Issue 38

ISSUE 38

2013

& COUNTY LIVING

THE EAST MIDLANDS' PREMIER LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

PROPERTY FOOD & DRINK FASHION & BEAUTY HOME & GARDEN MOTOR TRAVEL OUT & ABOUT WHAT'S ON ESSENTIAL GUIDE CELEBRITY PROFILES NOW READ IT ONLINE www.citylifemagazine.com

EAST MIDLANDS

14. St Peter’s Gate (off Bridlesmith Gate) Nottingham NG1 2JP 01159 411348

HACKETT HUGO BOSS GIORGIO ARMANI DIOR POLO RALPH LAUREN ASH JOHN SMEDLEY BARBOUR H BY HUDSON MAISON SCOTCH WOOLRICH UGG AG JEANS BLOOD BROTHER MONEY STONE ISLAND PRPS VIVIENNE WESTWOOD TED BAKER PAUL & SHARK McQ ALEXANDER McQUEEN

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WEDDING FEATURE Page 43

Features 10 Events Agenda What’s on, in and around the region, in the coming months.

20 Essential Section The latest Films, DVD’s, Cds and Books available.

22 Celebrity Profile - Ryan Gosling We take a look at the actor hotly tipped to take the role of Mr Grey.

34 10 Of The Best Spring Summer Wines Some of the best wines that are perfect on those sunny days in the garden.

43 Wedding Feature When organising your perfect wedding, the venue takes centre stage.

50 Pretty Pastels Women’s Fashion - A wardrobe good enough to eat with this season’s pastel shades.

54 Statement Tailoring Men’s fashion - Colourful and patterned suits are making a statement this year.

58 Make - Up Stars Star products that really do work. Our top 10 make-up must-haves.

60 Hair Trends The styles that are setting the trend this year and how to achieve them.

64 Love Your Bones How to care for your bones and give them the love that they deserve.

68 Interior Themes Trends in interior design that are grabbing centre stage in our homes.

82 Escape to...

3 different escape breaks, from the bustle of the city to the tranquillity of the countryside.

100 Smart Cities The smartest cities on earth, using technology to improve quality of life.

CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING 6

110 New Porsche Cayman The Cayman aims once again to set the class benchmark for driving performance.

112 New Range Rover Sport The new model claiming to be the Ultimate premium sports SUV has been unveiled.

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Welcome...

This is our Spring/Summer edition and speculation is rife as to whether at some point this year we may actually have, what we now loosely term, 'summer'.

Unfortunately, besides a recession that just seems to keep rolling on, in this country we also have to contend with the continuing poor weather. Having wandered into a fashion store recently, I found myself looking at this summer's range of waterproof jackets and considered whether it was either my state of mind or in fact an essential purchase. In the end I decided to have an optimistic outlook, after which I walked out of the store and before reaching the car park was treated to a sudden downpour of rain. Needless to say, I may be going back for the jacket.

Cover image courtesy of Austin Reed

Telephone: 0115 9373074 Facsimile: 0115 9243433 Advertising & Editorial Offices: City Life Magazine Limited Bridgford Business Centre 29 Bridgford Road West Bridgford Nottingham NG2 6AU

www.citylifemagazine.com sales@citylifemagazine.com

In this issue, we have something for everyone, including 'summer fashion!' In the celebrity profile we look at the actor of the moment, Ryan Gosling. Little was known or seen of Mr Gosling just a few years ago, but as speculation about who will take the lead as the notorious Mr Grey, in the film adaptation of the bestselling book, reaches a climax, so has interest in Mr Gosling and his recent film appearances. We all have different agendas when deciding on a break away from home, so in this issue's escape feature we review three hotels in three very different settings, ranging from being in the heart of the city to the heart of the countryside. In the motoring section we feature the new Porsche Cayman, and the very much anticipated all new Range Rover Sport.

The next issue will be out in the middle of summer, which reminds me, I must buy an umbrella!

Nick Smith Nick Smith, Editor

We Have Moved!

Our New Location Is Bridgford Business Centre, 29 Bridgford Road, West Bridgford, Nottingham NG2 6AU tel: 0115 9373 074 fax: 0115 9243 433 email: sales@citylifemagazine.com

CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING

Our New Contact Details Are

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THE WEDDING SINGER 25 - 29 JUNE CURVE THEATRE Since 2009, LAOS have staged their annual production at Curve. Following hugely successful productions of The Full Monty, Disney's Beauty and the Beast and Summer Holiday, they're back with this hilarious Tony-nominated musical comedy based on the hit 1998 film starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore.

It is 1985 and rock-star wannabe Robbie Heart is New Jersey's favourite wedding singer. He is the life of the party, until his own fiancĂŠe leaves him at the altar. Shot through the heart, Robbie makes every wedding as disastrous as his own. Will fortune intervene, and will Robbie find happiness? Or is he just livin' on a prayer?

Packed with infectious songs, stunning dance routines and crazy 1980s fashions, this show has something for everyone!

PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT

CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING

22 - 27 JULY ROYAL CONCERT HALL Direct from the West End starring Jason Donovan, the feel-good international hit sensation Priscilla Queen Of The Desert The Musical comes to Nottingham for one week only!

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Olivier and Tony award-winning costumes and a Hit-parade of dance floor favourites including It's Raining Men, I Will Survive, Hot Stuff, Finally, Boogie Wonderland, Go West, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, and I Love The Nightlife, this wildly fresh and funny musical is a journey to the heart of FABULOUS! Priscilla is 'HUGELY ENTERTAINING...

INSANELY GLITZY' - Daily Telegraph.

Parental guidance is recommended for children 15 years and under.

depicts Sweeney Todd's murderous quest for justice and retribution aided and abetted by the outrageous ideas of the pie-shop owner, Mrs Lovett. Directed by Paul Kerryson.

This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Josef Weinberger Ltd. on behalf of Music Theatre International of New York. This amateur production will be performed by members of the local community.

GHOST SWEENEY TODD 30 JULY - 11 AUGUST CURVE THEATRE A Curve Community Production. The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. A Musical Thriller.

Music & lyrics by Stephen Sondheim.

Book by Hugh Wheeler. From an adaptation by Christopher Bond.

Originally directed by Harold Prince.

Originally produced on Broadway by Richard Barr, Charles Woodward, Robert Fryer, Mary Lea Johnson, Martin Richards in association with Dean & Judy Manos.

Following the sell-out success of previous productions of Oliver! and West Side Story, Curve's professional production team will again join a group of hugely talented local performers to bring to life the legend of Sweeney Todd, the demon barber of Fleet Street.

Winner of 4 'WhatsOnStage.com' awards - including 'Best New Musical', and based on the smash-hit movie - Priscilla is the heart-warming, uplifting adventure of three friends who hop aboard a battered old bus searching for love and friendship and end up finding more than they ever dreamed of. Jason Donovan stars as Tick, the role he originated in the West End.

Sondheim's brooding musical thriller is filled with humour, wit and scary delights.

It also boasts a magnificent score. From its first UK performance in London in 1980 to the stunning 2007 screen adaptation by Tim Burton, this tale of obsession and vengeance has enraptured audiences.

With a dazzling array of outrageous

Set in Victorian London, the musical

13 - 24 AUGUST ROYAL CONCERT HALL Direct from the West End, the smash-hit musical Ghost comes to Nottingham for two weeks this August. Based on the Oscar-winning movie that captured the hearts and imaginations of a generation back in the 90s, Ghost is a timeless fantasy about the power of love. Sam is trapped as a ghost between this world and the next trying to communicate with girlfriend Molly through a phoney psychic in the hope of saving her from his murderer.

Adapted for the stage by Bruce Joel Rubin from his own Oscar-winning screenplay, the amazing special effects and dazzling staging are by the multi award-winning Paul Kieve (Inner Magic Circle member) and Tony Award-winner Matthew Warchus.

With a score by rock legends and Grammy award-winners, Dave Stewart (Eurythmics) and Glen Ballard (Michael Jackson and Alanis Morrisette), and featuring the unforgettable Unchained Melody, Ghost is a rollercoaster ride of romance and comedy with dazzling stateof-the-art staging - it's 'JAWDROPPINGLY AMAZING' Manchester Evening News.

EVENTS

FIDLER ON THE ROOF 17 - 21 SEPTEMBER THEATRE ROYAL Starring Paul Michael Glaser as Tevye Fiddler On The Roof is one of the most popular and beloved of all stage musicals.

It's record breaking Broadway premiere firmly established it as a favourite with lovers of musical theatre where it remains to this day. This new production from the award winning producers of The King and I and High Society captures all the emotions of laughter and joy to tears and sadness - filled to the brim with memorable and instantly recognizable songs including If I Were a Rich Man, Matchmaker Matchmaker, Sunrise Sunset, To Life and many more.

Tevye, the local milkman in his village of Anatevka, has always stuck by his traditions but suddenly his head strong daughters decide that they want to marry for love rather than accept whatever Yente the Matchmaker comes up with. Tevye loves his daughters but has to convince his wife, and the villagers, that their decisions are actually falling in with tradition - not an easy thing to do but if anyone can do it, the wily Tevye can!

Even if it means conjuring up ghosts of dead wives and scaring his own wife to bits in order to get her to agree. Tradition is all well and good but, in the end, the world moves on, as do the villagers but maybe not for the reasons they would have liked.

Fiddler On The Roof was the longest running production on Broadway for over 13 years and when you join Tevye, his family and friends, you will understand why. This is a musical in a million - not to be missed!

JEDWARD 25 SEPTEMBER DE MONTFORT HALL YOUNG LOVE TOUR Jedward over the last three years have become simply a 'phenomena'!

Jedward have recorded the single Under Pressure (No.2 UK charts) with Vanilla Ice, represented Ireland twice in a row, in the Eurovision Song Contest 2011 and 2012, competed on Britain's Celebrity Big Brother 2011, hosted two children's TV shows, Jedward's Big Adventure and OMG Dream Factory 2011 and 2012, recorded three albums - Planetjedward 2010, Victory 2011 and Young Love 2012, completed the L.A. Marathon, carried the Olympic torch, danced on stage with Britney Spears and performed for President Obama.

Jedward topped Yahoo! OMG UK's Best Boy Band Poll 2012, beating The Wanted and One Direction.

SIXTIES GOLD 50TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR 30 OCTOBER ROYAL CONCERT HALL For lovers of Sixties music, this is the ultimate, and probably never to be repeated, line-up. Don't miss your chance to celebrate the 50th anniversary of when it all began.

Featuring record breaking Merseybeat band Gerry & The Pacemakers. The second Liverpool band to chart (after The Beatles), but the first to reach No. 1 and the first act ever to top the charts with their first three singles. Also from Liverpool and tipped to be as big as The Beatles, The Searchers' first single also went to No. 1 and led to five more Top 5 hits and a total of 128 weeks in the charts. Controversial, ponytailed P.J. Proby, whose trouser splitting shocked the nation, was a Melody Maker teen idol award winner in 1964 and spent 91 weeks in the charts.The Fortunes stormed the Top 10 with You've Got Your Troubles, Here It Comes Again, Freedom Come Freedom Go and Storm in a Teacup. And finally, Brian Poole and Chip Hawkes. On stage together in what is sure to be The Battle of The Tremeloes.

LEE EVANS MONSTER’S TOUR 4 - 7 SEPTEMBER 2014 CAPITAL FM ARENA Capital FM Arena Nottingham is thrilled to announce that Lee Evans' 'MONSTERS' tour has been confirmed for FOUR massive dates from 4-7 September 2014.

'WIRED AND WONDERFUL' was huge…'XL' was big…'BIG' was even bigger…'ROADRUNNER' was record breaking… And now the legendary Lee Evans embarks on his most ambitious tour to date.

CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING

This new production is Directed and Choreographed by Craig Revel Horwood, the nation's favourite Strictly Come Dancing judge and master of the musical stage. Paul Michael Glaser will play the lead role ofTevye. He was in the classic 1971 film version of the musical (in the role of Perchik) but is probably best known for playing David Starsky in the iconic Starsky and Hutch TV series (four seasons 1975 - 1979) opposite David Soul. He has many other TV credits to his

name, including most recently Captain Jack Steeper in NBC's Third Watch. On stage he has appeared in over 50 roles in regional, repertory, off-Broadway and Broadway theatre in the US. His film credits include Something's Gotta Give alongside Diane Keaton. His directorial credits include several episodes of Starsky and Hutch, Miami Vice, Robbery Homicide Division and Judging Amy, as well as the children's film Kazaam.

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EVENTS

WIN ASHES TICKETS Win England Cricket Tickets Courtesy of Stowford Press Westons Cider's Stowford Press is the 'Official Cider of England Cricket' Series and to celebrate Stowford Press are offering one lucky reader the chance to win two tickets to the 1st Investec Ashes at Trent Bridge on the 10th July.

The Investec Ashes Series will be the biggest sporting event in summer 2013 and with the country eagerly anticipating England successfully retaining the Ashes, these tickets are an opportunity not to be missed.

So to be in with a chance of winning, simply answer the following question.

wavered in its commitment to making the very best quality, traditional Cider with a characteristic rich style and a flavour simply bursting with fruit.

Question: The second test in the 2005 Ashes finished with one of the closest ever results. England won, but by how many runs? a) 1 b) 2 c) 4

Good luck!

Westons Cider has been lovingly produced in the Herefordshire village of Much Marcle for over 130 years and throughout this time has never

Competition Terms & Conditions: 1. Closing date for entries is 30th June 2013 2. The winner will be chosen at random and notified by Westons Cider 3. The prize is for entrance only to the 1st Investec Ashes and doesn't include subsistence or travel the winner may incur 4. Participants must be over 18 years of age to enter the competition 5. The prize cannot be transferred to another person

CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING

Send your answer into: City Life Magazine Ltd. Bridgford Business Centre, 29 Bridgford Road, West Bridgford, Nottingham NG2 6 AU

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NOTTINGHAM RACECOURSE ...MORE THAN JUST RACING Nottingham Racecourse is proud to continue the long tradition of horseracing in Nottingham with racing at Colwick Park since 1892. We offer a variety of fixtures on a weekday afternoon, weekend and evenings and regularly attract top jockeys and trainers.

Everyone enjoys a day at the races and we at Nottingham Racecourse excel in providing the personal attention and flexibility required to ensure that your day exceeds all your expectations.

The 2013 season commences on Wednesday 10th April and is ideal for a great day out whether you are: 

Entertaining clients – building relationships with current customers and impressing potential customers

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Promoting a company or product – raising the profile and awareness of your business

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Planning a staff day out – enjoying the atmosphere of a day at the races with your colleagues, or rewarding a job well done by combining a morning meeting with your raceday outing

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Celebrating a special occasion – experiencing a memorable day with friends and family, ideal for parties and small wedding receptions

2013 Fixture Highlights Saturday 20th April (eve) Newcomers Night A fantastic opportunity to see behind the scenes, learn more about racing and get some great tips. With tours and some fantastic competitions this fixture really kick starts the season.

Friday 10th May (eve) Lads Night Out One of our new themed fixtures especially for the lads. Come and watch the racing and enjoy a few pints, with great discounts and special entertainment designed for the boys, we will ensure that you have such a good time you want to come back on Saturday. Ladies also welcome.

Saturday 11th May Ladies Day Dress to impress on Ladies Day for the chance to win fabulous prizes. With Pimms on the lawn and entertainment from a live band this event offers more than just racing! So get your glad rags on and join us for this truly glamorous day. Gentlemen also welcome.

Sunday 9th June Family Fun Day A true family day out with plenty for the kids to do, so kick back, relax and bring the whole family for a day at the races! Don't forget, kids come free.

Saturday 6th July (eve) Nottingham Goes Back to the 80's Dress in your finery and dance the night away with our 80's tribute band. The champagne will be flowing making for a great summer evening of racing and entertainment.

Thursday 1st August Magical Circus Day Make the most out of the summer holidays and bring the family along to see the National Festival Circus at Nottingham Racecourse. With showings throughout the afternoon and other children's entertainment, it's a perfect family day out.

Friday 16th August Ladies Day The last of our newly themed fixtures and we have saved the best til last! Here's another chance to dress to impress and win some fabulous prizes so get those glad rags on for the last of the summer race meetings and join us for this glitzy day!

As well as racing, we are pleased to be able to offer superb conferencing and event facilities.

We'd like to make your event at Nottingham Racecourse a defining moment of success for your business. We're a committed team of corporate event experts and we've got bags of experience working with large and prestigious clients. With a dedicated Events Co-Ordinator provided upon booking your event with us, we will make sure everything is organised and runs smoothly on the lead up and on the day of your event.

We breathe fresh air into any business event as there's a sense of scale and space, with green views over Nottingham Racecourse, Colwick Park and the Trent Valley. It's naturally suited to big moments like product launches, showcases and demonstrations and lends a sense of occasion to regional and national conferences. It's an inspirational environment for corporate team building, sports and fun days, and sets the tone for sales meetings, board meetings and training seminars.

Forget city centre traffic and NCP's, we are easy to find and are quick to reach from the M1, A1, A52 and A46. With complimentary car parking for over 350 cars and with Nottingham Train Station just 2 miles away, we really are situated in an idyllic location.

Every suite has natural daylight and views over the racecourse and grounds. Our largest suite, the Centenary Suite can hold up to 200 delegates and has floor to ceiling windows overlooking both the parade rings and the racetrack. All events booked come with a complimentary lunch & refreshment area in order to rejuvenate your delegates in those much needed breaks and lunch periods. We offer complimentary wi-fi access and work with our dedicated catering team to meet all of your specific requirements.

We offer a variety of top class menus including new and exciting concepts and ideas to keep your delegates content throughout the day. Our brand new 'Build Your Own' menus are a great success with delegates choosing to build their own baguettes, jacket potatoes or choose their own soups. With the food all freshly prepared on the day and tea & coffee in full flow, we really do provide a mouth watering experience when eating with us here at Nottingham Racecourse.

Day Delegate Packages start from just £27.00 + VAT per person and with a variety of menus and equipment included, you are sure to be onto a winning venue.

We offer space for corporate dinners from just £25.00 + VAT per person. Jockey Club Catering pride themselves on working on a bespoke basis looking at what best suits you as a client. We suggest a meeting with us and the Catering Team upon booking your dinner in order to tailor your own menus and add that touch of individuality to your own event.

For Enquiries or a Quote Please Contact The Commercial Team on: 0870 850 7634

CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING

Tuesday 13th August Irish Night Come racing on Irish night and enjoy a fun filled evening joining in with Irish Dancers, sampling Irish food and drink and dancing away to live music.

Nottingham Racecourse Conference & Events Centre

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SPORTS

Sporting Stars Celebrated at the Leicester Mercury Sports Awards.

Celebrating Sporting Success at the Leicester Mercury Sports Awards saw the county's sporting greats, most influential businesses and a range of celebrity guests gather together for the Leicester Mercury Sports Awards 2012. Following a year that saw some of the country's most impressive and memorable sporting achievements presented to a global audience, Leicestershire's sporting talent contributed to the amazing successes seen throughout the year.

The evening also raised vital funds for charities Rainbows and Warning Zone. Rainbows offers children and young people with life threatening and life limiting illnesses specialist hospice facilities at their base in Loughborough

With fourteen different award categories, there was plenty of opportunity to celebrate all of the diverse sporting achievements in the county, honouring professional and amateur sports people, as well as teams and rewarding life time achievements.

After an Olympic year that demonstrated our capabilities on a national level, the Leicester Mercury Sports Awards were the perfect way to highlight the amazing results achieved within the local region, recognising future sports people with a series of young people receiving accolades.

The event, organised by brand agency Champions (UK) plc, provided guests with a glamorous evening of entertainment that saw them enjoy a fabulous three course meal, hosting from snooker legend Willie Thorne and TV weather girl Emma Jesson and entertainment from Deja Groove who delivered their take on some of the best contemporary hits.

Lauren Richardson, Roxy Hayes and Willie Thorne

and money raised ensures that they can continue their important work. Warning Zone helps children to learn vital life skills that prepare them for life as an adolescent, keeping them safe from avoidable injuries and incidents.

With so many of Leicestershire's important businesses involved in the awards ceremony, the annual event goes a long way to supporting the continual growth of the region's sporting prowess, promising great things for the future of sport as well as highlighting our sporting legacy.

Darren Leppard (Complete Recruitment), William Goode, Joe Egan

Jamell Anderson - Leicester Riders, Manu Tuilagi, Scott Clark

Dominic Gomersall (Lumbers), Vanessa Hawkins, Peter Shilton OBE

CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING

Richard Hounslow, Antonio Di Palma, Kevin Elliot

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SPORTS

Pete Cohen, Norval Hamilton, Rendall Munroe, Linda Hamilton Sophia Hayes and Derek Jelley

David Pagett-Wright (Moss Solicitors), Alex Dawson,Phil Gleadell, Mark Jarran - Leicester Riders, Hannah Smith, Steve Walsh

Gary Wolstenholme MBE, Craig Phillips, Coalville Amateur Boxing Club and David Doughty (Heat Holders)

Leicester Riders, Will Jefferson and Chris Darlington (RSM Tenon)

Esme Winch (Loughborough College), Grace Garner (on behalf of Lucy Garner) and Darren Maddy

Matt Smith (Crusha), Hope Warner, Charlotte Broughton, Lizzie Warner, Michael Noone

CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING

Michael Wright (Mattioli Woods) with Steve Backley OBE and Leicester Riders

St Andrews FC U16s 17

Teams race to sign up for Nottingham's Spectacular!

Pictures courtesy Infinite Images

Companies, clubs and organisations from across the East Midlands are getting their teams together and signing up to take part in the fifth Nottingham Riverside Festival Dragon Boat Challenge. This hugely popular annual event takes place on Sunday 4th August in aid of Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People and has fast become one of the most eagerly anticipated events in the local and regional events calendar.

One of the first teams to enter this year's event is Challenge newcomers, Stannah Lifts, based in Mansfield. Established in 1867, Stannah Lifts complete more than 30,000 installs each year from their 11 branches nationwide. Crew manager, Samantha Smith, comments: “The leaflet arrived on a dark rainy day in what has seemed like an endless winter. It was perfect timing to inspire the thought of warmer days, teambuilding and having fun together with our families and laughing a lot (no doubt).” Samantha continues: “Everyone agreed it would be great to have a fun event to look forward to together and Rainbows Hospice is a great local cause too, our fundraising pot is already off to a great start with a donation of £1,000 from head office! The Stannah team will be made up of office staff, sales and lift engineers - three plucky ladies backed up by a very motivated male contingent!”

CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING

Also entering for the first time this year is Leicester-based Abel Alarm. Established in 1965, Abel Alarm has grown to become the UK's largest privately owned providers of electronic security systems and group director and crew manager, Joel Molloy, says: “We have been looking into raising money for Rainbows for a while and we decided that the Dragon Boat Challenge would be a fun and unique way to do it.” Joel continues: “We believe that our staff will benefit from taking part by working together as a team and bonding. Also by giving something back to charity and having fun while doing it. We haven't set a target as yet but are hoping to raise as much as we can for Rainbows!” The Abel Alarm team will be made up of people from all levels of the company from across the UK.

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Another company embracing the Challenge for the first time is Tutti Rouge, a newly established lingerie company based in Leicester. Brand coordinator and crew manager, Tara Simms, says: “After hearing about the Challenge in a local magazine we thought it would be a great way to raise our company profile whilst benefiting from a great team building exercise.” Tara explains: “We are also looking forward to enjoying the camaraderie both within the team and with other companies on the day and, as we're only a small team, we'll be inviting friends along to help us paddle on the day.”

A large proportion of the entries are new teams each year just like Abel Alarm, Stannah Lifts and Tutti Rouge and, as technique and timing are more likely to win the day than physical prowess, everyone has an even chance. Also, with more than one prize on offer there really is something for every team to aim for. Trophies will be presented to the winning crew, the top mixed crew (minimum 5 ladies), the 'best dressed' crew and the crew raising the most money for Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People. The top fundraisers for Rainbows will also receive a special meal kindly donated by The Oriental Pearl Chinese restaurant, based in West Bridgford, who have also entered a team into the Challenge.

Exciting, colourful and great fun, no previous experience is required to enter a team of up to 11 people into the event, just plenty of team spirit and enthusiasm! The dragon boats, qualified helms and all racing equipment are provided and each crew is guaranteed a minimum of three races. The Challenge promises a fantastic day for competitors and spectators alike with all the attractions of the Riverside Festival to enjoy including a bustling fair and vibrant mix of music, dance, crafts and food from around the world.

The Challenge is supported by City Life magazine and helps raise much-needed funds for Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People. Rainbows is the only children's hospice in the East Midlands and cares for over 230 local children and their families every year. Katie Baxter, Events Manager at Rainbows Hospice, says, "The Dragon Boat Challenge is a fantastic opportunity for Rainbows as it gives us a chance to raise essential funds with the help of the local community. Thanks to everyone involved, we are able to continue to be there.”

To make sure your company, club or group of friends is on the start line on Sunday 4th August please call Gable Events on 01780 470718 or visit the Dragon Boat Challenge website at www.dragonboatfestivals.co.uk/nottingham

& COUNTY LIVING T H E E A S T M I D L A N D S P R E M I E R R E G I O N A L L I F E S T Y L E M AG A Z I N E

Films

Wish You Were Here

Man Of Steel Warner Bros. Pictures reboots the Superman franchise with “Man of Steel,” starring Henry Cavill in the role of Clark Kent/Superman.

A young boy learns that he has extraordinary powers and is not of this Earth. As a young man, he journeys to discover where he came from and what he was sent here to do. But the hero in him must emerge if he is to save the world from annihilation and become the symbol of hope for all mankind.

Squaring off against the superhero are two other surviving Kryptonians, the villainous General Zod, played by Oscar nominee Michael Shannon and Faora, Zod’s evil partner.

Also from Superman’s native Krypton are Lara Lor-Van, Superman’s mother, played

by Ayelet Zurer (“Angels and Demons”), and Superman’s father, Jor-El, portrayed by Academy Award winner Russell Crowe.

Kieran Darcy-Smith’s feature debut is a calmly devastating exploration of how one misjudged moment in life has the potential to cause everything to fall to pieces. Dave (Joel Edgerton) and his wife Alice (Felicity Price) are on holidays in Cambodia with her sister Steph (Teresa Palmer) and her new boyfriend Jeremy (Antony Starr). They party together and even take a number of ecstasy tablets. We see a shot of Dave walking around, looking distressed and we suspect he’s done something terrible.

Returning back to their home in Sydney and it is revealed that Jeremy went missing overseas and that the others returned home before they could find him. While trying to balance their everyday lives with their kids, Dave and Alice are increasingly stressed by their attempts to help the police with the investigation and also Steph’s neediness.

There is deep conflict between Dave and his wife when he admits that he slept with Steph while they were on holidays. In flashback, we gradually learn about the traumatic fate of the night that Jeremy went missing.

CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING

Delivering doses of information bit by bit, the film’s meticulously edited, nonlinear disclosure of events is transfixing-as are the superb performances.

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Stuck In Love

Hangover Part III

The film stars Jennifer Connelly, Greg Kinnear, Lily Collins, and Logan Lerman. It focuses on the complicated relationships between a successful novelist, played by Kinnear, his ex-wife (Connelly) and their collegiate daughter and teenage son Bill Borgens (Greg Kinnear) has been struggling to keep it together since his wife Erica (Jennifer Connelly) left him for a younger man three years earlier. Instead of working on a new book, he obsesses about his ex, spies on her and her new husband while pretending to be jogging, and insists that their sixteen-year-old son, Rusty, set a place at the Thanksgiving table for Erica every year, even though she never comes.

It’s been two years. Phil (Bradley Cooper), Stu (Ed Helms) and Doug (Justin Bartha) are happily living uneventful lives at home.

Tattoos have been lasered off, files purged.

The only member of the Wolfpack who’s not content is Alan (Zach Galifianakis). Still lacking a sense of purpose, the group’s black sheep has ditched his meds and given in to his natural impulses in a big way–which, for Alan, means no boundaries, no filters and no judgment–until a personal crisis forces him to finally seek the help he needs. And who better than his three best friends to make sure he takes the first step.

This time, there’s no bachelor party. No wedding. What could possibly go wrong?

But when the Wolfpack hits the road, all bets are off.

The Lone Ranger From producer Jerry Bruckheimer comes “The Lone Ranger,” a thrilling adventure infused with action and humour, in which the famed masked hero is brought to life through new eyes. Native American spirit warrior Tonto (Johnny Depp) recounts the untold tales that transformed John Reid (Armie Hammer), a man of the law, into a legend of justice–taking the audience on a runaway train of epic surprises and humorous friction as the two unlikely heroes must learn to work together and fight against greed and corruption.

DVDs Les Miserables In 19th-century France, when Jean Valjean (Hugh Jackman) is released from prison after serving 19 years for stealing a loaf of bread, he breaks parole to create a new life for himself, but has to evade the ruthless Inspector Javert (Russell Crowe), who’s determined to bring him to justice.

Within the next eight years, Valjean creates a new identity and life for himself as a wealthy factory owner and the mayor of Montreuil-sur-Mer. Fantine, one of the women who works for him, is a single mother who sends all her money to the people who care for her small daughter, Cosette. When the other workers find out she has an illegimate child, they demand her dismissal.

Now on the street, Fantine turns to prostitution to make money to pay for Cosette. She’s arrested but Valjean steps in and takes her to a hospital. Maltreated and malnourished, Fantine is on her deathbed. When Valjean promises to find Cosette and care for her, their lives change forever.

The Last Stand

Lincoln

The Guilt Trip

After resigning from his post with the Los Angeles Police Department, Sheriff Owens (Arnold Schwarzenegger) chooses to settle down in the quiet, almost crime free border town of Sommerton Junction.

Stephen Spielberg’s biographical drama follows the final months of one of America’s greatest presidents— Abraham Lincoln (Daniel Day-Lewis).

Lincoln and his men work to end the Civil War and abolish slavery once and for all in the United States, despite running into bigotry at every turn.

Andy Brewster (Seth Rogen) is an inventor who lives in Los Angeles. He’s come up with an amazing organic cleaner but can’t get anyone interested in manufacturing it.

Lincoln’s determination and his choices will change the fate of future American generations.

Andy plans a business trip to promote the product and decides to take his mother (Barbara Streisand) along for the ride. She’s been alone since his father died, so he comes up with a great idea—during the trip he’ll surprise her with a stop in San Francisco, where one of her ex-flames lives.

CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING

Unfortunately for Owens, Gabriel Cortez, the most notorious and wanted drug lord in the hemisphere, has escaped from jail and is making a beeline for his little town. Owens is forced to rejoin his team in order to capture the escapee before he crosses the border and is lost forever.

21

CELEBRITY PROFILE

Is this your He started off being known for his role in the romantic film The Notebook, has been hotly tipped to take the lead role as Mr Grey in the film version of ’50 Shades of Grey’, and has quickly become one of Hollywood’s biggest stars. Gosling has also worked to promote several social causes, including AIDS research, poverty relief and the humane treatment of animals.

He likes to box and to make furniture—a skill he picked up while making The Notebook. Gosling is also an accomplished jazz guitarist and singer…

Ryan Thomas Gosling was born on 12 November 1980 in London, Ontario to travelling salesman Thomas and secretary Donna Gosling. He is the second of their two children and has an older sister called Mandi. Due to his father’s job, the family moved around a lot with Gosling living in Cornwall, Ontario and Burlington as a child.

CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING

His parents were Mormons, with Gosling stating this impacted every part of their lives.

He also credits his parent’s divorce and the fact he was brought up by his mother for making him think like a girl. Gosling was educated at Gladstone Public School, Cornwall Collegiate and Vocational School and Lester B Pearson.

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Gosling has stated he hated being a child as he was bullied from a young age. He has also revealed he had no friends until the age of 14 or 15. He also struggled with attention deficit disorder, for which he was prescribed Ritalin, and could not read. Due to his problems at school, his mother decided to teach him at home for a year. She qualified as a high school teacher in 2011.

It wasn’t all doom and gloom though as Gosling found an outlet in performing. As a child, he sang at weddings with his sister, performed with his uncle’s tribute act to Elvis Presley and was involved with his local ballet company.

His big break came in 1993 at the age of 13 when he attended an open audition in Montreal for a revival of Disney’s Mickey Mouse Club.

He won a two-year contract and moved to Florida. Gosling was on the show at the same time as Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears. He even lived with Timberlake for six months while taking part in the show.

In 1995, Gosling retuned to Canada as the show was cancelled. He went on to appear in Are You Afraid of the Dark? (1995), Goosebumps (1996) and Breaker High (1997-98). At the age of 17, he dropped out of high school to focus on his acting career.

At 18 years old, Gosling moved to New Zealand to film the children’s show Young Hercules, which he enjoyed to start with. However, he wanted to play more characters and decided not to do any more television work.

He was dropped by his agent and initially found it hard to get work in films but in 2000, he was given a supporting role in Remember the Titans. This was followed by his first lead role in 2001 in the controversial film The Believer. In this movie, Gosling played a neo-Nazi who was also Jewish and was therefore conflicted in his beliefs.

Despite showcasing Gosling’s talents, the film was a financial failure.

In 2002, he played the role of a high school senior who believed he could commit the perfect murder with his friend in Murder by Numbers. Sandra Bullock starred as the detective investigating the crime. The pair dated for a year afterwards. Despite the film only being a minor success, Gosling received high praise for his acting.

The same year, he appeared in The Slaughter Role before taking on the role of a teenager in prison for murdering a disabled boy in 2003’s The United States of Leland.Gosling stated he was attracted to the role as it is unusual to find a character emotionally disconnected for the whole film.

In 2005, he played a disturbed art student in Stay before taking on the role of a drugaddicted high school teacher who forms a bond with one of his students in Half Nelson in 2006.

He was compared to the likes of Marlon Brando and complimented for his acting skills. Gosling was also nominated for an Academy Award for this role.

This was followed by Lars and the Real Girl in 2007, which saw Gosling play an introvert who falls in love with a sex doll. Despite the film failing to recoup its budget at the box office, Gosling was nominated for a Golden Globe. He starred alongside Antony Hopkins in Fracture the same year.

Gosling then took a three-year absence from the big screen to concentrate on his second love – music. With his friend Zach Shields, Gosling set up the band Dead Man’s Bones who play dark folk-rock. Gosling sings and plays the piano and guitar in the group. In 2009, they released their self-title debut album before going on tour.

He returned to film in the independent drama Blue Valentine with Michelle Williams in 2010. The movie jumps between how the couple met and their struggles with married life five years on. Large parts of the film were improvised and proved that Gosling can play troubled yet sympathetic characters. He was nominated for a Golden Globe once again.

The same year, he appeared in mystery crime thriller All Good Things with Kirsten Dunst. He then narrated and produced a documentary about cynicism in today’s youth when it comes to politics called ReGeneration.

Gosling finally emerged as a Hollywood name to watch in 2011 when he starred in Crazy, Stupid Love in his first comedic role.

He was nominated for a Golden Globe and this became the second-highest grossing film of his career.

This was followed by political drama Ides of March, which also starred and was directed

by George Clooney. All of these roles made a name for the young star.

This year, Gosling’s The Place Beyond the Pines will be released after it was purchased for distribution at the Toronto Film Festival. It was while filming this movie that Gosling met his current girlfriend Eva Mendes.

He will also appear in The Gangster Squad, which was pushed back to 2013 so that it’s final scene – a shooting in a cinema – could be changed. He has also finished filming Only God Forgives and is currently shooting scenes for an as yet-untitled film directed

by Terrence Malick. It has also been announced that Gosling will play the lead in Logan’s Run and will make his directorial debut in 2014. He will be directing How To Catch A Monster, which he also wrote. As the magazine goes to print, the question of whether or not Ryan is to take the lead in the much anticipated film adaptation of 50 shades of grey is yet to be answered.

CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING

Gosling then came to mainstream attention in one of the greatest romantic films ever made, The Notebook, which was released in 2004.

He played the lead opposite Rachel McAdams, with whom he had a combative relationship on-set. However, in 2005 they started dating and remained together for two years. The film grossed $15 million, making it Gosling’s most lucrative to date and he won four Teen Choice Awards as well as an MTV Movie Award.

23

CDs Rod Stewart – Time Every once in a while the old boy picks up his guitar again and starts writing songs about his past and present. Time - the 2013 album has his greatest concentration of originals in a quarter decade. Appropriately, these are the songs where Rod is besotted with the past, offering what amounts to a capsule synopsis of his memoir on “Can’t Stop Me Now,” revisiting his early pre-fame days as a busker on “Brighton Beach,” then telling us all to “Love the life you live/Live the life you love. After years of synthesized soft rock and glad-handed standards, this is a reflection of who Rod Stewart is in 2013: he is still a crowd-pleaser, still a bit of a sap, ready to romanticize days gone by but wanting to sound modern. As such, Time winds up a bit muddled, swinging from moments of genuine sweetness toward sharp saccharine, but even with all its flaws it’s nice to hear Stewart engaged again, both as a writer and a singer.

Hugh Laurie – Didn’t It Rain Hugh Laurie returns with Didn’t It Rain, another collection of jazz and blues standards, usually of the New Orleans variety but not always (his heart will sometimes stray to Kansas City), produced

by Joe Henry. If Let Them Talk had a slightly burnished, rich veneer, Didn’t It Rain is a bit lighter, with Laurie content to let himself slip into the background as both pianist and vocalist, which is odd as he has considerably fewer guests here than he did on his debut. Apart from Taj Mahal,

CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING

Books

20

this is pretty self-contained, Laurie playing the boogie with his band, sometimes lying back and letting his backing singers steal the spotlight, which they do with ease.

All involved love the boogie and love the swing, happy to hit the accents hard and draw out the eighth notes, and if there’s never a compelling reason to listen to Laurie and crew tackle these well-loved tunes, nobody involved embarrasses themselves.

Noah and the Whale – Heart Of Nowhere Their fourth record, Heart of Nowhere, follows the groundwork put in place by their third outing Last Night on Earth. The entire record rides on uplifting, ‘80s-inspired, radio-friendly melodies that belie the still troubled Charlie Fink, whose intimately personal lyrics are perhaps closer to the truth than the names given on “One More Night” and “Still After All These Years” would suggest. Here Fink delves headfirst into a nostalgic look to past lovers, lost nights, and growing up, told with his typically melancholic slant. The crisp, violin-led title track, which features Anna Calvi’s commanding voice - the first female vocals to take centre stage on a Noah and the Whale track since Laura Marling - immediately announces their renewed, assured sound this time out. As the record draws to a close, “There Will Come a Time” pops up with a slice of marvellous pop/rock that ticks all the right boxes for a perfect summer anthem.

The Accidental Apprentice

The Summer House

In life you never get what you deserve: you get what you negotiate…

What would you do if, out of the blue, a billionaire industrialist decided to make you the CEO of his company? No prior business experience necessary. There is only one catch: you need to pass seven tests from the ‘textbook of life’. This is the offer made to Sapna Sinha, an ordinary salesgirl in an electronics boutique in downtown Delhi, by Vinay Mohan Acharya, one of India’s richest men. Thus begins the most challenging journey of Sapna’s life, one that will test her character, her courage and her capabilities. Along the way she encounters a host of memorable personalities, from a vain Bollywood superstar to a kleptomaniac Gandhian. At stake is a business empire worth ten billion dollars, and the future she has always dreamt of. But are the seven tests for real or is Acharya playing a deeper game, one driven by a perverse fantasy? From the acclaimed author of Slumdog Millionaire, one of the biggest films of the decade, comes this compelling, suspenseful tale of the power of dreams, the lure of money and the universal need to know who we are.

Antoinette’s world has fallen apart: her husband, the man she has loved for as long as she can remember, has died tragically in an accident. He was her rock, the man she turned to for love and support, the man she knew better than she knew herself.

Or at least so she thought… For as she arrives at the familiar old stone church for George’s funeral, she sees a woman she has never met before. And in that instant, the day she thought would close a door on the past becomes the day that everything she has ever known is turned upside down.

Phaedra loved George too, and she could not bear to stay away from his funeral. She only recently came to know him, but their bond was stronger than any she has ever felt before. As she sits before his wife, she knows that what she is about to reveal will change all their lives forever. Sometimes it takes a tragedy to reveal the truth. But what if the truth is harder to bear than the tragedy…?

Set Menu, 2 courses £14.50, 3 courses £17.95 Sunday to Thursday Lunch & All Evening, Friday & Saturday till 6.45pm

LADIES TAPAS NIGHT EVERY THURSDAY

Out&About with City Life & County Living Magazine

THE ORIENTAL PEARL CHINESE NEW YEAR

CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING

The Oriental Pearl & Pearl Bar, West Bridgford, Nottingham, celebrated Chinese New Year in the traditional manner. During the evening, diners were visited by the Chinese Dragon and it’s troupe of accompanying drummers, and the night was rounded off with a firework display and live music into the early hours.

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Out&About with City Life & County Living Magazine

THE CURRY LOUNGE 6TH BIRTHDAY The Curry Lounge on Upper parliament Street, Nottingham, celebrated turning 6 with a birthday party recently. Drinks and canapes were served to invited guests, after which the new menu was launched and diners were able to be the first to try the new delights available. The menu was an instant hit and all profits on the evening were donated to charity.

CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING

Visit the Curry Lounge soon and try the new menu for yourself. Mention City Life Magazine when you dine at the restaurant and get 15% off your total bill until the end of August.

Call 0115 9418844 to book now.

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AUTHENTIC INDIAN & PUNJABI RESTAURANT

Nottingham’s ultimate Indian dining experience!

Recognised as one of the East Midlands Best Authentic Indian & Punjabi Restaurant for it’s outstanding traditional cuisine and service

Whether for intimate dining of two or a group booking, Curry Lounge promises the same uncompromising service, quality, and a night to be remembered Mention City Life Magazine when you dine at the restaurant and get 15% off your total bill until the end of August.

Call 0115 9418844 to book now.

Free Home Dining Delivery Service Now Available!

Ever wanted restaurant quality food in your own lounge or even hotel room?

Fed up of take away food that lacks quality and taste?

Then try our new FREE* Home Delivery Service to bring the Indian Restaurant to your door.

Having graced many a famous door, you don’t have to be a world famous boxer or the PM to enjoy great affordable food!

Raz at No.10 Downing Street

See our menu at www.currylounge.co.uk or call 0115 941 8844 to order

Order online or see website for offers Carl Froch

Follow us on Twitter @TheCurryLounge

TEL: 0115 941 8844

www.currylounge.co.uk The Axis, 110 Upper Parliament Street, Nottingham NG1 6LN Email: bookings@currylounge.co.uk

FOOD & DRINK

NOTTINGHAM NIGHTSPOT IN SAFE HANDS creating a venue perception rather than just a Casino; and to drive market share in all areas."

Mark's view on what makes a great night out seems to be having the desired effect with both December 2012 and January 2013 both posting record sales that were double the previous year!

The arrival of a brand new Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill has certainly appealed to the cities foodies looking for a night of 'affordable glamour' with covers consistently hitting 500 per week.

Glamorous shows like the Bollywood Extravaganza, classes such as Samba dancing and regular live music has also helped draw in people who wouldn't necessarily have been to the venue before.

Venue Director Mark Hands Having arrived just over 12 months ago to take the reins of Nottingham's leading entertainment venue Mark Hands, venue director at Alea, is looking forward to what he perceives as being a hugely exciting time in the leisure and entertainment sector.

The venue was also recognised for its commitment for training at the National Training Awards picking up a brace of awards in the Employer of the Year and Personal Achiever categories.

Its commitment to get involved with the local community is also something Mark is keen to develop with close links already established with Clarendon College and Nottingham Forest Football Club.

Having implemented a number of new initiatives over the past 12 months that have added to the Upper Parliament Street nightspot's appeal, Mark and his team are now putting in place plans that they hope will attract more people to the city.

Opened in November 2007, Alea, which now employs over 100 people, redefined what people from across the East Midlands could expect from an entertainment venue following an investment of ÂŁ15 million.

And the initial investment to make Alea the place to go has continued since Mark's arrival who with a 20 year career in the hotel sector, has brought a fresh approach to attracting people looking for a good night out.

Mark said: "My first year here has been a really exciting and interesting time which I've thoroughly enjoyed.

"As a hotelier it was imperative to always have excellent standards of service, consistent team training and high customer retention which created the perfect customer experience.

"That meant the customer would have to be central in every decision we make so it's been interesting to add to an industry that already has exacting standards of play and social responsibility, my own unique twist of customer awareness.

"When I arrived my key objectives were to develop each member of my team therefore investing in the future foundations of the business; to re-launch the food and beverage outlets,

Mark added: "The leisure industry is permanently in a process of change and has been ever since I can remember it. However any business that has perfect customer service, is an ambassador to the local community and gives people the opportunity to have fun, develop and grow, will survive whilst setting the standards for others to follow.

"What we've done is give people a reason to come here and enjoy themselves on a number of different levels.

"Our shows are like nothing else in Nottingham and for the greatest British chef the UK has ever produced to open a new restaurant here is a great endorsement not only for the venue but for Nottingham as a whole.

CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING

"My goal is to now focus on attracting more businesses to use the venue's facilities for meetings and events. As long as we continue to provide something that reflects the needs of people looking for a good night out and businesses that need a quality venue for meetings and events I think the future is going to be a busy and exciting time."

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For further information please visit http://nottingham.aleacasinos.co or call 0115 871 9860

FOOD & DRINK

The NEW Orchard Hotel and Bramleys Brasserie.

A stunning new eco-friendly hotel, 'The Orchard', has opened for business on The University of Nottingham's award-winning main campus.

which have underlined our commitment to sustainable architecture and construction.

The Orchard offers 202 bedrooms, of which 55 are executive suites and 5 are accessible bedrooms. There is also a brasserie-style restaurant, bar area, terrace, gym and four meeting rooms accommodating up to 35. Architects and interior designers have created a venue with accessible roof-top gardens, a glass atrium reception and lobby which is flooded with natural daylight, floor-toceiling windows, bespoke furniture and unique decor throughout. An executive lounge, leads to a roof top garden with stunning views, whilst a separate mezzanine provides an area for private hire in the evening for up to 100.

The hotel is aptly named as it has been constructed in an area of land that was previously an orchard. During the build, several rare varieties of apple tree had to be carefully relocated to make way for the new hotel. Some of these are related to the original Bramley apple tree, which has its origins in Nottinghamshire's cathedral town of Southwell.

Designed to complement the University-owned De Vere Venues East Midlands Conference Centre next door, the £20 million hotel complex provides top class accommodation on University Park with extensive facilities including a roof garden, brasserie and gym.

The Orchard Hotel has been built to the highest environmental standards featuring state of the art technology to minimise carbon emissions including a green roof, photovoltaic panels, energyefficient lighting, heating and ventilation systems. It has achieved an 'Excellent' rating under the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM), which recognises low-impact buildings that incorporate the best environmental practice. The Orchard is the latest in a series of award-winning buildings developed on The University of Nottingham's campuses

In honour of this, the onsite 120-cover brasserie-style restaurant has been aptly named 'Bramleys' and offers a delicious menu including Homemade Bury Black Pudding Scotch egg with piccalilli dressing; Pressed Pork belly, truffle pearl barley, wilted spinach, jus; Nottingham batter pudding, vanilla ice cream and toffee apple sauce; Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Lincolnshire cheeses, apple chutney, biscuits and breads. Open to non-residents, Bramleys is available for lunch from 12 noon – 3pm and dinner from 6pm – 9pm.

To book a table, call 0115 876 0881 or email bramleys@deverevenues.co.uk. The latest menu can be found on the website at www.deverevenues.co.uk Bookings are now being taken for The Orchard Hotel : www.deverevenues.co.uk/locations/eastmidlands-conference-centre-and-hotel/orchard-hotel.html.

To check availability contact the team direct on 0844 346 1216 or email emcc@deverevenues.co.uk

Bramleys Brasserie is a stylish restaurant serving gastro classics with a modern twist.

Ideally located in the Orchard Hotel on The University of Nottingham’s main campus, Bramleys is open 7 days a week for lunch from 12 noon - 3pm and dinner, 6pm - 9pm To make a booking, please call 0115 876 0881 or email bramleys@devervenues.co.uk CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING

For more information, and to see the latest menu, visit www.deverevenues.co.uk

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City Life & County Living have sampled 10 fine wines,bursting with sweet fruitfulness, that are guaranteed to bring spring/summer into your home.

FOOD & DRINK

2008 Espelt Costa Brava Cariñena-Garnacha SPAIN

2008 Skalli Préférence Côtes-du-Rhône Villages FRANCE

4.99 Co-op 13.5%vol

8.99 Asda

The Co-op is fast becoming the place to go-to if you’re in need of a decent bottle of wine – which is most of us, most of the time. This is a little gem of a wine, from North East Spain. A blend of cariñena and garnacha, from 55-year-old vines, the wine spends four months in oak and is soft, mellow and rich with a long, warming finish. Try it with roast spring lamb on a bed of mashed sweet potato.

2007 Château Henry de France FRANCE

13.5%vol

This multi-award winning wine is heady stuff indeed. Blended mainly from Grenache, it is full, rich, ripe and spicy with a tang of tannin and a long, brooding finish. Tradition dictates that it should be served at room temperature, but it tastes even better when very slightly chilled. A great wine to share with friends…if you’re feeling generous, that is.

7.99 Spar 12.5%vol

It might not occur to you to pop into your local Spar for a bottle of vino, but you’ll be very pleasantly surprised at the wide choice and there are some treats to be found if you look hard enough.

2008/09 Ara Pathway Crammed with rich dark berry Sauvignon Blanc fruit, it is surprisingly elegant and complex and perfect for NEW ZEALAND sipping in the garden as you admire the daffodils.

13%vol

2010 Massi PassoPinot Grigio/ Torrontés ARGENTINA

9.99 Morrisons

9.50 Caesars Winery

2009 Cave des de Bully FRANCE

12.5%vol

From one of Argentina’s most renowned, family-owned producers, a charming, blended white. Roses, orange blossom and broom on the nose as well as fruity hints of grapefruit, orange and peach. Fresh, full-bodied and well-balanced on the palate; long lasting in the mouth with a touch of lemon on the finish.

This is a stylish, restrained wine. There is the typical tropical Marlborough fruit, but also a hint of welcome crisp minerals. It’s a great wine to serve with a huge seafood paella and garlic bread.

Vignerons

6.16 Waitrose 12.7%vol

Think of beaujolais and you think red and probably nouveau. This, though, is the comparatively rare white beaujolais, made from 100 per cent chardonnay from the region’s primary producer. Subtle and sweet, it is crisp, clean and steely dry.

Laurent Perrier Cuvee Rose Champagne FRANCE

55.00 Tesco 12.0%vol

2009 Mas de Cardeline Rosé FRANCE

8.99 Co-op A first-rate, delicately hued rosé from Provence in a very stylish bottle. It looks so pretty that it would be rude not to drink at least 3 bottles of it over the Easter weekend.

Light and crisp, it’s a perfect match for poached salmon salad or chicken stir-fry.

Although, its aroma is delicious enough, all by itself.

12.99 Majestic 12.5%vol

This is a fantastic wine to serve at the table if you’re dishing up tender Easter lamb for the family. This characterful red burgundy, at a reassuringly civilised price, is ideal. From the northernmost village of the Côte d’Or, it is silky soft and juicy with concentrated red fruit aromas.

2004 Domaine Pouderoux Vendange Tardive Maury FRANCE

10.99 Waitrose 15.5%vol

Chocolate is a notoriously tricky thing to match with wine.

This Vin Doux Naturel, though, is perfect, a 100 per cent old-vine grenache from Maury in Roussillon. There is some tannin, but it’s lusciously sweet and spicy, without the high alcohol level of port

CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING

12%vol

Elegant, with a salmon-pink colour with raspberry highlights.

The aromas are of small red fruits: strawberries, redcurrants, raspberries and black cherries.

The taste is intensely fruity, clean and slightly sharp, the wine then opens up to with flavours freshly picked red berries and cream.

This Champagne is balanced and rounded on the finish.

2008 Louis Latour Marsannay Rouge FRANCE

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Out&About with City Life & County Living Magazine

CHINO LATINO 10 YEARS CELEBRATION Chino Latino Celebrates 10 Years of Innovative Pan-Asian Cuisine and Excellent Service Chino Latino Nottingham kicks off a year of celebrations for the brand with a fiery Latin-flavoured event Chino Latino, Modern Pan-Asian Cuisine and Latin Bar brand celebrates its 10 years' anniversary in 2013 and kicked off a year of celebrations at Chino Latino Nottingham with a Latin fiesta.

Chino Latino Nottingham which has just been awarded its first AA Rosette, welcomed guests old and new with a Latino inspired evening including fire breathers, a contortionist, Latin dancers, impressive sushi and sashimi displays on sculptured ice as well as signature Latin cocktails to mark the brand's anniversary. Chino Latino Nottingham's Head Chef Paul Thacker, who is also celebrating his 10 years of service with the brand, has been instrumental in the success of the restaurant but also supported the launches of Chino Latino Leeds and Chino Latino London.

Tom Waldron-Lynch, General Manager at Park Plaza Nottingham, where the restaurant is located commented: “I am proud to be part of Chino Latino's longstanding success and enjoyed celebrating its tenth year anniversary with close friends and colleagues showcasing what we do best. My team put on a great night and I hope everyone enjoyed it as much as we did. We look forward to welcoming you all back to continue for many more years and parties to come�.

CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING

Jordan Kiziuk, Chino Latino Brand Manager EU added: "The annual Chino Latino birthday party has become a something of an institution in and around Nottingham city centre and it was great to see that in our tenth year it is a still a highlight of the social calendar. Last night saw us welcome guests who have been loyal followers of the restaurant since we opened our doors ten years ago.

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FOOD & DRINK

10 Years of Service for Head Chef Paul Thacker,

New Express Lunch

Chino Latino Nottingham

£9.95 per person (plus @20% discount if pre-ordered)

Chino Latino Nottingham's

Choose your favourite from below to create your very own individual lunch.

Price also includes a glass of house wine, beer or soft drink.

Head Chef Paul Thacker celebrates ten years of service this month in the same year that the restaurant itself turns ten years old.

Starters

Paul began his career at Chino Latino Nottingham as a Junior Sous Chef back in February 2003, training intensely under the guidance of Sushi Chef Jimmy Nakamura (formerly of Nobu), in the restaurant's pre-opening period. Paul was subsequently instrumental in the launches of Chino Latino Leeds and Chino Latino London and was named Development Chef for the European brand in 2005.

Paul's passion for the brand is palpable. His Chef's life is dedicated to the brand where he still sees immense opportunities to grow and develop concepts. He even met his wife Rachel whilst working at Chino Latino Nottingham and credits Chef colleagues Cong Dang and Son Saysena for inspiring him and supporting him throughout his career through

Tenkasu roll Chilli fish cakes Shiitake roll (v) Inside-out chicken wings

Mains Pan-fried salmon teriyaki Steak jungle curry Korean barbeque chicken Tofu steak (v)

Sides Sweet potato chips Bok choi Thai rice noodles Jasmine rice

Desserts

hard work and long hours.

Paul's ambition is to see Chino Latino Nottingham get bigger and better over the coming years, helping to keep the unique menu imaginative, fresh and constantly evolving.

“I have enjoyed designing the concept and menu development for the past ten years, Chino Latino offers a unique style of cooking and bar concept. The food takes flavours from the Far East and combines them with modern cooking styles and techniques, or even turning it around by taking classic flavours and transforming it into Far Eastern food.”

Lemon and yuzu tart Passion fruit cheesecake Chocolate and ginger brownie Exotic fruit selection

New pick & choose sushi & sashimi Tuna, salmon, sea bass, turbot, albacore, mackerel & cooked prawn

Paul has previously won an award for “Best Ambassador in the Industry” at Nottingham Stars Awards 2011 and is even credited

Sushi

in the Guinness Book of Records for the largest custard cream in

£4 for any 2 types of fish

the World, created at Chino Latino Nottingham in 2011.

Sashimi Chino Latino, the multi award-winning Pan-Asian is located in Leeds,

Nottingham and on London's riverbank as well as in Cologne, Germany.

To book or for further details visit www.chinolatino.eu

(Lunch also available to takeaway)

CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING

Restaurant and Latin Bar

£5 for any 4 slices of fish

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FOOD & DRINK

Special offer: Every lunchtime & Monday - Wednesday 2 courses for £7.95* (*£8.95 during December)

CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING

Vivo - Perfect for Parties Live music from Sergio - May 26th 2 course menu plus welcome canapé just £16.95 see our website for details Opening hours: Monday-Saturday 12.00-2.00pm, 5.30 - 10.00pm 38

NOTTINGHAM POST

INDIAN RESTAURANT

OF THE YEAR 2012 VOTED

Best Indian restaurant In The City!

To Celebrate we are offering 15% off your whole bill

EARLY BIRD BUY ONE MAIN COURSE GET 2nd FREE

SENIOR CITIZENS 20% OFF YOUR WHOLE BILL

TAKE AWAY 15% OFF YOUR WHOLE BILL Orders over £60 - 20% discount.

Out&About with City Life & County Living Magazine

EXCLUSIVE HOSPITALITY Enjoyed by some of Leicester's Finest Businesses The sponsors and finalists of the Leicester Mercury Business Awards enjoyed an exclusive networking event at Lumbers, Leicester's finest jewellery showroom in anticipation of the awards, taking place in March. The event was an excellent opportunity for both sponsors and finalists from a range of different businesses to meet and discuss their joint business goals, as well as their ambitions for the region's commercial success.

This year's business awards promise to be an extra boost to the county's growing economy, encouraging and inspiring more businesses to add to Leicestershire's impressive business community.The networking evening of canapĂŠs was the perfect way for those involved to meet and build strong business links that will continue to benefit the community, regardless of whom is chosen as award winners.

Some of the region's most influential and well known businesses are sponsoring the award categories, highlighting the companies that they know have achieved real businesses success through their own proactive approaches.

This year's awards recognise more than high levels of profit or dramatic growth.

The categories cover a wide range of sectors, rewarding the success of everyone from the 'Entrepreneur of the Year' to the region's 'Company of the Year'. Economic challenges and an uncertain climate seem to have driven so many of the region's businesses to even greater success, building strong commercial foundations that will ensure greater stability in the future.

CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING

The evening held at Lumbers by the Leicester Mercury Business Awards 2013 organisers, Champions (UK) plc, proved to be a great start to the awards process, allowing so many of the region's key individuals and firms to meet on an informal basis to discuss their unique business offerings.

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Intr L est eicest oducin Mu er’s g lti C New uisin est eR esta uran

&B

t!

LEICESTER’S NUMBER ONE HOTSPOT

Chef and Spice offers a truly memorable dining experience with first class service and award winning food prepared in a live kitchen theatre!

Sunday - Thursday £12.95 - Children (Under 10yrs) £7.50* Friday & Saturday £14.95 - Children (Under 10yrs) £8.50* Sunday Lunch £11.50 - Children (Under 10yrs) £6.95* (*Children Under 10yrs may require proof of age)

for more information or to book a table please call

0116 2422240 / 01162628221

BANQUETING RESTAURANT Enjoy As Much As You Like cuisines available are:

Indian • South Asian • Chinese • Cantonese • Italian • English plus a variety of home made desserts including a chocolate fountain.

Fantastic venue which will have you returning again and again!

1 Andrewes Street, Hinckley Road, LE3 5PG www.chefandspice.co.uk Opening Hours: Sunday - Thursday 5.30pm - 11.00pm Friday - Saturday 5.00pm - 11.30pm Sunday 5.00pm - 10.30pm • Sunday Lunch 12.30pm - 4.00pm

The Grill at Twenty Five is a brand new trendy, modern restaurant offering a value-for-money, family-friendly dining experience.

Located only a stone’s throw away from J25 of the M1 (where the restaurant takes its name) and only 15 minutes’ drive from Nottingham and Derby city centres.

The restaurant specialises in competitively priced grilled foods and informal dishes, such ribs and steaks, with prices for homemade burgers and steaks from as little as £4.95 and a fabulous Sunday Roast for £7.95!

The Grill at Twenty Five has a superb bar offering a large variety of drinks from around the world, with spirit prices starting from £2.00 per measure and a glass of wine from £2.90!

The Grill at Twenty Five also has a private room, suitable for private parties, conferences and social events.

We are now taking bookings for Valentines. Please call us for further details or to make a booking before it is too late!

BOSTOCK LANE, LONG EATON, NOTTINGHAM NG10 4EP Open Mon-Fri 5pm - 11pm, Sat-Sun 11am - 11pm

0115 946 3801 www.thegrillat25.com

WEDDING FEATURE

t c e f r e p r u o y e s o o h C

g n i d Wed venue

You’ve decided to get married - but the venue for your vows has yet to be found.

We’ve come a long way since the choice was limited to the local church versus the registry office.

With such a dazzling array of options, how do you settle on the right place to say I do? City Life & County Living weighs up the pros and cons of the most spectacular, popular and unusual locations to get spliced...

Fawsley Hall, Daventry

Skybo castle

Thrumpton Hall

Stately Home /Castle Baronial halls, rolling lawns, manicured gardens, sweeping staircases, wood-panelled rooms: stately homes and castles are the stuff of meringuey dreams.

They’re ideal if you’re thinking seriously big, both in budget and size of Scarlett O’Hara gown, and suit both summer and winter wedding nuptials equally. It’s a celebrity favourite: Posh and Becks wed at the neoGothic pile Luttrellstown Castle in Ireland, while Madonna and Guy Ritchie favoured Skibo Castle in Scotland. Obviously, if you’re not blessed with their incomes, the obvious drawback of such splendour is the price. Hiring a grand residence exclusively runs into the thousands or tens of thousands.

Most offer deals on rooms too so you marry in one part of the grounds, eat in another, and drink and dance before staying the night, though there might not be enough space for all your guests. There may be flexibility for you to select an outside caterer. If money’s no object, the only other cons to consider are the rules and regs of the stupendous country pile. It may have old floors that require guests in heels to wear covers over their shoes, strictures on how late the music can be, ban confetti or photography in certain areas of the site.

Start looking early and consider having a non-Saturday wedding to save money – often there are discounts to be had on Fridays or Sundays.

While the décor in situ is usually pretty nice, and you can add flowers, if it’s someone’s home there will be a limit to how much meddling youcan do. Before - in a swoon at the beauty of the surroundings – you agree to their terms, really consider if you could put up with any strictures they impose upon you. It’s a lot of cash and your special occasion. Once the deal’s sealed, make sure your invites reflect the grand nature of the venue and provide a small map if they’ll have to drive out of town.

And let guests know that proper dressing up is very welcome!

Pros

Glamour, variety, dreamy settings for photographs

Cons

Above all, cost! Also, there may be a lot of house rules

WEDDING FEATURE

Weddings at Ruddington Grange Golf Club weddings • receptions • venue styling • civil ceremonies Licensed for Civil Ceremonies

Fully Colour Coordinated Venue Set Up Exclusive Use Of The Wentworth Suite Superb In House Catering From Buffet To Banquet Landscaped Gardens for your photography Ideal For Parties From 20 - 150 Guests

Telephone

0844 880 4946 www.ruddingtongrange.co.uk info@ruddingtongrange.co.uk Wilford Road, Ruddington, Notts NG11 6NB

Come along and see what Ruddington Grange can offer you

Weddings at A venue for all reasons, set in the most incredible location and just a short drive from the City. You’ve just found the perfect wedding venue for the day of your dreams.

If you are planning a wedding, why not join us in this glorious location, set in tranquil countryside, yet within a short distance of the M1 and City? Contact us to enquire about your exclusive use of this celebrated historic home and uniquely lovely setting. We can tailor the day to meet your own special requirements. We also offer magnificent accommodation.

enquiries@thrumptonhall.com tel:07796 956556 www.thrumptonhall.com Thrumpton, Nottinghamshire NG11 0AX

CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING

Please call Paula on 07796 956556 or Lynn on 07702 015845 to discuss your requirements. Alternatively email us at enquiries@thrumptonhall.com or visit our website for more details.

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Beach

Beaches are perennially popular with the sun-seekers, providing a stunning backdrop to your ceremony, and a laidback, relaxed atmosphere to the day. You can also start your honeymoon straight after the reception.

Popular destinations for beach weddings include Jamaica, Mexico, the Amalfi coast and Hawaii.

If you’re asking family and friends, it’s vital that you price up the cost of attending and warn your loved ones as soon as possible It’s a good idea to shell out on a to start saving. Some foreign climes – wedding co-ordinator in your host Weather, a truly otherworldly Sardinia, the south of France, or Caribbean country – usually part of the package wedding day islands – are millionaires’ playgrounds at the hotel where you’re staying that simply don’t have budget options for accommodation, so bear this in mind - who speaks the language and when setting your heart on somewhere knows the lie of the land, both literally with a cachet. You may decide to spend and figuratively.

Costs for guests, logistics of that much, but for guests, it may be one of several weddings they have that year, or liaising with contacts abroad wipe out their annual holiday budget. Don’t They will run the show, liaising with take umbrage if people baulk at the price suppliers and sorting out important details of attendance! like making sure the tide will be out at the time when you’re marrying, or that your And when you fall in love with a particular wedding licence is valid. (Remember Mick paradise, do your research and check your Jagger and Jerry Hall’s Hindu ceremony preferred wedding date against the local in Bali later being declared void? Quite climate. Although it may be drenched in something to discover four kids later, sunshine the year round, tropical climates when filing for divorce.) When choosing have sudden thunderstorms that could your outfits, consider the practicality of leave your wedding party more soggy than your design in transport, some of the most spectacular. Speak to the wedding planner delicate silks may crush. You will want about whether there is contingency built in lighter weight outfits in a hot climate, so for when the heavens open – usually, beach keep fuss to a minimum, and remember flat weddings are not subject to the same time shoes for the sand. And please, please – pressures as weddings at venues that have pack your passports first! to get through a schedule, but it’s best to

Pros

CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING

Cons

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be sure. If you’re saying ‘what wedding planner?’ - we advise not to skimp on DIY-ing a wedding abroad.

Ruddington Grange, Nottinghamshire

Stapleford Park, Leicestershire

Hotels

and banqueting venues

Broadly speaking, there are two types of wedding hotel, the chic, upmarket city centre boutique hotel, and the country house hotel with grounds. Of all the wedding venues, hotels are the easiest and most practical.

And what you gain in ease of use you don’t necessarily lose in looks, as there are many luxurious hotels to choose from. Because they are very wedding-friendly, the décor is often everything you would wish for and the service is seamless.

CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING

Don’t underrate the benefit of being able to greet, drink, eat, dance and sleep in one location – even if you choose to marry off site, you have the makings of a very straightforward, hassle-free celebration.

(Think very carefully before you shuttle guests between three locations on a big day.

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There’s often too much hanging about and interruption for proper fun to be had.)

As you’re likely to be rich in choice, work out your guest list and then save time by looking round venues that cater for your size of party. This may sound obvious but some couples do this the other way round, fall in love with a place and then sit agonising over who to lose from their guest list. Let the people you want there drive the planning, not the other way round. Of course, sometimes, the venue you definitely want comes with a cap on the number of heads, if not in space then in the depths of your pockets.

If your limit is, say, 60, then divide the number between you and your spouse, make your choices, and then maintain a firmly united front in the face of family pressure to find a seat for such-andsuch. Issue polite, considerate and brief explanations that you’re having a small wedding to anyone that might be offended.

With the cost of the average marriage these days spiralling into many thousands, most will understand.

However, picking and choosing when you have a hotel’s scale to play with nearly always causes controversies. The greatest amount of politics seems to centre on children, especially an uneven policy on attendance where kids well known to the bride and groom get to come but not others. The truth is, if offence is going to be taken over your decision there is no way to prevent it.

The Ritz, London

Try not to leave room for resentment and glaring on the day: preferably call, but if there isn’t time, put a note to parents in their invites that you’re sorry you’ve been unable to issue a full family invite on this occasion and that you hope everyone will understand. Many mums and dads are glad of an excuse to get a babysitter and let their hair down. An even better way to handle it is to introduce a blanket policy like ‘over 14s only’ or ‘no babies’ and stick to it, then everyone knows where they stand and cannot feel so personally insulted. They might not like where they stand, but they know where they stand.

Pros

Space, simplicity, great if you have a lot of guests who have travelled

Cons

You may feel a little factory production line

WEDDING FEATURE

Thrumpton Hall

Marquee The classic British choice, immortalised in Richard Curtis films, the marquee pitched in a field or your garden (usually after a church service) is adaptable to the vision of your dreams.

If you want chandeliers, a black and white colour scheme, a starlit canopy, an ice sculpture, and 150 guests for dinner and dancing, a marquee may be the most suitable option.

The fuss and practicalities of silver service for 90 people in the middle of nowhere often means tepid army-style rations, fancied up with a garnish. If you’re laying on the booze, check and re-check and triple check you’ve allowed the right quantities. Hotels that host thousands of weddings make the limitless supply of alcohol look easy, but there is an art to running a bar!

If you’re booking live music or a DJ, bear in mind that the noise of loud music and partying can carry, particularly on a still summer’s night - if you’re in your garden, invite the neighbours, or at the very least go and see them before the big day and get them to sign off on your curfew. If guests are staying in the surrounding area, consider the courtesy of hiring a minibus to ferry them to their digs, and provide the numbers of reliable taxi firms in your invites for any stragglers or those who prefer to book their carriage.

Pros

Total control over design and decor, can cope with vagaries of British weather and a huge guest list

Cons

Can feel corporate and impersonal, also consider quality of the catering and neighbours’ eardrums

CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING

One paradox, although marquees are easiest to personalise, they can also feel very impersonal: after all, the range of choices of napery they offer are available to all large event organisers and couples tying the knot. Take care that your reception has enough character that people don’t feel they’re at an accountancy Christmas ball. If you’re marrying in high summer, why not take inspiration from the hedgerows with seasonal flowers, get boxes of vintage crockery for the after-dinner tea and coffee, or have a decoration-making session with relatives: anything to make it feel unique.

(Remember you will need add-ons to make the temperature comfortable, heaters in winter and air con in the summer, as well as tables, chairs, lighting, and so on.)

Marquees are perfect if you have a huge guest list, you can accommodate everyone without breaking the bank. For the food, if you can’t stretch to something seriously swish, consider a buffet by a local caterer. This doesn’t have to mean curling sandwiches and wizened sausage rolls, but a range of hot and cold dishes at a table that guests take their plate to.

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FASHION HEALTH & BEAUTY

CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING

Pretty Pastels

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RIGHT All from Next Lace peplum top £50 Lace skirt £50 Flower bracelet £12 Bowler bag £20

M&S Pink Mac £39.50

River Island £150

M&S Necklace £19.50 Pied a Terre white cotton biker jacket £169

Dune Bag £45

Accessorize Butterfly Digital Scarf £22 River Island Pastel Stripe Top £35 Ray-Ban Original Wayfarer Pastel Colours £130 Gray & Bull Opticians - Nottingham Mint Velvet Coral Cropped Jeans £59 Neoprene Dress

By J.W. Anderson for Topshop £100

Ted Baker Trousers £109

Accessorize Triple Belt Pack £8

Office White Shoes £65

Pastels are definitely screaming spring/ summer and this trend is literally everywhere right now. Dressed up in the right way you can create such a pretty outfit, that will definitely make a statement.

The high street is filled with pastel pieces that are what this time of year is all about!

There is such a huge amount of choice, both with clothes and accessories, bursting with gorgeous pastel colours of pinks, blues, oranges, greens, yellows, that there

M&S Metallic Toecap Shoe £25 is definitely something for everyone. For the paler of complexion, a pair of sprayon skinnies or floaty chiffon skirt will keep lighter shades away from the face and prevent looking washed-out. Ease yourself into the trend with choice accessories and build up from there. Mixing and matching different colours is fine, but steer away from pairing two shades of the same colour together, a feat similar to the dreaded double-denim disaster.’ Throw over a print dress or dark jeans and a t-shirt for day and lace or leather for after-dark. This is one trend that will sadly disappear with the last of the summer wine. So pick a colour, or two, or three, and make the most of these jolly shades before they curdle.

CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING

VICTORIA BECKHAM

Create a wardrobe that’s good enough to eat with this season’s pastel shades!

Ted Baker Top £89

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Out&About with City Life & County Living Magazine

THE 3RD ANNUAL CHERUBS BALL The 3rd annual Cherubs Ball was held at Blotts to raise funds for School For Parents. Over 240 people helped to raise over ÂŁ17,000 on the night. Auction lots were provided by local supporters of the charity including Shane Meadows who donated tickets as his guests to the premiere of his new Stone Roses documentary, Graeme Swann, donating hospitality tickets to a One Day International at Lords, Sam & Amy who invited winning bidders to join them in their live breakfast show on Gem106 and designer watches donated by Hallams. The evening was hosted by Des Coleman and entertainment was provided by The Rat Pack.

School for Parents is a free Nottingham-based charity that supports babies and pre-school children with motor disorders or motor development delay. Children that attend the service have conditions that include cerebral palsy, Rett syndrome and Hypotonia. School for Parents also runs specialist projects to help children with Down's syndrome improve their mobility and communication skills. The school works closely with both the children and their parents to encourage and motivate each child's desire to achieve tasks. At the same time giving parents the knowledge, confidence and strength they need to cope with their child's disability and understand how they can help. As an independent charity, School for Parents relies almost entirely on the generosity of individuals, businesses, charitable trusts and foundations to keep supporting disabled children and their parents in the Nottinghamshire area. www.schoolforparents.org

CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING

Thank you as always for supporting us, it really means a lot.

The school has been chosen as Graeme Swann's charity for his benefit year so really exciting times ahead for us!

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FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

Boudoir Belles Competition Last year we ran an exclusive competition in collaboration with Nottingham's premier boudoir photographers, Boudoir Belles (www.boudoirphotographynottingham.co.uk).

The prize was a glamorous photo shoot and framed 14"x11" print by Boudoir Belles at Shottle Hall Country House, (www.shottlehall.co.uk) a stunning wedding venue located in the picturesque Derbyshire countryside; a beautiful scarlet basque created and provided by Elaina from Baroque Couture in Draycott, (www.baroquecouture.co.uk) in addition to a wonderful makeover for our lucky winner Keeley.

Thank you to all involved for bringing the shoot together and making it a fabulous experience for Keeley.

CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING

Boudoir Belles, who began their dedicated female only boudoir business in August 2012, pride themselves in creating sophisticated, sensual and arty images from their relaxed city centre studio, and spent several hours with Keeley making the most of the fabulous interior at Shottle Hall, leading to a vast diversity of shots and creating a fabulous storyboard of images for Keeley to choose her prize of a 14"x11" framed print from.

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CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING 54

RIGHT All from Next Straw trilby £12 Jacket £80 Trousers £40 Shirt £26 Loafers £50

Statement Tailoring

Ted Baker £625

Although last year brighter tones became widespread, due to coloured chinos being worn by many men, this year the fashion industry seems to be going a step further, with high fashion designers advocating colourful and patterned suits...

Ted Baker £95

M&S Heritage Jumper £39.50 River Island £100 Austin Reed £269

House of Fraser £65 Austin Reed £130 Next Hat £12

Ted Baker £160

Debenhams Shoes £150

Whilst this is a look which could appeal to all fearless men, it’s a trend that could be of particular interest to those who don’t have to wear suits day-to-day in their working life. Why not opt for something bolder and more daring on the occasions where tailoring is a must?

It can help you make a more memorable impression and stand out from the crowd, for all the right reasons.

There are two main options when considering more colourful, eye-catching tailoring this season: block-colour and patterns/prints.

Both were featured prominently by fashion designers at the various SS13 fashion weeks. Two of the biggest designer proponents of block-colour tailoring were Gucci and Paul Smith. Everyone from Cerruti 1881 and Massimo Dutti to H&M and Topman are featuring bold statement tailoring within their current look books and campaigns. Both high fashion and high street collections are clearly showing a preference for more adventurous colours and patterns when it comes to tailoring. Just how bold are you willing to go?

CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING

Dune Shoes £99

Bradley Cooper

M&S Autograph £32.50

Hugo Boss Belt £60

55

Out&About with City Life & County Living Magazine

REHAB BEAUTY LAUNCH February 2013 saw the long awaited opening of Rehab Beauty Studio, West Bridgford. To celebrate, owners Kate Clarke and Aimee Smith held a launch party at The Pearl Bar where guests enjoyed champagne cocktails and took home an exclusive Rehab goody bag. Clients were also treated to an opening evening to get sneak preview of the newly renovated studio, demos of treatments and brands and an introduction to new specialist members of the team Jess Kirkham and Suzi Beckett Goldby.

CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING

Doors our now open so come and check in at Rehab for your beauty fix!

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Beyonce

The first time Rihanna was seen sporting her 'stiletto' nails in public we all thought…that'll never catch on. Yet here we are a year later, nails long and extremely pointy, struggling to do up our buttons or even send a text, but we don't care because we're bang on trend!

Maybe we have social media to thank, with the likes of the Kardashians tweeting their latest nail art creations to fans all round the world?

shot to supermodel status thanks to her big brows and is now the namesake of what many clients ask for when booking their HD Brow treatment, 'the Cara'.

At Rehab Beauty Studio we offer top branded services to ensure our clients can achieve the look they desire and keep up with the ever-changing face of fashion. Our brands include Bio Sculpture and Shellac nails, HD Brows, LVL and Lash Perfect lashes, Lycon waxing, Vita Liberata tanning

Fashion at our Fingertips and Glam Glow facial products, everything you need to look and feel your best. Come and see how a beauty treatment can transform your look and join the many clients commenting on how a the latest nail colour, or brow shape, has kept them on trend season to season. Sold!

Visit our exclusive studio in West Bridgford and experience a beauty fix from one of our Rehab specialists in cool contemporary surroundings. Book your treatment online and check out our Facebook and Twitter for the latest beauty trends including monochrome, 80's brows, the return of the Brazilian and the new Bio Sculpture Hollywood collection.

Cara De Levigne

Maybe it's the new celebrity, 'bloggers', such as Sarah Bland LA, who keep us up to date around the clock with inspired new looks and sought after brands? Or the double dip recession in which our nail colour has often been the only fashion statement we're able to make! Whatever the reason, it has to be said that fashion and beauty have never been so closely linked. It's even apparent in high fashion with the likes of Vogue Italia reporting the trend in their 'fashion meets beauty' shoot in February's issue, and the ultimate accessory sported at London Fashion Week…the big brow! Chanel and Burberry model Cara De Levigne has

www.facebook.com/REHABBEAUTY @Rehab_Studio 54 Henry Road West Bridgford NG2 7NB Tel: 0115 981 1669

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Find us at –

www.rehab-beauty.co.uk

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CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING

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FASHION HEALTH & BEAUTY

Touche Veloutee by BY TERRY £35.00 Black Magic Mascara

by EYEKO £18.00 Transform your lashes with the power of Black Magic mascara, designed to create drama, volume and curl, and packaged in a neat squeezy tube. The curvaceous brush creates supreme lash perfection with a water-resistant, carbon black finish. It also contains a unique conditioning formula that blends key ingredients Keratin and Shea Butter for instantly transformed lashes and superior staying-power.

This magical highlighting concealer brush helps your eyes look their relaxed, rested and radiant best. From the creator of YSL Touche Eclat, it cleverly illuminates the eye contour whilst working to conceal. Touche Veloutee instantly camouflages blemishes, dark circles, wrinkles and fine lines too. Its lightweight with effective coverage and smells beautiful! Finishing with a beautifully natural look, the elastic powdery texture glides over the skin and guarantees a matte crease-free result. 3 shades available.

Makeup stars There are makeup products that work, then there are makeup products that shine. And we are dedicating our makeup pages of this issue to the star products that really do work! These are the products that need shouting about, so in no particular order, here are CL&CL top 10 makeup must-haves.

Flexitone Bb Cream by DR BRANDT £34.00

CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING

This product has to be star of the BB world. Incorporating tone-blending technology which adjusts perfectly to your skin tone to provide flawless, skin perfecting coverage with just one shade. Expertly formulated with Dr. Brandt’s signature flexitone technology that blends seamlessly with most skin tones, this multifunctional anti-ageing cream instantly perfects, brightens, and hydrates with SPF 30 protection.

Its perfect underneath your foundation or as a light coverage on its own.

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Enhancing serum by RAPIDLASH £34.00 RapidLash delivers essential proteins, vitamins, moisturising and rejuvenating ingredients that help replenish and strengthen the structure of lashes, while adding shine and elasticity. It’s an innovative highperformance serum that conditions your lashes to look stronger, fuller and longer in as little as 30 days and is clinically proven to give up to 50% longer and 75% more voluminous natural lashes.

Apply RapidLash once daily before bed to the upper and lower eyelash line. We have to say, we have seen the results of this product and are still amazed!

Bronzing Powder £25 & The Multiple £29 in Laguna by NARS RapidLash delivers essential proteins, vitamins, moisturising and rejuvenating ingredients that help replenish and strengthen the structure of lashes, while adding shine and elasticity. It’s an innovative high-performance serum that conditions your lashes to look stronger, fuller and longer in as little as 30 days and is clinically proven to give up to 50% longer and 75% more voluminous natural lashes. Apply RapidLash once daily before bed to the upper and lower eyelash line. We have to say, we have seen the results of this product and are still amazed!

Foundation Primer Radiance

by LAURA MERCIER £28

Just Skin Tinted Moisturiser by CHANTECAILLE £57

The Laura Mercier foundation primers are world renowned, but have you tried the latest?

Radiance primer contains a universal pearl tint that creates a soft focus effect to minimise the look of imperfections and leaves the skin with a radiant finish. You can use it under almost any foundation or tinted moisturiser for a perfected finish, or own its own for a sheer natural glow. It helps protect against the outside environment and keeps your base looking fresh and colour true all day long.

In terms of tinted moisturiser, it’s certainly somewhere near the top of the price brackets, but with this product, you get exactly what you pay for! A lightweight texture with a clean and natural finish, just skin is and exceptionally versatile formula that provides excellent coverage, smooths fine lines and protects from the sun. It contains Honeysuckle, green tea and edelweiss as an anti-irritant, antioxidant and anti-pollution properties.

Sodium hyaluronates seals in the skins own moisture and Titanium-dioxide is a non-toxic mineral sunscreen for protection against the environment. Once you’ve tried this product, its difficult to use anything else. 6 shades available.

5 1. By Terry Cover Expert £44.00 2. Laura Mercier Creme Smooth Foundation £41.50 3. MAC Studio Sculpt £24.00 4. Nars Sheer Glow Foundation £29.00 5. Illuminating Liquid Foundation £25.00

fab foundations 1.

2.

Convertible Colour by STILA £16 Stila’s ingenious lipstick and blushin-one proves to be completely irresistible. Loved by the celebs, this versatile favourite brightens cheeks and lips with its creamy, translucent colour. And its so easy to use, we would say its almost foolproof. Using your finger-tips, tap onto the apple of the cheeks and press onto lips.

The sheer tint adds an inherent glow to the cheeks while lips bloom with fresh, radiant colour. A simple must-have makeup product for every kit. Unsure which of the 9 shades to choose from? Petunia and Lilium are the most natural and versatile colours to go for.

We love the natural look of these weightless feel and easy to apply falsies! Sure we are suckers for a fancy lash but this particular style is suitable for any occasion. Shu Uemuera and MAC lashes are also fab, but for the style and price of these you just can’t go wrong. They blend perfectly in to any lash line and you hardly know they are there. Every makeup bag should have a pair on hand for that ‘just in case’ moment. Suitable for contact lens wearers.

4.

5.

Larger Than Life Eyeliner

by NARS £17 Its not easy finding an eyeliner that looks great AND stays in place. Trust us - we know! But here it is. Nars Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner takes liner to the next level. Rich, creamy colour that glides on smoothly with a completely budge proof finish. Expect 12-hours of wear with no smearing and no caking. What’s also great is there are 9 irresistible shades to choose from. Though you will probably, like us, want them all!

CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING

101 Naturalites False Eyelashes by EYLURE £5.95

3.

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Hair

trends Pop colours are huge this Spring/Summer! We use them all the time in the salon, it gets away from the ordinary and really keeps things interesting.

With this look we created a root glow with turquoise Sassoon colour and used an all over creamy blonde to soften the look down. Simple but very effective.

We then styled with Shu Uemura Art of Hair. Fibre lift at the roots and then blow dried with Extreme Urushi.

CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING

Hair ups are massive at the moment. Mainly because people haven’t got the time or money to visit their local salon. It’s a cheap look to pull off and allows you to experiment with so many ideas. With bold colours making a strong come back this year we created a blood orange colour using Sassoon Chromatology Colour. We wanted to bring out the natural pigment in the models hair, so opting for this brand of of colour, we made sure it wasn’t an all over blanket of colour and the natural colour pigments in the hair were still visible, making a more three dimensional colour and adding more depth to the look. We then styled into a high bun to really show off the look.

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Big Fringes are a great statement this year. They frame the face and are super sexy. Worn with either subtle Blondes or more adventurous colours like blues and reds they always look great. To create this look we used a mink brown colour underneath a soft violet blonde as the overall colour. We then worked shattered layers into the cut and added a very blunt, sharp heavy fringe. We then styled with Shu Uemura Art of Hair, we mixed Essence Absolute with Tasai Cream and worked through the hair. This adds shine but also adds some gritty texture to the hair and gives it that slightly messy all over feel.

All styles created by Gooseberry Hair 880 Woodborough Road, Mapperley, Nottingham NG3 5QR Tel: 0115 998 8553

ESCAPE! WITH OUR FULL RANGE OF BEAUTY TREATMENTS:

20% OFF WHEN MENTIONING CITY LIFE MAGAZINE. VALID FOR ONE VISIT ONLY.

Within KH Hairdressing, 15 Castlegate, Nottingham

Tel: 0115 947 2332

www.retreatbeautysalon.co.uk

PROPERTY

Escape To Eden Hall We were delighted when we received an invite to Eden Hall day spa to experience a luxurious spa day, and to try one of the new limited edition treatments the Hall is introducing over the next few months. This beautiful mansion is the perfect setting for the spa, just off the A46 close to Newark and Nottingham where you can unwind, relax and enjoy a multitude of spa experiences.

Complimentary robes and towels are provided on the day and a delicious three course lunch included in all day packages.

We started our day in the Palm conservatory for coffee and tea cakes. This room was one of my favourites, it has a Mediterranean feel, light and airy but warm and cosy. They have huge comfortable sofas and fluffy throws are provided so you can really get snug. Next we ventured in to the Aqua Detox Centre where there are several spa experiences including, a rose infused steam room, herbal caldarium, sauna, specialist showers and water therapies, you are definitely spoilt for choice here! There is also a large salt water vitality pool boasting massage jets and outdoor hot tubs!

If you are feeling energetic you can visit the spa gym or even do one of the many classes on offer. If exercise is not your idea of relaxing there is also the Moroccan styled slumber room where you can go and snooze on the large bean bags and where talking is forbidden!

There are a number of different packages you can select at Eden Hall and over the next few months there will be a number of limited edition treatments not to be missed. One of the packages is a strawberries and cream day package, which includes, as well as a beautiful facial enriched with strawberry extract, a glass of Pimms on arrival and also an Elemis gift! We had the new Eden Energiser Day Package (only available throughout April) This package includes a lime and ginger energising exfoliation treatment designed to invigorate and revitalise. This was a totally relaxing experience where my whole body was polished and softened to perfection whilst I lay on a heated treatment bed. The Energiser treatment also includes a cleansing facial whilst your body soaks up the jasmine oils so that your whole face and body is left glowing and vibrant.

I can honestly say, having visited may spas, Eden Hall is one of the best.

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For more information on the spa facilities, packages and treatments, visit the website, www.edenspa.co.uk, and treat yourself!

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Gray and Bull now stocking Silhouette and OAKLEY!

Gray and Bull Opticians is an independent practice based on Pelham Street in the fashionable city of Nottingham. Focus is on providing a truly personal eye care service that offers patients the reassurance that their vision and eye sight is being looked after.

Gray and Bull has been focused on providing a top quality eye care service in Nottingham since 1939, the aim has been to create a warm and welcoming environment within the traditionally furnished surroundings. In a market dominated by larger optical groups here is a practice dedicated to providing patients with a reassuring, individual and professional service.

The staff are committed to providing guidance on quality, value and service. Professional advice and guidance is provided on eye-care, glasses and contact lenses. Emphasis is always placed on a personal service, correctly fitted frames and accurately dispensed lenses.

Gray and Bull offers both Private and NHS eye examinations. The practice also offers a complete contact lens fitting and aftercare service.

The largest range of designer eyewear in Nottingham can be found at the practice. Designer ranges include sought after brands such as Bvlgari, Tiffany, Ray-Ban, Tom Ford, Prada and Paul Smith. Exclusive eyewear by Persol, Oliver Peoples and Moscot are also stocked.

Gray and Bull is now stocking frames by Silhouette which are the lightest available especially the famous rimless designs. Silhouette acetate frames are also worn by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Sports eyewear is an important part of the practice. Gray and Bull now stocks sunglasses and optical frames by OAKLEY and Adidas, including ski goggles. These sunglasses were worn by many of the Olympians in London2012.

Gray and Bull welcome the registration of new patients. The practice is open from 9am-5pm Monday to Friday. Saturday from 9am to 5.30pm and Sunday 11am-4pm. Home visits are also available for the housebound. from 9am to 5.30pm and Sunday 11am-4pm. Home visits are also available for the housebound.

To make an appointment telephone: 0115 9418121 enquiries@grayandbull.co.uk www.grayandbull.co.uk

10%

Discount Off Glasses For Nottingham City Council Staff NHS Staff Full Time Students

How To Find Us

Clumber St

Long Row Market Square

Council House

Victoria Centre

Pelham St

5 Pelham Street, Nottingham NG1 2EH Open Mon-Sat 9am to 5pm (Sat 5.30pm), Sun 11am to 4pm Tel: 0115 9428121 enquiries@grayandbull.co.uk www.grayandbull.co.uk Gray & Bull Opticians are now taking eye examination bookings for Sunday and offer free home eye tests (domiciliary), please contact the practice for more information.

Follow us on Twitter @grayandbull

LOVE YOUR We tend to forget about our bones and that they crave tender loving care too, just like our heart, skin or hair. The skeleton isn’t a dead coat hanger, it’s a living tissue which needs to be nourished and exercised to keep it strong. Like other parts of the body it has to be protected from disease.

In this issue’s health article, CL&CL take a look at how to care for your bones and give them the love they deserve!

Bones play many roles in the body providing structure, protecting organs, anchoring muscles and storing calcium.

While it’s particularly important to take steps to build strong and healthy bones during childhood and adolescence, you can take steps during adulthood to protect bone health, too.

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Bones are alive and constantly changing, with new bone being made and old bone lost throughout our lives. In adults, the entire skeleton is completely replaced every seven to ten years. Now that’s an incredible fact. Bones continue to grow in strength until our mid-twenties, at which point bone density reaches its peak. After the age of 35, old bone starts to be lost at a faster rate than new bone can be formed to replace it. In some men and women this bone loss is so severe that their bones become weak, fragile and liable to break very easily. This condition is known as osteoporosis. Fortunately, we can take measures to reduce the risk of developing this disease, enabling us to maintain strong bones through to old age. You are never too young or old to care for your bones.

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Osteoporosis is a condition that affects the bones, causing them to become weak and fragile and more likely to break (fracture).

These fractures most commonly occur in the spine, wrist and hips but can affect other bones such as the arm or pelvis.

Approximately 3 million people in the UK are thought to have osteoporosis, and there are over 230,000 fractures every year as a

result. Although commonly associated with post-menopausal women, osteoporosis can also affect men, younger women and children.

Out of sight out of mind is particularly evident with our bones. So let us help you to visualise what your bone looks like inside your body. It’s made of a hard outer shell with a mesh of collagen (tough elastic fibres), minerals (including calcium), blood vessels and bone marrow inside.

This mesh looks a bit like a honeycomb, with spaces between the different parts.

Healthy bones are very dense, and the spaces inside the bones are small. In bone affected by osteoporosis, the spaces are larger, and this makes the bones weaker, less elastic and more likely to break. Bone is a living tissue that is constantly repairing itself. This process is called bone turnover.

There are cells which break down old bone (osteoclasts) and cells which build new bone (osteoblasts). This process requires a range of proteins and minerals, which are absorbed from the bloodstream.

In childhood, bones grow and repair very quickly, but this process slows down as you get older. Bones stop growing in length between the ages of 16 and 18, but continue to increase in density until you are in your late 20s. As mentioned previously, from about the age of 35, you gradually lose bone density. This is a normal part of ageing, but for some people it can lead to osteoporosis and an increased risk of fractures.

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YOUNGSTERS How to build strong bones?

You can build strong bones by getting enough calcium and weight-bearing physical activity during the tween and teen years, when bones are growing their fastest.

Calcium is vital for strong teeth and bones because it gives them strength and rigidity.

Our bodies contain about 1kg of this vital mineral and 99 per cent of it is found in our bones and teeth. Most people should be able to get enough calcium through healthy eating.

Young people in this age group have calcium needs that they can’t make up for later in life. In the years of peak skeletal growth, teenagers build more than 25 percent of adult bone. By the time teens finish their growth spurts around age 17, 90 percent of their adult bone mass is established.

How does calcium help build healthy bones?

Your body continually removes and replaces small amounts of calcium from your bones. If your body removes more calcium than it replaces, your bones will become weaker and have a greater chance of breaking. By getting lots of calcium when you’re young, you can make sure your body doesn’t have to take too much from your bones. Bones have their own ‘calcium bank account’, so depositing as much calcium as possible during your tween and teen years will help you reach your peak bone mass.

After age 18 the account closes, so you can’t add any more calcium to your bones. You can only maintain what is already stored to help your bones stay healthy.

How much calcium do we need?

CALCIUM RECOMMENDATIONS Age RNI* 0-12 months (non-breast-fed infants only) 525mg 1-3 years 350mg 4-6 years 450mg 7-10 years 550mg 11-18 years boys / girls 1000 / 800mg 19+ years 700mg Pregnant women 700mg Breastfeeding women 700 + 550mg

FOOD FACTS The importance of a good diet...

Most people know that calcium and vitamin D are both essential parts of maintaining healthy bones, but in fact these are only part of the story. Healthy bones need a well-balanced diet, incorporating a wide range of minerals and vitamins as well as protein from a range of different food groups. No single food contains all the essential nutrients the body needs to function well. The nutritional value of what you eat depends on the overall mixture, or balance, of foods that are eaten over a period of time.

Calcium is found in a variety of foods.

Low-fat and fat-free milk and other dairy products are great sources of calcium because they have so much of it.

Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) dictate that an average adult must down anywhere between 1000mg and 1300mg of calcium daily. This number is slightly higher for lactating and pregnant women.

Sufficient amounts of calcium are required to maintain health bones and teeth as well.

99% of calcium is stored in bones and teeth with the remainder found in our blood.

While dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach are high in calcium, they are also high in oxalates, which can inhibit the absorption of several nutrients, including

Milk This is probably the most reliable source of calcium as well as other nutrients. A glass of skimmed milk will give you 244mg of calcium. For an afternoon snack, a small 300ml serving of milkshake will provide 387mg of calcium. You have to make sure you keep the calories in check otherwise your endeavour for calcium rich diet may give you other problems to worry about.

Milk may however, may not be the best source of calcium for certain people. Those who are lactose intolerant should look for other sources to supplement this. Milk may also be high in saturated fats, which will increase the risks of getting a heart attack.

Cheese This is a direct product that comes from the fermentation of milk. This means that it will naturally have plenty of calcium. The good thing about cheese is that only a small amount needs to be consumed to get a large chunk of your calcium RDA needs.

A small portion of fresh Parmesan cheese of about 30g will give you approximately 308mg of calcium. To get the right measurements, simply grate some cheese and scoop up 4 tablespoons of the stuff. A slightly larger serving of cheddar cheese will give you almost the same amount of calcium. The same risks and downfalls associated with milk are applied here since cheese is simply concentrated milk. Go easy on the cheese since it won’t make sense having the toughest bones in your funeral.

Fish It seems that there is no known nutrient on earth that can’t be found in fish. This food is

not only the best source of omega fats and oils as well as proteins, but it has sufficient amounts of calcium in it too. Not all fish however have this attribute. Saltwater fish will have a higher mineral content thanks to their environment. For instance a 100g portion of tinned sardines in oil will give you a whopping 500mg of calcium. If you don’t quite like the flavour of sardines, then a similar portion of fried whitebait will give you 688mg of calcium. Fresh water fish is just as good if not better. They actually have a higher mineral content than their saltwater counterparts so that they can take in water through osmosis to regulate various bodily functions.

Fruits These are already the best source of essential vitamins and some minerals.

They may not have significant amounts of calcium like milk-based products, but they have enough to supplement the other sources. Ready to eat figs surprisingly have a high amount of calcium. One fig will give you almost 130mg of calcium. These are fresh figs however, not the disgusting dried up stuff that is usually offered. Raw apricots, which have been de-stoned, are also a good source of calcium. 4 of them will give you 117mg of calcium. These sources of protein are preferred by vegans and lactose intolerant people.

Yogurt This is an easy one, definitely one of the most popular snacks out there. Also being a product of milk, calcium and fats are plenty to be found in every sip. A cup of frozen yogurt is all that’s needed to get your 300mg of calcium. And ¾ cup of plain or flavoured yogurt will also give you the same amount. You should know the amount of carbohydrates that they contain is high as well. The low-fat brands of yogurt will

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The calcium found in the blood is required for muscle function, nerve transmission and hormonal secretion among other functions.

These critical metabolic functions are regulated by the remaining 1% found in the blood. Attempting to consume 1000mg of calcium daily may sound like a bit too much but, there are certain foods which can easily provide all your calcium intake requirements in a small and easily digestible serving.

calcium. If you do eat spinach, you may be better off reducing the oxalate’s by cooking it lightly.

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FOOD FACTS CONT... provide a smaller amount of calcium for the same size serving. These are the ones you should go for, as the low percentage of saturated fats will be music to your heart.

Avoid full fat yogurt if you can or try taking smaller servings of it.

Beans and Vegetables Soybeans are currently the best source of vegetable protein. It is estimated that the quality of protein is similar to those from meat products. Two cups of cooked soybeans at dinner is enough to provide 300mg of calcium. You can also opt for tofu if the beans give you gas. Taking around ½ to 1 cup of tofu, either firm or regular, will give you approximately the same amount.

Pairing up a cup of cooked collard greens with your soya beans for supper will be a great combination. Collectively you will get about 600mg of calcium from that simple and cheap dish. You can also add broccoli to get some extra calcium. A cup of it provides close to 60mg of calcium. It may not be much but it will reduce any deficits that you have left at the end of the day.

Breads and Grains Even though they are not a high source for calcium, they will act as a good pairing with other sources of this nutrient. A slice of whole-meal bread may only give you 30mg of calcium, but it will pair well with that glass of skimmed milk in the morning. White bread is usually a no go zone because it has been refined giving it an abundance of carbohydrates. Nevertheless, a slice of it will give you about 53mg of calcium.

Breads and grains are rich in other nutrients but you should be careful since they are full of calories. A full portion of pasta will provide 85mg of calcium. The high amounts of carbohydrates found in them will however make it unsuitable to eat in copious amounts. Your quest for stronger bones may end up making you increase your

dress size. The best way to start your day however is by having a bowl of calciumfortified cereal. Total Cereal makes such a cereal. It gives well over 1000mg of calcium when consumed with milk. There are other brands to choose from which are rich in this essential nutrient.

Drinks There are a variety of calcium-fortified drinks that you can pick up to get your daily supply. A cup of orange or grapefruit juice will give you roughly 300mg of calcium and you will be well on your way to acquire your RDA requirements. Such drinks are best used as a supplement and not as the chief source of calcium. This is because they are modified to contain more calcium and are suited for those who are constantly on the move. There are also very nutritious soy beverages that contain high amounts of calcium. Generally, such drinks are a better option than fizzy drinks that are full of empty calories.

Puddings Being a favourite meal for just about anyone, it also comes packed with healthy nutrients especially calcium. The puddings made from milk are both high in nutrients and delicious to eat, a rare combination indeed. Instant pudding or those made from rice may seem like an unlikely source of calcium but one 250ml cup will give your body around 300mg of calcium. The unfortunate thing is that lactose intolerant people will miss out on the health benefits.

Other puddings made from almond milk or soy milk may not contain as much in the way of calcium but, they still make a tasty treat.

Snacks and Treats There are other foods that don’t generally fall in a particular category but are still high in calcium. Ice cream for instance is

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TOO LITTLE PROTEIN

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Malnutrition, and hence a lack of protein, has been shown to contribute to bone loss, the risk of falling, and the response to injury. There is some evidence that recovery from hip fracture in older people is improved by protein-rich dietary supplements. This means we should all try to find a good balance of protein in our diets. A diet high in protein (found in some dairy products, meat and fish) is likely to increase the acidity of the blood and other body fluids, which may result in minerals including calcium being drawn out of the skeleton. Interestingly, grain foods such as bread, pasta, cereals and rice contain protein and may also have a similar effect.

Government adviser’s recommend that adults should avoid a protein intake of twice the Reference Nutrient Intake (i.e.1.5g per kg of body weight per day equivalent, for example, to 90g for a 60kg woman).

This recommendation was made because of links between a high protein intake and an increased risk of colon cancer.

It might also be useful for bone health.

Those who feel that their protein intake is higher than recommended should perhaps consider making reductions. Please be aware though, few studies have examined the effect of high protein intakes on osteoporosis risks over the longer term and this remains an area of some controversy.

one such product. Half a cup of light ice cream will provide some 200mg of calcium.

The side effect of this dish is its fattening capabilities and its sugar content will increase the trips to the dentist. Pizza is also a great source of calcium. A medium sized cheese and tomato pizza has an astounding 873mg of calcium. One of these for lunch coupled with a glass of calcium fortified orange juice will give you all the calcium you need to keep your bones healthy. This might be a good thing to try once a week or so but avoid making it a habit or you’ll quickly pack on some pounds.

Factors that affect calcium absorption It is important to remember that calcium intake should be looked at over a weekly or monthly period rather than daily. A low calcium intake on one day, when most days you achieve more, will not have a detrimental effect on your bone density.

Some factors may reduce or increase the amount of calcium the body absorbs or increase calcium lost in the urine. This may increase the risk of osteoporosis and breaking bones although more research is needed to help us understand how significant all these factors are. The following factors may all affect the strength of our bones.

Caffeine A high intake of caffeine may increase the amount of calcium excreted in your urine.

There is some evidence to suggest that more than several cups of coffee a day, maybe as many as eight, may cause a slight imbalance between calcium intake and calcium loss from the body. The effect is only modest. But, if you already have other risk factors for osteoporosis, you may want to consider limiting your intake of caffeine. Interestingly, studies suggest that tea does not have the same effect.

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BONE FRIENDLY EXERCISE Fitness If you are thinking of taking up a more bone friendly exercise routine, yoga could be the perfect answer. The many benefits of yoga participation include increased muscle and bone strength. Exercise programs that include weight-bearing exercises place a demand on your muscles and bones that result in increased muscular strength and bone density. Yoga exercises, or poses, place your body in positions using your body weight and gravity as resistance.

When combined with proper nutrition, benefits include improved bone health along with a decreased risk of injuries related to weakened bone strength. While the benefits of yoga are obvious, the risks may not be. Those suffering from bonedensity deficiencies need to be cautious when participating in yoga workouts; the excess strain placed on your body may cause injuries. Yoga classes offering modifications are recommended.

The 206 bones in your body provide support, structure, movement, protection and calcium and red blood cell storage for your body. Healthy bones have an adequate amount of bone density and mass enabling your bones to be able to withstand stresses placed upon your body with everyday activities. Diseases such as osteoporosis are characterised by bones that have reduced bone strength,

deterioration of bone quality and an increased risk of bone fractures.

Yoga poses placing your body in a weight bearing position will have a positive effect on bone health. Your targeted muscles contract to hold your body in sustained positions while your other muscle groups work to stabilise your body. While muscular training will improve muscular strength, additional benefits include increased bone density. Balance poses place your body weight on one leg, increasing the intensity of the exercise on the weight bearing leg.

Arm supported poses increase upper body strength using your body weight as resistance.

Participation in a yoga program establishes a mind body connection. Proper breathing techniques improve circulation to improve system regulation. Nutrients are easily transported to the body allowing for absorption and usage. Balance poses improve focus, concentration and coordination. As the risk of falling decreases, so does the risk of fracturing bones from falls. Yoga workouts target the core muscles, your lower back and abdominal muscles. Your core works to support and mobilise your spine. With a strong core, there is a decreased risk of spinal injuries.

Gwyneth Paltrow was found to have osteopenia, the early stage of osteoporosis, when she sustained a fracture in her leg.

Many speculations arose that her lifestyle’s to blame for this bone problem. Regardless if it’s true or not, her doctor suggested that

Believe it or not, NBA superstar Shaquille O’Neal has been suffering from osteoarthritis for over a decade. O’Neal claims that the arthritis in his right big toe was caused by excessive running and jumping due to his 7ft 1 inch, 320 lb frame.

Bruce Jenner may be most known for his 1976 Olympic decathlon record of 8,634 points, which still holds today (and also as Kim Kardashian’s step-father).

Many years ago a knee injury that forced him to stop playing football, pushed his budding athletic career in another direction.

Ironically, Olympic training precipitated his arthritis. Jenner reminds everyone that all types of arthritis can be minimised through early awareness. Consistency in exercise and a relatively healthy diet are key, he says.

Lily Allen tells of brittle bones! The 24-yearold singer revealed the hereditary problem while talking about stage diving. ‘Don’t expect me to get involved. I’ve already got mild arthritis in my hands and my knees so it wouldn’t be a good idea. It runs in my family, my bones break very easily.

GWYNETH PALTROW

Kathleen Turner,the Hollywood actress who rose to fame playing roles in the films Romancing the Stone, Body Heat, and Prizzi’s Honor, has dealt with the challenge of living with Arthritis since the 90s. Her once-curvaceous figure has become more bloated from the steroids she takes for her condition.

she gets more sunlight as her vitamin D levels needed to be raised significantly.

LILY ALLEN

Golf pro Phil Mickelson has been treated for arthritis that surfaced just before the U.S. Open and left him in so much pain he couldn’t walk. Mickelson revealed he has psoriatic arthritis, which causes his immune system to attack his joints and tendons. He noticed the first symptoms five days before the U.S. Open, and the pain eventually got so bad he made a visit to the Mayo Clinic.

“I’m surprised at how quickly it’s gone away, and how quickly it’s been able to be managed and controlled,” he said. “I feel 100 percent, like I say. But when I (was) laying there on the couch and I (couldn’t) move, yeah, I had some concerns. But I feel a lot better now.”

KATHLEEN TURNER

CELEBS LIVING WITH BONE ISSUES

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Botanical B

ring the outdoors in with botanical prints.

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Think British gardens, birds, butterflies, retro patterns and big blooms. Bright and bold is key for this nature inspired theme!

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bluebellgray cushions from £70 Fabric from £80 per metre www.bluebellgray.com

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Go for colourful and lively prints and avoid chintz and shabby chic patterns.

INTERIOR DESIGNER Kirsty-Marie established Beyond Interiors in 2009 and from her studio based in Nottingham offers a total interior design service, from small improvements to total re-vamps.

She has a very personal and dedicated approach to all of her projects, creating individual, effective environments that reflect each client’s requirements and lifestyle.

Fresh flowers are a must in any interior!

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Her approach to design can be described as eclectic and versatile. With the foundation of her inspiration emanating from various cultures, numerous style decades and cutting edge design from around the world, she keeps up to date with current trends and is sharing her design tips and favourite interior styles of the moment with City Life readers.

Visit Kirsty-Marie’s blog ‘The Loft’ where she writes about inspirational interior design, decorating dilemas, beautiful homes and her current projects. www.welcometotheloft.blogspot.co.uk

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Choose an eye-catching rug or wallpaper as the focus of the room.

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1. Imogen Heath cushions - www.imogenheath.com from £48 2. Multi-coloured Flowers Teacup - Zara Home £8.99 3. Amalfi black wallpaper - Sandberg £69 per roll 4. Garden City wallpaper in Grove - Miss Print £59.95 per roll 5. Berry tree Melinki wallpaper - Scion £28.80 per roll 6. Delphine Harlequin Loren Chair - Alexander & Pearl £695 7. Bouvardia crewelwork rug - Anthropology 4x6 £268.00 8. Various rattan garden furniture - Zoo Interiors

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The superior standard of advice and support provided at every stage, from initial design and planning to delivery and installation, ensures the smooth, effortless creation of your ideal kitchen,

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Details of our full ranges and selected items are on

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pretty pastels

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Brighten your living space in time for Summer with deliciously refreshing ice-cream tones. Compliment vintage style with pastels by simply mixing and matching similar hues.

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Interior styling by Laura Fulmine - www.laurafulmine.com Photography by David Cleveland - www.davidcleveland.co.uk

Team with bolder colours for more contrast and impact!

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Don’t go over board with the pastels, a few key accents will be enough to make this colour palette work.

Interior styling by Laura Fulmine Photography by David Cleveland

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Combine pastels with black and white for a modern twist!

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1. Nordlux Anniversary pendant in pastel blue Wayfair.co.uk £61.99 2. Designers Guild Brera Largo cushion - John Lewis £55 3. Matthew Williamson peacock printed satin cushion Debenhams £30 4. Cow parsley wallpaper - Cole and Son £67 per roll 5. Pearl colour mid matt emulsion - Little Greene £32.50 for 2.5L 6. Viola Heather, Contarini wallpaper - Designers Guild £95.00 per roll 7. Cerato porcelain wallpaper - Designers Guild £50 per roll 8. Clarke yellow fabric 3 seater sofa - Habitat £750 9. Roberts DAB radio - www.robertsradio.co.uk £160 10. Dylan check cotton throw - Laura Ashley £50 11. Smeg pastel green 50’s Style fridge - Long Eaton Appliances £899

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HOME & GARDEN

ZOOinteriors

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HOME & GARDEN

METALLICS Add a bit of shine and texture to your interior with metallic finishes. Copper is the dominant metallic this season and I can see why! This warm metal gives a rich energy, embraces raw elements and oozes glamour.

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Team with natural materials like wood and leather to create a ‘rough luxe’ look.

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Woods and pears wallpaper from the Contemporary Restyle collection.

Cole and Son £75.00 per roll

Lighting is a great way to bring copper into your home.

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Add small copper accessories for a subtle effect.

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Introduce statement walls with wallpapers and tiles that have metallic details.

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A blend of coppers, golds, silvers and other metal finishes can work really well together.

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1. Bolina copper circular mirror - Rocket St.George £62.00 2. Renaissance gold tiles - Fired Earth £2.27 per tile 3. Copper shade - Tom Dixon £350.00 4. Louise Roe copper tea light holder - skandivis.co.uk from £12.50 5. Sputnik table lamp - Graham and Green £95.00 6. Angles wallpaper gold/cream - ericawakerly.com £69 per roll 7. Blu dot scamp coffee table - Heals £348.00 8. Eolia metallic woven silver cushion - B&Q £14.98 9. House Doctor DK Metal stool - bodieandfou.com £120.00

Image by Daniella Witte

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Escape to...

When looking to get away from the daily routine, we may all have different agendas when deciding where to go and stay.

The bright lights of the city, with extensive shopping, numerous eateries and buzzing nightlife may be just want you are looking for. On the other hand you be looking for a bolt hole, with total peace and quiet. In this issue City Life & County Living have ventured out and found three totally different hotels, one which should hopefully tick all the boxes on your next escape agenda.

TRAVEL

Park Plaza

Sherlock Holmes, London Park Plaza Sherlock Holmes Hotel is an intimate hotel on Baker Street. Just a short walk away is Oxford Street, Bond Street and Hyde Park. The Hotel is well situated for shopping and sightseeing.

An intimate hotel on Baker Street

The 18th Century building on the famous Baker Street, synonymous with Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson, has recently undergone a major refurbishment resulting in a modern contemporary design mixed with a smattering of Victorian detective memorabilia.This is a boutique styled hotel and boasts award winning modern British food in the restaurant, a spa offering a range of massages and treatments along with a sauna, steam room and health club.

The bedrooms are elegant, air conditioned and comfortable. All have the expected amenities and there is 24 hour room service if required. A focal point is a very comfortable chic bar, situated in the hotel reception which besides offering the full range of drinks, serves light meals and tapas. Stylishly fitted, it has that buzz that you can only find in a London bar, and is the ideal place to meet, whether staying at the hotel or not.

One of the major attractions is the hotel’s location, with everything you would need, or want to visit during your stay in London, within easy reach.

Visit www.parkplazasherlockholmes.com

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TRAVEL

Macdonald Portal Hotel Golf & Spa, Cheshire Conveniently located close to the M6 with easy access to both Liverpool and Manchester.

Macdonald Portal Hotel Golf & Spa is set in the tranquil Cheshire countryside, in the picturesque village of Tarporley, conveniently located close to the M6 with easy access to both Liverpool and Manchester. This is a luxury hotel offering endless facilities. You can relax at the Spa, exert yourself in the gym, enjoy a treatment, or two in the beauty rooms, or challenge yourself on one of the 3 golf courses, one which is championship class.

The bedrooms are stylish with comfortable beds and come with the usual luxury extras that you would expect of this standard of hotel.

The hotel also boasts an award winning restaurant, with panoramic views across the Cheshire countryside. The menu is based on quality British classics, freshly prepared using organic and free range produce and British meats.

On our visit, we were given a warm welcome, the staff were friendly and on hand to help if necessary. We took to the Spa, which also has an 18 metre heated indoor pool and along with a delightful treatment in the beauty rooms, the break provided the stress free escape that we were hoping for.Nearby, the city of Chester, Oulten Park and the Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet Village beckoned, but on this occasion, everything we needed was here.

Visit www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/our-hotels/

CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING

macdonald-portal-hotel-golf-spa

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The Coniston Hotel & Country Estate Guests can relax in the airy Huntman’s Lodge and sink into a velvet sofa, warm their toes in front of the roaring fire and breathe in the panoramic views down to the lake.

However…if the bright lights of the city just make you feel tired, and you’d prefer some tranquil R&R, then the privately owned Coniston Hotel & Country Estate, near Skipton is the destination for you.

Tucked away in a fold of the beautiful Yorkshire Dales, the hotel offers a warm welcome to weary travellers. Smartly furnished in a contemporary country style, guests can relax in the airy Huntman’s Lodge and sink into a velvet sofa, warm their toes in front of the roaring fire and breathe in the panoramic views down to the lake.

Room are boutique-chic with quality linens, pampering bathrooms and most have private terraces with open views of the rolling countryside.

The food is simply delicious and locally sourced and the chefs work hard to impress, creating both sophisticated restaurant menus and gloriously comforting bar food, and the breakfasts are the stuff of legends… If you can bear to drag yourself away from the hotel, its award-winning sporting estate becomes your private playground.

Here you can try clay-pigeon shooting, archery, target golf – or take the wheel of a gleaming, brand new Range Rover and hurl it around the bespoke off-road course. This is luxury country living on a grand scale with an added splash of adventure. Heaven.

Visit www.theconistonhotel.com

CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING 85

OF TRENT BRIDGE

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WINDOWS

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Trade-in your old sofas & chairs

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Out&About with City Life & County Living Magazine

BEST OF BRITISH BRILLIANCE Champions (UK) plc celebrated their tenth anniversary at a very special charity event with The Best of British Ball, a glittering occasion that launched the company's new branding and offered an excellent opportunity to raise money for the hospice charity, Rainbows. Guests included key business individuals, celebrities and friends of the Costock based company, all gathering for the glamorous black tie event.

The event took place at Leicester's King Power Stadium and guests were welcomed to a true celebration of the very best of British. With Beefeaters on the door, a ballroom bedecked with British regalia and a rousing performance by acclaimed tenor Lawrence Robinson of 'Land of Hope and Glory', 'Jerusalem' and of course, 'God Save the Queen', guests were treated to a truly special evening that drew inspiration from the amazing Olympic achievements of Team GB and the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

With a delicious four course meal of British classics and brilliant performances from bands the Upbeat Beatles and Ranga-Tang, the evening continued to be a fantastic celebration of British brilliance.

The event was also an important opportunity to raise money for the evening's chosen charity, Rainbows. As part of their on-going work with the Loughborough based hospice charity, Champions (UK) plc raised more than ÂŁ300,000 for the charity alone between 2011 and '12 and the Best of British Ball proved to be an excellent start to the fundraising effort for 2013.

Guests took part in a series of different charity activities, including a raffle that providing the winners with a series of fantastic prizes, including a pair of beautiful diamond earrings, kindly donated

by Dominic Gomersall, director of Lumbers.

CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING

Many also took part in the exciting charity auction, hosted by television auctioneer and antiques expert Charlie Ross, generating even more donations to Rainbows through the sale of sporting and historic memorabilia, holidays and a range of luxury lifestyle items.

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The event was a sparkling celebration of the Champions (UK) plc's achievements, as well as a fantastic opportunity to provide vital funds to charity, allowing them to continue their work for years to come.

A World of Design & Possibilities

HOME & GARDEN

Belvoir Carpet and Flooring

Flooring is one of the most important elements in interiors. It is one of the first things you feel when you enter a home and if it’s right everything else falls into place.

CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING

www.belvoirflooring.co.uk

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Our experienced team are here to help you, from design stage, where you will select a floor covering from our extensive range of carpets, wood flooring or natural fibre ranges, to delivery of your flooring, right through to the fitting of your chosen floor covering. Home visits are available, upon request, at which we can bring along a range of samples to choose from.

7, Shelford Road, Radcliffe-on-Trent NG12 2AE

Meadow View 2 Pinfold Lane, Plumtree, Nottingham, NG12 5EZ

ÂŁ900,000

CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING

Set within the lovely Plumtree village, Meadow View is a charming barn conversion, restored to a stylish and contemporary standard, with a high specification throughout.

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Surrounded by panoramic views that capture the stunning countryside, Meadow View offers a prefect balance between the idyllic and cosmopolitan, with Nottingham City Centre only a short distance away.

Enquiries: fhpliving T: 0115 841 1155

Offering in excess of 3,378 sqft of accommodation, Meadow View is a spacious home ideally suited for the discerning family looking for that little something extra.

Solit over three floors, the ground floor boasts a flight astunning entrance hall with large windows spanning spanning the first two floors, allowing an abundance of light through and showcasing the beautiful scenic views. Off the hallway flows the downstairs WC and utility room.

The kitchen/family room features a breakfast bar, built in appliances and plenty of seating space for the whole family and guests; large floor to ceiling windows allow a constsnt stream of light through, and French doors take you directly into the garden.

Both the sitting room and dining room have a stylish, contemporary design, achieved by mixing a neutral colour palette, open brickwork and feature beams, which work together to create an elegant interior.

The first floor includes an office/playroom and three bedrooms; access to the office playroom/potential sixth bedroom is gained by a separate staircase leading from the lounge. All bedrooms have en-suites and comes with built in storage. The contemporary design has been carried out throughout the entire property, and each bedroom has a high specification.

On the second floor you’ll find the master bedroom, and bedroom five. The master bedroom boasts a luxury bath, walk in shower, tiled floor and double sink unit. The entire floor is lit by skylights, creating a space that is calm and relaxed.

Outside there is double garage, extensive terrace patio and a stunning garden. Set within the lovely Plumtree village, the property benefits from the stunning countryside views that can be enjoyed all year round.

PROPERTY

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PROPERTY

What Should You Look For When Buying A Buy To Let Property?

The buy-to-let phenomenon was highly profitable for many British property-owners until the credit crunch of 2007. Almost overnight, sound investments became millstones around the neck of over-ambitious investors, and many were forced to part company with their properties at a significant loss. However, the property market is slowly recovering; rental rates are on the rise, and property prices are still relatively low compared to the boom years. Now may be a good time to invest in a buy to let investment property, but there are some important factors to consider carefully before any funds change hands.

Perform Some Detailed Market Research The main aim of securing a buy to let property is to make a healthy return on the investment. The monthly cost of a homeloan needs to be exceeded by the potential rent that the property will attract. This type of commitment should also be viewed as a long-term strategy, so there needs to be potential for a profit when it is time to sell the property. This information will only be acquired by carefully researching rental rates and house prices within the desired area. Investors should not be afraid to enlist the help of experts such as they will be able to draw on a large amount of knowledge and experience.

deposit. Investors should not fall into the trap of calculating the potential returns based on current interest rates, as they are currently at an all-time low. Forecasts should be made with steep rises in interest rates already factored in. This area can be a minefield, so enlisting the expertise and experience of specialists will ensure that a realistic indication of the potential for long-term returns is achieved.

Select a Promising Area Investors should try to locate properties that appeal to their target customer. For instance, family homes should be near a selection of popular schools, and properties intended for professionals should have access to excellent transport links It is a great idea to stay in touch with planned developments in the area; a little research may uncover a development that will add value to the property in the future.

Treat the Investment Like a Business Managing a buy to let investment property should be approached in the same way as the running of a business.

There will be costs to cover when maintenance and repair is required, so this should be factored into a business plan. The owner may need to employ a property management company if they are committed to long hours in their own job. In addition, the costs involved in the event of the property remaining empty for a period of time should also be taken into consideration. Any successful business requires the careful management of costs, and managing this type of investment is no different.

Do the Maths Historically, buy-to-let lenders insist on potential rents that cover at least 125% of the mortgage repayments. However, these stipulations have been tightened by many financial institutions, so it is imperative that a true indication of a property's earning potential is gauged. Investing in a buy to let investment property is still considered as risky by many of the mainstream lenders, so it may be necessary to find a 25%

Purchasing a buy-to-let property is fraught with potential danger and it is a long term commitment that must be planned very carefully. A property investment specialist will be able to assist buyers in every aspect of their investment. From selecting the most suitable properties to forecasting the potential returns, a specialist will be able to draw on years of experience to ensure that this type of commercial venture delivers long-term results.

Will People Start Living In The High Street?

An interesting take on the future of the nation's high streets comes from letting agent, Lucas Grant Lettings. Arguing that the high street must adapt to survive, they suggest that there should to be a shift of emphasis from chain stores to boutiques and residential dwellings. The British Retail Consortium has estimated that around one in 10 shops in the UK's town centres are empty.

“The shift to converting old terraced/semi commercial shops back to residential dwellings will also supply a shortage of housing space and fulfil a desire to live in buzzing areas,” added Lucas. “The most thriving centres have residential properties in walking distance to desirable shops, bars and restaurants.”

CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING

“The high street in 2013 needs to develop to survive,” said Lucas Grant, managing director of Lucas Grant Lettings.

“I envisage shops and offices becoming residential properties and service businesses such as bars, newsagents and restaurants springing up to cater for residents. The high street of the future will still be a focal point for the community but it will have a different emphasis. The new high street will be a destination space where consumers will spend their leisure time socialising with friends and shopping at unique boutique stores.”

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Urban change of use is very much flavour of the month, with the San Francisco Chronicle looking at pop-up housing in the city (often, as the paper points out, in violation of zoning codes) and considerable controversy over the Pop-up HAWSE scheme which plans to turn disused garages in Dalston, east London, into small flatpack (Pre-fabricated energy-saving) homes to help ease the city's housing crisis.

Provided these schemes are successful they are sure to be used throughout the East Midlands.

Lucas Grant Lettings, Rutland House, 23-25 Friar Lane Leicester LE1 5QQ, Tel: 0116 217 1887 Email: office@lucasgrantlettings.co.uk Web: www.lucasgrantlettings.co.uk

SmartCities

City Life looks at the SMARTEST cities on earth

CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING

It wasn’t too long ago that the term ‘Smart City’ was not on very many people’s radar screens, but today smart cities are popping up all over the place and people are becoming more familiar with what that entails. In case you’re not familiar with the term a smart city uses information combined with technology to improve quality of life, reduce environmental impact, and decrease energy demand. This list of the smartest cities on the planet takes those factors into consideration, as well as the ‘smart’ plans the city might have for the future.

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San Francisco

They have been working to make the city smart for the past few decades and the smart grid employment sector has grown 130%.

The city has very ambitious goals to decrease their carbon footprint by increasing power from renewable energy and the grid is currently powered with 41% renewable energy.

There is an emerging infrastructure for electric vehicle charging with 110 public charging stations, the highest per capita of any city.

The city has also vastly improved it’s public transportation system which includes more buses and trains, as well as apps to show bikers and pedestrians the best routes through town. They’ve also developed apps for visually impaired citizens to navigate public transportation.

The city of San Francisco constantly ranks at the top of North American cities as one of the best places to live.

Companies like Phillips, Cisco, IBM, and dozens of smaller companies are all working with the city to help them innovate into a hub for smart city technology. Amsterdam has become a role model for the rest of European cities striving to become smart city savvy.

They currently have a goal to achieve zero waste by the year 2020.

To do this they have extensively expanded their recycling system making recycling just about anything you want achievable. So far they’re making great progress. The city’s current waste diversion is 80%!

To achieve their lofty goals the city has opened up city data to software developers and startup companies to help the city innovate. There has already been more than 60 software apps in public transportation alone. How many public transportation apps does your city have?

Amsterdam

Some of the projects the city is done in the past few years have helped make this city very green. Take a walk down ‘Climate Street’ and you’ll see some of the technology in use. Trash is collected by nonpolluting electric trucks. City bus stops, billboards, and lights are powered with solar energy. Thousands of households and businesses have had their roofs retrofitted with energy efficient insulation cutting down energy costs, and these concepts are spreading like wildfire from Climate Street to the rest of the city.

CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING

In other parts of the city, river going vessels can hook up to electrical power outlets to recharge their batteries rather than using high polluting diesel generators. Many thousands of homes have been upgraded with automatically dimming light switches, automatic shutting off appliances, smart meters connected to cell phones for realtime analysis, and ultra low energy LED lights are in use in thousands of applications. Billions of euros have been invested over the past three years into these smart technologies which will save the city many more billions of euros over the decades to come.

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Tokyo

Panasonic, Sharp, Mitsubishi, and many other big names are working very hard to infuse smart technology into this massive city.

After months of rolling blackouts due to lack of nuclear power, the need for the Japanese to innovate has never been greater.

In 2006 Tokyo started aggressively greening up its city. The Imperial Palace is currently considered a Green Island in the Tokyo urban jungle, but that might change when all utility poles come down and are replaced with trees by 2015. The goal is 1 million trees in the city which might make Tokyo itself a green island. They are also aggressively pushing solar energy, renewable wind sources, and electric/hybrid cars by providing appetizing incentives to pocketbooks for businesses and household who are going green.

Japan’s biggest companies are behind the Smart city revolution taking place around the globe and are using Tokyo as their proving ground.

The leadership of Xinjiang have a philosophy which is that information-technology should be integrated with every aspect of the city resident’s lives. Being a smart city in China is less about infrastructure and more about information integration and processing. Here’s some of the things they are doing.

CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING

Every bus station in the city is equipped with a electronic screen displaying bus arrival information. Mobile devices are of course connected to the bus system and the screens so checking the exact arrival time from mobile apps is possible.

The city is connected with a web of public traffic cameras and all are accessible via mobile phones. This makes real-time traffic monitoring a reality, thus avoiding congestion. According to Chinese reports the mobile phone infrastructure in the city is at 170%, making the city very connected to the smart hub.

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Homes are equipped with panic buttons which if pushed by an elderly person will automatically alert emergency response personnel. There is also a Social Security system which tells city officials if there is a growing number of unemployed persons. The government knows in real-time the occupation and unemployment status of the city residents. Again the Chinese smart theme, information technology integrated into life. These systems free up government workers so they don’t have to attend so many meetings and can work more efficiently.

A few miles outside the main part of the city lies and eco-village built by Panasonic. The zero carbon emission village focuses on using renewable energy and ultra high efficient appliances.

The home automation system looks at weather forecasts and determines the best time to perform the laundry. LED bulbs are installed throughout the home using 1/6th of what incandescent bulbs use, and next-generation fuel cells combined with solar power generators actually create electricity autonomously.

Telecommuting is highly encouraged from these eco-homes which saves millions of CO2 emissions annually. Other companies in Japan are doing the same type of sustainable home living innovation creating prototypes for the rest of the world to follow.

Xinjiang

TECHNOLOGY

Seattle

They do an exceptional job when it comes to looking out for environmental issues. One of the big reasons for this is they offer huge tax breaks for businesses and residents who purchase and utilize green technology. If you can’t afford upgrading to green technology don’t worry. Residence who meet income qualifications get free green weatherization services. These services include insulation in attics, walls, pipes, windows, and more. A wonderful way for residents of the city, who could not otherwise afford these upgrades, the chance to save lots of money on utility costs.

Ultimately saving the city money on wasted electricity.

Seattle constantly ranks very high for smart cities across the globe.

Perhaps it’s due to the ambitious goal of being carbon neutral by the year 2025, which has accelerated it’s green technology revolution. Denmark has almost one hundred years experience in urban planning. In 1925 they held their first urban planning commission, so they are definitely no stranger when it comes to planning urban spaces for the future.

Green jobs are an abundance for this city with more than 300 companies employing thousands of people. Seattle is a national leader for innovative green building practices. The demand for energy efficient construction has never been higher. For all their efforts Seattle has the lowest electricity rates of any comparatively sized city in the nation. They also have some of the lowest carbon emissions per capita in the United States. Seattle has built a strong roadmap for the future and will continue to lead the way with their version of a smart city.

Copenhagen

Copenhagen has attracted many innovative companies to use its city streets as a testing ground for green technology. For example, they have created a eco friendly smart neighborhood which houses 40,000 residents, created a similar amount of jobs for them, and is a model for green living.

They have taken a practical approach to sustainable living. When there’s no traffic on the streets the street lights turn off. The city has integrated air-quality meters in lamp posts throughout the city to monitor pollution trends. The intelligent street lighting, solar panel powered public areas, and public transportation systems are revolutionary in Europe.

CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING

The city has opened up it’s data to innovators and they are making lots of headway into sustainable living. Things like apps for finding available parking spaces throughout the city, smartphone connected smart electricity meters four homes, and and incredible network of shared bicycles all make Copenhagen very cutting edge.

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Stockholm

This beautiful Northern European city has implemented many practical solutions to achieve their noted green success. Providing tax relief for companies who install motion sensors in their businesses in order to turn off lights when buildings are vacant is just one example.

Part of what makes this city so smart is it’s transportation network.

The city sits strategically on Sweden’s southern coast and has multiple ferries connecting various international destinations. They also have high-speed trains connecting major cities, close to 2000 public buses in the city, and more than 1000 local trains and trolleys to move people around efficiently.

The city is also very green, as in bushes and trees green. There are 1000 parks (30% of the city space), seven nature reserves within the city, and residents annually recycle almost 100kg of waste per person. 90% of the city residents live within 300m of some green space. There are also two large water wastewater treatment plants where biodiesel is produced for public buses, from wastewater mind you. Even excess heat from sewage water is reused in residential heating applications. If all of those ‘green’ factoids aren’t enough the city has almost 3000 clean tech companies working to green up the city even more.

They’re one of the greenest cities in the world and are aiming to be the greenest. They’re currently at 14% renewable energy use for the city. The Mercer survey has named Vienna the city with the highest quality of life, both for Europe and globally. Quality of life is one of the major factors when it comes to ranking a city smart or not.

Vienna has placed a lot of resources into green energy. Europe’s largest biomass powerplant provides 75,000 residential and public buildings with heating. The city is currently on track to have 300,000 m² solar panels installed by the year 2020. That is a lot of solar power which will be connected to a smart grid.

CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING

Transportation around Vienna has never been easier or more accessible. More than 90% of the city’s population has easy access to public transportation. The city has a smartcard system which automatically calculates use fees for any mode of transportation automatically, and it’s a good thing too, because the public transportation system handles more than 1.3 million passengers every day.

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Vienna

TECHNOLOGY

New York

New York has created a very clear vision of what the future smart city will encompass, and they are working quickly to achieve their goals.

We are giving Santiago a spot on this list because Latin America deserves some recognition for the efforts they’re putting forth to create smart cities. This city’s population is expected to swell over the next decade, which means if they don’t innovate now rapid growth could potentially create an urban slum.

One way this is happening is Cisco and city24/7 have collaborated and launched an interactive platform which strategically places smart screens throughout the city to report news, events, and coupons. They are doing this by converting the old and underused public phone system. This is part of the city’s plan to bridge the digital divide and provide Internet access for all of its residents.

These smart hubs will have NFC technology as well as Wi-Fi capability.

The city has granted access to software developers with more than 1300 open data sets. That is a lot of data to work with if you are a smart city entrepreneur. They’ve also set up a challenge which offers $50,000 in cash and prizes to the best apps which utilize New York City’s open data sets annually. Browsing through nycbigapps.com reveals dozens of very innovative applications that help make New York City smart. These entrepreneurs, investors, and New York City are creating a hub of smart technology.

Santiago

Santiago is taking examples from around the world, as well as advice from major smart companies like IBM, and creating a smart eco friendly city. Electric public transportation through electric buses running on a closed city circuit with multiple charging outlets for private cars and taxis is being built. The city is also focusing a lot of attention on home automation systems. Systems which fuse together solar energy and optimal energy use. To make it work the city will integrate a new smart grid into the infrastructure.

CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING

Smart city entrepreneurs should look to South America for business opportunities. Cities like Santiago Chile are actively seeking long-term relationships with new ventures to innovate and execute smart city programs. And with cities like Santiago growing more than 5% each year there are numerous opportunities for smart city innovation. South America has more than 380 million people, many of whom will be moving to cities like Santiago in the coming decades.

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Out&About with City Life & County Living Magazine

BUSINESS AWARDS Leicester's Best Businesses Celebrated in Style!

Business leaders from across the region turned out to celebrate the finest business talent in Leicestershire at the Leicester Mercury Business Awards, which took place at De Montfort Hall in Leicester. In a ceremony attended by special guest Dr Vince Cable, the winners and finalists were celebrated in glamorous style as they prepared to find out who would secure the coveted “Business of the Year Award”, which went to Intelligent Energy Ltd. Cable, who has been a Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament for Twickenham since 1997, is one of the nation's most forthright and honest political figures and he arrived in Leicester having been in Westminster all day discussing the budget, so he was delighted to see the achievements of some of Leicester's best businesses this year.

The glamorous ceremony and dinner, which was organised by specialist brand agency Champions (UK) plc and hosted by award winning international business and finance journalist Nadie Dereza and former Managing Director of Bmibaby David Bryon, showcased the finalists and toasted the success of the best businesses from the region across a wide range of categories including Not for Profit, Community, Innovation, Entrepreneurship, Export, Small Business, Manufacturing, Newcomer, and of course, the coveted “Business of the Year” award.

The full list of winners on the evening includes Leicestershire Cares, who won the Not for Profit Award, Raynsway Properties, who won the Heart of the Community Award, Douglas Wemyss Solicitors, which won the Small Business of the Year Award and Rainbows Hospice, which won the Sales and Marketing Award.

CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING

With the list of winners and finalists including the cream of Leicestershire's business community, sponsors for the evening also included some of the region's most respected businesses, generously lending their support to recognizing achievement among their peers. Headline sponsors included: De Montfort University, Freeth Cartwright and RSM:Tenon and category sponsors include Barclays Bank, Kudos Financial Services, Aspirational Magazine, Samworth Brothers, Dalys Communications, Mattioli Woods, UK Trade and Investment, Lumbers Jewellers, St James's Place Wealth Management , Presland and Co, and Champions (UK) plc.

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Park Inn by Radisson Nottingham located minutes from the historical city of Nottingham effortlessly combines a convenient location with the perfect accommodation for both business and leisure traveller. The hotel boasts modern conference and meeting facilities whilst also offering a family friendly relaxed environment at weekends. And with the added bonus of 250 complimentary on site car parking spaces- a rarity in this busy city, the Park Inn by Radisson really ticks all the boxes.

Whether you are looking to host a conference for up to 180 delegates, a small meeting for 10 people or a celebration for 200, the Park Inn by Radisson Nottingham boasts function rooms that can accommodate them all. Equipped with all the facilities you would expect of a 3 star hotel including; business centre, leisure club, choice of dining experiences and complimentary high-speed wireless internet throughout the hotel. Plus some facilities that you wouldn't expect; like our fantastic conference cafe, where conference delegates can enjoy unlimited servings of tea and coffee and our very own “local” pub where guests can relax in familiar surroundings.

Park Inn by Radisson Nottingham's contemporary restaurant, RBG Bar & Grill, combines the very best seasonal products with an uncomplicated yet diverse menu, the RBG Bar & Grill offers guests a delicious and memorable dining experience.

Enjoy the best gourmet burgers, lite bites, seasonal soups, local dishes and succulent steaks from the grill. A fantastic selection of desserts, shakes and smoothies is also available, as is an extensive international variety of beer, wine and spirits. The perfect choice for families, friends or couples, the restaurant also offers high-speed wireless internet for successful working lunches.

After a busy day why not unwind in the indoor swimming pool or visit the fully equipped wellness centre with spa, steam room and gym.

For any enquiries please do contact the hotel on: 0115 935 9988 or email: info.nottingham@rezidorparkinn.com

A VENUE FOR ALL REASONS...

...business seminars, corporate entertainment, training courses and more.

The Perfect Choice...

Located in the most tranquil, beautiful setting, nestled close to Nottingham City Centre and junction 24 of the M1 with easy access from Parkway Railway Station and East Midlands Airport, making Thrumpton Hall the perfect choice.

We can offer: Business seminars, conferences and meetings from 8 to 250 people.

Corporate entertainment • Training Courses Team Building Events 10 Bedrooms • Delicious home cooked food

www.thrumptonhall.com Thrumpton Hall, Thrumpton, Nottinghamshire NG11 0AX

CITY LIFE & COUNTY LIVING

Please contact Paula our Events Manager on 07796 956556, email us at enquiries@thrumptonhall.com or visit our website for more details.

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MOTORS

NEW RANGE ROVER SPORT The all-new Range Rover Sport has been officially unveiled.

The new model is claimed to be the ‘ultimate premium sports SUV’ and is reportedly the fastest, most agile and most responsive Land Rover ever.

The Range Rover Sport was unveiled at an exclusive event in Manhattan and was driven onto the stage by James Bond himself, the actor Daniel Craig. Land Rover chose New York as the venue for the reveal because more Range Rover Sports are sold in the Big Apple than in any other city in the world. And considering the somewhat, ahem, ostentatious nature of the event, the new Sport clearly has quite a reputation to live up to.

Whereas the previous Range Rover Sport was built on the Land Rover Discovery platform, the new model shares its lightweight aluminium architecture with the latest Range Rover. As a result, the new model weighs 420kg less than its predecessor. That’s on a par – if not slightly heavier – than the equivalent Porsche Cayenne or BMW X5, but at least puts the Sport on a level playing field from which it can show its own unique strengths.

Land Rover claims that this weight-saving transforms the Sport’s handling, while also helping to keep both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions to a minimum. The most efficient model in the range will emit just 194g/km of CO2 – an impressive figure for a car this size.

On the outside, it’s clear that both the latest Range Rover and the Evoque have had an influence on the car’s styling. The Sport

Engine-wise, the Sport will be available from launch with a 503bhp 5.0-litre V8 petrol and a 2.0-litre V6 diesel with either 288bhp or 254bhp. A 334bhp 4.4-litre V8 petrol will be added to the range next year. The top-ofthe-range petrol model will hit 62mph in less than five seconds.

the Sport has become the first Range Rover ever to be offered with seven seats A diesel-electric hybrid version of the Sport is also slated for introduction towards the end of 2014, with claimed CO2 emissions of just 169g/km.

All versions of the Range Rover Sport use the firm’s ZF eight-speed automatic gearbox, but buyers now have the choice of two different four-wheel-drive systems. The first of these systems is geared towards offroad driving, and comes with a low-range option, a 50/50 default torque split and locking differentials. The second is biased towards on-road driving and is 18kg lighter.

It has a default front-rear torque split of 42.58 and a differential which automatically sends the power to whichever axle has the most grip.

On the inside, the big news is that the Sport has become the first Range Rover ever to be offered with seven seats. The extra two seats aren’t quite big enough to accommodate adults and, because of this, Land Rover is marketing the Sport as a 5+2 rather than a seven-seater.

Up front, the driving position is around 20mm lower than the standard Rangie’s, giving a sportier feel. A smaller, thickerrimmed steering wheel adds to the feeling of sportiness, and the seats are even equipped with bigger side bolsters to keep you in place during fast cornering. The new Sport is also the first Range Rover ever to be offered with the option of a head-up display.

The all-new Range Rover Sport will go on sale in the third quarter of 2013 and be available in three equipment levels from launch (HSE, HSE Dynamic and Autobiography Dynamic), with an SE derivative available on TDV6 models from early 2014. Prices start from £51,550 for the TDV6 diesel, £59,995 for the SDV6 petrol and £81,550 for the top-of-the-range V8.

Expected results

Engine: LR - TDV6 Diesel Horse Power: 258 bhp Torque: 2000 rpm 0-60mph: 0-60: 7.1 seconds Top Speed: 130 mph

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The most efficient model in the range will emit just 194g/km of CO2 – an impressive figure for a car this size.

has also grown slightly – it’s 62mm longer and 55mm wider than the outgoing model -- but Land Rover is keen to point out that it is smaller than most of its rivals, making for greater manoeuvrability and ease of parking.

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MOTORS

New Porsche Cayman The new Cayman aims once more to set the class benchmark for driving performance, its longer wheelbase, all-new chassis and lower weight further optimising the established dynamic credentials of the mid-engined sports coupé.

Since its debut in 2005, the Cayman has earned a particular reputation as a driver’s car. For the latest model, the two-seater has been newly-developed from the ground up and – after the 911 Carrera and Boxster roadster – is the third sports car model series from Porsche to feature innovative lightweight body design.

Consequently, the new Cayman is up to 30 kg lighter than the previous model, depending on the specific version and equipment, and offers up to 15 per cent greater fuel efficiency– despite its increased engine output and driving performance.

Design: New proportions, prominent lines The new Cayman is more distinctive than ever. Its proportions are new, and yet it is clearly a Porsche sports coupe; an extended wheelbase with shorter overhangs and 18- or 19-inch diameter wheels with larger rolling circumference are identifying visual characteristics of the car’s more enhanced driving performance.

Its styling is marked by precise lines and razor-sharp sculpted edges.

The Cayman features a 2.7-litre flat-six cylinder engine with 275 hp (202 kW);) and accelerates from 0 - 62 mph in 5.7 sec, this is reduced to 5.4 sec with the optional seven-speed PDK transmission and Sport Chrono package. The top speed is 165 mph and fuel consumption (NEDC) is up to 36.7 mpg and CO2 180 g/km (with PDK).

For the 352 hp Cayman S, its 3.4-litre flat-six cylinder engine ; accelerates from 0 - 62 mph in as little as (in just 4.7 sec with the optional PDK and Sport Chrono package. Top speed is 176 mph, and fuel consumption (NEDC) is up to 35.3 mpg and CO2 188 g/km with PDK.

Driving dynamics and agility: new chassis systems for even better handling

The driving performance of the Porsche Cayman is extraordinary. More than ever, the interplay of the mid-engine concept and chassis tuning assures it a top position in its class. The fundamental geometry creates ideal conditions for this performance: a 60 mm longer wheelbase for greater stability at very high speeds, a wide track width at both axles for additional driving stability and cornering agility and larger diameter tyres for even better road grip up to the limits of performance.

Porsche Torque Vectoring: more traction and better vehicle dynamics when cornering.

Building upon the capabilities of the PASM chassis, the optional Porsche

Torque Vectoring (PTV) system is able to increase the driving performance potential of the Cayman still further. PTV is the intelligent interaction between the rear differential lock with braking interventions on selected wheels, an added function of Porsche Stability Management (PSM).

Essentially, PTV improves the vehicle’s steering response and steering precision by targeted brake interventions at the rear wheel located on the inside of a bend.

The braking torque is activated as soon as the steering wheel is turned. The results: improved performance in bends as the turn is initiated. The rear differential lock then significantly improves traction capabilities when accelerating out of the bend.

The Cayman is priced from £39,694 and the Cayman S priced from £48,783. Standard equipment on the Cayman includes air conditioning, CD audio with seven-inch touch-screen control interface, universal audio interface offering MP3 connectivity, automatic headlight activation, auto stopstart function, electronic parking brake, ‘Sport’ button, 18-inch alloy wheels, top tinted windscreen, floor mats and a three year warranty. In addition to the more powerful, larger capacity engine, the Cayman S adds 19-inch alloy wheels, partial leather interior and Bi-Xenon headlights.

Expected results Cayman S

Engine: 3.4 litre flat-six cylinder Horsepower: 352 bhp 0-60: 4.7 seconds Top Speed: 176 mph

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Especially expressive and characteristic are the dynamic recesses in the doors, which guide induction air into the distinctive scoops on the rear side panels and from there directly to the engine. These offer the most prominent visual signal of the car’s mid-engined layout.

The new Cayman engines: an overview

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Out&About with City Life & County Living Magazine

NEW PORSCHE CAYMAN IN THE UK On Tuesday 5 March Porsche Centre Leicester celebrated the launch of the new Porsche Cayman and Cayman S. Over 200 guests attended including new and existing Porsche customers, members of the Porsche Owner's Club and Porsche Cars Great Britain personnel. The evening's entertainment was provided by DJ Minx and guests were treated to Champagne and canapĂŠs.

As well as getting to preview the new Cayman models before their on sale date of 16 March, guests were able to view and explore other models in the Porsche range, as well as an historic Porsche racing car - a Porsche 917, which was Porsche's answer to the endurance racing rule change that allowed a maximum capacity of 5 litres.

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