one box we all like to talk

You can find out more on Doro phones on their website www.doro.co.uk or you can find out about the phones in most high street phone stores.

Details were correct at time of press and phone models do change, for best advice speak to your local phone supplier and remember that charges do apply for calls and texts.

www.lifebeginsmagazine.com

Life Begins Summer 14_Layout 1 14/07/2014 09:40 Page 15

Nextbase 402G Dashcam

by Brian Case

On Test

We put it to the test

The thought of using a dash cam, or in car camera, had never occurred to me until recently when I watched an episode of BBC Crimewatch in which they were explaining their use in reducing the number of fraudulent insurance claims, especially with regard to ‘crash for cash’ where criminals purposely drive into an innocent driver in order to claim against his/her insurance.

What’s on the market

When doing my own research I soon found out that dash cams are almost an essential part of your in car equipment in places like USA, Russia, India and now increasingly in Europe. The UK market is now growing and so there is moer choice. The one that caught my eye was the NextBase 402G Professional.

have to worry about the memory running out as it starts again from the beginning once it has used available memory. It has a 6.8cm LCD screen with a wide angle lens covering 140 degrees. I tested the unit in both bright sunlight and at night-time and the auto adjust for light settings works perfectly every time, whilst recording in great HD quality.

Prices for these cameras can be as cheap at £29.99 but as is often the case with purchases of technological equipment: the more can afford, the more functions you’re likely to get included. This unit costs around £149.00 but check your local retailer as prices are starting to come down as they these gadgets get increasingly popular.

The unit has an excellent playback mode which works on both PC and Mac, though here I did find the enclosed micro CD difficult to work on my machine but you can download the software from the Nextbase website. When this has been installed on your PC, you can then view your trips with full GPS positioning on a map, time of day and even speed great if it is then required for any insurance claim but could be great for those who enjoy track days too.

Inside the box

The ‘quick start up’ instructions are easy to understand though I do recommend you read the more detailed instructions, not because the unit is complicated but because once you turn on the screen you are suddenly confronted with lots of on screen symbols - by reading beforehand you will have a better understanding of what they all mean.

If like me, you are all thumbs, the SD card may be a little tricky to click into place but once done and the unit is powered up the rest is pretty simple. The suction pad for placing the unit on the windscreen holds well - since I put it up, I have had rain with condensation on the screen and very hot weather but the unit has stayed in place. You get a good 4m length of cable to plug the unit in which easily fits most cars and even with its screen size of 6.8cm (2.7”) it fits unobtrusively, recording the road ahead. I placed mine on my screen behind my rear view mirror, out of the way and causing no obstruction.

Quality product

The Nextbase 402G takes an SD card up to a maximum of 32GB which is recommend. With its continuous loop recording though, you’ll never

Overall verdict

Is it a gimmick or passing fad? In my opinion it can’t be either - let’s put it this way: For the test it was on my screen for a full week but there it will stay permanently, keeping that extra eye out for me, both in the event of an insurance claim and for my own use checking my own driving standards. With its brilliant ‘stop recording and save button’ it’s reassuring to know that extra set of eyes is looking out for me.

We are lucky to have one unit to giveaway in our free to entre prize draw, turn to our competitions page on page 28 for details on how to enter.

To check out some video of the camera in action visit our Life Begins Magazine Facebook page www.facebook.com/lifebeginsMagazine where you can also join in our campaign for better driving standards by uploading your own footage.

You can find out more on Nextbase in-car products on their website www.nextbase.co.uk or you can find out about their products in most high street motor stores including Halfords.

Details were correct at time of press and some models do change, for best advice speak to your local car parts retailer and remember that this technology may not be legal in certain counries so check before using abroad.

www.lifebeginsmagazine.com

15

Life Begins Summer 14_Layout 1 14/07/2014 09:40 Page 16

fashion & style

For Summer 2014 it has to be...

Cobalt Bl Clara leather and suede bag, £289 & Evelyn silk dress, £129 both from Desa (www.desa.uk.com)

Silvia fitted dress, £78 Mens jacket, £140 Mens poplin shirt, £75 all from People Tree

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Life Begins Summer 14_Layout 1 14/07/2014 09:40 Page 17

fashion & style

Alice & You cobalt blue trousers, £24.99 at Dorothy Perkins (www.dorothyperkins.com)

BLUE HUE STAPLES

Marisota blue mesh insert top, £35 (www.marisota.co.uk)

Blue

ess, £129

Cobalt blue is a classic hue, so staples you invest in this season are unlikely to date, and will work equally as well in summer or winter. Let’s call it a blue bonus.

By Lisa Haynes,

Forget pastels, bypass black and ignore neutrals. In case you were in any doubt about the colour of the season, it’s cobalt blue. Think of the shade as your summer alternative to black. It’s chic, classic and works alongside countless colours, from bright neon to stark white.

Topshop cobalt leather pencil skirt, £125 (www.topshop.com)

“Cobalt blue is ‘the’ wardrobe staple colour for summer 2014, and you can make it work for your colouring and your style,” says Fiona Wellins of Colour Me Beautiful.

“This beautiful, bright blue is bold enough to make a statement on its own, or you can wear it as you would your neutral shades, like black, grey or navy.”

If you can’t get enough of the colour’s intensity, try cobalt blue drenched silks or suedes to show off the hue to the max.

Summer leathers are surprisingly buttery soft and lightweight. While black can look heavy on a sunny day, a cobalt blue pencil skirt is the bright alternative that looks incredible against sun-kissed, bare legs

Time to get on board with blue this summer. You and your wardrobe may never go back to black...

COBALT CREATIVE

To make the biggest impact with cobalt blue, take your inspiration from the catwalks and go all-out Models were styled top-totoe in the electric hue to pack a punch.

Iconic blue jumpsuit, £149; Ossie Clark London (www.ossieclarklondon.co.uk)

Try working one block blue colour separate with a cobalt print and team with matching heels for a cohesive look. A simple statement option is a bold blue maxi dress or wide-leg jumpsuit, for one-piece dressing made easy.

Subtly Cobalt

For the ultimate in subtlety, seek out cobalt jewellery. Work a statement necklace or chandelier earrings featuring bold blue stones for a peacockinspired colour Stella & Dot Peacock chandeliers earrings, £55 (www.stelladot.co.uk)

“A good investment this season would be a blouse or jacket in the right shade of cobalt blue that flatters you,” Wellins advises. If you feel that cobalt doesn’t flatter near the face, she recommends choosing softer, muted fabrics, like jersey or lace, to help tone it down.

ELECTRIC EXTRAS Supplement your summer clothing buys with cobalt accessories that provide a stylish bolt from the blue.

The versatility of the colour means it works with neons and neutrals alike as a finishing touch.

Wellins suggests: “For work, wear your usual neutrals to keep your outfit classic and appropriate, and simply add a flash of cobalt with your handbag or shoes.”

Switch up your usual navy or black bag for an electric blue slouchy shopper.

The colour will act as an instant mood-boosting bright on your shoulder every time you wear it the brighter, the better. Evening calls for a more structured approach. Try a chic cobalt envelope clutch to accessorise your LBD or LWD (little white dress).

Dunnes Paul Costelloe Living coloured tote, £47 (www.dunnesstores.com)

www.lifebeginsmagazine.com

Cobalt cross strap court shoes, £22.40 from Dorothy

17

Jane’s bakes

Life Begins Summer 14_Layout 1 14/07/2014 09:40 Page 18

bout a n i a l p g n i h t No

Food & Drink

By Jeananne Craig

W

ith a wicked glint in her eyes, Jane Asher is recalling a recipe from her first baking book.

The novelty cake, made for a friend’s 40th birthday, was adorned with 40 naked ladies made of flesh-coloured icing, “because he was a bit of a ladies’ man”. The naughty concoction, from the 1982 book Jane Asher’s Party Cakes, is still a popular order at the actress and writer’s cake shop in Chelsea, West London.

“I mean sex and food - you can’t get better than that,” says the red-headed star, looking chic in a fitted shift dress. “And now, of course, we do every combination - men, women, different nationalities, bondage. My initial one looks so innocent now, these misshapen little ladies.”

All this talk of nudity and bondage comes as a bit of surprise, given Asher’s wholesome image. But as the 68-year-old, who began acting aged five (in the 1952 film Mandy) and had a high-profile romance with Beatle Paul McCartney in the Sixties, points out: “I’ve been around for so long, there isn’t much I haven’t seen.

18

Asher’s cake business began as a hobby when her three children were small. More books followed after the success of her first, as did collaborations with stores such as Debenhams and Matalan. Asher’s latest venture is a bakeware range with bargain chain Poundland, selling pastel-coloured kitchen essentials, including mini-scales and whisks for £1 a piece.

Here are three delicious recipes for you to try at home from her new Poundland book, Beautiful Baking.

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JANE’S CHOCOLATE FRIDGE CAKE 350g dark chocolate drops 125g butter 2tbsp golden syrup 450g cake crumbs (any leftovers) 4tbsp brandy 225g crushed digestive biscuits 50g glace cherries Grease and line an 8-inch square or rectangular tray bake tin.

Put the chocolate, butter and golden syrup into a large, heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water, stirring occasionally until all is melted together (or melt it in the microwave).

Take the pan off the heat and stir in all the other ingredients.

Turn the mix into the prepared tin and chill until set (about two to three hours).

Cut into nine or 16 squares, then dust the tops with sieved icing sugar.

s

Life Begins Summer 14_Layout 1 14/07/2014 09:40 Page 19

Local optician scoops another national technology award Advertising feature

Parley Optometrists lift coveted prize for the second time Dorset based Optician Parley Optometrists have sensationally lifted the coveted national award for Technology Practice of the Year for the second time at this year’s Optician Awards held at the prestigious Hilton Hotel on Park Lane.

The optical practice based at Parley Cross beat off stiff competition from other Opticians across the UK to win the award, having won previously in 2008.

The optical practice has reached the finals of the awards for several years and is widely recognised as a leading independent optician on the south coast. Owner and Senior Optometrist Rob Jones, interviewed moments after receiving the award could hardly contain his excitement: “This is what makes it all worthwhile. It’s a real achievement to win the award for the second time and it’s good to be officially recognised for all the hard work the team puts in to ensure the very best eye care for our patients”

As well as the Technology Practice of the Year award, the ground-breaking practice was also short-listed for two other national awards: Campaign of the Year award, helped by their specialist marketing agency IMS Group and also Software Practice of

• Diabetic eye screening • Glaucoma screening & hospital shared eye care • NHS & Private eye exams • Contact lens specialists • Orthokeratology (Eye-Dream) an alternative to laser - for those suitable • Digital imaging of the internal & external structures of the eye • Corneal topography/pachymetry (advanced scanning techniques) • Children’s examinations & coloured overlays for specific learning / reading difficulties • Hospital cataract referral centre • Dry Eye specialists • Advanced 3D OCT Screening for the most advanced eye test

the Year, which recognised their unique use of the latest software to help improve their patient experience and the overall service offered by Parley Optometrists.

When asked why he thought the judges had favoured his practice, Mr Jones, who is also a Senior Optometrist at The Royal Bournemouth Hospital, explained: “It’s very difficult to know what exactly the judges are looking for when deciding on who should win an award, so all we can do is put forward what we as a practice do best and what we feel is important as opticians. The driving force behind Parley Optometrists is to always be ‘at the forefront of ocular technology’ and this is actually our company mission statement. We really believe that by investing in the latest technology available in optics, we are offering our patients the very best that money can buy, and what their eyes deserve.”

Since it’s formation in 1999, Parley Optometrists has grown from a relatively small opticians looking after the needs of a few hundred patients to one now boasting a patient register of several thousand meaning they are now seeking an additional optician to keep up with the unprecedented demand for their innovative services.

Comedy Impressionist Jon Culshaw (left) who presented the award to Parley Optometrist’s Rob Jones with Brian Bowles from Grafton Optical and Chris Bennett, Editor of Optician

PARLEY OPTOMETRISTS AT THE FOREFRONT OF OCULAR TECHNOLOGY Parley Optometrists believe in delivering award-winning eyecare for our patients which is why we have invested in some of the latest technology available to ensure that we are giving the best possible care available today.

Now you can have advanced award winning eye-care including the latest in technology from just 33p a day which includes spectacles at half the normal retail cost and other member benefits including fast track appointments

S NER 4 WINhe 201 l at t ationa n N ticia Op ards Aw

VIEW A DEMO VIDEO OF OUR SERVICES INCLUDING OCT SCREENING: www.parleyoptometrists.co.uk

Follow us on Facebook & Twitter

parleyoptometrists 127 New Road, West Parley, Dorset

Call 01202 575759

@parleyoptom

to make an appointment

www.parleyoptometrists.co.uk • 01202 575759 www.lifebeginsmagazine.com

Life Begins Summer 14_Layout 1 14/07/2014 09:40 Page 20

Entertainment

Shows &Events coming soon...

July

Now on - 6 Sept 16-20 July 18 July 19 July – Sept 20 July 22-26 July 16-27 July 24 July 23 July – 8 Aug 24-27 July 25-26 July 25 July 26 July 26 July 26 July 26-2 Aug 29-31 July 29 July 31 July

August

Various dates 1-3 August 1-17 August 1 August 1 August 1 August 2 August 2 August 2-9 August 3 August 3 August 4 August 7 Aug 8 August 9 August 11-16 August 12 August 14 Aug 15 August 15 August 16-17 August 16 August 19 August 22 August 22 August 22 August

20

The Lion King Larmer Tree Festival Family fiesta with Fireworks Lest we forget (exhibition) Sky Ride Local Outdoor Shakespeare – Richard III Decades of Dance Summer Breeze on the Quay (Fireworks) Open air theatre Henry IV Summer real ale festival Dance Explosion Bonsai talk & tour of Japanese garden Lets hang on – Music of Frankie Valli Dorchester craft and gift market Private Lives Swanage Carnival New Forest Show Butterfly Walk Southsea Comedy Festival

Abseil the Spinnaker Tower The Southsea Show (Family) Art at the Heart (Various events) Southsea Comedy Festival Al Stewart in concert Family fiesta with Fireworks Poole town and Country show Stompin on the Quomps Cowes Week Free guided nature walk 80’s Mania Lights out – WW1 reflection Summer Breeze on the Quay (Fireworks) Family fiesta with Fireworks Ellingham & Ringwood show Cats – The Musical An evening with Sir Garfield Sobers Summer Breeze on the Quay (Fireworks) Family fiesta with Fireworks The Sooty Show Fairy Festival Searchers in Concert Fireside tales with Granddad Family fiesta with Fireworks Quay for my car (American Dreams) The Bohemians - Queens finest

Mayflower Theatre Larmer Tree Gardens Pier/Seafront Portsmouth City Museum Southampton Common Priory House Garden Nuffield Theatre Poole Quay Brownsea Island The Crofton Pub Lighthouse Poole Compton Acres Tivoli Theatre The Corn exchange Barrington Theatre Swanage The Showground Lepe Country Park Southsea Common

Southampton Salisbury Bournemouth Portsmouth Southampton Christchurch Southampton Poole Poole Harbour Hill Head, Hants Poole Poole Wimborne Dorchester Ferndown Swanage Brockenhurst Exbury Southsea

Spinnaker Tower Southsea Common Nuffield Theatre Southsea Common Tivoli Theatre Pier/Seafront Upton Country Park Christchurch Quay Cowes/Solent Canford Heath Pavilion Theatre Nationwide/County wide Poole Quay Pier/Seafront Ellingham Show Ground Pavilion Theatre Regent Centre Poole Quay Pier/Seafront Regent Centre Burley Regent Centre Barrington Theatre Pier/Seafront Poole Quay Tivoli Theatre

Portsmouth Portsmouth Southampton Southsea Wimborne Bournemouth Poole Christchurch I.O.W Poole Bournemouth

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Poole Bournemouth Nr Ringwood Bournemouth Christchurch Poole Bournemouth Christchurch New Forest Christchurch Ferndown Bournemouth Poole Wimborne

Dates and venues correct at time of press, but you are advised to check with venues prior to travelling

Life Begins Summer 14_Layout 1 14/07/2014 09:40 Page 21

Entertainment

n...

24 August 28-31 August 28 Aug 31 August

The Great Waterslide Raft Race Bournemouth Air Festival Summer Breeze on the Quay (Fireworks) ABBA Reunion (Tribute concert)

Hythe Marina Sea front Poole Quay Pavilion Theatre

Hythe Bournemouth Poole Bournemouth

Until 6 Sept 7 September 9-13 Sept 10 September 14 September 16 September 16-21 Sept 16 Sept – 5 Oct 16-18 Sept 18-20 Sept 23 September 24 September 25 September 26-28 Sept

The Lion King Des O’Connor Rock of Ages Earth, Wind and Fire Breeze Bike ride (Women only) The West End Experience Riverdance Singin’ in the Rain Not about Heroes (Great War poets) The Events Marcus Brigstoke (Comedian) Simon and Garfunkel Story Jane McDonald The Great Bransgore Beer festival

Mayflower Theatre Pavilion Theatre Mayflower Theatre BIC Victoria Park Pavilion Theatre BIC Mayflower Theatre Lighthouse Poole Nuffield Theatre Nuffield Theatre Lighthouse Poole Lighthouse Poole The Three Tuns

Southampton Bournemouth Southampton Bournemouth Portsmouth Bournemouth Bournemouth Southampton Poole Southampton Southampton Poole Poole Bransgore

September

Contact details for venues featured in listings: Regent Centre www.regentcentre.co.uk BIC/Pavilion www.bic.co.uk Mayflower Theatre www.mayflower.org.uk Nuffield Theatre www.nuffieldtheatre.co.uk Lighthouse Poole www.lighthousepoole.co.uk Swanage Carnival www.swanagecarnival.com Spinnaker Tower www.visitportsmouth.co.uk Poole Tourism www.pooletourism.com Bournemouth Tourism www.bournemouth.co.uk Lights Out/British Legion www.1418now.org.uk

01202 499 199 01202 456 400 02380 711 811 02380 671 771 0844 406 8666 02392 857 520 0845 234 5560 01202 451 734

BGT winners COLLABRO release new album & make a date with BIC on Valentines day 2015 The musical theatre boy band and Britain's Got Talent winners Collabro, release debut album Stars on July 28th. Featuring eleven much loved songs from musical theatre and film, each one is exquisitely reworked in the contemporary style that has made Collabro such an instant hit.

Collabro are Michael Auger, Richard Hadfield, Jamie Lambert, Matt Pagan and Tom Redgrave and they’ll be performing their first ever gig; a forthcoming appearance at the Royal Variety Show, at the end of this year.

Collabro will be at the BIC on Saturday 14 February 2015, supported by BGT runner up Lucy Kay.

www.lifebeginsmagazine.com

21

Life Begins Summer 14_Layout 1 14/07/2014 09:40 Page 22

Entertainment Reviews

I had the time of my life…

A

lthough it wasn’t the Summer of ’63, it was a warm Summers evening that set the tone for what was to be a whirlwind display of singing and dancing to many of the songs we’ve grown to know and love. Dirty Dancing never failed to delight the audience from the opening number through to the spectacular finale.

Based very closely on the 1987 film by Eleanor Bergstein and developed for theatre, there were some scenes which were always going to be difficult to bring onto stage. The water-lift scene was one example but the technical team did an admirable, if not entirely convincing job, of merging moving imagery with the backdrops to create the illusion.

This stage adaptation did not disappoint however, and the packed Mayflower Theatre who turned out enthusiastically to hear their favourite songs (and even favourite lines) recreated on stage. The production itself was highly professional and polished with scene changes happening in the blink of an eye, and some really innovative technical feats which perhaps some wouldn’t have noticed, but which made the difference. For example, I was sat in the upper circle looking down onto the stage and noticed a giant turntable in the middle of the stage which was used to great effect to change settings and scenes (remember Blankety Blank, only more professional). I was amazed at the way some scenes unfolded without me even noticing, and frequently found myself asking “How did that get there?”

The show was excellently cast and left no particular part wanting. Patrick Swayze was always going to be a tough act to follow, particularly amongst female fans, but Gareth Bailey is very convincing as Johnny Castle, perhaps portraying the part in a slightly softer style than Swayze. Roseanna Frascona

Dirty Dancing delivers dazzling display at Mayflower by Jason Harris brought the part of ‘Baby’ to life in a really heart-warming manner and endeared herself to the audience right from the opening scene. Particular mention must go to Carlie Milner, playing the part of Johnny’s ex, Penny. Sadly Claire Rogers was not able to perform the part on that night but Carlie did a magnificent job of portraying the part. I wasn’t aware she was the understudy until it was mentioned in the interval.

All the favourite characters were present. Alexander Wolfe played the part of Neil Kellerman - the annoying Trainee Hotel Manager, and potential suitor to ‘Baby’, with great attention to detail and with a more comedic twist than seen in the film.

The biggest roar of the night went to the infamous line ‘Nobody puts baby in the corner’ following a surprising entrance by Johnny. I won’t spoil it for those who may be booked in to see the show. Dirty Dancing has a real feel good factor that few shows can boast and the UK tour is sure to delight die-hard fans as well as those who’ve never seen the film or show.

The Ballard of Martha Brown

This local production telling the true and historical story of the last woman to be publically hanged in Dorset, is vividly told through the eyes of Martha and those around her, as we learn about her tragic tale of love, dreams and despair.

Alongside this we also intently listen to her defence with almost comical amusement as she tries to blame the murder of her second husband on an innocent horse.

Set in the mid 1850’s we meet Martha working hard on the farm milking the cow’s and dreaming of a better life. Little did she know at that point, that she would get her better life but tragically it would cost her two husbands, two children and eventually her own life (and nearly that of a totally innocent horse).

22

The set is pure brilliance in it’s simplicity. We spend the entire performance looking at the hangman’s noose as it waited for its next customer. Before then, it changes through a number of sets, from her early years on the farm to the final macabre setting of Dorchester Gaol and her unfortunate ending with thousands awaiting what was then a normal public execution.

Our very own local writer of classic novels and poems, a young Thomas Hardy, was there to witness the whole event. He went on later to recall “I remember what a fine figure she showed against the sky as she hung in the misty rain and how the tight black silk gown set off her shape as she wheeled half round and back”. It is said that parts of Martha’s tragic story are said to be the inspiration of Thomas Hardy’s classic novel ‘Tess of the D’Urbervilles’ The cast of five are brilliant. They portray the story with passion. The costumes fit perfectly with the period and the energy they interpret when both on the stage and in the auditorium, make you feel you are actually part of the story one of the many thousands all eagerly awaiting the hanging.

The Ballard of Martha Brown has now come to the end of its tour but I am reliably informed that the play is returning again in late winter/early spring 2015, so keep a look out for this true theatrical treat.

Reviewed by Brian Case

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Life Begins Summer 14_Layout 1 14/07/2014 11:25 Page 23

A sensational

SUMMER

Invading the BIC this summer!

| wn Centre o d e tl | it L BIC th Pavilion * Bournemou 844 576 3000 0 : ts ke ic T e BH Liv kets.co.uk www.bhlivetic *

es apply

Service charg

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Life Begins Summer 14_Layout 1 14/07/2014 11:24 Page 24

Gardening

Sponsored by

Water is precious, use it wisely

A taste of

Summer

By Hannah Stephenson

Imagine stepping out on to your patio to pick fresh herbs for your cooking - from fragrant basil to accompany ripe tomatoes and mozzarella, coriander to sprinkle on spicy curries and salads, mint to add to your Pimm's or rosemary to sprinkle over lamb chops on the barbecue. Sounds idyllic doesn't it?

Fresh herbs are such a staple in today's kitchens, yet the shopbought ones so often end up wilting on the windowsill before you've had time to use them.

24

If you are planning a herb garden or a group of herbs in pots, place them near the kitchen where they are easily accessible. A small collection can be planted in a cartwheel pattern, or even in a planter with separate pockets, each segment planted with a different herb.

On a larger scale, a bed can be divided into segments, each for a different herb, fringed with a dwarf hedge such as lavender to define the edges.

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Life Begins Summer 14_Layout 1 14/07/2014 09:41 Page 25

Sponsored by

Formal herb gardens are traditionally round or square, often with a clipped low-growing hedge around the outside and something bigger, such as a bay in a large pot or a sundial or birdbath, in the middle, with a mixture of herbs filling the space.

Informal herb gardens are easier to tend to as you can mix the herbs to include both perennials and annuals, adding plants such as lavender and foxgloves to give the area a bit more colour.

When planting a border of herbs, place the tallest at the back so they don't shade out the smaller ones. Angelica grows up to 2m (6ft) and will selfseed freely. Mint and lemon balm are invasive so should be planted in pots or buckets in the ground so their roots are confined and don't swamp other less vigorous plants.

Groups of symmetrically arranged raised beds provide an easy and attractive way to cultivate a wide range of herbs without having to tread on soil, plus you can cater for the soil and watering needs of different herbs.

You can just as easily grow pots of herbs on your patio or in a windowbox in the right situation and with the right soil.

Gardening

warm sunny conditions in well-drained soil, with added grit. Those in containers may need daily watering in hot weather but some, such as basil, will resent going to bed at night with wet leaves or sodden compost, so water in the morning before they are in direct sunlight.

Many herbs don't like rich, moisture-retentive growing conditions, so you'll need to give them what they need. Coriander doesn't like being crowded and won't thrive in cool conditions, parsley is greedy and requires a rich, moistureretentive soil, while thyme prefers poor, very well-drained soil.

Basil likes warmth and shelter but won't do well in searing sun, so grow it in pots of soilless potting compost in semi shade.

Remove the flowers from shortlived leafy herbs such as chervil and basil to keep them growing longer and from coriander and dill if you don't want seeds but would rather have the leaves.

Before too long, you should be able to pick aromatic, flavoursome herbs from your garden rather than veering towards the wilting leaves of the shop-bought ones on your windowsill.

Most herbs used for cooking and for their fragrance are natives of the Mediterranean and do best in

Aubergines GOOD ENOUGH TO EAT They offer a taste of the Mediterranean, their burgundy fruits providing texture and flavour to Greek dishes such as moussaka, in rich ratatouille and in Middle Eastern fare like babaganoush and tagines. They're not easy to grow in a British climate unless you have a greenhouse or polythene tunnel, but if you were too late to sow seeds you should still be able to buy small plants from a garden centre to grow in pots on a sunny patio in high summer. When the plants reach about 20cm high, pinch out the growing tip to encourage them to branch.

Vigorous varieties may need further pinching to keep them bushy. In July and August use split canes to support the main stem and each main branch before the fruit starts to swell. Water the plants twice a day on hot days and feed regularly with tomato fertiliser after the first flowers form. By the end of summer, they should be ready to harvest but if the fruits are still developing in September move them under cover at night as aubergines are frost-sensitive. Good varieties include 'Long Tom' and 'Moneymaker'.

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25

Life Begins Summer 14_Layout 1 14/07/2014 09:41 Page 26

Money & finance

s n o i s n Pe ! k c a b fight ases they may sound like phr l assault”, “revolution”: to describe d use ly ent “Bombshell”, “full fronta rec s ase they are, in fact, phr from an action movie, but lue pension products. e to stamp out poor-va driv new ’s ent nm the Gover

F

irst, there were the revelations in George Osborne’s April Budget, of plans to make it easier for people to cash in their pension pots. Some of these changes have already been introduced, including how the size of overall pension savings that someone can take as a lump sum has nearly doubled, from £18,000 to £30,000. The size of a small pension pot someone owns, perhaps because they only worked in a particular job for a few years, has increased five-fold, from £2,000 to £10,000.

Another big pensions shake-up from the last Budget is also on the horizon from April next year, when people aged over 55 will be able to take their pension pot how they want, subject to their marginal rate of income tax, which for most people will be 20% - under the current rules, someone would be charged 55% tax if they wanted to take their whole pension pot.

All these measures are designed to give people more flexibility over the way they take their pension savings, and it’s also more likely to mean fewer people will use their pension pot to buy an annuity when they retire.

26

Annuities pay a guaranteed yearly income, usually for the rest of your life, but they have been the subject of mounting controversy as rates plunged in recent years. There have also been concerns that rather than shopping around to get the best deal when they buy an annuity, people are just sticking with their pension provider. According to one recent prediction,

the size of the annuities market is set to shrink to around one quarter of its current size when the new rules come in.

There have also been suggestions that, with the housing market back on the road to recovery, moves to unlock pension pots could create a flurry of older people investing in buy-to-let properties. Insurers may also bring out some innovative new pension products to meet the new flexibility, so watch this space.

There’s more changes, too. Pensions Minister Steve Webb confirmed the Government plans to set a cap on pension charges, to put an end to “rip-off” charges that eat big chunks out of your pot when you’re saving for a pension.

The cap will be set at 0.75% and it will also be imposed from next April. A few percentage points difference in a pension charges may seem small, but over the years this apparently tiny gap can add up to thousands of pounds for a pension saver.

Millions of people are being placed in workplace pensions, too, amid fears that we’re all living for longer but have been failing to save enough for a comfortable old age.

Hopefully, all these pensions ‘revolutions’ will mean people have more faith in saving, both at the stage when they are putting money in and later in life when they’re taking it out..

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Life Begins Summer 14_Layout 1 14/07/2014 09:41 Page 27

Money & finance

How to take the stress out of setting up an ISA

With one tax year ending and another starting, this time of year is usually marked by a rush in people signing up for the best new cash Isa deals, or transferring out of older, stagnating ones.

Beware the crash con

Around 90 people complain to the Financial Ombudsman Service, which resolves complaints between firms and consumers, every month because they are unhappy with their Isa or have missed out on a particular deal due to problems setting it up.

By Vicky Shaw

Being involved in a car crash is a terrible and upsetting experience - but imagine also discovering that the people in the other vehicle had deliberately staged the "accident" so that you ran into them.

A major insurer has uncovered a huge upswing in cases just like this. Aviva, which insures around one in 10 cars in the UK, saw a 51% increase last year in the number of "crash for cash" scams detected.

It uncovered around 820 staged accidents in 2013, leading to some 2,200 fraudulent personal injury claims. These crashes are often organised by gangs, so that they can then go on to rake in cash by making exaggerated insurance claims for injuries such as whiplash.

In road traffic accidents where one vehicle is hit by another, the driver of the car behind is often deemed to be the one at fault. So in a crash for cash accident, a car may brake without warning in front of an innocent driver, leaving them likely to run into the car ahead. Fraudsters have even gone as far as to disconnect their brake lights in order to give the car behind even less chance of stopping.

And as well as potentially having an impact on the premium of the innocent driver who has been caught up in the scam, crash for cash cases eventually filter through to increase the costs of everyone's insurance. According to industry estimates, frauds of all types add around £50 to the cost of a typical car insurance premium.

Another particularly unpleasant feature to crash for cash scams is that fraudsters will target drivers who they think won't kick up too much fuss - which could include mums with young children in the back of the car or older people so stay alert when driving and always keep a safe distance.

If suspicious call the Police Immediately. Readers may wish to consider investing in a handy ‘Dash-cam’ as featured on our competition page (p28) to record possible incidents.

The service has some tips for taking out an Isa: • Make sure you’ve read - and understood - the terms of the policy.

• Consider what you want from an Isa. Does it allow you to transfer older Isas into your new account? Some will ask you to lock your money away for a few years, others offer instant access but possibly a lower interest rate.

• If you’re transferring older cash Isas, make sure you keep the tax-free status of the savings, don’t just withdraw the money. Check with existing providers to make sure there are no penalties for moving your cash.

• If you’re signing up to an Isa with a relatively attractive introductory interest rate, get the provider to talk you through anything that might mean it changes - and why. A consistent rate of interest may be better than one that quickly drops.

• If you’re using a new provider, have your proof of address and identification with you to avoid delays.

• The provider may need to have your application form by a specific deadline.

If you’re posting this, sending it by a traceable method may help avoid • Ask the provider what happens next so you have realistic timescales and expectations. Note down who you’ve been dealing with and keep information - just in case...

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Life Begins Summer 14_Layout 1 14/07/2014 09:41 Page 28

Competitions

chances to win!

WIN AN INCREDIBLE NEXTBASE DASH CAM 402G

We’ve lined up two great competitions for our readers this edition but don’t forget we run lots of competitions online so why not visit us at: www.lifebeginsmagazine.com or check us out on facebook and Twitter: /LifeBeginsMagazine

@lifebeginsmag

WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS TO SEE SIR GARFIELD SOBERS

The Regent Centre 12 August 7:30pm.

A

C B

Life Begins Magazine has teamed up with NEXT BASE makers of the incredible Dash Cam 402G Professional to offer one lucky reader the change to win one of these amazing In-car cameras worth £149.99* With its ‘Click and Go’ set up it’s not long before you have the security of automatic recording of evidence should it be needed in the event of an insurance claim. Not only that it is great for your own use at recording some amazing scenery or even checking your own driving standards which you can then downloaded and view at the safety of your own PC. To be in with a chance to win this dash cam read our review on page 15 and answer this simple question:

Up to what size Micro SD card does this unit take? a) 64mb b) 32gb c) 136kb

Send your answer via email to: Competitions@lifebeginsmagazine.com. The closing date is 31 August 2014 when one lucky winner will be selected at random from the entries received.

Should you be unlucky in the prize draw then you can find NEXT BASE Dash cams at many retailers including Halfords, Car Camera Shop, Amazon and many others.

28

of 18 Competition Terms and Conditions: Entrants must be UK residents years of age or older. Only one entry per household. No purchase be necessary. The prize is for a NextBase Dash Cam 402G and cannot exchanged for anything else. There is no cash alteranative. Judges which decision is final. IMS Cannot be held responsible for faulty goods no should be reported to the manufacturer. The winner will be notified later than 1 month after competition close. prices. *price as in Halfords Christchurch July 2014, check for current

Life Begins Magazine has teamed up with The Regent Centre Christchurch to offer one lucky winner a pair of tickets to be in the audience of “An evening with Sir Garfield Sobers”, undoubtedly the greatest Cricketer of his era (1952 – 1974) he played alongside many of the worlds greats of which he was probably the greatest.

He was an all-rounder who captained the West Indies who up to today still holds the record of six sixes in one over. On his retirement from the game in 1975 he was knighted by HM The Queen and is still a national hero in Barbados.

To stand a chance of winning this pair of tickets simply select A, B or C -where you think the ball may be, from all the correct entries one lucky winner will then drawn at random Send your answer via email to: Competitions@lifebeginsmagazine.com. The closing date is 7 August when one lucky winner will be selected at random from the entries received and notified by email Should you be unlucky in this prize draw you can still purchase tickets for this great evening by visiting the Regent Centre box office in High Street, Christchurch or call 01202 499 199 or visit www.regentcentre.co.uk Tickets are priced at £24.50 with concessions £22.50 Competition Terms and Conditions: Entrants must be UK residents of 18 years of age or older. Only one entry per househo ld. No purchase necessary. The prize is for a 2 tickets to the stated show above and cannot be exchanged for anything else. There is no cash alteranative.

Judges decision is final. IMS Cannot be held responsi ble for any cancellation of this event and cannot exchange the tickets for any other event. The winner will be notified no later than 2 days after competition close.

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Life Begins Summer 14_Layout 1 14/07/2014 09:41 Page 29

Festival of Learning

Have you ever wondered how a Gibbon sings, or even found out what actually does happen at an archaeological dig? This year Life Begins Magazine was the media sponsor for Bournemouth University’s Festival of Learning which took place between 9 – 15th June and offered over 150 free public events to help give a greater understanding at what goes on behind the scenes at one of the South’s leading Universities.

Now in its second year, the festival has grown rapidly and this year visitors were able to take part in events which included subjects on Ageing & Dementia, Biodiversity, Environmental Change & Green Economy, Communities, Cultures & Conflict, Creative, Digital & Cognitive Science, Entrepreneurship & Economic Growth, Health, Wellbeing & Society, Leisure, Recreation & Tourism and Technology & Design.... The list is almost endless!

Dr Rebecca Edwards – Director Festival of Learning was clearly ecstatic at this year’s festival success and said “At Bournemouth University, we are absolutely delighted that the second Festival of Learning was such a success. With a wider range of activities to suit all, it was a pleasure to welcome over 4,000 visits to the Festival from all parts of the local community. We are now planning the 2015 Festival of Learning and welcome input as to what should be included next year.”

Many readers who attended the Life Begins Show at the BIC back in March may remember that Bournemouth University sponsored the Learning Zone and will have seen some of the activities on offer at this year’s Festival. To keep aup to speed on next year’s event, follow the festival on twitter or Facebook or you can find a link on the p ho rks artefacts wo Archaeological University’s web site: www.bournemouth.ac.uk Bournemouth West MP Conor Burnes with the Secretary of state for Universities and Scie nce David Willetts MP and the university Vice Chancellor Profe ssor John Vinney

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Motoring

Life Begins are media sponsors for Stompin’ on the Quomps Jazz Festival on Christchurch Quay, 2 August. Come and see this Audi R8 ‘in the flesh’on the Life Begins stand

PLAYBOY for a day

Life Begins magazine experience the Audi R8 for the day, courtesy of BH Supercars and we are left wanting… by Jason Harris

30

It’s not everyday that you get offered the opportunity to borrow a supercar for the day and experience the life of the jet-set but when we given the opportunity to choose between three very tasty cars, the only difficult decision was which one.

and your national insurance number along with your contact details. A deposit is taken which is fully refundable, but should the unthinkable happen and the car is damaged, the deposit is used to fund the insurance excess.

The choice: •Porsche 911 997 Turbo with a phenomenal 493BHP giving a top speed of 192mph or 0-60 in just 3.6 seconds •Aston Martin Vantage with its mid-mounted V8 engine giving that marvelous engine rasp that’s unique to an Aston.

•Audi R8 with the sexy good looks of a true raw supercar and the incredible performance of Audi’s flagship car (187mph top speed and 418bhp)

Insurance is provided by BH Supercars and drivers are fully covered provided that they are over 28 years old. The cars are delivered with half a tank of petrol so when you take delivery you don’t need to drive gingerly to the nearest petrol station to fill up before enjoying the car. The only proviso to this is that the hirer returns the car with half a tank at the end of the hire period.

It was a tough choice but we plumped for the R8, as it was probably the most talked about car that Audi has released in a long time, and we were curious as to whether Audi could really claim ‘supercar’ status in the R8. (We also couldn’t resist the show-off factor that the R8 had over its two rivals) The car, which can be hired on a daily rate from Bournemouth based BH supercars was dropped off at the office nice and early to give us a full days enjoyment.

The process of hiring a supercar for the day is very similar to hiring any other car: you need to produce copies of your (clean) counterpart driving licence

After an introduction to the car and it’s workings (including where the petrol cap button was!), we were left to enjoy.

trim Gorgeous

First off, was to start her up and one couldn’t disguise the thrill of hearing that massive V8 engine immediately shriek into life and then drop down to a low burble, desperately waiting for it’s forward command. If you want to sample the spine tingling sound of the R8, go to our Facebook page at:

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Life Begins Summer 14_Layout 1 14/07/2014 09:41 Page 31

Motoring

Two sets of twin exhausts

contrast ther and carpets Spotless cream lea red dash lou co ash the th well wi

really ‘set the tone’

www.facebook.com/lifebeginsmagazne to view the video. Audi are so proud of the engine that they actually display it under a glass hood for all the world to see.

The R8 really is a monster and the impression you get form this car is that it always wants to go faster.

Although it’s nice to cruise around town and show it off to the admiring public, really this car is just yearning for the open road. Around town, the R8 almost seems a little unsure of itself, holding onto gears for what seems to be too long and then seemingly unsure of when to change up and down.

(This was in Auto mode; the paddle shift gears are not really suitable for town driving). Never-the-less, just to stop at traffic lights with the low burble of the V8 engine was enough to turn heads and enough to stick a permanent grin on the drivers face.

Finally when we got out onto the open road, I was just as keen as the R8 to let go and feel the acceleration.

Time to switch to manual and utilize the formula one-like paddle shift system on the steering wheel. This supercar shifts through the gear-changes effortlessly, thanks to it’s advanced ‘robotised’ clutch.

This means that the gear change is smooth and almost unnoticeable. The car accelerates through the sixspeed box at an alarming rate and a quick glance down to the speedometer told me to slow down.

The feel of the speed in the car doesn’t seem to reflect the actual speed it’s doing, leaving this driver to concede that if actually owned one, I’d probably inadvertently start adding points to my licence in a very short space of time.

This is where the R8 feels she belongs and she positively sings as the road beckons her on. The car is fitted with a top of the range Blaupunkt stereo system but why anybody would want to listen to the radio when such sweet sounds were being produced under the bonnet is beyond me.

Handling wise, the ride is hard as one would expect and the seating position is very low, much lower than say a Jaguar XK or an Aston but you do feel more at one with the car, cocooned is this lower, more snug, driving position. The R8 handles corners as if they were minor deviations from the straights.

One glance at the corner and you’re through and out the other side with just a quick turn of the wheel but come on the power too early though and this car will not be forgiving.

The statistics speak for them selves but the fact that this car has been produced by Audi since 2007 with only small tweaks here and there suggests that this is a very well thought-out, and well made car and one which is worthy of the title ‘supercar’.

At the end of the day, we certainly left wanting...

We wanted to own one!

Our thanks to BH Supercars for the loan of the R8. www.bhsupercars.co.uk

www.lifebeginsmagazine.com

31

Even the local traffic wardens took a few minutes out of their day to admire the car (hope they didn’t notice we were on double yellows!)

Life Begins Summer 14_Layout 1 14/07/2014 09:41 Page 32

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Group The

Giving your business the right impression

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Stompin’

THANK YOUS! Swish theatre school

Tracey Karen Harry Impressive Group

The

Brian Case

1st Christchurch (Town) Scouts Graham Latham Stephen Bowden Dave Mooney

Adrian Dwyer Chairman

Alan Barclay

Alex Dowding

Highcliffe Charity Players

Georgina Smith

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t n e v e grer aastummers day!

in’ p m o t s a

fo

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Essential Information FIRST AID

CHILDREN

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DOGS

BAND CDs GETTING THERE

Next year

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RUDIMENTS & TECHNIQUE IMPROVISATION & SOLO IDEAS CO-ORDINATION & INDEPENDANCE CHART & SIGHT READING MOELLER TECHNIQUE LINEAR PHRASING STYLES & GROOVES AFRO/CUBAN, BRAZILIAN JAZZ, FUNK, R&B, ROCK

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Stompin Refreshments PIDDLE MARQUEE

TRADERS

The

Glass Deposit Scheme Explained Here’s how it works...

If you decide not to ask for your deposit, thanks! It all helps!

But please dispose of your glasses or jugs in bags provided.

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Day & Night Service Airport/Dock Transfers Competitive Long Distance Download our free booking App go to: www.484848.co.uk

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Open 7 days a week HUGE STOCKS CKS A AVAILABLE AV VAILABLE AI ; ;@9,: ,?/(<:;: )9(2,: @9,: ,?/(<:;: )9(2,:

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6 6OJU "JSmFME 3PBE $ISJTUDIVSDI t XXX UXZOIBN NPUPS TFSWJDFT DP VL OJU "JSmFME 3PBE $ISJTUDIVSDI t XXX UXZOIBN NPUPS TFSWJDFT DP VL

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The Pr Programme rogramme og 12 noon

THE LEMONGROVE MONGRO 2.00pm

NOT JUST SAX 4.00pm

THE SHEZ EZ RAJA COLLECTIVE C 6.00pm

BLUE COMMOTION OMMOTIO with Zoë Schwartz

8.30pm

TAVERNE VERNERS ERS BIG B BAND Programme subject to change

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Shez Raja Collective

What they say...

“If the Mahavishnu Orchestra were reformed with a reincarnated Jaco Pastorius in charge it would sound pretty similar”.

“I thought my head was going to explode. It sounds like it’s come from the future. In fact I don’t even think there is a correct term for this kind of music just yet” “The hip-shaking mix of Eastern song lines and funky Western dance-beats never wavers” “Chic, contemporary and groove-laden” “This is fusion music at its most straight forward and entertaining” “Multi-layered and imaginative” “Shez Raja brings his Asian roots to bear on his approach to jazz, and adds more besides. The band creates a colourful, accessible blend of electric jazz-fusion”

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Life Begins Summer 14_Layout 1 14/07/2014 10:54 Page 52

MU MUSICAL USICAL T THEATRE HEA ATRE TRE SUMMER S UMMER SCHOOLS SCHOOLS

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Blue Commotion BLUE COMMOTION

What they say about Blue Commotion...

“Schwarz takes all that is good from Janis Joplin and Billie Holiday and makes it uniquely her own”

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Life Begins Summer 14_Layout 1 14/07/2014 10:55 Page 54

“Zoe and her band have reached the point where they cannot be ignored and are poised to make the international breakthrough they deserve.”

Graham Latham Limited Chartered Accountants

Marine Businesses Investment Advice Agricultural Businesses Graham Latham is an experienced chartered accountant who specialises in providing small businesses with an individual and personalised service. If you need a creative approach to solving your business, accounting or tax issues, then contact Graham Latham and his team of qualified and experienced accountants.

Graham Latham Limited Hedge House, Hangersley Hill, Ringwood, Hampshire, BH24 3JW Tel: 01425 470900 Fax: Fax: 01425 480900 Email: graham@grahamlatham.co.uk Tel:

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Not Just Sax

“Stompin’ is a fantastic event for the whole family...a lot of effort goes in by a lot of people to make this day happen and we feel very privileged to be invited back again this year and to be part of this event!”

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ANYY Excuse E to Party!

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The Lemongrove

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@StompinQuomps

welcome to your local solicitors who specialise in just three areas law... w... ar eas of la

Family & Divorce

Wills & Probate

Property

Financial Resolution Divorce involving business interests Cohabitation breakdown Disputes relating to children

Lasting Powers of Attorney Administration of Estates Inheritance Tax Home visits available

Residential property Lease extensions Business sales & purchases Inter-family arrangements

Avon House, 4 Bridge Street, Christchurch, Dorset BH23 1DX tel: 01202 484242 fax: 01202 481327 email: enquiries@williamsthompson.co.uk

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Life Begins Summer 14_Layout 1 14/07/2014 10:55 Page 60

SOLICITORS LLP

Taverners Big Band

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New ew Patients Patients Welcome All Cosmet Cosmetic o ic TTreatments Lifelike ke Cosme Cosmetic Dentures Implants aants Tooth hW Whitening hiten Straighten gh g ten TTeeth ee with Six Month Smiles, Inman Aligner zŽƵ͛ůů ŶĞǀĞƌ ĨĞĞů ƌƵƐŚĞĚ Žƌ ŚƵƌƌŝĞĚ ů ŶĞǀĞƌ ĨĞ

WƌŽƵĚůLJ ^ƵƉƉŽƌƚŝŶŐ ^ƚŽŵƉŝŶ͛ KŶ dŚĞ YƵŽŵƉƐ W ƌŽƵĚůLJ ^ƵƉƉŽƌƚŝŶŐ ^ƚŽŵƉŝŶ͛ KŶ dŚĞ YƵŽŵƉƐ www.stompin.org Follow us:

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A BIG welcome to the 20th

Our heartf heartfelt elt sympathies ttoo Gr Graham aham Latham on the los losss of his daught daughter er Am Amy; y; St Stompinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; ompinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; on the Quomps 2014 is dedicat dedicated ed ttoo her memory memory..

Meritorious Award,

Absolute Music Marquee try a musical instrument.

Finally, thank you for your support over the last 20 years.

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Life Begins Summer 14_Layout 1 14/07/2014 10:56 Page 62

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The LARGEST smooth jazz festival of its kind

a st sto om mp pin inâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122;

great event f a sum for mm me ers rs d day!

The Bandstand, Christchurch Quay

Saturday 2 August 2014 12 noon - 10pm

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