The Face of Windermere & Kendal

your guide to the best of windermere

&

kendal

INSIDE:

Community | Interiors Gardens | Beauty Fashion | Health & Fitness Food & Drink | Business Finance | Motoring

issue 1

The Face of Windermere & Kendall

contents

Interiors: 12

Away for the Day: 8

This month...

Welcome 4 Your community

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Away for the day feature

8

Property 10

Movie Review: 22

Interiors 12 Gardens 14 Beauty 16 Fashion 18 Movie Review 22 Hidden Gems 24 Food and drink

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Business 31 Motoring 37

Motoring: 37

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letter from the editor

your guide to the best of winderm ere

W

elcome to the first edition of The Face of Windermere and Kendal magazine.

We hope that you will enjoy our monthly collection of features and interesting articles most of which have been contributed by local people.

The magazine will also be a showcase for local business and products, where you will often find out about the people behind the business as well as the products and services that they provide.

It is also our aim to support and encourage both existing and new businesses by providing free marketing advice and a range of options and incentives that will bring good quality advertising within the reach of all local business, no matter what their size or budget.

We also recognise that in these difficult times the voluntary sector are finding it harder to promote themselves, so each month we will be dedicating a page for local charities and community groups can advertise free of charge. Call us for more details.

Would you like to be on the front cover of our magazine next year?

Many magazines use professional models to be on their front covers, we want to have people from the Windermere and Kendal area on ours. The competition is free to enter and open to all ages. See inside for further details.

This Magazine is dedicated to the memory of Brandon Lee Woodruff 25th of August 1994 – 8th of May 2011, We miss you every day.

The-Face-of-Windermere-and-Kendal

@facewindermere

The Face of Windermere and Kendal magazine is published by Ocean Mantra Media, part of the Ocean Mantra Group. The Lake District Boat Club Building, Glebe Road, Bowness on Windermere, LA23 3 HE. All Rights reserved, Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited.

All prices correct at the time of going to press but subject to change.

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&

kendal

INSIDE:

Community | Interiors Gardens | Beauty Fashion | Health & Fitness Food & Drink | Business Finance | Motoring

issue 1

Front Cover Credits: Model – Cara Woodruff AKubra hat - £114.00 Dubarry Cusack jacket - £499.00 Ramshorn walking stick - £235.00 RM Williams Jeans - £109.95 Dubarry Galway boots - £299.00 Dubarry Clara handbag - £129.00 All from Gina Ricci Windermere www.ginaricci.co.uk Shaun Leane - Large silver hook earrings – £215.00 Wave Contemporary Jewellery Kendal www.wavejewellery.com Do you want your products to feature on our front cover? Call us now for further information.

Check out our website: www.thefaceofwindermereandkendal.co.uk and please feel free to like us on facebook or follow us on twitter.

Every care has been taken to ensure accuracy.

Ocean Mantra Media accepts no responsibility for omissions or errors in the publication or associated websites. Please check all offers and events in advance of attending for availability.

Production: The Magazine Production Company Design: Grant Lucas.

The Face of Windermere & Kendall

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your COMMUNITY

I

first heard of this poem, when it was found in a soldier’s possessions after he had been killed in action during the 1970s.

I managed to get a copy of the poem on a small card and kept it in my wallet for some reason over the years.

Its poignant words often entered my thoughts, particularly at the repatriations of the fallen from Afghanistan where communities have come together to support each other.

When I visited my son in The Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham I met many severely injured service personnel and I was humbled by their everyday bravery in the face of some appalling injuries.

No matter what our feelings are towards conflict we should always remember those who gave their lives and those who are left behind.

We are supporting Help For Heroes on our community page this month , but there are many other charities who offer support and I would urge you to give as much as you can because the pain will continue long after the conflict has gone.

The Face of Windermere & Kendall

Do not stand at my grave and weep, I am not there; I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow, I am the diamond glints on snow, I am the sun on ripened grain, I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you awaken in the morning’s hush I am the swift uplifting rush Of quiet birds in circling flight.

I am the soft star-shine at night.

Do not stand at my grave and cry, I am not there; I did not die.

Mary Frye

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feature: away for the day

White Rose Polo Club

2 - 0 winning team Summit (l-r) Sophie Mulgrove, Hedley Aylott, Tony Wesche, Hugo Suarez

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The Face of Windermere & Kendall

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olo has long been considered an elite activity and, as a result, suffers some of the biggest stigmas of any sport - but White Rose Polo Club in East Yorkshire is changing views and highlighting it as a sport accessible to the masses.

Founded in 2007, White Rose Polo Club is now the largest in the North of England with an impressive 68 members, ranging in age from 12 years to 72 years old. Teaching thousands of lessons each year, and hosting a range of events throughout the polo season – April to September, the club provides an exciting and encouraging environment for all levels of polo player, and has beautiful facilities just 20 minutes from the historic City of York. Lessons are taught by White Rose Polo Manager and Coach, Tony Wesche, whose handicap of 2 goals places him in the top echelon of Yorkshire. The club also specialises in hen and birthday parties with a difference - a memorable experience for the many groups who visit throughout the year.

I first visited the White Rose Polo Club when I took my pony mad daughter for a birthday surprise.

It really opened my eyes to what an amazing sport polo is.

Far from being something that could only be enjoyed by the rich and privileged, I found possibly the only sport where teams can be made up of a mix of age, sex and (due to a clever handicapping system) ability.

Our experience at the White Rose Polo Club far exceeded our expectations.

Everyone was friendly, relaxed and approachable and the ponies were fabulous. Even as a spectator, time was taken to explain the finer

points of the sport and I felt thoroughly involved in the whole experience.

My daughter had such a good time we went back the following year and she had a joint lesson with my partner which was equally as good.

I may have made a rod for my own back Pro-Am Challenge 2012 as a polo pony is now top of both of their Christmas lists but I would recommend the White Rose Polo Club to anyone who would like to try this wonderful sport.

There are a variety of packages available with lessons for children starting at just £15.00 Each year, White The Castle Howard Polo Cup 2012. Tim Rose & Matt Yeo. Rose hosts the Yorkshire Open Polo Championships – the biggest from across the country. Another tournament in the North of highlight of Yorkshire’s Polo Diary England. Tony Wesche, Polo sees White Rose Polo Club play Manager and Coach at club, The Castle Howard Cup - an explains why this tournament is exhibition polo event offering a so special, quintessentially English day out “This year we welcomed 17 against the magnificent backdrop teams from across the country of Castle Howard - one of the – it’s a testament to Yorkshire finest historic houses our region as a valid and thriving location has to offer. Spectators have the for polo and, in particular, it opportunity to bring a special highlights White Rose Polo Club polo picnic, or to be a VIP for the as the leading polo club in the day and receive royal treatment North. The tournament saw a in the VIP marquee where you’re diverse range of players and teams guaranteed an unforgettable day from a variety of backgrounds, with all the trimmings. reflecting the fact that polo is no longer just the ‘Sport of Kings’ but a game that can be enjoyed by For more information visit everybody.” www.whiterosepolo.co.uk, Tournaments are regularly or contact the Polo Office on attended by hundreds of E: Claudia@whiterosepolo.co.uk spectators, and attract players T: 01430 875767

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letter from the editor

10

The Sunshine Vitamin

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property

240 tablets £9.95 The Face of Windermere & Kendall

What property owners really want

F

orget the stately home or city penthouse, new research reveals that Brits’ dream homes are a three bedroom semidetached house in a rural village.

And it seems they are keen to have their friends round as a large open plan kitchen/diner and living area, perfect for entertaining, is the most sought-after feature of our perfect home.

The study, carried out as part of the AA’s investigation into the state of the nation’s homes, found that 18% of adults aspire to own a semi-detached house with two or three bedrooms, the most popular type of property.

While semi-detached, twothree bedroom homes top the aspirational league, 16% of homeowners still hanker after a detached, four-five bedroom house while 13% desire a detached, two or three bedroom abode.

The most desired location is a rural village, which is top of

the list for 28% of people, while 17% want to snuggle down in the suburbs and an upwardly-mobile two per cent are trying for a detached six-bedroom spread.

Half of adults long for mountain or countryside views, marginally more than would like to see the sea from their windows although plenty of us are keen on coastal locations with villages and seaside towns the perfect spot for 16% and 15% of homeowners.

While men and women are well matched in their desired panorama, there could however be a battle between the sexes over the interior layout - and priorities.

Twice as many men as women - 37% v 18% - would include a games room in their ultimate home and twice as many men than women want their own cinema.Somewhat predictably, more women opt for a large open plan kitchen, diner or living area, 64% compared with 56%

of men, while 42% of women think a swimming pool would be a spectacular addition to their perfect family home.

More men than women want their own personal gym - 27% compared with 23% of female fitness fans.

While the view that females are the more nurturing sex is borne out by the fact that 29% of women want their dream home to have grounds for livestock, such as a chicken run, compared with just 22% of men.

The research also indicates that in the long run, increased demand could see the price of rural properties rise significantly as 34% of people want to live in a rural location, yet these areas currently account for only 18% of the housing stock.

Tom Stringer, Head of AA Emergency Response, says: “We are used to drivers dreaming about owning cars most of us are never likely to afford, such as a Ferrari.”

However, when it comes to houses, the research shows that we are much more realistic and that for many of us, our dream home is likely to be within our reach.”

Pragmatism and practicality are the overwhelming results of this survey, particularly at a time when many families are feeling the financial squeeze.

On the plus side, at least it seems we are a nation of realists which should stand us in good stead for the future.

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interiors

fall in love with

Autumn trends I

t is time to say goodbye to summer days and turn our attention to cosying up our home ready for Autumn. Design experts from Luci Living Design Interiors share their latest tips and trends for this season.

Pantone 2012 colour of the year was Tangerine Orange and as autumn sets in this hue moves to deeper, burnt orange shades in keeping with the traditional autumnal pallet. These colours mix perfectly with spice accents such as amber, ruby and saffron. These colour combinations are a great way to create an instant sense of warmth and comfort throughout your home.

If you want to move away from a conventional seasonal look this autumn there is an alternative heavy focus on jewelled colour ways and peacock tones. Use powerful colours such as deep ocean blues, moss greens and thistle purples mixed in with earthy neutrals to create a rich, dramatic look in your home and stay right on trend. Earthy neutrals such as light taupe and dark chocolate brown have taken over from the grey neutral tones that have dominated interiors in recent years.

Glamour and opulence is another key look of this season and this autumn sees a variation in fabric styles with the introduction of metallic fabrics and rejuvenation of bronze and gold. These tones

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mixed with the regal colours such as the deep blues and purples will illustrate both intensity and sophistication in your home.

If your preferred style is more classic then this autumn has lots for you with the revival of traditional heritage style fabrics such as herringbone and dog-tooth.

This resurgence in interiors has come straight from the catwalk and can be introduced into your home easily allowing you to create

a classic yet contemporary look.

Texture is another key trend with luxury being the focus from deep velvets and soft linens to suede and leather. As winter is on the way an excellent way to get snug at home is by layering, just as we do with clothing, add some layering into your home.

Invest in some statement throws and cushions illustrating different colours, textures and patterns to create a warm and inviting space.

To counter balance traditional looks our design specialists recommend bold geometric shapes and prints which are appearing more and more in interiors, featuring on fabrics, flooring and upholstery.

Mixing textures with patterned fabrics and daring colours is a great trend. Incorporate these into your home through accessories such as cushions, vases and rugs.

If your home is currently based on a neutral pallet a splash of colour will liven up your space and give focal points which help to bring a scheme together creating a more comfortable space.

Wool, as always, is a staple fabric as we head towards winter.

Look out for exciting new designs that play on the customary ‘wool design’ by infusing shocking pinks or lime greens into the grey/ neutral base. Be brave using these bolder colours to create statement upholstered pieces in your home.

The Face of Windermere & Kendall

Also look out for large scale crochet and knitted furnishings in natural fibres such as stools, rugs and throws.

An eclectic mix of styles in terms of furniture is still very much in. Gone are the days where all of

your furniture had to match.

Mixing styles not only looks fantastic but is a great opportunity to recycle and restore tired items creating statement pieces which are also budget and recession friendly.

Article by Charlotte & Luci Interior Design Team Luci Living Design

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Designer gardens to suit you 14

gardens

The Face of Windermere & Kendall

G

ardens, like homes, tend to reflect the lives of those who live in them.

Sun worshippers will have garden furniture for sunbathing and dining, more private residents may opt for tall privet bushes to shield them from unwanted attention, while those used to entertaining might plump for more lavish displays, such as water features and ornately sculpted topiary.

Deciding how you would like your garden to look is the easy part; the real challenge is finding the best kind of garden designer to suit your specific requirements.

When considering the design of your garden, one of the best places to start is by getting in touch with the Society of Garden Designers (SGD), which can put you in touch with the leading designers working in your area.

If you prefer, you can meet the SGD at the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Chelsea Flower Show, where members will be on hand to provide expert advice on choosing a garden designer for your own project, be it the transformation of a small urban space or a large country garden.

The proof of SGD members’ expertise can be witnessed each year as they join the leading garden designers in the world at the Chelsea Flower Show.

At last year’s Chelsea alone, SGD members won 14 medals, including the Best in Show award.

An impressive 11 medals were also awarded to SGD members at last year’s RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show.

Going to a standardised body such as the SGD is a safer option than simply hiring just any

Finding the right designer is the first step towards your dream garden

private designer, as anyone can call themselves a garden designer these days. And the proliferation of garden design courses now offered means standards can vary a great deal.

As a result, the need for a professional body in garden design is now more important than it has ever been. To that end the SGD was established back in 1981 and is currently the only professional body in the UK dedicated solely to garden design. Some of its current members include leaders in the garden design world such as John Brookes, Sarah Eberle, Christopher BradleyHole, Arabella Lennox-Boyd, Dan Pearson, Julie Toll, Andy Sturgeon and Cleve West.

All registered members have proven experience and have passed the SGD’s thorough accreditation and appraisal process. They can provide a professional design service that covers a wide range of skills beyond most clients’ expectations. The complete garden design portfolio covers:

all aspects of hard-landscaping including structure and drainage; planting design and sourcing; maintenance; costing; project management; specialist elements including water, lighting and garden furniture; and members may have additional specialist skills such as expertise on historic garden restoration.

Its not enough just to know which plants look best and what soil to use. Today’s designer needs to draw on skills that include a sound horticultural knowledge, an understanding of ecology and conservation, the ability to analyse the garden and, most of all, to interpret effectively the hopes and wishes of the client.

To this end the SGD’s website makes the search for a garden designer simple. A comprehensive search facility locates designers throughout Great Britain and Northern Ireland and provides information on individual registered members’ areas of specialisation.

For more information visit www.sgd.org.uk or telephone 01989 566695.

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beauty

The chillier weather is upon us and there’s one thing we should be embracing with open arms: skin and hair care. If you’re male I suspect you have immediately lost interest. Before your hand reaches to turn the page, I suggest you stick around too, because it’s all very well buying your macho fragrances, but what’s it worth if your face looks like a baboon’s bottom from being whipped by the cold wind? Below are some quick tips to stay looking as best as you can during autumn and winter.

Look after your skin As most women spend some part of their morning sipping coffee whilst applying their foundation, they may feel as though their skin has some protection against the cold weather. That said, just because your face isn’t bare, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be using a hydrating moisturiser. This applies to men too - you need to be investing in a moisturiser to help prevent the chilly winds damaging your ‘Brad Pitt’ appearance, *ahem*. Look for one with SPF as the sun’s rays can still be damaging to the skin through those weary grey clouds, even when it’s not warm.

It’s all about staying well groomed In the warmer months (or, in England’s case, days) you can get away letting your hair grow long and wild and still look great with your tanned complexion, but when winter arrives it’s a completely different story.

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For women, this means giving the weather less chance of ruining your look. If it’s raining opt for a more casual hair style as slick, straight styles are likely to be ruined by the rain; you should also steer away from too much dark eye makeup to avoid panda eyes!

As for men, keep on top of your haircuts to stay looking prim and proper as it gets colder. The wind and rain can mean you might end up strolling into work looking like Mogley if you don’t keep on top of your tresses. As a rule of thumb try to visit your barbers after every 4th X Factor contestant is eliminated (that’s 4 weeks to the rest of us).

Hands hands hands From holding lovely hot mugs to braving the cold, our hands perhaps suffer the worst through autumn and winter. Even those who don’t usually get dry skin can find their hands feeling rougher than the green side of a sponge scourer. It’s best to avoid using bars of soap as it tends to dry out hands very fast – use a moisturising liquid soap instead. Hand cream is a must so ladies make sure your man picks up a little tube of hand cream along with you. My boss recently confessed his love of the feminine brand Soap and Glory’s hand cream so, gentlemen, don’t shy away from the girly packaging if it’s a more moisturising formula! Ladies, make sure you pop a small tube in your handbag for re-application before heading out again.

The Face of Windermere & Kendall

G ina R icci to C ountry We stock exclusive country wear for both Gentlemen and Ladies with a wide selection from Dubarry, R.M. Williams and Jack Murphy. Exquisite leather goods and horn gifts from Abbey horn. Also stylish and practical Hunter Wellingtons to suit all ages.

Handbags from Owen Barry and Dents with a stylish Country twist Gina Ricci to Country is a shop well worth a visit, over and over again!

G ina R icci We offer a great variety of shoes for every occasion, we specialise in designer shoes and matching handbags from the best Italian designers, together with a wide range of shoes for day wear, whether it’s for a country walk or a city shopping trip.

Our shoes start at 33 and go right through to 42, so there is something to suit everyone at Gina Ricci.

Gina Ricci

6 Crescent Road | Windermere | Cumbria | LA23 1EA

Tel 015394 88737 | info@ginaricci.co.uk | www.ginaricci.co.uk

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FASHION

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The Face of Windermere & Kendall

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health & fitness

That time of year is fast approaching once again when we indulge in hearty meals and excesses of alcohol in the company of friends and family. It is a great time of year but is usually followed by the post holiday slump brought on by the return to work, the trip to the bathroom scales and the discovery that those expensive jeans you got for Christmas barely fit you!

Most of us then try to get back into shape with ill-fated New Year’s resolutions; but what about getting in shape now, before the season? If nothing else it will send you into the season feeling great and make it that bit easier to keep the weight off and lose it after...

So, what can you do? Is it going to be simply a matter of joining a gym? Taking up some exercise? Or should you go onto a hardcore diet in preparation for the holidays? In truth, if you can do those, great, but the point of getting ready now is to avoid hitting yourself with unrealistic targets. Instead why not focus on getting into good habits now? That way you get through the holiday season in one piece – and the same clothes size!

OK, so here’s what we suggest,

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and why! Healthy weight loss - the kind that your body can continue to keep off, and not pile straight back on the second you have a chocolate bar - requires steady effort as opposed to the all out post Christmas blitz. For example; as a starting point to work from, if you wanted to lose 1kg or 2.2 lb per week (a stone by Christmas), you need to change your energy balance by 1000 calories per day ... or 500 calories by exercise and 500 calories by dieting. Just halve that if your target is half a stone.

To put this in context, going without a bag of crisps and a couple of pieces of buttered toast a day would be enough dieting (see www.caloriecount.about. com). As for the exercise, fitting it in can be easier than you think.

Don’t wait to be motivated – just

get started! Any good psychologist will tell you that, contrary to popular belief, we have to do something in order to get motivated by it! For those of us less inclined to taking up high intensity exercise at a gym or club, there are many other ways that we can make meaningful changes to our lives. Taking a brisk 20 minute walk to the shops instead of jumping in the car will burn nearly 200 calories; as can taking the stairs throughout a working day (rather than the lift).

Remember, that by getting this little bit of effort in earlier you will be building up healthy habits which will make your body better able to deal with the trials and tribulations of the holiday period, and ensure that you look great whilst you’re doing it!

The Face of Windermere & Kendall

getting in shape for the holiday season

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movie review

Skyfall and the Seven Best Bond Movies Now in his 23rd on-screen outing, Britain’s finest secret agent needs no introduction from us.

Not least as he seems to relish in doing it himself, despite the obvious problems this would logically lead to when it comes to international espionage and terrorist surveillance. Still, nobody accused Ian Fleming of creating a resolutely realist vision when he first gave birth to James Bond.

The most recent interpretations have far more in common with the gritty original books, but in all instances it’s highly unlikely the protagonist wouldn’t have succumb to some form of ill-fate, given his actions. Dodging bullets and sexually transmitted diseases then, he’s quite the work of fiction. Which isn’t to say the stories aren’t hugely enjoyable, and this month’s release of the long awaited new instalment is set to follow suit.

Skyfall was released in UK cinemas on the 26th of October, and again sees the current production team opt for dark undertones. Thankfully, there’s also an Aston Martin too, pointing to all the hallmarks of a British

classic. The action is a lot closer to home this time, with MI6 itself coming under fire from an unknown threat, which the deadly gentleman must track down and eliminate, leading to personal sacrifices like never before.

Excited? We certainly are, and as such spent an afternoon shaking and stirring up the following list, which represents our Best of Bond, at least in terms of the story so far, anyway. Dr. No (1962)Still one of the coolest of all 007’s escapades, the inaugural, then controversial movie boasts plenty of iconography; Sean Connery, Ursula Andress, tropical heat, bikinis, and ruthless underground organisations.

Goldfinger (1964)One of the alltime best villains looks more like a plump banker than international criminal, suggesting a psychic casting agent. With women turning to gold, this is Connery’s finest hour in the lead role.

Live & Let Die (1973)Roger Moore’s first outing was a marked attempt at revitilising things, complete with eyebrows, innuendos, and a more modern theme tune. It worked, as did

the voodoo imagery and spooky atmospheres.

The Spy Who Loved Me (1977) The tenth movie in the franchise, hijacked submarines and dead KGB agents abound. Don’t question Moore’s ability to defy his own age, just enjoy the opening ski-chase, and Union Jack parachute jump.

License To Kill (1989)There’s no denying the possible comparisons to be made between License Bond Timothy Dalton and his 2012 counterpart, Craig. Here the former is quiet, filled with revenge, and refuses to play by any rules.

Goldeneye (1995)Pierce Brosnan’s later Bond movies became ridiculous, but Goldeneye is truly awesome. Complete with Russians, former-Soviet bloc settings, and a base jump from atop a massive damn, everyone should see it.

Casino Royale (2006)Daniel Craig’s era arrived with a bang.

Brutal, bloodthirsty, and semialcoholic, its genius is the switch between high action and sedate gambling scenes in Montenegro – evidently a country of contrasts.

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The Face of Windermere & Kendall

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feature

Hidden Gems

G

rasmere is a beautiful village and there are a lot of cafes, restaurants and pubs to choose from depending on what you are after. There are two hidden gems though – both off the beaten track and very different. One I discovered several years ago and

the other only this summer.

Faeryland is a quirky café right on the lakeshore with its own little pier. Not only does it have its own blends of tea with fabulous names like ‘Faery Grey’ but there are also brightly coloured rowing boats you can hire to take out on the lake with names like ‘Waterlily’ and ‘Zoe’. You can feed the ducks and swans whilst you sip your tea, admire the views and watch the rowing boats come and go from the picnic benches or if you are feeling energetic you can go for a

row yourself. It is an enchanting place in a tranquil setting and it is a perfect place to relax after a walk or just to pass the time of day.

Thorney How is tucked away at the back of Grasmere towards the slopes of Helm Crag. It is a youth hostel but the café is open to nonresidents. There are comfortable sofas and friendly (if a little lazy) cats to keep you company. You can even hire electric bikes from there to take you further afield in a more leisurely fashion. One more great place to pass the time or break your journey.

You are spoilt for choice in Grasmere, but if you are after something a bit different and a bit out of the way, Faeryland and Thorney How are worth a visit.

Tanya Oliver

From High Heels to H igh H ills One woman walking the Lake District - in her own style.

Not ready to discard her high heels to achieve her goal, serial hill walker and shoe fanatic, Tanya Oliver, describes the Lake District and its communities with love and awe, capturing the beauty and colour with wry honesty and humour.

She draws upon her own extensive experience and passions to give you an insight into the realities of fell walking and climbing mountains which regular guide books do not – ensuring that your essential waterproofs extend to mascara.

The book is available in bookshops and online via www.amazon.co.uk or direct from the publisher www.stepbeachpress.co.uk/books

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The Face of Windermere & Kendall

Winter Warmer MULLIGATAWNY SOUP

A warming winter soup, ideal for Bonfire Night or to take in a flask when out carol singing 1 onion, finely chopped 4 oz red lentils 1 tablespoon tomato purée 2 tablespoons mild curry paste 4 oz lean minced beef 1 beef stock cube 1 large garlic clove, crushed 1 level teaspoon mild chilli powder Salt and black pepper to taste 2 oz raisins

Put all ingredients in a large, microwaveable bowl. Add ½ pint water, cover and cook on full power for 10 minutes, stirring several times. (Add a little more water if it is looking dry). Reduce power to medium and cook, covered, for 20 minutes. Blend with a stick blender. (The soup can be frozen at this stage). Add ¾ pint warm water or stock, the 2 oz raisins and reheat.

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letter from the editor

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The Face of Windermere & Kendall

Sure to Surprise You Cumbria Wedding, Event Planning & Hiring Services

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lanning your celebration, wedding, birthday, or anniversary throws up any number of questions. Where to host it, what to eat, and how many guests to invite are only the start. Perhaps more important is the cost and how to put the whole thing together. Who knew that choosing to spend your life with the one you love could be so costly?!

The Lake District fells and dales are not just a glorious backdrop for the avid walker, but it is also one of the most stunning places to get married. Even in the rain (which happens occasionally!) the Lake District can still add that all important WOW factor to a special day.

Now to the planning and creating – this is where I come in! I created Sure to Surprise You to make it easier for you to sit back, relax and enjoy. After working for a number of years in hospitality and catering I realised that everyone could benefit from a friendly, helping hand. Your ‘to do’ list can seem endless but I can help with every aspect from planning your perfect wedding day to finding and hiring accessories.

My experience tells me that one of the most difficult and costly things about it is getting hold of those added extras. Why buy when you can hire?

Don’t waste Saturday afternoons scouring car boot sales looking for vintage crockery or your Sunday’s on the internet sourcing and buying 100 tealight holders. It seems a much needed expense when you have the wedding to look forward to but what are you going to do with them afterwards? Not many of us need 100 tealight holders…so we are back on the internet for a few more hours trying to flog them! My advice is don’t spend time and money when you can

phone me and let me take the strain! The best part is that it won’t cost the earth!

Our vintage crockery is perfect for an afternoon tea. If you are not a fan of tea… then fill our teapots with your favourite cocktail for pre-dinner drinks or fill them with flowers for table centrepieces.

The photo prop-box is a great way to keep guests entertained – filled with wigs, hats, picture frames and more it allows your guests to dress up and find the most obscure place to take a photo – I’ve had some on grand pianos?!

We also stock traditional tableware including white crockery, cutlery, glassware and linen and many different ideas for centrepieces.

That is just a taster of our hiring range - there’s more to see on our website www.suretosurpriseyou. co.uk and why not ‘like’ us on Facebook? www.facebook.com/sure.to.surprise.you

I created Sure to Surprise You to make it easier for you to sit back, relax and enjoy Our aim is to play a part in making your occasion easier and extra special – we are Sure to Surprise You! Amy Brunton info@suretosurpriseyou.co.uk P.S Our traditional and vintage crockery can be hired to private parties, hotels and businesses for up to 200 all over Cumbria. We not only deliver and collect from your door…we will also do the washing up!

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business & finance

Finance, or more precisely the lack of finance, is probably the biggest problem facing small businesses at the current time.

Since the start of the credit crisis in 2007 the high street banks have, despite their statements to the contrary, been lending less and less to the small business sector. In an attempt to solve the problem the government has introduced a number of initiatives, none of which have been successful. Finance for small businesses is virtually impossible to obtain.

True, there have been some changes in the market. New lenders such as Aldermore Bank, Metro, Haymarket Financial and NBNK have been set up, hoping to exploit public anger at the big banks. Aldermore uses money

The Face of Windermere & Kendall

from savers to lend to firms which the big banks often shun.

Many people are already familiar with Bank of Dave, another new lender, which even has its own TV programme on Channel 4!

Peer to peer lending, where a group of savers join together to share the risks and benefits of lending to businesses is growing because of the ease of marketing such schemes over the internet.

Take a look at Funding Circle to learn more about this new phenomenon.

Unfortunately there is another type of lender which I’m loathe to mention but feel I have to, if only to protect the innocent – the so called payday lenders , which are starting to lend to businesses.

Don’t touch them. If things are that bad, borrowing more money

isn’t the answer.

Over time these new lenders will build on their success and make more money available to more and more businesses. New lending models will continue to appear but will only be available to a handful of businesses. Which sadly means the high street banks will continue to be the main source of money for small businesses.

On a more positive note, however, perhaps small businesses should regard the high street banks as the last resort and contact the new lenders first. We may all be pleasantly surprised.

Stuart Jones

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business & finance

Does your website work in today’s market place?

Having an attractive and easy to navigate website is imperative, but that is only the beginning of having a successful website.

When the importance of websites was first recognised, they served as an online brochure informing potential customers about what you do and how you do it. Since then, the web has been growing exponentially. Ten years ago, it wasn’t difficult to set up a website and ensure customers could find you online. But with today’s overpopulated Internet, it’s not that simple. Websites are no longer the digital business cards or brochures that they were; they have become fully functional business outposts. They are still key components of any marketing campaign, but because the internet itself is a virtual universe, small businesses need to treat their websites like storefronts within that universe. Now, instead of just using a website to market your business, you also have to market your website.

In today’s business world, a website is one of your most important marketing assets, a platform you can use to promote your business and its offerings. The content on your site and your peripheral online marketing campaigns can strategically draw targeted traffic to your website, making a significant and measurable contribution to the success and growth of your business.

Space on a website is practically limitless, and it can hold text, images, audio, and video, making it more versatile than any other marketing platform in the world.

The increasing complexity of the web and improvements to website development technology, means that an effective website in today’s marketplace requires a considerable investment. It is not enough to merely hire a designer, have your site built, and then forget about it. Somebody needs to oversee the responsibility for managing the website. This might sound like a timeconsuming or arduous task, but it is a crucial responsibility that will see a return on investment.

You may have the time to be your own content manager and maintain this in-house or outsource to a marketing or web company who will do this for you. Either way, this is time well spent and vital to the success of your business.

To discuss a new website, or for help with an existing one, please call Jo or Polly on 07887 868269.

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The Face of Windermere & Kendall

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At Last!

Affordable Advertising for Local Businesses How does your business stand out from the crowd?

Times are tough. People in Windermere and Kendal are tightening their purse strings and thinking twice about where they should spend their money.

That’s why you need to make your business stand out from the crowd.

The Face of Windermere and Kendal is a sensational, new magazine - specifically designed with local businesses in mind. Many people believe in the concept of spending their money locally, but if they don’t know about your business, or all it has to offer, they may decide to spend their money elsewhere.

So how will advertising with us make your business stand out from the crowd?

The more often your business’ name is noticed, the greater the chance people will spend money with you.

Advertising is simply a way of getting your name out to the public. So while during these tough times you might need to cut some costs, advertising is one area you should be investing in.

Increase your sales by reaching a wide audience every month • Local advertising reaches a very wide crowd and is successful when it comes to increasing sales.

The greater the audience the advertising reaches, the more likely the business’ sales increase. The circulation of The Face of Windermere and Kendal will be 20,000 each month. That’s 20,000 potential customers in your local area.

• The Face of Windermere and Kendal is free. The content is of the highest quality with engaging articles and features, including local news and business, home and garden, beauty, events, fashion and entertainment. People will choose to read the magazine.

• Your advert never expires! Every issue is also available on line as an e mag, ensuring that your advert remains in the public domain for years to come and will help to ensure that your advert reaches the maximum audience.

Affordable advertising We’re here to support you through these difficult times by providing high quality, cost effective advertising.

It doesn’t matter what size of business you have – we have a package to suit your needs.

Our magazine is designed to help local businesses advertise and our packages are not as expensive as our competitors. In fact, we even have FREE dedicated advertising space for local charities and voluntary organisations in each issue.

Advertise in The Face of Windermere and Kendal magazine and in addition to our remarkable advertising rates, we will also give you an amazing 20% off the cost of printing, web design and media services provided by local printers 999printing.com

Get in touch to discuss your requirements now: Phone - 01539 751210 Mobile - 07525 056 310 Email - info@thefaceofwindermereandkendal.co.uk Visit - www.thefaceofwindermereandkendal.co.uk 35

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motoring

The Face of Windermere & Kendall

The potential dangers of part worn tyres

economic climate these tyres are becoming a more popular choice as people try to stretch tight budgets and make savings.

Critics argue that part worn tyres are not only dangerous, with unknown faults, but also represent false economy, whereas supporters argue that they are inexpensive and an effective method of fitting better tyres to a car.

The safety of vehicle tyres has been the focus of much Despite some drivers suggesting that all tyres being 09 27/1/09 15:43 Page 51 media attention over the last few months. used on the roads are effectively part worn, recent More tyre manufacturers’ commercials have findings have shown that 50% of UK drivers who appeared on television and Quentin Wilson, best purchase these tyres do not know about the dangers known for his stint on BBC’s Top Gear, states that associated with them. drivers areName: not sufficiently educated in tyre quality and One aspect that is particularly Customer Kankku Ad Job Description: Welcomedisturbing Ad 2009 about maintenance, which is a significant factor in UK road this growing trade is that the origin of these tyres is death and injury. not known. A recent trading standards investigation ■ Proof O.K. please print Signature: ............................................................................

One much debated aspect of tyre safety is the use conducted by Birmingham City Council uncovered part of second hand, part-worn tyres where the depth of worn tyres with embedded nails, tread well below the Date Proof sent: ..................................................................

Date proof returned: ............................................................ the tread is less than in new tyres, but in the current legal requirement, cords that were exposed and, in P Please return to Welcome Folders: 23 St Mary’s Park, Windermere, Cumbria LA23 1AZ. Thankyou.

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letter from the motoring

editor

one particular case, a 17-yearold tyre.During the course of the investigation, a quarter of the 190 part worn tyres examined had structural defects.

A huge 90% were illegal because they lacked the correct legally-

Kankku is about

having great fun

in extreme driving situations

required identification marks for part worn tyres.

However, clouding the debate is the suspicion that the major tyre manufacturers are exaggerating the potential danger of fitting part worn tyres because the purchase of them affects their profits.

While there are laws in place that dictate the regulations as to the type of tyres that can be sold, their condition and the fact that they must be marked to identify them as used tyres, part of the problem lies in motorists not being educated in the law or indeed knowing what to look for on a tyre in terms of relevant markings. Most would be reliant on a supplier being able to

Fragile Earth ...

Life at Kankku is about both fun and understanding. With a Kankku off-road driving experience, you will learn how intelligent driving techniques allow you to tread lightly on our magnificent landscape, helping to preserve and protect historical trails for future generations.

Kankku off-road adventures are exciting and very personal driving experiences for individuals, family and friends. At Kankku we also run Convoy Expeditions for Groups, and Adventurers With Their Own 4x4’s come to Kankku to be guided expertly and safely along the beautiful Lake District trails.

We develop and run professional Conference Events and Incentive Programs for Companies; we provide formal Proficiency Training for those who use 4x4’s at work, rescue operators and aid workers.

When we are not out on the trails, we busy ourselves preparing our Subaru Impreza Rally cars. You can join The Kankku Rally Team for the day, and get ‘stuck in’ by taking on the Formula 1 style service and management roles required for the rally team to succeed on a Live Championship Rally.

Gift Vouchers can be purchased by those wanting to organise a thrilling driving experience for someone special; they are available for all Kankku off-road and rally programs.

Victoria Forge, Victoria Street, Windermere, LA23 1AD For the Office: 015394 47414 For the Co-ordinator: 07074 526558 Fax: 015394 47414 Email: nick@kankku.co.uk

www.kankku.co.uk Photography by Cumbria Tourist Board. Design by Emo Design Limited. www.emodesign.com

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tell them that the tyre is in a legal condition and that it is marked correctly, but unscrupulous and disreputable suppliers may be economical with the truth.

Nevertheless, since tyres are a major safety component of any vehicle it seems obvious that if you don’t know the history or origin of them it is best not to buy them. If your budget dictates that you must, then it would be logical to research, perhaps on the internet, to gain greater knowledge of the industry and the regulations governing it, before effectively gambling with your life.One thing is certain - while new tyres may stretch the budget a little further, drivers will always know their origin and history, and can be confident that they meet the required legal safety regulations.

off road

driving

now it’s your turn!

The Face of Windermere & Kendall

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