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SKIERS ‘ILL PREPARED’ Spending a week in the local hospital is probably not your idea of a dream visit to the Alps. But since so many skiers and snowboarders don’t do any physical prep before they go away, that’s exactly where they end up – with broken bones and massive medical bills, according to the Association of British Travel Agents. Research shows a third of inexperienced skiers aren’t in good enough physical shape to hit the slopes and of those injured, six out of 10 do themselves serious damage, such as a broken leg. The ABTA recommends novices heading for the snow should hit the gym to toughen up those muscles before you go. See P36 for more on ski fitness.
Photo: Thinkstock
GALLERY AT GATWICK Pop artist Sir Peter Blake, who is best known for designing the cover of The Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, has created a walk-through gallery at Gatwick airport. Passengers will now be welcomed by Londoninspired artwork in both the North and South terminals. Blake said: “This project instantly captured my imagination – a chance to showcase London to an international public and to remind Brits how great it is to be back on British soil.” ‘Teaser’ vinyls run along the corridors right through to the baggage halls, where the full on-canvas collection is displayed.
ODE TO THE OUTLAW A Robin Hood theme park is being planned for Sherwood Forest, legendary home of the most famous bloke ever to pull on a pair of green tights. The 40-acre site in Nottinghamshire will be dubbed Discover Robin Hood and have numerous attractions based on the legend of the outlaw, including a medieval castle, dungeons and a tournament field for jousting. When the £13m park opens – it’s anticipated for spring 2015 – visitors will be able to dress up in armour, navigate a maze filled with talking trees and take part in activities including archery and cooking with wild food.
‘HERDS’ HIT CHAPEL The Sistine Chapel might have to limit the number of visitors it receives each year, after complaints that the religious atmosphere is being destroyed and the artwork damaged by crowds of sightseers. Up to 20,000 tourists a day visit the chapel during peak season to see Michelangelo’s famous ceiling frescoes, but prominent Italian literary critic Pietro Citati has complained that the tourists “resemble drunken herds” and damage the frescoes with their breath, perspiration, dusty shoes and body heat. The Sistine Chapel celebrates its 500th anniversary this year.
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