La Dolce Vita

Taj Mahal

Gerry Marsden

The essential “must see� list

Biking on Route 66

Ferry Cross the Mersey

A new hobby

To find the perfect hotel and to make your travel and hospitality arrangements call our experienced luxury travel team on 01234 354209

1

THE WORLD AWAITS YOU....

A NEW EXPERIENCE EVERY DAY!

South America &

Southeast Asia &

21 night cruise/tour itinerary Departing 16th February 2014

19 nights stay & cruise Departing 31 March 2014

Iguazu Falls Adventure Spread your wings and fly to a land of tropical rainforests, vibrant cities pulsing to the beats of the samba, majestic fjords and dramatic scenery – South America.

Plus points – look what’s included...

+ Return flights from the UK + 2 nights in Santiago – 4* hotel inc breakfast + 13 nights onboard MS Zaandam + 2 nights in Iguazu – 4* hotel inc breakfast + 2 nights in Buenos Aires – 4* hotel inc breakfast + FREE Panoramic Santiago City Tour + FREE Iguazu Falls Tour + FREE Buenos Aires City Tour and evening Tango Show + All transfers

Cruise Itinerary - Santiago; Puerto Montt, Chile; Puerto Chacabuco, Chile; Cruising Chilean Fjords; Cruising Amalia Glacier & Canal Sarmiento; Cruising Strait of Magellan, Punta Arenas, Cockburn & Beagle Channel; Glacier Alley & Ushuaia, Argentina; Cape Horn; Puerto Madryn, Argentina; Punta del Este, Uruguay; Buenos Aires

Inside from

£3399

Balcony from

Outside from PP

Discover the beauty, culture and exotic cuisine of South East Asia on a cruise ending in the land of the rising sun - Tokyo.

Plus points – look what’s included...

+ Return flights from UK + 1 night in Singapore – 4* hotel inc breakfast + 13 nights onboard the Diamond Princess +3 nights in Tokyo – 4* hotel inc breakfast + FREE Tokyo City Tour + FREE excursion to the beautiful temple city of Nikko + All transfers Cruise Itinerary - Singapore; Ho Chi Minh City (Phu My), Vietnam;

Nha Trang, Vietnam; Da Nang/Hue (Chan May), Vietnam; Hong Kong; Taipei (Keelung) Taiwan; Kagoshima, Japan; Kobe, Japan; Yokohama, Tokyo.

Inside from

£3669 £4699 PP

Cherry Blossoms in Japan

PP

Balcony from

£2699

Outside from PP

£2999 £2999 PP

PP

VISIT: WWW.TRAVELCREATOR.COM CALL: ABTA No.13759

0808 168 5566

Offers are subject to availability. Prices are per person based on lowest cabin grade and twin occupancy. Further terms and conditions apply, available on request. All bookings will be subject to Tour Operators booking conditions. 2.5% credit card charge and £1 debit card charge applies to all bookings.

Some ports may be by tender. Tailormade itineraries exclude resort representation. Errors and omissions excluded. Prices correct as of 29 April 2013.

We’re fully financially protected via ABTA Y5971, ATOL 5346.

Taj Mahal - page 32

Edition two

4 Events

A narrative guide to some of the best events in June and July

10 Property for Sale The Lakes

12 The Worlds Greatest Hotels The Grandhotel Pupp

14 Events - November/December Plan Further Ahead

The Lady Taverners page 17

17 Charity Focus The Lady Taverners

21 Men’s Fashion Danny Walker

22 The Interview Gerry Marsden

24 Wine

New kids on the block

Route 66 - page 26

26 Route 66

For the more adventurous

32 The Essential “Must See” List The Taj Mahal

34 The App List Well worth a try!

39 Antiques Focus

Regency Convex Mirror

Gerry Marsden - page 22

40 Political thoughts

Syria - are there any answers?

42 Communicating with the family Starting out with Twitter

46 Finance

Tax Efficient Investments - Budget 2013 update

48 Ladies Fashion Emma Waight

The Lakes - page 10

50 Gadgets Boys’ Toys

52 Gardening Alistair Ayres

52 Events - June / July in detail

Cover image: Grandhotel Pupp To find the perfect hotel and to make your travel and hospitality arrangements call our experienced luxury travel team on 01234 354209

3

Welcome W

PS There has been no charge for this issue, if you would like to receive further copies please Subscribe at £3.95 per issue- see page 65

elcome to La Dolce Vita – our luxury lifestyle magazine for the over 50’s whether you are retired or semi-retired.

We will hopefully tease and tempt you with opportunities so you can enjoy life to the full!

As ever, beautiful images will be delivered to your palm as we understand that it is impossible to visit all the places that you might want to you will not be left without the richness of all there is to be discovered across the globe.

Each issue will be packed with useful articles and tips on new experiences, health and wellearned luxury. Travellers will benefit from the experiences of our writers who having stepped off the beaten track. They will recommend top destinations from around the world, from descriptions of the stunning Taj Mahal, to a regular feature on one of the best hotels in the world, for this issue; The Grandhotel Pupp in the Czech Republic, a must for James Bond fans – just be careful in the car park! Should you be more adventurous then you will enjoy our “new hobby” features, which this issue focuses on biking along Route 66!

However we will not neglect matters closer to home, with our Events list that will give you plenty of ideas to get you out an about. For hospitality opportunities just contact our travel team on 01234 354209.

Thank you to all the people involved including the design team, all the advertising, production and administration team, not least the reporters and contributors to the magazine.

So again, we welcome you to our publication.

Whether you are seeking new experiences or ways in which to better enjoy your current surroundings, La Dolce Vita will be here for you.

To advertise please contact our advertising team on: 020 7689 7501 Email: advertising@ladolcevita.info

Please send any comments you may have to:editor@ladolcevita.info

Publisher: La Dolce Vita Limited Kemp House 152–160 City Road London EC1V 2NX

Keeping in touch with friends and family is now achievable in a myriad of ways. Our guides will help no matter the distance from home.

We will keep you on par with children and grandchildren who seem to be born with the latest iPad attached. This month why not try some of our recommend apps?

Events

Thank You! Editor – Andrew Russell

www.ladolcevita.info

Terms and Conditions – See page 66

JUNE & JULY 2013

SPORT “For everything there is a season, a time for every activity……”

Well OK, this saying may have biblical roots, but it could just as well apply to the nation’s love of sport and whilst we all hope for a slightly better summer this year, you couldn’t hope for a better line up of sports fixtures; from cricket at Lord’s to Le Mans en France, we have selected some top summer sporting events.

But perhaps you prefer ‘the sport of kings’; from the famous Group 1 flat horse race at the Epsom Derby to the grandeur of Royal Ascot; the opening of which is marked by a royal procession, as Her Majesty The Queen and guests arrive in horse drawn landaus. Or what about the July meeting at Newmarket where you can watch the racing whilst enjoying the ‘Trackside Pavilion Experience’ affording you the best facilities and the best view! But for more in the way of performance ponies, visit the Royal International Horse Show at Hickstead, the official Horse Show of the British Horse Society and one of the biggest outdoor shows in the country.

A little further afield is the Golf US Open Championship in Pennsylvania where tee-off will be headed up by Tiger Woods who has been named as the 5-1 favourite to win the tournament; so this promises to be an exciting 4 day event.

Closer to home is the Scottish Open at Castle Stuart, Inverness and the Open Championship at Muirfield.

Other sporting fixtures include the AEGON Tennis Championships & the famous Wimbledon All England Lawn Tennis Club, Polo and athletics. So whatever sport you enjoy, from the opulent glamour of the Royal Enclosures to the rugged and Ramboesque game of Rugby Union there is something for everyone.

If you enjoyed the days of ‘Botham bats on water’, and the gentle sound of leather on willow is your antidote to the increasingly frenetic pace of life then you will be spoilt for choice as we head into the cricket season with One Day International & International Cricket Council matches being held at Trent Bridge, the Kia Oval and Lord’s in London.

4

MUSIC “If music be the food of love, play on; Give me excess of it…..” we think even Shakespeare would find it difficult to decide which one of our recommendations to choose; from timeless classics including Handel and Elgar being performed within the magnificent splendour of Westminster Abbey to the sounds of

To find the perfect hotel and to make your travel and hospitality arrangements call our experienced luxury travel team on 01234 354209

the 1970’s disco floor dominator, CHIC in the ultra-modern live performance venue – O2’s little sister, indigO2.

Let your senses be submerged into a performance by one of the world’s greatest orchestras, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra accompanied by the Royal Choral Society as they are conducted through the ‘Coronation Classics’ at the Royal Albert Hall. You will hear many famous pieces including Jupiter from The Planets

by Holst and Music for the Royal Fireworks by Handel; and no performance would be complete without the rousing Land of Hope and Glory. With Julian Lloyd-Webber on Cello and the Fanfare Trumpeters of the Band of the Royal Artillery, you will find yourself tapping your toes and drumming your fingers for days to come!

For a slightly calmer but nonetheless pleasing musical production you could enjoy the ‘easy listening’ style of Jools Holland & His Rhythm & Blues Orchestra with the magnificent backdrop of Kew Gardens; or the unmistakeable voice of one of Britain’s most successful performer, Sir Cliff Richard. The knighted entertainer will be performing at the magnificent Tudor palace of Hatfield House in Hertfordshire as part of his UK Midsummer Nights’ Tour. Hospitality packages are available.

Other unmissable musical treats include the Happy Days Festival in East Molesey, Surrey, that promises to be a fantastic celebration of three decades of outstanding musical genius of the 1970’s, 80’s and 90’s including the bands The Real Thing and Imagination. There are bespoke hospitality packages available.

performance of Shakespeare’s Richard III in Kent’s beautiful 18th century Belmont Gardens. Or perhaps you would prefer the “fast moving action packed family tragedy” of King Lear in the grounds of the stunning 12th century Traquair House & Gardens.

For something a little more up-to-date, the venue for the Lord’s Taverners Summer Party is at one of the world’s finest luxury hotels, Cliveden House in Berkshire. This imposing and magnificent hotel has seen a varied and colourful past and stands in 376 acres of National Trust managed Grade 1 listed gardens and parkland.

Staying with the more modern theme, the annual exhibition of contemporary art is being held in the gardens of Godinton House in Ashford, Kent. The Sculpture in the Gardens displays the outstanding work by artists in the south-east of England.

The 12 acre gardens themselves cover a variety of themes from beds of classic roses to the intimate Italian garden, so it is the ideal backdrop for these exquisite works of art.

So from the clash of medieval swords to the soothing sounds of traditional live jazz, there is a century of entertainment you are bound to enjoy!

THEATRE, OPERA, DANCE

But even if these artistes don’t whet your musical appetite, there are plenty of others to choose from including Barbara Streisand, Bonnie Raitt and Michael Bublé. Something to appeal to every musical taste.

HISTORIC HOUSE EVENTS There are many who believe in order to know where you are going, you have to know where you’ve been; so take a look back at the incredible history of our nation to decide on your favourite era and then you can see where you’re going on our list of Historic House Events taking place during June and July.

If the heraldry and bravery of 15th century squires, knights and men-at-arms appeals then you will enjoy the Medieval Tournament at Arundel Castle & Gardens where you can step back in time to witness re-enactments of hand-to-hand combat using a mixture of weaponry from the era. You can also enjoy falconry and archery displays alongside medieval story-telling and other feudal entertainment.

Then with the stage set for jousting and a story or two, let the Changeling Open Air Theatre groupe entertain you with their

Dance is possibly one of the oldest forms of entertainment going back to prehistoric times (the 9,000 year old Bhimbetka rock and ancient Egyptian tomb paintings portray the importance of dancing). It is well known and documented that music and dance has been and still is considered therapeutic and beneficial to the mind and body; so what better way to give yourself a musical treat than to enjoy a live performance of music, song and dance?

London plays host to many of the great performances, least of all the incredible Phantom of the Opera. This spectacular Andrew Lloyd Webber production is now in its 27th year; it was first performed at Her Majesty’s Theatre, Haymarket in 1986 with Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman in lead roles. It has now notched up over 10,000 performances worldwide and has achieved a long list of prestigious awards including the Olivier and New York Tony Awards. The current cast includes Brad Little and Claire Lyon taking the lead.

And if you enjoy the classics then you cannot go wrong with the Palace Theatre production of the unforgettable Singin’ in the Rain, made famous by Gene Kelly. Charles Spencer of The Daily Telegraph said it “genuinely makes you feel better about life”. And if you are wondering how they manage to stage that famous rain dance, it takes 7,000 litres of water each time, with rain falling from above and water flooding from below that drains away to a reservoir hidden in the orchestra pit! The

To find the perfect hotel and to make your travel and hospitality arrangements call our experienced luxury travel team on 01234 354209

5

Events The Twilight Tour: Art & Architecture in the Country House is an opportunity to see some of the architectural secrets of Stowe House. Once the home to the extravagant Temple-Grenville family, their ambition to climb the political and social ladder throughout the Elizabethan era until their demise in the early 20th century, is all too evident in the grand décor and elaborate State Rooms. The Stowe House Preservation Trust was established in 1997 and it is now in the third and final phase of its planned restoration of this once incredible mansion.

During the tour you will explore the piano nobile that was the preserve of the most important guests and wonder at some of the hidden messages and myths that were hidden amongst the decor. The Tour takes place on Fathers’ Day Sunday 16 June from 7-8.30pm.

choreography is by Andrew Wright and set design by Simon Higlett and the performance lasts 2½ hours with matinees on Wednesday and Saturday.

By contrast, you might enjoy the seasonal celebration of opera that takes place in the beautiful Wormsley Park country estate of the philanthropist the late Sir Paul Getty II. The Garsington Opera, established in 1989 by Leonard Ingrams and his wife Rosalind, moved to the Wormsley Estate in 2011 and each year, the Robin Snell’s architectural excellence meets the outstanding operatic performances in a purpose built Opera Pavilion that is erected in the grounds overlooking a magnificent lake. Productions include Mozart’s Die Entführung aus dem Serail and Engelbert Humperdinck’s Hänsel und Gretel.

Other performances include Mamma Mia!, The 39 Steps, Pride & Prejudice and Cirque du Soleil. But whatever style of dance, opera or theatre you enjoy, there is plenty to choose from to ensure you have a night to remember.

ART When a picture paints a thousand words….you just want to stand and stare or if possible, buy it and enjoy it all the more in your own home. With our carefully selected exhibitions and fairs, you will be able to do both. From the post-war work of William Turnbull, whose work is currently seeing a resurgence, to the International Art & Antiques Fair at Olympia.

In the wake of the 2012 Diamond Jubilee celebrations, Windsor Castle is holding a special and unique exhibition of official, commissioned and formal portraits that have been assembled from various Royal residences. From the first official photograph taken by Dorothy Wilding in 1952 when Elizabeth became queen, through to John Swannell’s Diamond Jubilee portrait; the exhibition traces the life of this remarkable English monarch.

Olympia plays host to the 41st International Art & Antiques Fair between 6-16 June where you will not only find around 200 dealers exhibiting and giving advice, but also a number of presentations and discussions including ‘What makes a carpet timeless?’: Robin Yacoubian will be talking about Persian carpets from the early 1900’s; and Sotheby’s Institute of Art panel who will be discussing the state of the art market. From 20th century and Modern Art Design to ceramics, Art Deco to Prints & Maps alongside Tribal Art; the Fair is open from 11am to 7pm every day with late night opening each Thursday to 9pm.

6

Other exhibitions include George Bellows ‘Modern American Life’ and Lowry and the Painting of Modern Life, so plenty to please the eye.

CULTURE Britain’s culture and way of life has been admired by many for decades and our pomp & circumstance has gone down in the history books! We are sure our selection of events will more than satisfy.

The London International Antiquarian Book Fair is in its 56th year and is being held in the National Hall, Olympia where you will find over 180 UK and international dealers in books, maps, prints and manuscripts to name but a few. From centuries old to modern day first prints, there will be thousands of rare, unusual and unique items for sale. This 3 day event is run by the Antiquarian Booksellers Association (ABA) and the International League of Antiquarian Booksellers (ILAB) who guarantee accuracy of description, authenticity and professional knowledge of the items on sale.

For an eclectic festival celebrating every genre of entertainment, look no further than the Henley Festival that follows in the week after the Henley Regatta. With its floating stage, endless displays and an unrivalled line up of some of the biggest names in the world of entertainment including The Beach Boys and Paloma Faith; it is a sure-fire recipe for fun! There is everything from art displays to song and cabaret as well as a spectacular firework display; it has been described as “generous servings of decadence, garnished with sophistication”. There are private hospitality areas available and the food is prepared by Albert and Michel Roux and the event runs from 10-14 July.

Other events include Trooping the Colour and the Greenwich + Docklands International Festival, a diverse choice that truly represents our colourful cultural heritage.

FASHION Fashion is by no means a modern phenomenon and the In Fine Style: The Art of Tudor and Stuart Fashion at the Queen’s Gallery, explains the importance of fashion amongst both the men and women of the Royal Court and how their appearance was a symbol of their success. The work of Hans Holbein the Younger and Van Dyck will be on display as well as items of clothing, accessories and armour.

To find the perfect hotel and to make your travel and hospitality arrangements call our experienced luxury travel team on 01234 354209

Bringing you bang up-to-date is London’s Jewellery Week and the Treasure exhibition from 13-16 June; now in its 6th year, you will be able to look at a selection of international contemporary jewellery designs and talk to the designers themselves about their new collection and if you don’t see quite what you are looking for, there will be opportunities to commission a piece of your choosing.

FOOD & DRINK When the seasons behave themselves, there is nothing like eating freshly harvested food, and combined with the varied tastes and textures we have adopted from cultures around the world, we now have an extensive ‘national menu’. We hope our suggestions may help make up your mind (but no apologies if they don’t!)

York’s Spring Food Festival will have demonstrations, speakers and plenty of opportunities to try and buy. The Food Tastings event is in association with Slow Food North Yorkshire and they will be encouraging you to taste all manner of different dishes. There is also the Wine, Beer & Drinks section where you will find everything from traditional French Champagnes to New World wines. The festival carries on into the evening with live entertainment and a Champagne Bar. From the City of the north to the City of London for the Taste of London in Regent’s Park; now in its 10th year, this festival is a celebration of England’s Capital City also being the Food Capital of the world. With 40 of the best London restaurants represented and 200 food & wine producers along with the new Electrolux Chefs’ Secrets where you can interact with the country’s top

horticulturally inspired by the incredible displays and garden design. With over 300 exhibitors covering gardening, the countryside, food and crafts, you will not be short of ideas to fill both your garden and home. There is the Horticultural Marquee and live demonstrations in the Garden Theatre as well as various activities and a Victorian fairground. You can also stroll through the show gardens and treat yourself to some of the delicious fare being made by the artisan food producers.

A little further south is the RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show that this year combines Britain’s greatest flower show with an impressive summer festival. The show covers 34 acres of floral displays, interactive demonstrations and show gardens and to make your visit even more enjoyable, they have introduced ‘zones’ each with their own theme and flavour.

There is an Exclusive Preview Evening to enjoy the gardens without the crowds, along with a delicious meal (different dining options are available), live music and a spectacular firework display. This is by ticket only and takes place on Monday 8 July.

You might also enjoy the Garden Show at Hatfield House or the Florabundance Festival at Chatsworth House, Derbyshire where floral designer Jonathan Moseley will transform the inside of Chatsworth into a floral paradise.

CAR EVENTS Whilst the days of ‘Sunday driving’ are long gone as we all hare around trying to get from A to B as quickly as possible, there are still plenty of motoring events that put the pleasure back into the pursuit of recreational driving.

For those with Sports and GT cars, there is a “five day party on wheels” during the London to Monte Carlo Grand Tour that will take you from London SW3 over to France then down through the spectacular French countryside to Monte Carlo. En route you will stay in the best hotels and enjoy French cuisine as you follow this “challenging and hard fought cryptic treasure hunt”.

This event is limited to 25 cars so you will be able to get to know your competitors (and perhaps pick up a few clues!) and the organisers are keen to point out it is not a race or a rally so you can take you time to enjoy your passage.

chefs, you will be left in no doubt there’s nothing London cannot produce! There are hospitality packages available and a VIP Lounge where you can relax and enjoy a glass of LaurentPerrier champagne.

Other food & drink festivals include the Chatsworth Food & Drink Fair in Derbyshire and the Glynde Food & English Wine Festival in East Sussex where John Torode will join guests in the oak panelled Gallery for what is sure to be a memorable evening.

HOME & GARDEN “How many kinds of sweet flowers grow, in an English country garden?” Well now is your chance to find out with a number of shows and festivals to help you make the most of your home & garden.

The Holker Estate, a 17,000 acre parkland in rural Cumbria will be hosting the 21st Holker Garden Festival that will leave you

If you enjoy looking at classic cars or perhaps you have a vintage car yourself, then the Bath Pageant of Motoring at Walcot Rugby Ground is worth a visit. You can expect to see around 300 historic cars and 150 motor cycles dating from 1919 to the early 1980’s with displays and a programme of parades,

To find the perfect hotel and to make your travel and hospitality arrangements call our experienced luxury travel team on 01234 354209

7

Events exhibitions and demonstrations as well as Super Car rides. And if you own a classic or vintage car or motor cycle, you are invited to join the line-up as entries are always welcome. There will be a number of trade stands and autojumble as well as plenty of family entertainment throughout the day.

For the ultimate in motor sport celebrations, the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the grounds of Goodwood House should be in your diary (see lead article).

MONEY & INVESTMENTS There is still considerable market uncertainty so you need to make sure you get the right advice from the professionals. You may also want to think about diversifying your portfolio.

The Global Emerging Markets Focus 2013 is a half day conference to examine the most attractive opportunities available to investors and ensure they stay ahead of the game. The presentations, given by industry experts, are run simultaneously in 5 boardrooms where there will be a maximum of 10 delegates so attendees can benefit fully from the more intimate discussions.

The Business Show is the ideal venue for anyone either starting or expanding their business; there are experts on hand to give you plenty of advice and information on every aspect of maintaining a successful business during the continuing economic challenges. From Speed Networking sessions to seminars with speakers including Amanda Chadwick (on employment law) and entrepreneur James Caan and the workshops include book-keeping and cost reduction exercises along with a number of other useful tips to help you run a successful business.

life at that time. It can also be an opportunity to appreciate the unique genius of photographers and artists who lived for their chosen art.

Erwin Blumenfeld lived through both world wars, often moving to avoid persecution and find somewhere safe to simply ‘live’.

His work is now celebrated as being ahead of its time with his ability to create images in the early part of the 20th century that are even now only just being explored by some modern photographers. The Blumenfeld Studio, Colour, New York, 19411960 exhibition focusses on the time he spent in his studio in Central Park South, when he produced some of his most outstanding photographic work.

For something a bit more ‘hands on’, visit the Festival of British Archaeology at the Museum of London. The Council for British Archaeology is holding a number of nationwide events to celebrate our incredible history and you will be able to see archaeology in action with excavation open days going behind the scenes as well as workshops and guided tours. It is hoped there will be an opportunity to see the remains of London’s original Roman fort that dates back to AD200!

The Queen’s Coronation 1953 is a remarkable exhibition of Coronation Robes, Works of Art, paintings, uniform and jewels celebrating the Coronation. (See lead article).

BOATING & SAILING We are all hoping for a warmer drier summer this year and what better way to enjoy the sunshine than messing about on the water? But even if the British summer lets us down again, there are plenty of opportunities in warmer climes to enjoy the boating season.

There are other events we have listed on the following pages.

PROPERTY “Every Englishman’s home is his castle” and with the Buy-to-Let property market increasing, there are plenty of opportunities to invest in everything from castles to one bedroom flats.

The Local Landlord Property Investment Show is your one-stop shop for everything related to buy-to-let investment, whether you have an existing portfolio or want to enter this expanding market. There will be seminars and plenty of networking opportunities to meet the people and organisations who are directly involved including advice on taxation and legislation.

The exhibitors include local council representatives; buy-to-let mortgage advisors and property maintenance companies. The show aims to cover every aspect of this increasingly successful investment area.

You may also find the Landlord & Letting Show useful and when you have gathered all the information, there is the July Property Auction in London for properties to purchase.

EXHIBITIONS Photography and imagery are iconic records of every age; each era, however long or short, has a theme and a story to tell of

8

The Falmouth Classics has evolved from the original one day race joining forces with the Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival to become three days of boat racing and on land entertainment including a Dinner at the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club.

But you don’t have to race, The Parade of Sail & Power is open to all manner of sea going vessels. It promises to be a great seafaring fiesta!

The Rendezvous in Monaco, now in its 23rd year is the annual highlight in the yachting social calendar; this four day gathering of super yacht owners is a combination of sparkling socialising

To find the perfect hotel and to make your travel and hospitality arrangements call our experienced luxury travel team on 01234 354209

and daytime activities that takes place in one of Europe’s most glamorous yachting destinations on the French Riviera. It attracts both sailing and motor yacht owners from around the world to enjoy long lunches, cocktail parties & canapés on the beach and the very best of dining experiences accompanied by live music and entertainment. A fiesta fit for a king…..and his queen!

Other events include the Henley Royal Regatta where you can be part of the excitement of the 200+ races with novice sailors competing alongside many of Olympian standard; or perhaps the Cowes Classics Week which has an earlier slot this year to avoid a week of Spring Tides and the event hopes to bring together the largest number of classic keel boats ever assembled in the UK. There are several other events we have listed for you.

COUNTRY SHOWS With our unique and internationally recognised agricultural heritage, it is no surprise we hold several country shows throughout the summer months, not only to showcase the extraordinary number of important animal breeds but also remind us of the wealth our forebears created over centuries of agricultural experimentation.

The Royal Highland Show in Edinburgh is a country show on an industrial scale and you may need all three of the show days to make the most of everything it has to offer. From the Shopping

Arcade and Marquee where you will find everything from hand crafts to the latest in high fashion; to the Equestrian Village that will satisfy every horse owners’ desire and the Outdoor Living zone to the Food & Drink Hall, there is nothing they haven’t thought about and to keep you entertained, there will be music, song and dance throughout the day. Of course not forgetting one of the main focuses of the show – the livestock and with over 500 entries of the finest in their breed, you will see cattle, sheep, goats, horses and poultry.

The Bedfordshire County Show brings together the town with the country in the beautiful grounds of the Shuttleworth Estate. Combining entertainment and country pursuits there is something to appeal to everyone. The Field Sports Village will have experts on hand to guide you in the use of air guns, archery, falconry and other sports and the New Food Hall will have a delicious selection of local, regional and national foods to tempt you. In the Main Arena you will be able to watch the sheep dog trials and the grand Shire Horses as well as a number of other countryside pursuits. Whilst you are there, you might want to visit the famous Shuttleworth Collection that is housed in the hangars nearby.

Other Country Fairs include the Hastings Town & Country Show in Alexandra Park with birds of prey, working dogs and arts, craft and food marquees. Our selection of country shows ensures you will enjoy everything from marvelling at our astonishing native livestock to trying your hand at archery as well as sampling the delicious regional artisan food producers.

The best of British-built Oak framed outbuildings, in your own back yard More than 20 years producing peerless classic and custom models throughout the UK, all designed and manufactured ‘in-house’ in Herefordshire.

Full design, building regs and planning applications service available.

B E S P O K E

T I M B E R

B U I L D I N G S

Garages, Stables, Barns, Workshops, Pool Houses, Sports Pavilions, Holiday Lodges, Party Barns, Staff Accommodation Call: 01568 760540, Email: ladolcevita@courtyarddesigns.co.uk or visit: www.courtyarddesigns.co.uk

BU

I LD I

TIO NGS O F D IST I N C

N

E ST 1 9 9 1

9

Property for sale The Lakes

T

he Cotswolds has always been a quintessential second home destination, with its rolling countryside, picture perfect villages, palest of yellow stone buildings and plethora of antique shops and tea rooms. The area also has its fair share of water – 150 lakes in 40 square miles which make up the Cotswold Water Park. This huge expanse of H2O is divided into three parts, and it is within the Eastern section that someone could find their perfect weekend retreat, just 90 minutes from London.

For here is The Lakes, a scheme by the innovative development company ‘yoo’ and The Raven Group, set around a network of six lakes spread over 650 acres. It offers a symbiotic combination of idyllic country living and urban luxury, including interior design by the likes of Jade Jagger, Kelly Hoppen, Marcel Wanders and Philippe Starck and a superior concierge service. Your home can be prepared for you before you arrive, your fridge stocked with all your favourite goodies, and during your stay you can call upon the hotel-style housekeeping service – order a breakfast hamper, have dinner served in your home or a special event organised for you and your friends.

The Lakes is somewhere you can ultimately relax, while your children or grandchildren have fun in a safe environment. They can camp under the stars, build a tree house, go fishing or sailing, canoeing or biking and even have a go on the zip wire across one of the lakes. For the older residents (aka adults) a spa was built earlier this year with a 20 metre swimming pool, treatment rooms, sauna and steam room. But of course, anyone can enjoy any of the activities whatever their age including learning to fly fish, play tennis or even learning some ‘bush’ skills.

The Lakes also has eco appeal with an on-site organic farmers’ market and owners can opt to purchase solar panels, rainwater harvesting and wind turbines for their homes. So far, all of the stunning houses have been built around the lakes with glass

10

front facades and large decked terraces extending over the water. The houses may look similar from the outside, but inside the story is different, depending on which designer has worked his or her magic on the interiors.

Should you prefer a rural, rather than watery, location for your home, there are also one acre woodland plots available.

Purchasers buy a plot and choose which interior style they prefer. So far 53 properties have been built, all between 4,000 square and 6,500 square feet, but with 650 acres to play with, they have more than enough room for many more.

Prices for new lakeside and woodland homes range from £900,000 to £3,000,000. Or, one could buy one of the six re-sale properties currently on the market. These range from £990,000 for a four bedroom house to £3.78 million for a stunning six bedroom house. This 6,500 square feet property has six bedrooms, a large open plan kitchen, dining, living area with high ceilings, plus snug and playroom.

For further information contact: www.thelakesbyyoo.com; 01367 250066.

Mary Wilson

To find the perfect hotel and to make your travel and hospitality arrangements call our experienced luxury travel team on 01234 354209

11

The World’s Greatest Hotels

Grandhotel Pupp

I

’ve always felt that there is something timeless and enchanting about Bohemia.

For me, it’s a place populated with dark legends of mystical characters and impenetrable languages - the heart of the Continent that feels somewhat adrift from the edges of the EU. Perhaps it’s all to do with the very name of this Western Czech province: “Bohemia” implies a world to which you escape - a place of fairy tales, castles and princes; of a dazzling array of royalty, romance, political intrigue, wars and betrayals; a world that was swept away by winds of change in relatively recent history.

That just about sums up the ambiance of the startlingly ornate spa town of Karlovy Vary in the Czech Republic. Nestled in a wooded valley at the confluence of the Ohře and Teplá rivers about 70 miles west of the capital Prague, the town that used to be known under its German-language name of Karlsbad has been a magnet for the rich, the fabulous, the healthy and the wealthy for a long time.

Feeling like all of the above, I arrived into Karlovy Vary by car. The steep contours that surround the town mean that you happen upon the town centre quite suddenly after a series of narrow twists and turns.

The sight of the Grandhotel Pupp almost stopped me in my tracks: its scale and architectural embellishments left me in no doubt that I was in the presence of one of

12

the landmark accommodation palaces of Europe. The original owners (Pupp) were confectioners and it’s surely no coincidence that this building bears more than a passing resemblance to a giant wedding cake.

The town centre is a collection of mostly 19thcentury buildings with many ostentatious hotels and sanatoriums huddling along the banks of the serpentine run of the rivers. At one end, the Grandhotel Pupp sits majestically overlooking the more serene part of the town.

Its grandiose appearance and scale make it an instant eye-turner and if it looks dashingly familiar, it’s because its exteriors and interiors have been used in a number of well-known films.

In 2006, the town was chosen by the producers of the James Bond film “Casino Royale” to stand in for Montenegro. The renovated exterior of a derelict public spa house nearby stood in for the exterior of the eponymous casino, while the Grandhotel Pupp itself played a central role in the movie as the fictional Hotel Splendide. Many pivotal and dramatic scenes were shot here, including the one in the car park where Daniel Craig attempts to self-administer urgent first aid in his Aston Martin. I sought out the spot where I reckoned that scene took place, parked the hired car there and my wife and I went into the hotel.

Inside, all was as sumptuous as the first impressions had suggested. Monumental crystal chandeliers, art nouveau stucco flourishes and beautiful original artwork collaborate in a lavish interior that fairly takes your breath away. From the marble steps up the reception desk to the timber-panelled interior of the lift, all is of the level of quality that the Archduke Ferdinand himself would have demanded.

The show-piece room is surely the Festive Hall. It’s a facility that would do any small city proud in its own right as a theatre or an opera

house, with its neo-baroque interior, stained glass ceiling and large concert organ. My wife and I looked at one another. The place gives you an almost irresistible urge to waltz around its dance floor. We didn’t dance but just stood there taking it all in and imagining how it must have been in the halcyon days of the Habsburg Empire, with cream ball gowns and

military blues swirling around to the strains of Mozart.

The hotel has distinct old and new wings that are interconnected to one another (namely River Side and Park Side) but even the new part is done in exactly the same style as the old. There are 228 rooms in all, including two classes of suite and apartments. All have that “wow” factor of tall elegant rooms with proper balconies and quality fittings, complete with 21st-century 5-star comfort.

The warm and strange-smelling spa waters that bubble up from the ground in Karlovy Vary have been drawing visitors here since the 14th century, but the town really took off after 1870 with the completion of the railway line from Prague.

Karlsbad found itself at the confluence of Europe’s royalty and Europe’s popular elite.

Writers Franz Kafka and Johann Wolfgang Goethe, composers Johann Sebastian Bach,

To find the perfect hotel and to make your travel and hospitality arrangements call our experienced luxury travel team on 01234 354209

Richard Wagner, Ludwig van Beethoven and Antonín Dvořák… They all came to Karlsbad along with just about every conceivable member of European royalty. Aristocrats loved it here for the healing waters and the still Bohemian air, and it became a regular winter and summer meeting point for them.

Another indication of its royal legacy is the fact that it’s the home town of Princess Michael of Kent.

The ground floor seemed to be constantly abuzz with all sorts of coming and going. It’s definitely a great place to pose. During the day, the Café Pupp’s tradition of fine coffee and stupendous cakes draws the crowds and even more people gravitate towards the hotel in the evening to eat in one of its three restaurants, have a drink at the 1920s-style Becher’s bar or even a flutter in the hotel’s casino.

The very sudden intervention of the First World War and subsequent break-up of the Austro-Hungarian Empire brought an end to Karlsbad’s first period of growth. During the post-WWII Communist era, it was paradoxically the Russian elite that kept the prestige of Karlovy Vary ticking over.

The clientele of the hotel reflects much of the national make-up of the visitors to the town itself, with middle-aged and younger Russian couples seemingly coming for the glamour and older-generation Germans appearing to be prioritising the relaxation and the waters.

Health is big business in this town and luxury spa packages are very affordable for wellheeled German retirees who come over the nearby Bavarian border in large numbers.

The Soviets loved the fairy-tale allure of Karlovy Vary and the Grandhotel Pupp was the embodiment of that glamour made tame and remodelled in the image of Stalin. The hotel was renamed the Grandhotel Moskva in 1950 and remained so until 1989.

After the fall of the Stalinist regime in Czechoslovakia, the Russians began expressing their love affair with Karlovy Vary in financial terms, investing heavily in the town and today the legacy of that Russian presence is visible on the streets of Karlovy Vary, often in the physical manifestation of heavy-set shifty-looking Russian men in dark clothing and of dubious wealth with young blonde ladies on their arms.

The hotel still is the focus of the elite and the Grandhotel Pupp is the hotel of choice of an increasingly long list of dignitaries that have chosen to stay within its ornate walls.

The annual Karlovy Vary Film Festival has been restored to its original glory and the Pupp is where the stars choose to retire after an evening premiere or cocktail reception.

The long list of celebrities includes such popular names as Morgan Freeman, Gregory Peck, Sharon Stone, Robert Redford, John Malkovich, Antonio Banderas, Jude Law, Renée Zellweger, Susan Sarandon and Gérard Depardieu.

The gourmet restaurant - the Grand Restaurant Pupp - is worth dining in for the ambiance alone. A smart service and a faultless cuisine developed over generations of reputation and demanding clientele are set against a truly theatrical backdrop of neoclassical architecture. For those who like their restaurants huge and historical, the setting won’t disappoint. The menu is high end fare which is essentially French/ European with elements of Czech cuisine. It’s all quite reasonably priced too, considering the standard, with starters around £10, main courses at £30 and a set evening menu for approximately £60.

Although it wasn’t there when I stayed, the Grandhotel Pupp has just opened a new wellness centre and swimming pool. The Pupp Royal Spa welcomes its first guests in April 2013 in a complex that includes pool, spa treatments, whirlpool and sauna.

The Czechs are often an impenetrable people; masters of industry and efficiency they are, but warmth and charm seem to be reserved for other uses until you get to know them a bit better. As the generations move on from their last historical era, things are changing and there is a refreshing openness and modernity

about the country. In many ways, the experience of the Grandhotel Pupp reflects these national characteristics. Although the overall service doesn’t have quite the warmth that would be de rigeur in some establishments of the same class, there is no doubting its professionalism and its efficiency.

For me, they’re two of the most important attributes of a five-star hotel. In any case, a little bit of stiffness only adds to the whiff of Old Order atmosphere that still pervades this town and, in any case, it’s exactly the kind of place that James Bond would love.

Conor Power

To find the perfect hotel and to make your travel and hospitality arrangements call our experienced luxury travel team on 01234 354209

13

Events

The List - November/December 2013 - Plan further ahead and get the best seats

Sport

14

1-2 Nov

Cricket

Western Australia v England

Perth, Australia

www.ecb.co.uk

1-2 Nov

Horse Racing

Breeders Cup

Santa Anita, Los Angeles, California, USA

www.breederscup.com

1-3 Nov

Tennis

Paris Masters

Paris, France

www.fft.fr

2 Nov

Rugby Union

England v Australia

Twickenham, London

www.rfu.com

3 Nov

Motor Racing

F1 Abu Dhabi GP

Yas Marina Circuit, UAE

www.formula1.com

4-11 Nov

Tennis

ATP World Tour Finals

The 02 Arena, Greenwich, London

www.atpworldtour.com

5 Nov

Horse Racing

Melbourne Cup

Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

www.melbournecup.com

6-9 Nov

Cricket

Australia A v England

Hobart, Australia

www.ecb.co.uk

9 Nov

Rugby Union

England v Argentina

Twickenham, London

www.rfu.com

9 Nov

Rugby Union

Wales v South Africa

Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, Wales

www.wru.co.uk

9 Nov

Rugby Union

France v New Zealand

Stade de France, Paris, France

www.ffr.fr

9 Nov

Rugby Union

Italy v Australia

TBC, Rome, Italy

www.federugby.it

10 Nov

Motor Cycling

MotoGP

Ricardo Tormo-Valencia, Valencia, Spain

www.motogp.com

13-16 Nov

Cricket

New South Wales v England

Sydney, Australia

www.ecb.co.uk

14-17 Nov

Golf

DP World Tour Championship

Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai, UAE

www.dpworldtourchampionship.com

15 Nov

Football

2014 World Cup Qualifying Play-Offs 1st Leg

Various, TBC

www.fifa.com

16 Nov

Rugby Union

England v New Zealand

Twickenham, London

www.rfu.com

16 Nov

Rugby Union

Wales v Argentina

Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, Wales

www.wru.co.uk

16 Nov

Rugby Union

Scotland v South Africa

Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh, Scotland

www.scottishrugby.org

16 Nov

Horse Racing

Paddy Power Gold Cup

Cheltenham Racecourse

www.cheltenham.co.uk

17 Nov

Motor Racing

F1 United States GP

Austin, Texas, USA

www.formula1.com

19 Nov

Football

2014 World Cup Qualifying Play-Offs 2nd Leg

Various, TBC

www.fifa.com

21-24 Nov

Golf

Hong Kong Open

Fanling, New Territories, Hong Kong, China

www.ubshongkongopen.com

21-25 Nov

Cricket

First Ashes Test, Australia v England

Brisbane, Australia

www.ecb.co.uk

23 Nov

Rugby League

World Cup Semi-Finals

Wembley Stadium, London

www.rlwc2013.com

23 Nov

Rugby Union

Ireland v New Zealand

Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Ireland

www.irishrugby.ie

23 Nov

Rugby Union

France v South Africa

TBC, Paris, France

www.ffr.fr

24 Nov

Motor Racing

F1 Brazilian GP

Interlagos, Brazil

www.formula1.com

24 Nov

Horse Racing

Japan Cup

Tokyo Racecourse, Fuchu, Tokyo, Japan

www.japanracing.jp

28 Nov-1 Dec

Golf

World Cup

World Cup Course, Mission Hills, Shenzen, China

www,worldcup.pgatour.com

29-30 Nov

Cricket

Cricket – Australia Chairman’s XI v England

Canberra, Australia

www.ecb.co.uk

30 Nov

Rugby League

Rugby League – World Cup Final

Old Trafford, Manchester

www.rlwc2013.com

30 Nov

Horse Racing

Horse Racing – Hennessy Gold Cup

Newbury Racecourse

www.racecoursenewbury.co.uk

4-8 Dec

Tennis

Tennis – Statoil Masters

Royal Albert Hall, London

www.statoilmasterstennis.com

5 Dec

Rugby Union

Rugby Union – The Varsity Match

Twickenham, London

www.thevarsitymatch.com

5-9 Dec

Cricket

Cricket – Second Ashes Test, Australia v England

Adelaide, Australia

www.ecb.co.uk

11-21 Dec

Football

Football – Club World Cup

TBC, Morocco

www.fifa.com

13-17 Dec

Cricket

Cricket – Third Ashes Test, Australia v England

Perth, Australia

www.ecb.co.uk

16-22 Dec

Equestrian

Equestrian – London International Horse Show

Olympia, Hammersmith Road, Kensington, London

www.olympia.co.uk

26-27 Dec

Horse Racing

Horse Racing – William Hill Winter Festival

Kempton Park, Sunbury-on-Thames, London

www.kempton.co.uk

26-30 Dec

Cricket

Cricket – Fourth Ashes Test, Australia v England

Melbourne, Australia

www.ecb.co.uk

28 Dec

Rugby Union

Rugby Union – The Big Game 6

Twickenham, London

www.rfu.com

To find the perfect hotel and to make your travel and hospitality arrangements call our experienced luxury travel team on 01234 354209

Music 1 November

The Wedding Present

02 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, Shep’s Bush Green, London

www.o2shepherdsbushempire.co.uk

2 Nov

Kernowyon A Gan (Men of Cornwall Sing)

Royal Albert Hall, London

www.royalalberthall.com

4 Nov

An Evening with Bryan Ferry

Royal Albert Hall, London

www.royalalberthall.com

4 Nov

Michael Nyman

Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool

www.liverpoolphil.com

6 Nov

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra: Best of Broadway

Royal Albert Hall, London

www.royalalberthall.com

8 Nov

Walter Trout

02 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, Shep’s Bush Green, London

www.o2shepherdsbushempire.co.uk

10 Nov

Britten War Requiem

Royal Albert Hall, London

www.royalalberthall.com

15 Nov

Lang Lang

Royal Albert Hall, London

www.royalalberthall.com

15-24 Nov

London Jazz Festival

Various, London

www.londonjazzfestival.org.uk

21-24 Nov

Classical Spectacular: Celebrating 25 Years

Royal Albert Hall, London

www.royalalberthall.com

22 Nov

Nazareth

Islington Assembly Hall, London

www.islington.gov.uk/assemblyhall

23 Nov

Glenn Tilbrook

The Lowry, Salford, Greater Manchester

www.thelowry.com

29 Nov

The Stylistics

indigO2, O2 Arena, Millennium Way, Greenwich, London

www.theo2.co.uk/indigo2

29 Nov

Howard Jones

02 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, Shep’s Bush Green, London

www.o2shepherdsbushempire.co.uk

29-30 Nov

Jools Holland & His Rhythm & Blues Orchestra

Royal Albert Hall, London

www.royalalberthall.com

30 Nov

Simple Minds

The 02 Arena, Greenwich, London

www.theo2.co.uk

10 Dec

Black Sabbath

The 02 Arena, Greenwich, London

www.theo2.co.uk

12 Dec

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra: Christmas Celebration

Royal Albert Hall, London

www.royalalberthall.com

15 Dec

Status Quo

The 02 Arena, Greenwich, London

www.theo2.co.uk

18 Dec

The Waterboys

Hammersmith Apollo, 45 Queen Caroline Street, London

www.hammersmithapollo.com

www.canarysail.com/malta – Sailing holidays in Malta

Discover Malta Relaxing sail cruising holidays

Need a break? Join us on one of our sail cruises around the beautiful and historic island of Malta.

Enjoy one of our skippered sail cruising holidays around historic Malta or to the enchanting Italian islands of Lampadusa, Pantellaria or Sicily. You’ll experience relaxed, calm sailing conditions in the warm southern mediterranean. We offer own cabin privacy to couples or individuals and exclusive hire to groups or families.

Our professional skippers pride themselves in their attention to detail to ensure your sailing holiday experience exceeds expectations.

For more information please contact Jim or Vicki on 01252 837648, visit our website at: www.canarysail.com/malta or email: sales@canarysail.com

To find the perfect hotel and to make your travel and hospitality arrangements call our experienced luxury travel team on 01234 354209

15

Events

The List - November/December 2013 - Plan further ahead and get the best seats

THEATRE, OPERA & DANCE 1-2 November

Spamalot

Playhouse Theatre, Northumberland Avenue, London

www.playhousetheatrelondon.com

1-11 November

Les vepres siciliennes

Royal Opera House, Bow Street, Covent Garden, London

www.roh.org.uk

1-16 November

Much Ado About Nothing

Old Vic Theatre, 103 The Cut, South Bank, London

www.oldvictheatre.com

1-16 November

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Noel Coward Theatre, 85-88 St Martin’s Lane, London

www.delfontmackintosh.co.uk

2-6 Nov

Don Quixote

Royal Opera House, Bow Street, Covent Garden, London

www.roh.org.uk

4 Nov

John Lill – Beethoven: The Complete Piano Sonatas 3

Cadogen Hall, 5 Sloane Terrace, Belgravia, London

www.cadoganhall.com

5-15 Nov

Wozzeck

Royal Opera House, Bow Street, Covent Garden, London

www.roh.org.uk

9-23 Novv

Chroma/New Dawson/The Rite of Spring

Royal Opera House, Bow Street, Covent Garden, London

www.roh.org.uk

13 Nov

Show of Hands with Miranda Sykes

Cadogen Hall, 5 Sloane Terrace, Belgravia, London

www.cadoganhall.com

THEATRE, OPERA & DANCE continued 14 Nov

The Royal Air Force in Concert

Cadogen Hall, 5 Sloane Terrace, Belgravia, London

www.cadoganhall.com

14 Nov-7 Dec

Romeo and Juliet

Royal Opera House, Bow Street, Covent Garden, London

www.roh.org.uk

18 Nov

John Lill – Beethoven: The Complete Piano Sonatas 4

Cadogen Hall, 5 Sloane Terrace, Belgravia, London

www.cadoganhall.com

23 Nov-31 Dec

Henry V

Noel Coward Theatre, 85-88 St Martin’s Lane, London

www.delfontmackintosh.co.uk

30 Nov-18 Dec

Parsifal

Royal Opera House, Bow Street, Covent Garden, London

www.roh.org.uk

4-31 Dec

The Nutcracker

Royal Opera House, Bow Street, Covent Garden, London

www.roh.org.uk

10-31 Dec

How the Whale Became

Royal Opera House, Bow Street, Covent Garden, London

www.roh.org.uk

11-31 Dec

English National Ballet – The Nutcracker

London Coliseum –Covent Garden, London

www.eno.org

16-23 Dec

Carmen

Royal Opera House, Bow Street, Covent Garden, London

www.roh.org.uk

17-30 Dec

Jewels

Royal Opera House, Bow Street, Covent Garden, London

www.roh.org.uk

21 Dec

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Christmas Cracker

Cadogen Hall, 5 Sloane Terrace, Belgravia, London

www.cadoganhall.com

1-3 Nov

Francis Goodman: Back in Focus

National Portrait Gallery, St Martin’s Place, London

www.npg.org.uk

1-8 Nov

Renaissance to Rococo: Designs for the luxury arts

Chatsworth House, Chatsworth, Bakewell, Derbyshire

www.chatsworth.org

1-10 Nov

Leonardo da Vinci: The Mechanics of Man

The Queen’s Gallery, Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh

www.royalcollection.org.uk

1-24 Nov

Jacob Epstein: Portrait Sculptor

National Portrait Gallery, St Martin’s Place, London

www.npg.org.uk

1 Nov-8 Dec

Australia

Royal Acad of Arts, Main Galleries, Burlington Hse London

www.royalacademy.org.uk

1 Nov-23 Dec

Modern Makers

Chatsworth House, Chatsworth, Bakewell, Derbyshire

www.chatsworth.org

1 Nov-31 Dec

The Genius of Castiglione

The Queen’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace,London

www.royalcollection.org.uk

1 Nov-31 Dec

Royal Paintbox: Royal Artists Past and Present

Windsor Castle, Windsor, Berkshire

www.royalcollection.org.uk

1 Nov-31 Dec

Gifted: From the Royal Academy to The Queen

The Queen’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace, London

www.royalcollection.org.uk

1 Nov-31 Dec

Honore Daumier (1808-1879)

Royal Academy of Arts, Burlington House, Piccadilly

www.royalacademy.org.uk

1 Nov-31 Dec

Mira Schendel

Tate Britain, Millbank, Westminster, London

www.tate.org.uk

1 Nov-31 Dec

Paul Klee

Tate Britain, Millbank, Westminster, London

www.tate.org.uk

1 Nov-31 Dec

An American In London: Whistler and the Thames

Dulwich Picture Gallery, Dulwich Village, London

www.dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk

4-10 November

Winter Fine Art & Antiques Fair

Olympia, Hammersmith Road, Kensington, London

www.olympia.co.uk

16 Nov,21 Dec

Vintage, Antiques & Collectors’ Market

Hatfield House, Hatfield, Hertfordshire

www.hatfield-house.co.uk

22 Nov-31 Dec

High Spirits: The Comic Art of Thomas Rowlandson

The Queen’s Gallery, Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh

www.royalcollection.org.uk

30 Nov-31 Dec

Turner and the Sea

National Maritime Museum, Park Row, London

www.rmg.co.uk

ART

16

To find the perfect hotel and to make your travel and hospitality arrangements call our experienced luxury travel team on 01234 354209

Charity Focus The Lady Taverners.

T

he Lady Taverners owe our foundation to Baroness Thatcher. She set the previously all-male Lord’s Taverners Charity and Club a problem. Traditionally, the Prime Minister of the day is invited to become an Honorary Member of the Charity, which was established in 1950 by renowned actors such as John Mills and Ian Carmichael who loved their cricket and wanted to put something back into the game. Here we were, in 1979, with a Prime Minister who was female! In early 1980 Margaret Thatcher was invited by the late David Evans MP on behalf of The Lord’s Taverners to become Honorary Lady Taverner No.1. Luckily for us, she agreed. Twenty three other ladies were also invited by the then Lord’s Taverners President, Eric Morecambe, to become Honorary Lady Taverners. Ladies who had helped at cricket matches or with the tombolas at the President’s Balls, including cricketing wives such as Betty Surridge, Marjorie Gover, Ann Barrington, Rachael Heyhoe Flint, Anne Subba Row and also Joan Morecambe and Diana Thomas, wife of author Leslie Thomas, and me among others became Honorary Lady Taverners!

I

became involved through my husband Neil Durden-Smith, who joined The Lord’s Taverners in 1964, the year we were married – it was quite a year! I have many great memories of those days and the times. Margaret Price, who was Director of The Lady Taverners for 22 years and the wife of Middlesex and England player John Price, Judy Ufton, wife of Kent cricketer Derek Ufton, and many others used to go to such places as Blenheim Palace for cricket matches. We would walk around the grounds as our men played, holding a blanket in which we caught all the money the hundreds in the crowd were throwing – any we missed, the children who gathered around us, including our own Emma and Mark, collected and threw them into the blanket. Presidents Eric Morecambe and Harry Secombe would sit for ages having their photographs taken with members of the public which all added to the funds we were raising for the children with special needs we support. It was, as we say, “having fun while fundraising” on wonderful sunny days.

T

he Lady Taverners is a very special Club and Charity for all of us involved with it. We have so many different events now in London and throughout the country in our 23 Regions all holding entertaining and always friendly occasions.

Friendship is a large part of what we are all about – many long-lasting friendships have been made over the years. We have golf tournaments, musical evenings in the Long Room at Lord’s, dinners for our sporting heroes, cricket matches – a unique one on our Founder’s Day at Lord’s (on 27th July this

year), race meetings and Silversea Cruises which have raised enough money for 12 of our green minibuses. An occasion with which Neil and I are very involved every year, where he conducts the auctions and manages to get that little bit extra out of our loyal supporters and guests, is a Tribute Lunch with wonderful support from celebrities such as Terry Wogan, Judi Dench, Elaine Paige, Chris Tarrant, Joan Collins, Michael Parkinson, Cliff Richard and Tim Rice. Our wonderful team at Taverners HQ all get involved, including our Director Derrin Gill – they all do a great job. Joan Morecambe, our Founder President, is still very much involved as am I who followed her as President, as is the redoubtable Rachael Heyhoe Flint who now sits in the House of Lords and our current President, the very hardworking and glamorous Angela Rippon.

S

ome of the best days though for us Lady Taverners are with the children we support. When you hand over a brand new shiny green minibus with cricket gear painted on the side to a school and watch as the boys and girls race in their wheelchairs trying to be the first to get on the tail lift and into the minibus – your heart turns over. And then there are the Fun Days – we have held them at Blackpool Pleasure Beach and many times at Chessington World of Adventures.

There are about 450 youngsters plus their carers arriving in their buses and it is certainly a day they will always remember according to their thank you letters!

T

he Lady Taverners have raised £12million during our 25 years and we understand the massive potential sport has to encourage boys and girls of all abilities to get out, keep as fit as they can and be part of a team. By donating sports equipment, especially adapted wheelchairs, hoists for swimming pools, sensory equipment and staging Fun Days, we can make sport and recreation accessible to so many youngsters who haven’t had the chance before. As well as the minibuses which give the youngsters and their carers extra freedom, they can play table cricket and we supply the appropriate kit for clubs and schools.

Girls, able-bodied, have cricket competitions at U11, U13 and U15 ages and we support the only national girls’ competitions that have involved over 75,000 young girls in their 10-year history.

T

he projects are on-going and we continue to raise more funds for disadvantaged young people through sport – as our Disability Sports Appeal did brilliantly while raising money for wheelchair basketball, boccia and table cricket – and very importantly making sure they have lots of fun and laughter while they are taking part.

Judith Chalmers President Emeritus of The Lady Taverners

If you would like to discuss joining or supporting in any way The Lady Taverner’s, please contact them on Tel: 020 7821 2828.

Further details can be found on their website: http://www.lordstaverners.org/the-lady-taverners Alternatively, if you are just able to make a donation please do so online at http://www.justgiving.com/lordstaverners

17

Events

The List - November/December 2013 - Plan further ahead and get the best seats

CULTURE 1-30 Nov

Richmond Literature Festival

Richmond Theatre, The Green, Surrey

www.richmondliterature.com

5-10 Nov

Spirit of Christmas Fair

Olympia, Hammersmith Road, Kensington, London

www.olympia.co.uk

9 Nov

Lord Mayor’s Show

Mansion House, London

www.lordmayorsshow.org

10 Nov

Remembrance Sunday

Cenotaph, Whitehall, London

www.army.mod.uk

7-8 Dec

British Military Tournament

Earls Court, Warwick Road, London

www.britishmilitarytournament.com

20 Nov-31 Dec

Paul Smith

Design Museum, 28 Shad Thames, Bankside, London

www.designmuseum.org

6-10 Dec

Clothes Show Live

NEC, Birmingham

http://www.clothesshowlive.com/

FASHION FOOD & DRINK 1-3 Nov

Winter Tea and Coffee Festival

Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, South Bank, London

www.southbankcentre.co.uk

2 Nov

An Evening of Fine Food – Estate Game

Waddesdon Manor, Bicester Road, Aylesbury, Bucks

www.waddesdon.org.uk

9 Nov

Wine Lovers’ Dinner

Waddesdon Manor, Bicester Road, Aylesbury, Bucks

www.waddesdon.org.uk

15 Nov

The Hatfield Banquet

Hatfield House, Hatfield, Hertfordshire

www.hatfield-house.co.uk

15-17 Nov

BBC Good Food Show

Olympia, Hammersmith Road, Kensington, London

www.olympia.co.uk

23-24 Nov

Three Wine Men

Museum of Science and Industry, Manchester

www.threewinemen.co.uk

30 Nov-1 Dec

Burghley Fine Food Market

Burghley House, Stamford, Lincolnshire

www.burghley.co.uk

6-8 Dec

Taste of Christmas

ExCeL Exhibition Centre, Royal Victoria Dock, London

www.excel-london.co.uk

7-8 Dec

Real Food Christmas Market

Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, South Bank, London

www.southbankcentre.co.uk

7-8 Dec

Three Wine Men

Lord’s, St John’s Wood, London

www.threewinemen.co.uk

13-15 Dec

Christmas Chocolate Festival

Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, South Bank, London

www.southbankcentre.co.uk

15 Dec

Producers Market, Holker Estate

Cark-in-Cartmel, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria

www.holker.co.uk

HOME & GARDEN 4 Nov

Lamport Gardening Academy

Lamport Hall & Gardens, Lamport, Northampton

www.lamporthall.co.uk

20 Nov

Woburn Abbey Study Day Humphrey Repton

Woburn Abbey, Wobern, Bedfordshire

www.woburn.co.uk

7-8 Dec

Come and Grow: Winter Project Work

Woburn Abbey, Wobern, Bedfordshire

www.woburn.co.uk

CAR EVENTS

18

1 Nov

Mithril

Goodwood Estate, West Sussex

www.goodwood.co.uk

2 Nov

Regent Street Motor Show

Regent Street, Soho, London

www.regentstreetmotorshow.com

2 Nov

Historic Birkett Relay Race

Snetterton, Norfolk

www.snetterton.co.uk

2 Nov

AC Owners Club MSA Sprint

Goodwood Estate, West Sussex

www.goodwood.co.uk

2-3 Nov

Walter Hayes Trophy

Silverstone, Northamptonshire

www.mgcc.co.uk

3 Nov

Brighton and Hove Motor Club Veteran Car Rally

Stanmer House, Stanmer Park, Brighton

www.brightonandhovemotorclub. co.uk

4 Nov

Lloyds Motor Club

Goodwood Estate, West Sussex

www.goodwood.co.uk

7 Nov

Octane

Goodwood Estate, West Sussex

www.goodwood.co.uk

8 Nov

Private Track Day

Goodwood Estate, West Sussex

www.goodwood.co.uk

9 Nov

Goodwood Track Day

Goodwood Estate, West Sussex

www.goodwood.co.uk

9 Nov

Lotus 6HR

Brands Hatch, Fawkham, Longfield, Kent

www.brandshatch.co.uk

16 Nov

Club Triumph

Goodwood Estate, West Sussex

www.goodwood.co.uk

23 Nov

Goldtrack

Goodwood Estate, West Sussex

www.goodwood.co.uk

29 Nov

Eve Appeal

Goodwood Estate, West Sussex

www.goodwood.co.uk

7 Dec

Goodwood Track Day

Goodwood Estate, West Sussex

www.goodwood.co.uk

To find the perfect hotel and to make your travel and hospitality arrangements call our experienced luxury travel team on 01234 354209

Northern Lights Photography Group Tour

Experience and photograph the best of Iceland’s winter with the new Northern Lights Photography Group Tour, the perfect winter adventure for amateur and hobby photographers. Explore the unique landscape with other photography fans. Share knowledge, tricks and techniques and perhaps improve personal photography skills. This tour will stop at popular attractions but also ventures off the beaten track to some remote locations, offering the chance to see amazing countryside and mountains to valleys, lakes, lava fields, volcano craters, hot springs, geysers, waterfalls and - if the night is crisp and clear the incredible northern lights.

No experience in photography is required and any type of digital camera is suitable but don’t forget to bring a tripod along for the northern lights photography. This is a fully escorted coach tour with guaranteed departures from October to March which can help you experience Icelandic winter at its best – both during the day and after dark when the tour stays in the countryside in Southwest Iceland to search for the Aurora Borealis away from the big city lights.

£1495

8 day tour, from per person Single supplement £164 Selected dates from October 2013 to March 2014 Tour Highlights

Search for the elusive northern lights • Photograph amazing scenery • Travel around the Golden Circle Meet Icelandic horses • Visit Gudrun’s pool • Explore Iceland’s capital Reykjavik • Relax in the famous Blue Lagoon Enjoy the ‘Northern Lights Programme’ with 5 evenings of lectures, presentations, film and guided searches for northern lights and midnight refreshments Price Includes • • • • • • • • • • • •

Return flights in economy class with Icelandair direct from London Heathrow Arrival and departure airport transfer by FLYBUS All airport taxes & security charges Accommodation in three/four- star hotels and country guesthouses with breakfast Meals as specified (B= Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner) Guide assistance to show good photo ops and giving practical tips for nature and northern lights photography Fully escorted six day coach tour with English speaking guide Visit to the Viking farm of Leifur Eiríksson Visit to nature museum in Reykholar Price Excludes Visit to folk museum in Laugar in Saelingsdal • Travel Insurance Entrance with towel at Blue Lagoon • Tips and gratuities Northern Lights Programme.

• Meals other than specified • Items of personal nature (laundry, drinks etc) •

Price (Twin share) 06 Oct 2013 20 Oct 2013 27 Oct 2013 03 Nov 2013 17 Nov 2013 09 Feb 2014

From £1495 Per Person From £1495 Per Person From £1495 Per Person From £1495 Per Person From £1495 Per Person From £1495 Per Person

Itinerary Dates

Price (Twin share) 16 Feb 2014 23 Feb 2014 02 Mar 2014 09 Mar 2014 16 Mar 2014 23 Mar 2014

From £1495 Per Person From £1495 Per Person From £1495 Per Person From £1495 Per Person From £1495 Per Person From £1495 Per Person

Single Room Supplement +£164

Call La Dolce Vita Travel on 01234 354209

To find the perfect hotel and to make your travel and hospitality arrangements call our experienced luxury travel team on 01234 354209

19

Events

The List - November/December 2013 - Plan further ahead and get the best seats MONEY & INVESTMENTS 6 Nov

Finance Professional Show

Olympia Two (Central), Hammersmith Road, London

www.olympia.co.uk

7 Nov

Portfolio Adviser Expert Investor US

Andaz Hotel, Liverpool Street, London

www.portfolio-adviser.com

19 Nov

Emerging Managers Forum

Dolder Grand Hotel, Zurich, Switzerland

www.terrapinn.com

19 Nov

Portfolio Adviser Expert Investor Channel Islands

The Grand Hotel, Jersey

www.portfolio-adviser.com

19-22 Nov

SuperInvestor 2013

The Westin Paris-Vendome, Paris, France

www.icbi-superinvestor.com

20-21 Nov

Hedge Funds World

Dolder Grand Hotel, Zurich, Switzerland

www.terrapinn.com

25 November

The Algeria Investor Window 2013

London Stock Exchange, Paternoster Square, London

www.uciinternational.com

27-28 Nov

Infrastructure Investment World Europe 2013

Hilton, Tower Bridge, London

www.terrapinn.com

28 Nov

Portfolio Adviser Expert Investor Asia

Andaz Hotel, Liverpool Street, London

www.portfolio-adviser.com

1-5 Dec

Mines and Money London

Business Design Centre, Islington, London

www.minesandmoney.com

14 Nov

The Local Landlord Property Investment Show

Jurys Inn Hotel, Milton Keynes

www.tenantshistory.co.uk

27-28 Nov

Landlord & Letting Show

Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire

www.landlordexpert.co.uk

10 Dec

December Property Auction – London

The Oak Room and Lounge, Le Meridien, 21 Piccadilly

www.eddisons.com

Property

EXHIBITIONS 1 Nov-31 Dec

The Cheapside Hoard: London’s Lost Jewels

Museum of London, 150 Wall, City, London

www.museumoflondon.org.uk

1 Nov-31 Dec

The Georgians

British Library, 96 Euston Road, King’s Cross, London

www.bl.uk

1 Nov-31 Dec

Duty Calls: Castle Howard in Time of War

Castle Howard, York, North Yorkshire

www.castlehoward.co.uk

26 Nov-31 Dec

Christmas Past

Geffrye Museum, 136 Kingsland Road, Hackney, London

www.geffrye-museum.org.uk

REGATTA & YACHTING 1-3 Nov

Hanseboot - Hamburg International Boat Show

Hamburg, Germany

www.hanseboot.de

1-4 Nov

Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show

Fort Lauderdale, USA

www.showmanagement.com

9-10 Nov

Silver Skiff Regatta

Turin, Italy

www.silverskiff.org

9-17 Nov

Barcelona International Boat Show

Port Vell, Barcelona, Spain

www.salonnautico.com

14-18 Nov

The Golden Rock Regatta

Porto Cervo, Sardinia, Italy

www.goldenrockregatta.com

20-24 Nov

Boot und Fun

Hamburg, Germany

www.boot-berlin.de

22-24 Nov

RYA Racing Championship Grand Finals (J80s)

Queen Mary Sailing Club, Staines, London

www.rya.org.uk

6-12 Dec

Antigua Charter Yacht Show

Nelson’s Dockyard Marina, English Harbour, Antigua & Barbuda

www.antiguayachtshow.com

COUNTRY SHOWS 1-30 Nov

Country Living Magazine Christmas Fair

Business Design Centre, Islington, London

2-3 Nov

Ipswich Christmas Crafts and Food Fair

Suffolk Showground, Trinity Park, Ipswich

www.oakleighfairs.co.uk

15-17 Nov

The Knebworth Christmas Fair

Knebworth House, Knebworth, Hertfordshire

www.oakleighfairs.co.uk

16-17 Nov

English Winter Fair

Stafford County Showground, Stafford

www.staffscountyshowground.co.uk

30 Nove-1 Dec

The Shugborough Christmas Fair

Shugborough Estate, Milford, Nr Stafford

www.oakleighfairs.co.uk

14-15 Dec

Cambridgeshire Christmas Crafts and Food Fair

Wood Green Animal Shelter, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire

www.oakleighfairs.co.uk

HISTORIC HOUSE EVENTS

20

9-10 Nov

Holker Winter Market, Holker Estate

Cark-in-Cartmel, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria

www.holker.co.uk

9 Nov-13 Dec

A Dickensian Christmas’ at Blenheim Palace

Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxfordshire

www.blenheimpalace.com

15-17 Nov

Living Crafts for Christmas

Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxfordshire

www.blenheimpalace.com

16 November

Premium Monumental Tour

Castle Howard, York, North Yorkshire

www.castlehoward.co.uk

17 Nov, 22 Dec

Farmers’ Market

Hatfield House, Hatfield, Hertfordshire

www.hatfield-house.co.uk

22-24 Nov

Christmas Frost Fair

Hatfield House, Hatfield, Hertfordshire

www.hatfield-house.co.uk

23 Nov-22 Dec

Christmas at Castle Howard

Castle Howard, York, North Yorkshire

www.castlehoward.co.uk

28 Nov-1 Dec

Crafts for Christmas

Burghley House, Stamford, Lincolnshire

www.burghley.co.uk

7-22 Dec

Leeds Castle Christmas Market

Leeds Castle, Maidstone, Kent

www.leeds-castle.com

30 Dec

The 2013 New Year House Party

Cliveden House, Taplow, Berkshire

www.clivedenhouse.co.uk

To find the perfect hotel and to make your travel and hospitality arrangements call our experienced luxury travel team on 01234 354209

Men’’s Fashion Gant Dreamy Oxford Banker Shirt With the summer about to arrive any day now, open that bottle of red you’ve been saving, put the radio on and make sure your feet are up. With its generous fit around the chest, spread collar and double cuff adjusters Gant’s more than relaxed Banker Shirt will see that your clothing’s comfortable enough for any occasion. £80 from Gant stockists and available online www.gant.co.uk

Montblanc Signature Collection

Known for timeless craftsmanship, Montblanc continue to deliver in all areas.

The latest sees the brand extend their international reputation with this elegantly crafted and equally innovative Double Zip Document Case from the Montblanc Signature range. Masterminded in their luxury workshop in Florence – by highly skilled artisans. £665 from www.montblanc.com

Gucci 1953 Horsebit Loafer in Leather

Available in a selection of styles – from a modest brown leather to a rather unusual green python concoction – these Gucci 1953 Horsebit Loafers are just what you have been looking for. Made in Italy, with antique gold hardware. £395 available in all good department stores and www.gucci.com

Saint Laurent Signature Patch Pocket Jacket

Now this limited edition ‘cognac suede’ jacket is done wowing the catwalks of Milan and the flashbulbs of all the editorial features it’s soon to be in, the Saint Laurent Signature Saint Laurent Patch Pocket jacket can be yours. 95% goatskin, 5% silk with a sturdy front zip, satin lining and zips on the cuffs, it’s ready to take on whatever function you have to throw at it. Just as long as that function doesn’t involve rain… £2,455, available to pre-order via www.ysl.co.uk

Alexander McQueen Navy Sartorial Twill Repaired Field Jacket

For all those important occasions the Alexander McQueen Navy Sartorial Twill Repaired Field jacket is ready to be the highlight of your outfit. The double pleated vents on the back add great detailing as do the faux leather edges of the collar.

Made from 81% cotton and 19% linen, this is both breathable and an exemplary item of clothing. £540, from department stores and www.alexandermcqueen.co.uk

21

The Interview Gerry Marsden

“Offstage we had a great friendship,” says Gerry Marsden about The Beatles. “Onstage, great rivalry.”

T

hose who think it laughable presumption for Marsden to imagine that his band might have jostled for position with the twentieth century’s most towering cultural icons should note that in their first year as recording artists, Gerry and the Pacemakers were actually more successful than the Fab Four.

Marsden says he was “about seven or eight” when his musical journey began in the sense of taking up an instrument: “Me dad’s ukulele.

Me dad used to play the ukulele and sang.”

The course of his life was set by this musical hinterland. “Always wanted to do it,” he says simply.

Gerry and the Pacemakers came together, he says, “About 1955. We played rock ‘n’ roll, which we loved to do, and then went to Germany, which everybody did.” The classic line up of the Pacemakers – Marsden on vocals and guitar, his brother Freddie on drums, Les Maguire on piano and Les Chadwick on bass – was signed to a management contract by Brian Epstein in 1962.

Gerry Marsden Live - Still rocking!

22

Epstein’s inaugural and most famous signing was, of course, The Beatles and the Pacemakers’ first success actually came via a Beatles cast-off. ‘How Do You Do It’ was a jaunty pop song written by Tin Pan Alley tunesmith Mitch Murray. Marsden: “Brian said, ‘I don’t like [their] version, the boys don’t like it, would you like to record it?’ I said, ‘Certainly.’ I knew we could do a better job of it.” The record sailed to the top of the charts in April 1963. ”Nobody ever knows what’s gonna be number one,” says Marsden. “Just wanted to get a record for my children to listen to when they get older. I never had any kids but I was going to.”

‘I Like It’ was another Mitch Murray song, this one written especially for the group. “It’s very similar to ‘How Do You Do It,’” admits Marsden, but the public didn’t seem to mind as they proceeded to make the record the band’s second chart-topper. Nonetheless, Marsden says there was “no chance” of recording another Murray song for their third single: “We’d had enough of that type of record and I wanted to do a ballad.”

Marsden’s choice was both unexpected and potentially dicey. The soaring, quasi-religious

‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ was a number from the musical Carousel given an orchestral arrangement by producer George Martin.

Says Marsden of a record that was almost the antithesis of rock ‘n’ roll, “I thought, ‘If it’s a hit, that gives you more scope to record.’ I could be recording ballads, not just ‘How Do You Do It’-type songs. So it was a risk but it was a risk worth taking.”

The gamble paid off in an historic way, making Gerry and the Pacemakers the first artists to top the UK chart with each of their first three singles. That milestone remained unequalled for over two decades. Even when it was matched, Marsden could take consolation

from the fact that it was by another Liverpool band, Frankie Goes to Hollywood.

people were all about, and I think it was captured well actually.”

Although the song was famous before they tackled it, ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ has achieved an additional immortality through the Pacemakers’ rendition by being adopted

by Liverpool fans as their football club’s anthem. Explains Marsden, “I went to one of the games and our record had just stopped being number one. They used to play the number one record before the kick-off and they didn’t play it and The Kop shouted, ‘Where’s our song? Where’s our song?’ so the DJ had to play it and that was the start of everything. They just kept singing it.”

The local pride in the Pacemakers and the singalongability of the song that were the motivating forces for that initial terrace affection has persevered for half a century: it’s now sung by Liverpool fans whose own parents weren’t even alive when it was originally a hit. It’s something in which Liverpool FC supporter Marsden naturally basks: “Lovely. And they all see me: ‘Hi Gerry, how are ya?’ If I hadn’t had the record, they would never have known who I was.” The song’s title even features on the club’s crest.

Marsden points out that there is no apostrophe before the word “cross”: “The ferry was crossing the Mersey to get to Liverpool.

It’s ‘Ferry – cross the Mersey’, not ‘Ferry across the Mersey.’”

After that, the band made the significant forward step of putting their own compositions on A-sides. “I wasn’t nervous at all, because I wrote the B-sides of every other song anyway,” says Marsden. “The first one I did was ‘I’m the One’ and that got to number two for weeks.”

While ‘Don’t Let the Sun Catch You Crying’ – written by the whole band – didn’t climb as high as ‘I’m The One’ (number 6), it was the first of the group’s seven top 30 American hits. Its ornate emotiveness has made it the recipient of many cover versions. Marsden: “José Feliciano did it. Gloria Estefan did it. So it’s always been a big seller.”

The very Anglican, very Scouse, very un-rock ‘n’ roll ‘Ferry Cross the Mersey’ was another daring single release. Marsden: “It was the theme song from the film. I wrote fourteen songs for the film and when it came to be chosen, George Martin loved it, Brian Epstein loved it and they said, ‘That’s gotta be the record from the film’ and I was with them.

I was trying to encapsulate the sound of the ferries and the feelings and what the Liverpool

Another transatlantic top ten, it‘s also another song that has taken on a life of its own, not only covered by Frankie Goes to Hollywood but used to raise funds for victims of the Hillsborough disaster.

The parent film was also a tribute to Marsden’s home city. However, he is not sad that the Liverpool that Ferry Cross the Mersey’s extensive location shooting immortalised on celluloid is now gone forever. “Liverpool’s improved a great deal,” he says. “What you see in that film was after the war: lots of bombing and lots of no-caring type places. When Liverpool became famous, not only through the docks and football, through music, that’s when it started to change, because people were coming from all over the world to visit Liverpool and, thank God, the councillors thought, ‘We’d better do something about this, let’s tidy the place up.’ Luckily, the people haven’t changed. A lot of humour, hearts of gold.”

Curiously, after this Marsden seemed to lose either confidence or interest in his own songs and the Pacemakers returned to issuing cover versions as singles. “I just was putting songs out that I liked,” he reasons. “It could have been a mistake. I should have stuck maybe to writing more of my own.” The Pacemakers had had the last of their six UK top tenners, although that may also have been something to do with the fact that they were beginning to sound very old-fashioned. Marsden: “Everybody was doing all the weird new sounds and all the dressing up in nice clothes.

I just wanted to record nice music. I didn’t want to get into the psychedelic crap.”

The writing was on the cards. “We split in 1967,” says Marsden of the Pacemakers. “We’d been together for a long time and we’d had our fun. We were getting fed up with each other by that time and I had the chance to go into the West End.” So started his transition from Merseybeat idol to all-round entertainer: “That’s what I wanted to be.”

Although Marsden’s role in West End musical Charlie Girl was a departure for him, he didn’t particularly feel he was on a steep learning curve: “When you’re enjoying it and you’re working with great people, it didn’t seem like work. It was fun. It was a great challenge.

People like Dame Anna Neagle were so wonderful, and a comedian called Derek Nimmo. From the day I arrived at rehearsals to the day I finished, they were wonderful.

They were helpful. They made me work better.”

Marsden continued occasionally releasing records under his own name in the decade after the Pacemakers’ split but none of them made the charts. He says he wasn’t bothered: “I just got very lazy recording. I was just on tour, singing songs I liked and I didn’t really get time to go to studios and I wasn’t worried.

I wasn’t interested. I just went in to shut my manager up. There was nothing I thought, ‘This is going to be a massive record.’”

Marsden resurrected the Pacemakers’ name for live work but says, “There was no thought whatsoever of putting the old band back together. I seen them once or twice but we never met.” With his new Pacemakers, Marsden mines the lucrative nostalgia circuit to this day. “I never stopped,” he says. “I think it’s bands like us and The Searchers who have been going all these times who have kept the memories of the Sixties around. We’ve never been has-beens because we’ve never been away.”

But does he honestly find trading on nostalgia as fulfilling as his career in the days when The Beatles were genuinely scared of the competition he posed? “Sure,” he raves. “I love it now. ‘Cos we choose exactly what we wanna do, where I wanna do it and when I wanna do it. In the old days you were told, ‘Here’s what you’ve gotta do. You’ve gotta plug that, you’ve gotta go on television, you’ve gotta do radio’ and it’s a bit of a pain really. So it’s much nicer.”

Onstage, Marsden – awarded an MBE in 2003 for his charity work – mixes Pacemakers hits with classic rock ‘n’ roll and even contemporary pop like Robbie Williams’ ‘Angels’. He takes this concoction all around the world: “I’ve just come back from Australia.

I’m always touring and I love it.” Are such long hauls not wearying for a man in his seventies? “First class is easy. I will continue doing it as long as I like it.”

Sean Egan

MY GENERATION “I think we had more freedom [in] lots of ways,” says Marsden of his post-war peer group. “The girls were on the Pill, which is a great help. Kids always had an opportunity to work. Whereas before, through the wars, everybody was really strict and stuck down and pressurised. We never saw a war, thank Christ. The Beatles definitely put new ideas into kids: ‘You can start a band, you can make a few quid, you don’t have to be a good-looking, clean, American looking-guy, you can change the world, you can do it.’ Luckily we were involved in that situation.”

To find the perfect hotel and to make your travel and hospitality arrangements call our experienced luxury travel team on 01234 354209

23

Wine

The New Kids On The Block

F

ancy sipping a Chinese Cabernet Sauvignon, a chocolatey-tasting Tannat from Uruguay or a Pinot Grigio from Transylvania? Well, it seems we’re becoming much more adventurous when it comes to the origins of our wine.

While the battle lines are often drawn between the Old World wines of the likes of France or Italy, and New World competition from outside Europe, new contenders are nipping at their heels, making their way onto the shelves of leading wine merchants, and into our glasses.

Whereas once we felt daring if we chose a Chilean Sauvignon Blanc or an Argentinian Malbec instead of a Rioja or a Chablis, as a wine drinking nation, we’re becoming more willing to try something new.

Pilato Malvazija Istarska Croatia

Leading oenologist Michael Rolland is predicting the Black Sea region – countries including Romania, Bulgaria, Modeva and Armenia – will be the next big thing in the world of fine wines.

ROMANIA Halewood Romania, one of the largest exporters

of Romanian wines, has launched a new campaign in a bid to get people drinking Romanian Pinot Noir. Its portfolio includes La Umbra, with distinct cherry and raspberry notes (£8.99 The Oakbridge Wine Company) and Rhein Extra Pinot Noir Rosé (£38.90 for a case of six from www.winery-outlet.com), which is delicious as an aperitif.

The firm’s Romanian managing director Dan Muntean is certainly confident even the fussiest of wine lovers will be satisfied. “We challenge you to find a better value Pinot Noir and invite you to be surprised,” he says.

Halewood has also just launched an exclusive Romanian range, called Paris Street, with Laithwaite’s. While normally associated with Dracula, the Paris Street Pinot Grigio is from Sebes in Transylvania, which boasts centuries of wine-making heritage.

This Romanian version is somewhat bolder than the typical Italian Pinot Grigio, with hints of tropical fruit. (£7.49 from Laithwaites).

CZECH REPUBLIC And, normally synonymous with

beer, the Czech Republic is also becoming better known for its fine wines. Vines have been grown in the Moravia region since Roman times but are only now gaining an international reputation, having been showered with accolades in recent contests, including the Decanter World Wine Awards in London.

The Mikulov area in particular was a thriving area of viticulture for centuries before languishing for 40 years under communism. But, two decades after the fall of the Iron Curtain, it is re-emerging as a centre for wine production.

So far, only available in the UK from specialist importers, Moravian wines are predicted to become more attainable within the next few years. Known as Blaufränkisch elsewhere in the world, Frankova is renowned for its ripe cherry flavours and spiciness. Or for something out of the ordinary, try the Ryzlink Vlašský with its distinctive almond undertones (£7 from www. halusky.co.uk).

CROATIA A bit of a mouthful to pronounce, the Malvazija

Istarska grape variety from the Istrian coast of Croatia, is another one to watch. Pilato’s 2011 version is the epitome of easy-drinking elegance – graceful and floral with gentle notes of peach and kiwi, it goes perfectly with crab or grilled fish. (£74.94 for a case of 6 from Marks and Spencer).

And, it’s not just little-known regions of Europe pushing themselves forward onto the international wine stage, producers from Asia and South America are making themselves known too.

URUGUAY You’ve probably never had a wine from Uruguay before but, chances are, if you have, it may have tasted rather familiar. With a climate comparable to that of Bordeaux – humid, at sea level, seasonal and with limestone soils rich in calcium – the wines it produces taste more Old, than New World.

Giovanni Carraro, Patrícia Carraro, Isabel Carraro, Lidio Carraro, Mônica Rossetti and Juliano Carraro Carraro Winery - Brazil Photo: Gilmar Gomes

24

To find the perfect hotel and to make your travel and hospitality arrangements call our experienced luxury travel team on 01234 354209

Linha de vinhos Lidio Carraro Crédito Agência Dharma

Just as Argentina is famous for its Malbec, Uruguay is best known for its Tannat. Aged for 18 months in new oak barrels, the Grand Reserve A Tannat 2007 from the Marichal winery, where every grape is handpicked, is truly a superb example.

Powerful yet elegant, it has aromas of red fruits and cassis along with a hint of coffee and chocolate. (£24 from Wines of Uruguay).

“While this may be a small selection of wines,” says Berry Bros and Rudd’s wine buying director Mark Pardoe, “they are a sign of things to come.”

So, next time you’re about to pick up your usual Italian Pinot Grigio or New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc , perhaps you might be tempted to go for something a little out of the ordinary.

Liz Hands

BRAZIL is also expected to gain widespread recognition

for its wines as a result of the World Cup. Lidio Carraro, a family-owned winery with vineyards in Vale dos Vinhedos and Encruzilhada do Sul in southern Brazil, has been named the producer of the official licensed wines for the 2014 event.

Lidio Carraro Elos is a blend of Touriga Nacional and Tannat, intensely aromatic with notes of blackberry, plum and blueberry and a touch of pepper. (£29.99 from South American Wines Online).

CHANGYU Ningxia ChateauMoserXV

Wine Suppliers The Oakbridge Wine Company, Weybridge, Surrey www.oakbridgewines.co.uk tel 01932 500 222 Marks and Spencer www.marksandspencer.com 0845 609 0200 Halewood www.winery-outlet.com Laithwaites Wine www.laithwaites.co.uk 0845 194 7720

CHINA The Queen’s Wine Merchant has also announced

it will be the first UK retailer to permanently stock Chinese wines. The 314-year-old firm of Berry Bros and Rudd will be selling four wines from state-controlled Chateau Changyu.

A supplier to the Royal Family since the reign of King George III, its selection includes the 2008 Chateau Changyu Moser XV, Ningxia, at £39.00, which is a combination of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot and three ice wines, made from frozen grapes to give an intense sweetness. The Chateau Changyu Black Label Ice Wine, Liaoning, priced at £65.00, is unctuous, thick and richly flavoured, with a spectrum of apricot, pineapple and vanilla.

Halusky www.halusky.co.uk Wines of Uruguay Merstone, Newport, Isle of Wight PO30 3BZ www.winesofuruguay.co.uk Tel 01983 530241 South American Wines Online www.southamericanwinesonline. co.uk 01444 459981 Berry Bros and Rudd 3 St James St, London

25

A New Hobby

If you think you’re too old for this, just ask Billy Connolly

Route 66 ‘You’d think the over 55’s market might steer towards the easy option, the escorted tour, but no - Route 66 on a Harley Davidson is our best selling holiday to this age group market’ - Karen Niven, Bon Voyage Travel and Tours

I

t was the way West - the freedom road.

It became the place for the young, proud and adventurous to get their ‘kicks’ as the late 1940’s pop tune exalted. Route 66 - the most famous road in the world - has inspired generations, had songs, stories and elegies dedicated to it, became the subject of a TV soap in the 1960’s, as well as the subject of various films and countless documentaries.

Today the ‘Mother Road’ remains an American icon which attracts visitors in their hordes and from almost every nation to view its conserved landmarks.

befallen that fate from the original 1920’s grid that created the US highways system.

Since the early 1990’s a rudimentary coalition comprised of federal agencies such as the National Park Service and the United States Forest Service, state level entities, private individuals and numerous devotees have taken initial steps to interpret, preserve, and commemorate surviving portions of Route 66.

Today, these remain a tourist delight.

In its heyday Route 66 served as a 2,485 mile long state-of-the-art transportation corridor linking downtown Chicago with Los Angeles.

The highway traversed eight American states: Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California along a diagonal right-of-way linking the Midwest with the West Coast.

There is a great interest in heritage tourism in America for people of all ages, visiting and touring significant cultural resources that reflect America’s growth and development.

Heritage tourism has developed into an annual multi-billion dollar enterprise as Americans and visitors from many lands travel throughout the nation to learn of its past. There is growing awareness of and appreciation for industrial, transportation, and other cultural resources presented in a systemic approach. So it may be argued that the overarching interest in Route 66 is endemic to a growing sophistication of the American public for the total story, not just one localised or isolated aspect of that history.

Beyond its influence on the contemporary Route 66 story, a comprehensive discussion of heritage tourism is beyond the scope of this humble article. So, on with the Route 66 story..

A Route 66 billboard in Pontiac, Illinois which may be seen on the first leg of the great Freedom Road adventure.

Photo: courtesy The Lost Adventure

It was opened in 1926 and quickly built up fame, recognition and respect, not just from the American people but secured a fan club of followers across the globe until it was bypassed by the Interstate highway system and ultimately decommissioned in June 1985. In fact it is the only national highway to have

26

HERITAGE TOURISM APPEALS TO ALL AGES

In addition to limited segments of actual useable roadbed, a dwindling number of contemporary roadside attractions still survive. Several semi-private organisations including the Route 66 Association of Illinois, the Missouri Route 66 Association, and the California Historical Route 66 Association, as well as several European groups, have also been organised to perpetuate public appreciation and understanding of the

highway. This continuing flurry of activity demonstrates an enduring widespread fascination with the old route.

One of the original highways in the old interstate system, US Route 66 was also known as the Will Rogers Highway (more on this later) and colloquially known as the Main Street of America or the Mother Road.

Route 66 served as a major path for those who migrated west, especially during the Dust Bowl of the 1930’s, and it supported the economies of the communities through which the road passed. People doing business along the route became prosperous due to the growing popularity of the highway, and those same people later fought to keep the highway alive in the face of the growing threat of being bypassed by the new Interstate Highway System.

NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY Route 66 underwent many improvements and realignments over its lifetime until it was officially removed from the US Highway System on June 27, 1985. Parts of the road that passed through Illinois, Missouri, New Mexico, and Arizona have been designated a National Scenic Byway of the name Historic Route 66, which is returning to some maps.

Several states have adopted significant bypassed sections of the former US 66 into the state road network as State Route 66, so preserving its use to actually travel on rather than simply a tourist attraction.

Over 2,000 of Route 66’s original 2,448 connected miles are still approachable, if not always drivable. While there are many lovely stretches and remarkable towns to be found along the way, ‘road fans’ still debate which is the top stretch of Route 66 for a modern day road trip. Some feel that the best unbroken drives happen along Oklahoma’s 400 miles of

To find the perfect hotel and to make your travel and hospitality arrangements call our experienced luxury travel team on 01234 354209

the old road, much of it uninterrupted by the interstate. Or possibly the most memorable drive is the 158 continuous miles on Route 66 heading west from Seligman, Arizona, and on to the California state line and Topock.

Kansas has always had the shortest length of this road in any of the eight Route 66 states, and all 13 historic miles are drivable today through Galena and Baxter Springs.

to help out. What you probably don’t know that is that of the 116 episodes, only two were actually filmed on Route 66. The cast and crew moved on location to 81 US communities in 23 states. They also made two side trips to Canada, to film episodes in Toronto and Niagara Falls.

By way of romantic anecdotes about the Mother Road, American literary giant John Steinbeck is said to have conceived the idea for The Grapes of Wrath on a late 1937 summer drive from Chicago west on Route 66, which he called the “long concrete path.”

Steinbeck’s wife, Carol, suggested the title of the book - in which he called Route 66 the Mother Road, hence the alternate name.

Lady readers may remember the smouldering good looks of Greek-American actor George Maharis - now 84 by the way - who played Buz. Maharis’s acting career never went too far after route 66, unlike his co-star and sidekick, the boyish-faced Marty Milner (Tod), who went on to appear in numerous TV soaps and films until forced to retire only recently. Among the series’ more notable aspects were the featured Corvette convertible and the programme’s instrumental theme song, which became a major pop hit, and was composed and performed by someone more associated with Sinatra, Nelson Riddle.

Stretching across the expanse of North America, coast to coast, the Route 66 trail runs east to west, from Chicago to Santa Monica

Like me, you may just remember the 19601964 TV show route 66 - yes, it was spelt with a lower-case ‘r.’ If it’s all coming back to you, you’ll recall the show was a weekly 60-minute action series on CBS (also shown in the UK) about two young, ‘hip’ guys - Buz and Tod who travelled along Route 66 in a Corvette convertible. In addition to having one great time, they also ran into people less fortunate than themselves and always did their best

TV’S route 66 STARS

Maharis or ‘Gorgeous George’ as he was called, didn’t actually do himself any favours in those still sensitive times back then when he was actually busted twice for certain indiscretions in men’s rooms. While Maharis was one of the first celebrities to pose for Playgirl, in their second issue, July 1973, he literally became a friend of Dorothy - Judy Garland - appearing in one her TV shows in 1963. Today, he’s become something of an icon himself, of the US gay community, and he must have saved those earnings from route 66 because today Maharis is now comfortably retired with homes in Beverly Hills and New York.

Those who would seek the nostalgia of Route 66 and travel its remaining sections today would start their journey in the windy city of Chicago, home of Al Capone and of course Barack Obama. Chicago was the engine of expansion into the west on a highway that

Seligman in Arizona is the recognised birthplace of Historic Route 66. In 1987 its residents founded the Historic Route 66 Association to preserve the great highway’s traditions in traversing the state.

Photo: James Kalemis

crossed a continent and defined a nation.

Although a shadow of its former glory, by travelling the Mother Road you’ll visit the shops, the gas stations, motels, and restaurants scattered along it. At any point you can stop at a secluded spot and listen for the sound of a million wheels lost in time.

THINK TWAIN AND STEINBECK From Chicago, you can amble on to St. Louis, the Museum of the West and the western movies, the Native American villages and the great river - The Mississippi. Ponder and think of Mark Twain, Walt Whitman, Jack Keruac, John Steinbeck and those ’easy riders’ on their Harleys. The 1969 ‘road movie’ Easy Rider starring Peter Fonda, Dennis Hopper and Jack Nicholson is a legendary reference for any self-respecting biker. The film helped boost Harley Davidson sales, which were faltering at the time. Fonda’s character, Captain America, had his proud Harley covered in the star spangled banner. It too became a timeless icon and reproductions of the bike can still be spotted along Route 66.

But, onwards you go. See the wonderful colours of Santa Fe and the fantastic Grand Canyon. Walk in the footsteps of the stars on the streets of Beverly Hills and Hollywood then take a swim in the ocean on the beach of Santa Monica or Malibu. Here’s the suggested itinerary - Chicago, St. Louis, Missouri State Park, Mississippi, Oklahoma - the Cherokee

Taking a break to absorb the breathtaking beauty of the Arizona backdrop - a mature lone biker by the Grand Canyon and a group of road weary travellers of mixed ages in the centre of Navajo Indian country in Winslow. Then, it’s back on the road again.

Photos: James Kalemis, Bon Voyage Travel and Tours, Complete North America

To find the perfect hotel and to make your travel and hospitality arrangements call our experienced luxury travel team on 01234 354209

27

Welcome to Route 66 Arizona - the Gateway to Indian Country and the spectacular Monument Valley on the Utah state line, which you can access by a short detour from the old highway.

Photo: Bon Voyage Travel and Tours.

Heritage Center and National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, Route 66 Museum, Santa Fe, Grand Canyon National Park, Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Hollywood and finally Santa Monica.

The town of Williams in Coconino County, Arizona is a wonderful place to experience Route 66 memorabilia and gain a sense of the road’s history - it’s also the gateway to the Grand Canyon.

CAREFULLY SELECTED ACCOMMODATION Nottingham-based fly-drive travel company Complete North America offers two holiday packages centring on the Route 66 experience, over two weeks or three. The extended itinerary allows more time in major locations and also includes additional stops in Springfield, Illinois and Santa Fe, New Mexico. Modified versions of either itinerary to suit the client’s own individual preferences can be prepared on request, says the company’s David Mortimer.

“The accommodation places we use are all carefully selected for their contribution to the Route 66 experience,” explained David. “Some are newly-constructed while others have been restored recently and include properties that have accommodated travellers on Route 66 for decades. This year we offer three levels of hotel categories to choose from depending on preferences and budget - ‘Value,’ ‘Moderate’ and ‘Superior.’ We can of course work on any number of variations of the Route 66 itinerary to suit individual requirements; therefore the possibilities for this holiday of a lifetime are almost endless.”

With CNA’s fortnight package, clients arrive at O’Hare Airport, Chicago and have time to do some sight-seeing in the US president’s home city which is the start point for the itinerary before picking up their hire car and head for St Louis 300 miles away. The city was originally the focal point of Indian trails that ran all across the US and the jumping off point for Lewis and Clark’s Expedition of Discovery to open the West through the newly acquired Louisiana Purchase. It will also be your jumping off point to points south and west, as you begin your journey through the wide open spaces.

28

Route 66 from St. Louis to Springfield, Missouri (210 miles) takes you through the lush rolling hills of the Missouri Ozark Mountains. The road follows the Great Osage Trail, a major Indian path across the state and a route used by legendary outlaw Jesse James. One of the most famous attractions on Route 66, Meramec Caverns, was also used by the James Gang as a hideout when escaping lawmen posses.

Onwards to Tulsa and then Oklahoma City 310 miles. Oklahoma was the home of Cyrus Avery, who came to be known as the Father of Route 66. After he was appointed to head the commission that reviewed the routes of new national highways, he fought for several years to bring a major highway through his home state, knowing it would boost the economy.

Ultimately, he was successful in the choice of a route that followed the National Old Trails Road in 1925, which just happened to cross right through the middle of Oklahoma.

‘Been on this road for a mighty long time, ten million men like me, you drive us from you’ town, we ramble around, and got them 66 Highway Blues’ - the heartfelt lyrics of 1930’s political singer-songwriter Woody Guthrie in his elegy This Land is Your Land. Guthrie hailed from Oklahoma and his words help illustrate the icon which Route 66 had already become in a song that told of the plight of ‘the Okies’ fleeing to California. The Los Angeles police stationed themselves at the Arizona border in 1934 to stop the flood of Dust Bowl disconsolate souls looking for a better life.

The Cadillac Ranch is a must-see public art installation and sculpture in Amarillo, Texas.

These colourful automobile legends are buried at an angle in the sand - corresponding to that of the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt.

Photo: James Kalemis

LANDSCAPE CHANGES Southwest of Springfield, you’ll see why they wanted to leave. The landscape changes from the rich crop raising Midwest into the American southwest - red, dry and dusty.

During the1930’s, more than 15 per cent of Oklahoma’s population took Route 66 to escape the constantly blowing sand. They gathered their belongings, their families, their hopes and their dreams and headed west. For nightlife in Oklahoma City, make sure you visit Bricktown, a former warehouse district that has been reinvigorated with restaurants, cafes, night clubs and a vibrant atmosphere.

Going west from Oklahoma City 260 miles to Amarillo, Texas on Route 66, you’re in authentic cowboy country. It is here that some of the most wonderful icons of Route 66, functional simple buildings that were adorned with all manner of exterior signs promising all things larger than life, still exist.

Two headed snakes, reptile farms, alligators, wondrous caves and petrified mummies all vied for the attention of the vacationer of old in unique sideshows that would have made the legendary showman P. T. Barnum proud.

The tales taken home from these holidays would entice and amaze your neighbours for months.

Amarillo is one of the last places on earth where the Old West is just minutes away.

The vast ranches of the Texas Panhandle, some numbering in the millions of acres, are just outside of Amarillo. Shortly after being discovered by Spanish explorer Francisco Coronado in 1541, the area became a magnet for cattlemen and sheep herders from all points of the compass looking for fresh grazing grounds. As the Dust Bowl farmers headed to California, more cattlemen and cowhands moved in to claim the same territory for ranching. Step into ‘The Real Texas’ as the locals say.

Still in New Mexico and 120 miles along the journey to Tucumcari you’re presented the first glimpse of the more exotic cultures of the Southwest. To those who ventured from the Midwest in the olden days, it was as if they had entered another country. Back then, the Native American and Spanish cultures were much stronger, not having been diluted as much with contemporary life. It was a fascinating heritage of old Indian pueblos or villages that dated back to before European colonisation.

THE AUTOMOBILE - AMERICA’S LOVE AFFAIR Santa Fe and Albuquerque looked like they could have fallen straight out of Mexico with adobe buildings and a Spanish plaza in middle town Tucumcari. These are the same icons we marvel at along the road that so represented America’s love affair with the automobile. As a result, New Mexico still has the most miles of original Route 66 that can be driven today. On your way between Amarillo and Tucumcari be sure to stop at Cadillac Ranch to see the ten tail-finned Cadillacs buried in the sand.

Next up is the 180 mile trip to Albuquerque - New Mexico’s capital city. Younger than its more northerly counterpart, Santa Fe, Albuquerque was founded in 1706 by a group of Spanish colonists who were granted permission by the King of Spain to establish a new city on the river. Old Town Plaza was the result of Spain’s Laws of the Indies which required setting a plaza at the centre of any

To find the perfect hotel and to make your travel and hospitality arrangements call our experienced luxury travel team on 01234 354209

city. This Plaza still fronts the San Felipe Neri Church complex built in 1793 and the El Camino Real, the main route through town that connected Santa Fe and Albuquerque with Mexico City. The Santa Fe Trail crisscrossed the region in 1821 and today, both routes are National Scenic Byways and All American Roads.

Historic neon signs still glow on the old Route 66 through Albuquerque which is now Central Avenue. Alongside the vintage signs, you’ll see new versions put up by businesses that are continuing the aesthetic traditions of the Mother Road, adorning their shops with bright buzzing neon. Route 66 continues to guide visitors through Albuquerque from the volcanoes on the city’s far west side past the Rio Grande Botanical Garden and the Albuquerque Aquarium through the historic old towns and downtown business districts and continuing eastward through the University of New Mexico and trendy Nob Hill, where you’ll find many of the city’s best restaurants, distinctive shops and boutiques.

One thing’s for sure, you’ll find it challenging to decide which other places to visit. Sandia Peak Tramway takes you over two and a half miles to the 10,000 foot peak of the Sandia Mountains. Or you could visit the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, Albuquerque Museum and the National Hispanic Cultural Center to learn more about local culture and history.

Check out the rock carvings on display at the Petroglyph National Museum and the El Morro National Monument which reveal the life of ancient peoples who inhabited the area.

Then there’s the National Atomic Museum and Trinity Site - the exact spot where the first atomic bomb was detonated, which tells the story of this momentous event in American history. Alternatively you could take an hour’s

Old gas pumps stand side by side at the Route 66 Museum in Clinton, Oklahoma - just one of this tourist attraction’s historic displays centred on the Mother Highway’s influence on the state.

Photo: Complete North America.

drive north east along Highway 25 to historic and cultural Santa Fe. YOU’RE IN INDIAN COUNTRY On the way between Albuquerque and Chinle, 230 miles, you’ll be entering the dramatic lands of western New Mexico and ultimately travelling through the Navajo Reservation.

The New Mexico Mining Museum at Grants has replicated an entire uranium mine.

Natural attractions include the El Malpais National Monument, the Continental Divide.

The excavated Pueblo at Inspiration Rock dates back to AD 1200. Skirting the southern foothills of the Zuni Mountains, the drive along Highway 53 is likely the most scenic in all of New Mexico.

Staying with this route eventually brings you to Gallup, founded in 1881 when the Santa Fe railroad began operation along the route, This ‘Gateway To Indian Country’ is the largest town close to the Navajo and other Indian reservations of the Four Corners Region. It still has some of the some of the Southwest’s largest trading posts and one of the best strips of neon signs you’ll see anywhere on old Route 66. Here there’s a tributary of the old highway which leads to the extraordinary Monument Valley - one of the most majestic and photographed points on the planet.

The detour was also taken by comedian-actor Billy Connolly in his 2011 ITV television four-part series Billy Connolly’s Route 66. If you saw it, you’ll remember that Connolly,

who’s 70, used a motorised tricycle to drive the entire length of Route 66, despite being hospitalised for a week after he crashed at the border near Arizona and New Mexico, which resulted in a broken rib and a gash in his knee.

Said Connolly after the series: “I’d always wanted to do Route 66, even without film, just on my own motor cycle, just as a holiday. It’s the grooviest road in the world. It’s all those lovely things that appeal to Europeans and it appeals to motor cyclists and it appeals to guitar players, and people with long hair, and silly people and dreamers. “I have had British people writing to me saying, ‘I hear you’ve been doing Route 66, my wife and I have been saving for five years and we’re doing it next summer, and we’re going to watch you and see how you get along, blah de blah. I say great.

Go for it!”

You’re into Day 10 of the Complete North America 2-week schedule and the drive from Chinle to Monument Valley will take you about 90 minutes. The last 30, as you approach Monument Valley, really is quite spectacular. This is the dramatic landscape of the Wild West and all those countless cowboy movies.

Next amazing stop - The Grand Canyon, not actually on Route 66, but you couldn’t miss one of the Seven Wonders of the World while you’re this close. Once you reach it you’ll soon discover that standing on the South Rim of this incredible natural structure is absolutely breathtaking. A massive and totally dramatic sight to behold, The Grand Canyon is 277 miles long, 6,000 feet deep and 15 miles across at its widest. The canyon rim is only a short stroll from the Canyon View Information Plaza.

An eight-mile round trip on Hermit Road takes you to views of the river at Hopi, Mohave and Pima Points, as well as to Hermits Rest, a historic landmark with a great view of the river. The 25-mile scenic Desert View Drive delivers views of the canyon and the Colorado River at Moran Point, Lipan Point, and Desert View. For the very best view of all, you can take a 30-minute flight over it.

Hooray! We’re here - and loving it! Silver ‘Easy Riders’ take the Route 66 experience at their own pace on Harley Davidson’s as they engage with the legendary Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper movie story. Photo: Complete North America.

To find the perfect hotel and to make your travel and hospitality arrangements call our experienced luxury travel team on 01234 354209

29

you’ll discover the original Harvey House which gave rise to hospitality complexes all over the southwest.

The partnership of the Harley Davidson motorcycle and Route 66 endures for thousands of fly-drive tourists from the UK each year. There are of course many alternatives in vehicle travel for those who prefer four wheels.

Photo: Complete North America.

Gambler or not, everyone has to at least visit Las Vegas once. Three hundred miles on from Grand Canyon and into the Nevada desert, it is a city founded on entertainment, glitter and fabulous night life. You can of course have a flutter or two but maybe just let your hair down and enjoy yourself, take in a show, and otherwise be entertained, even by walking or driving around the place. The sights and sounds that are Las Vegas are enjoyed by over almost 40 million visitors every year. You can stroll in some of the most glamorous, unique hotels in the world, eat at five-star restaurants and expansive buffets, swim in pools, and enjoy health spas and a few rounds on the many golf courses. You could even get married all over again!

Just two days to go until your Route 66 dream experience comes to an end and finally, after a journey through the Mojave Desert, you’ll reach the bright lights of Hollywood. It may be hard to believe that the area around Barstow was once covered by immense lakes ringed with Native American villages. When silver was discovered in Calico, the area became a mining centre that included borax excavation. Route 66 is now Main Street through Barstow. Just off Main on First Street,

Rainbow Basin, about 15 miles north of Barstow, is one of the lakebeds that existed between 10 and 30 million years ago. Calico Ghost Town is California’s official Silver Rush Ghost Town, preserving one of the few original mining camps in the Old West.

One third of the town is original, with the rest constructed in the ‘spirit’ of Calico’s Old West past. Your destination, however, is Santa Monica, where the Mother Road meets the Pacific Ocean at the Pier. Of course, many a dream has begun and ended on those silky beaches.

JOURNEY CLIMAX Then at the climax of your adventure West, La La Land itself. Take a go-behind-the scenes tour at Universal Studios Hollywood, visit the UCLA Armand Hammer Museum which presents the work of unprecedented artists, the California Heritage Museum, the Autry National Center Museum of the American West, the Aquarium of the Pacific, not forgetting Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens.

Be sure to visit the new Getty Center perched high on a hilltop above the city. The view of LA doesn’t get much better than that but don’t forget those last minute designer shopping items. Call in at The Camarillo Premium Outlet Store located just 45 minutes north of Los Angeles Airport. Or, if none of those attractions suit you, you can always go to see Mickey and his friends at Disneyland.

With such a hectic schedule over the past fortnight, make sure you take some time to relax in the California sunshine before you catch your plane home.

BOBBY TROUP SONG TO ‘66’ Still in nostalgia mode, the most famous song ever written about the Mother Road was the catchy Bobby Troup number Get Your Kicks on Route 66. Troup met the celebrated African American singer and musician Nat King Cole within days of Troup and his wife Cynthia arriving in Los Angeles, after the couple’s February 1946 drive across the country, part of it on Route 66. The Troups had driven US Highway 40 from their Philadelphia home to St. Louis, from where they motored west on Route 66. It was Cynthia who suggested the song title Get your kicks on Route 66. Bobby had written less than half of (Get Your Kicks on) Route 66 when he met Cole.

He sat at Cole’s piano at the Trocadero Club on LA’s Sunset Boulevard and played his half-song for the first time. The star liked it so much he joined Troup and played along. Cole told Troup to finish the song and committed to recording it for his upcoming album. It was then Bobby and Cynthia got out their AAA maps to help frame the next verse, concentrating on their overnight stops. Cynthia said years later: “What I really can’t believe is that he doesn’t have Albuquerque in the song.”

Kansas is the only one of the Route 66 states Troup did not reference, while Winona - for reasons of rhyme - is the one place out of driving sequence. Keeping his word, Cole recorded the song on March 16,

30

But I’ll just linger in California a bit longer.

You may remember I mentioned Route 66 also being known as the Will Rogers Highway.

A brass plaque in the LA suburb Santa Monica marks the official end of Route 66 and exists also in honour of the famed 1920’s and 30’s humorist, vaudeville performer, actor, social commentator and noted citizen of the world, who first left his home in Claremore, Oklahoma via Route 66. Will Rogers, of Cherokee extract, lived out his last years on a comfortable ranch - now the Will Rogers State Park - only a few miles to the north of the Santa Monica monument site and forming a significant part of the LA’s beach frontage. Rogers, also a keen advocate of the US aviation industry, died when the small aircraft in which he was travelling crashed in Alaska in 1935, aged 55. Rogers was adored by the American people. He was the leading political wit of the Progressive Era and was the top-paid Hollywood movie star at the time of the first ‘talkies.’ He also wrote more than 4,000 nationally-syndicated newspaper columns, becoming a world-famous figure in the process.

CYRUS AVERY - ‘FATHER’ OF ROUTE 66 Just a further word on Oklahoma’s Cyrus Avery ‘the father of Route 66.’ Avery was so confident his proposed road from Chicago to LA would be designated Highway 60 that he printed 60,000 brochures promoting Highway 60 going through his state in 1926.

He began erecting Highway 60 road signs along Oklahoma’s state road - all of which had to be destroyed of course when the US Highway 66 designation was stipulated later that year. The decision by Avery and his compatriots to accept ‘66’ as their favoured route’s designation was made in Springfield, Missouri, on April 30, 1926, giving that town recognition as ‘the birthplace of Route 66.’

1946. Its popularity soared, with The Rolling Stones subsequently recording it for their eponymously titled first album in 1964.

Well if you ever plan to motor west Just take my way that’s the highway that’s the best Get your kicks on Route 66.

Well it winds from Chicago to L.A. More than 2000 miles all the way Get your kicks on Route 66.

Well, goes from St. Louie down to Missouri Oklahoma City looks oh so pretty You’ll see Amarillo and Gallup, New Mexico Flagstaff, Arizona don’t forget Winona Kingman, Barstow, San Bernardino.

Would you get hip to this kindly tip And go take that California trip Get your kicks on Route 66!

(Bobby Troup, copyright 1946, Londontown Music)

Having done the trip with Complete North America, here are some comments from their over 55’s travellers. John Agar, a retired accountant from Poole in Dorset: “It’s an amazing journey - one I always dreamed of making and now I’ve done it! The trip went like clockwork and the thing I’ll remember above all else was the kindness and pleasant nature of the American people we met always willing to stop and chat or help in any way they could.”

“We hired a SatNav from Zintech and it proved invaluable, indeed essential, in our view,” enthused Edbaston, Birmingham, insurance broker John Walker, 65, another CNA client who did the Route 66 trip with his wife Lottie. “Zintech pre-programmed all the hotels into the unit so that we never got lost and could always find our way home if we went out for the night out or off the beaten track slightly. We opted not to go to Las Vegas and went from the Grand Canyon to Needles, then to Lake Havasu City where the old London Bridge is - infinitely more interesting.

Added John: “We actually ran into a young couple also from Birmingham who were driving in a UK-registered 1968 Vauxhall Viva van they’d had shipped over. They were regularly racing the van in drag races.

Amazing. All in all, we did a very memorable and thoroughly enjoyable 3,300 mile trip.

Definitely not too tiring as each day’s journey was broken up by sight-seeing and having some great meals on route.”

been better. All the right places and some really atmospheric and superbly-located motels and hotels - we even had a cabin 10 metres from the rim of the Grand Canyon!”

Bon Voyage Travel and Tours operates similar fly-drive adventure holidays to discover the old Route 66, but for the really adventurous and those keen to recapture the ‘Easy Rider’ spirit they offer Harley Davidson hire as an alternative to four wheels. It’s a big hit with the more mature crowd.

The company’s Karen Niven explains: “Bon Voyage offers Route 66 holidays by car, by Harley Davidson or as an escorted tour.

You’d think the over 55’s market might steer towards the easy option, the escorted tour, but no. Route 66 on a Harley Davidson is our best selling holiday to this age group market.

They love to travel with a fun-loving crowd of people where age isn’t important ...it’s all about the ride and the nostalgic adventure that awaits them. If this ‘born to be wild’ type adventure doesn’t appeal, we also offer Route 66 as a fly-drive and, our newest tour, Route 33 - it’s only half of Route 66!”

Well, you wild childs. Why do things by half?

Realise that lifelong passion to ‘do’ the Wild West, travel that Mother Road of dreams and, without doubt, get some ‘kicks’ doing it..

‘SOUNDTRACK’ OF THEIR LIVES The ‘holiday of a lifetime’ is how Peter Hill and his wife and Ellen who lived the Route 66 experience together with their retired retail business partners and friends Terry and Elaine Swinhoe, both couples from Blackpool. Said Peter: “We lapped up big city and small town America alike - as well as the huge variation of landscape and experiences on Route 66 itself. The 50’s and 60’s-style diners and the people we met were superb. It was musically and geographically very much the soundtrack of our lives. We have wonderful memories of this, our first visit to the USA, and are now longing to return. The set up couldn’t have

Recommended tour operators for Route 66 and North America adventure holidays include: Complete North America Ltd

Colwick, Notts.

(Call 0115 9610593, Email: enquiry@completenorthamerica.com, Fax. 0115 9870751, Website: www.completenorthamerica.com ) Two and three-week Route 66 fly-drive holidays - Chicago to Los Angeles, from £1449 per person. Convertible car and motorbike rental available one way, saving up to £375 on the usual one way drop fee. In May/June or September the cost per person, including flights, car hire and accommodation for two weeks, is in the region of £1750 per person.

Check website for full details.

Bon Voyage Travel & Tours

Southampton, Hants.

(Call: 0800 316 3012, Email: sales@bon-voyage.co.uk, Fax: 02380 248249, Website: www.bon-voyage.co.uk) Two-week fly-drive tour on Route 66 by car (4x4 or Mustang convertible), Harley Davidson motorbike or combinations of the two - Chicago to Los Angeles one way, prices from £1895 per person. Half Route 66 available.

Check website for full details.

Just America

Swanmore, Hants (Call: 01489 892329, Email: enquiries@justamerica.co.uk, Website: http://www.justamerica.co.uk) See website for fly-drive touring details.

Grand American Adventures London (Call: 0844 5761370, Email: info@trekamerica.co.uk, Website: www. grandamericanadventures.com).

See website for Route 66 touring.

Titan Travel Redhill, Surrey

(Call: 0800 988 5811, Email: helpdesk@titantravel.co.uk, Website: www.titantravel.co.uk).

Escorted luxury coach tours.

See website for details.

Panam Holidays - Riding Route 66

The sign says it all - Santa Monica, California and the Route 66 trail comes to a close, but not without lots to see and do in the luxury beach resort before flying home from LA. For Blackpool couple Peter and Ellen Hill, pictured, the Route 66 experience provided “the soundtrack of our lives… it was the holiday of a lifetime.”

Photos: Complete North America.

Phoenix, Arizona, US (Call: 001 602 354 9292, Email: via website, Website: www.ridingroute66.us).

Car, minibus and motorcycle self-drive tours, including Harley Davidson and classic car rental.

See website for details.

31

the essential “must see” list

TAJ MAHAL

THE LEGENDARY BEAUTY OF THE TAJ MAHAL AWAITS YOU

T

he Taj Mahal, standing on the banks of the River Yamuna, in a small city called Agra in India is known to be a symbol of pure love; it is known to be one of the World’s Wonders; and it is also nominated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It is undoubtedly the finest example of Mughal architecture, a style that combines Indian, Persian and Islamic architectural styles.

But this is not all; there is much more about the Taj to fascinate and delight you. Read on to find out more about this beautiful structure, and you will soon find that you deserve a visit to the Taj, as much as the Taj deserves a visit by you.

MOODS OF THE TAJ My walk along the beautiful paths surrounding the gardens, with a clear reflection of the mausoleum in the tranquil waters of the pool, left me feeling peaceful and majestic. As the light of the Indian day changes from dawn to dusk, the pure white marble construction of the Taj means that it takes on a variety of beautiful appearances.

The alluring beauty of the Taj is at its highest on a quiet early morning. As the sun rises, the white marble bathes itself in an orange-red color which slowly changes to yellow, grey and then pure white. The whiteness of the marble is totally dazzling and mesmerizing at the peak of the typically glorious Indian summer day. As the day draws to a close, the Taj shines beautifully in the opaque blue of the sky and reflects a dull red hue once more as the sun sets. During romantic moonlit nights, the marble of the Taj shines golden like a shimmering jewel against the dark night sky.

life and she was known to have no political motives or desire to have control over the Empire. Mumtaz passed away while giving birth to their thirteenth child. She was temporarily buried at Burhanpur in a walled pleasure garden known as Zainabad. Her original grave still lies there. The Taj was then constructed as a dedication to her and her body was transported there in a golden casket after twenty-two years. She was then laid below the huge mausoleum of the Taj.

WHY WAS THE TAJ BUILT? The maker of this structure, Shah Jahan, was the fifth Mughal Emperor and son of Jahangir. As a young man, he had two wives, but even before his first marriage he was also irresistibly in love with Arjumand Bano Begum, the grand-daughter of a Persian noble. They eventually married in 1612 AD. History says that his relationship with his first two wives was a marriage in status alone, but the true love of his life was his third wife Arjumand; who was named Mumtaz after marriage, meaning “Beloved Jewel of the Palace”. Shah Jahan was totally devoted to Mumtaz, and their relationship was intense. She travelled with the king all over the Mughal Empire during his military campaigns. The king trusted her with his

32

Shah Jahan’s own burial was not grand; he was taken quietly by two men and laid beside Mumtaz. Even today this structure stands as a mark of pure love and beauty.

VISIT THE TAJ The Taj attracts close to 4 million visitors annually, with almost 200,000 tourists from overseas. The months that are best to visit are September, October, February and March. The weather during these months is not extreme and also no major rainfall is expected. Polluting traffic is not allowed near the monument, tourists either have to walk or take electric buses to commute.

To find the perfect hotel and to make your travel and hospitality arrangements call our experienced luxury travel team on 01234 354209

FACTS ABOUT THE TAJ

New Delhi is the nearest international airport to Agra which is about 218 kms away. Trains, taxis and buses are available which take approximately 6 hours to reach Agra. An air conditioned taxi from Delhi to Agra, that can also take you around the city to numerous other places, like I did, is probably the best option. There are many luxury hotels in Agra near the Taj for you to stay a while and witness ITS CHANGING MOODS. Millions of visitors year after year are awestruck by the beauty and magnificence of this outstanding monument, as was I. Sheer ecstasy is what people experience here. People are taken aback by the strong emotion that they feel in this monument; not only delight but also strength, and power of love. Shah Jahan’s beautiful effort to immortalize his love in the pages of history was certainly a success.

Poets all over the world have written pages of amazing verse in testament to this piece of wonder.

Construction of the Taj Mahal was completed in 1653 and it took 20,000 workers 22 years to complete this epitome of beauty. It was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his third wife Mumtaz, hence it is given the name “Symbol of Love”. The walls of the Taj are jewelled with twenty-eight different varieties of semi-precious and precious stones with astonishing detailing. In this serene environment, the Queen rests peacefully alongside her King. The walls of the Taj are decorated with passages from the Quran that not only make the palace beautiful but also add a flavour of spirituality. Beautiful calligraphic inscriptions are carved on the sides of Mumtaz’s tomb, representing the 99 names of Allah.

This mesmerizing beauty is not just one structure but in fact a very complex integration of various structures. The white domed marble mausoleum is the most important of these. It took 10 years to build the mausoleum; the minarets, mosque, gardens and gateway took an additional 5 years. The Taj is perfectly symmetrical in every way, except that the two tombs inside are not of the same size. This is because the male tomb was purposely made bigger than the female one.

Inside the tombs, the bodies of the King and his Queen are placed with their faces turned towards Mecca. The construction of the buildings is such that visitors are amazed not only by the beauty but also the science of the architecture of that era.

In this world where we are bombarded with the breaking news of wars, nuclear weapons and terrorism, this beautiful palace stands to this day as the mark of purity and love, and fills its visitors with thoughts of humanity and love. Just standing in front of this magnificent structure can wipe your mind of everything else but peace and devotion. This is the power of this monument and the purpose with which it was built – to make love live on forever. Just pack your bags, book your tickets and pay a visit to the world’s most spectacular monument.

Cathy Taylor

33

The App List!

by Paul Glyde

5 Ipad apps that could enrich your life SNAPSEED Free

You’ve been taking photographs for most of your life. In that time technology has improved endlessly. That Kodak Instamatic you had as a child became a SLR with a lens like a bazooka.

You’ve tried Polaroids, throwaways and now you’re deeply into digital. But have your pics actually improved?

Snapseed won’t turn you into David Bailey or Annie Leibovitz but it’ll give your holiday snaps that travel magazine gloss, style and drama.

With this app you can enhance and transform every shot and then share your masterpieces with your family and friends. Snapseed automatically adjusts the colour and exposure to give you a pic to be proud of. After this you can crop the shot (losing that irritating man who’s always grinning in the background) then simply ‘tune’ the image to spruce up specific

IMDb Free What film would you like to see tonight and is it any good? Is there anything watchable on TV? Who played James Bond’s girlfriend in Diamonds Are Forever? What was that song in Breakfast at Tiffany’s? Name the actors who played the Magnificent Seven?

Now all the important questions for any film or TV buff can be answered with one app on your Ipad. IMDb is the world’s largest collection of film and TV information from serious biographies to whatever today’s ‘slebs’ are up to. You get ‘showing times’ for your local cinema and TV listings for your region. You can watch the

But why stop there? Have a little fun and let Snapseed’s innovative filters give your headshots that Hollywood ‘Bogart and Bacall’ look in classic black and white. Or that vivid ‘Technicolor’ look of the 60’s. But whatever style takes your fancy you’ll have a photograph you want to frame. And Snapseed adds frames too.

But why stop there? Have a little fun and let Snapseed’s innovative filters give your headshots that Hollywood ‘Bogart and Bacall’ look in classic black and white. Or that vivid ‘Technicolor’ look of the 60’s. But whatever style takes your fancy you’ll have a photograph you want to frame. And Snapseed adds frames too

trailers of the latest films, make a must see list and be your own Barry Norman by rating the films and TV shows you’ve seen.

But what makes IMDb special is that they aim to list every detail about every movie and TV show that was ever made including the cast, directors, writers, reviews, trailers and all sorts of trivia.

Not only can you impress your friends with your vast cinematic knowledge but you can also end those frustrating dinner party conversations with everyone trying to remember the bloke everyone forgets in the Magnificent Seven.

TRIPOSO Free

Forget all those bulky travel books. One travel guide for the whole world is what Triposo promises. They harvest information that is freely available on the Internet and create relevant and personal travel guides. From Afghanistan and Amsterdam to Zambia and Zurich, they don’t seem to have missed a country or city that you might want to visit.

Just open the Travel guide and pick your country, the download starts immediately. You get an overview map of the country and detailed maps of the top cities. Then you just sit back and plan your trip. It’s just like having a friendly knowledgeable local sitting opposite you. You

34

areas and add depth and vibrancy to the entire photograph.

get some history, a good feel for the place, a currency converter, weather reports plus plenty of expert recommendations for hotels, restaurants, art galleries etc and the lowdown on the high life. All this is well illustrated with great photographs of not-to-be-missed locations and detailed directions to help you not miss them.

And when you’re there, a time tracking feature offers nearby places to eat when you feel hungry. You can indulge yourself too because by being able to access your guide offline means there’s no expensive roaming charges when you get home.

To find the perfect hotel and to make your travel and hospitality arrangements call our experienced luxury travel team on 01234 354209

Coffee Time

The Simple Coffee Time Crossword

visit www.ladolcevita.info/index.php/crossword to check your answers 36

AWARD-WINNING RETIREMENT APARTMENTS FOR SALE

Voted Most Outstanding Retirement Housing Operator in the UK, 2009, 2010, 2011 & 2012

Thinking of Retirement Living. Think Churchill.

All Churchill Retirement Living developments offer safe, secure living in convenient locations for shops, transport, social venues and essential amenities.

The owners’ lounge and social events offer an important sense of community and enhanced lifestyle to be enjoyed. And, perhaps most of all, you retain your independence in your own apartment.

With developments across the South of England and throughout the Midlands, Churchill Retirement Living could really help you enjoy a new lifestyle.

Please call on 0800 458 1839 or visit www.churchillretirement.co.uk

Enjoy Independence and Peace of Mind in Your Retirement

37

Make bathing a pleasure again with Premier Care

Coloured trim to match your decor White tile-effect panels with no grout, so no mould which means less cleaning for you.

EXCLUSIVE protection with

Inhibits the growth of bacteria and mould for better hygiene

We have made safe bathing and showering a reality for thousands of happy customers. Our expert engineers can fit a new walk-in bath or shower in place of your old bath in JUST ONE DAY*, without fuss or mess.

Title

First Name

✁

✓ Please send me a FREE brochure

Lowest ever access

Step in safely with extra low 11/2” entry.

ZZ074N

Surname

Telephone Address

Slip-resistant flooring With separate drying area and slip-resistant finish for extra safety.

Call FREE for your FREE brochure, our lines are open all day, every day

Please quote ref

ZZ074N

0800 280 0282 Visit www.premiershowers.co.uk

Postcode Post today (no stamp needed): Premier Care, FREEPOST BM4591, Redditch, B97 6BR We may use this information to contact you about our products and pass it to suitable third parties to contact you about their products and services. Please tick the box if you do not wish to receive information from us or third parties Please refer to our privacy policy for further details. www.premierbathrooms.co.uk/privacy-policy *Dependent on fit.

Antique Focus Regency Convex Mirror

A

Regency convex mirror has always been a great object around which to design a room, and the legendary interior designer David Hicks used them to great effect in his projects. It was Thomas Sheraton who first published a design for a convex mirror in his Cabinet Dictionary, 1803 and he commented on the ‘agreeable effect’ created by the mirror. The best convex mirrors are carved out of wood which are then gessoed and water gilded, which gives a beautifully crisp finish and a broad variety of tones and highlights; inferior examples or re-gilded examples will have a dull and gloopy oil gilded finish. Depending on the desires of the patron the mirror would be decorated with a variety of neo-classical ornament, with gilded balls and running acanthus being particular favourites for decorating the frame. Superior convex mirrors would also have a cresting, usually in the form of an eagle with outstretched arms, and an apron which was normally rendered in the form of crisply carved acanthus leaves. Larger convex mirrors had candle arms to either side so that the refracted candle light could illuminate and add interest to the room in which it hangs.

Regency convex mirrors range in value from about £7,000-£40,000 depending on size, rarity and originality.

Reindeer Antiques 81 Kensington Church Street London W8 4BG Tel. 020 7937 3754 Email: london@reindeerantiques.co.uk

www.reindeerantiques.co.uk

LUXURY CREWED YACHT VACATIONS........explore, dream, relax!

Private crewed charter yachts are the best kept secret of the travel industry. Like luxury “Floating Boutique Hotels” they offer gourmet dining, 5 star service and comfortable accommodations at competitive rates.

Let your captain guide you from island to island while your private chef teases your taste buds.

All customized to your wishes and needs!

From £250/day/person all inclusive.

amazing charters.indd 1

Are you creating a multi-generational family vacation, playing hidden Caribbean golf courses, cruising the Amalfi coast or exploring the Greek islands? Do you need the right settings for a corporate event, conference or retreat? The possibilities are endless and there is a perfect yacht and crew for everything.

Our personalized service will help you find the perfect yacht and crew for your vacation or event. Call us today!

AMAZING CHARTERS Tel: +1 704 257 4766 www.amazingcharters.com yachts@amazingcharters.com

07/03/2013 09:33

39

Political Thoughts

Two Years On - What Are the Answers to Syria’s Civil War?

T

he conflict in Syria has become a familiar backdrop to international media. As revolutions in Tunisia, Egypt, Yemen and Libya - known collectively, among numerous others, as the Arab Spring - found rather hasty, if not costly resolutions, the wave of protests across Syria slowly transformed into outright Civil War. Such was the speed at which the Arab Spring sprung, that focus initially would shift from country to country, until it became rather benign, with regards to levels of concern. First was Tunisia, with the uprising, beginning on the 18th December 2010, leading to the overthrowing of the government less than a month later.

Following Tunisia came a wave of protests searching for similar resolutions. Still in December, Algeria began their uprising, which was then followed by varying levels of protest and civilian rebellion in - Jordan, Oman, Egypt, Yemen, Djibouti, Somalia, Sudan, Iraq, Bahrain, Libya, Kuwait, Morocco, Mauritius, Lebanon and Saudi Arabia - until, on the 15th March 2011, over two years ago now, Syria’s uprising began.

Tunisia - 28 days, Libya - 8 months, Yemen - 9.5 months, and Syria - 24 months and counting. The Civil War in Syria has been ongoing for almost three times as long as any other major ‘spring’ and, indeed, already dwarfs the events in Egypt and Tunisia.

SO WHY? The concepts behind why one conflict ends in less than a month and others rage on for years and years is, more often than not, multi-faceted. Primarily, however, with regards to the Syrian situation, it is influenced by mindset; both the mindset of the general population prior to the uprising, and the mindset now.

SYRIAN MINDSET First and foremost there is a vast degree of complicity within the dictatorship, by members of the public, with some experts suggesting that almost one in five of all Syrians were, prior to the War, somehow associated to the mukhabarrat - Syria’s secret police, and thus accepting of the status quo. The level of fear that this catalysed in others also helped to nurture a politically passive population, nervous of speaking against President al-Asad, or his associated government.

When I visited the county in June 2011, I, myself, was a witness to the passivity of many, who, despite reluctantly accepting that there was an ongoing conflict, wanted to reassure me that the majority of the people were peaceful. At the borders with both Turkey and Jordan, I was met with an almost exclusively friendly attitude - as I was in towns and cities, including the capital Damascus - if not somehow also intertwined with a mild paranoia. But, still it seemed clear that many Syrians were merely watching events unfold, as we were, on TV screens, and then later in their own towns and cities.

WHAT IS DIFFERENT ABOUT SYRIA? Out of all the above mentioned countries - in addition to Iranian Khuzestan, the Israeli border areas and Palestine, which came later; in total 21 entities - only Syria has degenerated into Civil War. Tunisia, Libya, Egypt and Yemen have been successful in overthrowing their governments, with Jordan, Oman, Kuwait, Morocco and Lebanon also forcing through changes in administration.

By way of comparison, in Egypt’s well documented protests and civil disturbances, a total of 846 people are reported to have been killed, in Yemen somewhere close to 2000 and in Libya between 25 - 30,000. Syria, on the other hand, during its still ongoing conflict, has, according to international news agency, Reuters, now exceeded 70,000 deaths in total, with 6,000 coming in March 2013 alone. A figure which is also argued to be much higher by numerous organisations based in the country.

Another important comparison, which undoubtedly influences the death toll, is duration. With regards to the period between the uprising beginning and the overthrowing of the government, the following statistics shed some light: Egypt - 17 days,

40

Although from media reports, it may seem as though the uprising is one in which the vast majority are actively involved, it is suggested by many that, quite to the contrary, it is merely a minority. The fact that there is no fully established political rival to the current regime, rather numerous semi-organised rebel groups, also probably gives the government the belief that they are under no real threat. The success elsewhere, during the Arab Spring, will equally give the rebels hope, and additionally they will be increasingly supported by those seeking revenge against the government’s widespread assault on civilians.

WHY NO INTERVENTION? Would the conflict in Libya still be ongoing without the external intervention? In total, 19 countries took part in the intervention there and, despite not being a walk in the park, it certainly helped bring a hastier end to the conflict. So, why aren’t the same measures taken in Syria? It could seem to many external observers that, quite simply, the international community is standing by and allowing the fighting to continue and, indeed, this is the opinion of many inside the country. But why?

In one word, Russia. Russia has for a long time been a close ally of Syria and, along with Iran has been giving increasing support to the military of al-Asad. Britain and France, in

To find the perfect hotel and to make your travel and hospitality arrangements call our experienced luxury travel team on 01234 354209

particular, along with the US, want to fund certain rebels, in a bid, they claim, to balance out the powers and thus drive towards a political resolution. Indeed Qatar and Saudi-Arabia have already begun funding various rebel factions, although some of this money is rumoured to have found its way into the pockets of jihadist fighters.

International Piano Series 2013/14

The hurdle for Britain to overcome is the EU arms embargo, which they are both considering removing. The issue, however, is whether the rebels have any control on the ground, as neither country wants to put weapons in the hands of careless and unfocused militants. Additionally the relations between Russia, Britain and the US would become extremely strained if the latter two were to fund rebels, thus potentially turning a national conflict into an international one.

SO WHAT ARE THE RESOLUTIONS? The opinion of many in Syria, as well as Britain and France is that arming the opposition will help to bring an end to the conflict by making the sides more balanced. In this way, the hope would be to catalyse a transition from military action to political resolution. Currently it seems that al Asad’s regime is unwilling to enter into negotiations, but with a stronger, more organised enemy, perhaps they would be left with little option.

Another potential solution is the development of a pro-Iranian, Russian backed opposition to form a coup d’etat against President Asad and his family. This would secure both Russian and Iranian interests in Syria, maintain peaceful relationships between Russia, the EU and the US, and, ultimately, bring an end to the conflict, stemming the blood flow.

Regardless of the approach, something must happen soon. As we enter the third year of the conflict, the death toll continues to rise and, indeed, with March 2013 the most costly so far, it is even accelerating. It is clear that the war is not al-Asad versus the Syrian people, but rather al-Asad versus a variety of rebel factions, with thousands of innocent Syrians caught up in the middle. If the world doesn’t react soon, this may well turn into one of the most costly conflicts of our modern history.

Gabriela Montero © Tim Cochrane

Bringing the world’s finest pianists to London’s Southbank Centre IGOR LEVIT

MAURIZIO POLLINI

TAMARA STEFANOVICH*

NELSON FREIRE

CÉDRIC TIBERGHIEN

GABRIELA MONTERO

ANDREW ZOLINSKY*

INGOLF WUNDER

BORIS GILTBURG

CRISTINA ORTIZ

Wednesday 2 October 2013

Sunday 6 October 2013

Wednesday 30 October 2013

Sunday 10 November 2013

Thursday 14 November 2013

Matt Sarson

Tuesday 18 February 2014

Sunday 2 March 2014

Wednesday 5 March 2014

Thursday 20 March 2014

Masterclass

Sunday 23 March 2014

CRISTINA ORTIZ

Wednesday 27 November 2013

MAURIZIO POLLINI

Wednesday 2 April 2014

TILL FELLNER

Tuesday 10 December 2013

FEDERICO COLLI Tuesday 22 April 2014

BORIS BEREZOVSKY Tuesday 14 January 2014

SERGIO TIEMPO

Tuesday 29 April 2014

MARTIN HELMCHEN Tuesday 28 January 2014

NIKOLAI LUGANSKY Wednesday 14 May 2014

PAUL LEWIS

Tuesday 4 February 2014

KHATIA BUNIATISHVILI Wednesday 4 June 2014

SAVE UP TO 20% WHEN YOU BOOK MULTIPLE CONCERTS TICKETS 0844 847 9929 SOUTHBANKCENTRE.CO.UK

* Part of The Rest Is Noise, Southbank Centre’s festival based on Alex Ross’ book

41

Communicating with the family Step by Step Guide

Step by Step Guide Step By Step Guide toto Twitter Twitter to Twitter

Twitter was launched in March 2006 and has since risen to become one of the most Lauren Marsh popular social networking sites and one of the biggest online presences on the internet. It is a useful for staying in touch and risen friends, keeping one up with themost latest Twitter was tool launched in March 2006 with and family has since to become of the Twitter was launched in March 2006 and has since risen to become one of the most popular social networking sites news, social promoting your business hearing from your favourite celebrities.

We have popular networking sites andonor one of the biggest online presences on the with internet.

It and one of the biggest online presences the internet.

It is a useful tool for staying in touch family and friends, created a tool simple guide to show you how to setand up friends, and usekeeping your Twitter account in no iskeeping a useful for staying touch with family up with the latest up with the latest news, in promoting your business or hearing from your favourite celebrities.

We have created time at all. news, your business orand hearing favourite We have a simplepromoting guide to show you how to set up use yourfrom Twitteryour account in no timecelebrities. at all. created a simple guide to show you how to set up and use your Twitter account in no time all. in www.twitter.com into the website address bar, or search for ‘Twitter’ using Google. Once you have 1. at Type 1.

1.

2.

2.

2.

Type in www.twitter.com into the website address bar, or search for ‘Twitter’ using Google.

Once you have reached the screen below, type in your details and click ‘Sign up for Twitter’.

reached the screen below, type in your details and click ‘Sign up for Twitter’.

Type in www.twitter.com into the website address bar, or search for ‘Twitter’ using Google.

Once you have reached the screen below, type in your details and click ‘Sign up for Twitter’.

Type in your full name and email address. Then choose your password and username (see

Type in yourin fullthe name and email your password the notes the notes example boxaddress. below). Then Oncechoose everything is correctand youusername will have(see 4 green ticksin the example box below). everything is correct you will have greenclick ticks‘Create next tomy each box. Give the next to each box.

GiveOnce the terms and conditions a read, and4then account’.

Type in your full name and email address. Then choose your password and username (see terms and conditions a read, and then click ‘Create my account’.

the notes in the example box below). Once everything is correct you will have 4 green ticks next to each box. Give the terms and conditions a read, and then click ‘Create my account’.

42

3.

The screen that next appears defines what a tweet is. Once you have read this, click ‘Next’.

3. 3.

The screen that next appears defines what a tweet have read click ‘Next’.

The screen that next appears defines whatis.aOnce tweetyou is. Once youthis, have read this, click ‘Next’.

3.

The screen that next appears defines what a tweet is. Once you have read this, click ‘Next’.

4.

You will then be taken to this page, where you can ’follow’ famous tweeters. You can either click ontaken the ‘follow’ button nextyou to can the ’follow’ individual whose tweetsYou you would like toonread, or if 4. 4.

You will then be this page, where famous tweeters. can eitherYou clickcan the ‘follow’ You will then prefer betotaken totothis page, where you can ’follow’ famous tweeters. either you would not do this (or do it later) then continue onto the next step. buttonclick nexton to the the individual whose next tweets like towhose read, ortweets if you would prefer like not to this or (orifdo it ‘follow’ button toyou thewould individual you would todo read, later) then continue onto the next step. would preferbe not to do do itwhere later) then continue onto the next step. You can either 4. youYou will then taken tothis this(or page, you can ’follow’ famous tweeters. click on the ‘follow’ button next to the individual whose tweets you would like to read, or if you would prefer not to do this (or do it later) then continue onto the next step.

5.

Now go to your email account to find the email from Twitter, then click the link ‘Confirm your account now’. This will you back to your twitter where you will be asked 5. 5.

Now go to your email account find thesend email from thepage link ‘Confirm account now’.to This Now go to your emailtoaccount to find theTwitter, email then fromclick Twitter, then click your the link ‘Confirm sign in again. will send you back to your twitter page where you will be asked to sign in again. your account now’. This will send you back to your twitter page where you will be asked to in again.

5. sign Now go to your email account to find the email from Twitter, then click the link ‘Confirm your account now’. This will send you back to your twitter page where you will be asked to sign in again.

6. You on the where will be givenitthe take a tour ofbelow. the site. The tour is 6. will then You land will then bepage sentbelow, to your ‘wall’you page, where willoption showtothe message broken into 3 steps. Step 1 tells you about your cover photo, Step 2 tells you about adding your basic information 6.

You will be sent to your where it willyou show message below. to connect andthen find more friends, and‘wall’ Step 3page, points out where can the update your status, add a photo and add a life event that has happened in the past to your timeline.

6.

You will then be sent to your ‘wall’ page, where it will show the message below.

43

7.

7.

So weget getonto onto the Following people and reading So now now we the funfun bit.bit.

Following people and reading tweets!tweets!

7.

So now we get onto the fun bit. Following people and reading tweets!

1.

@ Connect — This button leads to another page, which shows when other people interact with you. So whenever a person sends you a tweet, includes your username in a tweet, @ Connect— —This This button leads toyour another which shows when otherhere! peoplewith interact @ Connect button leads to another page,page, which shows when people interact you. So ‘favourites’ your tweet, ‘retweets’ tweet or follows you — it other will appear with you.

So whenever a person sends you a tweet, includes your username in a tweet, whenever a person sends you a tweet, includes your username in a tweet, ‘favourites’ your tweet, # Discover — This button leads to another page, which shows current news according ‘retweets’ to ‘favourites’ tweet, your tweet or follows you — it will appear here! your tweet oryour follows you ‘retweets’ — appear here! who you are following, or itaswill Twitter puts it—”What’s happening now, tailored for you.” # Discover Discover Thisbutton button leads to another shows current newshave according # This leads to another page,page, which shows current news according to who you to are Me — This——button leads to another page, whichwhich shows everything you tweeted, who you are following, or as Twitter puts it—”What’s happening now, tailored for you.” following, or as Twitter puts it—”What’s happening now, tailored for you.” retweeted and ‘favorited’ as well as how your page looks to others viewing it.

Me — This button leads to another page, which shows everything you have tweeted, Tweets — Whenever person you follow writes a tweet, it appears here.

Me — This button leadsa to another page, which shows everything you have tweeted, retweeted and retweeted and ‘favorited’ as page well how your page to others it. on Twitter. It ‘favorited’ wellyou as how looks to others viewing it.

Search — as Here canyour type in as anything that youlooks would like to viewing search for Tweets — Whenever a person you follow writes a tweet, it appears here. could be a person, word or phrase; anything all! it appears here.

Tweets — person youinfollow writesthat aat tweet, Search— —IfWhenever Here youahere can type anything you links would like to you search Twitter.

It Menu you click a list will drop down which to where canfor editon your profile, Search — aHere you can type inphrase; anything that you at would like to search for on Twitter. It could be a person, could be person, word or anything all! createor direct messages, help, find out keyboard shortcuts for Twitter, access your word phrase; anything ataget all!

Menu — If you click here list will drop down which links to where you can edit your profile, settings and sign out.

Menu —direct If you click here a list willhelp, drop find downout links to where you can profile, create create messages, get keyboard shortcuts foredit Twitter, access yourdirect Compose New Tweet — This is one of the which places where you can create a your tweet, which pops messages, getsign help,out. find out keyboard shortcuts for Twitter, access your settings and sign out. settings and up in a separate box. You can choose to attach a photo to the tweet by clicking the camera Compose New Tweet — This one ofclicking the places you can create a tweet, which Compose — This is is one ofby the places where you can create aThis tweet, which uppops inon a separate button orNew addTweet your whereabouts thewhere pointer button. can also pops be done up in a separate box.

You can choose to attach a photo to the tweet by clicking the camera box.

You can choose to attach a photo to the tweet by clicking the camera button or add your whereabouts the homepage at point 10. button or the add bywill clicking theto button. can also the be done by clicking button.

Thisyou can also be sent done onpointer the homepage point 10.

Your Profile —pointer Ifyour youwhereabouts click here be your page, thisatThis button does same on as the homepage at point 10.

Your Profile — If you click here you will be sent to your page, this button does the same as point 3. point 3.

Your Profile — If you click here you will be sent to your page, this button does the same as point 3.

1.

1.

2.

2.

2.

3.

3.

4.

3.

5.

4.

4.

5.

6.

5.

6.

6.

7.

7.

7.

8.

8.

8.

9.

9.

9.

10.

11.

10.

10.

11.

11.

44

Counter — Here is the counter for how many tweets you have created, how many people you follow and how many followers you have.

Counter — Here isisthe counter for for howhow many tweetstweets you have created, how many people youpeople follow and how Counter HereTweet the have created, how many Compose—New —counter See point 7. This many one however,you stays in the same place. manyfollow followers you have. you and how many followers you have.

Who To Follow — Here is the suggestion box of ‘Who to Follow’. Twitter will look at who Compose New Tweet Seepoint point This one however, insame the same place.

Compose Tweet ——See 7. 7.

This one however, staysstays in the the place. you like toNew follow, and use that to choose who to show in box.

You can click ‘Refresh’ if Whodon’t To Follow — Here isthe the3suggestion box of ‘Who toby Follow’.

TwitterOr will look atlike who you want to follow suggested or click the ‘x’ their names. if you’d Who like To Follow — Here isuse the that suggestion box of ‘Who to Follow’.

Twitter will look at who you like toto you to follow, and to choose who to show in the box.

You can click ‘Refresh’ iffollow, and see all the suggestions then click “View all”.

If you click ‘Find friends’, youwant will to befollow sent to anuse that to choose who to show in the box.

You can click ‘Refresh’ if you don’t the 3 you don’t want to Twitter follow the 3use suggested or contacts click theto ‘x’look by their names.you Or know. if you’d like tosuggested other page where can yourlike email for people or click the ‘x’ by their names.

Or if you’d to see all the suggestions then click “View you see all the suggestions then click “View all”. If you click ‘Find friends’, you will be all”. sentIfto an-click ‘Find friends’, you will be sent other page where Twitter can use your email contacts to look for people you know.

12.

12.

12.

13.

13.13.

14.

14.

14.

15.

15.

15.

8. 8.

8.

Hashtags & Trends — Hashtags are used to mark keywords or topics in a tweet. They were created to help categorise tweets so they are easier to find in a Twitter search. If you click on the hashtagged word then you will be sent to another page where you can view all other Hashtags & have Trends Hashtags are used to mark keywords or topicsin inthe a tweet.

They ifwere tweets that the— same keyword. can place them anywhere tweet theto Hashtags & Trends — Hashtags are used You to mark keywords or topics in a tweet.

They wereand created created to help categorise tweets so they are easier to find in a Twitter search.

If you click on hashtagged words become popular enough on Twitter then they will become a ‘Trend’. help categorise tweets so they are easier to find in a Twitter search. If you click on the hashtagged word the hashtagged word then you will be sent to another page where you can view all other These tweets will appear here . you can view all other tweets that have the same keyword. then youtrending will be sent to another page where tweets that have the samestart keyword.

You can place themtoanywhere in tweetif and if the @ — All names on Twitter with an @ sign, have use these inthe a popular tweet you want You can place them anywhere in the tweet and if theyou hashtagged words become enough on hashtagged words become popular enough on Twitter then they will become a ‘Trend’. to tagthen someone inbecome your tweet.

Be aware that youtweets havewill to appear know their Twitter they will a ‘Trend’.

These trending here .Twitter name to be These will appear here . able totrending do this.ontweets @ — All names Twitter start withwith an @an sign, you have use to these inthese a tweet you want to tag @ — All names onisTwitter start @ asign, you to have aif tweet if you want Hashtag Here ofyou how hashtag canTwitter beuse used intoainbe tweet. hashtag someone in—your tweet.an Beexample aware that have to know their name able toThe do this. to tag someone in your tweet.

Be aware that you have to know their Twitter name to be automatically becomes a link in tweets, so you can view what other people have said using Hashtag — Here is an example of how a hashtag can be used in a tweet. The hashtag automatically able to do this. this hashtag. becomes a link in tweets, so you canof view what people this hashtag.

Hashtag Here is an example how a other hashtag canhave be said usedusing in tweet.

Thehave hashtag Photos — — Here is an example of where a photo has been attached to aa tweet, you two Photos — Here is an example of where a photo has been attached to a tweet, you have two options. automatically becomes a link in tweets, so you can view what other people have said using options. You can either view the full photo by clicking on the first link, or you can click “View You can either view thesmaller full photo clickingquicker) on the first link, or you can click “View photo” and see the this hashtag. photo” and see the (butbyusually version here. smaller usually quicker) version here. a photo has been attached to a tweet, you have two Photos(but — Here is an example of where options.

You can either view theover fullaphoto onthe the first link, or you can click “View More tweets — If — you tweet you are given option to ‘Reply’, ‘Retweet’, ‘Favorite’ Moreabout about tweets Ifhover you hover overby a clicking tweet you are given the option to ‘Reply’, photo” and see the smaller (but usually quicker) version here. and ‘More’ .

If you click the ‘More’ option, you will be given the option to ‘Email Tweet’ and ‘Embed ‘Retweet’, ‘Favorite’ and ‘More’ . If you click the ‘More’ option, you will be given the option to Tweet’. most frequently options on show.

A ‘Reply’ allows you to tweet, ‘Email The Tweet’ and ‘Embedused Tweet’.

Theare most frequently used options arewrite on back show.toAthe ‘Reply’ and also allows a conversation to take place.

A ‘Retweet’ is used for when you like a tweet and want More about tweets — If you hover over a tweet you are given the option to ‘Reply’, allows you to write back to the tweet, and also allows a conversation to take place. A your followers to see itand too, so you it also your wall. option, The ‘Favorite’ button is used foroption when you ‘Retweet’, ‘More’ . like If appears you clickonthe ‘More’ you will be given the to ‘Retweet’ is‘Favorite’ used for when a tweet and want your followers to see it too, so it also want to Tweet’ show your appreciation for theThe tweet and frequently you would like theoptions ‘Tweeter’ to on know that you liked ‘Email and ‘Embed Tweet’. most used are show.

A ‘Reply’ appears on your wall. The ‘Favorite’ button is used for when you want to show your their tweet. allows you toforwrite back to theyou tweet, and a conversation toyou takeliked place.

A appreciation the tweet and would likealso theallows ‘Tweeter’ to know that their ‘Retweet’ is used for when you like a tweet and want your followers to see it too, so it also tweet. appears on your wall. The ‘Favorite’ button is used for when you want to show your appreciation for the tweet and you would like the ‘Tweeter’ to know that you liked their tweet.

9.

To edit your profile go to point 6 and click on ‘Edit profile’ under your name. Here you will be able to change your photo (so you can stop looking like an egg!) , change your header 9.

To your profileimage go to point and click on ‘Edit profile’ under Here youname, will belocation, able to change (a edit background used 6behind your profile photo on your yourname. page), your your photo (so profile you cango stop looking like anclick egg!)on , change your header (a your background image behind 9.

To edit your to point 6 and ‘Edit profile’ under name.

Here you will website (blog or business), and you can write a ‘Bio’ about yourself in 160 charactersused or less. your profile photo on your page), your name, location, website (blog or business), and you can write be ablegives to change photo (so can stop looking likeTwitter an egg!) , change your headera ‘Bio’ It also you theyour opportunity to you link your Facebook and accounts together. about yourself in 160 characters or less.

It also gives you the opportunity to link your Facebook and Twitter (a background image used behind your profile photo on your page), your name, location, accounts together. business), 10. website On the (blog same or page in the and sideyou barcan youwrite a ‘Bio’ about yourself in 160 characters or less.

It also gives you the opportunity to link your Facebook and Twitter accounts together. are also given links to edit other settings such as your account details, password, On the same page inside the bar side bar your you 10.10. On same page inlink the you thethe chance to Twitter to are also given links to edit other settings are also given to edit other settings phone, whatlinks email notifications you’d such your account details, password, such asas your account details, like to receive, the design ofpassword, your Twitter the chance link Twitter to your you phone, the chance toand linkwidgets Twitter towould your page and to apps what email notifications you’d like to phone, what email notifications you’d like to include in your account. If you receive, the design your Twitter page like to receive, design ofyour your Twitter would like totheof change privacy and apps and widgets you wouldyou like would page and apps and widgets settings from public to private then click to include in your in account. account.

If you wouldIf you like to include “Account”.

Scroll your down to “Tweet like to change your privacy settings from would like to change your privacy Privacy” and you can tick“Account”. the “Protect my public to private then click settings from public to private then click Tweets” box.

Once you have done this, Scroll down to Scroll “Tweet Privacy” and “Account”. down to you “Tweet people who wouldmy like to follow you will can tick the “Protect Tweets” box.

Privacy” and you can tick the “Protect my have to be approved by you first.

This Once you have done this, people who Tweets” box.

Once you have done this, meanslike that your tweets only be seen would to follow you willwill have to be people who would like to follow you will by the approved people. approved by you first. This means that have to be approved by you first. This your tweets will only be seen by the means that your tweets will only be seen approved people. by the approved people.

Good luck!

Good luck!

Good luck!

45

Finance

TAX EFFICIENT INVESTMENT UPDATES

W

here should I begin: faltering growth, stubbornly high inflation, or record low interest rates? On the surface the outlook certainly looks bleak for those with money to invest who are looking to make the most of their capital.

Fortunately, there is some glimmer of hope for those seeking a better return on their capital, and with tax efficient options to boot.

A GLIMMER OF HOPE This article picks out a few options for tax efficient investments, to satisfy all appetites, from those willing to venture their capital for potentially higher returns to the risk averse. Whatever your risk appetite, now is not the time to sit on money that is not working for you. To get a decent return, the investor is going to have to do their homework, and this article will provide some intriguing sign posts for which route to choose.

NOTHING VENTURED, NOTHING GAINED? For those willing to take a risk for potentially high returns, three tax efficient government investment schemes provide a range of choice for the investor, with substantial Income Tax savings; Venture Capital Trusts, Enterprise Investment Scheme, and the new Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme. To add to the incentive, some investments will also qualify for Capital Gains Tax Relief on disposal, or exemption from Inheritance Tax (where unlisted shares are qualifying business assets).

With a growing trend for entrepreneurialism, these schemes are becoming more popular with a range of investors, both in terms of experience and investment size. They are also becoming much more accessible: they are no longer the preserve of London fund managers; inspired by successes in the US, these tax efficient investment schemes can now also be accessed through online crowd-funding vehicles, some of which focus on local investment for local investors.

VENTURE CAPITAL TRUSTS Venture Capital Trusts are now a well-worn path for the retail investor, designed to encourage indirect investment in unlisted, small higher-risk companies. Venture Capital Trusts are listed on exchanges and individuals will receive thirty per cent Income Tax Relief on new ordinary shares in a VCT; so if you invest £21,000 you will get £7,000 deduction from your Income Tax liability. The advantage of a VCT is that it allows you to invest in a basket of investments, and investors are commonly drawn by the steady return from the tax free dividend income that VCTs offer.

ENTERPRISE INVESTMENT SCHEME The Enterprise Investment Scheme offers the same tax relief as a VCT but allows for direct investment and investors typically hold out for potentially large tax free capital gains on the disposal of eligible investments rather than extract value through regular dividend payments. The scheme is limited to eligible unlisted small companies, so it is harder to find an investment, but the internet and local investment groups are great sources of information. In addition, there are still some EIS Funds which will invest on your behalf (though the investor remains the owner of the shares).

Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme Finally, the baby of the group is the Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme. Introduced last year it is possibly the most generous

46

by Clare Ashton tax relief investment scheme in Europe. SEIS offers an astonishing fifty per cent Income Tax relief on investments up to £100,000 into small, or ‘seed’ companies. And to make it even more generous, Budget 2013 announced an extension to the Capital Gains Tax ‘holiday’ on SEIS investments. Any capital gains realised in 2013-14 will attract fifty per cent CGT relief if the gains are reinvested through SEIS. This scheme has unsurprisingly proved popular; as the economy struggles to get back on its feet, hundreds of great ideas are being turned into real new ventures with SEIS backing.

LOW RISK TAX EFFICIENT For individuals who are not looking to take a risk, ISAs continue to be a great option for tax efficient investment. They offer tax free interest on saving, and with a limit (currently £11,520 of which up to £5,760 can be held in a cash ISA) renewed each year, over time an individual can create quite a healthy savings pot protected from the reaches of the taxman.

The standard cash ISA continues to increase in popularity and a competitive market place has ensured that rates stay competitive. For those who do not require instant access to their cash, a stocks and shares ISA has the potential to offer higher returns provided the funds are tied up for 5 or 10 years.

And, they are about to get even better: the Government is looking at extending the eligibility criteria to allow a wider range of shares from April 2014. On top of this, from April 2014, Stamp Duty will be abolished on shares of companies listed on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM).

As with all equity investments, Stock and Share ISAs carry the risk that the value may fall as well as rise, so before making a decision it is essential to read the small print and compare products, as most carry both initial and annual fees that can make that big return look a lot smaller.

DO YOUR HOMEWORK The investor will also need to do their homework to appreciate the higher risks and regulatory requirements. However it could be time well spent if your investment turns out to be the next Innocent Smoothie, a successful EIS-backed venture. Internet searches will bring up a range of scheme options, but for the new investor I would recommend seeking out local investor groups for local opportunities and advice. The following websites have essential investor advice and helpful lists of open investment opportunities: • •

•

www.hmrc.gov.uk has essential information about scheme conditions and tax benefits www.eisaorg.uk lists EIS open offers and has a directory of angel networks through which investors can often find good advice about local EIS and SEIS opportunities www.theaic.co.uk has a company directory where VCTs are listed alongside key data to assist comparison of offerings

For those looking for a tax efficient investment to get their teeth into, this could be the answer, investing right at the start of a new business. And at the nadir of the economic cycle, now could be the time to back a new venture. We recommend readers should take professional advice before making any investments.

sponsored by

BEST SELLER

Cheetah Safari Upgraded to 4x4* From 3 November 2013 the popular Cheetah Safari will be upgraded to a 4x4vehicle on all departures.

A maximum of six guests in the Toyota Land-cruisers guarantees that everyone gets a window seat and standing space for game viewing through the pop-up roof.

This is a 7-night classic safari visiting Samburu, home to unique wildlife, followed by the Rift Valley Lakes, where thousands of pink flamingoes often tint the horizon.

The final destination is the Masai Mara, home to vast numbers of plains game and spectacular big cats.

Day 1 Day 2 Days 3/4 Day 5 Day 6 Days 7/8 Day 9

Overnight flight from Heathrow to Nairobi on Kenya Airways The Aberdares - Aberdare Country Club Samburu - Ashnil Samburu Camp The Aberdares - The Ark Lake Naivasha - Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge Masai Mara - Ashnil Mara Camp Overnight flight from Nairobi to Heathrow on Kenya Airways

From

£2035 per person

Includes: Breakfast, lunch, dinner and all game drives.

*Optional beach extensions in Mombasa & Zanzibar - ideal for relaxing after the excitement and action of a safari

Call La Dolce Vita Travel on 01234 354209 for tailor-made safaris throughout East and Southern Africa.

47

Ladies’ Fashion

by Emma Waite

1

Issa Kimono Dress. This kimono style kaftan dress succeeds in providing comfort and elegance for your summer holiday. The vibrant shades will revel in the sunlight, bouncing off the sleek silk fabric. It might be too good for the beach, but wear it as a luxe cover-up for lunch in the shade or an evening tipple.

Available from Issa, £590.

2

Liv Fern Top. Part of Liv’s Ray of Light summer collection, this classic top transcends age with its delicate fern leaf embossed pattern. A wardrobe staple piece, the top is made in the UK from 100% organic cotton and is also available in a matching cardigan.

Available from Liv, £55.

3

Maria Grachvogel Blouse. The Vela blouse is made from opal satin back crepe.

The gorgeous top organza panel shows a subtle bit of shoulder whilst still feeling like you are covered up. The soft blush shade mirrors the delicate nature of the fabric. Team it with a tailored wide-leg trouser for a contemporary smart/casual look.

Available from Maria Grachvogel, £459.

4

Jemima Vine Shoe. Slipper pumps provide an elegant yet comfortable alternative to heels. These tactile navy pumps with gold trim are made in Spain from the highest quality leather and the specialist cushioned sole allows you to stay on your feet for longer. Wear them with cigarette pants and a statement jacket for lunch with the ladies.

Available from Jemima Vine, £149.

5

Tusting Suede Tote. Are you forever searching for the perfect handbag? This could be it. Crafted by traditional family firm Tustings, the Mollie suede tote is durable, beautifully made and practical. We’ve chosen the vivacious fuchsia, but a range of colours are available. This is a luxury product which will satisfy the demands of a modern lifestyle.

Available from Tusting, £265.

9

10

8

1

48

3

6

Issa Shirt. How’s this for a head–turner? Issa, a label loved by the Royals, has become more daring this season showcasing pieces like this impeccably cut silk chiffon blouse. The exotic print might be bright but the soft painterly edges make it easier to wear, as long as you team it with simple block colours.

Available at Issa, £250.

7

Somerset by Alice Temperley dress. This floor length silver mesh beaded gown will see you through the summer party season in style. A hugely flattering style, the cap sleeves cover your shoulders, whilst the gown skims over the hips and body. Accessorise with a simple drop pendant, nothing should distract from the shimmer of the gown itself.

Available from Somerset by Alice Temperley, £299.

8

Pringle of Scotland Twinset. The timeless twinset is a wardrobe staple and this cashmere ‘Rita’ twinset from Pringle of Scotland in crisp white is the perfect cover-up for chilly summer evenings. Made in Scotland from the softest cashmere fibres this lovely set will see you through years to come.

Available from Pringle of Scotland, £525.

9

Pachacuti Fedora Hat. Where better to buy your summer hat than from the UK’s premier Panama hat specialist? Keep the sun off your face with the crème de la crème of hats. Very few of these grade 16, llano weave Panama hats are made. The weave is extremely fine, taking the best Andean weavers weeks to complete.

Available from Pachacuti, £429.

10

Charlotte Olympia Clutch. The perfume shaped clutch by Charlotte Olympia is surely a failsafe conversation starter. Crafted on the style of a vintage perfume bottle, the bag is large enough to hold a soft purse, keys and lipstick. Adds an exquisite touch to any evening outfit, and available in pretty blush pink.

Available from boutique1.com, £880.

7

5

4

6

2

49

Gadgets Vertu Ti Mobile Phone

Buy from: http://www.vertu.com/ Price: From £6,700 Known for their luxurious and extravagant mobile phones, Vertu has now released their first handset running the Android OS. Featuring an ultra lightweight titanium frame and a sapphire crystal screen which Vertu claim is virtually scratchproof, this particularly device is grandeur personified. One of the phone’s most impressive characteristics is the Vertu Key, which gives the user instant access to a range of services all thanks to a dedicated team of people available 24/7. Information about destinations and events are tailored made for the individual user thanks to Vertu’s unique concierge service. This is more a statement of greatness rather than a mobile phone.

Inada D6 Robostic Massage Chair Buy from: http://www.inada.co.uk/ Price: £5,299

Don’t be fooled into thinking this massage chair simple gives you a slight vibration as you gently recline. The Inada D.6 Robostic’s 3D roller mechanism is able to give a truly deep and powerful massage for any troublesome aches or pains. The rollers have been designed and created to mimic the movement of human wrists for a comprehensive and affective massage. The optical shiatsu point sensors will scan your back, compare it to 100 stored profiles and find the closest match for a near perfect experience. The manual joystick also enables the user to input a custom massage depending on requirements.

A.Lange & Söhne Saxonia Watch

Buy from: http://www.watches-and-diamonds.com/ Price: £7,092 The A.Lange & Söhne Saxonia is an understated yet elegant timepiece that epitomises tradition and quality. The svelte casing is only 7.8 millimetres high but is made exclusively of 18-carat yellow or pink gold. The same materials are also used for the hands, winding crown, buckle and even the tiniest of features, including the hour markers. The internal components and movement are meticulously polished and assembled by hand to ensure perfection is achieved.

The Saxonia is certainly a watch that exudes decadent levels of craftsmanship, uniqueness and distinction.

CalypsoKey - Wireless iPhone door entry Buy from: http://www.calypsocrystal.com/ Price: From £110

Forgetting or misplacing your keys is a common problem, however Calypso Crystal has developed a unique solution using Apple’s iPhone. The CalypsoKey utilises near field communication (NFC) to make keys redundant in an ever-changing wireless world. With an NFC equipped CalypsoCase, all the user needs to do is tap their iPhone against a paired apartment entrance, office building or garage door featuring a unique secured ID. A built-in dual-band RFID antenna acts as a replacement to traditional keys or identification cards. The CalypsoKey is simple, effective and sophisticated.

50

Valedictorian Golf Putter

Buy from: http://www.valedictorian.ch/ Price: From £1,800 Valedictorian’s personalised putters will make you stand out on the golf course and make your fellow players truly envious. Taking influence from the intricate and flawless techniques applied in the Swiss watch-making industry, these putters promise a perfect weight balance for the best golf performance possible. With functionality covered, Valedictorian provides customers with a range of materials to choose from including stainless steel, titanium, gold and platinum. Each putter can also feature diamonds or precious gems and be personally engraved on special request. It is easy to see why the brand was founded on the values of performance, elegance and uniqueness.

WMF SmarTea Teapot

Buy from: http://www.auravita.com Price: £62 If you are a tea lover who appreciates the perfect cup at any time throughout the day then this is the gadget for you. The WMF SmarTea Teapot is simple to use, aesthetically pleasing and rewards the user with a delectable end product. Whether you like loose leaf, bagged or blooming tea, the stainless steel infuser is positioned in the centre of the water for optimal brewing. One of the SmarTea’s most brilliant features is the candleholder positioned in the base of the pot that will keep those perfect brews warm for hours.

Philips Fidelio Hi-Fi Stereo Headphones Buy from: http://www.accessoryjack.com/ Price: £256

If you want stereo headphones with unrivalled sound quality and supreme comfort then look no further. The Fidelio X1 headphones are specifically designed to give a natural and authentic sound with acoustic open-back architecture, doubled layered ear-shells and 50mm drivers featuring high-power neodymium magnets. A genuine calf leather headband and self-adjustable lightweight hammock ensures a flawless fit over the user’s head. It’s breathable 3D mesh lining and deluxe memory foam ear pads also guarantee maximum comfort. The three-metre OFC woven cable is made for durability and high signal strength, while a handy clip should leave the cord tangle free.

Leatherman MUT EOD Multi-Tool

Buy from: http://www.realmultitools.co.uk/ Price: £169.95 Why buy 17 tools when you only need one? This specialised multi-tool is designed with a vast variety of tasks in mind. It features a cavalcade of instruments ranging from stranded wire cutters to straight/serrated knives and bottle openers to Phillips screwdrivers of multiple sizes. Built for durability and ease of use, the stainless steel body and 25 year warranty means longevity is not a problem. Leatherman’s multi-tool tradition and hardwearing product pride means this military inspired product could be the only gadget you ever need and the last one you ever buy.

iPhone Gramophone

Buy from: http://www.restorationhardware.com/ Price: £160 Even though we are now living in a digital world, we can still take influence from inventions that revolutionised the past. The iPhone Gramophone is an exquisite and iconic design that would be a stunning addition to any home. Inspired by Thomas Edison’s phonograph but relying on pure physics alone, this gadget can boost an iPhone’s volume by three to four times without the need for electricity. It’s solid walnut dock and metal horn shows that this device is also made to last as long as those original phonographs and gramophones did.

51

Gardening S

Gardening in June and July

ummer is when most gardens should be looking at their best. It’s a good time to review the garden as a whole and decide what improvements you would like to put in place for next year. Taking photographs is an ideal way to keep your memory fresh and to try out new ideas.

Make sketches and notes on printouts of your photos, or even experiment in Photoshop for added realism. This one level of detachment helps you take a more objective view and see your garden not only in terms of plants but also design.

Although interpreted in different ways, the following guidelines have been used by the great garden designers down the centuries and still hold good today for any garden, big or small. They are very simple to apply and small changes can often have a dramatic effect almost instantly. They could even cut down the amount of work you need to put into the garden overall.

STRONG LINES An easy way to interpret this is to define the edges you want to be seen and blur the ones you don’t. For example, in many suburban gardens, boundary fences are not a feature you want to highlight. So break up the straight lines with climbers and shrubs of varying height. Bring your attention into the garden by using the shape of the lawn, internal hedges and edges, and the patio and paths.

In a broad rectangular garden, making the lawn rounded can be a very effective way to instantly transform your garden. It works by taking the attention away from the boundaries and bringing it into the garden. If you prefer straight edges to your lawn, creating wide beds between the lawn and the boundary does a similar thing. You can also graduate the height of the plants in the surrounding borders to take away the squareness of the garden as a whole. In particular, use tall plants to blur the corner lines of the boundary, so focusing your attention inside the garden and making your square or rectangular lawn a positive feature. If you prefer a more formal style, you can go completely the other way and use hedges or trellis to reinforce the straight lines of the boundary. You can then harden or soften the effect by your choice of other plants.

Paths very often have the primary purpose of providing the shortest route to the shed. Inevitably, they provide strong lines but not always the most aesthetically pleasing ones. In a long thin garden bisected by a central path, dividing the garden into two or more sections with hedges at right angles will immediately make your garden more interesting. If you want a more informal look, staggering shrub or mixed borders on either side of the path will have a similar effect. Where you have a straight path running along one side of the garden, creating small paved areas for pots at regular intervals will take away the starkness. An alternative approach is to make a feature of it by planting something like a box or lavender edging on either side. By giving it a sense of design, it becomes more than just a utilitarian feature.

For many gardens the lawn is the most dominant feature. Even if you don’t have the perfect lawn, a well-defined edge can transform the appearance of the whole garden. The traditional half-moon edging iron can do a good job (buy a good quality one and keep it sharp) but on a large lawn it can be hard work.

On sandy soils, edges can quickly erode and you find the lawn gradually getting smaller and smaller. The perfect solution is a mowing strip laid flush with the lawn made with frost-resistant or, better still, engineering bricks. This lets the mower go right over the edge of the lawn and helps prevent the grass growing into beds. However, it’s a job that needs doing properly if it’s going to stay even and it’s not going to be cheap.

A compromise is to use a lawn edging strip. Forget the plastic types or anything corrugated. Everedge, a flexible steel strip, is what professionals everywhere use. It comes with a brown finish as standard but is also available in black, which is best for invisibility. At around £7 to £8 a metre, it’s still not cheap but it should outlive you. If you plan to install it yourself, use a rubber mallet to bang the teeth into the ground and make sure the company logo always faces you so that the pieces connect properly. For curved sections, use something like a pole or a small barrel to help with pre-bending the metal.

Ilford Manor

52

If you have to duck and dive under trees and bushes for your mower to do its circuit, it’s time to rethink the shape of your lawn. Removing the grass from beneath a large tree, where it struggles to grow anyway, will help both you and the tree. Use a length of string and a sharp stick as you would a geometry compass to mark out a neat circle before removing the turf.

If you visit gardens like Kew, you will see many trees with tree circles almost as wide as their branches. In your garden, you will probably have to compromise, but make it as wide as you can. Give the ground a good soaking and cover it with mulching or weed control fabric (the 70gsm grade spun polypropylene is best) before applying a thick bark mulch. Try to resist planting anything there if you can.

The same principle applies if you struggle to manoeuvre the mower around tight curves and fancy scallops. Eliminating sharp bends will make life easier and your garden look better.

Where areas of the lawn have become bare through frequent traffic, consider widening the point of access, or replacing the grass with a small area of paving. Try and maintain your strong lines at all times. If you have a round lawn, a circular area of paving could provide the ideal solution. If you have a rectangular lawn, repeating the feature at the opposite end may help your overall design.

REPETITION Colour is subjective. Some like their flowers to be bright and brash, others prefer more subtle tones. But, whatever your taste, you can achieve a far more striking effect by planting bold blocks of colour rather than the one of this and one of that approach. A good general rule with flowers is never to plant less than three, five is even better, or fifteen or more if you have room. Repeating blocks of the same plants along the border will result in even more impact. This technique can be also be used to link different areas of the garden - for example, opposite sides of a path, or a patio container and a border some distance down the garden.

Multi-colour schemes can be effective but the key here is again repetition. If you look at a wild flower meadow you’ll see bright reds, yellows, blues, purples, and whites randomly distributed by nature. To replicate this idea in a domesticated border means using lots of the same flowers to create a randomised pattern. Like the grass in the meadow, there also needs to be a base colour to hold it all together. Ornamental grasses, crocosmias, day lilies, Liriope, and Ophiopogon and Sisyrhincium can all provide this in a wide range of situations.

For shady areas, ferns, epimediums, and pulmonarias can be added to the list.

TRICKS OF THE LIGHT Colour also has a big impact on perceived distance. White and light colours bring things “nearer”, darker colours “move things further away”. Planting a tree with bright yellow foliage, like Gleditsia “Sunburst”, at the bottom of your garden would instantly make it seem smaller. Conversely, a bed of white busy lizzies or nicotianas near the house would lengthen your horizon. Dark purple foliage, like Berberis thunbergii “Atropurpurea” and the purple smoke bush Cotinus coggyria, which look fabulous in their autumn hues, kill light in the summer and can look like holes in the garden. Utilise this quality to create foils for light coloured flowers or bright yellow leaves.

FOCAL POINTS

Focal points draw and direct the eye towards a particular part of the garden. Look around the garden. As you scan, you see a tree fern, a patch of exceptionally large leaved blue hostas, and a large shiny sphere. Rather than taking in the garden as a single picture, your attention is drawn to these striking features and the desire to investigate the other plants and objects around them. You can use focal points to highlight plant combinations, to create a central gathering point in the garden, to encourage people to go beyond the main garden area, or even to point out an attractive landscape beyond the garden boundary. Given the burlesque treatment described in the previous section, they can add an intense sense of mystery. On a more micro level, focal points can also be used within beds and borders that only become visible as you approach them. Simple effects like a domed hebe as you turn a corner or a clump of bamboo partially hidden behind a trellised arch are all you need.

Experiment but don’t overdo.

Too many focal points will just cause confusion. As with most things in design, less is generally more.

53

Gardening MORE THAN THE EYE CAN SEE Following the principles of burlesque, don’t show your entire garden and people will want to see more. The ways to do this are endless: tall specimens at the front of the border, an arch over the path, position a tree midway down the garden, a climber covered arbour around the patio. Providing a sense of mystery in this way not only adds enchantment to the garden, you can also use it to hide things you don’t want to see like compost bins or the neighbour’s washing. The partial hiding technique also works with objects in the garden. A large pot full of flowers partly obscuring a garden bench changes the psychology from “that’s a nice garden bench over there” into “I must go and have a closer look at that garden bench”.

A QUESTION OF STYLE A lot of designers maintain that gardens should “reflect the style of the house, of which it must be considered as the extension”. This is not true of history when rich land owners often put the fashion of the period over any other consideration. Modern gardens can work with period properties and vice versa. The important thing is to connect the garden with the inside of your house and your particular tastes. A simple trick like reflecting the colour of your curtains in your garden planting can have an amazing effect on breaking down the barrier between indoors and outside.

Alistair Ayres

THINGS TO PICK UP AT THE GARDEN CENTRE •

•

For hanging baskets above head height, a watering lance to attach to your hose can be a blessing.

•

A garden kneeler can take some of the strain out of deadheading and weeding. The type you can turn upside down and sit on is best..

•

•

54

If you have lots of containers, watering can be very time consuming. An irrigation system with drip nozzles or porous tubing could be worth investing in, along with a timer tap or watering computer to control it while you are away.

A simple hoop that attaches to the top of a plastic sac makes collecting garden rubbish a whole lot easier.

Be armed against the garden’s worst summer enemies. A spray for blackspot and aphids on roses, a general fungicide for mildew on other plants, and a vine weevil treatment (such as Provado) if your plants bear the tell-tale notched leaves and suddenly become rootless.

•

Slow-release fertiliser pellets or a liquid feed for any flowers or veg you are growing in pots.

•

Don’t let winds and rain flatten your borders. Linking wire supports such as Link Stakes are very useful for herbaceous plants and lavenders both to prevent the flop and for remedial action.

Gardens to get you inspired Blenheim Palace

Woodstock, Oxfordshire OX20 1TP Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown (1716–1783) demolished formal gardens to create his serpentine lakes, undulating hills, follies, and circles of trees. Forgetting the grand scale, there is still much to learn from him about use of lines and focal points that can be applied to any garden. At Blenheim, formal symmetrical gardens were re-introduced around the Palace in the 1920’s by French architect, Achille Duchêne. This clash of styles makes for an interesting visit. You can also see Capability Brown’s work at Bowood, Chatsworth House, Harewood House, Longleat, and Stowe.

Park and formal gardens open: 10am to 6pm every day.

Admission: £12.00 (£9.00 concessions) Tel: 01993 811091

Castle Howard

York, YO60 7DA William Andrews Nesfield’s (1793–1881) designs captured the style pre-18th Century English gardens. Castle Howard features statues, temples, lakes and fountains, and amazing vistas, always maintaining the element of surprise the further you venture. His commissions included redesigning the arboretum and Palm House Pond at Kew, Regents Park, the RHS gardens, the terrace garden at Holkham Hall, Worsley Hall, Grimston Park, Broughton Hall, Ogston Hall, Rode Hall, Doddington Place Gardens, and Wroxton Abbey.

Grounds open: daily 10am to 5.30pm Admission: £6.00 (£5.00 conc, free for HHA members) Tel: 01653 648444

The Manor House

Upton Grey, Hampshire RG25 2R The garden was originally planted in 1908 and 1909 by Gertrude Jekyll (1843 -1932) and is claimed to be the most authentic Jekyll restoration. You can see first-hand her eye for colour and contrast, her naturalistic approach and her treatment of the garden both as a whole and as sections that complement each other.

Gardens open: Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm in July (Closed August onwards) Admission: £6.00 (Call first, visits by appointment only) Tel: 01256 862827

Loseley Park Gardens

Guildford, Surrey, GU3 1HS Five gardens in one. The flower garden, based on a Gertrude Jekyll design, demonstrates her amazing use of colour, with borders harmoniously progressing from cool whites and blues to scorching oranges and reds. The rose garden contains over 1000 old English roses (go early July to see them at their best).

Also a white garden, a herb garden, and an organic vegetable garden, all packed full of ideas.

Gardens open: Sunday to Thursday 11am to 5pm.

Admission: £5.00 (£4.50 conc.)

Tel: 01483 304440

To find the perfect hotel and to make your travel and hospitality arrangements call our experienced luxury travel team on 01234 354209

Iford Manor,

Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire, BA15 2BA Harold Peto (1854-1933) combined the formal ideas of the 19th Century with the natural styles advocated by William Robinson and Gertrude Jekyll. The Peto Garden at Ilford Manor is a great testimony to his skill as both designer and plantsman. It is a terraced garden on a steep hillside, so be prepared.

Open: Tues to Sun (plus Bank Holiday Monday) 2 to 5pm.

Admission: £5 (£4.50 conc.)

Tel: 01225 863146

Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden Barnoon Hill, St Ives, Cornwall TR26 1AD Barbara Hepworth (1903–1975) created sculptures inspired by nature and she used the garden as her gallery. It is now beautifully maintained by the Tate Gallery. As well as being an amazing place to visit, there’s a great wealth of information on plant combinations and the use of focal points.

Garden and museum open: 10.00am to 5.20pm, every day Admission: £6.00 (£4.00 conc.)

Tel: 01736 796 226

Sissinghurst Castle

Biddenden Road, near Cranbrook, TN17 2AB The garden of Vita Sackville-West (1892–1962). Along with the famous white garden, a great place for ideas as the garden is divided into small garden rooms, each with its own theme. The rose garden should still be at its best in July.

Gardens open: 11am to 5.30pm every day.

Admission: £5.40 Tel: 01580 710700

Cottesbrooke Hall and Gardens

Cottesbrooke, Northampton NN6 8PF Here you can experience the strong formal lines of Sir Geoffrey Jellicoe (1900-1996), the harmony and proportion of Dame Sylvia Crowe (1901-1997), as well as the influence of contemporary designers including Arne Maynard, a practitioner of strong lines balanced by soft planting, and pots planted by Angela Collins. Guided tours by distinguished plantsman and head gardener Phylip Statner are available for groups.

Gardens open: Thursdays (plus Bank Holiday Monday) Admission: £5.50 (£5.00 conc.)

Tel: 01604 505808

East Lambrook Manor

East Lambrook, South Petherton, Somerset,TA13 5HH Margery Fish (1888-1969) developed her own style of informal planting during the period following WWII, when estates could no longer rely on teams of paid gardeners. The lines are there, but you will struggle to find a straight one.

Gardens open: 10am to 5pm, every day in July, Tues to Sun (plus Bank Holiday Monday) in August Admission: £5.50 (£5.00 seniors) Tel: 01460 240328

Great Dixter

Northiam, Rye, East Sussex TN31 6PH This garden created by Christopher Lloyd (1921-2006) is the place to see all the principles of good design in action and how to successfully break them.

Garden open: Tues to Sun (plus Bank Holiday Monday) 11am to 5pm Admission: £8.25 (£7.50 conc.)

Tel: 01797 252878 ext. 3 “Successional Planting in the Mixed Border” study day with head gardener Fergus Garrett on Monday 15th July 2013, 10am-4.30pm. Price £100. Contact Perry Rodriguez on the number above for booking or info.

Three Normandy gardens Jardin de Musée Christian Dior

Rue d’Estouteville 50400 Granville, France Garden arranged by artist Madeleine Dior, the fashion designer’s mother, quite likely one the first inspirations for his many floral designs.

Open 9am to 9pm, €7

Le Bois des Moutiers

76119 Varengeville-sur-Mer, France Gertrude Jekyll garden and park designed with plants that thrive in dry conditions.

Open daily 10am to 12pm and 2pm to 6pm.

Le Vasterival

Allée Albert Roussel 346 (Route du Phare d’Ailly) 76119 Sainte-Marguerite-sur-Mer Valley garden collection of 10,000+ species with inspired planting combinations developed by Princess Sturdza (19052009), plantswoman of international repute.

Call: +33 235 851205 between 8 and 9am to book a tour in English with garden director Didier Wellery. Tours start 2pm Mon to Fri. Alistair Ayres

Ilford Manor

To find the perfect hotel and to make your travel and hospitality arrangements call our experienced luxury travel team on 01234 354209

55

Events

The List - June 2013

Sports

56

Epsom Racecourse, Surrey Hong Kong Stadium, China Ageas Bowl, Southampton, Hampshire Trent Bridge, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire Patersons Stadium, Perth, Australia SWALEC Stadium, Cardiff, Wales

www.epsomdowns.co.uk www.lionsrugby.com www.ecb.co.uk www.ecb.co.uk www.lionsrugby.com www.ecb.co.uk

The Kia Oval, Surrey

www.ecb.co.uk

The Hurlingham Club, London Edgbaston, Birmingham, West Midlands Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, Australia SWALEC Stadium, Cardiff, Wales

www.polointheparklondon.com www.ecb.co.uk www.lionsrugby.com www.ecb.co.uk/

Edgbaston, Birmingham, West Midlands

www.ecb.co.uk/

The Queen’s Club, London Hunter Stadium, Newcastle, Australia The Kia Oval, Surrey

www.queensclub.co.uk www.lionsrugby.com www.ecb.co.uk

Edgbaston, Birmingham, West Midlands

www.ecb.co.uk

The Kia Oval, Surrey

www.ecb.co.uk

Merion, Pennsylvania, USA SWALEC Stadium, Cardiff, Wales

www.usga.usopen.com www.ecb.co.uk

Sydney Football Stadium, Australia Edgbaston, Birmingham, West Midlands Devonshire Park, Eastbourne, East Sussex SWALEC Stadium, Cardiff, Wales

www.lionsrugby.com www.ecb.co.uk www.lta.org.uk www.ecb.co.uk/

Guards Polo Club, Windsor, Berkshire The Kia Oval, Surrey

www.guardspoloclub.com/

Rugby Union Horse Racing Cricket Cricket Rowing Rugby Union Motor Sport Cricket Polo Tennis Rugby Union Rugby Union Cycling

The DERBY Barbarians v British & Irish Lions Natwest ODI, England v New Zealand Natwest ODI, England v New Zealand Western Force v British & Irish Lions Champions Trophy, India v South Africa Champions Trophy, West Indies v Pakistan MINT Polo in the Park Champions Trophy, England v Australia Queensland Reds v British & Irish Lions Champions Trophy, Sri Lanka v New Zealand Champions Trophy, Pakistan v South Africa The AEGON Championships Comb NSW v British & Irish Lions Champions Trophy, India v West Indies Champions Trophy, Australia v New Zealand Champions Trophy, England v Sri Lanka US OPEN Champions Trophy, West Indies v South Africa NSW Waratahs v British & Irish Lions Champions Trophy, India v Pakistan Ageon International Champions Trophy, England v New Zealand The Cartier Queen’s Cup Finals Day Champions Trophy, Sri Lanka v Australia ACT Brumbies v British & Irish Lions Royal Ascot ODI, ICC Champions Trophy Semi-Final ODI, ICC Champions Trophy Semi-Final World Cup 1st Australia v British & Irish Lions 24 Hours of Le Mans ODI, ICC Champions Trophy Final Al Habtoor Royal Windsor Cup Final Wimbledon Championships Melbourne v British & Irish Lions 2nd, Australia v British & Irish Lions Tour de France

Canberra Stadium, Canberra, Australia Ascot Racecourse, Ascot, Berkshire The Kia Oval, Surrey SWALEC Stadium, Cardiff, Wales Eton Dorney, Berkshire Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, Australia Circuit de la Sarthe, Le Mans, France Edgbaston, Birmingham, West Midlands Guards Polo Club, Windsor, Berkshire The All England Lawn Tennis Club, London AAMI Park, Melbourne, Australia Etihad Stadium, Melbourne, Australia Various

www.lionsrugby.com/ www.ascot.co.uk www.ecb.co.uk www.ecb.co.uk www.wrcupetondorney2013.com www.lionsrugby.com/ www.24h-lemans.com/en www.ecb.co.uk/ www.guardspoloclub.com/ www.wimbledon.com www.lionsrugby.com/ www.lionsrugby.com www.letour.com/le-tour/2013

30 June

Motor Racing

F1 British GP

Silverstone, Northamptonshire

www.silverstone.co.uk/

30 June

Polo

Pommery Archie David Cup Final

Guards Polo Club, Windsor, Berkshire

www.guardspoloclub.com/

30 June

Football

FIFA Confederations Cup Final

Maracana Stadium, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

www.fifa.com

1 June 1 June 2 June 5 June 5 June 6 June

Horse Racing Rugby Union Cricket Cricket Rugby Union Cricket

7 June

Cricket

7-9 June 8 June 8 June 9 June

Polo Cricket Rugby Union Cricket

10 June

Cricket

10-16 June 11 June 11 June

Tennis Rugby Union Cricket

12 June

Cricket

13 June

Cricket

13-16 June 14 June

Golf Cricket

15 June 15 June 15-22 June 16 June

Rugby Union Cricket Tennis Cricket

16 June 17 June

Polo Cricket

18 June 18-22 June 19 June 20 June 21-23 June 22 June 22-23 June 23 June 23 June 24 June-7 July 25 June 29 June 29 June-21 July

To find the perfect hotel and to make your travel and hospitality arrangements call our experienced luxury travel team on 01234 354209

MUSIC 1 June

Mark Knopfler

Royal Albert Hall, London

www.royalalberthall.com

1 June

The Zombies

indigO2, The O2 Arena, Greenwich

www.theo2.co.uk

1-2 June

Happy Days Festival

Imber Court, East Molesey, Surrey

www.happydaysfestival.co.uk

1 & 3 June

Barbra Streisand

The O2 Arena, Greenwich, London

www.theo2.co.uk

2 June

Coronation Classics

Royal Albert Hall, London

www.royalalberthall.com/

3 June

Bruce Forsyth – Bruce Live

Royal Albert Hall, London

www.royalalberthall.com/

4 June

Rick Springfield

02 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, London

www.o2shepherdsbushempire.co.uk

4-6 June

Elvis Costello & The Imposters

Royal Albert Hall, London

www.royalalberthall.com

4 & 6 June

Rod Stewart

The O2 Arena, Greenwich, London

www.theo2.co.uk

7 June

The Great Classics: Ode to Joy

Royal Albert Hall, London

www.royalalberthall.com

9 June

Sir Cliff Richard

Hatfield House, Hatfield, Hertfordshire

www.hatfield-house.co.uk

13 June

Coronation Jubilee Concert

Westminster Abbey, London

www.westminster-abbey.org

13-24 June

Hampton Court Palace Festival

Hampton Court Palace, London

www.hamptoncourtpalacefestival.com

14 June

Hugh Laurie

Hammersmith Apollo, London

www.hammersmithapollo.com

15 June

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band

Wembley Stadium, London

www.wembleystadium.com

15 June

Todd Rundgren

02 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, London

www.o2shepherdsbushempire.co.uk

15-16 June

The Who

The 02 Arena, Greenwich, London

www.theo2.co.uk

17 June

Neil Young & Crazy Horse

The 02 Arena, Greenwich, London

www.theo2.co.uk

18 June

Joe Satriani

indigO2, The O2 Arena, London

www.theo2.co.uk/indigo2/index.html

18-19 June

Patti Smith

02 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, London

www.o2shepherdsbushempire.co.uk

21 June

Leonard Cohen

The O2 Arena, Greenwich, London

www.theo2.co.uk

22 June

The Moody Blues

The 02 Arena, Greenwich, London

www.theo2.co.uk

25 June

Jimmy Cliff

02 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, London

www.o2shepherdsbushempire.co.uk

25 June

David Phelps In Concert

indigO2, London

www.theo2.co.uk/indigo2/index.html

25-26 June

Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons

Royal Albert Hall, London

www.royalalberthall.com/

27 June

Bonnie Raitt

Royal Albert Hall, London

www.royalalberthall.com/

30 June

Jethro Tull’s Ian Anderson Plays Thick As A Brick 1 & 2

Royal Albert Hall, London

www.royalalberthall.com/

30 June-13 July

Michael Buble

The O2 Arena, Greenwich, London

www.theo2.co.uk

HISTORIC HOUSE EVENTS 5-8 June

Shakespeare at Traquair

Traquair House, Innerleithen,

www.traquair.co.uk

7 June

The Lord’s Taverners Summer Party

Cliveden House, Taplow, Berkshire

www.clivedenhouse.co.uk

16-23 June

Delphinium Week

Godinton House & Gardens, Kent

www.godinton-house-gardens.co.uk

22-23 June

Medieval Tournament

Arundel Castle, Arundel, West Sussex

www.arundelcastle.org

THEATRE, OPERA & DANCE 1-15 June

The Audience

Gielgud Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, London

www.delfontmackintosh.co.uk/default.asp

1-28 June

The Perfect American

London Coliseum – Covent Garden

www.eno.org

1-29 June

La Boheme

London Coliseum – Covent Garden

www.eno.org

1 June-31 July

The Phantom of the Opera

Her Majesty’s Theatre, Haymarket, London

www.thephantomoftheopera.com/london

1 June-31 July

Singin’ in the Rain

Palace Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue

www.singinintherain.co.uk

1 June-31 July

Les Miserables

Queen’s Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue

www.delfontmackintosh.co.uk/default.asp

1 June-31 July

Jersey Boys

Prince Edward Theatre, Old Compton Street

www.delfontmackintosh.co.uk/default.asp

1 June-31 July

Mamma Mia!

Novello Theatre, Aldwych

www.delfontmackintosh.co.uk/default.asp

1 June-31 July

The Bodyguard

Adelphi Theatre, The Strand

www.thebodyguardmusical.com

1 June-31 July

The Mousetrap

St Martin’s Theatre, West Street

www.the-mousetrap.co.uk

1 June-31 July

Let It Be

Savoy Theatre, Strand, London

www.savoytheatre.org

THEATRE, OPERA & DANCE continued 1 June-31 July

The 39 Steps

Criterion Theatre, Piccadilly Circus

www.love39steps.com

1 June-31 July

Spamalot

Playhouse Theatre, Northumberland Avenue

www.playhousetheatrelondon.com

1 June-31 July

Relatively Speaking

Wyndham’s Theatre, London

www.delfontmackintosh.co.uk/default.asp

To find the perfect hotel and to make your travel and hospitality arrangements call our experienced luxury travel team on 01234 354209

57

Events

The List - June 2013

1 June-31 July

Sweet Bird of Youth

Old Vic Theatre, South Bank, London

www.oldvictheatre.com

7 June-11 July

Garsington Opera

Wormsley Park, Buckinghamshire

www.garsingtonopera.org

8 June-31 July

The Cripple of Inishmaan

Noel Coward Theatre, Covent Garden

www.delfontmackintosh.co.uk/default.asp

11 June

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra: Leonard Bernstein Evening

Cadogen Hall, Belgravia, London

www.cadoganhall.com

12-23 June

Swan Lake

Royal Albert Hall, London

www.royalalberthall.com

13 June-31 July

Fences

Duchess Theatre, Covent Garden, London

www.duchesstheatre.co.uk

14-26 June

Death in Venice

London Coliseum – Covent Garden

www.eno.org

20 June-6 July

Gloriana

Royal Opera House, Covent Garden

www.roh.org.uk

20 June-20 July

Pride and Prejudice

Open Air Theatre, Regent’s Park, London

www.openairtheatre.com

22 June-31 July

Private Lives

Gielgud Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, London

www.delfontmackintosh.co.uk/default.asp

1-30 June

William Turnbull

Chatsworth House, Chatsworth, Derbyshire

www.chatsworth.org

1-30 June

Emma Tennant

Chatsworth House, Chatsworth, Derbyshire

www.chatsworth.org

1-9 June

The Queen: Portraits of a Monarch

Windsor Castle, Windsor, Berkshire

www.royalcollection.org.uk

1-9 June

George Bellows (1882-1925): Modern American Life

Royal Academy of Arts, Mayfair, London

www.royalacademy.org.uk

1 June-31 July

Old Master Drawings Cabinet

Chatsworth House, Chatsworth, Derbyshire

www.chatsworth.org/

1 June-31 July

Houghton Revisited

Houghton Hall, King’s Lynn, Norfolk

www.houghtonhall.com

4 June-31 July

Patrick Caulfield

Tate Britain, Millbank, Westminster, London

www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-britain

6-16 June

International Art & Antiques Fair

Olympia, Kensington, London

www.olympia-art-antiques.com

12 June-31 July

A Crisis of Brilliance

Dulwich Picture Gallery, London

www.dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk

14-19 June

Olympia International Fine Arts and Antiques

Olympia, Kensington, London

www.olympia.co.uk

16 June

Twilight Tour: Art & Architecture in the Country House

Stowe House, Buckingham, Buckinghamshire

www.stowe.co.uk/house

20 June-31 July

Collecting Gauguin: Samuel Courtauld in the ‘20s

The Courtauld Gallery, Strand, London

www.courtauld.ac.uk

20 June-31 July

Discovery of Paris: Watercolours -19th-Century British Artists

Wallace Collection, Manchester Square, London

www.wallacecollection.org

22 June-31 July

Royal Paintbox: Royal Artists Past and Present

Windsor Castle, Windsor, Berkshire

www.royalcollection.org.uk

25-June-31 July

Lowry and the Painting of Modern Life

Tate Britain, Millbank, Westminster, London

www.tate.org.uk

12-14 June

London International Antiquarian Book Fair

Olympia, Hammersmith Road, Kensington, London

www.eco.co.uk

15 June

Trooping the Colour (Queen’s Birthday Parade)

Horseguards Parade, Cleveland Row, London

www.army.mod.uk

21-29 June

Greenwich + Docklands International Festival

Various

www.festival.org

23 June-26 July

City of London Festival

Various

www.colf.org

1 June-31 July

In Fine Style: The Art of Tudor and Stuart Fashion

The Queen’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace, London

www.royalcollection.org.uk

13-16 June

Treasure

Somerset House, Strand, Covent Garden, London

www.treasureuk.com

1-2 June

York Spring Food Festival

Various

www.yorkfoodfestival.com/index.php

1-2, 8-9 June

Chatsworth Food & Drink Fair

Chatsworth House, Chatsworth, Derbyshire

www.chatsworth.org

5 June

Premium Independent Wineries of South Africa Tasting

Blue Fin Building, 110 Southwark Street, London

www.sawinesonline.co.uk

7-9 June

Foodies Festival – London

Clapham Common, Battersea, London

www.foodiesfestival.com

20-23 June

Taste of London

Regent’s Park, Inner Circle, London

www.tastefestivals.com/london

27 June

Decanter World Wine Award Winners’ Tasting

Blue Fin Building, 110 Southwark Street, London

www.bluefinvenue.co.uk

ART

CULTURE

FASHION

FOOD & DRINK

58

To find the perfect hotel and to make your travel and hospitality arrangements call our experienced luxury travel team on 01234 354209

SUMMER 1993

20 Y

ears Of Beau tiful Babie

collection

s

2013

Call us on 0871 423 5656 or visit us at www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk * Free delivery to UK and Ireland.

See website for full details.

Ways to keep in touch:

To find the perfect hotel and to make your travel and hospitality arrangements call our experienced luxury travel team on 01234 354209

59

things to think about Why it makes sense to pay for funeral costs in advance

W

hen you’ve worked hard to put money aside for later life, it’s frustrating to see it eaten away by rising costs.

So with interest rates static, while everything from fuel to food goes up in price… making sure you have enough money for the future can be a constant worry.

Naturally, most of us feel a little uncomfortable thinking about our own mortality. But there are some uncomfortable things in life it makes financial sense to consider in advance.

Don’t get caught out by rising funeral costs Funeral costs may not seem like your most pressing concern right now, but they have been rising by an average of 6.89%1 a year, which has seen them grow from £2,225 in 2000 to £3,516 in 2012. The majority of people think it’s a good idea to make provision for funeral costs in advance, but as most are unaware at the rate of which funeral costs are increasing, it’s difficult to know how much to put aside to ensure that these costs will be covered when the time comes.

Most people think putting money into savings accounts is the best way to take care of these costs, but as interest rates on savings are currently on average only 2.73%2 it’s unlikely they will increase enough to cover funeral costs in the future.

Another consideration is that as many estates are tied up in probate this usually means money put aside in a Will to cover funeral expenses may not be released until after the funeral bill needs to be paid. Having to cover these costs in the meantime could add to your family’s burden, especially at such a difficult and emotional time.

Making sure there is enough money available as well as ensuring it’s available when it’s needed are both important considerations when deciding the best way to make provision for funeral costs. Taking out a pre-paid funeral plan is a way to avoid any worries about leaving behind a substantial debt for your family to pay.

A funeral plan guarantees to beat rising costs There are a number of financial benefits pre-pay funeral costs with a funeral plan. You can fix funeral costs at today’s prices, so you pay only what it would cost if your funeral were arranged today – not a penny more. The plan is guaranteed to be unaffected by changes in interest rates or inflation, so no matter how many years it is until the plan is needed or how much costs increase in the future the funeral arrangements in the plan will be covered. And as funeral costs are expected to increase to almost £5,000 by just 20173 you could pay less by taking out a funeral plan today.

Take care of arrangements in advance Trying to ‘second guess’ their relative’s wishes is never easy for loved ones left behind. This is where a funeral plan comes into its own by enabling you to set out all the arrangements you want, in advance. When the time comes to put the plan in motion, your family only have to make one call. They won’t have the worry of finding a funeral director, organising the service or dealing with payments.

A Guaranteed Funeral Plan from Dignity, the UK’s leading provider of funeral plans Dignity launched the first funeral plan to be offered in the UK in 1985 since then more than 520,000 people have made provision for their funeral with Dignity, more than any other provider.

With a Guaranteed Funeral Plan from Dignity, you can be confident that your money is safe. All monies are paid into the National Funeral Trust – a totally independent Trust Fund. The Trust Fund is managed by some of the most respected names in the financial industry to make sure that every funeral plan member’s money is properly protected. Dignity is the only major funeral plan provider to consistently publish an annual report which shows the performance of the Trust Fund, and this is available on request.

With a national network of more than 1,100 owned and approved funeral directors in towns and cities across the country, conducting more than 63,000 funerals each year, taking out a Guaranteed Funeral Plan with Dignity ensures that your funeral will be in safe hands, and that your loved ones will receive all the care and support they will need, at such a difficult time.

Dignity Funeral Directors have helped families across the UK arrange funerals for their loved ones for over 200 years. A recent customer survey showed more than 98% of customers’ families would recommend Dignity to their friends and relatives, and 99% of the families they served said that Dignity met or exceeded their expectations4.

Request your FREE information guide today The decision to take out a funeral plan is one which you’ll want to think over carefully, so Dignity have prepared a free information guide explaining exactly why now is the time to fix rising funeral costs. It’s yours – without obligation – when you call Dignity on 0800 085 0116 and quote reference number CTE01ND. 1 2 3 4

60

Mintel: Funerals – UK – January 2007 and funeral costs research carried out by Matter Communications 2012 Top 10 ISA interest rate of 2.73% based on average of the Top 10 ISA providers taken from Money Supermarket 19/11/12 2017 forecast based on the average increase of 6.89% each year between 2000 and 2012 Dignity Annual report 2012

Events

The List - June 2013

HOME & GARDEN 1-2 June

Garden Show

Hatfield House, Hatfield, Hertfordshire

www.hatfield-house.co.uk

1-2 June

Holker Garden Festival

Holker Estate, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria

www.holker.co.uk

14-18 June

Florabundance Festival

Chatsworth House, Chatsworth, Derbyshire

www.chatsworth.org/

21-23 June

Blenheim Palace Flower Show

Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxfordshire

www.blenheimpalace.com

1 June

AMOC Donington Race Day

Donington, Leicestershire

www.amoc.org

1-2 June

HSCC Snetterton Three Hours

Snetterton, Norfolk

www.hscc.org.uk

2 June

Goodwood-Breakfasts Supercar Sunday

Goodwood Estate, West Sussex

www.goodwood.co.uk

9 June

Brighton and Hove Motor Club Concours Show

Stanmer House, Stanmer Park, Brighton

www.brightonandhovemotorclub.co.uk

14-15 June

Tour de Bretagne

Nr. St Malo, France

www.tourdebretagne.co.uk

15-16 June

MGLive! Silversone International

Silverstone, Northamptonshire

www.mgcc.co.uk

15-19 June

London to Monte Carlo Grand Tour

London SW3-Monte Carlo, Monaco

www.grand-tour.co.uk

16 June

Ferrari Owners Club Rally

Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxfordshire

www.blenheimpalace.com

CAR EVENTS

MONEY & INVESTMENTS 4 June

Global Emerging Markets Focus 2013

The Cumberland Hotel, London

www.emergingmarketsfocus.com

6 June

Retirement Planning Invitational

Grocers’ Hall, London

www.retirementplanninginvitational.co.uk

6-7 June

The Business Show

ExCel London, Royal Victoria Dock, London

www.excel-london.co.uk

12-13 June

The Pensions & Benefits Show

ExCel London, Royal Victoria Dock, London

www.pensionsandbenefitsshow.co.uk

18-21 June

Senate Investment Conference 2013

Hotel Hermitage, Monte Carlo, Monaco

www.senateconferences.com/montecarlo

20 June

The Local Landlord Property Investment Show

Thistle Hotel, Kings Road, Brighton

www.tenantshistory.co.uk

26-27 June

The Landlord & Letting Show

Premiere Suite, Reebok Stadium, Bolton

www.landlordshow.info

1 June-14 July

Michael Caine Photography Exhibition

Museum of London, 150 Wall, City, London

www.museumoflondon.org.uk

1 June-31 July

David Bowie Is

V&A Museum, South Kensington, London

www.vam.ac.uk

1 June-31 July

Blumenfeld Studio, Colour, New York, 1941-1960

Somerset House, Strand, London

www.somersethouse.org.uk

1 June-31 July

Life and death Pompeii and Herculaneum

The British Museum, Great Russell Street, London

www.britishmuseum.org

1 June-31 July

Poster Art 150 – London Underground’s Greatest Designs

London Transport Museum, Covent Garden Piazza

www.ltmuseum.co.uk

10 June-31 July

Royal Academy Summer Exhibition

Royal Academy of Arts, Burlington House, Mayfair

www.royalacademy.org.uk

PROPERTY

EXHIBITIONS

REGATTA & YACHTING 1-2 June

Les Voiles D’Antibes - Trophee Panerai

Antibes, France

www.voilesdantibes.com

4-8 June

Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta

Porto Cervo, Sardinia, Italy

www.loropianasuperyachtregatta.com

13-16 June

Argentario Sailing Week - Trophee Panerai

Porto Santo Stefano, Italy

www.argentariosailingweek.it/en

13-16 June

Les Voiles Du Vieux Port

Marseille, France

www.lesvoilesduvieuxport.com

13-16 June

Spetses Classic Yacht Race

Spetses, Greece

www.classicyachtrace.com/

14-16 June

FALMOUTH CLASSICS

Falmouth, Cornwall

www.falmouthclassics.org.uk

15-16 June

Suffolk Yacht Harbour Classic Regatta

Levington, Ipswich, Suffolk

www.syharbour.co.uk

19-22 June

The Superyacht Cup

Palma, Majorca, Spain

www.thesuperyachtcup.com/palma

20-23 June

The Rendezvous in Monaco

Monaco, French Riviera

www.superyachtrendezvous.com

22 June-3 July

Trophee Bailli de Suffren

St Tropez-Porto Rotondo-Trapani-Malta

www.tropheebaillidesuffren.com

26-30 June

Le Vele d’Epoca - Trophee Panerai

Naples, Italy

www.leveledepoca.it

28 June-5 July

The Fife Regatta

Largs, Scotland

www.fiferegatta.com

61

Events

The List - June 2013

COUNTRY SHOWS 6-8 June

Royal Cornwall Show

Royal Cornwall Showground, Wadebridge

www.royalcornwallshow.org

6-8 June

South of England Show

South of England Showground, Ardingley

www.seas.org.uk/shows.asp?ID=2

8-9 June

The Cambridge Town & Country Show

Parker’s Piece, Cambridge

www.oakleighfairs.co.uk

14-16 June

Three Counties Show

The Three Counties Showground, Malvern

www.threecounties.co.uk/

15-16 June

Sussex Game & Country Fair

Parham Park, West Sussex

www.countrymanfairs.co.uk/

18-19 June

Cheshire County Show

Tabley, Knutsford, Cheshire

www.cheshirecountyshow.org.uk

20-23 June

Royal Highland Show

Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh

www.royalhighlandshow.org

22-23 June

Tunbridge Wells Town & Country Show

Dunorlan Park, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent

www.oakleighfairs.co.uk/

26-27 June

Royal Norfolk Show

Norfolk Showground, Dereham Road, Norwich

www.royalnorfolkshow.co.uk

29 June

Isle of Wight County Show

Royal Isle of Wight Agricultural Ground Cowes

www.riwas.org.uk

29-30 June

West Suffolk Game & Country Show

Rougham Airfield, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk

www.oakleighfairs.co.uk/rougham

The List - July 2013

Sports

62

3-7 July

Rowing

Henley Royal Regatta

Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire

www.hrr.co.uk

6 July

Rugby Union

3rd TEST, Australia v British & Irish Lions

ANZ Stadium, Sydney, Australia

www.lionsrugby.com/

7 July

Motor Racing

F1 German GP

Nurburgring, Germany

www.nuerburgring.de

10-14 July

Cricket

1st ASHES TEST, England v Australia

Trent Bridge, Nottingham

www.ecb.co.uk/

11-13 July

Horse Racing

July Meeting

Newmarket Racecourse, Suffolk

www.newmarketracecourses.co.uk

11-14 July

Golf

Scottish Open

18-21 July

Golf

The OPEN

Muirfield, East Lothian, Scotland

www.theopen.com

18-22 July

Cricket

Second ASHES Test, England v Australia

Lord’s, London

www.ecb.co.uk/

26-28 July

Horse Racing

Betfair Weekend

Ascot Racecourse, Ascot, Berkshire

www.ascot.co.uk

26-28 July

Athletics

Diamond League

Q. Elizabeth Olympic Park, Stratford, London

www.diamondleague-london.com

28 July

Motor Racing

F1 Hungarian GP

The Hungaroring, Mogyorod, Budapest,

www.hungaroinfo.com/

28 July

Polo

Audi International Day the Coronation Cup

Guards Polo Club, Windsor, Berkshire

www.guardspoloclub.com/

28 July

Football

CONCACAF Gold Cup Final

Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois, USA

www.goldcup.org

30 July

Horse Racing

Glorious Goodwood

Goodwood Racecourse, West Sussex

www.goodwood.co.uk

30-31 July

Equestrian

Royal International Horse Show

The All England Jumping Course, Hickstead

www.hickstead.co.uk

www.castlestuartgolf.com

To find the perfect hotel and to make your travel and hospitality arrangements call our experienced luxury travel team on 01234 354209

Events

The List - July 2013

MUSIC 30 June-13 July

Michael Buble

The O2 Arena, Greenwich, London

www.theo2.co.uk

9 July

Blondie

Kew Gardens, Kew Road, Richmond

www.kew.org

11 July

Paul Weller

Kew Gardens, Kew Road, Richmond

www.kew.org

12 July

Jools Holland & His Rhythm & Blues Orchestra

Kew Gardens, Kew Road, Richmond

www.kew.org

27 July

Chic/Nile Rodgers

indigO2, The O2 Arena, London

www.theo2.co.uk

HISTORIC HOUSE EVENTS 12 July

Richard III

Belmont, Belmont Park, Kent

www.belmont-house.org

13 July

Open Air Theatre

Godinton House & Gardens, Kent

www.godinton-house-gardens.co.uk

20 July

Theatre in the Gardens

Lamport Hall & Gardens, Northampton

www.lamporthall.co.uk

21 July

Traditional Jazz Live in the Garden

Lamport Hall & Gardens, Northampton

www.lamporthall.co.uk

23-28 July

Medieval Joust and Tournament Week

Arundel Castle, Arundel, West Sussex

www.arundelcastle.org

27 July

Sculpture in the Gardens

Godinton House & Gardens, Ashford

www.godinton-house-gardens.co.uk

THEATRE, OPERA & DANCE 1 June-31 July

The Phantom of the Opera

Her Majesty’s Theatre, Haymarket, London

www.thephantomoftheopera.com/london

1 June-31 July

Singin’ in the Rain

Palace Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue

www.singinintherain.co.uk

1 June-31 July

Les Miserables

Queen’s Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue

www.delfontmackintosh.co.uk/default.asp

1 June-31 July

Jersey Boys

Prince Edward Theatre, Old Compton Street

www.delfontmackintosh.co.uk/default.asp

1 June-31 July

Mamma Mia!

Novello Theatre, Aldwych

www.delfontmackintosh.co.uk/default.asp

1 June-31 July

The Bodyguard

Adelphi Theatre, The Strand

www.thebodyguardmusical.com

1 June-31 July

The Mousetrap

St Martin’s Theatre, West Street

www.the-mousetrap.co.uk

1 June-31 July

Let It Be

Savoy Theatre, Strand, London

www.savoytheatre.org

1 June-31 July

The 39 Steps

Criterion Theatre, Piccadilly Circus

www.love39steps.com

1 June-31 July

Spamalot

Playhouse Theatre, Northumberland Avenue

www.playhousetheatrelondon.com

1 June-31 July

Relatively Speaking

Wyndham’s Theatre, London

www.delfontmackintosh.co.uk/default.asp

1 June-31 July

Sweet Bird of Youth

Old Vic Theatre, South Bank, London

www.oldvictheatre.com

7 June-11 July

Garsington Opera

Wormsley Park, Buckinghamshire

www.garsingtonopera.org

8 June-31 July

The Cripple of Inishmaan

Noel Coward Theatre, Covent Garden

www.delfontmackintosh.co.uk/default.asp

13 June-31 July

Fences

Duchess Theatre, Covent Garden, London

www.duchesstheatre.co.uk

20 June-6 July

Gloriana

Royal Opera House, Covent Garden

www.roh.org.uk

20 June-20 July

Pride and Prejudice

Open Air Theatre, Regent’s Park, London

www.openairtheatre.com

22 June-31 July

Private Lives

Gielgud Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, London

www.delfontmackintosh.co.uk/default.asp

3-7 July

Boston Ballet: 50th Anniversary Season

London Coliseum – Covent Garden

www.eno.org

5-21 July

La Rondine

Royal Opera House Covent Garden

www.roh.org.uk

12-31 July

The BBC Proms

Royal Albert Hall, London

www.royalalberthall.com

16-20 July

Russian Seasons of XXI Century

London Coliseum – Covent Garden

www.eno.org

16-31 July

Opera Holland Park: L’Elisir d’Amore

Holland Park Theatre, Holland Park, London

www.operahollandpark.com

18-21 July

Cirque du Soleil - Alegria

The O2 Arena, Greenwich, London

www.theo2.co.uk

20 July

Battle Proms

Hatfield House, Hatfield, Hertfordshire

www.hatfield-house.co.uk

23-31 July

Opera Holland Park: I Gioielli della Madonna

Holland Park Theatre, Holland Park, London

www.operahollandpark.com

25-27 July

English National Ballet - A Tribute to Rudolf Nureyev

London Coliseum –Covent Garden

www.eno.org

25-31 July

The Sound of Music

Open Air Theatre, Regent’s Park,London

www.openairtheatre.com

29-31 July

Indian Tempest

Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre,London

www.shakespearesglobe.com

To find the perfect hotel and to make your travel and hospitality arrangements call our experienced luxury travel team on 01234 354209

63

ART 1 June-31 July

Old Master Drawings Cabinet

Chatsworth House, Chatsworth, Derbyshire

www.chatsworth.org/

1 June-31 July

Houghton Revisited

Houghton Hall, King’s Lynn, Norfolk

www.houghtonhall.com

4 June-31 July

Patrick Caulfield

Tate Britain, Millbank, Westminster, London

www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-britain

12 June-31 July

A Crisis of Brilliance

Dulwich Picture Gallery, London

www.dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk

20 June-31 July

Collecting Gauguin: Samuel Courtauld in the ‘20s

The Courtauld Gallery, Strand, London

www.courtauld.ac.uk

20 June-31 July

Discovery of Paris: Watercolours -19th-Century British Artists

Wallace Collection, Manchester Square, London

www.wallacecollection.org

22 June-31 July

Royal Paintbox: Royal Artists Past and Present

Windsor Castle, Windsor, Berkshire

www.royalcollection.org.uk

25-June-31 July

Lowry and the Painting of Modern Life

Tate Britain, Millbank, Westminster, London

www.tate.org.uk

6-31 July

Mexico: A Revolution In Art, 1910-1940

Royal Academy of Arts, Mayfair, London

www.royalacademy.org.uk

11-31 July

Laura Knight Portraits

National Portrait Gallery, St Martin’s Place, London

www.npg.org.uk

23 June-26 July

City of London Festival

Various

www.colf.org

10-14 July

Henley Festival

Henley-On-Thames, Oxfordshire

www.henley-festival.co.uk

11-14 July

Coronation Festival 2013

Buckingham Palace, London

www.royalcollection.org.uk

In Fine Style: The Art of Tudor and Stuart Fashion

The Queen’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace, London

www.royalcollection.org.uk

6-7 July

Three Wine Men

Lord’s, St John’s Wood, London

www.threewinemen.co.uk

12-14 July

Foodies Festival – Bristol

Harbourside, Bristol

www.foodiesfestival.com

13-14 July

Glynde Food & English Wine Festival

Glynde Place, East Sussex

www.glyndefoodfestival.co.uk

RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show

Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey, London

www.rhs.org.uk

6-7 July

AMOC Centenary at Brands Hatch

Brands Hatch, Fawkham, Longfield, Kent

www.amoc.org

6-7 July

Bath Pageant of Motoring

Walcot Rugby Ground, Lansdown, Bath

www.bathpageantofmotoring.com

6-7 July

COOC East Anglian Rally

North Norfolk Railway Holt, Norfolk

www.co-oc.org

7 July

Summertime Classics

Stanford Hall, Lutterworth, Leicestershire

www.gingerbeerpromotions.com

12-14 July

Goodwood Festival of Speed

Goodwood Estate, West Sussex

www.goodwood.co.uk

13-14 July

HSCC Brands Hatch SuperPrix Circuit

Brands Hatch, Fawkham, Longfield, Kent

www.hscc.org.uk

21 July

AMOC Centenary Celebration Kensington Palace

Kensington Palace and Gardens, London

www.amoc.org

21 July

Classics at the Castle

Sherborne Castle, New Road, Sherborne, Dorset

www.sherbornecastle.com

26-28 July

The Silverstone Classic

Silverstone, Northamptonshire

www.silverstoneclassic.com

27 July

Supercar Sunday

Brooklands Museum

www.gingerbeerpromotions.com

July Property Auction – London

Le Meridien, 21 Piccadilly, London

www.eddisons.com

1 June-14 July

Michael Caine Photography Exhibition

Museum of London, 150 Wall, City, London

www.museumoflondon.org.uk

1 June-31 July

David Bowie Is

V&A Museum, South Kensington, London

www.vam.ac.uk

1 June-31 July

Blumenfeld Studio, Colour, New York, 1941-1960

Somerset House, Strand, London

www.somersethouse.org.uk

1 June-31 July

Life and death Pompeii and Herculaneum

The British Museum, Great Russell Street, London

www.britishmuseum.org

1 June-31 July

Poster Art 150 – London Underground’s Greatest Designs

London Transport Museum, Covent Garden Piazza

www.ltmuseum.co.uk

10 June-31 July

Royal Academy Summer Exhibition

Royal Academy of Arts, Burlington House, Mayfair

www.royalacademy.org.uk

6-31 July

Mexico: A Revolution In Art, 1910-1940

13-28 July

Festival Of British Archaeology

Museum of London, 150 Wall, City, London

www.museumoflondon.org.uk

18-31 July

Richard Rogers RA: Ideas in Progress

Royal Academy of Arts, Burlington House, Mayfair

www.royalacademy.org.uk

27-31 July

The Queen’s Coronation 1953

Buckingham Palace, London

www.royalcollection.org.uk

CULTURE

FASHION 1 June-31 July

FOOD & DRINK

HOME & GARDEN 9-14 July

CAR EVENTS

MONEY & INVESTMENTS PROPERTY 10 July

EXHIBITIONS

64

To find the perfect hotel and to make your travel and hospitality arrangements call our experienced luxury travel team on 01234 354209

La Dolce Vita Subscriptions

Win a bottle of the exquisite Château Latour, Cabernet Sauvignon Blend – worth £275 If you have ever wished to try a bottle of wine at this price, now is your chance!

All subscriptions received during the period from 20th May to 30th June will be entered into the draw.

Good luck and remember

“La vie est trop courte pour boire du mauvais vin!”

Imagine pages of: • • •

The best places to visit based on first-hand experience Tips on how to communicate with the family Property for living as well as investment opportunities

• • •

Health advice so you can enjoy life to the full Trends and handy information on gardening and interior design Ideas on new hobbies and adventures around the world

•

Reviews of cars, wine, boats, gadgets and fashion

•

The Events list to ensure you are aware of what is going on

•

Beautiful landscape photography and cultural excursions

All of this is only available by Subscription to our magazine: 1

Call - with a credit or debit card to: The Subscription Department on 020 7689 7501

2

Visit - http://ladolcevita.info/index.php/subscriptions

3

Post – complete and post the coupon below Complete this form and send it to: La Dolce Vita Limited, Subscriptions Dept., Kemp House, 152–160 City Road, London, EC1V 2NX Please send the magazine to: Myself As a gift Please fill in your details: Title First Name Surname Address Postcode Email* Mobile* Recipient details Title First Name Surname Address Postcode Payment options please tick Cheque – 6 issues covering 12 months for £23.70 made payable to La Dolce Vita Limited Credit or debit card - 6 issues covering 12 months for £3.95 per issue – your card will be charged upon dispatch.

Visa MasterCard Switch / Maestro Amex Please debit my account with £3.95 per issue Card number Valid from Expiry Card issue no (switch) Cardholder’s name (printed) and signature (I am over 18) Date

print

signature

/ /

Terms and Conditions: Minimum subscription is 6 issues however you may cancel either by post or email within 7 working days after the date on which the application was received. No refunds will be given after this period.

Subscriptions will be implemented within 30 days and will begin with the first available issue. *By supplying your email address and mobile number you agree to receive offers via email / sms from or in association with La Dolce Vita Limited. La Dolce Vita Limited may directly, or through its agents, mail or phone you about new promotions, products and services. Tick this box if you do not want these from us or from carefully selected companies.

Future Issues include: •

Features on Waddesdon Manor and Bletchley Park

•

Interview with the Astronaut who went into Space aged 61

•

The History of the Berlin Wall

•

New Hobbies including Sailing and Skiing

•

And much more To find the perfect hotel and to make your travel and hospitality arrangements call our experienced luxury travel team on 01234 354209

653

Events

The List - July 2013

REGATTA & YACHTING 22 June-3 July

Trophee Bailli de Suffren

St Tropez-Porto Rotondo-Trapani-Malta

www.tropheebaillidesuffren.com

28 June-5 July

The Fife Regatta

Largs, Scotland

www.fiferegatta.com

3-7 July

Henley Royal Regatta

Henley-On-Thames, Oxfordshire

www.hrr.co.uk

6-7 July

Dartmouth Classics

Dartmouth, Devon

www.dartmouthclassics.org.uk

6-13 July

Panerai British Classic Week

Cowes, Isle of Wight

www.britishclassicyachtclub.org/regatta

6-13 July

Classic Channel Regatta

Dartmouth-Paimpol-Guernsey

www.classic-channel-regatta.eu

10-13 July

Puig Vela Classica

Barcelona, Spain

www.puigvelaclassicabarcelona.com/en

15-19 July

Cowes Classics Week

Cowes, Isle of Wight

www.cowesclassicsweek.org

COUNTRY SHOWS 6-7 July

Cotswold Show & Country Fair

Cirencester Park, Gloucester, Gloucestershire

www.cotswoldshow.co.uk

9-11 July

The Great Yorkshire Show

Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate

www.greatyorkshireshow.co.uk

13-14 July

Bedfordshire County Show

Old Warden Park, Nr Biggleswade

www.bedfordshirecountyshow.co.uk

13-14 July

Rockingham Castle Game & Country Show

Rockingham Castle, Market Harborough

www.oakleighfairs.co.uk/

19-21 July

CLA Game Fair

Ragley Hall, Alcester, Warwickshire

www.gamefair.co.uk

20-21 July

Hastings Town & Country Show

Alexandra Park, Hastings, East Sussex

www.oakleighfairs.co.uk/hastings

22-25 July

Royal Welsh Agricultural Show

Llanelwedd, Builth Wells, Powys

www.rwas.co.uk/en/welsh-show

To enjoy any of the above events and to check for the best hospitality packages please call La Dolce Vita travel 01234 354209

La Dolce Vita Subscriptions - See page 65 Terms and Conditions: While every effort has been made to ensure that the information is correct, neither the author nor publisher can be held responsible for inadvertent inaccuracies or omissions. Prices, opening times, website addresses change without advance notice. This magazine is wholly protected by copyright and nothing maybe wholly or partly reprinted without permission. This magazine reserves the right to reuse any submission sent to it in any format or medium. Any material accepted for publication may be used in all different forms of the magazine eg print, website etc. Competition Terms and conditions: These apply to all competitions unless otherwise stated. Competitions are promoted by La Dolce Vita Limited (LDVL) and are open to all UK residents aged 18 or over. Entries will not be considered after the closing date. Entries will not be return or acknowledged. LDVL reserves the right to edit entries in its discretion for publication. Entrants will retain copyright in their entries however by entering, all entrants licence LDVL a worldwide royalty free perpetual licence to edit publish and use each entry in any and all media forms. By entering, winners agree to their names and general locations being used for publicity purposes by LDVL in any and all media. LDVL will not be held liable for any failure or non-receipt of entries. The judge’s decision is final. Winners will be notified within 28 days of the closing date. Prizes are as stated and are non-transferable and cash alternatives are not available. LDVL reserves the right to supersede the competition (including altering prizes) if, in our sole discretion, a competition is not being capable of being conducted as specified. LDVL reserves the right to replace the prize in the event that a circumstance beyond our control makes this unavoidable. LDVL will not be held liable for any loss or damage arising out of the winners (or their guests) enjoyment of the prize.

66

To find the perfect hotel and to make your travel and hospitality arrangements call our experienced luxury travel team on 01234 354209

HANDCRAFTED BESPOKE FURNITURE

�hether you crave a peaceful hideaway with your valued book collection, an efficient home study, a sumptuous bedroom or a stylish cinema room, we will create the perfect space for your individual needs.

As specialists of bespoke home interiors for over 25 years our furniture designs are born out of a collaboration between you, the designer, our cabinet makers and the finest materials. It starts with your aspirations, an idea, a desire for quality and a designer who will create an ingenious solution that meets your personal brief.

NEW 100 page brochure BUY NOW PAY IN 12 MONTHS* Celebrating British design & craftsmanship Free local design service

CALL 0161 873 8333 QUOTE CODE LDV01 www.nevillejohnson.co.uk/ldv

10 year guarantee Available throughout Europe

*Buy now pay in 12 months, finance offer is available on orders over £3,000 + VAT. Finance is subject to status, terms apply. Typical

STUDIES

BEDROOMS

LOUNGES

LIBR ARIES

APR 9.9%.

HOME CINEMA

67

STRATSTONE OF MAYFAIR

To find the perfect hotel and to make your travel and hospitality arrangements call our experienced luxury travel team on 01234 354209