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EAST SURREY REGIMENT KICKS OFF

*8,/')25' FASHION BOSS ON MAKING IT

COUNTRY RETREAT ULTIMATE SURREY DREAM HOME

MASTER CHEF

MY FIGHT TO WIN THE COVETED TV TITLE

MUSCLE POWER BENTLEY IMPROVE THEIR BEST SELLING SUPERCAR

SPRING WATCH

CATWALK TRENDS REVEALED

BRAD PITT JANUARY 2011 £1.50 SOGUILDFORD.CO.UK

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STAR SETS HIS SIGHTS ON THE WHITE HOUSE

+HOOR As you’d expect, this issue is all about looking to the future, embracing new beginnings, and setting your sights on the horizon. In other words it’s the start of another new year!

With the festive season behind us, we’re looking forward to Spring with a sneak peek at Malene Birger’s new collection that’s all about 50s femininity with 90s comfort. Hopefully, by the time it hits the shelves, we’ll have worked off our festive paunches, thanks to a little help from fitness guru Rachael Woolston, who gives us some advice on keeping our New Year’s exercise resolutions.

One man who always seems in shape is our cover star Brad Pitt. It’s been reported that his future plans involve running for President of the United States. Is it likely?

Is it even possible? We, of course, have a few thoughts on the matter.

The ‘Brangelina’ clan might have eyes on the White House, but if you’re searching for something a bit closer to home you might take a look inside Saracens, an amazing local character property with a price tag of £4.5million. It even has a cinema and 34 bin wine cellar. And if you’re staying put, we’ve got some great ideas on how a new fireplace can make your home really cosy.

We also have a chat with Suzy Coppersmith-Heaven, the designer who launched Sahara boutiques… there’s one in Guildford. And we get some business tips on who to trust in today’s precarious financial times.

Not only that, we have the low down on what it’s like competing on TV’s MasterChef, learn a new super-easy roast lamb recipe, hear how the East Surrey Regiment went over the top kicking footballs, find out about the Champagne police protecting the brand and fall in love with the new sleeker, faster Bentley Continental GT. What a magazine, what a month, what a year already!

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JANUARY 2011

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THIS MONTH‌

THE LETTERS

Inspiring ideas to help you kick-off the New Year in Guildford and beyond.

One man’s lament on his Winter battle with his wife and that duvet.

THE NEWS A Guildford lawyer gives a timely warning about the perils of Facebook and divorce.

THE SECRET

MR PRESIDENT Word is Brad Pitt has his eyes on the White House. Hot air or a sign of things to come?

JANUARY 2011

FIGURING IT OUT Tips on how to make those New Year ďŹ tness resolutions stay the course.

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MASTERING THE ART

THE GOOD SHEPHERD

THE BUBBLY DETECTIVES

FASHION INSIDER Sales, silver and Cinderella moments are de rigueur this month.

SPRING STYLE

FAMILY JEWELS

Our tale of the day the East Surrey Regiment went to war kicking footballs.

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We take a peek at the latest collection from Danish designer Malene Birger.

The story behind the luxury brand: How Bulgari went global.

Chef Matthew Worswick reveals what it’s like to be on MasterChef.

Julian Leefe-GrifďŹ ths on how to roast the perfect lamb in no time.

On the trail of the ‘Champagne police’ – the people protecting the brand.

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THE HEARTH OF THE HOME Cosying up by the ďŹ re is a seasonal pleasure that makes Winter almost worthwhile.

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INTERIOR ENGINEERING

Transforming kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms.

A TOUCH OF ROYALTY It’s easy to see why this six bed property featured in the Royal Academy Architectural Exhibition in 1901.

BONUS BOLTHOLE Here’s the chance to buy your very own place in the sun for around £20million. And it’s just a couple of hours from Gatwick.

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WORDS OF ADVICE Who should you trust, in times of economic woe, to help you make those vital business decisions?

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ON STAGE A round-up of what to catch at local theatres in the New Year.

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CROSSING CONTINENTS We love the new sleeker, faster and lighter Bentley Continental GT.

IMPROMTU FLOOR SHOW How a broken suitcase helped launch a Guildford boutique.

JANUARY 2011

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Head OfďŹ ce, Kenwood House 1 Upper Grosvenor, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 2EL Tel: 01892 616 103 soguildford.co.uk Publishing Director Nick Moore nmoore@onemediauk.co.uk Editorial Director Richard Moore FRSA rmoore@onemediauk.co.uk Publication Manager Maria Rendell mrendell@onemediauk.co.uk Head of Design Jodie Hulse jhulse@onemediauk.co.uk Designer Erica Price eprice@onemediauk.co.uk Publishing Assistant Phil Glover pglover@onemediauk.co.uk Senior Writer Melissa Woodland mwoodland@onemediauk.co.uk Writer Dan Smith dsmith@onemediauk.co.uk Contributors Valerie Thacker Matt Joy Mark Turnbull Julian Leefe-GrifďŹ ths Sam Barker Harriet Louvelle

Find us on Facebook: SO Guildford magazine

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All rights reserved. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher. The publisher cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions relating to advertising or editorial. The publisher reserves the right to change or amend any competitions or prizes offered. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior written consent from the publisher. No responsibility is taken for unsolicited materials or the return of these materials whilst in transit.

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Ever wondered how fast you’re going when shooting down the black run on a ski holiday?

Well, wonder no more. The Transcend goggles from Recon Instruments are here and by using GPS technology this set of alpine eyewear displays your speed, distance travelled and altitude all on the actual visor.

For that extra boast factor the Transcend tech also lets you know what the air temperature is and exactly what your location is with longitude/latitude readings. Around £320 from reconinstruments.com

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Steve Coogan is joined by Rob Brydon as the pair visit six restaurants in the North of England as part of this BBC mini-series. The semi-fictional show, entitled The Trip, sees Coogan’s continual melancholic nature confronted

by Brydon’s almost never-failing optimism and highlights the pair’s comic excellence as they compare impressions of famous actors and celebrities, past and present, over dinner. Subtle direction and some of Britain’s finest comedians make this heart-warming Winter watching. £12 from HMV, Guildford.

&RPPLVVLRQ 6WUXW« These bespoke map lamps from Sarah Walker ArtShades are perfect for reminiscing about a place you love. Be it the town you were born in, a favourite holiday destination, or fair old Guidlford, Sarah Walker is a designermaker specialising in creating paper shades using reclaimed Ordnance Survey maps. Shown here is a lamp handcrafted from oak with brass fittings and a half-shade made from a vintage map of Padstow, Cornwall. Made to order for £125, see artshades.co.uk

JANUARY 2011

Who says you can’t be stylish and practical?

The endless threats of ice and snow were beginning to dampen our enthusiasm for chic footwear, but since we spotted these studded grey boots, we don’t care what it’s like outside. The sturdier than normal heel will give you a bit more stability and the patent finish means there’s no discolouration if they get wet. Audrey Button boot £605, cruisefashion.co.uk

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It’s New Year’s resolution time and to kick things off many of us will decide to pull on our trainers and go for a run. Sometimes, however, sticking to the fitness regime can be difficult. Fear not, because local children’s charity CHASE wants you to get fit and help raise money so they can continue to support young people with life-limiting or significant life-threatening conditions. With numerous events like the Paris, London and Brighton marathons, sponsored swimathons and hikes there’s some amazing opportunities for fundraising. See chasecare.org.uk for full listings.

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The King is Dead, out this month, is the new album from American indie folk rockers The Decemberists. With music reminiscent of Neil Young and a fan base that includes Bob Dylan, the band’s popularity has steadily increased over their ten year existence and with this album they’ve taken a further step in the direction of upbeat, catchy tunes. The band will be touring the UK this Spring, so keep an eye out for tickets. CD available from HMV, Guildford, for around £8.99.

It’s time for all young dancers to get in some training because the English Youth Ballet is coming to Woking. On Sunday February 6 the dance company will be setting up at the New Victoria Theatre to audition for parts in a very special production of Coppelia.

The final version will run for three shows in September and demonstrates the English Youth Ballet’s philosophy to develop artistry in young people. For details of how to audition call 01689 856 747 or visit englishyouthballet.co.uk

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For the first time during the Winter months the National Trust is opening the doors of the historical house and grounds of Polesden Lacey every weekday until the end of February.

It’s hoped the tours of the house and its incredible collection of paintings and antiques (mostly collated by the house’s late owner, Mrs Ronald Greville) will give a ‘sneak peek’ view of the estate. Tickets for the house and grounds start at £10.45 for adults and £5.25 for kids. See nationaltrust.org.uk JANUARY 2011

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If you ever find yourself struggling to get in the right mentality to work out, introduce yourself to the Power Hour at Guildford’s ActivZone Gym. With an in-gym DJ and a loud PA system, you can’t help but get caught up in the rhythm of the music and train harder than you’ve ever trained before.

The sessions are on Thursday evenings at 7pm and are free for members. For a more relaxed style of exercise, the gym has also started yoga classes on a Tuesday evening at 5:30pm. At £6 a session, you can’t go wrong.

See activzone.co.uk

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As ever, the Yvonne Arnaud is heading into the New Year with a great line-up of shows. Taking centre stage is Master Class, a critically acclaimed production now touring the country. Starring Stephanie Beecham, the narrative follows the life story of Maria Callas, the opera singer famous for her turbulent private life and incredible professional career. The opening night is Monday January 17 and the show closes on Saturday 22. See yvonne-arnaud.co.uk or call 01483 440 000

&HOHEUDWH« Whether you’re of Scottish descent or not, hunt down a bottle of Glenfiddich Snow Phoenix for Burns Night this year on Tuesday January 25. Years ago heavy snowfall collapsed the roof of the Speyside distillery, exposing a number of casks to the freezing night sky. These uniquely flavoured casks were then carefully blended by the Glenfiddich Malt master to create this rich and complex whisky (see glenfiddich.com). If you’re looking for a place to celebrate this year’s Burns Night, Losely Park is holding a very special evening at the house. With Highland piper, haggis, whisky toasts and a four course supper, the black tie event costs £57 a head, call 01483 405 112.

JANUARY 2011

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I Could Go On… is an hilarious collection of letters to The Daily Telegraph that failed to get published, mainly due to their offbeat stance, or general rantish nature. With topics ranging from Gordon Brown’s temper, banker’s bonuses and e-books, these scribblings are the kind of thing one would expect from a modern day version of Disgusted and are brilliant in their fevered and passionate approach to some, frankly, rather inane subjects. Hardback £4.79 from Waterstone’s, Guildford.

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LETTERS

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LETTER OF THE MONTH

the duvet. It bafes me every Winter.

Sir, Can anyone explain how a body (that of my wife) that accounts for about 40 per cent of the combined marital mass (combined weights) can consistently lay claim to 75 per cent of the bed space and some 90 per cent of

Martin Jones Via email

Ed: Surely a few words with your wife would solve the problem?

Sir, We are quick to criticise our local council, but sometimes they do get things right. The Winter Watch partnership between Waverley, Woking and Guildford Councils and local charities and churches is doing a fantastic job helping homeless people. When the forecast says the temperature is going to stay below 0 degrees for 3 days, the project ďŹ nds beds for people who need them.

Obviously the aim is to ďŹ nd permanent homes, but in the meantime, there’s no doubt that the scheme saves lives. I think we should applaud all those who are involved.

Sir, I read some interesting facts that might be worth sharing. If you have food in the fridge, clothes on your back, a roof over your head and somewhere to sleep you’re richer than 75 per cent of people in the world. If you have money in the bank, some in your wallet and spare change in a dish you’re among the top 8 per cent of the world’s wealthy. If you’ve never experienced the fear of battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the pain of torture or pangs of starvation you’re better off than 700 million others.

Joe Parker

Sarah Brewer

Guildford Ed: Well, that’s one point of view.

Now see the next letter.

Via email Ed: That’s given some of the moaners cause for thought.

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Sir, Once again the snow has caused chaos and once again it has brought out the best in people. Why, though, do we have to wait until it snows before offering to help out others by getting their shopping or pushing their cars, or simply saying ‘hello’ as we plod through the drifts in our wellies. It’s the same every Winter and once the white stuff disappears so does our neighbourly spirit.

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NEWS

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7+( 1(:6« OUR MONTHLY LOOK AT SOME OF THE STORIES MAKING THE HEADLINES CREATIVE JUICES

A nationwide survey has revealed that residents of Guildford are among the most creative in the country. The report by the National Endowment for Science Technology and the Arts (NESTA) is based on the growth of specific business areas and shows that Guildford is a stronghold for people working within the video, film and photography industries.

The town is also mentioned alongside London and Manchester as an advertising firm hot-spot. Other centers excelling in creativity include Bath, Bristol, Oxford, Edinburgh, Wycombe and Slough.

DRINKING CANNED

From this month the police will have greater powers to crack down on alcohol abuse thanks to the introduction of stricter rules on drinking in public in Guildford town centre. The area covered by the Designated Public Place Order (DPPO) has been extended to the entire town centre, including a number of car parks, the River Wey towpath and railways station.

The move is designed to tackle anti-social drinking and gives police the authority to confiscate alcohol if people are drinking outside or causing a nuisance. The old DPPO came into operation in 2007 but covered only part of the town.

FACEBOOK DIVORCES

HIGH JUMP

The town’s British Basketball League team, Guildford Heat, is in dire need of cash to stop it from going out of business. Owner and Chairman Alan McClafferty, has gone as far as to put the team up for sale for £1 to attract potential investors, saying: “We have four main revenue streams – schools coaching, game attendance, government grants and corporate sponsorship – all of which, in the current economic climate, are under pressure.”

The sale has come at a pivotal time for ‘The Heat’, which is currently third in the BBL and attracts some 700 fans to home games at the Surrey Sports Park.

DEMOLITION MAN

A Surrey businessman is taking his dispute with Waverley Borough Council to the European Court. Michel Harper is battling the council after they demolished a luxury ‘granny annexe’ on the site of his Cranleigh home, stating it was larger than the planning permission allowed.

Mr Harper, who owns The Casino night club in Guildford, built the £1million home for his 76-year-old mother in 2005. The council tore it down last year. Having fought the council’s action in the High Court in December and lost, Mr Harper is now heading to the European Court with new lawyers who specialise in human rights issues.

Guildford lawyer Emma Patel (below), head of Family Law at Setfords, has warned of a big increase in divorce actions involving the social network web site Facebook.

“It’s quite remarkable that 20% of all petitions we see now cite Facebook,” she says. The most common causes of marital turmoil are flirty messages and emails used as evidence of unreasonable behaviour along with inappropriate chats of a suggestive and sexual nature.

Ms Patel also warns: “There’s a new trend where people use the net, including Twitter”.

CUPPA CHEER

Quirky cartoon characters might not be your cup of tea, but for one Esher woman collecting the figures has become her primary past time. Over the last 40 years, Julia Bracknell has accrued almost 400 collectable Tetley Tea Folk, the advertising characters used by the tea brand.

Her collection came to light after Tetley set out to find a Tea Folk ‘megafan’ to coincide with the return of the cartoon team on TV. They’ve now valued the cuppa characters at between £12,000 and £15,000.

“I never expected it but I do have a lot of limited edition items and stuff that is more than 20-years-old,” says Ms Bracknell. “And I suppose a lot of things get broken over time.”

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BRAD PITT

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BRAD PITT WANTS TO BECOME THE MOST POWERFUL MAN ON EARTH… PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. AT LEAST THAT’S WHAT SOME HOLLYWOOD INSIDERS ARE SAYING. BUT IS IT JUST TINSEL TOWN TATTLE, OR IS IT A SIGN OF THINGS TO COME? WORDS DAN SMITH

The report was picked up and circulated around the world by countless other internet sites, gossip magazines and newspapers including the Global Times.

It claimed the actor felt his career was drying up and that he fancied trying his hand at politics and quoted a source as telling them: “There’s not much left for him to do in Hollywood. Brad feels there’s a lot more for him to do in politics, especially considering the rough years the world has experienced recently.

“Brad will run for the Senate and if all goes well will mount a bid to become President in 2016.”

While some analysts and pundits have discounted the reports, scoffing at the very idea of partner Angelina Jolie as a First Lady and Brad Pitt as Commander-in-Chief, others have been less hasty, pointing out that, despite numerous opportunities, the actor has issued no official denial. A simple way to end any speculation.

And remember, Hollywood has a history of producing US

politicians. Think back to the 80s when film star Ronald Reagan won the key to the White House twice. He went on to introduce ‘Reganomics’, advocating controlling the money supply to reduce inflation, and became one of the most popular Presidents in history.

There’s also Arnold Schwarzenegger, Governor of California, and western actors, Clint Eastwood and Jack Kelly, who became town mayors.

So, the idea of Mr Pitt – who’s a strong proponent of human rights and increasingly an active political participant – making a stab at the White House might not be as ludicrous as it first seems.

In terms of his film career, he’s ticked all the boxes, reaching the top of the Hollywood pile and playing countless different roles as well as producing a number of films during his three professional decades.

In this time his chiseled looks and effortlessly cool demeanor have seen him become one of America’s most popular heart-throbs. He’s also matured into a fine actor – most notably in films such as Se7en, Fight Club and, more recently, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.

The man who debuted in 1987 isn’t quite finished with the big screen yet, however. At the end of 2010 he voiced a lead character in the Dreamworks animation Megamind and he has number of other projects tipped for release in 2011. The first of JANUARY 2011

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,

t all started back in May last year when Ian Halperin, a celebrity investigative journalist and Brad Pitt biographer, posted a short article on his website saying one of the megastar’s ‘close associates’ had leaked information that the 47-year-old would run for President.

BRAD PITT

Political aspirations aside, for years Pitt’s career has had greater breadth than just films. He’s a modern pop culture icon and his off-screen life, such as his high profile relationships with A-list women, have been much scrutinised.

When married to Jennifer Aniston, they were hailed as Hollywood’s golden couple and, when they divorced and Brad began seeing Angelina Jolie, the attention lavished on the pair dubbed ‘Brangelina’ reached fever-point.

“Fame,” he says, “makes you feel permanently like a girl walking past construction workers.”

Brad and Angelina have six children, three biological and three adopted. And it seems that the world is as fascinated with their offspring as it is with the parents. On the birth of their most recent children (twins named Knox and Vivienne) in July 2008, a set of photographs of the newborns was sold to People and Hello! magazines for a reputed £9million – becoming the most expensive celebrity photographs on record.

While his professional and family life has been consistently in the news, Pitt has also been making a name for himself as a humanitarian and human rights activist, both in domestic and global politics. He was quoted as saying: “I want to do something hands on rather than just play golf which is the sport of the religious right.”

In 2005, around the time he and Angelina started their relationship, Pitt began using his considerable fame to help highlight numerous issues around the world. Concerns such as limiting the spread of AIDS, environmentalism, problems with

global trade, poverty and human rights have all been addressed by the actor in one way or another.

He began small with the narration of an American TV series focusing on current global health concerns. Later, he travelled with Jolie to Pakistan to highlight the impact of the Kashmir earthquake and in 2006 they visited Haiti – the poorest country in the Americas and poverty stricken even before the 2010 earthquake. On global hardship he’s said: “I’ve had the luxury of travel and in the luxury of travel, I’ve seen the detriments of poverty and I’ve gone on to see how easy the cures can be – cures that cost cents to the richest nations in the world.”

Through the Jolie-Pitt Foundation and numerous personal donations, Brad has donated tens of millions of pounds to worldwide charities in the past five years. He’s also become increasingly vocal in US domestic politics.

When George Bush faced John Kerry in 2004, Pitt urged students at his former college, the University of Missouri, to vote against the incumbent and for the Democrat candidate.

Also in US politics, he supported the principle of public funded stem-cell research, saying: “We have to make sure that we open up these avenues so that our best and our brightest can go find these cures that they believe they will find.”

More recently he backed the failed November attempt to legalise cannabis in California and also fought against the proposal to overturn the law legalising same-sex marriage in the state, arguing: “…No one has the right to deny another their life, even though they disagree with it, because everyone has the right to live

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these is likely to be The Tree of Life, in which he stars alongside fellow acting heavy weight Sean Penn, and later, Moneyball – a biopic of Major League baseball coach Billy Beane.

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the life they desire if it doesn’t harm another and because discrimination has no place in America.”

“I made some films, and I’ve really had a very fortunate life, and it’s time for me to share that a little bit.”

Great sound bites, but could they be the sort of thing emanating from the Oval Office in years to come?

“I phoned my grandparents and my grandfather said ‘we saw your movie’. ‘Which one?’ I said. He shouted ‘Betty, what was the name of that movie I didn’t like?’”

Pitt’s already been buddying up with the Clintons and has been to visit Barack Obama at the White House. But would the Democrats have him? Probably.

The so – called ‘world exclusive’ about his Presidential ambitions might just be Pitt’s way of taking the pulse of the nation. Running up the flag, if you will, to see what the political, media and public response would be. Fair to say, so far it’s been mixed.

But even if he does launch a serious bid, the road to the White House is a long and tumultuous one and even well-known members of the Senate and governors can crash and burn on the way. Sometimes, however, an outsider can come to the fore – you only have to look at the rise to power of President Barack Obama. But is it even possible?

Well, Section 1 of Article 2 of the US Constitution states that a President must be aged 35 years old or above, must have been born in the USA and must have lived there for the past 14 years. Mr Pitt ticks all these boxes (unlike a certain Governor of California, who was born in Austria), but there’s a few more things he must get done.

First, he needs to find a state with a winnable Senate seat, then put together the right campaign team and then secure financial backing. It costs something like £45million to fund a realistic pitch for the White House which should not be too much of a headache for a man with a net worth of £100million.

Essentially it all comes down to whether or not he has the political support. And one way of finding that out is to leak a story about your ambitions and see how people react. Which brings us full circle.

Whatever happens, Barack Obama may be the first black President, but Brad Pitt would certainly be the first who’s earned the title Sexiest Man Alive. Twice. That must be something of a vote winner…

Brad Pitt in numbers: Age: 47 Net worth: Circa £100million Films (actor): 63 Films (producer): 17 Marriages: 1

Children (biological): 3 Children (adopted): 3 Muscle gained for role in Troy: 20lb

Brad Pitt in his own words: “I’m one of those people you hate because of genetics. It’s the truth.”

“Success is a beast. And it actually puts the emphasis on the wrong thing. You get away with more instead of looking within.”

JANUARY 2011

“Let us be the ones who say we do not accept that a child dies every three seconds simply because he does not have the drugs you and I have. Let us be the ones to say we are not satisfied that your place of birth determines your right to life.

Let us be outraged, let us be loud, let us be bold.” 62

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1 2 , + )$6 FASHION EDITOR MELISSA WOODLAND ON WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW THIS MONTH

Happy Shopper With Christmas excess over for another year, it’s time to spare a thought for your carbon footprint before you rush to the January sales. If you’ve just thrown away an eco unfriendly amount of wrapping paper and packaging, start 2011 as you mean to go on, and ditch those plastic carrier bags. These chic canvas shoppers are made from 100 percent organic cotton and have plenty of room for any bargains you pick up. But the real style points come from the design. Each tote is adorned with a pretty vintage handbag print, so you don’t have to compromise on looking good while being green.

Vintage handbag shopper (choose from four designs) £16, showpony.co.uk

Dress to Impress Fashion label Be Urban Chic is the brainchild of local designer Abigail Merkl. Her collection of easy to wear office attire and cocktail dresses aims to imbue an attitude of glamour, confidence and individual style in the woman who wears it.

Merkl designs each and every piece with an icon or friend in mind, ensuring she creates accessible clothes for real women. Most definitely a name to look out for.

Marilyn dress £255, beurbanchic.co.uk.

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Cinderella Moment The party season might be behind us, but we’re sure we can find an excuse to splash out on a pair of these fairytale heels. They’re not actually made out of glass, but the diaphanous mesh covered in crystals is so pretty we’re sure they’d have been top of the fairy godmother’s shopping list.

Naida peeptoes £298. Available at the Beatrix Ong concept store and online at beatrixong.com

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Now’s the time to trawl the rails and pick up a few wardrobe staples while the price tags read SALE. And high-end High Street fashion house Hobbs is a must visit retailer in January. It’s the perfect place to start building a capsule collection of classic pieces that will ensure you’re well dressed for many Winters to come. Opt for timeless cuts and wardrobe staples, many of which will be reduced by around 50 per cent.

Celebrity favourite Hudson shoes turns 20 this year and to celebrate, the brand has launched a new website to showcase their three collections. Shoes and boots from the main Hudson range, their H by Hudson youth collection and the latest offering from ladieswear are now available to buy online.

New Season, New Style The latest look for gents has arrived and it’s sure to get people talking.

The modern-day dandy trend sees opulent fabrics such as damask and jacquard teamed with utilitarian textiles such as denim. The key to pulling this off is tailoring. Choose a pair of jeans with a distressed finish and add a smart slim fit shirt. Throw on a statement tailored jacket in a luxurious finish to up the decadent feel. It’s the smart-casual look for Spring.

Men’s chunky military boot in calf leather with wrap around lacing and commando sole, £130. hudsonshoes. com

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White shirt £65, Patrick Cox, black silk tie £35 Kenneth Cole, navy paisley print jacket £299, Patrick Cox, Denim jeans £180, Diesel.

House of Fraser, High Street, Guildford.

Winter Warmer We just love this knitted number from Ted Baker Menswear range. The chunky finish with a shawl collar and ribbed detailing is stylish yet practical.

Wear it now under your usual outerwear and over a T-shirt as the weather warms up.

Cardigan £95, Ted Baker, High Street, Guildford

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WORDS MELISSA WOODLAND

FORWARD WE MIGHT STILL BE SHIVERING UNDER LAYERS OF CASHMERE, BUT FASHION HAS ALREADY MOVED ON TO SPRING. AS DANISH DESIGNER MALENE BIRGER CELEBRATES THE SEVENTH BIRTHDAY OF HER EPONYMOUS LINE, WE TAKE A LOOK AT HER COVETED SPRING/SUMMER 2011 COLLECTION, SOME OF WHICH IS AVAILABLE IN GUILDFORD

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W¡V hard to imagine ever being warm enough to even think about wearing linen during the dark months of Winter, but the latest offering from By Malene Birger brings a little sunshine to our day.

The luxurious line balances the femininity of the 1950s with the pared down comfort of the early 1990s. Incorporating the latest length for skirts and dresses (mid calf) and mixed materials, the Spring/ Summer collection is easy going and effortlessly sexy.

And if her 50s styling is too girly for your taste, choose from the more masculine pieces, such as the chino-style trousers and boxy blouses to create an androgynous silhouette in a palette of earthy colours from buttermilk to khaki.

Playful marrying of fabrics ensures the anthology has wide appeal. Leather trims contrast with soft washed cottons, delicate silks overlay classic linens and metal studs add an edge to safari shapes.

Classy, sumptuous and elegant, By Malene Birgerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new collection will allow you to be whoever you want to be.

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Selected pieces available from Little London, Angel Gate, Guildford. Dresses start at ÂŁ225.

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IT STARTED LIFE AS A FAMILY BUSINESS IN ITALY, SOME 125 YEARS AGO. TODAY, THE COMPANY CREATED BY SILVERSMITH AND JEWELLER SOTIRIO BULGARI IS A GLOBAL NAME SYNONYMOUS WITH LUXURIOUS JEWELLERY, WATCHES, PERFUME AND ACCESSORIES

The appeal of Bulgari’s creations lies in the almost organic way in which its designs are created and realised. Each Bulgari piece begins to take shape first as a watercolour or tempera drawing, which helps to explain why colour – complemented with gold especially – is such a distinctive characteristic of the company’s lines. Technology then takes over to assess which would be the best materials to make the piece both wearable and durable, and importantly, to ensure that the finished article fits into the Bulgari tradition. Design completed, it is back to the world of the artisan and craftsman, to hand – make and polish each piece. The result is what the company considers to be a fine balance of classicism, modernity and innovation.

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ulgari found its signature style in the 1960s, some 30 years after Sotirio handed the company over to his two sons Giorgio and Constantino. A blend of Greek and Roman classicism with a hint of the Italian Renaissance, the label continued to build on this look into the 1980s when Giorgio’s own children Paolo and Nicola took over. As Paolo Bulgari put it: “People can’t live without the aesthetic”. Almost instinctively, fans of the brand are drawn to it’s form, line, proportion and colour.

In 1977, the company diversified into the watch business with Bulgari-Bulgari timepieces quickly becoming a classic.

Today Bulgari Time in Neuchâtel, Switzerland employs around 500 people and is currently one of the few companies in the world capable of providing not just assembly but its own production as well.

The portfolio of Bulgari collections ranges from the superexclusive to the more accessible. The Bulgari High Jewellery Collection features one-of-a kind pieces that travel the world showcasing the brand’s craftsmanship. Only the elite ever get to actually wear them.

More commercial lines, Parentesi, B.zero1, Concentrica and Cicladi, feature bold, strong designs, drawing inspiration from Hollywood legends, nature and gemstones. The Assioma collection, for example, captures the style of Ava Gardener and Audrey Hepburn in its new Assioma D watch.

Bulgari is the word for excellence and prestige, the finest expression of style and beauty. The brand’s pieces are exclusively distributed through selected top-end retailers throughout England.

House of Fraser, High Street, Guildford - houseoffraser.co.uk Padani, 55 Hight Street Royal Tunbridge Wells JANUARY 2011

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BUSINESS

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THIRTY YEARS AGO A SUITCASE FULL OF DESIGNER CLOTHING BURST OPEN ON THE SHOP FLOOR IN HARRODS... AND HELPED DESIGNER SUZY COPPERSMITH-HEAVEN ESTABLISH THE HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL CHAIN OF SAHARA INDEPENDENT BOUTIQUES. TODAY THERE ARE NINE STAND – ALONE STORES INCLUDING ONE IN NORTH STREET GUILDFORD. WE PUT A FEW QUESTIONS TO THE FOUNDER What qualities do you need to succeed in business?

Vision, drive, passion, enthusiasm, focus and most of all... stamina! You need to be prepared to take risks in business and keep a positive mind, no matter what challenges you face. I personally feel that having an ethical conscience has helped me enormously in developing and nurturing creative working relationships with amazingly talented people across the globe. Most importantly - you need to enjoy what you do.

What gives you the biggest buzz at work?

Working alongside a team of fabulously talented people (my husband and daughter included) and receiving so much positive feedback from our amazing customers. I read each and every letter and email that we receive and we always consider customer’s ideas when designing our next collection. They may not realise it, but Sahara’s customers indirectly help to shape each new collection we create, that’s very important to me.

Your biggest regret in business is what?

I don’t have any regrets. Every lesson has been well learned - Sahara wouldn’t be here today if I hadn’t experienced the setbacks that I’ve needed to overcome creatively.

And your most memorable moment in business?

When I first started in business I had a suitcase stuffed full of samples that I brought back from my first trip to Bali in the early 1970s when the tiny Indonesian island was still largely undiscovered by tourists. Naively, I just walked into Harrods wanting to show the buyer my wares - my case was so full it burst open and all my samples ended up on the shop floor before I’d reached her office. Customers crowded around me

jostling to see the pieces - and it was thanks to them that I received my first order from Harrods!

What does 2011 hold for your business?

2011 will be an exciting year for Sahara with more stores opening across the UK - Sahara, Bury St. Edmunds and Sahara, Chichester are newest on the list of openings. We are forever introducing creative European designer labels to the UK and we will continue to develop our own collections in new, imaginative ways, finding unusual fabrics and textiles from around the world.

I am passionate about remaining an independent retailer there are dwindling numbers of indies these days and it’s so intrinsic to the survival of our British towns. Each and every one of our stores is different; we don’t have a set formula by which we design our boutiques; we choose interesting, beautiful buildings with architectural interest and let the buildings themselves dictate the look and feel of the stores.

Which famous business figure would you most like to work with and why?

Paul Smith for his unique vision and integrity. I love his quirky detailing and his eclectic collections of ephemera. He has formidable business prowess and I think we have much in common creatively, despite designing for completely different markets.

What words best describe you personally?

Fearless, creative, passionate and always running a little bit late! saharalondon.com JANUARY 2011

PEOPLE

62 TANYA TAYLOR (35) CENTRE WITH ARM RAISED, ENJOYS A 12 MILE CROSS COUNTRY RUN.

FORGET ONLY BEING ABLE TO STICK TO YOUR NEW YEAR HEALTH RESOLUTIONS FOR A MONTH. GETTING FIT AND EATING PROPERLY CAN BE A LIFESTYLE THAT YOU ACTUALLY ENJOY – WITH THE RIGHT APPROACH. OUR FITNESS GURU RACHAEL WOOLSTON TELLS US HOW IT CAN WORK

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‘I’m NEVER drinking again... I’m going on the Hollywood Maple syrup diet... I’m going to join a gym and go every day... I’m going to run everywhere.’ Sound familiar?

With resolutions like these it’s no surprise that most people fall by the wayside in less time than it takes to get the Christmas decorations down. According to a study by smoking cessation charity Quit , only 37% of those who make any kind of health resolution manage to maintain it through to the end of the year.

How, then, do you ensure you do better than even this lowly statistic and make your resolutions last your life time?

Read on...

Old resolution: I’m going to exercise every day New resolution: I’m going to set fitness targets

Most people who start any new exercise regime are often motivated, at least at first, by the fact that they want to lose weight as well as getting fit. Yet it is often difficult to maintain a daily exercise regime if you don’t see your figure change quickly enough.

The secret is to set yourself monthly fitness targets. These could be Goal 1: Run 5k. Goal 2: Be able to hold a plank core exercise for one minute, and side planks for 45 seconds.

Goal 3: To enter and run a 10k race.

This way, you set yourself achievable, realistic goals so that you can SEE your improvement, which will boost your confidence and keep you going. And it means you will feel good about yourself while losing weight, rather than focusing on the shape (and size) of your butt alone.

It worked for me: “I’d never entered a run and exercise was purely about JANUARY 2011

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o, you’ve eaten your body weight in mince pies and drank enough mulled wine and cocktails to sink the Titanic? Join the club.

During the festive period almost every one over- eats at some point. The upshot? Most people end up issuing themselves fitness and diet resolutions that would tax even a Hollywood star who is paid to be in shape.

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trying to lose weight,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; explains Tanya Taylor (35) a mum of four. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I did a 5k, which gave me the conďŹ dence to do a 10k, and eventually a 12 mile cross country run through a bog. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m training for a half marathon and along the way, without even trying, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve dropped two dress sizes.â&#x20AC;?

Old resolution: Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m only going to eat once a day New resolution: Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m going to eat more frequently One of the biggest mistakes so many people make is to try to go without meals (going without breakfast ring any bells?) or trying to exist on nothing but a pile of salad leaves or a piece of toast. All this does is set you on a sure ďŹ re path to weight gain, whether in the short or long term. Why? If your body is not getting enough calories your metabolism slows down to conserve calories, which means youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re more likely to gain weight over time, not lose it. Not surprisingly of course, few people maintain this approach any way and end up overeating in the afternoon or at dinner and then feel bad about themselves to boot.

The secret is to eat more frequently, and think about the type of food youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re eating. It might sound counter-intuitive, but having several small protein snacks during the day keeps your blood sugars level so you are less likely to overeat during your main meals. These snacks might be a no-fat Greek yoghurt with sliced apple, or smoked salmon or hard-boiled egg on one oat cake.

Remember, to lose one to two pounds a week you need to cut 500 calories. That could be two pieces of toast with butter and potatoes at dinner, something youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re more likely to achieve long term than trying a so called detox juice diet.

It worked for me: â&#x20AC;&#x153;In the past, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve tried slimming clubs and cutting back but Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d only last a week before caving in and eating chocolate,â&#x20AC;? says Jennifer Hards (27) a massage therapist. â&#x20AC;&#x153;So when I saw how much I could eat, I couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t believe it. Yet, along with the exercise it worked and I lost 10lbs!

Old resolution: Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m going to eat salad only New resolution: Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m going to eat a well balanced diet Go to any cafe or supermarket nowadays and the chilled cabinets are heaving with so called healthy salads. Yet, many contain more calories than an average piece of chocolate cake. Make your own salad and many people inadvertently go wrong smothering it with mayonnaise, olive oil or adding carbohydrate heavy ingredients like potatoes, or a pot of hummus.

The problem is that they are either highly caloriďŹ c (127 calories per tablespoon of olive oil, 219 calories for less than half a pot of hummus) or high glycaemic index foods. These are foods which cause blood sugars to rise rapidly and then crash, meaning many people end up feeling lethargic and eat more.

Understand more about the way food affects your body though, and making healthy choices becomes easier.

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So, what does this actually mean in real terms?

Try eating foods that release energy slowly like porridge, or poached eggs on spinach in the morning, salads with protein sources like chicken or ďŹ sh, and fruits such as plums, apples and berries instead of bananas or mangos.

It worked for me: â&#x20AC;&#x153;You name it, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve tried it from calorie counting to the cabbage soup diet,â&#x20AC;? says Pip Henderson (42) a theatre performer. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Following a low GI eating plan with more protein, along with the ďŹ tness, helped me achieve what Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve spent years searching for; sustainable weight loss and exercise thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fun.â&#x20AC;?

Rachael Woolston runs FitBitch boot camp in Brighton.

To ďŹ nd out more visit ďŹ tbitchbootcamp.com

GUILDFORD

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A FIRE IS A FOCAL POINT IN THE WINTER AND COSYING UP IN FRONT OF AN OPEN HEARTH IS ONE OF THOSE SEASONAL PLEASURES. FLICKERING FLAMES TRULY BRING A ROOM TO LIFE

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fter the 70’s fad of ripping out original fireplaces and replacing them with ‘lifelike’ gas versions, there is now an equally enthusiastic rush to put them back again. Reinstalling a fireplace is often top of the list of the home renovator, and one of the important considerations when buying a new home.

Most houses built before 1960 will have a Class 1 chimney, which is a traditional style brick or stonebuilt chimney. This will need to be checked over by a chimney sweep before you go out and buy your fireplace. A good chimney will be clean and free of leaks, to allow the gasses produced when you burn your fuel to escape. A clean chimney will also help prevent fires caused by the build up of creosote on the chimney walls when you burn wood.

In newer houses with a steel flue liner, pre-cast flue (a small rectangular shaped flue) or even no chimney at all, you could opt for natural gas, LPG (liquid petroleum gas) or electric. These can of course be placed in a traditional fire surround, and you could even install a gas fire basket to create quite a striking modern twist on a traditional design.

For those with no chimney there are several options.

If you don’t want the cost or hassle of installing one, you could go for a power flue fire, where an extractor fan takes the fumes from the living gas flame fire to the outside wall. It will fit into most fireplace surrounds and can also be side venting, so if you live in a flat or terraced house the flue system can run along the skirting to the outside wall.

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“TOASTING YOUR TOES IN FRONT OF AN OPEN FIRE HAS ALWAYS BEEN ONE OF LIFE’S PLEASURES.”

Peat is best avoided for environmental reasons. It stores huge volumes of carbon (the equivalent of about 20 years’ worth of industrial carbon emissions is stored in British peat bogs alone) which is best left undisturbed to avoid releasing this carbon into the atmosphere.

Wood fuel is essentially carbon neutral as it absorbs as much carbon dioxide in its growth as it releases when it’s burnt. For this reason, the installation of wood fuel appliances is often treated more favourably by building regulations.

You’ll also need to consider draw, which is the ability of your chimney flue to suck the gases and smoke upwards and into the outside air. Wood burning stoves such as the Charnwood Island (pictured previous page) are a good option for those whose

chimney draw is less than perfect. There are some very contemporary wood burning stoves on the market today, such as the Xeoos TwinFire by Country Warmth, which combine modern technology and design with a very old concept.

But if your after something truly traditional with a degree of heritage Architectural stores in Tunbridge Wells are well worth a visit. They stock of over 150 different restored and reclaimed fireplaces including wood, marble, stone and cast iron surrounds and all manner of period fire baskets spanning a period from late Georgian to Edwardian.

Toasting your toes in front of an open fire has always been one of life’s pleasures, but these days you can get the effect without the pollution or cost associated with coals or logs. Gas-fired coals look so good these days it’s hard to tell they’re not real, or if you haven’t got a hearthside gas supply you could simply plug in an electric fire, which have been transformed since the days of the soulless two-bar fire.

Modern rooms are usually better suited to a more pared-down look, such as bowls with logs or pebbles.

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If you’re lucky enough to have a Class 1 chimney however, you can burn any type of fuel. Charcoal, peat, coal, hexamine fuel tablets and pellets made from wood, corn, wheat, rye and other grains are all options.

Check with your local authority to see if there are any restrictions on the type of fuel you can use, in some areas the burning of coal, for example, is restricted.

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If there’s no hearth or you want to maximise floor space, a wall-hung fire is a good choice.

Contemporary spaces need sleek fires that suit their style, currently the most popular are wall hung fires which resemble TV screens, displaying a beautiful flaming image. There’s a large selection including those that don’t need a flue for ventilation. Two of the best in B&Q’s range are the Pinoir Black Granite Gas Flueless Wall-hung Fire, £999 and the Royale Power Flue Wallhung Gas Fire, £1,299.

And if you still think there’s no place for a fire in your home, or you can’t afford one, don’t get hot under the collar. Simply switch on the brilliantly effective, Light The Box DVD, £10.99 from Amazon. Played on a flat screen TV it literally brings fires to life on screen, and there’s a choice of 12 traditional or contemporary fire styles complete with sound effects - crackling logs or roaring gas flames.

So Guildford recommends: ASK Fireplaces askfireplacesltd.com 01483 503 333

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Enhance the effect with aroma of an open fire by using the wood-smoke ‘Essence of John Galliano’ room spray by Diptyque, £32 at Liberty. We’ve tried both the DVD and spray and together they work so well that guests say they can ‘feel the heat’ and love watching the flickering flames.

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AT THE TURN OF THE LAST CENTURY, THE GEOMETRIC STYLE OF MODERNIST DESIGNERS HAD A DRAMATIC IMPACT ON HOMES. FROM MINIMALIST SURFACES TO STEEL-FRAMED BAUHAUS FURNITURE, THE APPROACH CREATED MORE STYLISED INTERIORS AND A MORE EFFICIENT LIFESTYLE

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vidently, some of these elements exist in an evolved form today, though the fastest-changing facets of kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms are the technologies, materials and the method of sourcing and combining furniture, displays and storage – all elements that transform a property.

The skill involved in bringing together the many elements of a contemporary kitchen can be applied to all other areas of the home, though companies with the ability to achieve the entire-home design concept are relatively rare. One organisation that has made the transition from kitchen design excellence to complete interiors engineering is Extreme Design.

With fully-equipped showrooms in Sunningdale and Gerrards Cross, Extreme Design also has a state-of-the art bedroom and storage solutions studio at Winkfield, near Ascot. To see is to be completely won over.

Where walk-in wardrobes and fully kitted out dressing rooms have been increasingly de-rigueur, in new homes, there is now a new phenomenon, ‘the cabin’. No longer concealed, clothes and accessories are on display. The cabin is a walk-in wardrobe that is also an integral feature of the home.

wood, leather-effect and even Japanese-style paper panels.

At the cutting edge of kitchen and interior design, Extreme Design is focused on creating the home that the client aspires to. The process is a journey exploring individuality and imagination fused with inspiration and high levels of competence and skill. A certain amount of resourcefulness and determination comes into play when Extreme Design brings new and innovative products and technologies into the mix.

Having some of the UK’s best young interior designers on board, the creativity of the individuals and the teams within Extreme Design has yielded outstanding results. Extreme Design knows this is a fact, because their clients have told them so.

In the Winkfield showroom, the new bedroom and dressing-room display showcases bespoke wardrobes in wood and glass finishes. Clients can select the colour of lacquer from an extensive choice and accessorise freely with options for lighting, different colours of glass, wood style and finish, and mirrors of any width or height inlaid into doors.

The cabin concept works wonderfully well in the right context, and it is unlikely that it will entirely replace the wardrobe, as we know it. In the contemporary domain, wardrobes do more than conceal apparel, they dress a space. Finishes and textures include aluminium, mirrors, linen, JANUARY 2011

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BETWEEN WOKING AND GUILDFORD YOUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;LL FIND SARACENS, A MAGNIFICENT PROPERTY OF HUGE PROPORTIONS AND DELICATE DETAILS. THIS RECENTLY RENOVATED TURN OF THE CENTURY BUILDING WAS, FOR YEARS, TWO HOMES WHICH HAVE NOW BEEN REUNITED

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ooking around it’s not hard to see why Saracens was featured in the Royal Academy Architectural Exhibition on its completion in 1901. It’s quite something to behold, thanks to the work of the celebrated Elizabethan architect, William Frederick Unsworth.

At some point in the house’s history it was split in two and used as separate dwellings. However, the current owners bought one half in 1995 and purchased the remaining site in 2001 with a plan to return the building to its former glory.

And quite a job they’ve done too.

Each room has a quirky character and individual feel, while almost every one also has a distinctive view of the quite fantastic gardens. Care has been taken to ensure that despite the refurbishment, period touches remain and so panelled walls, leaded windows and parquet flooring feature throughout the property.

Thanks to the building’s size there are plenty of reception

rooms. The panelled drawing room is a real treat with a striking fireplace, while the dining room is as spacious as you’d expect. Leading outside, the exceptional garden room (with its own quaint kitchen area) opens onto the swimming pool and terrace.

The main kitchen is the real heart of the home and is fitted in a contemporary style, with butcher’s block, granite surfaces and a knocked through breakfast room.

Leading up to the first floor is a distinctive staircase with parquet treads and carved oak banisters. At the southwest corner of the house is the master bedroom with en suite bathroom, dressing room and separate shower room.

Elsewhere are four further bedrooms, two with en suite, plus a family bathroom.

When work beckons, facilities include an elegant period library and a relaxing study. A decked balcony on the north east side of the property offers spectacular views of the surrounding grounds. The top floor, with access via a

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spiralling wooden staircase, holds one more bedroom suite, a sitting area and gym.

If all this wasn’t enough, a lower floor looks after the entertainment. Firstly, a cinema room in which to relax and enjoy films to their fullest, and secondly, a 34-bin wine cellar for those rather special bottles.

It’s really is a great package, especially when outside there’s a loggia with kitchen, shower room and changing room for the pool, plus a housekeeper’s cottage, gardener’s room and plant room. And should you find yourself bored, simply take a wander in the gardens, they’re certainly interesting enough. 62

At a glance: Property: Saracens, 6 bedroom character property Location: 5 miles from Guildford Price: £4.5million Bedrooms: 6 Bathrooms: 4 Land: 2 acres (approx) Extras: Pool Exquisite gardens Housekeeper’s cottage Contact: Knight Frank knightfrank.co.uk 01483 565171

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AT THIS CHILLY TIME OF YEAR, YOU’RE PROBABLY THINKING (YET AGAIN) OF BUYING THAT BOLTHOLE IN THE SUN WITH SOME OF YOUR LEFTOVER BONUS MONEY. WE, AS USUAL, HAVE A SUGGESTION…

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ÿDCvG WORDS DAN SMITH

PROPERTY

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hat better place to escape to than Marbella? Playground of the millionaires and just a couple of hours out of Gatwick. Take it from us; with a property like this at the end of a short flight, you’ll be looking for any excuse to get away. And we’d know… we popped over the other weekend, before the snow closed the airports, of course.

Similar properties on this part of the coast are selling in the region of £15million to £20million but don’t worry, with this sort place you get the lot. Fancy a dip before breakfast? Well, you can choose from the stunning seaview swimming pool on the front deck, the indoor heated pool, or, of course, the actual ocean just a short meander away.

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Still not feeling 100 per cent relaxed? Then there’s the sauna, Turkish baths and spa area with gym, to sweat out any last remnants of tension and stress.

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The décor is, as you would expect, lavish. Plenty of subdued tones, stone surfacing and exposed wood give this property a chilled out feel – even if the temperature’s soaring outside.

On the ground floor there’s plenty of space to relax, like the double-height living room, covered terrace and informal sitting room. Plus, there are two dining rooms (one dedicated to ‘Winter’ dining) and a stunning fully fitted kitchen. If you intend having guests, that’s no problem, two guest quarters are located on the ground floor.

A purpose built apartment is available if you require staff (which you will, as it’s a rather large place to do all of the dusting on your own) and there are two garages with enough square footage to house six cars. Three convertibles and three saloons, perhaps?

Below, a cool wine cellar will keep your collection at the right temperature, while a billiard room and cinema room are also there for entertainment.

But it’s up on the first floor where the luxurious touches really become obvious. The master suite features doubleheight wooden beamed ‘cathedral’ ceilings, plus a dedicated living room, kitchenette, dressing rooms and a sea-facing terrace. Can you think of anything more calming?

Adjoining this area is the master bathroom; an incredibly opulent space with Jacuzzi and double wash basins.

Elsewhere on this floor is the spa area with gym, massage room, Turkish bath, sauna and shower. It’s up here that you’ll also find the luxurious indoor pool.

Hop in one of the cars and Marbella centre is just five minutes away, yet the beachside location offers more than enough seclusion from prying eyes. As far as we’re concerned, there’s no better place to enjoy your January detox. 62

At a glance: Property: Los Monteros beachfront villa with seven bedrooms (including staff) and six bathrooms.

Location: East Marbella, Spain Price: POA Extras: 2 pools Turkish bath Jacuzzi Sauna Staff quarters Cinema Gym Contact: Knight Frank knightfrank.com

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MASTER CHEF

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t’s one of the most popular programmes on BBC 2 television with some three million viewers tuning in to watch hopeful young chefs being put to the test.

MasterChef:The Professionals, though, is not for the faint-hearted. Contestants must cook in front of the cameras and survive a grilling by the judges who are looking for the most promising chefs in the land.

To be accepted on the programme is in itself recognition of talent. To reach the last eight of the semi -final is truly an achievement. One person who did just that is Matthew Worswick (23) from Gavetye Manor near East Grinstead.

We chat with the 23-year-old about the whole experience of cooking under hot studio lights in front of millions.

When did you first realise you had a passion for cooking?

I didn’t realise what proper food was until I first stepped into a kitchen at the age of 17 as an apprentice chef which is the lowest position. I’d found myself without a job and was advised to look on the Caterer website where I saw the apprentice chef job in Garstang, Lancashire. I loved the place and the kitchen and have never looked back! I arrived at Gravetye Manor in November 2009. My role then, and still is, senior sous chef.

What made you want to enter MasterChef?

I had seen previous episodes on the television; afterwards an advertisement appeared to enter. I was intrigued about the programme. I’m highly competitive and thought it would be good fun. I never thought I would get on but gave it a shot anyway!

How do you actually end up on the programme?

The selection process is vigorous; there were several interviews in London at the studios and many telephone interviews too.

They ask lots of questions about what I like to cook at work and also in my spare time. They also asked what my signature dish was and why I liked cooking so much. The producers also contacted my previous employers for references etc.

How many others applied at the same time as you?

I was told that the total amount of applicants who entered was roughly 8,000. The producers said that to get through the selection process is tough; it takes a long time to whittle the applicants down to the 48 who appear on television.

What was it like when you were accepted?

I was very excited when first told I was on the programme, it suddenly dawned on me what a mammoth task lay ahead. There was an awful amount of pressure but I really enjoyed myself. It didn’t sink in that I was on the show until I was actually standing in front of the judges. The first production personnel I met were the producers who were at my initial interview; they talked us through the schedule for the day. In my group there were four chefs, we were told not to talk with each other about how we did and the producers allocated a member of the production team to be with us at all times to make sure we didn’t confer.

Before you got in front of the cameras did you do any actually cooking?

No. When the show is shot you never have any prior warning about what tasks you have to do, there are no dress rehearsals JANUARY 2011

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EACH YEAR THOUSANDS OF UP AND COMING CHEFS APPLY TO TAKE PART IN THE BBC 2 PROGRAMME MASTERCHEF:THE PROFESSIONALS. ONLY A HANDFUL ARE ACCEPTED. AMONG THEM IN THE LAST SERIES WAS MATTHEW WORSWICK FROM GRAVETYE MANOR NEAR EAST GRINSTEAD

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involved. You literally have to cook â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;liveâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; when they appoint a task to you. I suppose this way it creates a more intense atmosphere.

When the judges ask you to do something itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only then you ďŹ nd out what they want you to do.

mixed larder of ingredients and were asked to produce just one dish for the judges. I did quail with haricot beans and pancetta. We had one hour to make any dish of our own creation. This was my favourite round of all and I got quite good feedback from the judges.

That must have been nerve wracking?

The ďŹ rst day of ďŹ lming was by far the hardest of them all. It removes you from your comfort zone and with all the pressure of the cameras itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very nerve wracking indeed. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only then, the very ďŹ rst time in front of the cameras, that you ďŹ nd out what equipment you have to work with and the layout of the studio. It was hardest of all because the ďŹ rst round is seen as the easiest of all; failure at this stage would be very embarrassing indeed, having to go back to work saying you got knocked out in the ďŹ rst round wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t an option.

The next stage was the second half of the quarter ďŹ nals; we had to cook two dishes of our own creation. I produced brill with golden raisins and lamb with peas and new potatoes for the food critics. The way it worked was very hectic in the studios. We had to start in 15 minute intervals which meant if anybody was late they would breach into your time and delay everybody else.

Fortunately it was ok on the day and the critics liked my food.

After that was the semi-ďŹ nal.

What was the ďŹ rst dish you cooked on â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;liveâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; TV? This was in the second round when I had to cook the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;classic dishâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; which was a Nougatine basket with crème Chantilly, fruit coulis and spun sugar. I had done pastry before so was quite conďŹ dent; I had known that the other contestants didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t like to do pastry which was good for me. It was fun to do and I really enjoyed this round.

How did you find the judges Greg Wallace and Michel Roux Jr? Off camera the judges were very calming and quite funny.

Obviously cooking for such an esteemed chef as Michel was great and they made us very relaxed which was good as we were already very nervous. The studios are quite small, a lot smaller than youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d expect so you got to watch the judges reviewing other people and then yourself. You had time to chat with them in the intervals.

Once the cameras were off how did the contestants get on with each other?

The contestants I cooked with were very nice. We were essentially all in the same boat together; we were all chefs and had a lot in common. The contestants are there to win so there was a bit of competition between us but it was fun.

Talk us through those episodes that lead up to the semi-finals?

I had the initial task of preparing a beef tartare dish which was my ďŹ rst round in front of the actual judges. This was followed by the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;classic dishâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, a harder round than the previous. It involved a lot more skills and presentation. After that we were given a

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And the ďŹ nal dish you prepared?

My ďŹ nal dish was a duck dish, using all the parts of the animal; heart, breast, leg and liver. This was served with a carrot puree, Griottine cherries and a port wine sauce.

They said the dish was too sugary... did you realise then you might not go through?

Initially after the comments I was very disappointed, I knew I had made mistakes and realised it could be the end of the competition for me. I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to make it easy on myself, earlier on in the competition I had been criticised for taking the easy route.

Now youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had time to reďŹ&#x201A;ect... what impact do you think the programme has had ďŹ rstly on you as a person and then on you as a chef?

I think as a person the programme has made me more conďŹ dent in my abilities; it opens you up to criticism which is good and bad. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very humbling at times to be put through the different rounds and also to be knocked out. As a chef the programme has made me more resilient. It threw me in at the deep end which is good when you work in a pressurised environment.

I was very proud to represent the hotel where I work.

And your dream?

My dream is to be successful. I think it is more of a lifestyle than a career. I really enjoy cooking and hope to carry on working at Gravetye Manor.

Footnote: The eventual winner of MasterChef: The Professionals was Claire Lara (30) from Merseyside. 62

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A very special thank you to everyone who made the effort to visit us during the snowy weather – didn’t it look beautiful!

We would like to wish all our past, present and future customers a very happy, healthy and prosperous new year.

2011 sees the 25th anniversary of Carlo’s Trattoria and we hope to see you to help us celebrate our special year.

Best wishes Carlo, Bonnie and the team xxx T 01483 224180 E eat@carlostrattoria.com

Set Lunch Mon-Fri 2 courses £11.95 | 3 courses £13.95 Sunday Lunch 2 courses £13.95 | 3 courses £15.95

www.carlostrattoria.com

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JRRG VKHSKHUG PHOTOS BY MARK TURNBULL SAM BARKER (MAIN IMAGE)

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FROM FIELD TO FORK

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ASHDOWN FOREST FARMER SIMON THEVENET HAS BEEN BREEDING SHEEP ON HEATHER FOR OVER A QUARTER OF A CENTURY. OUR MAN JULIAN LEEFEGRIFFITHS HAS A FEW IDEAS ON HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF SUCH OFFERINGS

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FROM FIELD TO FORK

It’s a great place to take the dogs for a walk at any time of the year, but the coming months will be extra special. The bluebells fill the deciduous woods, the fallow deer calf and wild flowers break through the heather and ling.

But enough of that pastoral nonsense, I’m hungry. Spring is the time for lamb and nowhere in the south produces better lamb than Cobbers Farm on the Ashdown Forest.

Farmer Simon Thevenet has been keeping sheep here for over 25 years. They live on a beautiful part

of the forest, surrounded by oak and birch, grazing on a mixture of grass and heather. It’s the mix of wild flora that give the lamb its delicious taste. London restaurants pay top whack for heather-fed lamb, and here it is, right on our doorstep.

Simon runs about 300 head of sheep, so it’s not a big operation but expertly managed which, as a buyer, I really like. Small farmers make up the backbone of English farming, keeping their stock in great condition, with a keen eye on its welfare and health.

Small producers know their flock more thoroughly than larger producers. They instinctively know when the lambs are up to weight and ready for market, or when to hold on to them for a little longer to ensure they’re the correct market

size with full flavour potential.

You can certainly make the point that larger farms have lower costs and greater economies, and that is true, but there is something I respect about one-man hillside farming. I know Simon would laugh his head off if I said it was a romantic occupation (as it‘s very hard work) but there is something magical about producing top quality lamb in such a wild and beautiful location. It might be a bit “one man and his dog”, but I like it.

SOURCING I always bang on about local butchers, but please go and find one. The quality of meat you will find is just so superior to that of most supermarkets. Yes, you can buy a leg of lamb from the supermarket, but the odds are it’s been deep frozen in the hold of a ship for three months, while W

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ust down the road lies Ashdown Forest, a wonderful place. It’s wild and rugged and has always reminded me more of Somerset and Exmoor than of the East Sussex borders.

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FROM FIELD TO FORK

WINE SUGGESTIONS The classic match for most lamb dishes is wine made from the Cabernet Sauvignon grape – good claret (from Bordeaux) and roast lamb being a perfect match.

New World Cabernets also match particularly well (as many exhibit a fresh mint character) and try the Sicilian listed below as an excellent alternative.

La Flor Cabernet Sauvignon (Argentina) It’s rare to find such well made Cabernet at this price point but this looks and tastes more like a £15 bottle of wine than £8. Packed with complex blackcurrant fruit, spice and tobacco with a long smooth finish, this is New World Cabernet at its best.

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fruit along with smoky liquorice notes and subtle oak and, whilst it’s a bit more muscular than Cabernet, this is well worth looking at.

Chateau d’Argadans Bordeaux (France) We’ve just received our allocation of the sublime 2005 vintage of this wine and whether you are a traditional drinker or someone who likes to try different things, you just can’t go wrong with a decent claret. Usually this means spending £20+ on a bottle but this has all the right qualities – fresh ripe fruit, good acidity, fine tannins and good length – at half the price.

Villa Tonino Nero d’Avola (Italy) Produced from Sicily’s best red grape variety – Nero d’Avola – this is a great match for grilled lamb. There’s lots of blackberry and damson

travelling three-quarters of the way round the world.

COOKING This is possibly the quickest Sunday roast in the world and also a really good BBQ dish. If you want a Sunday roast but don’t have three hours to sort it out, this is the one for you.

First buy a leg of lamb from the butchers.

Ask him to bone and butterfly it. If you’re feeling confident, it’s pretty easy to do this at home. With a sharp knife cut round the knuckle joint at the top of the leg; then, work the knife down the shaft of the leg to the knee.

Next, cut through the meat all the way down the inside of the leg, to expose the bone. Now, peel away all the meat off the

bone to give you a wide flat cut of meat i.e. the leg has been taken off the bone and opened out, like a butterfly opening its wings.

Rub the meat with olive oil. Insert 4-6 crushed cloves of garlic and 4 sprigs of rosemary into the folds of the meat.

Pre-heat a large roasting tin on the hob, put the joint in the tin and seal on all sides. Then place in a hot oven to cook for 15-17 minutes. Yes, I did say this is the fastest Sunday roast in the world.

Remove from oven and rest meat in a warm place for 5 minutes.

Slice and serve with roast pots and spring greens, not forgetting the garlic and rosemary from the tin. Enjoy! 62

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THE CHANCES ARE THAT WHILE BRINGING IN THE NEW YEAR, YOU RAISED ONE OR TWO FLUTES OF CHAMPAGNE. BUT WHAT IS IT THAT MAKES THE BRAND AS WELL-RECEIVED AS IT IS TODAY? WE SENT DAN SMITH ALONG TO RHEIMS, AS GUEST OF THE CHAMPAGNE BUREAU, TO FIND OUT

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C H A M PAG N E

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oday Champagne is internationally renowned as the most luxurious and sensuous alcoholic drink in the world.

This reputation is in part a result of the careful brand management of a product worth nearly £20million a year.

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historic Rheims on our way to Epernay, the heart of the Champagne region.

In Epernay we arrive outside a rather stern looking building named equally seriously ‘The Champagne Institute’. The building’s sterile theme dissipates when we’re greeted at the gate by the highly charismatic Philippe Wibrotte, head of public relations.

Not surprising then, that there are ‘Champagne police’ who ensure the protection of the bubbly and its good name. Officially they’re known as the Comité Interprofessionnel du Vin de Champagne or, CIVC.

Inside Philippe informs us that as Brits we’re of particular interest to the CIVC; the UK is the biggest export market for Champagne.

This highly authoritative body has two roles. Firstly, it ensures that the Champagne name remains pure from imposters around the world and secondly, it sets the high levels of legislation which dictate what can be labeled as Champagne.

“The UK consumes around 40 million bottles a year, enough for a bottle for every one and a half people,” he extols. “Compare this with India, where one bottle is drunk per 4,130 and you start to get the idea of how big the UK market is.”

Keen to learn the lengths the CIVC go to with their detective work and to find out what exactly they’re protecting, I take up the invitation from the Champagne Bureau (their UK arm) and make my way to St. Pancras International station.

Philippe goes on to describe the ‘police work’ side of the CIVC. The appellation of Champagne (the region where the precious grapes are grown) needs to be protected against imposters and currently the CIVC has around 800 legal cases open.

My voyage of exploration, education and hopefully a little intoxication will not be endured alone. Joining me are a handful of notable journalists, travel writers and foodies, all keen to widen their knowledge of the fizzy drink.

”We’ve had thousands of cases in America alone where they’ve labeled US produced sparkling wines as Champagne. Then there are the more obscure breaches of the brand name. Again in the States there’s Champagne sandpaper and from Taiwan there’s even ‘Champanties’ – knickers presented in a mock champagne bottle.”

Day two of the adventure starts early and as the mini-bus transports us through town, we’re given the chance to grab a fleeting look at the picturesque and

Apparently the brand image is so important that no infringement is too small to get the lawyers on their feet. But does Champagne deserve to be so stoutly defended? Can the CIVC legitimately claim that its beverage is so much better than other sparkling wines?

Well, the evidence to the affirmative is impressive. Each year the CIVC set a staggering 319 specific harvest

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Thankfully, the rail link from London to Rheims in France is smooth and relaxed. There’s plenty of time for a taste of what’s to come in the form of a nice glass of bubbly and a chance to get to know one another before retiring for the night.

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times for the differing vineyards around the region, which the growers must adhere to. This ensures the best results from the grapes, based on their individual locations, characteristics and taste.

According to Phillipe, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also a strong culture of â&#x20AC;&#x153;improving from the bottom upâ&#x20AC;?. In two CIVC-owned experimental vineyards, there are no less than 45 engineers and technicians focusing on viticulture (the science of vines) and oenology (the study of wine and wine making).

My perception of Champagne as an archaic and highly traditional product is beginning to change, although thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no time to contemplate these thoughts as a young woman named Violaine Decaffarelli enters the room to teach us the basics of Champagne tastingâ&#x20AC;Ś and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only 10:30am.

Before we begin weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re given a brief introduction to the only three grapes used in its production; Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and the lesser known Pinot Meunier. The juices from these grapes are blended in different percentages to produce a desired taste or bouquet. Some Champagnes contain all three grape varieties, others include just two, or even one. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In the most basic sense,â&#x20AC;? Violaine explains, â&#x20AC;&#x153;the white grape Chardonnay is used to add elegance and a balance of acidity to the wine, the black grape Pinot Noir adds structure and backbone and the Pinot Meunier, also black, produces aromas, fruity notes and a powerful, short taste in the mouth.â&#x20AC;?

With this in mind we sample the Trudon CuvĂŠe Tradition Brut, a non-vintage. This is chosen because itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s produced with 100% Pinot Meunier grapes. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s highly aromatic and ďŹ&#x201A;avoursome with a big impact, though the short

taste fades quickly which is apparently typical of Meunier wines.

Next, we try Billecart-Salmon Blanc de Blancs (white of whites) Brut, also a non-vintage. Produced with 100% Chardonnay grapes, this will show us the pure characteristics of the Chardonnay grapes. On the palate itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s long, covering the whole mouth and tongue; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s got notes of cooking apples and a little sharp citrus.

Finally, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re offered Jacquart Brut Mosaique 2002 Vintage; the ďŹ rst vintage we try. Vintages are produced when a Champagne house feels that the grapes of that year are of particularly good quality. The Jacquart is generally more complex than the previous two as itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a blend of all three grape varieties. The Pinot Noir gives you the structure, the Meunier brings a strong nose and the Chardonnay balances the after taste â&#x20AC;&#x201C; beautiful.

My contemporaries and I agree that these are all delicious bottles of bubbly and the rather empty spittoons are testament to the fact. We leave the Institute with Philippe in search of lunch at a typically French restaurant, where the plan is to enjoy another few glasses of the good stuff.

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m getting used to all this, though admittedly Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m struggling to get my head around all the, facts, ďŹ gures and legislation.

Better knock back an espresso or two because later in the afternoon weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be visiting a number of Champagne houses to put our tasting theory into practice and witness the long process of actually producing bubbly.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a tough job being a journo on the road away from Guildfordâ&#x20AC;Ś 62

NEXT MONTHâ&#x20AC;Ś The Champagne adventures of Dan Smith continue as he gets a lesson in taking the cork out of a bottle of bubbly - with a sword.

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D, THE WHEN IT WAS LAUNCHE D A MASSIVE E K R A M T G L A T N E IN T CON ID MORE D D N A Y E L T N E B R FO S SHIFT IN FOCU HOLE OF W E H T P U E K A H S O T E L THAN A LITT , IT’S BEEN W O N .

R O T C E S E P U O C Y THE LUXUR IMPROVED

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he Bentley Continental GT may not be able to keep up with the ultra-focused supercar set, but that’s not the idea. If you’re after brutal performance, high-tech engineering and elegant design, then this improved, more stylish and more efficient baby Bentley has got the lot.

Is there really a place for such a sporting Bentley? You might imagine not. If you want a supercar after all, you buy a Porsche or a Ferrari, surely? But then you’d have to do without the unequalled feeling of luxury that only comes from a car like Bentley’s Continental GT. Is it really possible to have power, poise and glory? The improved version of this car suggests that it is.

Here is a Bentley that weighs in at Porsche money and that stakes a claim as one of the most technologically advanced cars on sale. The version that most will buy is still powered by a 6.0-litre twin turbocharged W12 engine but that unit is now more powerful, offering around 567BHP in standard form, as before controlled via four wheel drive and a paddle-operated

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WORDS DAN SMITH

gearbox. Clothing all of this is a smarter, sleeker body inside of which is an even smarter cabin. In short, the Continental GT is hard to resist.

The W12 engine is adapted from a Volkswagen design and is astonishingly compact, yet still very powerful, thanks in no small part to the two turbochargers. Forced induction has become something of a cause celebre at Bentley, stretching back over 20 years in the modern era and being traceable right back to the supercharged ‘Blower Bentleys’ of the 1920s.

Buyers who don’t need quite that much power can talk to their dealer about placing an order for the still very rapid V8 version.

Power is still transmitted to the road via a rear-biased fourwheel drive set up which gives the Continental GT a handy advantage when the going gets slippery. Advanced ESP stability control technology helps here too with its ‘Sport Traction’ mode allowing extra scope for the driver to enjoy the car’s handling with the safety net still in place.

The link between the driven wheels and the engine comes courtesy of a six-speed automatic transmission. This can be

MOTORS

Another first for Bentley was the attention to aerodynamics.

A car that can accelerate to 60mph in less than five seconds and on to the far side of 190mph requires sufficient aerodynamics that its owner can be assured of it remaining dirty side down. The Continental GT benefits from the expertise of the best aerodynamicists the Volkswagen Group has to offer and the venturi tunnel under the rear of the car and the cooling ducts in the engine bay all attest to their labours.

One thing’s for sure. Once potential buyers have had the opportunity to take a good look round the car they’ll be looking for a dotted line to sign. It’s a shape that works a good

deal better in the metal than on the printed page, where it can sometimes look a little lugubrious. Watch one on the move and you’ll witness a lightness of touch, a simple design elegance and a car that hints at the potency that lies under that long bonnet.

And that re-styled look? Well, the classic Bentley matrix radiator grille is more upright, while the smarter headlamp design, in traditional four-lamp format, has exquisite jewel-like detailing including eye-catching, LED daylight-running lamps.

At the rear, Bentley signature ‘floating’ LED lamps extend around the corners of the wings, emphasising the car’s width and purposeful stance.

The hand-crafted interior remains demonstrably Bentley with acres of leather and wood veneers. The fascia, with new touch-screen technology, has been designed with a notion of symmetry, the centre console rising up to divide two swathes of veneer that were designed to resemble the Bentley winged logo. It’s said that Bentley’s designers even took a tape measure to a team of New York basketball players to ensure that headroom is acceptable even to those at the extremes of JANUARY 2011

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marshalled via paddles behind the steering wheel should you wish, or else it can be driven like a conventional automatic.

The six-speed is gearbox is a surprisingly controversial feature, with some engineers arguing that a car with this much torque didn’t need it. Yes, you could lock the Continental GT into third gear and surf languidly along for much of the time, but the enthusiast owner profile eventually dictated the six ratios.

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the morphological scale. The Continental GT is a proper four seater, although a broad transmission tunnel runs down the centre of the cabin.

Of course, Bentley craftsmanship will never be inexpensive and, sure enough, you’ll still be looking at around £130,000 for the coupe Continental GT model. Rather than the established aristocracy, the Continental GT appeals largely to buyers new to the Bentley marque, who would have baulked at paying for the Arnage series but who consider the Continental GT to be good value in comparison with a Ferrari 612.

“THE HAND-CRAFTED INTERIOR REMAINS DEMONSTRABLY BENTLEY WITH ACRES OF LEATHER AND WOOD VENEERS.” Though fuel consumption isn’t much improved - at 17.1mpg on the combined cycle - the CO2 figure this Bentley manages is much better at 384g/km, down from 410g/km. Nevertheless, this car will remain a prime target for George Osborne’s sniping. Of course, the collection of high-flyers, footballers and self-made millionaires who buy the car won’t give two hoots. It’s a drop in the ocean and the car’s desirability has produced solid residuals to help protect buyers’ investments.

In bringing Bentley into a new era, the Continental GT has proved to be a hugely significant car and this improved version is more desirable still. Purists may grumble at the Teutonic influence, but one can’t help feeling that if WO Bentley is watching, he’d be mighty proud of the coupe that bears his name.

This model seamlessly blends Bentley’s glittering heritage with the latest technology to create a highly desirable package. If you have the means, sports coupes don’t come more classy and capable than this. Its substantial mass ensures it’s no hardcore track weapon but if you’ve got a continent or two to cross in double quick time, there can be few better options. 62

Facts at a glance: Engine: 6-litre W12 Power: 567BHP Top Speed: 198mph 0-60mph: 4.6 seconds Price: £135,760

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BEWARE THAT

WORD

OF ADVICE FOR BUSINESS PEOPLE, MAKING THE RIGHT DECISION IS TOUGHER THAN EVER THESE DAYS AS ECONOMIC TROUBLES THREATEN STABILITY AROUND THE WORLD. THERE ARE SO MANY DIFFERENT VIEWS ABOUT WHAT’S GOING TO HAPPEN NEXT, AND WHAT WE SHOULD BE DOING AS A RESULT, THAT WHAT AMERICANS CALL ‘ANALYSIS PARALYSIS’ CAN SET IN. NICK PETERS EXPLAINS

S

The temptation to get back into bed, tug the covers over your head and wait for normality to return is overwhelming, but it is a temptation you must resist at all costs because there is no such thing as normality.

You’re staring into the future, wondering what 2011 holds for you and your business. You turn on the TV and see pompous-sounding folk spouting their predictions for the coming twelve months… the fear of double dip is with us again, shock! The Euro is doomed! The housing market is sinking! Your only hope is to export!

Now is normal, as one of my business friends tells his team when they preface questions with, “When things are back to normal…” What they are actually saying is, “…when we all return to a land of milk and honey, easy credit, rocketing house prices and that lovely comfy feeling homeowners had that they were becoming incredibly rich for doing precisely nothing except live in their houses.” Wow. There was nothing normal about that, really, was there? More like la-la-land.

And so it goes on, layer upon layer of advice… your head is spinning. Who to listen to? Who to believe? Who to trust?

So, forget all that and accept we must live with the situation in which we find ourselves right now. But gosh, there’s an

o, the New Year is here. The chance to hide away from it all in a pleasing fog of family, good cheer, food and an inevitable over-indulgence in booze is now in the past.

JANUARY 2011

BUSINESS

icy wind blowing outside and, to be perfectly frank, it’s a little scary out there. So, again, who do we trust to guide us through the next torrid 12 months? Let’s look at those who would be our guides… starting with economists.

Now, economists are really interesting people. They are very clever, have enormous brains and, as far as economics is concerned, they almost always contradict each other. As someone once said: “Put five economists in a room and you’ll get five different opinions, six if one of them went to Harvard.”

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very start of this piece, you should probably ignore! – sit yourself down in front of the mirror and take a long, hard look at yourself. Tell yourself that you are the one who got you this far and you are the one who will continue to do so.

Then listen to what all your instincts and experiences tell you, along with any advice from that trusted local source, and then get on with it.

I predict you’re going to have a great 2011…

Nick Peters is editor of Business First. You can contact him at nick.petersbusinessfirstmagazine.co.uk

You see there is no money in being a very dull economist who earnestly tries to explain it all with graphs, charts, datasets, historical analysis… snooze. No, economists must be BOLD, SEXY, CONTROVERSIAL, because that way they get on TELLY! And if they’re on telly a lot, then they get a shot at a BOOK CONTRACT! No, don’t trusts economists. If they’re exciting, they’ll be wrong. If they’re dull, you won’t understand what they‘re saying and you will fall asleep.

Next up… politicians. Ah yes, the people’s tribunes, our faithful representatives, keepers of the democratic flame, the ones who will make many of the decisions that will dictate our future. I say many decisions. I actually mean some of the decisions. Brussels makes the rest.

Should we listen to what our politicians say, as they tell us either that we’ve never had it so good or that we’re all doomed? Of course we shouldn’t. Like economists, politicians are desperate for our attention. Truth takes a very distant back seat to expediency, which makes them a pretty dodgy source of inspiration and information when it comes to business planning. My advice – ignore them. It’ll drive them mad.

What about media pundits? You know the types, they walk and talk before the camera, waving their arms and trying to sound authoritative. They are not. They are merely reflecting the view of the last person they spoke to who said something mildly interesting, or worse, they think they know it all when actually they know precisely nothing. They are not experts, they merely play one on TV. Which brings us to the obvious bunch of people whose advice you might heed, namely your accountant, bank manager or IFA. Now we’re talking. These are people whose expertise and predictions you can surely trust, can’t you?

Well, yes, of course you can... if you pick the right one.

And that’s where the value of local networking comes into play. Professionals can only survive in places like Guildford if they’re good, if they’re on top of their game. If they’re not, word soon spreads. So choose your IFA, accountant, bank manager or whomever, carefully.

And don’t forget the other person who knows a thing or two about your business, namely you!

So here is my advice – which, given all I’ve just said at the JANUARY 2011

2Q

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OUR ROUND UP OF SOME OF THE BEST NEW STAGE AND THEATRE SHOWS TAKING PLACE IN SURREY AND THE CAPITAL THIS MONTH

6WDJH

Little Shop of Horrors What? Seymour Krelborn, a florist’s assistant, has his life turned around when he comes across an unusual plant after a total eclipse of the sun.

Seymour tries to grow the plant, to no avail. Until he discovers its true diet…

Where? Electric Theatre, Guildford When? Saturday January 29 Web? electric-theatre.org

Séance What? After losing her husband in WW1, Lady Billingham is overcome with grief.

Persuaded to meet a Medium, the séance that ensues reveals an apparition of the dead husband and the ghost begins to haunt the woman.

Where? The Mill Studio at Yvonne Arnaud, Guildford When? Friday January 21 to Saturday 22 Web? yvonne-arnaud.co.uk

The Emp r and the Nighteinro gale

What? Based on the Hans Christian An derson short story, The E mperor and the Nightingale is a fun-pac ked interactive experience for children and families, in which the audience forms a vita l part of the story and o f the adventure.

Where? Yvo nne Arnaud , Guildford When? Satu rday Januar y 29 Web? yvon ne-arnaud.c o.uk

Electric Comedy Club What? One of the most original acts in comedy, particularly noted for his ability to improvise. Trevor Lock’s coming to Guildford with Scottish comedian Neil McFarlane and juggler/comedian showman Sam Veale. Compere for the evening is James Redmond.

Where? Electric Theatre, Guildford When? Sunday January 23 Web? electric-theatre.org

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A Flea in Her Ear What? The beautiful wife of Victor Chandebise suspects him of having an affair and enlists the help of her dearest friend to entrap him. Their plan to entice him to a rendezvous at the Hotel Coq dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Or spectacularly misďŹ res and chaos ensues.

Where? The Old Vic, London When? Now until Saturday March 5 Web? oldvictheatre.com

A Twelfth Night What? A stormy night, a shipwreck, some cunning capers and concealment. It all results in a love tangle to rival no other - and a whole heap of mischief in Shakespeareâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most captivating comedy.

Where? The National Theatre, London When? Now until Saturday March 5 Web? nationaltheatre.org.uk

Hairspray What? Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with big hair and an even bigger heart, sets out to follow her extraordinary dreams, inspire her mum and win the heart of the boy she loves. Hairspray is the musical with everything â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the ultimate-feel good show.

Where? New Victoria Theatre, Woking When? Tuesday January 18 to Saturday 29 Web? ambassadortickets.com

Life of Riley What? With a few months of his life remaining, George Rileyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s closest friends remember with love, nostalgia or occasional bursts of fury, how deeply he has affected their lives. But meanwhile, what exactly is the eccentric maverick Riley plotting?

Where? Yvonne Arnaud, Guildford When? Wednesday January 26 to Saturday February 5 Web? yvonne-arnaud.co.uk

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Secret Guildford

WORDS MELISSA WOODLAND

THE BATTLE OF THE SOMME IS INDELIBLY MARKED IN OUR NATIONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S HISTORY, BUT THE PATH FOLLOWED BY AN EAST SURREY REGIMENT ON THE VERY FIRST DAY OF THE OFFENSIVE IS NOT QUITE AS WIDELY KNOWN. WE FIND AN UNLIKELY TALE OF FOOTBALL ON THE FRONT LINE DURING OUR MONTHLY TRAWL OF THE ARCHIVES

,

tâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a story that captured the imaginations of people all over Britain. The brave men of 8th Battalion East Surrey Regiment, B Company went over the top on the very ďŹ rst day of the Battle of the Somme, kicking footballs as they charged the German trenches.

Their leader, Captain W. P. Nevill had returned to France following a period of leave and brought two new leather footballs with him for his men.

On July 1 1916, at zero hour, the battalion was set to attack.

Instead of simply running across No Manâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Land to reach their target, however, their Captain ordered them to dribble the footballs in front of them as they advanced.

The Daily Telegraph covered the story just a few days after it occurred: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Gallant East Surreys. The captain of one of the companies had providedâ&#x20AC;Śfootballsâ&#x20AC;Ś urging them to keep up a dribbling competition all the way over the mile and a quarter of ground they had to traverse. As the company formed on emerging from the trench, the platoon commanders kicked off, and the match against Death commenced. The gallant captain himself fell early in the charge, and men began to drop rapidly under the hail of machine-gun bullets. But still

JANUARY 2011

the footballs were booted onwards, with hoarse cries of encouragement or deďŹ ance, until they disappeared in the dense smother behind which the Germans were shooting.â&#x20AC;?

Second Lieutenant C. W. Alcock, who survived the initial attack, later wrote about the incident in a letter, saying: â&#x20AC;?There were two footballs, and on one was printed:- â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The Great European Cup-Tie Final. East Surreys v Bavarians.

Kick off at zero.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; On the other in large letter was this:- â&#x20AC;&#x153;NO REFEREEâ&#x20AC;?, which was W.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s [Captain Nevill] way of telling the men they neednâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t treat the Hun too gently.â&#x20AC;?

Though the East Surrey Regiment suffered heavy losses during that ďŹ rst day at the Somme (147 ofďŹ cers and men were killed and 279 wounded) they were one of the very few battalions that achieved their object for the day; taking control of their section of the German trenches.

One of the footballs was recovered from the battleďŹ eld and returned to the Regiment. It is now on display at the Regimental Museum, Clandon Park, along with illustrations telling the story of the day. 62

Inspiration for your fabulous new kitchen or bathroom starts with a visit to our extensive showroom

Opening times: Monday to Saturday 9.00am-5.30pm â&#x20AC;˘ Free customer car park 133 High Street Godalming Surrey GU7 1AF 01483 419699 bathrooms@balneal.co.uk www.balneal.co.uk