THE JERSEY LIFE - February Issue

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FEBRUARY 2020 | www.life-mags.com

. . . g n i v i L e Hom g n i v o l e m o H

♼

home | beauty | food and drink | motoring | the arts | fashion | travel | property | business | health | garden | antiques

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Visit our showroom soon to view the range of Classic and Contemporary kitchens.

From an initial design consultation, to completion, Direct Furniture Supplies can undertake your complete kitchen project, providing conceptual design work to full HD rendered visuals. We like to work closely with our clients, to help them create a sumptuous working and living area. We can also work with your interior designer to help turn a concept into reality.

Our extensive displays also show bathrooms and bedrooms, so providing fitted furniture throughout the home.

Please feel free to call into the showroom to meet our team, or ring to discuss your requirements.

Direct Furniture Supplies 17/19 Burrard Street St. Helier | Jersey C.I. | JE2 4WS Tel: 01534 732314 E: showroom@dfsinteriors.com www.dfsinteriors.com

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Publisher Fish Media Ltd Head Office 20 Hill Street, St Helier, JE2 4UA Telephone: 01534 619882 Email: thejerseylife@fishmedia.biz Website: www.life-mags.com Editor Juanita Shield-Laignel Art Director Alexis Smith Travel Writer Rebecca Underwood underwoodrebecca@hotmail.com Photography Simon Finch simon@fishmedia.biz Production Sarah Le Marquand Sales Executive Juanita Shield-Laignel juanita@fishmedia.biz Accounts and Administration Sarah Donati-Ford accounts@fishmedia.biz Directors Jamie Fisher Peter Smith Contributors Stephen Cohu Penny Downes Martin Flageul Rebecca Underwood Mark Shields Lorraine Pannetier Katya Pastorini Paul Darroch Front Cover Jamie A Beckford

Follow us on Twitter: @TheJerseyLife1 Like us on Facebook: The Jersey Life © All rights reserved. The Jersey Life is copyright and may not be reproduced in any form either in part or whole without written permission from the publishers. Whilst Fish Media takes every reasonable precaution, no responsibility can be accepted for any property, services or products offered in this publication and any loss arising there from.

Whilst every care is taken with all materials submitted to The Jersey Life the publisher cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage to such material. Fish Media reserves the right to reject of accept any advertisement, article or material supplied for publication or edit such material prior to publication. Opinions expressed are strictly those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views or policies of Fish Media. We accept no liability for any misprints or mistakes and no responsibility can be taken for the content of these pages.

What a fabulous month January has been here at the Jerseylife! We’ve had oodles of positive feedback which is always encouraging and have been making exciting plans for the year head.

This month is our first HOME Living, HOME Loving Edition of the year and naturally our pages are plastered with amazing home editorial and ideas – look out for Katya Pastorini’s gorgeous article on falling in love with your home again – very in keeping with February being the month of St Valentine. Helen O’Meara of CI Home Care continues this theme in her article on page 55.

Interview this month is with the ever lovely Lorraine Pannetier who has been contributing to the Jerseylife with her beautiful home cooked, plant based recipes and articles for some time – we thought it would be great to share her life story with our readership – enjoy on page 12.

Motoring showcases the Porsche 718 boxster; a good drive in anyone’s book!

Whilst we are on the move - travel this month takes us to Heraklion – the Grecian islands of Crete to brighten our days and fuel our dreams of warmer weather.

January edition’s crossword solutions: Across: 6 Soldier; 7 Rebut; 9 Let; 10 Ill at ease; 12 Incorporate; 15 Considerate; 17 Stratagem; 19 Ire; 21 Angle; 22 Deceive.

Down: 1 Model; 2 Odd; 3 Real; 4 Penetrate; 5 Pulsate; 8 Hamper; 11 Unusually; 13 Ordeal; 14 Fortune; 16 Grave; 18 Ever; 20 Few.

And if ‘music be the food of love’ – page 56 talks of the amazing benefits of learning to play music – young or old!

So have a wonderful February – enjoy Valentine’s Day...maybe impress your loved one with a plant based chocolate dessert (page 67) and look forward to our March issue.

Juanita Shield-Laignel If you have an interesting story to share or would like your business reviewed, please feel free to call me on 619882.

I’d love to hear from you.

CONTENTS FEB 2020:Layout 1 31/01/2020 15:08 Page 1

February 2020 5 WELCOME and The Jersey Life contact information

10 UP AND COMING Events and walks around Jersey

74 REVIEWS AND CLUES Book of the month plus the crossword

INTERVIEW 12 MAKING THE FRENCH CONNECTION Juanita Shield-Laignel catches up with Lorraine Pannetier

HOME LIVING

12

16 RECYCLING AT ACORN

By Caroline Moody

20 ON-TREND WAYS Transform your home in 2020

18

24 TRULY LIT Experts reveal the top lighting trenda

28 BOHO VIBE AT HOME Ways to break the décor rules and rock

32 WINDOW PRIVACY Keep your home safe from prying eyes 6 | www.life-mags.com

24

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CONTENTS FEB 2020:Layout 1 31/01/2020 15:09 Page 2

42 HOME LIVING 38 CREATE A HAPPY AND HEALTHIER HOME

By Luke Rix-Standing

42 WORRIED ABOUT WATERLOGGING How to look after your garden when the wet weather strikes

46 FALLING IN LOVE WITH YOUR HOME AGAIN

By Katya Pastorini of Painted Beautiful

ARTS, MUSIC & CULTURE 56 LEARNING TO MAKE MUSIC IS AMAZING FOR CHILDREN

By Lisa Salmon

56

FASHION 50 FALL IN LOVE WITH THE DARK ROMANCE TREND It’s all about leather, lace and roses this season

46 HEALTH AND BEAUTY 48 FALL IN LOVE WITH YOUR SKIN

By Penny Downes of Pennyfeathers

52 NLP AT WORK Mark Shields explains

FOOD AND DRINK 66 FALLING IN LOVE WITH YOURSELF …because self-love is for every day, not just 14th February!

TRAVEL 60 WELCOME TO HERAKLION The vibrant capital of Crete

by Rebecca Underwood

MOTORING 70 PORSCHE 718 BOXTER T

By Darren Cassey

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FEBRUARY EVENTS 2020:Layout 1 31/01/2020 06:59 Page 1

what’s on...

Our selection of events to enjoy in Jersey this month

Let us know the month before your event is due to take place, and we shall do our best to include it in our listings.

Contact: thejerseylife@fishmedia.biz

Art, Crafts & Culture Jersey Writers Social Group The Jersey Writer's Social Group was formed during October 2017 by local author James Sillwood. The group has gone from strength to strength since its first meeting and provides an easy-going, friendly and supportive environment for anyone interested in writing. Members of any age and with any level of experience are welcome, whether they be published authors, or someone who simply enjoys writing as a hobby. Come along and see for yourself!

Every Tuesday: 11am – 12:30pm Jersey Library contact James at jerseywritersgroup@gmail.com Free admission: no booking necessary

Country Crafters Pop-up Shop ‘Country Crafters pop up shop’ is situated within Country Wools at Rondels Farm shop, Trinity.

We will be stocking a wide range of high quality locally crafted items perfect for special gifts for all the family. Featuring: ‘Sam’s Creations’ - a collection of intricate knitted, needle felted, embroidered and resin decorations and gifts; ‘Mooloom’ hand woven gifts including blankets, scarves, ponchos, cushions and ‘hobby in a bag’ gift bags and so much more; and Caz’s cards. There will be demonstrations on most Saturday afternoons. We look forward to welcoming you.

Throughout February 2020 Monday-Saturday 10am-4:30pm Rondels Farm Shop, Trinity Follow us on Facebook: Country Crafters Jersey Contact: sam@sams-creations.co.uk Phone: 07797729275

Etchings by Tim Le Breuilly and Tom Parker …will showcase work made by the founding printmakers during the setup of Luddite Press. They hope the exhibit shows some of the potential processes for other artists to explore through their involvement with the print room. Printmaking has been an integral part of the two artists’ practice for a number of years. The pair have both studied Fine Art in London - Tim at The Slade and Tom at The CASS, and continue to work primarily in print. For the last two and a half years they have collaborated closely in the studio and this exhibition displays a work-in-progress snap-shot of their respective practice whilst developing the new space at The Barracks.

31 January to 28 February 10:00 to 16:00 Link Gallery Jersey Museum St Helier

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EVENTS

Art, Crafts & Culture Limited Edition Prints by Eminent British Artists Limited edition prints by eminent British artists, including Sir Peter Blake, Bruce McLean, Damien Hirst and Dame Elisabeth Frink.

‘Godfather of British Pop Art’, Sir Peter Blake exhibits his album covers for the Beatles and Ian Dury, as well as portraits and collage.

03 -28 February 2020 10:00 to 17:00 CCA Galleries International 10, Hill Street, JE2 4UA Contact: +44 (0) 1534 739900 enquiries@ccagalleriesinternational.com www.ccagalleriesinternational.com Dan Baldwin - Contemporary British Artist Dan Baldwin, contemporary British artist, known for his iconically bold paintings and ceramics.

His work is both abstract and figurative. Baldwin creates a unique and immediately recognisable vision in his silkscreen prints. He has illustrated albums for musicians such as Paolo Nutini and The White Stripes. This exhibition showcases recent monotypes and handmade silkscreen editions, drawing directly onto the drafting film.

Baldwin's new suite is made in homage to Andy Warhol's iconic flower paintings. CCA Galleries International is situated at 10 Hill Street, behind the Royal Sqaure. There are external stairs to enter the Gallery which regrettably prevents wheel chair access. A large flag hangs from the first floor window.

27 February to 16 April 2020 - 10:00 to 17:00 CCA Galleries International 10 Hill Street, JE2 4UA Contact: +44 (0) 1534 739900 enquiries@ccagalleriesinternational.com www.ccagalleriesinternational.com

Out and About Depression Recovery Programme Registration is now open for our new Depression Recovery Programme. This is a 12 week

programme starting in January and is run in small therapeutic groups, with a men’s group and a women’s group.

Throughout February 2020 For more info or to register please email info@arunatherapy.com or tel 07797 766264 Headway Jersey Events 2020 Headway Jersey provides essential support, information, and services to people in Jersey who are affected by brain injury. Simple additional fundraising initiatives include: Co-op share number 331 - donate your points to Headway when paying for goods.

Easyfundraising.org.uk - when buying online retailers make a donation of up to 5% Donate to our Headway Shop and we can arrange pickup from your office.

Saturday 15th February – 9:30 to 17:00 Bryce's Hope 24, all day treadmill run at The Powerhouse.

Saturday 22 & 23 February – 10:00 to 17:00 Galaxy Comi Con at Trinity Showground.

Saturday 7 March – 19:00 Headway Race Night, St. Peter's F.C. £12 per person including meal. Tables of 5.

Wednesday 11 March Swimarathon, Les Quennevais.

Bunkers at Night See Jersey's military heritage in a new light! Join researchers Phil and Kimberley on an evening tour of WW2 bunkers and tunnels not open to the public. Tours need to be pre-booked. Early booking recommended. All evening tours start from the Steam Clock in St. Helier, and we recommend you being there for 18:55. Please contact us, if we can assist you in any way.

Selected dates throughout February Steam Clock - Ariadne New North Quay, St. Helier, JE2 3ND Contact: +44 (0) 7797 845382 info@jerseywartours.com www.jerseybunkertours.com

Dark Aerial Trekking and Zip Wire Dark Trekking is back! It may be winter but the fun never stops in the valley! Tackle the obstacles of the aerial trekking, plunge into darkness on the powerfan, and fly through the night on the zip wire.

07 February 2020 17:30 to 19:45 Mont a la Brune, JE3 8FL Contact: +44 (0) 1534 638888 info@valleyadventure.je www.valleyadventure.je February Kids Adventure Days Our Adventure Clubs are the perfect way to keep the kids entertained during the school holidays.

Whether you book for the whole week, or a single day, your kids will be guaranteed a fun filled time, where they can make new friends, learn new skills and grow in confidence.

17 to 21 February 2020 - 08:30 to 17:30 Valley Adventure Centre, La Mont a la Brune, Contact: +44 (0) 1534 638888 info@valleyadventure.je www.valleyadventure.je Wildlife & Wellness Walk - Fern Valley Join Neil and Alli for a wildlife walk around Fern Valley. We will be looking and listening for the first signs of spring and enjoying the cool winter air.

21 February 2020 - 10:15 to 11:45 The Union Inn, La Grande Route de Saint Jean, JE2 EFL Contact: +44 (0) 7797 748653 neil@birdingjersey.co.uk www.birdingjersey.co.uk Jersey Bulls v Bedfont & Feltham 22 February 2020 15:00 to 17:30 Springfield Stadium, St. Helier, JE2 4LF Contact: +44 (0) 1534 449615 info@bulls.je www.bulls.je

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INTERVIEW

Lorraine Pannetier…

MAKING THE FRENCH CONNECTION! I’ve known Lorraine for a number of years, meeting first when we both worked at Hamptonne Health Centre in St Peter, me as freelance masseuse and Lorraine as a personal trainer – we quickly agreed to swap skills and bonded over a mutual love of all things natural health….interview by Juanita Shield-Laignel MFHT It has been interesting to observe Lorraine develop, grow and flourish and in conjunction with my own path - I am really keen to share Lorraine’s journey; for in sharing we learn and grow ourselves. This is what she had to say when I recently invited her to my office in Hill Street. In her own words…

“I was born on the south coast of England and as a child I was academic but also arty - because in those days we were allowed to get bored, so you had to find something to do. I was always drawing, writing, making up games, crocheting, knitting and I loved textiles, but really I was much more maths orientated.

My childhood dream job was to be a maths teacher, then a French teacher, then later a journalist, but eventually followed a languages route. At school, I took to French instantly and did exceptionally well in my French GCSE and A Level and as a result went to France on an exchange to teach English to French primary school children for a year and was pretty much thrown in at the deep end. Although on paper my French was good at the start, it was only after about three months of chatting away with local people I realised I was making jokes and dreaming in French!

Once I returned to England in summer 1992, I felt a little lost and unsure what to do after such an amazing experience abroad.

Most of my friends had gone straight into work and it was quite a difficult time socially and politically with high unemployment, but not one to be beaten, I eventually found work in a hotel. I love communication, so being on reception was the perfect job.

18 year old Lorraine

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I really enjoyed the rush of check out in the mornings and helping guests find their way around the town (using my language skills), so it wasn’t long before I was promoted to supervisor.

Once the thrill of shift work wore off, and with over two years’ industry experience under my belt, I decided to seek a new job.

Soon I was snapped up by a national life assurance company where I thrived in the communication setting, mastering new IT skills in a flash. Sadly, a couple of years later we were told that the Portsmouth branch had to close and we had a choice of relocation or redundancy. With such a passion for being close to the sea, I had no intention of moving an hour inland, so took the redundancy money and invested it in my education (a common thread throughout my life). Having fallen in love with weight training, healthy eating and fitness over the previous 5 years, I decided to retrain as a personal trainer. And so in summer 1996, I relocated inland (ironically!) to Westbury in Wiltshire where I spent three and half months doing a diploma course with Premier Global. (Although they weren’t global back then!)

Healthy eating has always been my ‘thing’. I was a vegetarian from 15 and as I had developed IBS a couple of years earlier, I’d already started eliminating things like chocolate and orange juice, flour, pastries and bread from as young as 13. I feel like I’ve been blessed with a great intuition of what is good for my body and what isn’t. Being made redundant felt like I had been given this great opportunity by the Universe to follow a new path - or maybe I’m just an eternal optimist! The course with Premier was amazing. In addition to all the gym based work, we also studied nutrition, sports therapy, massage and exercise to music as well as all the basics around setting up a business as a freelance

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INTERVIEW

trainer. From there I got a job at Grayshott Hall - a beautiful health and fitness retreat based in 3000 acres of stunning countryside.

I especially loved our morning walks where we took guests out - whatever the weather - to experience the lakes, the frosty mornings and the forests. Of course, the staff weren’t afforded the same 5 star privileges as the guests so, it was time to move on again… (preferably to somewhere closer to the sea!)

And that’s where Jersey came in. I saw a perfect job advertised in Jersey (at Hamptonne Health Centre, St Peter) so I travelled to London to meet Hedi Overland for an interview. Thankfully Hedi thought I’d be a great fit and offered me the job a few days later.

Before relocating I wanted to see what Jersey was like, so after a very short flight from Southampton, (I had barely started my Bacardi and coke before it was time to ‘push the tray tables back up and start our descent!’) I came over to meet my new home.

Lorraine and her girls

I fell in love with Jersey instantly… what was there not to love?

A beautiful gym and pool on a granite estate along a lovely little country lane. (After living along the A3 in Surrey for a year, this was a breath of fresh air, literally!) Right back to those very first few flights into Jersey, it always felt like I was coming home.

And 22 years on, I still can’t think of anywhere else I’d rather live.

One of the first challenges for any newcomer to Jersey is finding your way around. But with my passion for French, I found it easy to learn all the short cuts across the island by memorising the French names of the roads. Working at Hamptonne Health Centre also had other perks beyond the scenery and the wonderful gym members - many of whom I’m still friends with today. It was here that I met my future husband Max (real name Franck, he’s French) — possibly with a little help from Hedi!

Max and I shared a love of fitness and spent many amazing holidays in Los Angeles and California, working out in Golds Gym, walking along Venice beach and buying fresh produce from the whole foods stores (yes, in large paper bags, just like in the movies!). We travelled out to Las Vegas, down to La Jolla and San Diego and up to Yosemite and the Inyo National Forest. I’ve always loved mountains and water in the same place so laying on Malibu beach was sheer bliss!

From a very young age I always wanted to have bilingual children, so clearly it was meant to be when Max and I welcomed two baby

4 generations

girls in the early 2000s. In those early days we spoke a mix of French and English at home, so many of our eldest daughter’s first words were French. I remember having to write down all the words she knew primarily in French so that her nursery teachers knew what she was saying! Two words I remember her vividly saying back then were: ‘ananas’ for pineapple and ‘papillon’ for butterfly. Max and I separated (amicably) when our youngest was two years old so she didn’t benefit quite so much from our linguist banter. But to this day, they can both understand most of what their French grandparents say and my eldest is hoping to learn more French as a supplement to her Textiles degree at university.

Since having my children I’ve pretty much been working for myself and love the freedom and creativity as well as the opportunity to share my passion and knowledge with others.

My love of home cooking came into its own when I started teaching plant-based cooking. At some point a few years ago I calculated how many meals I must have cooked from the age of 18. At that date I calculated it was well over 25,000 meals - which more than qualifies me as an expert home cook without any chef qualifications! I cook plant based food at home now and my philosophy has always been that we should all be eating more plants. Even for the few brief years I returned to eating meat and fish, I still ensured I ate lots of leafy green veggies and rainbow coloured fruits. Eat the rainbow was another mantra I chanted from 20-odd years ago! With all this knowledge and passion for plant-rich diets, I wrote a book called ‘Eat More Plants’ back in 2015 to teach people that you don’t have to be vegan or vegetarian, but there are so many ways you can add more plants.

(I’ve since written lots more recipe books and continue to do so with a particular emphasis on plant-based lifestyles, sustainability and plastic-free living.)

Back in 2013 I tried a raw vegan diet for about 4 months and felt fantastic. Having been someone who had once upon a time removed all refined sugar and fruit for a year in a desperate bid to help my gastro-intestinal issues, suddenly eating 4 or 5 bananas in a breakfast smoothie or a whole pineapple for lunch took a bit of getting used to. But it worked beautifully for me, helping me to lose weight and have so much more energy. The key is to follow the guidelines closely and not dip in and out adding cooked food continues overleaf...

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writing business: ‘The Soulful Word’. It felt perfect and everything fell into place so quickly, with me picking up two clients from the UK within the first couple of months. From then everything snowballed and I’ve been busy writing for international entrepreneurs, brands and freelancers ever since.

Communication has been the thread throughout all my jobs – from teaching English to kids in France to Hotel Reception, Life Insurance customer information, and teaching healthy eating and exercise as a personal trainer. With an innate desire to learn and grow all the time, I feel so lucky to have experienced so many roles - as well as being a parent which throws up new challenges and learning opportunities around every corner!

and high fats or oils. However, it’s not for everybody, nor for all of us at different stages of our lives. I have tried it since and it didn’t work so well… I believe you have to have good gut bacteria to do it successfully or you can become really bloated and uncomfortable. Hence why it’s always good to get professional guidance and not try to self-diagnose or follow trendy diets.

Now, my eating habits are beautifully balanced and I never need to count calories or avoid treat foods. It’s a kind of mindful, intuitive eating where you simply fill up on all the good stuff and keep the processed foods or sugars to a minimum. It’s really quite simple!

As time went on, I realised I couldn't keep doing so many different types of work. I needed to drop one or two things in order to bring out even more good work in the others. Of course, there was no way I was dropping the food-based work as it’s such a huge part of who I am. So, first went the massage therapy and gradually I’ve reduced my personal training to my final two clients who I train in one of their homes.

With that constant desire to learn and educate myself, I invested heavily over the years taking both a management diploma and a personnel (HR) course at Jersey Business School (which was then at Highlands College) and then an online degree in English Literature and Creative Writing with the Open University. At the time, the degree was just something I wanted to do for fun, not with a specific future job in mind - which is probably why I enjoyed it so much!

Throughout the last 24 years in food and fitness, I’ve written countless articles, brochures, website copy and social media posts as well as recipes and nutrition plans for clients. But one day the universe hit me with this realisation that I’m actually really rather good at writing and perhaps I should look into getting paid for writing directly for others instead of simply creating free content for the internet.

After a few months of seeing ‘signs’ everywhere, I woke up one morning in spring 2017, with an epiphany … all these ideas came rushing into my head and I came up with the name of my new

14 | www.life-mags.com

The Soulful Word is all about copywriting for people like me who share a similar curiosity, passion for growth and desire to share information; people who are putting their sparkle out there in the world but occasionally need some help to do it. It maybe that they don’t have time, or don’t feel they’re good at writing or English is not their first language. My clients are all heart centered entrepreneurs and brands with soul. I love to help people put things into words to help them shine. It is going really well and I can’t believe it’s been three years already! Every time I speak to a client and do some research for their brand - it too helps me grow.”

I was interested to know what Lorraine feels the future holds for her?

“While writing, language and communication are skills I am naturally good at, I’m also open to opportunities, especially now my children are older and one has left for university. I think there is a place for me to be part of a team as well as continuing with my freelance work I love so much. I’ve done some work with an agency and collaborated with web designers and graphic designers on client projects - all of which compound that desire.

I think it’s also a well-known fact that ‘together we can achieve more’. I love working from home of course, with the cat purring next to me, bunnies hopping around and easy access to the fridge, but I am definitely ready to embrace new challenges, opportunities and a new period of growth. I don’t think I’ll ever stop learning - I’ll probably be that 80 year old taking a Master’s degree in Volcanology or travelling around Italy learning the language in true Eat, Pray, Love style!”

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FREEDOM OF CHOICE TO SUIT YOUR P E R S O N A L TA S T E

INTRODUCINg DISTINCT DESIgN bY CONFORM

I N T E R I O R S Professional service and expert advice C a r r e f o u r S e l o u s , S t L a w r e n c e | Te l e p h o n e 8 6 5 9 6 5 E m a i l : s a l e s @ d a v i d h i c k . c o | Vi s i t : w w w. d a v i d h i c k . c o O p e n Tu e s t o S a t 9 . 3 0 a m - 5 . 0 0 p m , l a t e n i g h t T h u r s u n t i l 6 . 3 0 p m .

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COMMUNITY

Matt

When you smile, the whole world smiles with you...

Community asked to help Acorn grow, by Caroline Moody You know it as the place where you can drop off your unwanted items for reselling or upcycling. You love it as the place that you can pick up a bargain as well as some bedding plants. Maybe you love the fact that you can park easily and stay as long as you like and have a coffee and a full breakfast at the cafe.

But the most important part of Acorn Enterprises in Trinity is that it changes lives.

These are some of the things that have been said in the last few months: ‘Being here has changed me completely, for the better.’

‘Never before have I looked forward to going to work. Now I laugh every day.’

‘My whole family see the difference.’

‘I feel valued.’

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The people who are lucky enough to get jobs and training at the centre find that it transforms them in unexpected ways.

They regain confidence, they smile more, they have a laugh, they make new friends - friends who start meeting up out of work or project time. It gives them a routine to life, plenty of new skills, and, of course, some are part of a reuse project that is changing the way Islanders think about waste.

On 26 September 2018, the Acorn Reuse Centre opened, a new side to Acorn which complemented the plant nursery, the Woodshack and their Training and Development arm.

Acorn general manager Steve Pearce says that Acorn has been more successful than they could have hoped.

‘A reflection of our success is that we have been able to employ 80 people across Reuse, the nursery and the Woodshack. 70 per cent of our staff have a disability or long-term health condition and 130 people access training projects at Acorn every week.’

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COMMUNITY

Edite

Christian ‘We celebrated the first birthday of Acorn Reuse in September and we feel that we are playing an important part in changing Islanders’ attitudes to waste. A lot of items that people used to take to the dump are being diverted to us, which we upcycle or reuse and re-sell. We saved more than 600,000 kg of items from the waste stream in 2019.’

‘However, we can’t stand still because the demand for our services is only increasing and we need to be able to offer more opportunities.’

Jersey’s biggest social enterprise, Acorn is the trading arm of the Jersey Employment Trust. Every penny it makes goes back into providing people who have a disability or long-term health condition with employment, training and development opportunities. The range of people that they support is vast, including people who have had cancer, a stroke or been involved in an accident, or who have autism or learning disabilities.

An ever-increasing number of clients have been affected by mental health issues.

The executive officer of the Jersey Employment Trust, Jocelyn Butterworth, said: ‘The support from the public in our first year has been incredible and the number of donations has been phenomenal. The success of Acorn Reuse has far surpassed all our expectations, not just in the amount that we have turned over but in the number of opportunities we have been able to offer and it’s lovely to see the way we have changed people’s lives.’

‘We continue to need funds for our daily operation but we also want to do more, so we have launched our Business For Good campaign and we are appealing for public support to help develop the organisation further. We want to provide more opportunities and also explore other ways of helping the environment.’

Plans for 2020 include selling white goods and running creative upcycling workshops for members of the public. On both these, Acorn say, watch this space.

Before its launch, it was hoped that Acorn Reuse would: • Create a minimum of 20 new jobs and 60 training opportunities.

• Remove more than 1,500 tonnes of waste from the incinerator in five years.

• Provide low-cost goods to families on low incomes and free goods to partner charities.

What has actually been achieved in one year is: • Created 51 new jobs and 187 training opportunities.

• Removed more than 60 tonnes of waste from the incinerator every month, which means Acorn Reuse is on target to double the forecast figure.

• Donated to many different charities including Brightly and the Women’s Refuge. They also hear a lot of positive comments about helping low-income families.

Jocelyn added: ‘Our wish for 2020 is for Acorn to grow and we hope that our Business For Good fundraising campaign will be successful so that we can create even more employment and training opportunities.’

‘We love how Acorn brings people together and it is now very much part of the community, particularly with the cafe having established itself, we now have a post office on site and visits from the mobile library twice a month.’

‘Anyone who hasn’t been recently will be surprised by just how much goes on. Acorn Reuse is not just a charity shop, but a whole out-of-town environmentally friendly superstore experience.’

HELP ACORN’S ALLOTMENT GROW! One of the projects that Acorn would like sponsorship for is their allotment. £1,850 would pay for their allotment project to run for 12 weeks. Sixteen people currently enjoy planting flowers and vegetables and nurturing them, which has proved particularly beneficial for those who have mental health issues. Some produce is sold at Acorn on an ‘honesty box’ basis.

*Acorn have put together a ‘shopping list’ of items that they require, details of which are available on the Support Us section of their website www.acorn.co.je. Alternatively, go to JustGiving and search Acorn Business For Good or email caroline.moody@jet.co.je for more details.

Photo credits: Gary Grimshaw

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EVENTS

The 2020 Alderney Literary Festival ANOTHER REASON TO VISIT ALDERNEY...

Alderney is a very special little island. At only 1.5 miles long and 3.5 miles long with around 2000 residents, Alderney offers rich pickings. The island boasts gorgeous beaches, cobbled streets, fascinating history, great walking, spectacular views, and wonderful wildlife. Then, when you are tired from the great outdoors and in need of creature comforts, the Island offers lively pubs, many restaurants and cafés offering great food, and a variety of accommodation ranging from 4-star hotels through to B&B, self-catering and camping. While there are no direct commercial flights from Jersey to Alderney, connections can be made via Guernsey or, of course, our small airport actively welcomes Private Aviators.

Perhaps something less well known about Alderney is we have a Literary Festival!

The Alderney Literary Festival, now in its sixth year, celebrates all aspects of historical writing. It is a bit like the island itself, offering something for everyone.

The Festival takes place over a long weekend in March, attracting visitors from the UK, other Channel Islands, and Alderney itself.

Last year – and the year before and the year before that – was a complete sell out!

Here are some of the things that Festivalgoers tell us they really enjoy about the Alderney Literary Festival: • Boutique size – all based in the historic Island Hall, Alderney‘s seat of Government;

We would absolutely love to welcome Jersey residents to the 2020 Literary Festival, which takes place on Friday 20th March, Saturday 21st March, and Sunday 22nd March.

Led by Roman military novelist and Festival Chairman Anthony Riches, this year’s exciting programme includes Andrew Lownie on his explosive biography of The Mountbattens; Rory Clements with his forthcoming World War II thriller Hitler’s Secrets; and Sunday Times bestselling/Richard & Judy Book Club pick Stacey Halls with her soon-to-be published The Foundling. Jonathan F Putnam delves into Abraham Lincoln’s unsolved cases, Helen Castor explores the real Joan of Arc, and Ned Palmer traces the history of the British Isles through, of all things, its cheeses!

Antonia Senior will bring 13th century Scotland to life, Roger Moorhouse analyses the German invasion of Poland, and Miguel Angel Lopez de la Asuncion looks at the very last days of the Spanish occupation of the Philippines through the lens of the year-long Siege of Baler. Finally, but by no means least, Laura Shepherd-Robinson, the Historical Writer’s Association Debut Novelist of 2019, takes a long hard look at Britain’s 18th century association with slavery and the sugar trade with her outstanding debut novel, Blood & Sugar.

Individual talks cost £10 each. But you can get 1 ticket to each of the 12 weekend talks for only £95! Rover Tickets can be shared between family and friends and represents a great saving on individual tickets. We also like to encourage youngsters along, so under-18s go free (subject to availability)!

• World class authors - history and historical fiction • A diverse programme of events which includes speakers and panel discussions, and free fringe events; • Range of genres - biographies, thrillers, crime, adventure, romance, warfare, and political analysis • Proximity to authors – our size and informal friendly culture means you meet and mingle with the Authors all weekend.

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We would love to hear from Jersey residents and welcome you to join us at this year’s Festival. Do please access our website www.alderneyliterarytrust.com and subscribe to our Newsletter.

This will give you all our Festival news together with a full description of books and authors, and the opportunity to buy tickets online one week before they go on public sale.

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On-Trend Ways TRANSFORM YOUR HOME IN 2020 Glamour, fun and feathers all feature in this year's hottest looks - but first and foremost, individual style rules. By Gabrielle Fagan...

If you want your interiors to look fashionable and Instagrammable, then you need to know what's hot for the home this year.

There's full-on colour, as well as more pared-back looks with natural materials (rattan's ruling currently), alongside some key must-haves - love seats, dressing tables, and glamorous headboards. In other words, plenty of trends and stylish items to choose from.

But what's emerging most strongly is that this decade, there's no need to follow the crowd.

Trends should be followed selectively rather than religiously.

A successful home is where your taste rules (we're all becoming much more informed and confident about expressing it, thanks to inspiration-filled sites like Instagram and Pinterest).

We've chosen some best buys (including high-street bargains) and brilliant looks to help you create your own perfect, personallytailored space....

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FEEL THE LOVE We're embracing curves and cushioning in seating, as we hanker after homes which cosset and comfort us, and the love seat has become a must-have.

"Love seats are the ultimate giant armchair for those who love to stretch out and get comfy, or if you're feeling romantic you can snuggle up together," says Claire Wilks, from the Sofa.com design team.

"They're also a great space-saving size for those who are tight on room. Velvet, so practical now with protective finishes, are one of the most popular upholstery choices and they ramp up the luxe effect. " TURN TO TABLE-SCAPING Table-scaping is the new on-trend description for creatively decorating tables. So stand down your boring workaday china and go all out with fancy cutlery, table linen and snazzy plates.

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It's all about dressing to impress. For inspiration, trying searching #tabledecor and #tablesetting on Instagram.

Bold tribal prints, an earthy palette, natural materials and vibrant animal prints are combined in the new George Home collection, which is so well-priced you can afford to experiment. But beware: it could inspire some serious summer wanderlust...

RULE WITH RIBBING Grooved, ribbed textures are riding high this year, and the effect can be seen in upholstery, wood, and glass. We love this stripe-effect, ribbed cabinet.

EXPLORE WILD STYLE If you're over that hot, steamy jungle look - all palm prints and tropical colours - the latest, more pared-back desert look could be just for you.

WING IT Birds are having a moment - and zingy pink flamingos are now competing for attention with that most regal bird, the peacock, whose brilliant blue plumage is so in tune with 2020's trend for blue hues (Pantone's Colour of the Year is Classic Blue).

PAMPER AND POSE Special stand-out pieces make a room. Think cocktail cabinets which add glamour as well as holding all those drinks and glasses. Dressing tables are now vying for attention too - there's a brilliant array of slim, handsome examples suitable for compact rooms. And by clearing all that cosmetic clutter, you'll be well on your way to a peaceful space. continues overleaf...

WHY BUY A NEW KITCHEN? Transform your existing one for the fraction of the cost...

We can professionally replace your existing doors, drawer fronts, worktops and appliances to suit your style and budget. Re-fitting can take as little as 1 - 2 days with little or no disruption.

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Pop in and discuss your requirements with Howard at La Haute Cuisine at Temple Court, St. John FEBRUARY ISSUE | 21

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LET YOUR HEART RULE YOUR HEAD "Just as fashion trends have shifted to celebrate individuality and personal style, so have interiors," says Lucy St George, co-founder of uber cool interiors destination, Rockett St George.

"I'm always a fan of throwing away the rule book - taste is often overrated - and I believe if you love it and it makes you smile, then it deserves to be celebrated in your room."

Take inspiration from trends and the world around you, she says, but always make your home a reflection of you and what you like.

"Go to town with all your favourite things and curate displays around your home that express your individuality - so that 'you do you'!"

GO GREEN OR GO HOME The colour - and its association with eco-friendly living - has been strong for a while and shows no sign of waning. A wall painted in a deep shade of green will ground a space, and other vibrant colours for furniture and accessories will 'pop'.

John Lewis' 'Eclectics' theme for spring/summer is a stylish blend of zingy colour and stand-out designs. Inject punchy shades with contemporary wall prints, jewel-colour lamps and cushions.

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GO FOR GOLD How to instantly add character to a room? A couple of stand-out pieces featuring that winning metallic shimmer should do the trick.

BRING EASTERN DRAMA TO THE BOUDOIR Staying home is the new going out, and JOMO (the 'joy of missing out') is a buzzword - which means spaces need spoiling with luxury touches and details.

"We're predicting a rise in Eastern influences across interiors this year," says Jane Rockett. "Inspired by increased global travel and our adventures around the world, trends are set to celebrate unique pieces collected or inspired by past travels, that bring back memories and create a unique and personal interior."

The style-aware should look out for decadent dark wood, woven cane textures, oriental prints and structure furniture, adds Rockett.

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MEL OWERS Painters & Decorators Limited

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Email: melowers@hotmail.co.uk Kroonstad, Clairvale Road, St Helier

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Truly Lit

EXPERTS REVEAL THE TOP LIGHTING TRENDS FOR 2020

Banish winter gloom and give rooms a bright update with some fresh lighting.

Gabrielle Fagan spotlights this year's key trends...

Winter's long dark nights may linger, but if you start the New Year with razzle-dazzle lighting, you can banish the gloom at home and make rooms sparkle.

There's a host of new lighting effects and lights on the horizon to choose from, and experts at Habitat, Christopher Wray, Andrew Martin and Heal's have made it easy for you to transform your home.

Here, they reveal the top trends and their best buys, so you can simply plug yourself in and switch on to 2020's brilliant lighting solutions...

HABITAT 1. PLAY WITH COLOUR "Introducing colour into the home through lighting is something which is becoming

ever more popular," says Clare Griffin, lighting buyer, Habitat.

"Our Habitat colour palette for lighting, in our range of contemporary shapes and designs, lets people easily add pops of colour into interiors."

2. RULE WITH RATTAN "Rattan's lightweight, durable, pliable and sustainable qualities make it one of our favourite materials to use in the design studio. People love the unusual 3D forms and design pieces with an obvious handcrafted, natural aesthetic," says Griffin.

"To move our rattan story on this season, we've moved away from just pure rattan to a new treatment of interwoven black and natural stripes, showing rattan being used in a more modern, graphic way." continues overleaf...

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"We have an expansive range of light-up neon poster boards, to add some high voltage wit and rebellion to your walls. The Fifties, Sixties and Seventies-focused designs add a large dollop of nostalgia too."

CHRISTOPHER WRAY 1. ROCK A RETRO VIBE "Homeowners are seeking more personalised, interesting pieces in their spaces, and there's a real revival of evocative retro. The distinct bold vibrancy of the Seventies and the chintzy detail of the Eighties are both set to return to interior design," predicts Chris Jordan, managing director, Christopher Wray.

"For a more significant retro installation, we love the Decanter, formed of fluted glass in a multi-light suspension. Its sculptural design is inspired by ancient monuments. Look out for also for Tiffany lamps, which are making a comeback."

2. INVEST IN NEW INDUSTRIAL "While copper fixtures and exposed bulbs have enjoyed prolonged popularity over the last decade, other aestheticallycooler burnished metals such as nickel and silver, as well as concrete, are set to star this year," forecasts Jordan.

"Pendants zoning kitchen or dining areas, hanging in pairs or triplets, will predominate. There's less exposure of the bulb with these lights, and more classic forms will be important in the subtle presentation of this upcoming industrial style."

ANDREW MARTIN 1. TURN ON TO NEON "Neon lighting is now in high demand and is fast becoming a must-have in style-conscious homes," says Martin Waller, founder of Andrew Martin, one of the hottest destinations for innovative design.

Feminist contemporary artist, Tracey Emin, who expressed her thoughts using industrial neon gas lights including 'The Kiss Was Beautiful' and 'I Promise To Love You' - is credited with first popularising it in the early-Nineties.

Andrew Martin's artwork collection overlays iconic photography and graffiti prints with modern light-up signage. "Nowadays, no room feels complete without art. The trend for neon lighting highlights the rise of maximalism as a luxury lighting trend," says Waller.

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2. LET LAMPS SHINE "Think of lamps as art pieces or sculptures, like a design-led finishing touch, and consider how your lighting choices will impact a room even when not switched on," advises Waller.

"Bold designs featuring sculptural shapes, interesting texture or coloured glass make a style statement when on or off. Our Linden table lamp, in plaster white or black, fits this brief perfectly."

HEAL'S 1. EMBRACE ECO SOLUTIONS "Customers are increasingly looking for more energy-efficient lighting solutions and feel a growing responsibility to be sustainable across all aspects of life," says Claire Anstey, lighting buyer, Heal's.

"LEDs not only reduce carbon emissions by consuming less energy and have a significantly longer life-span, but are also allowing designers to be much more creative. The Ribbon, with its elegant, looping silhouette, is just one of the more decorative sculptural lighting solutions available."

Heal's new collection, launching in March, has an extended LED range, featuring a host of new sleek, slim, sophisticated designs, alongside the Ribbon.

2. LOOK FOR LUSTRE "Following on from an emergence of coloured glass last year, expect to see a shift towards the more interesting finishes offered by electroplated lighting," predicts Anstey.

"Adding a contemporary twist to light fixtures, electroplating creates a high-shine, mirrored effect for a truly eye-catching, iridescent and distinctive look.

"Our recently extended Kyoto range boasts a metallic lustre that creates a reflective surface when unlit," she adds. "When switched on, the glazed effect enhances the glow of the bulb and creates a warm ambience in darker spaces.�

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MEMBER OF THE

beautiful hand crafted interiors Get in touch today to discover how the team at Matthew Thebault Stonemasons can transform your interior space into something truly special.

01534 738 358

07797 750 820

www.mtstonemasons.com

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trinity interiors Fitted Bedrooms + Home Office Furniture

T: 01534 865750 www.trinityinteriors.je ELECTRIC RANGE COOKERS EXCLUSIVE TO TRINITY INTERIORS *Easy payment terms available

Office open: 9.30am to 4.30pm Mon to Fri Saturday by appointment only Home visits by appointment

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4 WAYS TO BREAK THE DECOR RULES AND ROCK A

Boho Vibe at Home Stylist and interiors free-spirit Fifi O'Neill travelled the world in search of the best boho looks for her new book. Gabrielle Fagan takes a look...

If you love breaking the decor rules and flying free with your style, then 'boho' is surely the way to go.

There's no bigger fan of this creative, expressive approach than glamorous international stylist, Fifi O'Neill. The author and decor expert lives the look in her own homes - and has travelled the world seeking out the best examples of boho interiors for her new book, Global Bohemian: How To Satisfy Your Wanderlust At Home.

It's packed with ideas and tips, and a brilliant starting point for anyone curious about going boho.

O'Neill is clearly delighted that this layered, vibrant and organic style, long associated with artists, musicians and writers, is now making an impact on the more mainstream decor scene.

"If you revel in freedom from conventions and rules, love a space that reflects individuality and spontaneity and have a fondness for a fusion of global goods, bohemian style is pure catnip!" she enthuses.

The joy in this way of home styling, O'Neill promises, is that you can tailor it exactly to your taste and embrace variety. Whether exuberant or subtle, eclectic or sophisticated, bohemian style welcomes a free-thinking approach to decorating.

"After all, why settle for one style when you can indulge a love of several?" she declares. "There are so many beguiling options and they're so easily attainable. Its flexibility and affordability are what makes bohemian decor so appealing to me."

Her recipe for the look features jewel-toned items, metallic touches, alluring prints, a fusion of global influences and layers of textures.

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Finally, add a dash of mismatched pieces from various origins and eras, delicious colours, exquisite textiles and imaginative displays.

Then simply mix into a beguiling blend, display with flair, and sit back and drink in the pleasure of a space that's truly unique to you.

Feeling the call to go boho? Here are four ways to rock a boho look, which you can easily personalise and make your own...

ROMANCE THE ROOM "While I love vivid and cheerful hues in other people's homes, I prefer a softer palette for my own. I find that after travelling around the world for my work, I need a soothing, peaceful romantic environment, where I can reflect on everything I have seen and regroup," says O'Neill.

"I wanted to conjure an uncomplicated, dreamy mood and beautiful blues always have that effect on me. In addition, a soft palette makes a beautiful backdrop to layer with personal items.

I like rooms to tell a story, but also feel playful yet restful."

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She often experiments with colours, furniture arrangement and accessories, and says: "The look of my home is ever changing but it shows my true spirit. I am a romantic and hearts are my greatest weakness. I love elements that have a human connection to them.

They bring a unique dimension and an artful addition to any space."

GET IN THE SPIRIT A monochrome scheme, tropical plants and Eastern artefacts like Buddah heads give this setting a far-away feel that's both zen and chic. "When I first saw this cottage that came with my house, it was love at first sight. The sun-bleached tin roof and the exposed rafters had an irresistibly seductive bohemian feel. However, it needed a major decorating facelift," explains O'Neill.

She aimed for a "fresh, young, hip look" with white painted walls, ceiling and exposed rafters", which she contrasted with a black painted floor. It adds a masculine touch, which balances the more feminine aspects of the decor and provides continuity between the sleeping and living areas.

WHIP UP A STYLE SANDSTORM There's an out-on-the prairie, nomadic feel to this boho look, and its desert palette of browns, sand and cream are easy-on-the-eye. "I love incorporating things from everywhere, from Morocco to vintage American farmhouse," says owner Kari Payne, who shares the space with her husband John, and has embraced influences from the early simplicity of Native American and the South West, to elaborate Spanish and Mediterranean styles.

"I think the connecting factor to all these cultures is their rustic, artisanal and hand-made quality," she explains.

confidence to mix styles and eras. I love warm, cosy interiors with a mixture of rustic and modern, and a collected, eclectic vibe. To me, it's relaxing and inspiring all at once."

Take your time and combine a mix of pieces you truly love, advises Payne, who also researches Instagram and Pinterest for ideas and inspiration. "Designing a home to be unique and personal to you and a reflection of your life, is what makes a house a home," she adds.

BASK IN A BEACH HUT VIBE A tropical cocktail of colours has been used to give punch to a laidback, kick-off-your-shoes seashore-inspired setting.

"For both the exterior and the interior, my true inspiration was nature," says Kandice Ridley, who's embraced a tropical boho style at her home on an island off the coast of Florida.

"All the colours are drawn from ocean sea glass, the skies at different times of day, rainbows, foliage and the amazing plumage of island birds.

I ended up using 38 different colours."

Spirited fabrics, fanciful accessories, exotic furnishings and natureinspired shades set the tone, and in her living area there are lovely touches such as a Hawaiian Hula-style raffia shade, collections of shells and beachcomber finds.

"For an informal room that looks well planned out, mixing a variety of colours, fabrics and textures does the trick, as long as you always include the same shades of one colour to pull it all together," she adds.

"My dad was an interior designer in the 1970s and gave me the

FEBRUARY ISSUE | 29

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Window Privacy HOW TO KEEP YOUR HOME SAFE FROM PRYING EYES Want your home to feel nice and private?

Luke Rix-Standing looks at window dressing options to keep prying eyes at bay...

Alongside space, security and cosiness, privacy plays an important role in how comfortable we feel in our homes and it's an increasingly prized commodity.

Unless you live somewhere very rural, a glance out of the window will often reveal 10 or 20 other windows - and all too frequently their occupants, going about their daily lives while trying very hard not to make eye contact. You don't have to be a human-hating hermit to want a little bit of 'me time', and no one wants their front room turning into the neighbourhood goldfish bowl.

We profiled the various ways you can insulate yourself from prying eyes - from contemporary, frosted window film, to simply buying a large vase...

CURTAINS Perhaps the most popular choice for the nation's windows, curtains are sleek, elegant and provide total privacy when drawn.

They can look good at any size (ever seen a wall-sized set of shutters?), so are a go-to for larger projects, and help insulate your home during the winter months too.

of kids or kittens. Although curtains come in many shapes and sizes, quality fabrics are costlier than their mechanical counterparts, so your options may be limited by price range.

BLINDS Roman or roller, vertical or Venetian, there are probably more different types of blind than there are windows in your home, and you'd be best-advised to explore the wonderful world of blinds yourself.

There are, however, a few common traits. The good news is they're usually very affordable, can fit in almost any aesthetic, and are far less intrusive than bulky wooden shutters or curtains.

Most are moisture-resistant, so fit for any room, while slatted models are specifically designed to regulate privacy and light.

The bad news is that they're notoriously breakable, often lack the wow factor of larger, statement dressings, and can present a serious threat to small children thanks to their hanging strings (so always opt for child-safe options if you share space with little ones).

They do, however, suit some spaces better than others.

Be cautious counting on curtains in kitchens or bathrooms, as the material may struggle with the moisture and cooking fat, while in bedrooms, even light-blocking options sometimes allow in enough sunrise to ruin a light sleeper's lie-in.

Undulating several inches into the room, curtains take up a decent chunk of space too and can risk making small rooms feel smaller, while hanging fabrics don't always fare well at the hands continues overleaf...

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WINDOW FILM An 'au naturel' option that leaves you free from structural work, window film creates a translucent surface that lets in light but debars prying eyes, akin to the tinted windows of a limousine.

Filmed windows benefit from superior strength too - an added protection against shatter - and can potentially keep out harmful UV rays that may cause furniture to fade.

There are loads of different varieties - insulating films that can reduce your utility bill, decorative films can turn normal windows into elegant style statements, or dyed films that bathe your interior in coloured light.

The main drawback is simple - people can't see in, but you also can't really see out - while poor installation can leave your window looking bubbly and uneven.

SHUTTERS They can be a little cumbersome, but shutters are an attractive, statement choice that may even add value to your home.

Low-maintenance, durable and free from cords and pulleys, slatted units leave residents with supreme flexibility over privacy and light. Open shutters offer unfettered access to your window, closed shutters are akin to blackout, and the shifting slats let you negotiate a balance between the two.

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Classically associated with a whitewashed, Mediterranean style, shutters may not suit every aesthetic, and they are substantially pricier than their peers both to purchase and install.

BOTTOM UP BLINDS A natty design choice that probably should be better known, the gravity-defying bottom up blind is exactly what it sounds like.

Sometimes known as 'reverse blinds', the fabric rolls up from the bottom via a pulley system, and is then held in place with a cleat.

Particularly proficient at street level, the blinds allow natural light to flow through the tops of your windows, while blocking nosy neighbours at middle or bottom.

LINE OF SIGHT We don't mean to sound glib, but if you don't want to start messing around with your windows, but you still want a bit of privacy, you could just move some things around indoors.

A large pot plant, a set of well-placed ceramics, a convenientlyshaped item of furniture - anything that puts up a visual barrier without blocking out the light.

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Energy efficiency...

Saving the planet and your bills Energy efficiency is not only an important weapon in the fight on climate change it also makes financial sense by reducing home energy bills. But new technologies mean energy efficiency measures have come a long way since simply blocking out draughts, closing curtains at dusk and turning lights off when you leave a room.

Increasingly, energy utilities are looking to demand-side management technologies that can help them better manage load on the grid, and these technologies can often help customers better manage their own consumption.

Here in Jersey, where the electricity is already virtually decarbonised, Jersey Electricity is trialling the innovative Voltalis technology that would not only help the Company manage the electricity network, it could save electric heating customers up to 15% off their bills without impacting their comfort levels Using Voltalis smart technology to control heating, hot water systems and electric vehicle charging has achieved up to 15% consumption savings among over 100,000 existing sites across Europe. Consisting of a smart box, fitted free to a home’s electricity distribution board, the Voltalis system suspends the operation of electric heaters or hot water heaters for just a few minutes with little or no impact in temperature or comfort levels. These short interventions added together over the year, however, make for significant savings in running costs.

JE Chief Engineer John Duquemin, in charge of the trial here, says: ‘This trial will evaluate those benefits here in Jersey as every jurisdiction is different. The outcomes here would be different to those in England or Scotland, for example, because Jersey has a higher proportion of electric heating but milder winters. That is why we wish to trial it for a year in around 100 homes to monitor a summer and a winter.

If successful, we intend to offer the technology to customers.

‘Voltalis offers accurate and dynamic control of very large numbers of appliances with short and frequent actions that

John Duquemin with Voltalis 1 do not affect customers’ comfort levels. In fact, customers won’t even notice Voltalis is working – until they see lower bills of course.’

Voltalis is yet another reason for switching from fossil fuels like oil, gas, petrol and diesel to low carbon electricity. Smart technology embedded in high efficiency electric heating systems like boilers, heat pumps and smart radiators, will in time talk seamlessly with other electric solutions like EV chargers or photovoltaic solar panels.

Today's home automation systems and smart controls have already gone far beyond the ability to programme devices so they are turned on and off at particular times. The fact that technology can detect whether a room is in use or a window has been opened, and then adjust usage accordingly, means home automation can have a dramatic effect on energy efficiency There are various smart control systems on the market.

Stocked at the Powerhouse, the Nest Learning Thermostat learns your energy use behaviours and automatically adapts the home environment to the way it is being used. Nest's energy saving capabilities have been shown in independent studies to save people an average of 10% to 12% on heating bills and 15% on cooling bills. This means that it could pay for itself in under two years.

At Jersey Electricity we are always looking for new ways to deliver value to customers. If you’re interested in a cutting-edge product like Voltalis, or simply want one of our friendly team to visit your home and help explain your heating controls, we aim to have a solution for you.

FEBRUARY ISSUE | 35

FEB GAUDIN EDITORIAL:Layout 1 31/01/2020 10:58 Page 1

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FEB GAUDIN EDITORIAL:Layout 1 31/01/2020 10:58 Page 2

A different perspective on property management

COMMERCIAL RESIDENTIAL LETTINGS MANAGEMENT

Gaudin & Co has provided over 80 years’ outstanding client service in Jersey, yet has maintained a fresh perspective on property management. The care of our clients is always first priority and our team embody our core values of honesty, teamwork and market knowledge, ensuring exceptional day-to-day management of your property.

Speak to our property management expert Jane Power on 670331 or janep@gaudin.je Search Gaudin & Co

www.gaudin.je

HAPPY HEALTH HOME:Layout 1 31/01/2020 07:23 Page 1

HOME LIVING

WAYS TO CREATE A

Happier and Healthier Home Healthy home, healthy life!

By Luke Rix-Standing...

In the great pantheon of wellness trends, the home is strangely neglected. There are diet crazes and fitness hacks aplenty - but outside the occasional tidying fad, the home is merely a vessel, a framework in which other lifestyle regimes take centre stage.

Given that we often spend more time at home than anywhere else, this might be a little unfair.

Just think of the hefty price hike tagged to south-facing homes, the all-glass exteriors of modern office blocks - or the sinister, claustrophobic feel of a dimly-lit basement.

Aside from the obvious (open your curtains), make sure there's no furniture blocking your windows' line of sight, using off-white or cream colour schemes to cultivate a lighter feel, and putting up strategically placed mirrors to send light bouncing round the room.

Wellness, like most things, begins at home, after all. Here's how to make sure that's a good thing...

HOUSE PLANTS You don't need actual woodland for forest bathing, not when there are snake plants, peace lilies and aloe veras to turn your home into a mini-greenhouse. Study after study has shown that exposure to greenery reduces stress, helps lower blood pressure and stimulates the senses.

So shrub up to calm down - from a simple cactus on the window sill, to a miniature jungle of domestic palms and pines.

MAXIMISE NATURAL LIGHT Like plants, natural light is inherently invigorating and reinforces the circadian rhythms that impact our mood and sleep cycles. continues overleaf...

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PAGE 39:Layout 1 31/01/2020 14:08 Page 1

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HAPPY HEALTH HOME:Layout 1 31/01/2020 07:24 Page 2

HOME LIVING

DECLUTTER They say cleanliness is next to godliness, and, though we're not suggesting a full-scale Kondo-esque purge, a clear environment can be an aid to a clear mind. Your home is supposed to be where you recharge, and if you're never able to find things, pressured by a pile of unopened mail, or in fear of accidentally standing on your laptop, it may be a source of stress in itself.

Time to put your 'floor-drobe' back into the wardrobe, and we don't mean by just shoving it all under the bed.

ADDRESS YOUR SLEEP Poor sleep pas been linked with everything from low mood and fatigue, to shortened life expectancy in the longer term, so creating a conducive sleep environment is an essential step for a healthy home.

Make sure summer nights aren't cut short by leaky curtains (invest in blackout linings if required), use ear plugs to cut out street noise, and dust the area around your bed. If you always sleep better in hotels, there may be a problem with your bedding, and low-quality mattresses can cause stiffness and back pain as well as disturbed sleep. It's easy to undervalue sleep but the more priority you give to time spent in slumber, the more productive and energised you'll be during the day.

INVEST IN AN AIR PURIFIER Once derided as noisy and unsightly, thanks mostly to a particularly pointed episode of Friends, demand for purifiers is now rising steadily year on year and modern models are sleek, stylish and near-silent.

Exhaust fumes, chimney smoke and particulate emissions are just another part of urban life, and purifiers are here to help.

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CREATE A DESIGNATED WORK SPACE Some 1.54 million Brits now work from home in their primary occupation (millions more do so intermittently), and it's wise to resist the temptation to work at the kitchen table in your pyjamas.

It's hard to maintain a work-life balance when they operate in the same space, so dedicate a work area that allows you to 'go to work' in the morning and leave at the end of the day. Posture is paramount, so invest in an ergonomic chair as a minimum.

You might even consider the benefits of a standing desk.

GET A PET You don't need an 'emotional support animal' to get emotional support from an animal, and this is another lifestyle choice with the weight of science behind it. Among a whole raft of benefits, pets have been shown to increase life expectancy, substantially slash stress, and even decrease physical pain.

We hope it goes without saying that you should only opt for an animal if you're fully willing and able to shoulder the responsibility and costs of care.

DON'T WORRY, BE HAPPY It's easy to obsess over the 'shoulds' and 'shouldn'ts' of your home, and end up neglecting what you actually want.

Adding value to your home, tapping into fashionable aesthetics it's all well and good if it aligns with your tastes, but most homes must be residences first and investments second.

Home is where the heart is, and there's no point crafting a masterpiece of modern minimalism if what you'd really like is a large, squashy sofa.

FEB FULL PAGE:Layout 1 31/01/2020 10:26 Page 1

I N T RO D U C I N G E I C H H O LT Z L U X U RY TO J E R S E Y

Konrad and Justyna welcome you to Home & Style in La Motte Street

FURNITURE AND HOME DECOR

Bespoke Interior Design Service Available 12 La Motte Street • St HeLier • JerSey • Je2 4Sy tel: 01534 509048 • email: sales@homestyleci.com • Facebook: homestylejersey

GARDENING FEBRUARY:Layout 1 31/01/2020 07:26 Page 1

GARDENING

Worried about Waterlogging?

HOW TO LOOK AFTER YOUR GARDEN WHEN WET WEATHER STRIKES Hannah Stephenson asks RHS expert Guy Barter for some top tips...

It may have been a relatively mild winter, but the rain has been incessant and we're not out of the woods yet.

Warmer, wetter winters are becoming more evident with climate change - and waterlogging can be a problem for plants if wet weather persists into spring.

Guy Barter, chief horticulturist at the RHS, explains: "We shouldn't be unduly worried about all the rain affecting beds and borders because when the soil is cold in winter, the roots and the organisms around them are pretty much dormant.

"They are never completely dormant, but dormant enough to avoid infection," he adds. "The roots compartmentalise any damage they suffer in winter."

If the rain continues into spring however, it can be extremely damaging because the roots come back into life as the soil warms up. Then they are respiring (breathing) and can't get the

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GARDENING FEBRUARY:Layout 1 31/01/2020 07:26 Page 2

oxygen they need because the water has pushed it out of the soil, Barter explains.

"It's a very different matter if we get waterlogging in the spring and summer, when the damage can spread through plants, which become vulnerable to root-rotting infections."

If we have lots of rain and a mild winter, plants tend to come on quicker and you may see many in bud earlier than usual, he notes.

"If a frost hits in winter, some plants, such as hellebores, will go limp and flop to the ground, but when the weather gets better they will come up again. Others, like viburnums, will see their flowers burn off, but more will come back later." However, a savage frost in late-spring can mean the loss of many flowers and plants, he warns.

So, you need to be prepared for the worst of the rain and the chance of a cold snap. The RHS offers the following advice...

SHORT-TERM REMEDIES 1. Identify areas of your lawn which get soggy and spike them and rake in top dressing to help you improve drainage.

2. Cover smaller flowering plants with a cloche or fleece before frost to protect blossom against frost damage.

3. Upturn waterlogged plants in pots. Remove the parts of the root system that are affected and replant into fresh compost.

A smaller pot may be required due to the reduced root mass. continues overleaf...

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GARDENING

4. Try to keep off waterlogged soil until it is workable, to avoid worsening the conditions.

5. Remove dead or dying shoots from affected plants.

6. Apply a dressing of balanced fertiliser in the spring and mulch over the root area.

7. Give foliar feeds during the growing season to help improve leaf colour and encourage new root growth.

8. Water thoroughly in dry spells as plants will be more susceptible to drought stress following waterlogging.

9. If you have a tender plant, which could succumb to frost damage, grow it in a pot against a wall, covering it overnight with fabric or horticultural fleece when frost is forecast.

LONG-TERM PREVENTION 1. If your lawn is prone to waterlogging, reduce the damage by installing paths and stepping stones so that it doesn't suffer underfoot.

2. Select plants which are likely to grow well in wet soils, including Iris sibirica, some lobelias, dogwoods, elders and even daffodils.

Avoid plants such as lavender and rosemary, which may struggle unless you put them in a raised bed. Other good plants for wet soil include Zantedeschia aethiopica, hosta and Hydrangea paniculata.

3. Carry out digging in the autumn, working in organic matter to help improve drainage and aeration.

4. Avoid overwatering container plants and ensure they are well crocked and free draining.

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5. If there is somewhere for water to go, drainage can be installed. Or, where appropriate, it may be worth digging out a ditch or seasonal pond at the lowest part of the garden to catch surplus water and let it soak in slowly.

6. Avoid smearing the sides of planting holes on heavy soils - use a fork for digging and break down the sides.

7. Grow plants in raised beds, or plant trees and shrubs on a slight mound, so the plant roots aren't sitting in the water.

8. Use a very thick mulch of organic matter around particularly susceptible plants. This creates an aerated area between sky and soil where roots thrive even in wet conditions.

9. Choose permeable surfaces when laying drives, paths and patios to allow rain to soak in.

PAGE 45:Layout 1 31/01/2020 07:29 Page 1

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PAINTED BEAUTIFUL FEB:Layout 1 31/01/2020 07:30 Page 1

HOME LIVING

Home: Be My Valentine!

OUR STARTING POINT FOR FALLING IN LOVE WITH YOUR HOME AGAIN‌.

WORDS AND IMAGES SUPPLIED BY KATYA PASTORINI, PAINTED BEAUTIFUL

HOUSE V HOME Naturally these two concepts, albeit intertwined, are conceptually very different. A house represents the bricks and mortar element and home is the life and style that is encapsulated within. A house could be completed using the best internal products, but it would be nothing but a show home if its occupants do not create the soul and life of it. A recent UK poll on what makes a house a home listed the top five as categories: happiness, love, security, sound of laughter and meals with family and friends.

WHAT MAKES A HOUSE A HOME? We would like to bring pride back to and modernise the concept of homemaking; consciously and unconsciously every day we are homemaking; not in the sense of good housewife guides, that many a partner bravely sends onto their love-one, when they make the periodic rounds by email!

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So, let us strip out the sexist/misogynistic element and focus on the fact we are emotionally connected to our homes and we should give ourselves a huge shout out for the hard and great work we do on a daily basis in keeping our homes alive! And after all, if we were preparing a C.V. it would include networking, technology skills, budgeting, organising, delegating and creating.

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HOME LIVING

Beyond fulfilling the organisational and basic needs of the family of the home, what else you able to do to truly make your house feel like home?

Be happy: the best tip for recreating that love connection between you and your home is to cultivate a sense of appreciation. Unless you plan to move, focus on the positives of what you have to work with. You could even enhance any areas that you previously wanted to disguise, celebrate the quirky!

Give Your Home Some TLC: identify items that need fixing and arrange to fix them using manageable targets.

Declutter and organise/Spread the Love: we know, a touch of déjà vu, but to be able to feel happy in your home there is a strong chance that we will need to thin out and organise your home; don’t forgot to spread the love by donating useable items to a charity shop.

Curate what you love: create spaces that you love with items that you love; it might seem obvious but sometimes you can get drawn into keeping or buying an item because it was a bargain or is on trend. If it is a functional item, you are more likely to use it, if you love it! And if it is decorative it will enhance your emotional attachment with your home if you see what you love.

Rearrange: sometimes just moving the furniture around can change the energy flow of a space. Try something different and see how it feels.

Interior styling: the art and science of how to arrange your home décor, is the glue that holds the home together decoratively. It doesn’t matter how nice your furniture is, how attractive your rug is, or how great your wall art looks; your home won’t ever look finished until it is properly accessorised.

Personality: inject it in, we need to see that our homes are a reflection of ourselves. This will be shown in personal preferences. In addition, with the resurgence of crafting there is a plethora of ideas on Pinterest that should spark your creative imagination, our current favourites are painting quotes onto upcycled wood, creative acrylic abstract art canvases and giving lighting a new lease of life.

Comfort/Cosy: if there are places in your home that evoke a feeling of comfort and cosiness you are bound to fall in love with them; everyone needs to be able to feel comfortable. This can be achieved by organising the formation of the furniture, layering textiles, creating mood lighting, instilling calm Entertaining: brings increased affinity for our homes by sharing and creating memories. It does not have to be a full-blown dinner party, we have learnt to rationalise and not only have the fourcourse wine paired parties but also incorporate more relaxed get togethers. It is a lovely way to use all the items we collect for entertaining and an opportunity to add finishing touches to the collection.

View: the exterior areas should not be overlooked, whatever the time of year. Gardens can be a real extension of your home ,and if they are neglected it could take away a little of the sparkle created inside your home. Even if it just tidied up by removing clutter and clearing beds and planters.

For further information on any of the above pop into Painted Beautiful in the Central Market or contact Carrie or Katya on e-mail: paintedbeautifuljersey@gmail.com www.paintedbeautiful.com Facebook: Painted Beautiful Phone: 07797 816443 FEBRUARY ISSUE | 47

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HEALTH AND WELLBEING

♼

Fall in Love with your Skin

By Penny Downes from Pennyfeathers, St Clements

As we say good bye to January and the month of love beings, it's time to step up our skincare routine and fall in love with our skin again.

Apart for the crucial cleansing, exfoliating and moisturising we should introduce a Serum. This step isn't that new to skin care however over the last year or two they have gained more prominence. Skincare savvy ladies have embraced this step and use them daily whilst others haven't as they aren't too sure why, how and when to use them. Let me educate you this winter for the need for a serum, just so you too can see the in change your skin in a matter if weeks...this is your self help product, one you'll love and cherish forever.

So What is a Serum I hear you ask? Serums are a highly concentration light weight product full of active ingredients.

The lighter texture gel or lotion is more than your moisturiser so penetrates down to the deeper layers of the skin. Feeding them with goodness and stimulating the skin cell nucleus with their small molecules of goodness. Perfect when the weather is harsh and your skin needs a little TLC. Some Skin saving ingredients found In retail serums can include hyaluronic acid, to plump the skin, reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles, vitamin C to stimulate the skin and brighten the complexion or Alpha Hydroxy Acids like glycolic to slough away dead skin to reveal brighter, tighter, younger skin.

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So is a serum good for me and my skin and should I use it every day? Yes it's good for everyone, all skin types, ages and conditions.

You'll feel immediate results just by the touch of your skin and over a matter of weeks see results that will prove why a serum is necessary to all skincare routines. Choose one that suits your needs. Whether it's to brighten, tighten or reduce breakouts and apply it post cleansing, morning and night. A little bit can go a long way so start with a Pearl size amount and add more if needed.

Don't waste it by using too much. Finish with you moisturiser and sunscreen and there you have a winter skin savvy routine enviable of all your friends. www.penny-feathers.co.uk

♼

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FEBRUARY FASHION:Layout 1 31/01/2020 07:36 Page 1

FASHION

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FEBRUARY FASHION:Layout 1 31/01/2020 07:37 Page 2

FASHION

WHY FASHION HAS FALLEN IN LOVE WITH THE DARK ROMANCE TREND It's all about leather, lace and roses this season, says Katie Wright...

♥

The most surprising fashion icon referenced on the autumn/winter catwalks?

It's got to be Wednesday Addams, whose trademark ebony pigtails and pallid complexion were seen at the Prada show.

"There is a dark romance in danger," was one of several quotes used to describe the collection on the brand's Instagram account, and Prada wasn't the only label going goth for AW19.

♥

But this trend is about more than just all-black-everything - it's about the juxtaposition of dark and light.

At Valentino, black leather cocktail dresses and lace jumpsuits were shown alongside elegant red carpet-worthy gowns emblazoned with stylised rose prints.

The Queen of Flowers was a recurring theme throughout fashion week, from the bright silk buds that hung droopily from dresses at Prada, to the sizeable shoulders crafted to look like roses at Alexander McQueen.

Black lace was popular at London Fashion Week too. Christopher Kane delivered his usual off-kilter glamour with lace body tops and puff-sleeve dresses, while at Erdem, ladylike silk pencil skirts were given an injection of sex appeal with see-through panels acting as a windowpane for lace tights.

Simone Rocha, whose aesthetic most seasons could be described as dark glamour, gave us sumptuous silk dresses, plus mile upon mile of black tulle, and at Shrimps, the Wednesday Addams look continued with floral collared dresses.

So how do you take this trend from the runway to real life? One shortcut is to pair a Victoriana-style black dress with a pair of chunky boots, a la the Prada models.

♥

Since this trend is about contrasts, try pairing a leather skirt or pinafore dress with a lacy top.

Of course, it's going to involve a lot of black, but you can nod to the designers' rose obsession with hints of fuchsia and petal prints.

Likewise, achieve a softer silhouette with a swishy midi skirt.

Black pigtails aren't essential to complete the look, nor is an ashen complexion.

In fact, a bright red lip is the perfect finishing touch for an outfit that's all about dark drama.

♥ ♥

♥

♥

FEBRUARY ISSUE | 51

MARK SHEILDS FEB 2020:Layout 1 30/01/2020 16:04 Page 1

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

NLP at Work – Achieve Better Results for Your Staff, Customers, Key Stakeholders Build stronger relationships with colleagues and customers and improve teamwork achieving better results for everyone Mark Shields Explains...

NLP or Nuero Linguistic Programming as its also known is accepted today as one of the world’s leading success strategies. It is used within the therapeutic and coaching arena with individuals and within the corporate business arena with companies.

It is becoming increasingly popular with more and more individuals and businesses adding NLP courses to their workplace staff development programmes with a view to upskilling staff and more business leaders adding it to their key strategies to improve overall business performance and productivity.

I have chosen a number of core NLP principles and success strategies to share with you in this article and how to apply them in the workplace.

Working successfully with many employers and employees over the last five years I have found these core NLP principles have helped many think and view their jobs in a completely different way.

This not only results in the employee being happier and more fulfilled within their role, but also resulting in improvements in performance and their over all effectiveness in their job.

THE WORLD ACCORDING TO YOU Ever sat in a meeting for hours and wondered what you were doing there. No one can agree on anything and when you do

52 | www.life-mags.com

agree no one follows through on what was agreed anyway so what was the point in the first place. Sound familiar?

What you have to remember is everybody sees things differently.

In the NLP model we accept that every body’s brain filters and processes information differently depending on the type of person they are. It is also proved no two people process information in exactly the same way.

The result of this thinking is known as an individual’s map, their perception of what’s going on at any particular time.

What we experience, see, here, feel, etc at those meetings is represented completely differently to everyone sat around that meeting table.

Our experience is our perception of reality our perception in this case of what is going on at the meeting.

THE DIFFERENT MAP FACTOR Everyone else sat around that table will have a different perception of reality, hence the Constance arguing, debating, and almost impossible task of actually agreeing anything positive and taking it forward.

Etc. everyone is processing the debate differently depending upon how their brains filter information and this affects their map and perception of what’s going on around them. continues overleaf...

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MARK SHEILDS FEB 2020:Layout 1 30/01/2020 16:04 Page 2

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

How are you possible going to move forward easily within that set of dynamics.

So back to the meeting. The reason the meeting doesn’t seem to be progressing is the attendees are from something we call different map factor (everyone in the group is working from a different viewpoint) which ultimately reduces any chance of progress.

The art is accepting everyone has a different perception of reality and take a step back and see if you can understand your colleagues map to help you understand where he or she is coming from.

Imagine the power in getting inside your bosses map.

Another good example of this is remember the last time you went to watch a movie with a group of friends and all discussed the movie afterwards as you do.

How many times have you wondered were you all watching the same film?

THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS FAILURE Wouldn’t the workplace be a much nicer place if no one every failed at anything. Thoughts of failure can be destructive, unhelpful and de motivational to say the least.

Failure gets in the way of us achieving because we are too afraid to have a go again so we don’t bother. The fear of the failure got the better of us.

So how are we ever going to learn anything about ourselves and what we are capable of achieving if we limit our behaviour and action by fear of even trying?

Remember that last presentation you did and how terrible you thought it was. Everybody told you it was great though but you still didn’t believe them.

Have you done another one since or avoided it at every opportunity and even the word presentation makes the hairs on your neck stand up on end.

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Some people, who I call programmed failures are unsuccessful in a couple of job interviews and then they spend the next six months telling you how they cant possibly apply for a new role as they expect to fail from the outset.

THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS FAILURE ONLY FEEDBACK AND LEARNING Lets be frank here, nobody gets everything right all the time.

People from every walk of life make mistakes every day, some costing millions of dollars or people jobs, family homes and so.

Everyone makes mistakes; it’s what you learn from making that mistake, and what you do with that feedback that important.

Knowledge is power. No one can blame anyone for trying and feedback is fantastic because it gives you the knowledge you need to improve at certain things in your life.

How are you going to know what you need to improve on and how to improve if you don’t get the feedback to help you in the first place?

I have worked with a lot of staff in my time that want to get promoted but have no idea what their strengths and weaknesses are.

I got them to complete what we call a 360 feedback exercise and ask all their work colleagues to give them written feedback in the following areas More / better / different / less From this they had objective feedback on where their development areas were and could put together a meaningful personal development plan and take their career to the next level Well I hope you enjoyed this brief insight into NLP and how it can be applied in the workplace.

For any information on the article or to find out more about our workplace nlp courses call Mark Shields direct on 01462 431112.

FEBRUARY 2020:Layout 1 31/01/2020 10:27 Page 1

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

Winter home living - home loving What is it about your home that you love the most? Not just the property itself but the quality of life the house affords you?

Carers – and the freedom to choose what to eat, what to watch on TV and where to sit all day! And, as this client elaborated, the freedom to have friends around, family to stay and to sleep in the same room again was fabulous – albeit that a hospital bed is required for one of this couple. Having to sleep in separate bedrooms in the care home was an anathema to them. In short they can now enjoy everything they used to do at home…even though assistance is now required.

Another client loves cooking - and watching travel cookery shows on TV. Sadly she is no longer able to shop and cook herself but is able to give instructions and sit in the kitchen and coach our Carers so that she can still indulge her taste buds. Some days having lunched on yet another sandwich from the garage next door we don’t particularly want to hear what’s on the menu at this household! Food envy aside – the freedom to maintain hobbies, even if they have to be re-engineered, is important.

As managers of an elderly home care business it’s a discussion we often have with clients – or prospective clients – as they consider their options when help of some description due to older age and its related conditions becomes necessary. Should they try to stay in the home they love– or move into residential care?

“Memories” is the most frequent response we receive. Homes are often steeped in them – from remembering the “the children” (now in their 40sand 50s!) playing in the garden, running Corgi Rockets down the stairs or visualising Christmases and birthdays around the table. Leaving that behind is a big wrench.

And let’s not forget that if a person can be supported to stay at home new memories are created. Children and grandchildren can come and stay – and the next generation can run Corgi rockets down the same stairs to everyone’s delight!

A vehement cry of “Freedom!” was the response when I spoke to one of our clients the other day! Slightly taken aback I asked the lady to expand. She and her husband had resided in a care home until they had discovered that a Live-in Carer was an affordable possibility. Fortunately they had not sold their family home and are now happily re- ensconced with full time support from Live-in

“Keeping my Leo” would be my mother’s refrain. The huge, feisty but wonderfully affectionate, rescue tomcat we’ve had since before Dad died is a powerful presence in my Mother’s home.

She wouldn’t contemplate residential care for many reasons – and I’m not sure whether memories of us growing up or keeping Leo would be top of her list! Perhaps I don’t want to know!

Growing older is not always fun – for the elderly or their family.

Everyone is different and the right solutions will differ too. Some people love the permanent company that residential care offers; others prefer the quieter companionship of a Live-in Carer. Some want others in their home as little as possible and opt for hourly care services to help when necessary – sometimes supplemented by the increasing range of aids available these days.

There is always a solution. If you love your home staying in it could well be possible. Live-in care is comparable price-wise to many care homes. Hourly care is often less. Financial assistance may be available for either depending on your assessed care needs and financial circumstances. If you would like to discuss your options please give us a call. Supporting you to stay safely at home and keep loving it for longer is one of our main goals!

♥ Live-in care specialists ♥ Hourly home care enquiries welcomed ♥ Overnight and respite care also available Simply call Madalina or Nicola on 01534 883 886 for further information or to arrange a no obligation informal chat.

Complete Individual Home Care Ltd., Suite 3 Longueville Business Centre, Longueville Road, St Saviour JE2 7SA

♥ States of Jersey Fully Approved Provider ♥ Flexible, consistent and friendly care FEBRUARY ISSUE | 55

AMAZING MUSIC:Layout 1 31/01/2020 07:51 Page 1

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

8 REASONS WHY LEARNING TO MAKE MUSIC IS AMAZING FOR CHILDREN As the BBC launches its Bring the Noise campaign, saxophonist YolanDa Brown highlights the endless benefits of music-making. By Lisa Salmon...

Children benefit hugely from learning to make music - not only from the joy music can bring to them and others, but also from the way music-making can boost wellbeing, academic attainment and personal development.

On a happy note, research by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra has shown the majority of children - nine out of 10 - would like to learn a musical instrument, with band instruments like the guitar (45%), piano (36%) and drums/percussion (35%) being most popular. Yet further research by Ofsted last year found more than two-thirds of parents don't think music is covered sufficiently in their child's education.

In a bid to highlight these points, BBC Teach is running Bring the Noise (bbc.co.uk/bringthenoise) - an educational campaign aimed at helping primary school teachers and parents inspire children to become musicians and see the joys of music-making.

Musicians and artists - including singer Zara Larsson, music legend Nile Rodgers, saxophonist YolanDa Brown, and worldrenowned percussionist Dame Evelyn Glennie - are supporting the campaign. Alice Webb, director of BBC Children's and Education services, says: "With the help of some of the biggest names in music, our partners, school teachers and parents, we'll get young feet tapping across the country and build a love of music from early years." continues overleaf...

56 | www.life-mags.com

PAGE 57:Layout 1 31/01/2020 13:54 Page 1

Guitar Lessons Fiona Joyce L.T.C.L, A.L.C.M • Qualified and experienced teacher • Tuition in guitar and voicework • Beginners and children welcome

Telephone: 866819 Mobile: 07829 996363

AMAZING MUSIC:Layout 1 31/01/2020 07:52 Page 2

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

The campaign is aimed at children between the ages of four and seven and offers free educational resources on the Bring the Noise website. These include a suite of catchy child-friendly songs, lesson plans and films for teachers, and a new digital interactive tool - Bring the Noise: Play It! - that's easy to use in the classroom and at home.

In addition, YolanDa Brown has just launched a new series called Found Sounds with YolanDa Brown on the Bring the Noise website. Aimed at Key Stage 1 children, the five-part series demonstrates that you don't need fancy instruments to make music, as Brown visits familiar locations to discover the sounds made by everyday objects in the environment, which can inspire her team of Mighty Music Makers to create an instrument.

"Music education, and access to good music education is paramount," she says. "Music inspires, teaches teamwork, is an outlet for expression and a whole lot more. Every child should have access to music-making opportunities to create and absorb music."

Here, Brown explains why music education is so good for children...

1. IT HELPS THEM LEARN Music can be used to teach so much, from maths to science and even physical education with dance and movement. It's important to be creative when teaching music and to understand that it's also benefiting other areas of learning and development.

2. IT ENCOURAGES TEAMWORK Playing instruments together, whether in a band or an orchestra or singing in a choir, is one of the most powerful experiences you can have. The idea of working together and realising that your part - no matter how small or large, loud or subtle - is important to make the song work, is so fulfilling.

3. IT ALLOWS CHILDREN TO DREAM Children are the heartbeat of every generation and it's important that we nurture them and teach them to dream. Music provides escapism and allows the listener to dream. Children need to know everything is possible in life and be given the opportunity to dream, before society adds boxes and ceilings.

Especially at a young age, they're free to enjoy music with all its purity and sincerity, before they start to understand chart positions and social network numbers, as that becomes a gauge sometimes to the authenticity of the music.

58 | www.life-mags.com

4. IT CREATES DISCIPLINE Learning music, especially if you play an instrument, creates discipline. You learn to look after your instrument, cleaning it after use. It also teaches you to be dedicated to practice and personal development.

5. IT BOOSTS CONFIDENCE There is such pride and a sense of achievement that comes from learning music to perform in from of family and peers. The feeling is just mind-blowing.

6. IT INCREASES COORDINATION In a similar way to sports, playing an instrument helps children develop their motor skills, with improved hand-eye coordination.

7. IT IMPROVES LISTENING Making music requires children to listen to sounds and process them.

They have to respond to tempo, pitch, other players and more.

This skill of listening will help in all walks of life.

8. IT TEACHES PATIENCE To learn an instrument, you have to be very patient and endure a lot of false starts and overcome the regular, 'I can't do it', that might crop up a few times. The learning process is a lifetime journey, as you're constantly developing and growing on your instrument.

Children learn a lot of patience in the early stages of their introduction to music and the feeling of overcoming a musical stumbling block or nerves at a performance are priceless.

PAGE 59:Layout 1 31/01/2020 07:53 Page 1

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FEBRUARY 2020 TRAVEL:Layout 1 31/01/2020 07:54 Page 1

TRAVEL

Kherete Iraqlio

Welcome to Heraklion

by Rebecca Underwood

Dytikos Beach Heraklion, the vibrant capital of the Grecian island of Crete, entices visitors with its colourful tapestry of history, rich and diverse culture and the splendour of its natural surroundings with tranquil, secluded beaches including Dytikos. A number of fascinating archaeological sites, popular with intrepid explorers, and a Mediterranean climate, ensure that this city is sure to remain a major tourism destination as it has been for the last forty years.

Meidani Street_ a shopper's paradise

Heraklion Harbour

Knossos

Heraklion’s history dates back to the Neolithic period and a number of archaeological sites reflect its ties with Minoans, Byzantines and Venetians. Invaded in 824 AD by the Saracens the island was overrun with marauding pirates. Following a long blockade in 961 the Byzantines banished the Arabs and the town was renamed Handakas. Sold to the Venetians in 1204 and renamed Candia, the town prospered and a number of fortresses and churches were erected. In 1645, when the Ottomans invaded, countless inhabitants deserted the island and again in 1898 hundreds of locals were slain along with the British Consul and 17 British soldiers. Ottoman rule swiftly ended when British ships sailed into the harbour. The town was named Iraklio in 1922 and recognised as the capital in 1971.

To learn more I headed for the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, which occupies the site of a Venetian Franciscan monastery obliterated in 1856 by an earthquake. Located in the town centre, the museum features 27 rooms crammed with artefacts covering a period of more than five thousand years. The Minoan collection is spectacular and includes magnificent frescoes and sculptures. I spent an inordinate amount of time admiring the exquisitely carved snake goddesses, the golden bee pendant and the stone bull’s head, which was used for libations signified by the filling hole located in the neck and a matching outlet in the snout.

Another highlight of the extensive collection is of course the Linear B tablets from Knossos.

60 | www.life-mags.com

FEBRUARY 2020 TRAVEL:Layout 1 31/01/2020 07:54 Page 2

TRAVEL

Grecotel Villa, White Seafront with private pool and direct beach access

Knossos was once the capital of Minoan Crete and the ancient Palace of Knossos is Heraklion’s most popular attraction. In the early 1900’s Sir Arthur Evans, the British archaeologist, uncovered and restored the prehistoric ruins. The ancient palace, the origin of the legend of the labyrinth, dates back to 2000 BC and was the home of King Minos and the mythical Minotaur and it is absolutely mesmerising.

To view another archaeological gem I headed for the picturesque town of Rethymno, which is an hour’s drive away, and features a magnificent Venetian fortress. The enchanting Venetian-Ottoman quarter includes a warren of narrow streets with charming houses adorned with wooden balconies, Venetian monuments and ornate minarets. In 1646 the town fell to the Ottomans and remained under their rule for almost three hundred years. I took a glimpse into the Ottoman Empire’s past with a leisurely stroll along Vernardos Street, and as the Neratze mosque came into my view the three towering domes on the roof and the high minaret demanded my undivided admiration.

For those of us seeking the ultimate luxurious resort, after an arduous day of explorations, the Lux Me Grecotel White Palace, located near Rethymno, offers the highest levels of comfort and service. The property sits alongside a beautiful sandy beach and features a wide choice of sumptuously furnished accommodations including the open plan ‘Luxe Yali’ seafront villa with a private, heated pool and access to the beach. Dining options include Asian, Italian and Oriental and the Greek Taverna, which features an a la carte menu, offers spectacular ocean views. Guests are also free to create and customise their own dining experience in a location of choice. For pre or post dining tipples there are six bars to choose from.

For those keen to explore more, the Arkadi Monastery, located 25 kilometres from Rethymno, on the foothills of Mount Psiloritis, is another site that draws the crowds. Vineyards, forests and olive groves thrive in this fertile region and there surrounded by hills, the Arkadi Monastery was built, according to tradition, during the rule of the Byzantine emperor Heraclius or, it is also said, during the rule of emperor Arcadius in the 5thcentury; the exact date is unknown. In 1866, during Ottoman oppression the monastery served to protect hundreds of Cretan resistance fighters and their families. Less than two hundred local men fought for two days to resist the might of 6000 Turks. Today the monastery houses a

Matala Bay

small number of monks and nuns and the church and surrounding buildings are well maintained.

Another nearby attraction is Fortezza, the Venetian fort built in 1573 A.D. I strolled through the central entrance, along a dark arcade into the sunlit interior and then through the building that once housed the artillery. I then wandered around the small amphitheatre and the Sultan Ibrahim temple and mosque, and then into the 19th century Church of Aghia Ekaterini, continuing along the narrow pathway and at the eastern end there is a small Russian church; evidence of the presence of Russian troops during 1897 to 1909.

Adventure seeks with energy to burn should take a trip to Crete’s national forest, the Samaria Gorge, which is the longest in Europe. Wander through the 11 mile gorge at leisure; starting at the Omalos plateau and crossing the White Mountains. A little piece of heaven awaits; an abundance of trees, the aroma of sweet flowers and herbs and the only sounds that interrupt the silence is the water flowing gently from the little fountains, birds of prey announcing their presence and the crunching of the pebbles underfoot. On arrival at the quaint village of Aghia Roumeli passengers can board a boat to Chora Sfakion and then travel by road to Heraklion.

And for those with an interest in cave exploration, head for the cliffs at Matala bay and discover the artificial caves dating back to the Neolithic Age. Used as tombs in the first and second centuries, one of the caves, known as Brutospeliana was, according to legend, visited by Brutus, the Roman general.

I prefer to spend some time relaxing in the sunshine and I as have a penchant for an afternoon snooze, the soft sandy beach and the gentle waves of the warm Mediterranean Sea lapping the shore of Matala bay, provided the ideal spot. As I reclined on my comfortable lounger the words of Nikos Kazantzakis, who was born in Heraklion in 1883 and wrote Zorba the Greek, came to my mind…..

‘Life on earth means the sprouting of wings’.

Images (excluding accommodation) supplied courtesy of the Greek National Tourism Organisation and photographer Y. Skoulas.

FEBRUARY ISSUE | 61

THE EASTBURY HOTEL DPS.qxp_Layout 1 03/02/2020 13:02 Page 1

The Eastbury Hotel & Spa Sherborne, Dorset

T

he Eastbury Hotel & Spa is a luxury

The Eastbury Hotel has twenty-six bedrooms and

Georgian country house style hotel,

nine of these are dog friendly. Your four-legged

unique boutique spa, with a lovely

best friend is welcome in the restaurant making

garden and Award-Winning Two

the Eastbury a haven for dog lovers. Sherborne is

Rosette Restaurant ‘’Seasons’’. The

known for being one of the most dog friendly

Eastbury is set in the heart of the lively historic

towns in England, so it is an ideal location for you

town of Sherborne in the glorious countryside of

and your pooch to enjoy together.

Dorset.

Executive Chef Matthew Street heads up the The hotel is warm, happy and welcoming. Infused

hotel’s restaurant ‘’Seasons’’ as the name suggests,

with a homely, personal touch and exceptional

menus reflect the changing seasons and his team

service. Originally designed as an 18th century

gather the freshest and finest ingredients to create

Georgian gentleman’s residence, The Eastbury

a tantalising variety of traditional dishes each with

rooms are imbued with immense warmth and

their own innovative twist.

character and offer a real home from home feel.

The Eastbury Hotel and Spa was acquired in FebThe Eastbury Spa by Amelia Rose & Caudalie is

ruary 2018 by Peter and Lana de Savary of the de

an exciting new addition to the hotel which offers

Savary Group. After major refurbishment com-

guests the luxury of ultimate indulgence. The Spa

pleted December 2019, the de Savary family’s East-

is set into the wooded area of the walled garden

bury Hotel and Spa won Best Luxury Value at the

amongst the trees & wildlife, creating a magical

Conde Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence 2020.

feel. The hotel has five new additional rooms, the Victorian Garden Potting Shed Suites. The rooms

The Eastbury is the perfect way to celebrate that

were designed with inspiration from the hotels

special occasion that balances relaxation, time to

lovely Georgian walled garden.

connect and real indulgence.

Please call the reception team for any enquiries 01935 813131 or email relax@theeastburyhotel.co.uk | www.theeastburyhotel.co.uk

THE EASTBURY HOTEL DPS.qxp_Layout 1 03/02/2020 13:02 Page 2

THE WOODLAND SPA

Comfort and Elegance Wrapped in West Country Charm

Please call the reception team for any enquiries 01935 813131 or email relax@theeastburyhotel.co.uk | www.theeastburyhotel.co.uk

PAGE 64.qxp_Layout 1 03/02/2020 13:03 Page 1

HEALTH AND WELL BEING

Are You DeďŹ cient In Vital Vitamin D This Winter?

It's important for bone health and the immune system. Lauren Taylor speaks to the experts.

If you live in a country where the winters are cold, it can be five or six months without feeling the warmth of sun rays on your skin.

Scientists used to believe we could get enough vitamin D during summer to last us throughout winter, explains Professor Susan Lanham-New, head of nutritional sciences at the University of Surrey, "that's been proved wrong." She says: "There are so many people we're talking millions - who are vitamin D deficient, and really have no idea."

The British Nutrition Foundation estimate that one in five of us are deficient in vitamin D - its main role being to regulate the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body. As a result, Public Health England guidelines say everyone aged five and above should be getting 10 micrograms of vitamin D daily.

"In the summer it's not a problem, because you can get some vitamin D from just being outside - face, backs of hands, neck, even if it's not a sunny day, because UV rays would still get to your skin, so you'd start to make some vitamin D," says Lanham-New, a member of The Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) and the vitamin D working group.

is that people are nowhere near that 10 micrograms during the winter," says LanhamNew. Which is why it's advised we take a supplement from October to March.

She goes on to explain that the reason scientists have misunderstood the vitamin in the past is that it's not actually a 'vital amine' (a vitamin) in the true sense of the word. "It is not an 'amine' group, but it is vital. Its correct definition is a 'prohormone', so I think we made a big mistake, because everyone thinks of it as a vitamin, but it's not.

"It's the only nutrient in the broad spectrum of macro and micronutrients where your main source of the nutrient is not diet, it's UVB exposure, and that's very unusual."

Are there any symptoms of a deficiency?

If millions of us are unknowingly deficient in vitamin D, does that mean it's symptomless?

"No, not at all," says Lanham-New. "When people feel really tired, have muscle ache or lethargy, these are symptoms people just associate with winter. It's dark, it's cold and wet, and while that might be a contributor, those are absolutely symptoms of what we would call mild osteomalacia," which can cause bone softening over time.

Can we get it from food?

In the winter months, food is often the only natural source. However, Lanham-New says it's "really hard" to get enough from diet alone, as nature's sources are pretty limited.

"You're not going to get more than three or four micrograms, unless you really love your fish and eggs," she explains. "A lot of breakfast cereals are fortified, but you'd have to eat quite a lot of them! The only plant source is mushrooms, either safe wild mushrooms or mushrooms that have had UV radiation." She advises putting button mushrooms on a windowsill on a sunny day.

Dietitian Dr Carrie Ruxton at the Health and Food Supplements Information Service (HSIS), adds: "Rich natural sources are limited to oily fish (around nine micrograms per 100 grams, except for herring which contains 16 micrograms), eggs (two micrograms per medium egg) and liver (0.5 to 1 microgram per 100 grams)."

So even if you eat a healthy diet, you could still be deficient.

"The bottom line 64 | www.life-mags.com

"It's the adult form of rickets; it presents itself as aches or feeling really tired."

Secondly, vitamin D is important to the immune system, which can often be more run down in winter. "We always associate winter and the common cold with [needing] vitamin C, but actually, it can have as much to do with vitamin D," she says. "So if you're deficient, your immune system is going to be much more susceptible to colds."

What other risks are there?

"There's data starting to come out also for diabetes risk. So what we call pancreatic beta cells, what we use to produce insulin, they need vitamin D to be at optimal working. So, of

course, if you don't have enough vitamin D, that's going to be an issue," says LanhamNew. Certain groups of people are at higher risk of vitamin D deficiency. "South Asian men and women who dress for cultural stance, who cover up," adds Lanham-New, "they really are vitamin D deficient."

In addition, it's particularly vital that pregnant women take the recommended 10 microgram supplement. Ruxton says: "There is emerging evidence that a low vitamin D status in the womb predisposes a child to an increased risk of type 1 diabetes."

After birth, formula milk is fortified with vitamin D, but it can become an issue when children no longer take formula milk, as cows' milk isn't usually fortified in the UK. Meanwhile, around a quarter of 11 to 18-year-olds are vitamin D insufficient, says Ruxton.

You'll find vitamin D supplements, and multivitamins that contain vitamin D, in most major pharmacies.

For more information, visit the British Nutrition Foundation at Nutrition.org.uk

PAGE 65:Layout 1 31/01/2020 07:16 Page 1

Millennium Carriages The ultimate wedding experience

Weddings and private country drives a specialty Call Ivor Barette: 07797 713945 Email: ivorbarette@hotmail.co.uk

FEBRUARY RECIPE:Layout 1 31/01/2020 13:47 Page 1

RECIPE

Falling in love with yourself

(IN THE KITCHEN)…

… because self-love is for every day, not just 14th February!

A huge part of looking after yourself stems from the food that you eat, as the nutrients you consume will nourish your body at a cellular level. But far too many of us fall into the trap of eating out too often, grabbing take away food on the go, buying ready made meals or pre-chopped fruit and veggies as a way to save time.

But what if you switched your mindset so that nourishing your body and showing yourself the same level of self-care you might bestow on others became your new normal?

What if you decided you were worth more effort?

For me, self-love and self-care begin in the kitchen and preparing our own food with fresh ingredients is the perfect place to start.

If you were to list all the reasons why you choose not to cook fresh food at home most of the time, your list might look something like this: ♥ Too busy / not enough time ♥ Not sure what to cook / I’m not a good cook ♥ I hate all the mess and cleaning up / It’s easier to just grab something ♥ Why bother when it’s just me? / My family are so fussy!

Research shows that home cooking… ♥ Encourages conversation and improves family dynamics.

Plus, children may also experience fewer mental health issues and perform better at school. ♥ Is likely to ensure a healthier diet overall and will help build positive lifestyle habits. ♥ Reduces your food shopping spend and helps reduce financial burden or allows you to spend more on the really important things. ♥ Reduces overall calorie consumption, including lower quantities of saturated fat, sugar and salt.

♥ Gives you more control over ingredients and potential allergens. So if you need to cut out dairy, nuts, gluten or eggs, it’s far easier to do so successfully in your kitchen. ♥ Brings joy. It’s a great way to relieve stress and share experiences with friends and family.

But before we start cooking, we need to create space…

And in our cluttered homes with full-to-bursting kitchen cupboards, we’re not giving ourselves the space to be creative neither physically nor energetically.

In order to fall in love with cooking (and therefore treat yourself with more love), start with the basics: 1. Declutter your kitchen cupboards by removing items you never use. Be honest and ruthless here. That avocado slicer, the spiraliser, 8 different types of serving spoon… Only keep the essentials and anything that makes you happy or makes your life easier. My favourite gadgets are a food processor, Vitamix blender and a Le Creuset casserole dish. Plus a really good vegetable peeler!

2. Go through your food cupboards and throw away items past their use by date. If there are cans of food you know you’ll never eat, pop them in a food bank collection. Organise food into logical sections - like all the cake making ingredients together or all the tinned food together. If you have cupboards overstocked with dry ingredients, try to use most of them up before you buy any more. (Many kitchens I’ve seen have literally a month’s worth of food yet they still do a big shop every week and continue piling in the food!)

3. Declutter your kitchen surfaces. Put away gadgets you never use. Clear away piles of mail, magazines and paperwork.

The space you made when sorting out the cupboards will enable you to hide away items that may previously have lived on the countertop.

FEBRUARY RECIPE:Layout 1 31/01/2020 13:47 Page 2

RECIPE

4. Give your kitchen a spring clean, add a couple of plants or a vase of flowers and already the energy should feel far more inviting, positive and ready for some creative experimentation.

The important mindset shift I mentioned at the start is also important when it comes to food preparation. Instead of seeing cooking family meals as a chore, think of it as an adventure; an opportunity to learn new skills while nourishing your body.

And don’t forget that healthy eating is the best way to reduce the risk of long term health issues and disease, boost longevity and ensure that you can live an active, self-sufficient life well into your eighties and nineties.

If you’ve ever enjoyed a simple pasta and tomato sauce dish in a quaint little restaurant in an Italian village, where the tomatoes have been grown locally, and the food made with love using nonna’s secret recipe, you’ll know how different it tastes from your version made with sauce from a jar while you scroll through Facebook, help the kids with their homework and keep one eye on the 6 o'clock news…

By creating a relaxed, sacred and inspiring space in the kitchen, your love and positive energy will be transferred into the meals you cook and onwards into every cell in your body, and into those you love.

This February, make yourself your very own Valentine; treating your whole self with the love and nourishment you deserve. ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Chocolate Dessert

Chill in the fridge for up to an hour for a softer consistency, or overnight for a firmer ‘cheesecake’ style.

Makes approx. 8 half-filled ramekins. (It’s very rich so you don’t need a lot!)

Optional: Serve with fresh raspberries (or place them at the bottom of the ramekins).

Omit nut butter if necessary for allergies - the consistency will still work due to the quantity of chocolate.

Add a shot of espresso, Amaretto, (Vegan) Baileys or Tia Maria to the plant milk for a cheeky twist!

(Plant-based, decadent and delicious!)

Ingredients: 300g silken tofu 200g dark 70% or vegan chocolate 80ml chocolate plant milk 80g peanut butter or almond butter

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Pinch of sea salt Method: Blend together the tofu, plant milk and nut butter in a blender with a pinch of salt.

Melt the dark chocolate (in a bowl over a saucepan of water) then add to the blender.

Blend together until smooth and creamy.

Scoop out into ramekins or small glasses.

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THE EASTBURY HOTEL 2ND EDITORIAL:Layout 1 31/01/2020 15:35 Page 1

HOTEL REVIEW

S

pending a romantic night in a potting shed may sound a bit Lady Chatterley’s Lover, but the Victorian garden Potting shed suites at The eastbury in sherborne are a uniquely luxurious experience.

Passion in the Potting Shed

This is the latest addition to this awardwinning hotel by new owners Peter and lana de savary. The eco-luxury suites are named after different herbs and, like The Herbs children’s tV series, its magical location in a walled garden was not lost on me!

The Victorian Potting Sheds at The Eastbury in Sherborne offer a charming romantic retreat and you can bring your canine chums too

all five suites are dog-friendly, so our spaniels scrumpy and rosie joined us on this romantic retreat. They snuggled down in a beautiful dog bed, happily crunching on doggy treats.

We were in Parsley which combined rustic and cosy with high-end luxury; there was a super comfortable king size bed, a large wet room with towelling robes and White Company toiletries. The tangerine coloured sMeg fridge in the kitchenette alcove contained a bottle of rose, fresh milk (and plant milk for the vegan) to go with tea or coffee, and the homemade cookies were swiftly dispatched!

Words: Helen stiles, editor - dorset Magazine.

Photo: John Carey

Had it not been so wet, we would have taken advantage of our private patio which the room’s tri-fold doors opened onto; maybe lighting the fire bowl and enjoying some late night stargazing with a glass of wine.

The décor in soft sage, rust and blue, with large botanical prints on the walls, had a lovely relaxing vibe, but we had dinner booked. so after a brief dog airing, there is a great walk just minutes from the hotel, we pottered across the garden to seasons restaurant.

Vegan stu was spoilt for choice as executive chef Matt street has a vegan option menu. our dining got underway with an amuse bouche of carrot and star anise soup with some breads and seasons’ signature tomato butter for me. stu’s starter of chilled beetroot soup, orange, hazelnuts, golden beetroot and baby chard balanced earthy flavours with zesty top notes and was very pretty too.

Above: Inside one of the luxurious Victorian Potting Shed suites, showing the private patio Below: Charred monkfish combined with bold Mediterranean flavours for my main course

‘The décor in soft sage, rust and blue, with botanical prints on the walls, had a lovely relaxing vibe’ My Vale of Camelot cheese brûlée was cleverly partnered with an umami combo of pear, celeriac, pickled chicory and caramelised walnuts.

My main of charred monkfish with sobrasada iberico (a spicy chorizo), baby leeks, romesco and toasted almond was created by one of the kitchen team who hails from spain.

The punchy Mediterranean flavours worked brilliantly with this meaty fish. stu opted for a tandoori spiced cauliflower with black dal, carrot and cucumber and curry leaf; a dollop of vegan raita and a naan would have taken this to maharaja level.

The stand¬out dessert of pine nut milk, lemon sorbet, lemon oil and

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pine nut brittle was a taste revelation inspired by a trip to Portugal by Matt. i opted for a Valrhona chocolate crémeux with passion fruit cream and toasted hazelnut ice cream – a classic that i polished-off with a happy sigh.

We finished our evening with a snifter of sloe gin from a decanter in our room. outside a light drizzle had started, so the large umbrella by our door was very welcome for the final dog airing. it’s the thoughtful practical additions such as these that made this stay feel extra special.

theeastburyhotel.co.uk Tel: 01935 813 131 relax@theeastburyhotel.co.uk

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MOTORING

FIRST DRIVE THE PORSCHE 718 BOXSTER T By Darren Cassey Porsche has pared back its 718 Boxster model and fitted some driver-focused upgrades - but is this recipe a winner? Darren Cassey finds out...

WHAT IS IT? The 718 Boxster T is a pared-back driver-focused version of Porsche's convertible sports car. The T stands for Touring, and first made its return to the German firm's range on 2018's 911 Carrera T, expanding the enticing recipe of stripping back fripperies in favour of some cherry-picked dynamic options.

Although the Boxster has more of an image as the poser's choice compared with its 718 Cayman cousin, it's always been an utter gem to drive. So, these enhancements give an already-excellent base an extra sprinkling of genius - with the Boxster now closer to the Cayman than ever, could this convertible be the do-it-all pick of the 718 bunch?

Facts at a glance Model as tested: Porsche Boxster T Engine: 2.0-litre flat-four-cylinder Power: 296bhp Torque: 380Nm Max speed: 171mph 0-60mph: 4.9sec MPG: 34.5 - 35.8 Emissions: 187 - 181g/km

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MOTORING

WHAT'S NEW? To be frank, not a whole lot, with the T representing something of an option box greatest hits album for keen drivers. The Touring package takes an entry-level Boxster, removes a few luxuries in the name of weight-saving, then loads up on performancefocused equipment.

HOW DOES IT LOOK? There's a real elegance to Porsche's 718 models, with a sense that there's no unnecessary bodywork, just svelte lines draped over the essentials. With models from all manufacturers facing criticisms for fattening up to meet safety regulations, the Boxster has retained its pretty proportions.

The radio and infotainment system, for example, isn't included as standard - but it's free to add back in so anyone using their Boxster T with any sort of regularity should do so. The novelty of silence on a long road trip will likely wear off quickly. Then there are the interior door handles that have been replaced with fabric loops, a weight-saving likely written off should you eat a sandwich before driving.

T models do get a few standout features, such as 20-inch alloy wheels in titanium grey, door decals displaying the model name, and black, chrome-plated twin tailpipes that are mounted centrally.

WHAT'S UNDER THE BONNET? Performance comes from the same 2.0-litre flat-four-cylinder engine found in the base Boxster, outputting 296bhp and 380Nm of torque, with a 171mph top speed and 0-60mph time of less than five seconds.

In the standard Boxster, the engine can feel rather gruff for what is supposed to be a smooth and elegant sports car - enthusiasts lament the loss of the previous generation's silky smooth six-cylinder unit, which had the refinement you'd expect of such a car. However, here, with a focus on performance, its brawny sound and aggressive charge through the revs feels more at home.

WHAT'S IT LIKE TO DRIVE? The first thing you'll notice as you nestle into the small cabin is there are three pedals and a curious stick by your left hand.

Yes, Porsche is sticking to its guns to cater to enthusiasts who want to feel more at one with their motor - and boy, is this one of the best manuals out there!

The shift action is a joy to use and the clutch pedal is perfectly weighted, so you quickly gel with the car and feel like you can get the most out of the sublime chassis. It doesn't feel ludicrously fast, but when the suspension soaks up all but the worst road imperfections and the steering is sharp and responsive to inputs, it's hard to find fault.

Naturally, it's not perfect, and the main criticism is one that's been levied at these models before. The gear ratios are too long, and while that makes sense on the Cayman because buyers often use them on track, here it's just frustrating because you can achieve license-losing speeds at the top of second gear. You therefore rarely get to use that glorious shifter during spirited driving, as most roads can be dealt with in third.

WHAT'S IT LIKE INSIDE? The Boxster might be small inside but it doesn't feel too cramped.

Sure, those used to larger models might find it a little claustrophobic at first, but once you're settled in everything falls to hand easily - ergonomics is a Porsche speciality.

Don't expect to find a fussy, button-festooned interior either there are a few buttons for driver aids and the like, climate controls, and the infotainment system if you've put it back in, but otherwise, there's a real simplicity to the cabin. Coupled with some excellent materials and it feels like it leans towards deliberate minimalism rather than simply being spartan.

WHAT'S THE SPEC LIKE? The focus on equipment here relates to performance, with a plethora of upgrades making the Boxster T feel like pretty good value, considering it would cost a few grand more to specify them separately.

The Boxster T gets the Sport Chrono Package, which adds drive modes and other performance improvements, a sport chassis that lowers the car by 20mm, a torque vectoring system with a limited-slip differential, and 20-inch alloy wheels instead of 18inch units.

VERDICT If you're under the impression that convertible sports cars are for posing and fixed-roof coupes are for serious drivers, the Porsche 718 Boxster T is here to shatter those preconceptions. Sharing a platform with the Cayman certainly helps, but there's absolutely no slack or compromise over its relation.

If you're looking for a drop-top that's seriously capable on a blast across the countryside the Boxster T should be the first car on your shopping list.

FEBRUARY ISSUE | 71

Love Bird Gifts & Pottery Studio New Season Begins...

Love Bird Gifts & Pottery Studio is more than an ordinary gift shop, it’s a creative place to inspire giving, beautiful living and let your imagination sparkle! Love Bird create their own designs and illustrations including the Jersey Gals, Little Jersey Bean, China & Ink and Coastal Blue amongst other quirky and different gifts.

Proprietor Charlotte Langley says "In the studio we have a huge selection of white bisqeware waiting to be decorated. Items range from functional to decorative mugs, moneyboxes, figurines, plant pots, teapots, trinket boxes and much much more!"

"You’ll choose from a variety of ready to paint ceramics and we will guide you on your path to ceramic painting bliss. We’ll get you started by showing you our amazing color selection and provide instruction on how to apply the paints using a multitude of techniques such as: sponging, bubbling, stencils, stamping, tool decorations, taping, glaze pens, or free forming designs on with a pencil. We’re happy to assist you with any design questions or color consultations. We want you to love what you make and smile while you’re doing it! I truly enjoy watching people paint and decorate

ceramics especially when they believe they have limited artistic talent, we show them some tools, give some advice and then they go ahead and create some amazing and beautiful, pieces that they are proud of and give as gifts with confidence."

LoveBird sell all sorts of things they love in the shop and hope you will love too. From pretty things for your house to Little Jersey Bean babygros, the full range of ‘Jersey Gals’ cows, amusing things to make you laugh, crafty things for the crafty minded, and nostalgic bits for those who like to reminisce.

Charlotte adds “Creativity is at the heart of everything we do, along with a healthy dose of laughter every day!” **** OPEN ON 15TH FEBRUARY**** No Reservations Necessary for groups of 4 or less pop in any time we’re open to paint ceramics; * 7 days a week from 9:30am to 5pm

Love Bird Gifts and Pottery Studio is located at Jersey War Tunnels, Les Charrieres Malorey, St Lawrence, JE3 1FU. Open 7 days a week between 9:30am – 5pm • Telephone: 865972 • Email: charlotte@lovebirdgifts.co.uk www.facebook.com/lovebirdgiftshop • www.facebook.com/nestartstudio

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PLUMBING AND HEATING LIMITED

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REIKI means "Universal Energy" and is a light, hands-on healing to use on self, family & friends; animals love it too!

Feel a deep warmth & a sense of peace & well-being whilst strengthening the immune system & balancing energy centres (chakras) throughout the body.

CONTACT FIONA JOYCE: registered REIKI Master Teacher & full member of the Complementary Therapists Association (U.K.)

Tel: 866819 or e-mail: fiona_ joyce@yahoo.com

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Garden design consultation Site Survey Overall design plan Planting plan Hard landscaping plans

Landscaping • • • • • • •

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FEB 2020 NEWS, REVIEWS AND CLUES:Layout 1 31/01/2020 07:56 Page 1

Reviews & Clues!

QUICK CROSSWORD 1

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10 11 12

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14 15 16 17

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BOOK of the month...

BIRD WING by Dreena Collins

Across

Down

6. Perceive (7)

1. Scorch (5)

7. Sum (5)

2. Chilling (3)

9. In the past (3)

3. Neat (4)

10. Indiscreet (9)

4. Venetian boatman (9)

12. Of inferior quality (6-5)

5. Serious (7)

15. Foot-soldiers (11)

8. Week-day (6)

17. Incessant (9)

11. Lay waste (9)

19. Perform (3)

13. Trip (6)

21. Sharp (5)

14. Bill (7)

22. Attack (7)

16. Climb (5) 18. Alcove (4) 20. Insane (3)

Answers can be found in next month’s edition of the Jerseylife.

"The night you left us, I stayed awake until the sky woke up.

The light through the curtains was a fresh bruise, stirring from black, to blue, to grey..."

Dreena Collins is a local writer who also works in education; her work has featured in anthologies such as the Bath Flash Fiction Award and Eyelands’ International collection and has been published in Mslexia magazine and on-line.

Dreena is the author of The Blue Hour and The Day I Nearly Drowned, short story collections exploring the challenges faced by ordinary people in the modern world. Mad Hatter Reviews said of The Day I Nearly Drowned: “…a collection that touches on very real and human issues - grief, loss, and loneliness in a very modern and transient world...

Collins is able to make ordinary struggles emotionally poignant and powerful, reminding us that we all go through more than we think," while author Simon Gary described it simply as “a work of condensed beauty.”

Her latest offering is a flash fiction collection: very short stories ranging from micro fictions (100-word stories) to those of 1,000 words – perfect to pick up during a coffee break, or while waiting for the bus! Bird Wing is a powerful collection exploring love, loss - and revenge: a young woman struggles to read; an elderly man stares at the sky and contemplates loss; a niece plots murder on the bus.

Often tender, sometimes uplifting, always relatable - these tales explore the emotions and challenges that many of us strive to overcome.

Dreena Collins has been listed in numerous writing competitions, including the prestigious Bridport Prize, and Bird Wing contains stories shortlisted and long-listed in competitions including Flash 500 and Retreat West.

Bird Wing by Dreena Collins is available from amazon.co.uk or via website: dreenawriting.co.uk Instagram.com/dreenawriting Facebook.com/dreenawriting Email: dreenawriting@outlook.com

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