The Face of Windermere and Kendal

issue 2

your

FREE

guide to the best of windermere

&

kendal

INSIDE:

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

The Face of Windermere & Kendal

contents

Interiors: 10

Fix the Fells: 8

This edition...

Welcome 4 Your community

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Fix the Fells feature

8

Movie Review: 22

Interiors 10 Fashion 14 Beauty 18 Fashion 18 Movie Review 22 Recipe 26 Business 33

Recipe: 26

3

letter from the editor

issue 2

your

FrEE

guidE to thE bEst oF windEr mErE

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:

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ello and welcome to the second edition of The Face of Windermere and Kendal Magazine.

I want to thank everyone for your kind support.

The reception and feedback for the first edition has been brilliant.

We like to think of The Face of Windermere and Kendal as a work in progress and we will continually try to improve our content and make it relevant to the area.

If you have any ideas that you think would improve the magazine, please email us at info@ thefaceofwindermereandkendal.co.uk Distribution of the magazine is expanding all of the time, The Face of Windermere and Kendal is now also available at:• Kendal Tourist Information Centre, • Made in Cumbria, 25 Stramondgate, Kendal • Bowness Tourist Information Centre, Bowness Bay, Glebe road, Bowness on Windermere • Windermere Railway Station • Oxenholme Railway Station We will publish a list of all the distribution points in the next edition.

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

Finally we must make an apology for an omission in the last edition.

The wonderful cover shot including the make up and hair styling was provided by Rachel Winter Photography of Kendal. I don’t know how I managed to forget, when you consider what a memorable day we all had. Thank you and sorry Rachel.

All that remains for me to do is to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from everyone here at The Face of Windermere and Kendal magazine.

Julie X The-Face-of-Windermere-and-Kendal

@facewindermere

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 & Kendal

R a ch e l W int e r P hotogr a phy Lt d As an established portrait, commercial and wedding photographer since 1995, Rachel Winter has become one of the leading photographers in the Lake District and Cumbria today. With a wealth of knowledge and experience, Rachel’s informative, caring approach and attention to detail will give you the confidence to allow her to create the finished results you are looking for.

Rachel is a Licenciate with The British Institute of Professional Photographers, who are an internationally recognised photographic organisation.

Also a qualified make up artist with a diploma in fashion and photographic make up, plus diplomas in beauty therapy you can also take advantage of Rachel’s skills in bridal make up and full fashion shoots. Combining all of these services, makes Rachel unique and allows her to put together your look, whether it is applying your bridal make up or a complete style shoot. Over the years, Rachel has transformed many women and her artistic ability to capture them on camera is an experience to enjoy whatever your age. In addition to make up, Rachel offers facials and other beauty treatments which are all designed to relax today’s busy ladies, who always seem to be juggling busy lives between work and bringing up children.

When it comes to weddings, Rachel is a wedding photographer who has enviable experience in her knowledge of the beautiful venues in and around the Lake District. Rachel has 18 years experience in wedding photography and has photographed at virtually every reception venue in the South Lakes. A large collection of venues she has worked at can be viewed on her website at www. rachelwinterphotography.com Rachel is also an experienced commercial photographer, with previous commissions from magazines, through to large international companies. This takes her back to her formative training when the technical side of photography often had a greater understanding. For many years, her beloved Hasselblad medium format camera was her best work buddy and taught her the skills which she has brought with her into the digital era.

Rachel’s impressive and extensive portfolio includes weddings, portraits, fashion shoots, commercial, celebrities and of course she was the photographer and make up artist for the front cover of the first ever edition of ‘The Face of Windermere and Kendal magazine’. So if you’re based in the Lake District or elsewhere in Cumbria and you’re looking for a portrait, commercial or wedding photographer you can contact Rachel at www.rachelwinterphotography.com

www.rachelwinterphotography.com

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Volunteers needed in our Ambleside & Windermere shops

Volunteers are involved in everything we do As little as three hours a week can make a huge difference All profits from our shops are used to support the services we provide in South Lakeland

Together we can make a difference How do I get started?

Just ask in your local shop for an information pack. You can also contact Jean Park, the Volunteer Support Officer at Age UK South Lakeland, on 01539 728118 Age UK South Lakeland is a registered charity, number 1141415, and a company limited by guarantee, number 07540805

your COMMUNITY

The Face of Windermere & Kendal

Volunteering – the feel good factor

With the success of the volunteering programme at the London Olympics, more and more people are choosing to become volunteers in local charity and community projects Giving something back is a sure way to boost your spirits and feel good. Volunteering is very simple and much easier to do than you may think. It’s basically about giving your time to do something useful, without getting paid. Not only will you get satisfaction of time and effort well spent, it can be a great way to meet new people, learn new skills to gain useful experience at the same time as having some fun!

For many people, one of the hardest problems is finding the time to volunteer. But whether you have just a few hours or plenty of time, there’s plenty of need out there. There are generally no age-limits on many volunteering jobs, but look into each case as some may well have restrictions.

There are literally loads of different

things you can do, so whatever skills and experience you do or don’t have, there is something for you.

Getting started is easy. Just log onto the web and visit sites like www.do-it.org.uk and www.timebank.org.uk . You can put in your postcode and see what’s available in your area and the time that you have available.

Many of the opportunities are one off with lots available for regular volunteering.

You can also contact your local Community and Voluntary Service who will have lots of contacts in the area.

Top Seven Tips for Starting to Volunteer 1 Think about what you want to get from volunteering

2 Think about what you have to offer - enthusiasm, work skills, life skills?

3 Work out roughly how much time you have to give 4 Think about what you could be doing as a volunteer 5 Remember that everyone can volunteer - whatever your skills 6 Ask questions - don’t be shy about asking questions 7 Just try it www.do-it.org.uk www.timebank.org.uk South Lakes Community and Voluntary Service (CVS) Address: Stricklandgate House 92 Stricklandgate KENDAL LA9 4PU Telephone 01539 742627 Email southlakes@cumbriacvs.org.uk Website www.cumbriacvs.org.uk

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feature: FIX THE FELLS

Every journey may start with the first step, but who repairs the path?

E

ver seen a group of people on the fells carrying shovels and brooms and wondered why? They are our Fix the Fells volunteers and the maintenance of our upland paths could not be done without them. In sun, rain, snow, storms and wind they are out doing maintenance and minor repairs. The shovels are used to clear path drains of stone, soil and grass and the brooms are to sweep loose stones from the stone-pitching.

Just as our boots experience wear and tear from walking, so too do the paths on which they tread. Fix the Fells aims to repair, maintain and improve the paths on our beautiful Lake District fells, protecting them from erosion.

The ancient network of paths and tracks that criss-cross the fells are part of the character of the area. For centuries before the coming of tourists, the Lake District fells were places of work, leaving a legacy of access heritage.

Neolithic trade routes, shepherds’ outgangs, coffin routes, mining tracks, pony tracks and a host of footpaths enabled local communities, farmers, travelling merchants, Roman legionaries and miners to traverse this rugged landscape. In the 21st century, the reasons for access and the people accessing the paths have changed. Now it is more for pleasure, summits have become a target for the first time and you are more likely to see a cyclist than a pony on the fells.

With increasing volumes of people enjoying the beautiful landscape, preserving and protecting it is important.

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So what do we do? Teams of National Trust rangers and volunteers use a range of techniques to repair erosion scars. It is a craft rather than a science and the aim is always to leave as little sign as possible that any work has been done and to use prevention methods as much as possible. An example is on the summit of Helvellyn, where small stones have been scattered each side of the path to discourage people from straying onto the grass and damaging the vegetation. We also build drains into paths to keep water flowing away from them as water increases the speed of erosion.

Where more intervention is needed, we use quality and sustainable techniques, some of which are borrowed from the Romans. On Martcrag Moor, Sheep’s Wool has been used as the area is very boggy and peaty. Sheep fleeces are folded and rolled to create a “floating path” that is then layered with stones. The sheep fleece protects the peat and soil but allows water to drain more easily. Even sheep are helping protect the fells!

So how are we funded? Over the last 10 years, 207 paths have been repaired thanks to generous match-funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

This funding ended in 2011. Over the next 10 years, we are looking to raise around £5 million to repair a further 120 paths and maintain the existing network. We are hoping to find this money through visitors, donations, local business, communities and individuals to ensure we can continue to protect our landscape for future generations to enjoy it.

The Face of Windermere & Kendal

How can you help? We can all do our bit to help Fix the Fells and we would love your support in any way possible: •B y making a donation yourself and encouraging others to donate •B y volunteering •B y treading carefully and sticking to paths wherever possible Find out more or donate via www.fixthefells.co.uk.

Tanya Oliver – Fix the Fells Programme Manager & Author of “From High Heels to High Hills” available via Amazon.

Heelwalker1.blogspot.co.uk

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interiors

Create that all important

festive mood

Creative Christmas It’s that time of year again when we start thinking about decorating our homes ready for Christmas. Whether your style is classic and traditional or cool and contemporary, let our experts at Luci Living Design help you to create a beautiful interior for your home with tips and trends for the season.

White & Wonderful For a dreamy ‘winter wonderland’ look that is always stylish and sophisticated, stick to the ‘White Christmas’ theme. This stunning scheme is completely adaptable therefore it works in any interior regardless of room size. The key to

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this look not appearing too flat is to add plenty of variety and texture to your design by using a wide range of materials and finishes. For example, mix matt white with shimmering and reflective decorations along with twinkling crystal pieces that reflect the lights on your tree adding depth along with more than a touch of glitz and glamour. Opt for a white tree with white lights and use frosted pine cones, iced twigs, glittered snowflakes and fake snow to enhance your perfectly created ‘winter wonderland’ setting. If you did want to break up this scheme with a splash of colour keep it to natural green or a just a touch of silver or gold. Group various sized white candles together to create a simple yet

effective focal point. This is ideal for along a mantelpiece or in the centre of a coffee table. To finish, add lots of love, baubles and sparkly bits!

Glamorous & Gorgeous To create a classic and traditional home this Christmas, stick with staple festive colours such as red, gold and dark green. This design theme lends itself perfectly to the introduction of some penny-saving natural materials to decorate your home and a real festive feel. For example, adorn your wall hung pictures and mirrors with sprigs of holly, add a festive must-have ivy garland across your mantelpiece or table and of course, no Christmas interior is complete

The Face of Windermere & Kendal

without the obligatory mistletoe hanging above the door. Including these natural materials throughout your home will keep a consistent theme flowing with the focal point of course being your Christmas tree.

Stick to reds and golds for your baubles and decorations for a classic festive finish. You might want to enhance these with some imitation decorations for longevity and colour such as berries, cones and pine garlands. Incorporating alternative decorations to your tree such as red and gold ribbon bows will add extra charm to your décor. Use the same decorations you use on your tree along your mantelpiece or on the table to help to bring the room together. Accessorise with centrepiece candles on an attractive platter or mirrored tray to finish off this glamorous and traditional style.

Bold & Beautiful Stepping away from a traditional Christmas theme, why not give your home a monochrome makeover which will lend itself perfectly if you prefer a more contemporary style.

Although certainly not a traditional Christmas colour, black works very well in this festive season if used correctly. Simplicity is the key to achieving this look. Depending on how ‘bold’ you dare to be generally, use white as the base colour of your decorations, integrating black sporadically throughout your home.

For example, use simple white lights on your tree to soften the look mixing in with a limited number of black baubles, adding feathers and elegant decorations. If you want to create a touch of glamour, introduce some black glittered decorations to your tree. These will reflect your lights adding some shimmer and sparkle to your Christmas. Fill a bowl with a mixture of black and white baubles to use as additional décor and invest in a black candelabra as your dining table centrepiece creating a striking feature.

To complete this clean lined look, wrap your presents with simple white wrapping paper but finish with an extravagant black bow to place under your tree adding a simple finishing touch to your bold and beautiful Christmas look.

Colourful & Creative Give your interior the Lapland treatment by injecting some festive fun and vibrant colour into your home for this holiday season. Use strong contrasting colours for your decorations and gift wrapping. This style works particularly well in a young family home and it is a great opportunity to get everybody involved by choosing décor that incorporates favourite colours. You can also easily make edible treats, Christmas crackers, colourful paper garlands and fabric bunting decoration to add to the scheme. Its hard to go wrong but keep in mind that this scheme will have the

most impact in a neutral setting as adding multiple colours into a space with an existing colour scheme will not give the same ‘wow factor’. To achieve the look think Scandinavian and use a mixture of rustic, shabby chic pieces along with traditional Christmas decorations. Involve your Christmas table with this bright, beautifully eclectic style theme by mixing colours, textures and patterns to suit your family’s taste and style. Add different coloured platters to table settings and empty a pack of mini coloured baubles into a big bowl for impact. Brighten up the room and create a magical theme with colourful fairy lights and your handmade garlands. Take this colourful creative theme outside and make a bauble wreath to add a contemporary touch to your front door. This Christmas scheme has a little something for everyone.

Top Tips When decorating, start with your tree This will give a basis to your colour scheme and style that you can then continue throughout the rest of your home.

Invest in or make a Christmas wreath for your front door. Use greenery for a traditional look or coloured baubles for a more contemporary style. Create a welcoming festive feel before even entering your home.

Unleash your creativeness and personalise this Christmas by making, recycling and reviving dated decorations; mix them with your new ones to give an effortless eclectic look.

By Charlotte Brewer and Rachel Hoppley at Luci Living Design

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interiors

how to host the perfect

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is’ the season to be jolly… the time to sing songs of Rudolf’s red nose, spend time with family and friends, play in the snow white winter wonderland, eat, drink and generally be merry. Christmas is not all fun and games. My festive motto is ‘Be Prepared’…it’s not just for the Boy Scouts.

Like many people at this time of year I have to plan for more than just Christmas Day. It isn’t limited to the turkey and the most important meal of the year but Christmas includes all those other parties that are held throughout December and, on some occasions, spill well into the New Year!

From presents to card sending, roast potatoes to making mince pies the most important thing is planning. Once the invitations have been sent, it’s time to make those all-important lists! Subdividing them (food, drinks, music, and decorations) makes it

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easier for you to shop rather than forgetting the one thing you went in for!

Memories of Happy Christmas pasts come flooding back with the aroma of mulled wine, jingling distant bells, a crackling log fire and the taste of a rich mince pie.

Your celebration should recreate this exciting sensory journey through food, drink and decor no matter the size of the gathering.

You don’t have to be a great chef or the most creative person to host the perfect party. I hope my tips will help make your Christmas season easier and perhaps even cheaper!

The Party Atmosphere Decorating your home with Christmas loveliness will evoke those memories, hopefully create some new ones and get your guests into the festive spirit. If you are lucky enough to have your tree up and decorated when your party comes around you’re half way there! If you have a log fire, great – light it. If like many of us you’re not blessed with a roaring fire then light candles and switch your tree lights on. It will bring a depth of

warmth to your house and really make the place sparkle.

Top Tip!

Don’t forget the music!

Pop on a CD or if you have a piano perhaps a singalong is in order!?

Colour at Christmas is especially evocative. Go for a modern white winter wonderland or use those traditional reds and greens. Some easy and cheap centrepieces will also not go unnoticed. Try using cups and teapots as unique vases.

I have the luxury of vintage china (you can hire it from me!), a garden with shrubs and local shops…all of which I use!

Bring together the foliage with red and white flowers (it’s quick, easy and cheap) to create lovely centrepieces. Simply cut to fit your container and arrange. (Remember to add water – you don’t want them drooping!)

Whilst your teapots can stay centre stage on your buffet table, the cups can be placed in groups or singles and dotted around your venue.

The Face of Windermere & Kendal

mix some Christmas cake with a slosh of brandy and roll in melted chocolate. The kids can help decorate them like mini Christmas puddings using white chocolate, half a cherry and some green sweetie lace.

Top Tip!

Another fabulous buffet centrepiece that can add colour and taste is clementines. Pop them in a glass bowl or tall vase for added impact.

Top Tip!

Add holly on your tables, fireplaces and front door.

Nibbles and Tipples – the perfect Christmas combo!

Don’t go over board – there is no need to cook another turkey, a nibble or canapé is the perfect party food. Guests can easily have a glass in one hand and a canapé in the other without juggling plates or spilling drinks.

Crisps, nuts, olives and dips are the perfect basis for any party and can be placed around your venue.

Simply create some added extras with items that can be made in advance, frozen and then popped in the oven when needed - such as pigs in blankets, mince pies and sausage rolls.

On the day you can prepare raw vegetable crudités, mini oatcakes topped with camembert and a slice of fig, wholemeal bread triangles topped with smoked salmon and cream cheese, or for a delicious colour and taste combination try half a mini-mozzarella ball skewered with half a cherry tomato and a basil leaf.

Dessert of mince pies and bowls of chocolates is more than ample but if you want to push the boat out try marzipan filled dates, or

Escape from doing too many dishes, by simply placing a stack of Christmassy napkins and cocktail sticks on the table.

Champagne is a great way to celebrate, but there are also some lovely examples of Prosecco and Cava which will give you the same party feeling. Continue your colour theme, by adding a dash or two of cranberry or pomegranate juice. It’s also a perfect addition to a glass of sparkling water for non-drinkers.

No Christmas party is complete without mulled wine. Grab some cheap red wine (I use Italian)add brandy, a cinnamon stick or two, some clove studded clementines,

lemonade and a dash of fresh orange juice. Leave it on the stove (very low heat). It’s perfect for guests to help themselves to and makes the house smell divine!

Now you are really ready to eat, drink and be merry!

Happy Christmas!

Amy Brunton www.suretosurpriseyou.co.uk P.S. Take advantage of our Special Christmas Centrepiece Offer.

Hire 2 vintage teapots and 6 cups and saucers for only £10, to create your unique Christmas table decorations.

We hire glasses, crockery and cutlery. All items are individually priced, and we provide free quotations. A simple 3 course dinner place-setting starts at just £1.85.

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fashion

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The Face of Windermere & Kendal

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fashion

Maya Maya, having fun and raising

much needed funds for St. John’s Hospice

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Maya Maya, are celebrating the success of their fundraising event held at Castle Green Hotel on October 5th.

In excess of £3000 was raised in aid of St John’s Hospice and a great time was had by all.

The ‘fashion show’ (with a twist) was enjoyed by around 200 people and included beautifully choreographed dance routines and a 1940’s themed act to the Christina Aguilera hit, Candy man. This dance act culminated in the whole of the Maya Maya team, the models and the professional dancers on stage at the end of the show taking their much earned bows. There was also a superb equestrian scene, which included a comedy pantomime horse, which was later auctioned to raise additional funds for St Johns Hospice.

The evening was compared by Simon Yaxley and supported by local rock band, the Pazoozalators.

Amanda Slattery, Director said after the show: “I am soooo proud of what we have achieved, not only the fundraising but the spectacular show that we staged, all with the help of our fabulous customers who modelled for us on the night. My personal thanks go to Jane Thedham, Michelle Smith, Christine Wilson, Rachel Miller and Rebecca Carr for the effort they all put in to help us achieve such a great night.”

The Face of Windermere & Kendal

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 size 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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beauty

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he Elemis Royal Collection celebrates a landmark period in British history with a uniquely designed pattern to represent the ceremonies and royal icons of our time.

From regal swans symbolising royalty, to the traditional Tudor rose also known as the rose of England, the quintessential design of these festive seasonal offerings are the latest jewel in the Elemis crown.

The Elemis Royal Collection gifts have been carefully selected with an emphasis on exceptional quality and value to offer the best of Elemis in an array of stylish and reusable gift boxes. From the luxurious Pro-Collagen Queen to the decadent Duchess of Spa, Elemis has the perfect gift for everyone.

Jetset Travel Collection For Men. RRP £48 This complete grooming kit offers a carefully selected range of advanced skincare products uniquely designed for men’s skin. With active bases and high-grade extracts, it gives skin the ultimate boost to leave skin feeling smoothed and refreshed.

Includes: – Deep Cleanse Facial Wash 50ml – Ice-Cool Foaming Shave Gel 100ml – Energising Skin Scrub 20ml – Daily Moisture Boost 50ml FULL SIZE – Sharp Shower Body Wash 100ml

Pro-Collagen Queen Advanced Skincare. RRP £195 This dazzling collection of award winning product favourites is a complete anti-ageing skincare system scientifically formulated for beautiful skin every day. Presented in a royal purple vanity case for travelling in style, it promises the gift of glowing radiant skin.

Includes: – Pro-Radiance Cream Cleanser 150ml FULL SIZE – Soothing Apricot Toner 200ml FULL SIZE – Pro-Collagen Marine Cream 100ml SUPERSIZE – Pro-Collagen Oxygenating Night Cream 30ml FULL SIZE – Pro-Collagen Advanced Eye Treatment 15ml FULL SIZE – Pro-Collagen Quartz Lift Mask 50ml FULL SIZE

Duchess of Spa Exotic Bodycare. RRP £49.50 Escape to a faraway place with these sumptuous, exotic treats. Cleanse and nurture your body and mind with rich, aromatic bodycare.

Includes: – Tranquil Touch Creamy Body Wash 300ml FULL SIZE – Frangipani Monoi Shower Cream 200ml FULL SIZE – Tranquil Touch Body Polish 150ml FULL SIZE – Frangipani Monoi Body Oil 100ml FULL SIZE King of Skin Advanced Skincare for Men. RRP £25 Perfect for on-the-go, the cutting edge formulations in this travel grooming kit delivers soothed and recharged skin so you can enjoy great results every day.

Includes: – Ice-Cool Foaming Shave Gel 200ml FULL SIZE – Daily Moisture Boost 20ml – Sharp Shower Body Wash 100ml

elemis.com | 0117 316 1888 18

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Christmas is a time for celebration and this year, Freshskin flies the flag to celebrate all things British.

Freshskin, brought to you by Elemis, the No.1 British Skincare and Spa brand, introduces a range of gift sets that provide a fresh and playful backdrop to expertly formulated skincare.

Each Freshskin product has been developed to target the needs of young skin.

These four collections offer simple skincare solutions with genuine results.

With prices from £10 - £70... there is something for everyone; for him, for her and for you.

MATION • PR E SS I N F O R MAT I O N • P R E S S I NF O R M AT I ON • PRESS I N FORMAT I ON • PRESS

FASHION

Are you looking for that elusive present for the man in your life this Christmas?

How about these tweed slippers from Bedroom Athletics?

Just the thing for keeping his toes warm as he makes you a cuppa in the morning.

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Bedroom Athletics launches exclusive Harris Tweed men’s collection for AW12

Bedroom Athletics introduces the exclusive Harris Tweed collection for Autumn/ Winter 2012. Referred to as ‘the champagne of fabrics’, the great British institution that is Harris Tweed brings an air of history and heritage to the Bedroom Athletics men’s slipper offering. Adding their instantly recognisable fabric pattern to styles such as the ‘Harry’ and ‘Andrew’, the double faced shearling range features moccasin and slipper styles; something for every dapper man out there.

The Andrew slipper is available exclusively at John Lewis for AW12 and the Harry moccasin style will be available at Poste and on the Bedroom Athletics website.

Prices start from £60.

About Bedroom Athletics Bedroom Athletics, owned by Amber Dudes Ltd, is an innovative lifestyle brand that originated in the bedroom with the launch of the iconic slipper – the ‘Marilyn’ – during AW07. The brand now offers a full range of leisurewear and sleepwear for women, a footwear collection for both men and women and has recently launched a range of boxer shorts for men.

Now available in over 20 countries, Bedroom Athletics is continuing to grow its international presence with a strong footwear and apparel collection for the home.

For further information, visit: www.bedroomathletics.com Twitter: @Bedroom_Ath Facebook: facebook.com/BedroomAthletics

movie reviewS

The Hobbit

Photo Credit: TODD EYRE

It’s coming my precious, the long awaited prequel to Lord of the Rings opens at The Royalty Cinema in Bowness and the Brewery Arts Centre in Kendal on the 14th of December

(L-r) MARTIN FREEMAN as Bilbo Baggins and IAN McKELLEN as Gandalf

“Far to the east, over ranges and rivers, lies a single solitary peak.

The dwarves are determined to reclaim their homeland!”

11 years after the release of The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, Peter Jackson returns with another epic adventure to excite us this winter. The Academy Awardwinning director looks to emulate his previous triumph with a new trilogy based on the 1937 novel The Hobbit by J.R.R Tolkien.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey is the first of the three films to be released. Set 60 years

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before The Lord of the Rings trilogy, hobbit Bilbo Baggins finds himself recruited for an adventure by wizard Gandalf the Grey. In the company of thirteen dwarves, led by legendary warrior, Thorin Oakenshield, he will seek the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor to reclaim what is rightfully theirs from the mighty dragon, Smaug the Magnificent.

Martin Freeman takes the lead as heroic hobbit Bilbo Baggins, Sir Ian McKellan returns as the wise wizard, Gandalf the Grey and Andy Serkis re-joins the cast as the obsessive creature Gollum.

Other actors who return to reprise their roles from The Lord of the Rings include Elijah Wood (Frodo), Orlando Bloom (Legolas), Christopher Lee (Saruman), Hugo Weaving (Elrond), Cate Blanchett (Galadriel) and Sir Ian Holm (Elderly Bilbo).

Our band of heroes must survive the harsh wastelands of Middle Earth that will ultimately lead them to the Lonely Mountain and Erebor, which they seek to liberate from Smaug. Their adventure sees them fight through goblin tunnels and battle an array of deadly creatures

Photo Credit: Mark Pokorny

The Face of Windermere & Kendal

Photo Credit: COURTESY OF WARNER BROS. PICTURES

(L-r) DEAN O’GORMAN as Fili, AIDAN TURNER as Kili, MARK HADLOW as Dori, JED BROPHY as Nori and WILLIAM KIRCHER as Bifur

Gollum, performed by ANDY SERKIS

including Orcs, Goblins, Wargs, Giant Spiders, Shapeshifters, Sorcerers and Trolls.

But there is one creature who

will change Bilbo’s life forever…

Gollum. Bilbo will come into possession of something so small and seemingly simple… the One Ring; yet with it, the fate of all Middle-Earth will hang in the balance.

The breath-taking backdrop of New Zealand with its magnificent mountains and the vast panorama of its undulating green fields will always be a key element in bringing Middle-Earth to life.

Jackson’s ‘revolutionary’ filming of the 3D version in 48 frames per second instead of the much more common 24fps means the images are much smoother in fast paced camera sequences and brings the CGI characters and monsters to life in a way that totally immerses the audience in the world of Middle-Earth.

In April Warner Bros. screened approximately 10 minutes of the 48fps 3D version at ‘CinemaCon’ in Las Vegas. The footage met

with some criticism, including a bizarre complaint that the action was so realistic it impinged upon one’s suspension of disbelief and the element of fantasy. However, with eight months having passed since then, December’s release will herald a much refined and honed final product.

Not all cinemas will feature the 48fps version, so it is important that you check with your local cinema beforehand.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey hits our screens on 14th December.

Tom Harrison

Images courtesy of Newline Cinema and MGM’s Fantasy Adventure ‘THE HOBBIT’ : An Unexpected Journey A Warner Bros Pictures Release. © 2012 Warner Bros Entertainment in and Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures inc

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movie reviewS

A Movie With a Bite

Image courtesy of Summit Entertainment © 2012

The Twilight Saga – Breaking Dawn, Part 2:

At last! The wait is finally over for dedicated Twi-hard fans!

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2 finally opened at cinema’s this month and sees the conclusion of the love story between Bella Swan and Edward Cullen. The Twilight Saga franchise has become an enormous international success, thanks to the many fans of Stephanie Meyer’s novels.

The fifth and final movie begins with Bella, having been turned into a vampire by her husband Edward, adjusting to her new increased strength and lust for blood. Having recovered and

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learned to hunt, she returns to find her daughter Renesmee (Mackenzie Foy) in the loving arms of her new Vampire family but also discoverers, initially to her horror, that her former flame, Jacob (Taylor Lautner) has ‘imprinted’ (an uncontrollable werewolf physical reaction that inspires loyalty) on Renesmee.

Settling into her new life as a vampire, the family witness Renesemee’s extraordinary physical growth, but when Edward’s cousin Irina (Maggie Grace) unexpectantly sees the child, she believes that she was turned and not born, which is a grave crime

under vampiric law. Heading to the Voltari in Italy, she informs Aro (Michael Sheen) of what she has seen. Aware of the potential attack, the Cullens approach their extended family members across the world to bear witness to the truth about the child.

The movie concludes with the epic final battle which is fast paced and sees victory and peace – at least for now – for the Cullen family. Fun, thrilling and well worth the wait. The only question to remain: will there ever be a follow up to this exciting and money-spinning series?

Jo Spencer

advertorial

Socks and chocolates are the usual suspects found amongst your Christmas stocking, but technology is advancing, and so should your choice of gifts this year.

Meet the brains behind Colour Lab. Formed by Riki Baker, a technology enthusiast, in July 2011, www.mendmyi.com was created for repairing iPhones and other apple products. However, it has recently developed a genius invention.

Colour Lab allows you to design a unique handset or iPad by selecting the various colours you wish to apply to the front glass, frame, home button, back glass and back frame.

Appearing at the “The Gadget Show Live” in April this year, Colour Lab, which makes your personal device that bit more personal, is in popular demand.

Even Mr Stephen Fry’s phone has had a makeover by the team in green and yellow- the colours of his football team, Norwich City.

But choosing your design from the vast range of available colours is the hardest part of the Colour Lab experience.

The website and service is quick and easy to use.

Click on the Colour Lab tab, select your device and model, then move your cursor over the options on the right hand side (Front glass, front frame, back glass,

The Face of Windermere & Kendal

back frame and home button) to reveal the colour options available. Click the colour to select, and you are given a preview of what your completed Iphone or ipad will look like.

A collection service picks up your existing apple device then Riki and his skilled team will take care of the rest- ensuring that your device is returned to the highest of standards.

Colour lab is perfect for the lover of the iPhone who wants something a little diferent, whether it’s a treat for yourself or you feel like indulging your loved ones with a Colour Lab gift voucher this Christmas.

Victoria Hepworth

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recipe

This month’s recipe is for a delicious chocolate brownie and was supplied by Green’s Café and Bistro in Grasmere in the heart of the Lake District.

Open throughout the year, they make all of their own food, serving breakfasts, lunches and a wide selection of cakes and pastries baked freshly on the premises.

The menu, which is prepared daily in-house, uses (where possible) seasonal ingredients provided by local suppliers.

In addition to their regular menu, Green’s has built an exceptional reputation by specialising in catering for specific diets, offering multiple gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan and vegetarian options.

Here, they share their recipe for their infamous gluten-free chocolate brownies: Greens’ Gluten Free Chocolate Brownie (GF): 375g good quality dark chocolate 375g unsalted butter 500g caster sugar 225g Doves Farm gluten free plain flour 1tsp vanilla essence 1tsp salt 6 x free range medium eggs

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Method: Place the chocolate and butter in a heavy based saucepan and melt gently over a simmer heat, stirring to combine.

Pre-heat oven to 180 c and line a roasting tin with baking parchment. The tin shape and size will determine the depth of your brownie so if you want thick go for a smaller tin with deep sides and if you want a thin brownie use a shallower tin. We use a tin that is 33.5 x 26 x 7cm and this yields us 15 very large brownies.

Mix the sugar and the eggs together with a hand mixer.

Add the vanilla, salt and flour, combining thoroughly.

Add the slightly cooled chocolate mixture to the flour and egg mixture and stir thoroughly until a fudge like batter is formed.

Pour this batter into the lined tin and bake in the oven for approximately 35 minutes. A crust will form and brownies are done when the top comes back to your touch. If you like your brownies gooey and are going to serve immediately remove from the oven earlier.

Allow to cool before removing from the tray.

Slice to your liking and serve.

These brownies freeze very well.

The Face of Windermere & Kendal

ANTIQUES CENTRE HOSTS CHRISTMAS MARKET PACKED WITH ONE OFF ARTISAN GIFT IDEAS Yew Tree Barn in the Lake District is to host its fourth annual Christmas Market on 8 and 9 December, packed with stalls selling expertly hand crafted gifts and goodies.

The Barn, based in Low Newton in the South Lakes, is an Aladdin’s cave of antiques, galleries and cafe. The huge building, with the addition of a large heated marquee, will become a Christmas shoppers paradise for one weekend with approximately 25 extra stall holders descending on the tiny hamlet to showcase their unusual gifts and crafts.

Amongst the items on display, all of which are hand made by local artisans, are bags, glassware, ceramics, textiles, wood, jewellery, teddy bears and slate products.

There will also be a food section with delightful offerings from Cartmel Cheeses and Unsworth Brewery. Local foodie Lizzie Smith will also be selling her Christmas fruit compotes and ginger bread houses and a local artisan baker will be selling sourdough breads.

Entertainment will be provided throughout the weekend with live music including a pianist and Jazz Band.

For the younger visitors, novelist David Carter will be giving readings from his book ‘The Nutters of Pendle Forest’ a novel about the Pendle Witches.

The market is open between 10am and 5pm both days, is free to enter and visitors can snack on hot chestnuts, mulled cider or local speciality meats from the street food stall. The inhouse Hat Trick Café will also be open for breakfasts, lunches and coffees.

Yew Tree Barn is a unique shopping experience combining architectural and interior antiques with high quality arts, crafts and gifts. Housed in a 19th century Lake District Barn visitors will find a plethora of items for purchase ranging from fireplaces, bathtubs, tables and chairs through to chimney pots, floor tiles and doors/windows. The ‘Gallery’ located on the upper floor presents visitors with a selection of beautiful design led gifts and crafts such as cards, books, jewellery, sculpture and accessories.

For more information visit www.yewtreebarn.co.uk or call 015395 31498

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‘Get The Party Started’ with a local Business who really know what it takes to make your special day “something to remember” Party-on, Jester’s style!

Who would have thought that first day I donned the Jesters staff uniform & stacked those shelves full of imaginative toys, fun juggling props & party products, I would now own the family business and be celebrating our 20th year of trading.

Since taking over the helm, my partner Andy & I have both incorporated our own special talents into this successful long established business, as well as managing the time to create the next generation to carry on after us!

JESTERS of Ambleside wholesale a massive range of entertainer & party supplies.

Over the years we have built up a formidable reputation for the supply of modelling & decorator balloons, face paints & kids party packs to several national & regional companies, as well as many individual performers.

We also do a lot of promotional products used as giveaways.

Please contact us if you’d like something sourcing.

We’ve always had the family motto of “We don’t sell what we can’t do!” and offer advice & tutoring with all of our products.

Because of this we used our strength to develop 2 sister companies.

BALLOONS IN THE LAKES (my baby) providing balloon decor & table accessories for events &

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The Face of Windermere & Kendal

functions, recommended by many of the beautiful hotels, delectable restaurants & crowd-pulling tourist attractions in the area. The constantly developing website will soon feature an online shop for quality balloons & party products, supplied anywhere in the UK. UKJUGGLING.COM (Andy’s baby) takes the circus on the road.

Providing structured circus skills workshops for schools, groups & organisations. “Walk-in” workshops for fundays & galas, Stilt-walkers, Street Performers & Fire Shows for festivals & events.

The online shop is well stocked with products for both amateur enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Take a look at what we do by

visiting our websites www.balloonsinthelakes.co.uk & www.ukjuggling.com or give us a call on 015394 33982.

Whatever your event, we can attempt to help and if we can’t we’ll know someone that will!

Kelly Guest

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business & finance

The Face of Windermere & Kendal

A Christmas Gift from the Tax Man?

3CA’s, Stuart Jones explains how the system works in the festive season At this time of year, with January tax bills just over the horizon, it’s difficult not to think of HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) as Scrooge rather than Father Christmas, but even HMRC shows a little Christmas spirit by allowing tax relief on Christmas parties for employees and sometimes even for the business owners themselves.

Not surprisingly the rules are complicated and if you’re self employed, as opposed to being a director of your own limited company, your party dinner will not qualify for tax relief.

In very simple terms there is an exemption from tax and National Insurance if you provide a party which meets three conditions: • it’s an annual event • the event is open to all of your

employees • the cost per head of the event isn’t more than £150 And, because HMRC refers to an “annual event” it doesn’t have to be a Christmas party. It could be a summer barbeque. Better still, if you want to hold a Christmas party and a summer barbeque, provided the combined cost of both events is no more than £150, the exemption still applies.

Spouses and partners may also attend and the £150 exemption is per head not per couple. VAT can be reclaimed on the cost for staff but not for spouses and partners.

For those bosses who are truly entering the festive spirit, they should remember that trivial seasonal gifts are also “tax free”.

HMRC‘s advice is: An employer may provide

employees with a seasonal gift, such as a turkey, an ordinary bottle of wine or a box of chocolates at Christmas. All of these gifts can be treated as trivial benefits.

Sadly Scrooge may be the right image for HMRC after all because “If the gift extends beyond one of the items mentioned above, for example from a bottle or two to a case of wine, or from a turkey to a Christmas hamper” it may not be trivial and therefore taxable.

Bah humbug.

“Don’t let the sun go down on your business problems – contact 3CA today” 01539 721002 Stewart Jones

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business & finance

How to improve your marketing...

Successful marketing doesn’t just happen. It is the result of forward planning and a strategic approach. If you are unhappy with your current marketing message you have the power to change it.

You must take control of your marketing by focussing on your strategy so it is in line with you, your brand and your customers.

Do you have a marketing plan or strategy and what is your budget for promoting your business? Due to the economic climate we hear all too often that marketing budgets have been reduced and much to our dismay sometimes cut completely. Now more than ever it’s crucial to market your business. The business is there, we just have to work considerably harder to ensure it comes to us and not a competitor. We understand that putting aside a pot of cash solely for marketing is tough in times like this, but if you do it right it’s merely an investment in your business, which you will see a return on.

The purpose of marketing is to promote your business. If people hear what you are saying, and more importantly like what they hear, they will come to you and your investment has been worthwhile.

Some simple tips you can start working on today: Planning Successful businesses have a business plan, and a marketing plan is just as vital. It’s important to constantly refer to it. As your business evolves and the climate you are trading in changes, so should your strategy. Don’t be afraid to ask friends and families for their input. Brainstorming may create some fantastic ideas which could help take your business to the next level.

Collect Data This sounds like a boring and arduous task but a good database of potential customers to market to is often overlooked. There is no point spending your time creating fantastic marketing messages if you have no audience to talk to.

Collect customer data, maybe in the form of email addresses or on a social media group then communicating with this database of people is simple. You could use direct marketing, email marketing or social media to communicate what your business does, its latest news, products and special offers.

Testimonials When parting with a large amount of money, such as booking a holiday or buying a car we always listen to personal recommendations. Use this in your business. Word-of-mouth testimonials on your website, blog or social networking sites or in good old traditional networking groups will also get people talking about you.

If you would like an informal chat about your business’s PR strategy, please call 07980894825 or email us info@gapgb.com.

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business & finance

The Face of Windermere & Kendal

The British B&B – A Great Escape The Great British B&B remains central to the UK’s tourism map, first port of call for millions of travellers keen on enjoying our culture, exploring the landscape or attending business meetings.

Running a British Bed & Breakfast is becoming increasingly popular and is now seen as the mid-life career switch of choice for many people keen on reducing their working hours and spending more time with the family without compromising their living standards.

Hotel specialist Simon Wells at Colliers International said the clichéd image of a tyrannical seaside landlady locking the doors after 9pm was being replaced by an entirely new breed of owner looking for a positive change.

“But the most important factor coming in to play is not the number of tourists or properties on the market, but the number of people who now find themselves in a position to consider running their own business.”

“For instance, if you have received a redundancy package and are casting around for a decent investment or self-employment opportunity then a B&B might well be for you.

“It usually offers home and income, frequently in a lovely part of the world and an opportunity to carry on working until it is time to retire or to become a career hotelier.”

For further information please contact Simon Wells on 0117 917 2000.

B&B Fact File • VAT – For turnovers up to £77,000 there is no VAT to pay and even up to a turnover of £150,000 you

can choose to go on the Flat Rate VAT Scheme which means a flat rate of 10.5 per cent for a B&B business.

• Staff – Often part time occasionally self-employed.

Often the only help an owner needs is with the cleaning. Most owners will get help with their website, accounting etc., which all goes to keep the wage bill down to a minimum.

• Websites – The cost of building a website is a lot less than it used to be, indeed a day course can often be all you need to get a basic site up and running.

• Associations – There is usually a regional or local association to help you network with other B&B owners. Good examples include the B&B Association, The Bath Independent Guest House Association and The Cumbria Tourist Board.

• Roadmap - Colliers International produced a Roadmap for buying a business and that is available on the website. It is not a definitive guide but the general message is

that there are people out there to help you realise your dream.

LOCAL CASE STUDY Property: The Winchester Location: Keswick What you get: Delightful Victorian villa guest house in a quiet location Rooms: Six beautifully decorated en suite letting bedrooms Owners Accommodation: Spacious lounge, shower room double bedroom Who goes there: Tourist attractions include Northern Lakes and gateway to the undiscovered Western Lake District, Derwentwater, Skiddaw and Blencathra. Cockermouth / Keswick / Penrith Railway Price: Offers around £535,000 Freehold Food for thought: Gateway to the Lake District, trading below the VAT threshold

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letter from& the editor business finance

Are you thinking about starting your own business?

Take some encouragement from two people who really knew what they wanted...

S

tarting a new small business at any time can bring difficulties, but during a period of severe economic downturn, it can prove particularly challenging.

Nonetheless, this is what Deborah Bancroft and business partner Ann Ellison have done.

Starting whatialwayswanted. com back in May 2012, they

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run an ecommerce marketplace website which sells the work of young British gift and homeware designers.

The products they sell are aimed at those who wish to buy handmade, artisan designer products and want to support small British businesses. Many products are made from locally sourced materials, can be

personalised or are exclusive to their site, so customers know they can always find something a little bit different.

Deborah says “For our business to be successful, we knew that we needed to have a sound business plan to work from, and this applies to all new businesses. Having the flexibility and willingness to diversify when the need arises is essential if businesses are to thrive during these times”.

They come from a very different background to the industry they now find themselves in. “Between us, Ann and I have worked 40 years in the NHS as Physiotherapy Practitioners working in a caring role”, said Deborah. “We knew we had many transferable skills organisational, problem solving and nurturing which we could apply to our new business”.

“I do believe many people in business have untold skills which can be used to move their business in a different direction.

This can require you to step outside your comfort zone, but having a good business mentor, utilising support networks and engaging with others in the industry or through social media

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forums can be very helpful.

“We want to create a sense of community in our organisation and our ethos is to provide ‘win win’ opportunities for all. We offer internships to a number of undergraduates in the creative industries, to enable them to gain real industry work experience – a vital element towards securing a job.” www.whatialwayswanted.com is looking to team up with more talented designers from the area who are looking for further opportunities to showcase their products.

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letter from& the editor business finance

Congratulations to the Gilpin Hotel and Lake House for its recent award.

Have you or your business received an award? Let us know and we can help you celebrate.

Gilpin named ‘Most Excellent Country House Hotel 2013’ at the Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence The Gilpin Hotel and Lake House has taken top honours at a world-renowned awards ceremony, based largely on guests’ opinions.

The family-run hotel in the heart of the Lake District has been named Most Excellent Country House Hotel 2013 at the prestigious Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence – a trusted mark of quality representing the finest standards and best value for money in luxury and independent accommodation.

Gilpin Hotel & Lake House has had links with the Cunliffe family for five generations and is set in 22 acres of country gardens, moors and woodland in the heart of the Lake District.

Owners Christine and John Cunliffe, commented “This has been such an exciting year for us, and we’re absolutely thrilled with this award. However, the real achievers are the team back at Gilpin who strive day and night to deliver the same high quality of housekeeping, guest service, food and ambience. All thanks to them. We are left feeling hugely proud, honoured and intensely aware of the on-going expectations of our guests be they local or from afar.”

This coveted award completes a significant hat trick of recent awards for Gilpin Hotel & Lake House: • 2013 - Condé Nast Johansens - Most Excellent Country House Hotel • 2012 – 2013 - Lancashire & Cheshire Life - Lake District Hotel of the Year • 2012 - AA - Hotel of the Year England • 2012 - Catey - Independent Hotel of the Year • 2012 - TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Award Gilpin Hotel and Lake House is the only Relais & Châteaux hotel in the southern Lake District and holds three AA Rosettes for its food. http://www.gilpinlodge.co.uk

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