Your Town Your Choice : Issue 32

Beating Those Downturn Blues!

YOUR TOWNYOURCHOICE

NOW AVAILABLE THROUGHOUT THE UK

EVER WANTED TO EDIT AND PUBLISH YOUR OWN REGIONAL MAGAZINE? If you could do with some serious additional income, want to spend loads of time with your children, and would like to be admired in your community because of what you do, then an In magazine franchise is for you. This is a real business that you can run from your own home, in just a few hours a week. It ďŹ ts in perfectly around caring for your children so that you can be an active parent as well as a key breadwinner in the house hold.

For more information contact Duncan Williams PUBLISHER (T) 0207 751 4463 / 07960 829 615 (E) duncan@InChelsea.com

ISSUE32

YOURTOWNYOURCHOICE

Letter From The Editor In the olden days it was easy to spot a thief or a crook, they used to wear stripy jerseys, black masks and talk ‘common’; ‘It’s a fair cop, guv’nor’, ‘Gawd bless ya, mister Holmes’,etc.

Sometimes the worse sort, termed ‘Blaggers’, would carry sawn-off shotguns. At least, that’s what I used to think when I was a kid.

Nowadays it’s harder to spot a crook.

For banking has pulled off the biggest slight of hand in criminal history! By selling on dodgy loans to one another at very dodgy prices, with nothing more than financial spin and blagging to underpin them. They schemed to make themselves a killing.

As a result ‘banking blag’ has now become slang for smart talk and lies rather than armed robbery. The same smart talk that got the poorest, most vulnerable members of our society to sign up to mortgage deals they couldn’t possibly pay back, to get hard working people to fund pension plans that were geared to a market that now can’t make the payouts.

Where to find great advice

7

Beat the downturn blues

8

Shut up and vote

10

“George, don’t do that” A reflection on the life of Joyce Grenfell

12

Carpaccio Restaurant review

14

Gladiolus

18

Red Robot - 100% Organic Eco-clothing review

22

Her tunes, her choice Music reviews from Natalie McEwan

24

Quantum of Solace Film review by James Murphy

26

The result has been a loss of faith in Britain. But the jig is up. Enough is enough...

Not this time. The government now has an obligation to the tax payers. This time the bankers MUST be made to face the music. Armed robbery used to get you 20 years inside, why should these sharp suited, banking blaggers avoid criminal justice?

Yours faithfully,

Duncan Williams Editor

YOUR TOWNYOURCHOICE

41 EDITH grove chelsea london sw10 0lb

Editor Duncan Williams (MOBILE 07960 829 615)

Telephone 0871 2341991 Fax 0871 2341992

Sales Linda English

Email editor@yourtownyourchoice.com

Design Charlotte Brian (encore public relations)

PUBLISHER Red Cube Media Group (UK)

ISSN 1758-1842

3

4

ISSUE32

YOUR TOWNYOURCHOICE

5

6

ISSUE32

How do you form your opinions? Do you use other peoples' opinions . . . or your own?

How do you make important decisions? Do make them based on what others want you to do . . . or on what you want to do? You might be happy to know that when it comes to successful living, the person you need to listen to is YOU! "Be your own advisor, keep your own counsel and select your own decisions." -- L. Ron Hubbard When someone asks you for advice, what do you do? First, you would consider that person's problems and needs.You might do some research and put some thought to your answer.You would consider several options for this person.

Once you knew the right advice to give, you would give it clearly and with confidence.You can and should be an excellent advisor to yourself.You advise yourself just as carefully as you would advise a good friend. As a result, you gain more confidence in your own opinions.

Recommendations 1. Write down a problem for which you need advice.

2. Write down what you would do or say if someone else asked you for that advice.

3. Do those steps or take that advice.

For example, you need advice on how to handle your finances.Your bills are growing faster than your income.You ask yourself, "If a friend of mine had this problem, what advice would I give?"

You instantly know what you would say, "Hey now!

You need to earn more than you spend! You need to make more money! And stop spending money on stupid things. Get those bills paid off, too!"

You laugh that you already know the best answer.

You take your own advice and write a plan that straightens out your finances.You keep your plan to yourself and just do it.

When you keep your own counsel, you keep your ideas and plans to yourself.You privately consider your needs and wants.You work things out alone.

You are being your own advisor, keeping your own counsel and making your own decisions.

When you make a decision, you do not go around and asking people what you should do.You decide for yourself.You base your decision on what is right for you.You then stand firm on the decision you make because it is yours.

Provided by TipsForSuccess.org as a public service to introduce the technology of L. Ron Hubbard to you.

YOUR TOWNYOURCHOICE

Copyright Š 2009 TipsForSuccess.org. All rights reserved. Grateful acknowledgment is made to L. Ron Hubbard Library for permission to reproduce selections from the copyrighted works of L. Ron Hubbard.

7

Our current affairs correspondent DAMIEN PEARSE offers Ten Tips to...

If you’re looking to beat the credit crunch in 2009 look no further than a football match, an intimate relationship and a visit to your local.

Here’s our business guide to surviving the doom and gloom, with expert advice from the Federation of Small Businesses.

Get intimate - A recent survey shows small businesses are better equipped to tackle the credit crunch because they can exploit the loyalty of their customers. Get to know your customers better, but try and cut back on expenses. If you’re taking them out for a business meal book a restaurant online to save cash. Reservation websites like Top Table www.toptable.co.uk offer discounts of up to 50% at hundreds of venues.

Don’t sell yourself short – Don't cut back on marketing and advertising. Figures show that businesses investing in marketing during an economic downturn do better than those that slash

8

ISSUE32

budgets. The crunch provides a great opportunity to shine while others panic. By continuing to market your goods and services you will be at the forefront of your customers' minds when the economy recovers. More marketing advice can be found on the government's Business Link website www.businesslink.gov.uk Go watch a football game - Federation of Small Businesses National Chairman Mark Wright suggests businesses get involved in the local community. Sponsor a Sunday League football team or a pub pool league. Get you name out there.

Learn to box - It’s not just employers who are under stress during these lean times. Improve the atmosphere in the office by better listening to your staff and becoming a team. Wright recommends a “suggestions box” so staff can submit ideas and views.

Nip down the local - Lead by example and keep trade local by buying at smaller shops instead of big supermarkets. Most small businesses operate within 50 miles of their base so it is important to gain local knowledge and contacts.Your community is often a good source of cheap marketing and advertising - try the regional press or a shop window.

Surf the net - Statistics reveal that nearly half of small businesses using the internet to advertise increase turnover by one fifth. But thousands of companies in the UK aren’t online despite it being the fastest area of growth for sales. The Business Link website above offers more information.

Why not go abroad? - With the pound so low against the Euro, this may be the time for you to consider exporting your goods.

Tap into your feminine side - Don’t be afraid to ask for help. A recent survey suggests that women entrepreneurs are faring better in the current climate. Psychologists believe it is because the fairer sex are more inclined to speak out about

YOUR TOWNYOURCHOICE

problems they are having and to seek help. The FSB, Business Link and The Chamber of Commerce all offer helplines and advice online Spread yourself thin - Nearly nine in 10 small businesses have accounts locked in with only one of the four major clearers; Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds and RBS. One in three has had trouble accessing finance from the banks. Wright recommends dealing with more than one bank if you can.

Other tips: Feel the energy - Being environmentally friendly can save you money. Use low energy light bulbs, keep businesses insulated, recycle, change old heating systems, monitor fuel costs and turn off the lights. For each low energy bulb you fit, you can save up to £7 on your annual electricity bill.

Take care of your lunchbox - Take a packed lunch to work. You'll save about £5 a day and cut down on calories. Also, why not take a thermos of coffee or tea to the office and ditch those expensive Lattes.

Organise meetings abroad for Wednesday afternoon - Search online for flights with a price comparison site like kayak.com; book as far ahead as you can and be aware that mid-afternoon, midweek flights are cheapest.

Be a slow coach - If you’re on the road save money on fuel by sticking to the speed limit.You could save almost £10 on a 250 mile round trip by travelling at 70mph rather than 80. If you’re really not in a rush than then doing 56mph uses 25 per cent less fuel than 70. Remember to keep your tyres pumped up for maximum fuel economy.

Have a barnstorming time - Reward staff with a teambuilding "camping barn" break in the countryside. They're hardly luxurious but they’re warm, dry and a great bargain. The Youth Hostel Association runs 40 barns in the UK. Call 01629 592 700

9

A report by Jennifer Anne Sutcliffe Elections are the most effective way for the local community to be able to express its political will. Local elections steer a neighbourhood's political agenda for the benefit of the district they serve.

condition of democracy in Britain. This group hosted meetings and heard from a variety of interest groups for nearly two years. The investigation attempted to answer theses key questions:

However, local government apathy is not just a problem in the USA. It is an international problem. Former Mayor Ken Livingstone wrote a book, “If Voting Changed Anything, They'd Abolish It.” Since 2004 something called The Power Inquiry has been investigating the

How can democracy survive when we feel politicians don’t listen?; How can politics be revived when fewer and fewer of us support political parties?

How can voting be encouraged if millions see elections as a charade?; Their final report was

10

ISSUE32

recently published. Do some of their results sound familiar?

The British public is not apathetic. There is now a great deal of research to show that very large numbers of citizens are engaged in community and charity work outside of politics. The area of decline is in formal politics ... elected representatives are held in very low esteem and widely distrusted.

The level of alienation felt towards politicians, the main political parties and the key institutions of the political system is extremely high and widespread. The problem of disengagement from formal democracy is not unique to Britain. Nearly all the established democracies are suffering from similar problems.

because they don't understand what to do or how 'it' works. There are a few more who don't vote in local elections because they simply don't rate them as important enough or even believe local government is irrelevant. Most people, who don't vote at local elections, don't because they are either reasonably contented with their lot, or believe that voting its not going to make any significant difference.

And some people do not vote in local elections because of a general feeling of disenchantment with local politicians and local government.

So, there are problems. What's new?

Are there any solutions which we can steal from this work? Among the recommended solutions we find:

To a great extent the media tend not to cover local politics unless there is a scandal where by it is portrayed negatively. Dominance of Westminster means that local government politics are given less priority by both political parties and the media. This conspires to keep them out of political discourse and consciousness. Because local elections do not get large scale coverage, people know less about the councillors. Their campaigns are mainly covered by local papers and rarely make front page news. There is no television or large scale advertising promotion and it is hard for local councillors to gain a sustained media campaign. And if people don't feel involved they often think that their vote won't make a difference.

1) The voting age should be reduced to age sixteen in order to catch their interest young.

2) Voters need to be registered automatically.

3) The political system needs to make sure you have a real say in who is to represent you.

4) Funding needs to be cleaned up.

5) People may still be deterred from voting if they feel that their vote does not make any difference, which in safe seats it doesn't.

Voting can now be done, in at least 18 local council areas, by text message, the internet, electronic kiosk and, for the first time ever, via digital TV. Undeniably, voter turnout in England and Wales is low because of voter disinterest, the perceived lack of power that the voter believes local government has and the lack of media coverage that local government is given.

Apathy. Does anyone care enough to do something about it?

There are a few, very few, who never vote

But don't be put off. It's still 'Your Town Your Choice'. So give voting a go... You might even enjoy having your say... I know I always do!

The main political parties are widely perceived to be too similar and lacking in principle.

The electoral system is widely perceived as leading to unequal and wasted votes. Many people feel they lack information or knowledge about formal politics.

Complete information on The Power inquiry can be found at; www.commentonpower.org/

YOUR TOWNYOURCHOICE

11

A reflection on the life of the late, great Joyce Grenfell

Sadly, the phemonon that was Joyce Grenfell happened mostly before my time. My first Grenfell experience was on my transistor radio in the dormitory after lights out but this adolescent exposure was enough to have me leap at this opportunity to write about her life. She was an extraordinary woman and Chelsea is proud to have her as one if its own.

The monologue I’d heard at school, and later saw on television, was about a prim nursery schoolteacher.

One of this woman’s charges was a hapless boy named George. Hence the line, “George, don’t do that!”, or the quiet aside , “don’t pick your nose, George!”.

Born in London on 10 February 1910, Joyce Grenfell’s background was one of priviledge. Her father, Paul, was an architect. Her American mother’s sister was the illustrious Nancy Astor.

As a child Joyce invented characters and pretended to be other people. She had a ISSUE32

wonderful knack for mimicry.

She and her mother, Nora, would play ‘ladies’ and talk to each other in various voices. Later, her Father insisted she went to RADA, which she did for one term. However, she found the theatrical training of her time too rigid, leaving no room for the spontaneous invention or the improvisation that was to become her professional trademark.

Educated at the Francis Holland School, London, and the Christian Science School, Clearview in South Norwood, she was, at the age of 17, ‘finished off’ in Paris. Joyce always considered herself a “townie” despite her many country visits to Cliveden, the home of her Aunt Nancy.

In 1927 she met Reggie Grenfell.

They married in 1929, a union that lasted 50 years, until her death.

She wrote some light verses for Punch for which she was paid Ten Shillings and Sixpence - and, but thanks to sitting next to the editor of The Observer at a dinner party in 1937, she was soon reviewing BBC radio programmes for £10 week.

At another dinner party in 1938 she gave an impromptu imitation of a Women’s Institute speaker. The party was attended

by Stephen (Oneupmanship, Potterisms) Potter, who then worked for the BBC. Her talent

YOUR TOWNYOURCHOICE

for dramatic monologue so impressed Potter, that he had her do her party piece for the producer of a successful West End revue, Nine Sharp. Equally impressed, this producer put Joyce into one of his shows and later signed her up, along with some of her own sketches.

Suddenly she was a West End Star often saying she owed royalties to the real Women’s Institute speaker who had inspired her original monologue.

The Second World War didn’t stop Joyce Grenfell. She became active helping out in hospitals and canteens. She entertained the troops, principally on ENSA (Entertainments National Service Association) touring 14 countries, always accompanied

by Viola Tunnard, her pianist.

Joyce credited these tours with strengthening her “working muscles”, teaching her the spontaneity and improvisation for which she became so famous.

In Noel Coward’s 1945 revue, Sigh No More, Joyce was once again a big hit, singing “That’s the End of the News” wearing a gym-slip with her hair in pigtails.

Although she was reluctant to wear the outfit, Coward persuaded her into it , claiming later that he had extended her range as a performer by his stubbornness.

Never one to shy away from expressing an opinion, she was one of the original panellists on the BBC radio show We Beg To

Differ, in which a panel of men and women debated subjects that divide the sexes.

She appeared in 24 films, most notably the Ealing Comedies of the original St Trinian’s films, starring opposite Alastair Sim. She always looked upon films as a side-line, even though she played opposite Gregory Peck in “The Million Pound Note” and Ingrid Bergman in “The Yellow Rolls Royce” and she soon returned to her first love, the stage. She took her own show Joyce Grenfell Requests The Pleasure around the world, pausing in America to appear on Broadway and on the Ed Sullivan show alongside the then littleknown Elvis Presley.

Her final performance was in 1973 before Queen Elizabeth and guests at Windsor Castle.

Later that year, following an eye infection, she lost the sight in one eye and had to retire from the stage. Six years later she had an operation to remove the eye, which had become cancerous, and died a month later on 30 November 1979 at her home in Elm Park Gardens.

On 7 February 1980 a Thanksgiving Service was held for her at Westminster Abbey.

People queued for hours for the 2000 available seats, leading a bemused American journalist to remark ‘Joyce was a wonderful woman, but she wasn’t the Prime Minister, was she?’

13

Voted ‘Your Town Your Choice’ restaurant of the year...

Restaurant & Bar

By Catty Lowsley-Williams Nestled on the corner of Sydney Street and the Fulham Road in the heart of Chelsea is the delightful Carpaccio. The home of truly authentic I talian food in London. Named after its signature dish of which they have several variations.

Carpaccio, very thinly sliced raw meat or fish, first appeared on the menu at Harry’s Bar the Venetian restaurant made famous by Giuseppe Cipriani in the late 1950’s. He was said to have been inspired by the Renaissance painter Vittore Carpaccio who favoured red pigments, which reminded Cipriani of the beef used in the original recipe.

We made our way on a warm autumn evening to what promised to be a gastronomic orgy of Italian fare. We received a very warm welcome from the charismatic, very charming Guido Campigotto, of Como Lario fame and his “team”. We were ushered to our table and offered a tasting menu, with a view to sampling a cross section of what head chef Raffaele Goncalves has to offer.

This understated Italian eatery, with its clean, crisp, modern interior has a cosmopolitan, yet unpretentious atmosphere. It is beautifully lit and hums with the buzz of authentic Italian dining, the clink of glass and knife on plate, the mellow chitchat

14

ISSUE32

of satisfied diners. An Andy Warhole esqe print of the owner hangs on the far wall and on another wall hangs the frame of the Formula One car in which Ayrton Senna won the 1991 Grand Priz Championships. A nod to the owner’s passion for motor racing. The 1950’s Italian comedy, Toto, was playing on a vast flat screened television.

branzino al vapore, a very fresh sea bass steamed in foil and filleted at our table. Seabass is a fish which shouldn’t be tampered with. Raffaele is clearly of the same opinion as it came with no fuss, no frills, just as nature intended. We enjoyed an order of zucchini fritti with the fish which we both agreed were the best we’d ever had, flavourful and crisp.

We snacked on unfussy olives and bread with a grade A extra virgin olive oil from taggiasca olives and vintage balsamic vinegar. We were given a Sardinian speciality bread, pane carrasau, not often seen on these shores, a personal favourite of mine.

We drank virgin Mojitos made with miniature limes while we waited for the first of our seven courses.

A tall flute of palate cleansing lemon sorbet and cream was served to break the courses moving from fish to meat and was followed by a beautifully cooked cut of piedmont beef. Brasato di manzo al Barolo. A northern Italian speciality, the meat is braised in Barolo wine until very tender. It came with a light and fluffy potato puree. It was divine, very rich and full of flavour. I hope you’re counting courses as we were beginning to feel rather full at this stage of the evening, however we ploughed on with great gusto.

We started with cape sante, exquisite scallops in their shells sitting on a bed of brightly coloured blue stones. The tender, fleshy scallops, cooked to perfection acting as a vehicle for the garlicky butter and crispy rosemary breadcrumbs. We were then presented with dear little watermelon martinis, sweet and pink and charming.

Guido had chosen for us from his extensive Carpacci menu a slightly alternative version of the classic carpaccio di manzo. The beef had been roasted very rare with horseradish, it was sliced paper thin and accompanied by very finely chopped rocket and a balsamic reduction. Not perhaps quite rare enough for some tastes but delicious all the same. Next came crespoline al ripieno di bufala e spinaci. Delicate little pancakes of buffalo ricotta cheese and fresh spinach baked with tomato and béchamel it was a divine little “help yourself” affair, which we did with relish.

We moved on to an outrageously delicious lobster risotto, perfectly cooked plump grains of al dente vialone nano rice carried the flavour. We gorged ourselves on generous pieces of sweet, juicy lobster. Continuing with the fish courses we had a

Guido chose for us a selection of desserts. We had a passion fruit bavarese, an enchanting, fluffy, creamy mousse that literally melted on our tongues! A prune tart which I would describe as an Italian cheesecake with a nutty base and a redcurrant coulis, it was a big hit with my “dessert expert” dining companion. And finally Carpaccio’s Tiramisu, people have apparently tried to bribe Guido for its special recipe, this is not at all surprising if you’ve tried it.

We managed to establish that it was made with children’s biscuits and without rum or marsala wine. In the original recipe, there was no alcohol as the cake was originally made for children.

Tiramisu means "pull-me-up" in Italian, a reference to the effects of the sugar and espresso, but can be translated figuratively as "cheer me up". Not that we needed cheering after our delightful evening chez Guido. The restaurant was still full of lively, happy, beautiful people as we struggled out of our seats and staggered, sated into the night.

Carpaccio, Restaurant and Bar, 4 Sydney Street, Chelsea, London SW3 6PP Tel: 0207 352 3433 www.CarpaccioRestaurant.co.uk YOUR TOWNYOURCHOICE

15

Beat the credit crunch ! Party away those recession blues...

And have some fun... Happy Hour just got longer ! Get your own exclusive YTYC :V.I.P. club pass to enter some of the UKs best nightclub venues and entertainment spots.

All personally sourced for a 5 ***** star fun rating

by YTYC’s own intrepid entertainment journalist Jenny Anne Sutcliffe, (It was a tough job but somebody had to do it) !

Jenny’s YTYC :V.I.P. club pass gives you free admission, plus huge reductions on drinks, food and a lot, lot more... for a colossal 28 days at sellected venues right across the United Kingdom.

“You are a Very Important Person to us - so enjoy it!” says a jollied up Jenny. “ All our readers are V.I.P.’s are important to us deserve a big thank you.

The Your Town Your Choice :V.I.P club pass gives you those great happy hour prices, but all night long !”

16

Check out the magazine website at www.ytyc.co.uk to book yours online.

Cheers...

ISSUE32

YOUR TOWNYOURCHOICE

17

By Bob Willard, General Manager of www.dejager.co.uk

Imagine as you enter a room, the stunning sight of a tall vase filled with elegant brightly coloured Gladioli. Gladioli look equally at home gracing an ornate flower arrangement in a stately house or cathedral or making a statement in a plain modern vase in a contemporary apartment.

You can buy them in a flower shop or market but I think it is far better to experience the satisfaction of stems of blooms you have grown in your flower borders, in an area dedicated for cut flowers or, like me, on your allotment for the sole purpose of cutting them for the house.

To obtain the best results Gladiolus do best in well-drained soil in a sunny position. Improve heavy or light soil by working in light compost. Before planting, thinly cover with well-rotted manure and rake in. Rake bone-meal into the surface at the rate 3-4ozs per sq metre.

Corms should be planted 10-15cm apart and 10cm deep from late March until early June making sure that each corm is settled firmly.

In heavy soil place them on sharp sand to help drainage. Do take care not plant too shallowly or they may fall over when in bloom.

Do not hoe or apply fertiliser until young shoots appear, and then hoe lightly and often to check weeds. Aerate the soil gently with

18

ISSUE32

a hoe and apply a light top-dressing of fish manure around the shoots.

After eight to ten weeks, when secondary roots will have formed, water generously, particularly during dry periods after the flower spike has appeared. Take care to support them should the flower stems become heavy and as cutting time approaches, if it rains, do shake them gently so that the flowers don’t spoil by becoming too wet.

The usual time between planting and flowering for large flowering gladioli, size 14cms, is around 100 days depending on weather conditions. The smaller Butterfly varieties take 7 to 10 days longer.

After flowering allow foliage to turn yellow/ brown, approx mid-October. Corms can then be lifted before the first frost, remove from soil, and cut off main stem half inch above each corm. Dry the corms for 7 to 10 days in a dry and airy place, then store in trays or shallow boxes in a cool, frost-free place during the winter.

P. de Jager & Sons Limited has been selling top quality and top size bulbs for over 140 years. I cannot over-emphasise the importance of size. Top size bulbs really do make a huge difference both in terms of flowering and naturalisation.

Smaller size bulbs will be less expensive but the results will be very noticeably inferior. Our new summer collection has just been launched so visit www.dejager.co.uk for more information.

YOUR TOWNYOURCHOICE

Spring Mid-March Plant the first batch of corms if the weather is mild.

April-May Continue planting in batches, using several different cultivars. When shoots start to show, keep ground well weeded.

SUMMER (July – August) Primulinus and miniature hybrids are in bloom. Large-flowered hybrids start to blossom in late July. Keep plants well watered and feed moderately. Stake tall hybrids from behind the flowers.

AUTUMN (September) Large flowered hybrids in bloom.

October Lift corms when the first frosts blacken foliage.

Dry in a warm place (18-24°C) for two weeks.

Clean and dust with fungicide. Prepare ground for spring planting.

WINTER (December – February) Store corms in a dry frost-free shed. Check regularly for signs of disease or softness. Throw away shrivelled corms.

19

20

ISSUE32

YOUR TOWNYOURCHOICE

21

Eco - clothing review by Natalie McEwan for 'YOUR TOWN YOUR CHOICE' magazine 22

ISSUE32

In an ever increasing ecologically and ethically conscious world, Red Robot Launch as a 100% organic brand.

Gone are the days though when organic meant rough itchy hemp and neutral dull tones, and in its place comes modern, urban street wear.

Launch this autumn by husband and wife team, Gavin and Ruth Wynne, their collection of hoodies and t-shirts take influence from topical events, cult films and music.

Gavin says, "We aim to develop our brand with the most interesting and coolest designs around. Our first collection brings together our love of music, film and current affairs with fashion that cares.

e t is on n o b o R io Red st fash nally ir f e h t io of ternat in s l e b la elop a to dev hilosophy p brand tainable s with su ment at its p develo core

Red Robot is one of the first fashion labels internationally to develop a brand philosophy with sustainable development at its core."

The brand have created easy to wear clothing but with an edge that'll have people asking where you got that.

Limited edition t-shirts include designs based on the fuel crisis and energy usage. As well as t-shirts with designs taken from cult films Donnie Darko, Reservoir Dogs and Blair Witch Project. While they take their musical influences from bands such as Joy Division and the Arctic Monkeys, showing good taste if nothing else.

The majority of the brands clothing is for men with a limited ladies selection; however they are only just starting out and are sure to expand in the future.

Their limited edition collections and topical events give their clothing a one-off feeling, while their designs featuring the Red Robot character give them a strong identity that is vital in the vast consumer market. www.redrobot.co.uk

YOUR TOWNYOURCHOICE

23

White Lies- To Lose My Life Released Jan 19th 2009 One thing that can be said for an economic crisis is that it gives people some melancholy to work with, and White Lies have caught onto this, and want us to know it, they are dark, they are black.

In fact they may just be trying to remind us that there are greater woes than your money troubles, with tales of murderous lovers, suicides and breakdowns.

And yet for all the doom and gloom, they do somehow manage to capture some of the dark disco sound of bands like The Killers on ‘A Place to Hide’ and ‘Farewell to the Fairground’.

They hark back to the early-80’s for inspiration and on some tracks you wouldn’t be mistaken to compare lead singer Harry McVeigh’s ghoulish tones to those of the late Ian Curtis.

Their only fault may be that they played their top trump card too song, for the album doesn’t come up with a better single than ‘To Lose My Life’.

24

ISSUE32

Music reviews by Natalie McEwan

FRANZ FERDINAND- TONIGHT FRANZ FERDINAND Released Jan 26th 2009 Franz Ferdinand are the sort of band that are quietly there all the time, so that sometimes you may briefly forget them , but then they pop their head up and remind you just how great they are.

And while they sprung up in 2004, alongside a whole bunch of new indie darlings, many of which have died off, and the others seem to be on the way out, Franz Ferdinand seem to have stuck.

They initially jumped from anonymity to huge gigs, festivals and award shows, but it’s what you do afterwards that counts, and what really counts is talent. Something which Razorlight have boasted much of, but shown very little and Kaiser Chiefs are seemingly begging people to believe.

Not to mention that Franz have always set themselves slightly apart from the pack, with dark, synth-laden dancefloor beats, and intelligent lyrics, that will steal the hearts of girls and boys alike.

They may have just won the accolade for best British band of this decade.

YOUR TOWNYOURCHOICE

25

JAMES MURPHY VETS JAMES BOND IN...

26

ISSUE32

Dossier Director Marc Forster Stars Daniel Craig Genre Thriller Running Time 106 minutes Certificate 12 Release On general release

Summary James Bond is out to avenge a lost love and destroy a shadowy organisation. But his quest tests his physical and personal limits and could cost him his job!..

Review To paraphrase David Arnold; ‘Anytime you see the gun-barrel and hear that theme tune, you could be about to see the best Bond film ever.’

and only Bond can discover why. It is a pertinent premise that generates constant danger.

Viewers are treated to locations from Sienna to South America. The set pieces in Austria and Bolivia are a visual treat. And the travel makes sense, as Bond tracks the movements of ‘Quantum’ member, Dominic Greene (a brilliantly creepy Mathieu Amalric).

Bond ultimately faces both corrupt Police in South America and a CIA chief determined to broker deals with baddies. Our hero even falls foul of his beloved Britain, repelled by red tape just as he closes in for the kill. And it’s all tremendous fun.

Quibbles? The ‘Americans are dodgy’ motif is outdated by the real-life rise of Obama. There are also moments of senseless violence in the film that cannot be justified even by a ‘gritty’ feel. And it seems a shame to tease us with typical Bond fun (the hotel scenes), only to hold back on trusted signatures (MoneyPenny, Q and ‘Bond, James Bond’ are conspicuously absent).

Arnold was discussing ‘Die Another Day’, a mediocre goodbye to the great Pierce Brosnan as 007. But 2006’s ‘Casino Royale’ recharged the franchise, won universal acclaim and introduced an even better Bond in Daniel Craig. So I had high hopes for ‘Quantum of Solace’, even without ‘gun-barrel and that theme tune’. And I was not disappointed...

But this is a film defined by its strengths, all of which make it worth a viewing or 3. Judi Dench gives her best ‘M’ to date, clinical yet never cold.

The ‘girls’ (Gemma Arterton and Olga Kurylenko) are adorably sexy. The stunts are credibly yet stunningly executed. The direction is original, whilst echoing past 007 craftsmen from John Glen to Ken Adam. And whatever your thoughts on that opening song, David Arnold’s score is inspired.

We kick off minutes after ‘Casino Royale’. Bond has apprehended mysterious Mr. White, who stays in the boot of the Aston Martin for a frantic chase. It’s a great opening, with tense action punctuated by a great one liner in traditional Bond style.

This film captures the spirit of Ian Fleming and cements Daniel Craig’s status as the best James Bond. Charismatic, determined and at once gritty and elegant, Craig’s performance truly takes 007 to an ‘All Time High’. James Bond must return.

Mr. White escapes, so Bond is assigned to discover how that was possible. It turns out Mr. White was protected by a sinister organisation called ‘Quantum’, whose pervasive powers put Mi6 to shame. ‘Quantum’ seem very interested in Bolivia,

James Murphy’s DVD / Movie Rating: 5/5 as a Bond film, for Bond fans; 3.5/5 to the rest of you, recommended to any viewer over 15 years old who enjoys a good action film..

YOUR TOWNYOURCHOICE

27

28

ISSUE32

I think that I might fly away, in my hot air balloon, And hide from worldly worries on the dark side of the moon; There’s but one thing I need before I float into the blue: I need a sky companion and I want it to be you.

We’ll fly beyond the storm clouds and we’ll watch from up above, I’ll cover you in rainbows as we feel each others’ love; You’ll shower in the stars at midnight in our special place, I’ll dry you with a comet’s tail and kiss your beaming face.

Dreamy drifting panorama, changing every day, Every night your loving smile will be my milky way, The moon will wane before us, sailing there in heaven’s height, For nothing else can challenge our love’s everlasting light.

YOUR TOWNYOURCHOICE

Venus shining on us, glowing soft at our devotion, Our daily drifting dalliance in love’s celestial ocean, I’ll write you lovers’ poetry, and you will be my muse, Orion and Andromeda will oversee our cruise.

We’ll sleep with clouds as pillows, maybe steal an angel’s wings, Then fly as magic lovebirds, or slide round Saturn’s rings, And should we tire of drifting and the stars all floating by, We’ll hook onto a meteor and soar across the sky.

Will you consent to be my mate on our celestial ship? I’m ready, heart all packed with love, to last us for the trip, Take my hand and step aboard, we’re heading for the sun, We’re flying till we find the place where our two souls are one.

29

30

ISSUE32

YOUR TOWNYOURCHOICE

31