The Urban Fox October Issue by Steve Lenaghan

THE

Urban fox www.theurban-fox.co.uk

COMPLIMENTARY COPY ISSUE 14

James Phelps

Life after Harry Potter

Scarlet Fever

The RED hot trend for A/W 11

The Brakeman Team GB’s Bobsleigh Hopeful

Retro-Fit Your Home FOOD

HOMES

FASHION

HEALTH

BEAUTY

TRAVEL

October inside your

issue

Meet the Team Martina Lenaghan Editor editor@theurban-fox.co.uk Steve Lenaghan Sales/Marketing Director 07738 614245 sales@theurban-fox.co.uk Matt Lloyd Creative Director 07732 286080 matt@theurban-fox.co.uk Harry Padmore Print Solutions Consultant 07808 608335 harry@theurban-fox.co.uk Emma Lloyd Accounts Manager accounts@theurban-fox.co.uk Printers: Spectrum Printing Services Design: The Urban Fox Media Group

Disclaimer:

Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of material in this publication, the editor can accept no responsibility for the veracity of claims made by contributors in either editorial or advertising content.

Hello and welcome back to the new look Urban Fox, the exclusive lifestyle magazine delivered directly to your door. This month we bring you a sensational selection of A/ W11 beauty and fashion trends. From tips on how to wear this season’s ‘Red’ hot look, to 1940s and vintage inspired makeup. We also introduce new feature ‘Fashion SOS’, in which image consultant Mélanie Taylor answers reader’s cries for help, on what to wear to flatter their shape.

On the home front, Carley Rimmer invites us to ‘Step Back in Time’ with her guide to ‘Retro’ interior design. The Urban Fox editorial team has also provided plenty of ideas of our own, through an array of retro and kitsch inspired creations available to buy on the internet. If you’re feeling more quirky than vintage, check out Plug Interiors’ feature on how to bring humour into your bathroom. Curious?! This’ll definitely bring a smile to your face. As always there’s a whole host of interesting activities going on in and around the city this month, so do refer to our Entertainment and New Media section for ideas for both you and the family. Looking to escape one great city for another? Prague is our travel destination in People & Places. Whether your tastes are for the historic or contemporary, political or romantic; Prague has it all to offer. Also featuring in People & Places, is Team GB’s

2014 Olympic Bobsleigh hopeful Dave Smith. For an insight into this sport and how he and the team are currently preparing for the Games, turn to page 36. Another man with one eye on the future is West Midlands born, James Phelps aka Fred Weasley of ‘Harry Potter’ fame. With the release of the final cinematic instalment of ‘Deathly Hallows Part 2’ earlier this year, Phelps talks to Richard Aldhous about growing up with ‘Harry Potter’, his charitable works and what the future has in store for both him and his twin brother. Finally thank you for all your kind words following the re-launch of the magazine last month. Do keep your comments and suggestions pouring in. Until next time

Martina Editor

All text, images and design in this publication are subject to copyright. Any unauthorised duplication is strictly prohibited. All artwork is accepted on the strict condition that permission has been given to use it in this publication.

Copy deadlines for next edition: 28th October design and 4th November final print ready artwork. Contributors: Lucy Cufflin, Sarah Poli, Chris Gutteridge, Heather White, Carley Rimmer, Melanie Taylor, Hayley Tarrington, Mat Mabe, Matthew Walne, James Haworth.

Contents Wining & dining Lucy Love’s Leftovers Il Vini d’Italia

6 8

ISSUE 14

FASHION, BEAUTY & HEALTH Fashion SOS Scarlet Fever A/W 11: Makeup Trend Alert A Guide To a Brighter Smile

10 12 14 16

properties & interiors The Root of the Matter Step Back in Time Humour in the Bathroom

19 20 24

Entertainment & New Media Socially Acceptable? Twitter goes Commercial... Double Take What’s On Book, Music and Film Reviews

27 28 30 32

People & places Charity Spotlight Cool Runnings Prague Leicester Business Event 2011

35 36 38 40

Business & Finance Think of a Number Four Steps to an Easier Divorce

42 44

WINING & DINING

Lucy Loves Leftovers

Greek Salad Soup Serves 1 person

Is soggy dressed salad from yesterday only fit for the bin? Think about what’s actually in a salad tomatoes, onions, olive oil, lemon juice, a few salad leaves, cucumber etc. What fabulous soup ingredients, already chopped and ready to use. This soup is best made with left over Greek salad but can be made with leftovers of any green leaves.

Method:

n Pile the left over salad into

Get involve d!

Lucy Cufflin Lucy’s Food Shop Stoneygate Please feel free to contact me at : lucy@lucysfood.co.uk

“Another fo fabulous olproof and Lucy’s Foorecipe from me for yd”. Contact cookery questionsan or would like topics you covered.

f I told you I had a fabulous recipe for little apple strudel puddings that entailed marinating a large selection of dried fruits and nuts in brandy for months on end and mixing them with molasses, dark brown sugar and lots of different spices, you would probably tell me that you don’t have time for that sort of cooking. But what if I told you, it’s simply leftover Christmas pudding, stuff into a cored apple, wrapped in buttery filo pastry and baked, creating

an extraordinary but very beautiful dessert? My aim for this month is to get you to view those sad items languishing at the bottom of your fridge, not as leftovers, but as ready prepared ingredients waiting to be used to make fabulous food second time around. To save the world one leftover at a time! OK perhaps a bit grand, but you get the idea. Anyway here’s a recipe to try. For more leftover ideas visit www.lucysfood.co.uk/recipes-theknowledge/lucy-loves-leftovers

a saucepan, add water and a vegetable stock cube and boil it up for 10 minutes. n Blend with a hand blender and season. It’s perfect to take to work, or have at home, safe in the knowledge that it is not only good for you but extremely good for your pocket too!

Tips:

n 1 handful of left over

salad will make soup for 1 person. Add 200ml water and ¼ vegetable stock cube per portion. n If you have a simple green salad this will make a lovely green soup but for more colour add anything you have in the bottom of the salad tray – radish, tomato, cucumber, onions etc. No matter how sad they look, they will cook well. n Don’t miss out the stock as this will add the extra flavour needed. Also don’t think that stock cubes are second rate. You can buy low salt, no salt, organic or halal stock cubes these days; so keep them in the cupboard and add them to your leftovers to turn them into full flavoured exciting dishes.

CHRISTMAS PRESENT MEETS CHRISTMAS PAST AT THE BELMONT HOTEL

THE

belmont HOTEL

The Belmont Hotel in De Montfort Street, Leicester has returned to its roots for Christmas 2011

ith a fabulous 1930s theme running throughout its party nights, Christmas lunches, dinners and New Year’s Eve. The hotel has been run by the Bowie family since 1934 and this along with the success of films like The King’s Speech and costume dramas Downton Abbey and Upstairs Downstairs makes the 1930s theme seem particularly fitting. Operations Manager James Bowie explains, “So much of the hotel’s history dates back to the 1930s era. There are still some family photographs in Jamie’s Bar from the period. We’re very excited about bringing a little 1930s drama to Christmas 2011.” For the first time, the hotel has included some video tasters on their website to get people in

the festive mood. “We had enormous fun bringing our 1930s theme to life earlier this year” says James. “Half of De Montfort Street probably witnessed the classic car arriving in the Spring sunshine – something a little different for a Monday morning!” With 3 course lunches starting from as little as £19.95 per person and party nights with music from £26.95 per person, there is a 1930s experience to suit everyone. There are a range of mouthwatering menus to choose from, taking the best of 1930s cuisine and adding a little something from the noughties! For more details visit the Belmont Hotel Facebook page or go to www.belmonthotel.co.uk

Celebrate a 1930s style Christmas at the Belmont! www.belmonthotel.co.uk/christmas.html To book call: 0116 254 4773

WINING & DINING

Il Vini d’Italia Have you ever wondered…

Sarah Poli Firenze Kibworth

www.firenze.co.uk

hich was the first country to make wine? Who makes the best wine? Who consumes the most wine? Who exports the most wine? Why Italy of course! The Romans got the whole thing started…well…probably and almost certainly in terms of exporting the grapes and wine making methods of those early days of sophistication. They may have been a bit rough around the edges but the Romans knew a thing or two about food and drink. So why then, all too often, is knowledge of the vines and wines of Italy so sparse? Many a time I serve true wine boffins, who very quickly “fess up” to little understanding of the old and the great wine growers of Italy. As a restaurant we took something of a risk when we decide to go all Italian. The lack of Champagne and New World Chardonnay seemed to be a particular cause for concern. But possibly more so, than any other wine producing country, Italy has a boundless source of supply.

Apart from the obvious size of the country, each of Italy’s many regions offer their own indigenous grape varieties, micro climate and soils, all of which effect the finished product. There are aged Barons and Countesses, whom adopt the time-honoured traditions of their forefathers and then the wild and the wacky

Historically Italy was known for either, cheap and astringent whites such as soave, or monstrously expensive super Tuscans, Barolo and Amarone. The latter still have their place in Italy’s showcase, but perhaps more interesting, are the emerging new blends and modern production styles. My advice is to get to grips with your preferred grape variety, look beyond the obvious Pinot Grigio; dip into the south for Grillo; try Vernaccia from Tuscany or Arneis and Lugana from the north. Whilst the reds are altogether more complex purely in their quantity - I’d recommend you seek out Nebbiolo from the North, Negroamara from Puglia, Nero d’Avola from Sicily and Sangiovese from Tuscany. This knowledge, coupled with a basic grasp of the best regions and growers, will enable you to make more confident and accurate wine selections. Want to learn more? Gambero Rosso is the Italian’s wine bible and a worthwhile investment if you are serious about the vines and wines of Bella Italia! Salute!

Win

Gambero rosso WINE guide

modernists, pushing forward to show off their own unique styles of grape blends, vinification processes and wines. The result is plethora of wines styles and taste, which span the length and breadth of the country.

For a chance to win, please email your name and address to: editor@theurban-fox.co.uk by 7th November 2011. Please insert ‘Wine Competition’ in the subject box.

Packedwith with Packed rich,fruity fruityflavours flavours and rich, and lovelyearthy earthy quality aalovely quality Free Saturday tastings &that’s that’s justthethe wine of and spirits atjust & wine do yoU Feel Do youwines feelconFident Confident ARE AreYOU you AN anHONeST Honest reSTAurATeur? Restaurateur?

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enoUgH review theto shop enough to review dedicated to yoUr restaUrant your restaurant drink 11:30am - 5pm at The Case Shop toto aa potential potential Visit our website for the weekly selection 20,000 20,000 Toexperience experience Italian wines to full, the full, To ourour all all Italian wines to the urban urbanfox fox ask about our tasting menus Degustazione ask about our tasting menus - Degustazione readers. readers. and our superb wine grower evenings, and our superb wine grower evenings, served with finest Italian allallserved with thethe finest Italian foodfood too! too!

if so contact If so contact Caribbean ourour editor editor

rum central heating editor@theurban-fox.co.uk editor@theurban-fox.co.uk Over 28 systems!

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The late champagne breakfast menu Now available 11:45am - 12:15pm Monday to Saturday and includes a welcome glass of champagne or bucks fizz

Set price £14.45 S TA R T E R S

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Eggs Benedict, Florentine with Spinach OR Royal with Smoked Salmon Grilled Bacon, Sausage, Tomato and Field Mushrooms Smoked Haddock Omelette Bubble & Squeak with Two Fried Eggs Maximum table size is for 6 guests. See web for full details.

The Case Restaurant & Champagne Bar, 4-6 Hotel Street, St.Martins, Leicester LE1 5AW 0116 251 7675 Check online for details and more great offers from The Case. Remember: www.drinkaware.co.uk. All offers are subject to availability, change or withdrawal without prior notice.

FASHION, BEAUTY & HEALTH

Fashion SOS Questions & Answers

Topshop, Fit & Flare Tunic, £20

Debenhams, Colour Block Tunic, J by Jasper Conran, £50

“I am a curvy size 18 can I do a tunic dress?” Yes, though steer clear of the boxy drop ones from the shoulder as that will only make you appear bigger. Go for a tunic dress that defines you waist. Even the subtlest curve in at the waist, will be more flattering than a straight one. Pick fabrics that are soft and drape rather than stiff or clingy.

Melanie Taylor House of Colour Image Constultant Melanie.taylor@houseofcolour.co.uk www.houseofcolour.co.uk/melanietaylor

“What’s the best heeled shoe to wear if you have thick ankles?” Avoid shoes with ankle straps as they can shorten and widen the leg as well as the ankle. Also shoes with a high backs cover the thinnest part of the ankle so also will broaden. Go for sling-backs with a high sturdy heel or wedged mules. For a court shoe pick one where the heel comes straight down from the base of the shoe, which will make your ankles appear shapelier.

New Look, Tan Effect Court Shoe, £24.99

Miss Selfridge, Rusty Court Shoe, £48

Matalan, Black Suede Cut Out Wedge, £18

red arMani JaMes Jeans dKny Joseph sarah paCini VelVet isaBel de pedro grahaM spenCer

Styling and Personal Service always available

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FASHION, BEAUTY & HEALTH

Scarlet Fever Step into Autumn in bold “look at me” RED

Hobbs Coat, £239

Oasis at John Lewis Dress, £60

Coast at John Lewis Dress, £85 Next Lace Top, £24

Accessorize, Square Tote Bag, £32

River Island, Dress, £35

Schuh, Red or Dead ‘Paloma’, £75

Style T

ip If brig h t r e d is no your c choosoelour, then t access smaller orie the loos to get k. Office, Court Shoe, £75 Terry de Haviland at John Lewis Sandals, £280

Topshop, Enamel Stud Earrings, £7.50

Topshop, Bangle, £10

Topshop, Red Shift Dress £45

FASHION, BEAUTY & HEALTH

A/W11: Makeup Trend Alert As the Autumn/Winter arrives I always get a little excited to break out the new trends. The catwalks gave us lace and leather, jewel tones and cuddly knits and 40’s silhouettes and androgynous tailoring reigned supreme.

his season’s makeup has an air of sophistication with lots of texture and a rich, decadent, vintage inspired colour palette which will work so well with pussy cat bows, pencil skirts and boyish suits.

Lips:

Lips should be the main focus of your look this A/W – the perfect pout is matte, in berry, classic red and wine tones. Using a

Heather White Heather White Professional Makeup Studio Grange Farm

Please contact me on:

info@heatherwhitemakeup.co.uk

primer on the lips will lock colour in place, as will a light application of powder over your lipstick. Backstage I recently used a ‘24hr’ lip colour in bright, scarlet red. I’m not usually a fan of these but the effect was pure matte, with an amazing depth of colour that lasted most of the day.

Skin: Skin is softly matte, slightly powdered, yet still fresh, projecting a lady-like elegance that balances the statement of bold lips and brows. Blush is pretty in pink or apricot.

Cooling temperatures see us switching on the heating and warming up in front of the fire with hot drinks – and our complexion can really suffer as a result. Superficial dehydration can result in dry areas and flaky patches that will not welcome slightly higher coverage foundations; so do review your skincare regime and include products that will maintain moisture levels in the

predicted sub-zero temperatures.

Eyes: Eyes are understated and feminine, more romantic than sensuous. Purples, taupes, bronzes and greys will be your shades of choice.

The new season eye-shadow formulations are finely milled and glide on like cream giving a velvetesque, luxuriously touchable quality that shrieks class.

than volume. Naturally styled strip lashes with clear, flexible bands can provide a helping hand to shorter, straighter lashes. The softer, subtle brows that have been around for a couple of seasons are replaced with precision arches and are a shade darker for glamorous, polished definition. Don’t forget to schedule in brow grooming appointments, as this is one of the easiest ways to update your look right now!

Pencil liners will compliment subtly blended shadows. Avoid liquid unless you’re channelling a true retro vibe to your look. Lashes are black, glossy, and more about length

Skin is softly matte, slightly powdered, yet still fresh, projecting a lady-like elegance that balances the statement of bold lips and brows.

Serenity Holistics SOOTHE YOUR MIND, BODY AND SOUL.... Fully qualified holistic therapist offering

Gentle Touch Reflexology Indian Head Massage Swedish Massage Hot Stone Reflexology Hopi Ear Candles Aromatherapy for the feet Pamper Parties / Chill Out Packages and Gift Vouchers available Autumn Indulgenc e

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Angela Linnett, GTR,MAR,MBRCP Tel: 0116 2101293 / 07778 581 389 email: angela@serenityleicester.co.uk www. serenityleicester.co.uk Evening, weekend and home visit appointments available

T H E

RETREAT B E A U T Y

S A L O N

54 London Rd, Oadby, Leicester

0116 271 7183 15

FASHION, BEAUTY & HEALTH

A guide to a brighter smile

Most of us have looked at our teeth in the mirror and thought “they could be whiter” and even those of us lucky enough to have a great set of teeth are invariably looking for an improvement.

he colour of our teeth is dependent upon dozens of different factors; there are the obvious tea, coffee and smoking and the less obvious, tooth grinding habits and even the medication you may be taking. The colour of our teeth is governed not only by the enamel of our teeth which forms the hard shiny outer covering, but also by the dentine or body of our teeth. This is much more yellow and can continue to discolour as we get older.

Thankfully there are many different ways of improving the colour of our teeth, from simply changing our toothpaste and brushing habits through to dentistled tooth whitening. Tooth whitening toothpastes can make a difference to staining but will rarely alter the colour of the teeth themselves. Be aware of some of the more abrasive toothpastes, as whilst these can be seen to be making a difference, they can seriously

damage the enamel of our teeth. Some shop bought whitening gels can make a difference but are inconsistent. Crest whitening strips are effective in the short term and can help just before a party to brighten things up, but remember you will have to use them for at least 3 – 4 days. So what can your dentist offer to make your pearly whites…well…white? A single visit to the dental hygienist is a good starting point and can remove all the staining on your teeth. For heavier stains such as tobacco, an air polishing unit is used which will get your teeth back to their original colour. For a better and guaranteed improvement, custom-made bleaching trays can be used. These reusable trays can be worn for just two hours a day at home and after just

three days - assuming you have followed your dentist’s advice - the results will be visible. Patients can continue with the treatment for longer until they’ve achieve their desired result. The new generation of gels are successful, have a longer shelf-life and are associated with less tooth sensitivity; consequently this method can provide a cost effective way of whitening your teeth. The final choice is ‘insurgery’ tooth whitening. Here the gel is applied by the dentist in a controlled environment and a weeks worth of tooth whitening can be achieved in just one hour. It is important to remember to choose a recognised and researched tooth whitening system. Also ask the advice of someone with a relevant dental qualification, as not all patients are suitable for every type of whitening treatment.

Portman Healthcare Dental Clinics

For your nearest practice visit www.portmanhealthcare.co.uk or call 0116 255 1882

A winning

smile... “

Sam Waley-Cohn, Cheltenham Gold Cup Winner 2011 says:

I think it’s really important to have a holistic view and take care of every aspect of your health. Take your teeth for instance, something a lot of us take or granted, but keeping up with your oral health is vital. You only get one proper set of teeth and if looked after could last you most of your life. A great smile says a lot and is very important in business and life in general.

”

Honest answers to dentistry For more information about our dentistry services scan here with your Smartphone.

Find us on Facebook

www.portmanhealthcare.co.uk Tel: 0116 2551882

Honest answers to dentistry

Together we can reach your GOALS Jamie Duggan Personal Trainer & Weightloss Coach

Tel: 07800 518930 E: jjdnutrition@gmail.com W: www.jdpt.co.uk W: nutrition4sport.co.uk

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PROPERTIES & INTERIORS

The root of the matter Now that we have hit October and with the prospect of the long winter months ahead this is the time to start thinking about what, if any, new trees you want to plant for next year.

e are often told by gardeners that trees of a certain size are too large to move and will not stand the upheaval. But help is at hand in the form of large trees that can be obtained from specialist nurseries.

Trees upwards of 50ft can be bought, which when you just take a minute to consider, really is quite something. Large trees can give you instant impact. We use them as screening, for shade, to attract wildlife or simply just to add

interest and height to the gardens we create. Autumn, Winter and early Spring are great times to plant large trees as this is the time when they are dormant. Being dormant, the move will cause the trees the least stress, resulting in greater survival rates, which is exactly what you want if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve just spent several hundred pounds on one specimen plant. If you head down to a nursery you will be probably be offered one of three choices - bare-root, root-balled or containergrown. Bare-root and root-balled trees are only available during the dormant season between October to March, whereas container-grown are available all year round.

Container-grown trees enable the tree to develop a good root system and give you the best chance of survival, but will be the most costly option.

Planting Tips: When you have chosen your tree and had it delivered, make sure you plant it at the correct depth, with some good quality compost mixed into the soil.

If the tree is in a particularly exposed position or is very top heavy with a large crown, then stake the tree against the direction of the prevailing winds.

Find out more about large tree planting by visiting www.bigtreeplanting.co.uk

Bare-root trees will be the cheapest, as you are not paying for the transportation of the soil around the roots. However, I would argue that the survival rate is lower than a root-balled or container-grown specimen.

Chris Gutteridge Second Nature Please feel free to email me at:

chris@secondnaturegardens.co.uk

Root-balled trees are dug up straight from the field and wrapped in hessian sacking, hence the name root-balled. These trees will give you good survival rates and maybe slightly cheaper than those which are containergrown.

Autumn, Winter and early Spring are great times to plant large trees as this is the time when they are dormant.

PROPERTIES & INTERIORS

step back in time Retro is back and, whilst the purists amongst us are trawling thrift stores, lofts and eBay for the originals, for those of you without the time and/or patience, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an abundance of brand new kitsch classics to be found in the shops and on the internet today.

ith retro interior design, you can create a space that brings back the days of the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;57 Chevy and soda fountains or the peace and love of the 1960s. The design and decor of this age is surprisingly well-suited to modern technology and living, so either add retro accents to a contemporary decor or go all the way, creating an authentic midcentury modern space. Below are some tips on how to get the look right. Mid-century modern furniture remains affordable, particularly wooden case pieces, including side tables, dressers, bed frames, and

Carley Rimmer Fusion Interior Projects Any topic you would like covered please contact me on

carley@fusioninteriorprojects.com

dining sets. Consider adapting vintage pieces to a modern use. For example, a low and wide dresser can become a modern media centre. It can be more difficult to find vintage upholstered pieces in good condition. You can, however, find great retro

style pieces made today. Look for simple upholstered pieces with exposed wood frames, which are ideal for side chairs. In the1950s moulded plastic chairs were very much in vogue and they were often used with high polished chrome. Getting

FOr for a 1960s retro look, go for orange, gold, rust and brown. You can go all the way with colour or simply opt to add retro colour touches to a more neutral contemporary environment.

one of these chairs to go into your 1950s themed room can be achieved easily by searching on the internet. Also keep in mind that Formica, vinyl and other moulded plastic materials were used in the 1950s, so if you use them in your room it will help with the overall retro style.

Colours in the midcentury home were intense, with new technology making brighter paint and upholstery colours more accessible. Aqua, pink, sea foam green and vivid chartreuse, are all common colours in the 1950s home. For a modern take, consider pairing cherry red with a butter yellow or aqua blue. Or for a 1960s retro look, go for orange, gold, rust and brown. You can go all the way with colour or simply opt to add retro colour touches to a more neutral contemporary environment. Choose a combination of vintage and modern retro inspired accessories for your mid-century style home design. In the kitchen, modern reproductions or retro styled pieces are ideal. It is easy to find blenders,

Get the look

toasters, mixers and other kitchen items with a great retro look, especially if you opt for a chrome finish for your kitchen accessories.

Finally vintage items such as lamps, planters, clocks, and mirrors work very well in the bedroom, living room or home office spaces. Ultimately let yourself go and have fun experimenting to get the look you want.

Like what you see? There are many ways to give your home a retro makeover. Here are some ideas to get you started

Metal Chicago Pendant Light, £84.99, www.tch.net Retro Metal and Wood Desk Light, £150, www.berryred.co.uk

Blue Spirals Cushion, £24, www.hunkydoryhome.co.uk

Milefiori Cushion, £49, www.beyondthefridge.co.uk

Francis Francis! X1 Espresso Machine In Orange, £399, www.espressocrazy.com

Hans J Wegner Style Lounge Chair, £399, www.interioraddict.com

Florence Knoll Style 3 Seater Sofa, £899, www.interior addict.com

Christmas Craft Fayre Saturday 12th November 2011 11.00 am - 4.00 pm At St John the Baptist Primary School Clarendon Park Road LE2 1TE Admission,

Adults ÂŁ1.00 Children 50p Home-Start Leicester is a registered charity offering support and friendship to fragile families.

WOODBURNER

WORKSHOP

The proceeds from this event will go directly to the charity. Over 30 stalls with local crafts people selling a variety of wonderful products to get your christmas shopping started. Beautiful gifts ranging from Hand-Felted goods, Jewellery, Gourmet Cupcakes, Fair Trade products, Cards and much more...

we sell... CLEARVIEW NORDPEIS FRANCO BELGE AARROW WESTFIRE

visit us and see them on display in our showroom at Leicester Road, Lutterworth

Childrens activities, a BBQ and refreshments, all day.

www.woodburnerworkshop.co.uk

8-10 West Walk Leicester LE1 7NA 0116 254 9937 Registered Charity number 1108837.

TEL 01455 552 552

Evans Fireplace Centre

home start.indd 1

28/09/2011 08:04

PleASe viSit our webSite to see our natural, hand carved stone fireplaces.

www.firecraft.co.uk l

Showing our range of Natural Stone Fireplaces, Wood Surrounds, Marble, Casts and Tiles. Gas, Electric & Solid Fuel Fires and Stoves. All Fireside Accessories. Survey & Fitting Service Available

Evans Fireplace Centre

1159 Melton Road, Syston, Leicester, LE7 2JS www.evansfireplaces.com

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL

0116 2600772

Opening Hours: Mon - Fri 9.00am - 5.30pm, Saturday 9.00am - 5.00pm, Sunday 11.00am - 2.00pm

Ambience

HARDWOOD FLOORING

Over 100 real wood floors on display in our showroom open to all Na De tion liv wi er de y

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Adhesives, oils, lacquers, cleaning products, skirting and door trims etc available from stock.

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PROPERTIES & INTERIORS

Humour in the bathroom

The bathroom has become a much more sociable space within the home; subsequently we are spending more and more time relaxing in this space.

roducts for the bathroom have therefore developed to encourage consumers to showcase their personality and individuality. In recent years, designers have relished the opportunity to have a bit of fun in a room which has historically been known as a purely functional and clinical environment. Humour and character are the traits being used in recent design trends, as seen here in Bisazza

Hayley Tarrington, Creative Director Plug in Design

Bagno’s, Jamie Hayon and Marcel Wanders collections and ranges by Artceram. The original Hayon collection ‘Organico’ recalls the glamour of the 30s, with a Scandinavian touch and female shapes. Elegance is the hallmark of this original collection. Hayon believes the bathroom is the most important room in the house and that it should not be hidden but rather shown off.

This collection transforms the bathroom into Please feel free to a room full of contact me at : charm and style, hayley@plug-indesign.com with a strong identity. The new ‘Diamante collection’ from Hayon is less feminine and much more geometric, incorporating black and white marble combined

The new Diamante collection’ from Hayon

The collection derives its original concept from one of Marcel’s fantasies, taking a bath immersed in soap: the apotheosis of clean! The idea to present different periods in a single collection comes from his belief that people have two opposing forces within them, one towards an

A light citation, ‘Cup’ is a freestanding washbasin, an iconic tribute to the coffee cup, the Italian icon for excellence.

with tubular copper or chrome. It’s much more dramatic than the original collection but is still extremely glamorous. Marcel Wanders is the latest designer enchanting the bathroom industry.

eternal dimension where things last over time, the other towards change. The Wanders collection is a contrast of styles and reflects precisely this duality.

Some of my favourite pieces from the recent Bathroom Design Fair in Bologna was the ‘Cow’ range from Artceram.

the ‘Cow’ range from Artceram. Such a subtle design, have you ever seen a sanitary ware range with 4 legs, a playful shape that instantly puts a smile on your face.

Such a subtle design, have you ever seen a sanitary ware range with 4 legs, a playful shape that instantly puts a smile on your face. Although available in Cow print, I think the black and white is a much more timeless option. A light citation, ‘Cup’ is a freestanding washbasin, an iconic tribute to the coffee cup, the Italian icon for excellence. The handle of the cup becomes a useful towel rail, a clear illusion to pop art, which

taps into its provocative subject from the universe of consumerism.

Finally, cloakrooms are such an important space, as these are usually the only bathroom used by guests. This is the space to make an impact and have a bit more fun with. Use more dramatic colours or shapes to create an experience, using free-standing basins and clever lighting. It’s easy to replicate a fun cloakroom for your guest, similar to what you might find in a funky bar or boutique hotel. Ultimately, Plug some fun into your next bathroom project!

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ENTERTAINMENT & New Media

Socially Acceptable?

Twitter goes commercial…

Twitter is a phenomenon. It is without doubt a prodigious success – over 100 million active users can’t be wrong.

t has become a ubiquitous part of modern life, has played a major part in the recent explosion of mass communication and is in many people’s minds partially responsible for facilitating both riot and revolution… and this in only 5 years since launch. …But Twitter has always had a problem – it’s free! Whilst being free is very

Mat Mabe is Creative Director of Bulb Studios, an awardwinning independent digital design agency based in Leicester’s Cultural Quarter.

sociable, makes one very popular, very quickly and is what the digital generation has come to expect, it doesn’t do a lot for the Tweetfather’s bank balance. Twitter are acutely aware of this, of course, but it’s complicated. Understandably, the company fear that the commercialisation of the service might alienate Tweeters and tarnish its image, meaning that any commercial model would need to not only be carefully crafted, but also timed perfectly and executed immaculately.

In Twitter’s judgment, with over half of its 100 million active users using the service every day, and with an advertising pilot working well, the perfect time to go commercial is now - the BBC web site quotes Dick Costolo, Twitter CEO, as saying “We now feel that based on the engagement rates we’re seeing... that

we’re ready to expand this further.” So how will it work?

Twitter has always been a permissionbased system with users only seeing the tweets of people and companies they ‘follow’. The service’s limited advertising pilot started in 2010, but was limited to followers of, and searches for particular brands. However that is all set to change with the rollout of the ‘promoted tweets’ model – Twitter’s great hope for its big revenue problem. A promoted tweet is in essence like any other Tweet, but it is purchased by an advertiser and now, for the first time ever, will appear in users’ feeds without that user following the advertiser – no opt-in and no ability to opt-out, just direct advertising in searches and timelines.

However, the most exciting part for advertisers is that promoted tweets

aren’t scattergun as in traditional media, but instead are targeted at users who are likely to find the content of interest, based on their Twitter activity – a truly sustainable and scalable model. So where next for Twitter’s great commercialisation experiment? Well, the BBC website quotes Mr. Costolo as believing this is all they will need to do; “It’s our firm belief that our advertising platform is the only revenue component that we need to have in the market, in order to be a huge independent business.” We shall see.

Read more about Promoted Tweets

ENTERTAINMENT & New Media

Double Take JAMES PHELPS INTERVIEW JOURNALIST: RICHARD ALDHOUS

Harry Potter star James Phelps on brotherly love and future acting ambitions

With so many ongoing philanthropic projects, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reassuring to know that Phelps has mapped out his future acting ambitions with the same conviction.

hen Harry Potter sprinkled magic over our cinema screens for the final time this summer, he did, at the same time, bring to a close a fantasy film legacy that spanned 11 years, eight films and hundreds of characters... but only two of them twins. And one half of that twin legacy, James Phelps - who plays Fred Weasley alongside real life brother Oliver admits saying goodbye to Hogwarts, sorcery and, erm, Julie Walters, will be a tough ask after playing such a longlasting role in the greatest film series of all time. A down-to-earth soul who mixes London and Los Angeles, with the hometown comforts of Sutton Coldfield, Phelps admits it may be tough to move on.

to get typecast as ‘the twin brothers from Harry Potter’, so we’re going our own way and doing our own thing to see where it takes us.

The last few months have been manic because of the worldwide promotional tour behind ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2’. But we’re getting to the point now where all of the work is done and we can sit back and enjoy the film.”

That said sitting back for long periods isn’t quite in the Phelps genetic makeup. Both contribute time and energy into the type of charitable causes that “I think when are a world away from the you’re involved in glamour of the Hollywood something as big as red carpet. Harry Potter, and for “I used to do a lot so long, it feels weird of walking when I was knowing that there’s younger and it has been great to get back into it nothing to follow,” We wanted to do he said. “My brother recently. a bit of training to get fit, and I have always so took part in the Three been playing catch-up Peaks Challenge for Great Ormond Street Hospital. given that the films There’s so much beautiful come out a long scenery that’s waiting to time after the book, be explored, and to know so we’ve always you’re raising money whilst known what’s next. filling your senses is a great feeling. But this time we I think as a celebrity you don’t, and it feels have to accept there is an strange.” opportunity to promote good causes or initiatives, so Not that Phelps isn’t for us it really started there prepared for life in the and it’s all about looking rather more conventional after our environment, or world, in which the rest of helping other people do us exist. that to the best of their “My brother and I are still only 25, and we’ve both abilities. So with that in mind, we also do quite a bit got some exciting projects of stuff with the Royal Navy coming up. We don’t want

Lifeboat Institute, which is great. We’ve been to Cowes week for the last few years and did the ‘Round the Island’ Challenge. Then, closer to home we’re involved in a campaign to halt the £32billion high speed rail link that connects London to Birmingham. I think it’s important to get behind these things.” With so many ongoing philanthropic projects, it’s reassuring to know that Phelps has mapped out his future acting ambitions with the same conviction. They include a planned stint in the West End and the potential of an all-action adventure film. But with a refreshing sense of realism, James accepts that it’s a tough industry to get into and a very easy one to slip out of, and now it’s his time to make an impact. “I’ve definitely got my foot in the door with some interesting projects, and having the Harry Potter films on your CV isn’t a bad place to start from! We’ve also got some great moral support from Julie Walters whenever we need it. What has been really cool about being a Weasley is that we get her as our mum! I remember being absolutely petrified when I first met her, but she’s amazing; a genuinely nice, caring person.”

And as for the final instalment of Potter...the best yet? “It’s brilliant! I think everyone is very proud of the way it came out, and from what we hear, the filmloving public have taken it into their hearts like they have its predecessors.”

ENTERTAINMENT & New Media

Halloween Wizardry – the Science of Harry Potter

What’s on in leicester OCTOBER 2011 Leicester Business Women - Motivate Yourself

www.spacecentre.co.uk

How do broomsticks fly? How does the Sorting Friday 14 October 2011 Hat…well…sort? If Braunstone Grove, Free these questions have been www.leicesterbusinesswomen.co.uk keeping you awake at Take a step outside of your nights come on down to the National Space Centre comfort zone and find out for an introduction to the what motivates you - then use this to the advantage of wonders that exist in our your business. Also find out own world, without having to take a trip to Hogwarts! about the techniques that women are using to work through the recession! The Silver pendants, brooches and pins aim of the day is to leave Saturday 15 October 2011 feeling more motivated! Richard Attenborough Centre, Lancaster Road Halloween £60 (concessions available) Wizardry – www.embracearts.co.uk

the Science of Harry Potter

Saturday 15 October 2011 Sunday 30 October 2011 National Space Centre £13 Adult / £11 Child (FREE with Annual Pass)

Learn about a range of silver jewellery-making methods and create your own wearable pieces. Includes techniques such as soldering, forming, sawing

and hammering silver. Suitable for both beginners and improvers.

Diwali Lights Switch On

Sunday 16 October 2011 Belgrave Road, Free www.leicester.gov.uk/diwali

Diwali celebrations in Leicester are the biggest outside of India, with up to 35,000 people attending the switch on of the lights on Belgrave Road. Enjoy the fireworks display and live cultural entertainment on stage as the festival of lights marks the start of the Hindu New Year.

Vintage Fashion & Music Festival Sunday 16 October 2011 Leicester Market, Free www.leicestermarket.co.uk

Leicester Market’s first live music stage in over 700 years combines with the arrival of the UK’s leading vintage fair! Great line-up of our top local bands, arts, crafts and music stalls, hot food, licensed bar.

In Love With The Dance

Wednesday 19 October 2011 The Y Theatre Tickets from £20 www.leicesterymca.co.uk

In Love With The Dance is an all new Irish dance sensation, featuring world class Irish Dancers, brilliant vocalists, and some of Ireland’s most gifted traditional musicians playing whistles, uillean pipes, accordion, banjo and guitars.

Leicester Philharmonic Choir

Saturday 29 October 2011 De Montfort Hall Tickets from £10 www.demontforthall.co.uk

The choir’s 2011-12 season, has a strong English theme, celebrating music from some of the best of the country’s composers. Top class London orchestra Marylebone Camerata returns to accompany the choir. Conducted by Hilary Davan Wetton.

Rainbows Hospice Fright Night

Leicester Philharmonic Choir

Animal Stories: Puppets, Storytelling & Animal Handling Wednesday 19 October New Walk Museum & Art Gallery Free entrance, craft activities £2.50 www.leicester.gov.uk

Join the Animal Stories curator for storytelling and puppets (11.00am, 1.00pm and 3.00pm) and an animal handling session with Brooksby Agricultural College (2.30pm – 3.30pm). Prebooking is essential for handling session.

Rainbows Hospice Fright Night Saturday 22 October 2011 - Sunday 23 October 2011 The Guildhall £45 per person www.rainbows.co.uk/ shop

The Guildhall is reputedly Leicester’s

Abbey Park Bonfire & Firework Display

most haunted building with five ghosts in total. Take part in a ghost investigation with Spooksby Ghost Group until the early hours throughout the ancient rooms and Victorian Prison cells of this 600 year old building. Also includes spooky supper and medium.

John Barrowman Sunday 23 October 2011 De Montfort Hall Tickets from £22.50 www.demontforthall.co.uk

Easily one of the most familiar faces on British television and the West End stage. Best known for playing Captain Jack Harkness in the BBC series Torchwood and Doctor Who, he has also been a judge on the award-winning BBC1 entertainment shows How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria?, Any Dream Will Do and I’d Do Anything. Featuring special guest Jodie Prenger

Moroccan Berber Market Monday 24 October 2011 Friday 28 October 2011 City Centre Free to attend www.leicester.gov.uk

All traders from Morocco dressed in national costumes selling national handicrafts. A real unique experience right here in Leicester.

Abbey Park Bonfire & Firework Display

Saturday 05 November 2011 Abbey Park www.leicester.gov.uk/ bonfirenight Be dazzled by Leicester’s biggest bonfire and firework display! Each year around 20,000 people attend the Abbey Park Bonfire and Firework display, making it the city’s official celebration. A fantastic family event, with a funfair, food stalls, live entertainment stage and special guests.

Leicester City v Leeds Utd (Remembrance Fixture)

Sunday 06 November 2011 King Power Stadium Adult tickets from £20 www.lcfc.com

Each year LCFC join together with the British Legion to honour the fallen. On top of this, they look to educate and entertain families attending the match on the efforts the British Legion achieve.

ENTERTAINMENT & New Media

book

Freedom

by Jonathan Franzen is published in paperback by Fourth Estate, £8.99.

hen Freedom was first published, its author recalled it just days afterwards, having spotted a spelling mistake and a passage suggestive of the wrong draft having been issued whilst reading from it on the BBC’s Review programme. And Barack Obama was seen clutching

music

Bon Iver

by Bon Iver was released on the 4Ad label.

on Iver is a folk band founded in 2007 by American indie folk singersongwriter Justin Vernon. The self-titled Bon Iver album released in June

a proof copy of the book during his summer vacation. Following such useful publicity anecdotes as these, there has been a surprising lack of promotion for the paperback; because it doesn’t need it? It has already enjoyed a mustread ‘great American novel’ status and perhaps rightly so: this is an epic story about romantic and family relationships, ambition and competition amongst ourselves and our peers and the many subjective perceptions of what it is to be free and how that moulds us. Set across three decades in modern America, it is also an observation of how shifting political climates shape and influence us more than we realise. Freedom is a thoroughly absorbing read. Available from The Bookshop, Kibworth | 0116 2791121 | info@thebookshopkibworth.com.

2011, follows their critically acclaimed debut ‘For Emma, Forever Ago’. This new album which can best be described as an ambitious musical departure from their first album, was recorded in a remodelled veterinarian clinic in Wisconsin and is composed of 10 songs, each representing a place - ‘Lisbon, OH’, ‘Calgary’, ‘Perth’. Overall top marks for this one also. A really gentle folk album, reminiscent of those great seventies folk classics. The album sounds authentic and fresh and not at all retro. Available from Rockaboom 4 St Martins Square | 0116 253 8293 |

Magically transported to the hedonistic Paris of the 1920’s

Film Review Midnight in Paris

Showing at Phoenix Square between 7th and 20th October 2011.

idnight in Paris is Woody Allen’s boxoffice breaking triumphant return to his “old funny ones”. Owen Wilson takes the ‘Allen’ role of Gil, a scriptwriting hack from LA who dreams of penning the next great literary novel, on holiday in Paris with his fiancée Inez a superficial, bottleblonde obsessed with material possessions. As Gill becomes enamoured with The City of Lights he becomes increasingly disillusioned with his life, his future wife and her uptight right-wing parents. Taking a midnight stroll through the boulevards of Paris to clear his head he is magically transported to

the hedonistic Paris of the 1920’s, meeting his idols from F. Scott Fitzgerald to Hemmingway. Should he have met his heroes? Should he be falling for Picasso’s mistress? Essentially a parable of modern man confronting his illusions and presumptions of ‘grassis-always-greener’, this is wonderful charming stuff. Proof that poignant, intelligent filmmaking can still be a hit. Phoenix Square | Box Office: 0116 242 2800 | www.phoenix.org.uk

Essentially a parable of modern man confronting his illusions and presumptions of ‘grass-is-alwaysgreener’, this is wonderful charming stuff.

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PEOPLE & PLACES

FIVE DOROTHYS GO ‘OVER THE RAINBOWS’ FOR LOCAL CHARITY Hinckley’s very own superstar ‘Dorothy’ Lauren Samuels and friends performed a special charity concert for the east midland’s children’s hospice Rainbows last week.

he concert featured five Dorothys – all co-stars of Ms Samuels on the BBC TV show ‘Over The Rainbow’. The Dorothys, plus a supporting cast of male West End stars, made their very own ‘Rainbow’ sporting the colour-coded outfits they wore for the TV show. The concert, which also featured the Rainbows Choir, consisted of classic show tunes such as The Sound of Music, Summer Nights from Grease and of course, Over The Rainbow from The Wizard of Oz.

Robinson, Bronte Barbe, Emilie Fleming and Chloe Hart, all fresh from various successes in the West End and on television. Lauren Samuels has just starred as Sandy in the West End production of Grease and is already lined up to play Scaramouche in the Queen musical ‘We Will Rock You’. Scott Lea, marketing manager for Rainbows, said:

“We are so grateful to Lauren and her friends for taking time The sold out out of their performances at the busy schedules Concordia Theatre, to raise money Hinckley, attracted for local more than 400 people children. to each show and The evening raised a total of was a great over £10,000 for success and the the Loughboroughmoney raised will help fund based charity. our groundLauren Samuels is an breaking Honorary Ambassador work in music for Rainbows and she therapy, an persuaded her fellow important part Dorothys to join her in the of our work at charity concert. Rainbows.” The singers included Stephanie Fearon, Jessica

Lauren Samuels and a young fan at the recent Rainbows Charity Concert

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PEOPLE & PLACES

Cool Runnings

Although invented by the British at St Moritz in 1870, the Bobsleigh is perhaps not everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s idea of a quintessential British sport.

Photography by mackney

The Urban Fox wish Dave and his Team GB colleagues the best of British in the lead up to the Olympics.

his month The Urban Fox caught up with Derbyshire based Dave Smith, ‘brakeman’ for Team GB’s Bobsleigh to understand more about the sport and to find out how’s he preparing for the 2014 Winter Olympics in Russia.

Are you a full-time athlete? I’m not currently a full-time athlete, but am trying to become one. I’m a qualified Strength & Conditioning Coach, but as I leave the country for 4 months a year to compete, this makes me somewhat unemployable!

Why Bobsleigh and how long have you been a member of Team GB? Bobsleigh is an unusual choice of sport, but surprisingly there was a large crossover of physical ability from my previous sports of Athletics and Powerlifting. I first got into Bobsleigh because of injury, and I’ve stuck with it ever since. I’ve been involved with Team GB for 2 years now, and I’m just about to go into my third season.

What is a ‘brakeman’? A ‘brakeman’ is the guy on the back of the sled. We accelerate the sled at the start to give the driver the best speed going into the first corner. Basically we work hard for 5 seconds,

then sit down for a minute, and then pull the break at the end to stop the sled once you’ve crossed the finish line.

What is your typical training regime? I train 6 days a week, twice a day. This is made up of a lot of weight-lifting, sprinting, hill running, tyre dragging, over-speed work and plyometrics. The team are based at Bath University, and I travel down there to train at the push-start facility, which enables Bobsleigh athletes, to hone their starts away from the ice during the off-season.

What success have you had to date? Last season was my most successful, with 4 podium finishes. Two in Italy in both the 2 and 4-man races and two 4-man top 3s in Switzerland.

we have to survive on corporate sponsorship to cover hotel, travel, food, and equipment costs, as well as paying my bills back in the UK that need to be covered for me to be able to compete.

Have you incurred How could our any injuries and if so readers and local what was the worst? businesses help? Yeah I’ve had injuries, from training in this country to crashing at 85mph into an ice wall. The worst one, I got whip-lash, an ice burn on my shoulder from the friction that occurs when you’re sandwiched between the sled and the ice (upside down), I had to have my back re-aligned and I had a permanent headache for 2 weeks!

Ice burn on my shoulder from the friction that occurs when you’re sandwiched between the sled and the ice (upside down) I would image Bobsleigh is an expensive sport, are you expected to cover your own costs? Yes the sport is expensive, but it’s even harder currently because the men’s programme doesn’t receive any UK Sport funding. Consequently we have to survive on corporate sponsorship to cover hotel, travel, food, and equipment costs, as well as paying my bills back in the UK that need to be covered for me to be able to compete.

It would be great if any local businesses would be interested in sponsoring me. In return I can offer an alternative marketing opportunity including local, national, and international advertisement through TV coverage, along with a growing on-line and social media presence. If any businesses or your readers would like more information, they can visit my website at www.davesmithbobsleigh. co.uk or email me at dave. fj.smith@bobteamgb.org

Finally other than hopefully winning a medal, what are you looking forward to most about the 2014 Winter Olympics? The whole experience really but ultimately representing my country at an Olympic games would be a huge achievement and is one of my biggest motivations. The Urban Fox wish Dave and his Team GB colleagues the best of British in the lead up to the Olympics. You can follow Dave’s countdown to Sochi 2014 via Facebook, Twitter and on You Tube.

PEOPLE & PLACES

PRAGUE

What to see & do

Prague or ‘Praha’ is the capital of the Czech Republic. More than 20 years after the Velvet Revolution and the downfall of the communist government, the city’s culture, cafés and fairytale architecture make Prague an ideal winter getaway.

n this month’s Urban Fox, we give you a preview of just some of the things to see and do during a short break to one of Europe’s most charming cities.

Old Town Square

Prague’s oldest square from the 11th century, is overlooked by a unique gothic tower and astronomical clock. The clock has been pulling in the crowds since 1490. Every hour on the hour, from 8am to 8pm, wooden saints emerge from trap doors, while below them a lesson in medieval morality is enacted by Greed, Vanity, Death and the Turk. However look carefully and try to work out the complicated zodiac figures on the clock’s face. Reputedly there are some occult mysteries encoded in them.

Jewish Quarter

The Old Synagogue is the most remarkable monument of the Prague Jewish ghetto. It is an early Gothic structure from around 1280 and the oldest synagogue in Europe that is still in use as a house of worship. Whilst in the area, wander amongst ancient sandstone and marble tombstones in Prague’s eerie tree-shaded Old Jewish Cemetery. The tiny plot of land conceals approximately 100,000 bodies and is a bleak reminder of the period in which the Jews prohibited from enlarging their burial ground, were forced to bury their dead on top of one another up to 12 layers deep!

Charles Bridge

The bridge with its baroque statues is on the top of

every tourist’s ‘must-see’ list. Its construction was commissioned by Czech King and Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV in 1357 and it connects the ‘Old’ to the ‘Lesser’ Town. Although now a pedestrian zone, it’s constantly filled with people and therefore the best times to visit are early in the morning or at sunset when one can enjoy a breathtaking view of the fully lit Prague Castle against the evening sky.

also plays host to Kampa Park, one of Prague’s finest dining establishments, a favourite with both local and international celebrities.

Shopping

Wenceslas Square and the pedestrian street Na Prikope offer a good blend of International department stores and local shops. The Old Town Square has a permanent market on one side, selling arts and crafts, and souvenirs. There are also crystal shops and small Kampa Island boutiques in the streets Situated close to the Charles leading up to the square. Bridge, Kampa Island is one Parizska is Prague’s most of the most stunning places fashionable (and expensive) in Prague, with picturesque street, where the boutique houses and beautiful shops of luxury brands parkland. It provides a including Cartier and Prada, tranquil escape from the city rub shoulders with an array tourist trail and is perfect for of fine restaurants and cafés. a romantic evening walk by the river Vltava. The Island

Where to stay: Historic v Contemporary price guide £££ - £300+ per night ££ - £150 - £299 per night £ - £149 or less per night

Historic

Contemporary

The Augustine

Kempinski Hybernská

Location

Located in central Prague, close to the majestic Prague Castle, Wallenstein Gardens and Charles Bridge.

Situated close to the Old Town, within a short walking distance to the city’s main tourist attractions.

Style

TConstructed from seven buildings, many of which have historical significance, including a 13th century Monastery.

Chic, modern and sophisticated, housing a dynamic collection of modern art.

101 rooms arranged around a series of ancient courtyards. All rooms feature luxurious monastic interiors, blended with decorative accessories inspired by early 20th century Czech cubism.

No two rooms are the same and many come with their own living space and kitchenette. Amenities include flat screen TVs, iPod connections, free Wi-Fi and individually controlled A/C.

Wining & Dining

Housed in a glass-covered courtyard, the Monastery Restaurant exudes a modern European Brasserie ambience. Voted in Top 10 restaurants in Prague in 2011.

Le Grill offers a superb fine dining experience with fresh ingredients, stunning presentation and superior service.

Highlight

An exclusive tour of the Church’s magnificent private library which is only available to hotel guests.

In-room beauty treatments, perfect for unwinding after a busy day sightseeing.

Rooms

Price Contact

££

www.theaugustine.com

www.kempinski-prague.com

PEOPLE & PLACES

Of the event Steve Lenaghan, Sales & Marketing Director said “The LBE was a great way to meet new, interesting and like-minded people. We received fantastic feedback on the magazine too. All in all, a thoroughly enjoyable day”.

Leicester Business Event 2011 The Urban Fox Team celebrated a successful first year, by showcasing their lifestyle magazine and ancillary design and print services at the recent Leicester Business Event.

Held on 29th September at the Kingpower Stadium in Leicester, over 80 companies exhibited at the event. Exhibitors included a number of The Urban Fox’s previous and existing clients including Stapleford Park Country House Hotel, Sturgess Motor Group, Lawson West Solicitors, UFW and The Utility Warehouse.

Attendees were able to obtain valuable business advice, make new contacts and gain an insight into how to grow their business, increase sales and reduce stress in the workplace through a series of seminars and workshops. There was also an opportunity for them to win one of The Urban Fox’s three luxury lifestyle hampers supplied by local businesses Lucy’s Food Shop and Linden Aromatics of Stoneygate and Salvador Deli on Queens Road. The lucky winners were Laura Partridge (Tigers), Gerri Moore (Hunters Estate Agents) and Adrian Hall (Farmer & Carlisle).

Location:

Why not call our Agency on:

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The Society is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority and is entered in the FSA’s Register under number 157258.

An Agency for:

www.the An Agencyloughborough.co.uk for: www.the loughborough.co.uk 41

BUSINESS & FINANCE

Think of a Number…

There comes a point in your life when your health and physical condition means you can no longer do all the things you want to do.

t is a fact that you can have more fun at 55 than 85. Consequently the earlier you are financially independent, the better. Interestingly I have yet to meet anyone who wants to work full-time when they could be doing something else, whether it’s spending more time with their family, in the garden, playing golf or travelling the world. So why do they continue to work long hours, often up to retirement age and sometimes beyond?

It’s simple! We all have a Number and it’s the most important number you need to know. It’s the amount of money you need to keep living the life you’ve got – or more crucially start living the life you want. It’s the amount you need to ensure that you can do all the things you want to do without fear of running out of money. Quite simply, it’s the answer to the question

“How Much Is Enough?”

The answer to these and other questions should help you to make an initial assessment of your personal Number. Without going through this process how can you set a date, make a plan, or decide how to best maximise your finances for the future? For some, this process is harder than for others and you may need to seek professional help or advice. Before selecting a financial advisor do your research; know their designations and

One question I’m To help you identify your often asked is “How Number ask yourself much money do I a series of questions need to enjoy my including: future lifestyle, n What is my life expectancy? without having n What does my financial future to worry about cutting back now?” really look like? Matthew Walne Director Santorini Financial Planning Ltd

www.santorini-fp.co.uk

n How much longer do I have to pay on my mortgage? n When will the children no longer financially rely upon me? n Is my income likely to increase? n When would I ideally like to retire? n What is my pension forecast? n Do I or will I have any capital available off which I could live? n Will I have to make drastic changes to my current lifestyle? n Am I likely to run out of money? n Is there a risk I will have too much money?

certifications; understand what you want to achieve, seek recommendations and most importantly meet with them.

At Santorini for example, we offer a no obligation meeting at our expense for all new clients. Finally remember that once you know your Number you can live life to the full and with confidence, free of worry and stress.

Without going through this process how can you set a date, make a plan, or decide how to best maximise your finances for the future?

0116 5733 07834235 986771

info@santorini-fp.co.uk

FAX

0116 227 1372

WEB

www.santorini-fp.co.uk

Santorini Financial Planning Ltd is an appointed representative of Financial Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority

BUSINESS & FINANCE

Four steps to an easier divorce

here are many times during the year that we all find stressful – preparing for a summer holiday, moving house, getting ready for Christmas – and when you have a series of priorities to juggle, the pressure can really mount on a relationship that is already at breaking point.

Sadly this is why the New Year traditionally sees a peak in the number of people filing for In the meantime, below divorce.

are four simple steps you With winter already should bear in mind if you knocking at the door, the want to get over the hurdle festive season is not too far of divorce as painlessly as away, so if your relationship possible. is in difficulty it could really pay to take specialist advice Step 1: Avoid as soon as you possibly can. unnecessary

James Haworth Family Partner Lawson West Solicitors Limited

mail@lawson-west.co.uk

conflict

If you want a quick divorce, you will have to issue your divorce petition stating either your spouse’s adultery or unreasonable behaviour as the reason for the marriage’s irretrievable breakdown. You will be able to issue your petition straight away, although the divorce process will then take four to five months. Although divorce proceedings are private, your spouse will see the petition that you issue, so to avoid unnecessary conflict, it’s best to keep your petition as brief and to the point as possible.

The alternative option is to live apart for two years and then file for divorce.

Step 2: Control your costs There is one thing that is well worth remembering – arguing costs money! If you and your partner fail to agree independently, then your solicitor’s bills will increase in proportion to the amount of time it takes to sort things out. Recent research shows that some couples now squabble about who gets to keep the air miles or loyalty points! Whilst this may bring a wry smile to your face, remember you are eroding your settlement with each new argument.

Step 3: Think about the children The Court will always put the best interests of your children first when making

decisions. Whilst it may seem obvious, make sure you do too. Avoid using them as weapons in a battle with your soon to be ‘ex’, as this can cause untold damage to future relationships as well as to the children themselves.

Step 4: Get help Whilst this can be professional support by way of Relate or private counselling services, family and friends can also provide invaluable help, during a difficult time. Make sure you take advantage of the help on offer, both for yourself as well as your children if you have them.

DIVORCE OR SEPARATION? Get free initial advice and expert help from Leicester’s specialist solicitors. Call James Haworth at Lawson-West to ﬁnd out exactly where you stand, and what you should do next.

Tel: 0116 212 1080 44 Long Street, Wigston

www.lawson-west.co.uk

Private Counselling in Stoneygate Counsellor: Counsellor:Marina MarinaBroadley, Broadley,MBACP MBACP Location: Holmfield Road. Location: Holmfield Road. Practice Practicehours hoursfrom from8.30am 8.30am– –8.00pm 8.00pm No NoGP GPreferral referralnecessary. necessary.

Professional and welcoming setting. Professional and welcoming setting.

0116 2395245 0116 2395245 Visit my website:

www.leicesterprivatecounselling.co.uk www.leicesterprivatecounselling.co.uk

PROFESSIONAL, FRIENDLY AND HELPFUL LEGAL SERVICE

Your Legal Solution for work and home: We can help your business with: Commercial Agreements & Contracts Commercial Disputes Debt Recovery Restrictive Covenants in Employment Contracts Director and Partnership Disputes

We can help you with: House Sales and Purchases Re-Mortgages Transfers of Equity Grants of Probate & Wills Consumer Issues & Disputes

0116 204 7260

Hollingsworths Solicitors 19 New Walk, Leicester LE1 6TE Email: mail@hlegal.co.uk

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