Comfort Club Spring 2009

comfor t clu b SPRING 2009

Get your feet fit for Spring

Share the secret of Hotter Comfort Concept

new season, new look hotter See our

exclusive reader offers inside...

and lots, lots more...

welcome Ma ur een Til sle y with he Ma rm ala de r Wh im Wha m Ice Cr ea m

Maureen,

Queen of Puddings!

Who would have thought a damaged ankle, daytime television and comfy Hotter shoes would prove to be a winning formula for a successful TV appearance!

Avid Hotter fan Maureen Tilsley from Heath Hayes proved just that, when she entered ITV’s Britain’s Best Dish 2008 after watching the 2007 series while resting a leg and ankle injury.

Successfully winning her way to the national finals, Maureen narrowly missed out on the grand final with her signature dish – Kumquat Marmalade Steamed Sponge Pudding with Marmalade Whim Wham Ice Cream.

“I loved every minute of the experience”, said Maureen.

“Would I do it again? You bet!

I’m already working on new recipes for the 2009 series”

Welcome to Hotter’s new look – it’s a great way to kick off our Golden Jubilee year and I can’t wait to hear what you think about it. We think it looks terrific in store, on our catalogues and you’ll find it across products and shoes boxes before you know it. We’ve also added some new ‘icons’ including our ‘Made in our UK factory’ flag and our ‘100% Happy’ heart – which made me think that it would be a great idea to find out what makes you happy about Hotter.

We’d love to share the top 50 Happy Hotter experiences later this year to help celebrate our birthday in November, so write or email me your stories and photos and we’ll organise a prize for the best.

Talking of what makes you happy we’ve analysed the questionnaires you kindly returned to us and we’ve discovered that your three top priorities for buying shoes are style at 52%, fit at 63% and comfort at an unbelievable 92% - which should have been no surprise to us coming from our top comfort enthusiasts! At least 70% of you have purchased a pair of shoes in the past that hurt when you bought them but you thought you could wear them in (shame - they were obviously not from your favourite brand!).

Your favourite thing to do in your Hotters is to walk and most of you would like to take a walk with Alan Titchmarsh, who is also the celebrity who most of you would describe to be like a Hotter shoe – stylish, comfy, reliable, honest and made in the UK – we’ll make sure we let him know!

Melanie Killilea.

Editor - Hotter Comfort Club

Take This win X Factor crown (again)

Not content with becoming a finalist on Britain’s Best Dish, Maureen is aiming higher for 2009.“Maybe I will even consider entering the X Factor” said Maureen.“Watch this space!”

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ALL SHOES FEATURED ARE AVAILABLE AT WWW.HOTTER.COM

Hotter’s third X Factor contest was won with a thrilling performance by Take This (pictured left). Hot on their heels were Girls Not Aloud from Hotter’s call centre – why not ask for a special rendition next time you call through your order!

new additions burst with contemporary casual styling Detail is the key this season, and there are heaps of special touches crammed into Hotter’s newest quintet of contemporary casual styles.

“Of course they wouldn’t be Hotter if they weren’t ‘oh so comfortable’ and they are literally crammed with comfort details including breathable leather linings and foam lined uppers. I think they are simply perfect for a city break, a holiday trip or a jaunt to the shops.”

£59

Babe - Chilli Red

£55

Boho - Mauve

£59

Nirvana - White

£59

Starshine - Duck Egg Blue

Morocco - Red

“Paradise, Starshine, Boho, Nirvana and Babe are perhaps some of the youngest looking shoes we have ever created,” commented Ladies Designer Carolyn Irvine. “They were inspired by feedback from customers who have been looking for more contemporary styling, as well as current high street trends which are heavily influenced by natural shapes and handcrafted finishes. The added details like zigzag stitching and wooden buttons look great in neutral colours including Khaki, White, Mauve, Duck Egg Blue, but we couldn’t resist adding a zingy Chilli Red to spice things up!

Style Tip Carolyn recommends versatile new handbag Morocco with its natural grained leather, which will accessorise perfectly with any of these comfy casuals.

Cordwainers welcome Hotter to York - and Charlotte steps out to host health walks York has embraced its newest shoe shop with open arms – and happy feet!

Guild Clerk of the Master and rs in our York store ine wa rd of Co

Charlotte an d walkers in Yo the rk

The store, at 3 Feasegate, was officially welcomed to the city by the Master and Clerk of the Guild of Cordwainers, whose shoe making history dates back to medieval times. “We were delighted to welcome such a well known and respected shoe company to the city,” said Clerk David Hobman. “In ancient times it was part of our duty to maintain standards of leather and workmanship within the city walls; we inspected both of these at the Hotter store and were pleased to present our scroll.”

Meanwhile York’s Assistant Manager Charlotte Smith is leading the council’s Health Walks around the city. Join her for a free walk every second Tuesday, or any of the other volunteers - who are all kitted out in comfy Hotter footwear - each day of the week for a variety of gentle and challenging walks. (Contact the York store on 01904 656554).

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Comfort club exclusive

SAVE UP TO

£

a ticket on best available seats

ion of The stage vers hieves the ac Calendar Girls feat of ng si ea pl rare and e film both in outstripping th d humour. an t ar he terms of t enjoyable One of the mos eatre has th 08 20 evenings produced

“

”

rd Evening Standa

“

A marvellous, uplifting night at the th eatre

”

Daily Mail

F

ollowing the success of the fastest-selling tour in history and with a glowing set of reviews, Calendar Girls now sets out to conquer London’s glittering West End. A group of extraordinary women, members of a very ordinary Yorkshire WI, spark a global phenomenon by persuading one another to pose for a charity calendar with a difference! As interest snowballs, the Calendar Girls find themselves revealing more than they'd ever planned....

A very British story, with a very British heart, Calendar Girls is based on an uplifting and very inspiring true story that is quirky, poignant and hilarious.

Starring Lynda Bellingham,

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Patricia Hodge, Siân Phillips, Gaynor Faye, Brigit Forsyth, Julia Hills and Elaine C. Smith.

Calendar Girls plays at the Noël Coward Theatre, St Martine’s Lane, London WC2 from the 4th April www.seecalendargirls.com Save up to £10 a ticket on best available seats. £44.00 & £38.50 seats reduced to £34.00.

To book call 0844 482 5140 and quote ‘Hotter Shoes’.

Terms and conditions Ticket offer is valid on best available seats, valid Monday – Thursday evening performances until the 27 June 2009. All tickets are subject to availability and cannot be used in conjunction with any other ticket offer.

Booking fee does apply.

Please note the £1.50 per ticket booking fee will be donated to Leukaemia Research.

ALL SHOES FEATURED ARE AVAILABLE AT WWW.HOTTER.COM

feel-good A show whose ctor is sky high

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fa

The Guardian

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A real girls night out

H

aving known the original Calendar Girls for several years – I was in charge of buying grapes and candlesticks to strategically cover certain body parts when they agreed to pose wearing nothing apart from Hotter shoes – I was delighted to be invited to see the theatre show during its regional tour last year.

I had read the girls’ story, seen the film and over the course of the passing years had asked innumerable

/White

This is the theatre equivalent of a chic flick! Take some tissues and plan a glass of wine or two for afterwards to guarantee a perfect girls night out!

Enfold - Navy

questions about their experiences – so I wasn’t quite sure if the show would live up to my expectations. I’m delighted to say that I wasn’t disappointed.

The writer has cleverly pitched pathos with comedy to create a roller coaster of emotions for the audience, but one which leaves you feeling uplifted and positive.

The fabulous line-up of well known actresses obviously relish parts with such character and they create a wonderful world of family heartbreaks, fallings out and friendships. The reason for the fundraising is never far from the mind and with the clever use of sunflowers throughout there’s a constant reminder of why Angela, Trisha and friends were inspired to create an iconic masterpiece which has helped them raise well over a million pounds in aid of Leukaemia Research.

Why we’re smart to listen to you Of the million customers who already love the comfort of Hotter shoes the biggest single request that comes through has to be for smarter shoes for formal occasions – like a trip to the theatre!

Entreat - Red

“We really do listen to what our customers say to us so just before Christmas we introduced our first classic courts with comfy, flexible soles - and we’ve been overwhelmed by the reaction,” commented Ladies Shoe Designer Sue Nelson. “So once again we listened and now Enchant, Engage and Enshrine are all being offered in extra fit in our most popular colourways.

Our Spring/Summer 09 range also sees the introduction of sling backs Enfold and Entreat, whilst the mock croc detailing on Embrace will make it a surefire winner whatever the occasion.”

Style Tip Sue’s tip – “The nautical look is strong again this season, which makes Navy and White Enfold a tip-top choice – or why not make a statement with our beautiful red Entreat.”

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Head Chef - Stephan Kolsch

donald Russell

- Real food, real flavour every day

T

urn on your TV at any time of the day and your senses will be assailed by the sights and sounds of celebrity chefs cooking their latest signature dish – if only the kitchen smells could grace our rooms from the latest 50 inch plasma!

But how often have you tried to cook up a storm, following Nigella’s or Gordon’s careful instructions, and failed to find the perfect ingredients for your culinary masterpiece.

Well help is at hand thanks to master butchers Donald Russell. Now the meat that graces the kitchens of Albert Roux and Marco Pierre White, that has been served in Raffles in Singapore and the Grand Hotel in Monte Carlo, can be delivered direct to your door.

This Royal Warrant holding mail order service was set up

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in 1974 and, despite popular assumption, there is no Mr Donald Russell – the business was established by Scottish farmer William Donald and Master Butcher John Stone, whose family traded under the name Russell Meats. The pair discovered a demand from restaurateurs for the finest Scottish meats and over three decades have built their reputation amongst the most demanding chefs in the world.

It was when these same distinguished chefs began to enquire about having Donald Russell meats delivered to their homes, as well as their restaurants, that the home delivery service was born.

Now people all over the UK and beyond, can enjoy the melt-in-the-mouth tenderness and extraordinary taste of Michelin-star-quality meats in their own home.

ALL SHOES FEATURED ARE AVAILABLE AT WWW.HOTTER.COM

Royal Warrant holders

Vacuum Packed product

“All Donald Russell’s beef, lamb and pork is sourced from UK farms where traditional values of natural rearing are upheld,” commented Head Butcher Mark Farquhar, who leads a team of traditional experts with over 140 years experience. “The beef and

lamb is all grass-fed and is left to mature to ensure maximum flavour and tenderness.

“What’s more, everything is produced following timehonoured processes, just as it would be in a traditional butcher’s shop – for example whatever the cut we always trim away all the excess fat, leaving just enough for flavour, so our customers get much more prime meat for their money.”

There are around 200 employees based at the company’s Inverurie headquarters in the rolling

and Fabulous meat od value go extraordinarily

“ “

Nigella Lawson

The best I’ve ta st

ed

Tom Parker Bo wl

es

”

”

Aberdeenshire countryside.

“In an era when good service is becoming increasingly hard to find we are proud to be different,” commented Head Chef, Stefan Kölsch “We employ and train a team of professionals to provide before and after sales support. What’s more everyone who works here has been to my in-house cookery school so they have first hand knowledge of how to cook and serve the meat.”

Donald Russell has pioneered an innovative packaging system to ensure that its products arrive in tip-top condition. Presentation boxes, bubble wrap, reusable cool boxes and dry ice all guarantee that products are perfect – and like Hotter shoes, everything is backed by a guarantee to make sure you are 100% happy! .

Introductory offer

40% off

exclusive to comfort club readers

No beef is more delicious or tender than Donald Russell’s – and that’s guaranteed.

Now there’s a chance for you to try it for yourself with this 40% off introductory offer.

6 (210g) Sirloin Steaks individually packed - usual price £57.50 (including delivery); price for Comfort Club readers £34.00 including delivery - you save £23.50 – 40%.

To take advantage of this special promotion simply log onto www.donaldrussell.com/ hs892

or call 01467 629666 and quote code HS892.

Sirloin Steaks with Green Beans and Parsley Butter Bring a pan of salted water to the boil and blanch the beans until they are slightly softened (5-6 mins). Remove and refresh in a bowl of iced water. Drain and divide into four bundles then wrap each bundle in a rasher of bacon.

Allow the meat to come to room temperature and pat dry with kitchen paper. Heat a large frying pan over a high heat. Brush the steaks with olive oil and cook to your liking. Remove from the pan and season to taste. Place on a rack, cover with foil and leave to rest in a warm place for the recommended time.

Return the pan to the hob over a mediu m heat and add half the butter. Sear the bundles of beans for 2-3 minutes, turning regularly. Season to taste with pepper and arrange with the steaks on preheated plates. Add the parsley to the pan with the remaining butter, heat through and drizzle over the steaks. Serve with chunky, home-made chips.

Recommended Steak Cooking Ti me Guide The times given here are a guide only and refer to a steak that is approximately 2 cm or 1" thick.

Thicker steaks may require a longer cooking time and vice versa for thinner steaks.

Rare Medium Well done

Cooking time (per side)

Resting Time

Total Cooking Time

1-2 minutes

6-8 minutes

10 minutes

3 minutes

4 minutes

10 minutes

4 1⁄2 minutes

1 minutes

10 minutes

Sh oppi n g Lis t

Se rves 2 Sa lt 150g Fren ch G re 4 ra sh ers St en Bea n s rea k y Ba co n 2 Sirloin St ea ks 2 tb sp Olive Oil Peppe r Butte r 10g Fre sh Pa rs le y (ch oppe d) 7

quenching your

O

thirst!

By Graham Gendall Norton

verwhelmingly now, we buy our wine as part of the weekly supermarket trip, but there’s still quite a lot of wine sold by the specialist wine merchants. Whilst some are family firms in our old towns we also have significant chains country-wide.

I’m impressed by the new look which unites Threshers, The Local, Wine Rack and, in Scotland, Haddows, under the ‘First Quench Retailing Group’ umbrella. The Wine Rack nearest to me has had a bright makeover and seen the arrival of a new enthusiastic young manager. Wine Rack offers some splendidly enjoyable wines and a good point to remember is that there’s often a three for two deal on offer – it’s that ‘threesome’ price, but per bottle, that I am listing here.

Firstly Austria’s signature grape, the deliciously refreshing Grüner Veltliner - great as an aperitif, but don’t drink too cold otherwise its crispness might seem too tart. Swirl in the glass to smell limes and lemons. Though it’s a steely dry wine, there are slightly sweeter notes too, and others of slight white pepper and spice. Try it with duck, pork, and salmon. £7.33.

were light green gooseberry and grassy flavours. Only £5.99.

With the all French reds now, and one that everybody likes: Beaujolais-Villages 2007 from the famed Georges Duboeuf, made from the Gamay grape, fruity, light, an easy-drinker that is guaranteed to please. A bargain £4.99.

Two bigger guns now, the clarets, the first for a very special occasion perhaps, both Château bottled. It may be a mouthful to say, but the Château Mirebeau 1999 Pessac-Léognan is superb, wonderful blackcurrants on the nose: on the palate, further black fruits countered with a balance of light acidity and featherlight tannins, lovely and smooth due to it being mostly made from the more gentle Merlot and Cabernet Franc grapes. £17.33. The other is from the Haut-Médoc, a Château PomiésAgassac 2004. Immediate warm sensuality, soft and velvety, lovely berry fruit flavours. The finish is mellow. Light, delicate, the bottle needs to be finished the day it is opened, so it is one to choose, as I did, for a celebratory family lunch. £11.33.

For your nearest store: www.winerack.co.uk

From renowned Margaret River in South Australia comes the un-Aussie sounding Vasse Felix 2007, a blend of Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc. Friends gasped with pleasure at its vibrant flowery nose, the well-judged dryness, the mix of fruit flavours: ripe limes and passion fruit . £10.66.

Radcliffe’s Haut-Poitou 2007 is from the Loire Valley, north of Poitiers. I liked the nose, not just the expected citrus, but also a hint of hazelnuts. An unoaked Sauvignon Blanc, there

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competition Wine Rack is generously giving one lucky reader the opportunity to sample the delights of all the wines reviewed here – to win simply send your name and address with the answer the question below to the usual address: Q: One of the red wines recommended can also be delicious lightly chilled. Which is it?

hotter feet are

happier feet

With a wealth of lovely new Hotter sandals in our latest catalogue there’s no better time to give your feet some TLC. After months of languishing in warm socks and toasty boots, your feet and nails will benefit from a spring treat. Look ravishing in Rosella, tantalising in Tahiti or slinky in Seychelles with these simple steps to get your feet in tip top shape.

1

Remove dead or rough skin by using a foot scrub and use a pumice stone or foot file on hard skin, paying particular attention to your heels as this is where you are most likely to have calluses.

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It’s best to cut your toenails straight across using proper nail clippers or nail scissors. Be careful not cut them too short and never cut down the sides as this can cause in-growing toenails. Finish by using a nail file to smooth off any rough edges.

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Finally, apply a good moisturising cream freely and use a foot spray to refresh your feet.

If you wish to apply nail polish, firstly use a base coat as this will protect your nails and try not to leave polish on for too long, as it will cause your nails to go yellow.

To maintain optimum cleanliness feet should be washed daily in lukewarm water using a mild soap and then dried thoroughly. Changing your shoes regularly will also help to keep feet fresh.

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The Investiture

Hilary Bradt MBE Regular Comfort Club contributor Hilary Bradt has been honoured with an MBE for her work for the travel industry and charity. Here she describes her investiture day – made all the more comfy by her Hotter shoes!

“Quite a few people dream that they meet The Queen – so how does one feel when it actually happens? I found out when I was invited to Windsor Castle in December.

“The waiting period between hearing the news in May and the actual investiture was nerve-wracking. When would it be? And what should I wear? The Palace was quite vague on the subject: morning dress or lounge suits for men (easy for them) but nothing specific for women. In the first flush of excitement I’d bought a lovely summery outfit from a charity shop, but as the months passed without notification, I realised that I would need to rethink. In the end I borrowed a red velvet jacket and black trousers, and Hotter kindly gave me a pair of smart Charlotte shoes.

I hired a huge red hat – and I practised my curtsy.

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“From the moment my friends and I arrived at Windsor Castle we were made to feel special. Up the staircase lined with motionless guards from the Household Calvary and into a splendid room with a ornate fireplace to mingle with the other recipients.

Then an equerry, wearing red and gold military uniform, gave us a demonstration of exactly what we had to do – including the curtsy or bow.

It seemed very complicated and I’m sure we all experienced the same feeling of panic that we wouldn’t remember everything.

Hilary with her MBE

to my shame that despite the careful training I forgot to address her as “Your Majesty” or even “Ma’am”.

“I think most of us would have liked another go to get it right but the Queen must have seen it all. Why else would the equerry have said, rather urgently, ‘And don’t forget to let go of The Queen’s hand!’"

SAVE 25%

her award Hilary receiving

“In no time at all I found myself at the head of the queue and there, in the Waterloo Chamber, was a tiny woman, dressed in blue, standing on a dais. The Queen! I was rooted to the spot. “Go on” said the equerry and gave me a little push. The trouble was I couldn’t remember what legs are supposed to do. I wobbled to the centre of the room, managed my curtsy, and walked to meet Her Majesty. She hooked the MBE over a pre-positioned pin, asked me about the charity, held out her hand, and that was it. Another curtsy and I left the room, remembering

comfort club exclusive

Be guided round the world for less When Hilary Bradt and her then husband George set out on their travels in South America in 1973, little could they have realised that the journey which they were embarking on would lead to the creation of what has become one of the most esteemed and specialised travel publishing companies in the world.

With a wealth of worldwide destinations to discover – from Africa to Zanzibar, Bradt guides offer something a little different – and now you can sample their guides with a 25% discount.

Simply visit www.bradt-travelguides.com and enter the code HOTTER in the basket when you’ve decided on your destination.

Share the comfort with your friends...

My first friend is:

Another friend who would love Hotter is:

Name (Mr, Mrs, Ms)

Name (Mr, Mrs, Ms)

Address:

Address: Postcode:

Postcode:

Tel No:

Tel No:

Email:

Email:

This special promotion is only available to Comfort Club readers so make sure you use this form - and add any extra names on a separate piece of paper.

Recommend a friend terms and conditions Please make sure your friends are happy for us to contact them. We need to have your friends details by 30th April 2009. Please allow 21 days for the delivery of your vouchers, which will be valid for two years.

Please note that, if asked, we will let your friends know who recommended them. Provided we do not already have their details we will send you a £5 gift voucher for the first two friends you send us, with an additional £5 voucher for two additional friends – to a maximum of £10. In the event that all the names you recommend are on our list already we will enter your name into a free prize draw to win a pair of shoes. There is no cash alternative and no purchase necessary. All the names you provide us with must be over 18 years of age and have a valid UK address

Sole-mates!

We know our customers simply love Hotter shoes, Ursula Cattell of Peterborough recently wrote to tell us: “I have been a Saga traveller for some time.

When I go on my trips I always find there is someone saying “I see you wear Hotter shoes” or I will say it myself knowing very well by now that this leads to lovely holiday friendships. It really does lead to lots of laughter and chatter about ‘Hotter Trotters!’ I thought you would like to hear about it as you are, after all, responsible and we all thank you.”

ige e/Soft Be

ig Leap - Be

Do you have a story about making friends in Hotter shoes, or maybe you have a photo of yourself and your friend wearing your favourite footwear. Send in your stories and the best one will receive a pair of shoes for themselves and a pair for their friend.

ALL SHOES FEATURED ARE AVAILABLE AT WWW.HOTTER.COM

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help us

de liver ha ppy fe et

In our 50th birthd ay yea rke we are on a mission to ma as ma ny feet ha ppy as wehel p can – an d we need you r to do it.

We’d like you to share the secret of comfy feet with your friends and for every two you recommend we’ll send you a £5 Hotter gift voucher provided we don’t have their details already. Your friend will thank you too because we’ll send them a special offer to introduce them to Hotter Comfort Concept and a whole new world of comfort.

footnotes

Steve

We love to find out more about our Hotter cutomers, but we also thought you might like to find out more about us too. Starting us off is our Quality Manager Steven Stewart who has recently been featured in our catalogue.

£5

Hotter Gift Voucher - Simply recommend 2 friends

To claim your vouchers simply fill in your details here and the details of two of your friends on the the reverse of this form, and return in the prepaid envelope enclosed.

If you want to nominate more than two please put them on a separate piece of paper.

Your details: Name: Address:

Postcode: Email:

I was born in… Leeds.

My favourite comfort food is… ice cream. I love it because it reminds me of long summer days.

I first joined Hotter in… July 1997.

My all time favourite song is… Blowing in the Wind by Bob Dylan.

The best day of my life was… when I met my true love.

You wouldn’t know it but I’m good at… painting artistic pictures.

If I have time to myself I like to… go fishing and sunbathe.

The best car I ever owned was … a BMW My favourite holiday destination is… the Dominican Republic My favourite thing to do at Hotter is… giving factory tours for VIPs. The invention that makes my life most comfortable is… the credit card as I can buy anything, anywhere or anytime without the need for cash.

My most memorable moment at Hotter is... representing the company when BBC2’s Working Lunch programme filmed here and they described me as ‘Mr Passion’.

The best Hotter shoe we’ve ever made is… the style Starshine because it has style, dignity, and flair with all the Hotter brand comfort features.

Closing date for competitions is April 30th To find out who won our Winter competitions please contact Melanie Killilea.

Hotter Comfort Concept Shoes, 2 Peel Road, West Pimbo, Skelmersdale, Lancashire. WN8 9PT Customer Service: 0800 525 893 Personal Shoppers: 0800 083 3083 Melanie Killilea:01695 712 720 Email: m.killilea@hotter.com Web: www.hotter.com