Life
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Autumn/Winter 2013
Snowman comes to Mayflower
WItsN to see
Ticke
artin James M gins 50+ at Life Be e BIC show at th h next Marc
Hanks
another Oscar on the cards?
See Page 33
3 top ski resorts reviewed
Why is British Wildlife disappearing? Page 18
See Page 9
PLUS What’s on for Dorset & Hampshire The magazine for the active 50+ covering Dorset and Hampshire
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edition
2-3_Life_begins_Template 22/11/2013 16:21 Page 2
In this
6
4
Showbiz - Tom Hanks talks about his latest role as Captain Phillips amongst other things
6
Competition - Win tickets for Life Begins 50+ show featuring top chef James Martin
9
Travel - It’s that time of the year again - we look at 3 of skiing’s best kept secrets
12
Health - Memory - it’s an amazing human power but how can we help preserve it?
16
Fashion - Harry Styles leads the clamour for all things hearty and romantic
18
Gardening - How local gardeners can help turn around a dramatic decline in wildlife
20
Property - Looking at the latest trend for all things shiny
24
Food - The Food Bucket List - 50 foody things to do or taste before you die!
27
Books - Our resident bookworm chomps through another must-read for Christmas
28
Motoring - Can the Infiniti Hybrid really rival the luxury German brands?
30
Money - The latest sophisticated scams and how to avoid becoming a victim
32
Entertainment - Event Listings for Autumn & Winter in Dorset & Hampshire
33
Entertainment - Snowman comes to the Mayflower & Strictly’s Anton comes to Bournemouth
UK: A lonely nation? 34
Entertainment - Reviews from around the entertainment world
I was struck a few weeks ago by the announcement from Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt, that as many as 800,000 people in the UK are ‘chronically lonely’. The figure seemed startling at first but then on later reflection hardly surprising. I, like many others I know, sadly only ever manage a quick wave to my neighbours. In fact recent studies suggest that many of us don’t know the names of our immediate neighbours. I must admit to feeling quite ashamed that so many people in our country feel so alone. Our nation has always had a reputation for being a caring one, so how is it that the majority of us fail to notice those around us who are desperately lonely? I heard a heart-rending interview with a lady on Radio 5 Live who told the interviewer that she would often go days without speaking to a single soul and that she would look forward to her ‘helper’ coming once a week for half an hour so she could speak to someone. Radio 5 were inundated with callers following the interview who all expressed the same sentiment: one of collective shame. Many of us will be spending this Christmas with family and friends, enjoying each others company whilst we share gifts and food. But spare a thought for those who’ll be spending it with no one. Perhaps instead of just popping a card through the door of an elderly neighbour who lives alone, we could think about making some homemade mince pies or winter chutney which gives us the perfect excuse to knock on the door and speak to them. Something tells me that most people would really appreciate the gesture and for some it could really light up their Christmas - a simple act that could make a big difference - it’s just a thought! Until the next time, Jason Harris, Editor
Win tickets to see James Martin live
18
The plight of British wildlife
24
Life
Bucket List - food to almost die for
begins...
Editor:
Jason Harris
Artwork:
Jason Harris Kim Freeman Kelly Adkin
Advertising: Brian Case Emma Churcher
Production: Kim Freeman Published by IMS Group www.ims-group.co.uk
Email: info@lifebeginsmagazine.com
To advertise in Life Begins, please call our sales dept: Brian on 01202 611104 Emma on 01202 611103
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The views and comments expressed in Life Begins magazine are the views of the contributors and not that of the publishers. Life Begins magazine, IMS limited and its associated websites cannot be held responsible for any misinterpretations or errors in its editorial coverage. Adverts are supplied in good faith and Life Begins Magazine, IMS Limited and its associated websites cannot be held responsible for the products or services offered and advertised in its publications. The ASA (advertising standards authority) exists to regulate advertising and if you wish to complain about any particular product or service advertised then you should contact the ASA directly, they can be found at www.asa.org.uk or by calling 020 7492 2222
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showbiz
Hanks
goes in at the deep end When Captain Richard Phillips was ambushed by pirates, he never expected Forrest Gump to turn up at his door. As Tom Hanks brings the captain’s incredible story to life, he tells Susan Griffin how he prepared for what could be an Oscar-winning role.
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showbiz
T
om Hanks thumps down a set of steps into the room, head thrust forward, arms swinging by his side in slapstick fashion. It’s quite an entrance and sets the tone for the interview because, despite the serious nature of his latest movie Captain Phillips, which details the true story of a container ship’s captain who was held hostage by Somali pirates, Hanks is keen to keep things light. “I was attached to this screenplay by way of the studio route,” the actor says modestly, when asked about being cast. What he actually means is that being a two-time Academy Award winner and, well, Tom Hanks, he can call the shots and dictate who the director will be - not the other way round. “They [the studio] said they were looking for a director and when they came around to Paul Greengrass, I said, ‘Well, that would just be fine and dandy!” he quips, in that comforting, familiar voice. A former documentarian, Greengrass has always been drawn to stories that dig beneath the surface of contemporary events: from Bloody Sunday, about a British Army massacre in Northern Ireland, to United 93, about the hijacked 9/11 plane that crashed near Pennsylvania after passengers thwarted the terrorists. This made him the perfect helmsman for Captain Phillips, which proves to be a nerve-jangling, pulse-pounding 134 minutes.
”
Although it’s a multi-layered examination of the hijacking of the US container ship Maersk Alabama in 2009, at the film’s centre is the relationship between Captain Richard Phillips and the Somali pirate captain, Muse (Barkhad Abdi), who takes him hostage.
Throughout Hanks’s 33-year career, which began with minor roles at the beginning of the Eighties before Ron Howard cast him in the 1984 mermaid romcom smash Splash, he’s excelled in diverse roles, depicting seemingly ordinary men facing extreme crises. There was the Aids-stricken lawyer in Philadelphia, the astronaut struggling to return to Earth after a moon mission goes awry in Apollo 13, the World War II captain searching for a missing soldier in Saving Private Ryan, and the FedEx executive trapped alone on a desert island in Cast Away. In Captain Phillips, which looks set to secure Hanks an Oscar nomination, he once again builds his character from the inside out, endowing Phillips with a quiet but extraordinary bravery. The performance builds to an incredibly emotional climax that’s bound to leave audiences gasping for breath. How does he do it? “Well, that’s a secret, so I’m not going to give that up,” he replies, grinning. “If you ask the people that run Coca-Cola for that secret formula, they’re not going to hand it over to you. But you know, I like to consider myself some kind of a creative artist and a professional, and my job is to be able to get there when the moment comes on the day.” As well as mastering the emotional complexities of the role, Hanks faced physical challenges, as two thirds of the movie was shot on open water. “Before we started shooting, I said, ‘Can I just get in that lifeboat to see what it’s like?’” he says. After about three minutes bobbing along, he realised it was going to be a “particularly authentic hell on earth!”
You know, it’s not the most realistic of moments to walk into somebody’s house and say, ‘Hi, I’m the Forrest guy, yeah that’s me, and I will now be playing you in a film whether you like it or not’
The film is not a documentary and Hanks was keen to make that clear when he first met Phillips. “I told him, ‘Look, I’m going to say things you never said and I’m going to do things you did not do, but based on that, let’s get as close to the DNA of the authenticity as possible’.” Hanks had conversations with Phillips, and his wife Andrea, a couple of times at their home in Vermont, America. “You know, it’s not the most realistic of moments to walk into somebody’s house and say, ‘Hi, I’m the Forrest [Gump] guy, yeah that’s me, and I will now be playing you in a film whether you like it or not’,” says 57-year-old Hanks, whose rubbery features retain a sense of boyishness, though there’s now a hint of silver around his temples. Hanks found Phillips to be an affable, self-effacing man who never saw himself as anything more than a seaman simply doing his job. “He’s very well adjusted. He’s funny, kind of goofy. When I first met him he wasn’t wearing shoes and was watching basketball, and we sat and watched the game for a while. Then we started talking about how he became a captain of such a ship as the Alabama,” recalls Hanks, who has a string of directing and producing credits to his name.
”
But Hanks isn’t averse to throwing himself in at the deep end for a big screen adventure. Over the years, he’s lost and gained weight when required - and he might just be paying the price for such dedication. The father of four recently revealed that he has Type 2 diabetes. “The gaining and the losing of weight may have had something to do with it, because you eat so much bad food and don’t get any exercise when you’re heavy,” he admits. “It’s now about eating right, getting exercise and taking the right kind of medicines.” Ever the optimist, Hanks adds: “It’s just part of life and I’m fine.”
He wasn’t interested in ticking off a check-list of how Phillips felt through the ordeal, rather in gaining an understanding of how complicated it is to be a captain in the first place. “His wife, Andrea said Rich - at home - is one of the greatest, easiest-going guys in the world, but Rich - at work - is one of the most unpleasant human beings. He’s a stickler, a taskmaster, no fun whatsoever, because he can’t allow himself to let any kind of guard down - and that’s without any hijackers on the horizon,” he says. www.lifebeginsmagazine.com
Life Begins
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competition
5 pairs of tickets to be won for the Life Begins 50+ Show The Life Begins 50+ show will be the talk of the town next March and you can get a head-start on the crowds by getting your hands on a pair of tickets. For your chance to win all you need to do is answer one simple question: WHICH MALE CELEBRITY CHEF WILL BE APPEARING AT LIFE BEGINS 50+ SHOW IN MARCH?
To Enter, visit our website at: www.lifebeginsmagazine.com and go to our Just For Fun page. Pop the answer to the question on our online form along with your daytime telephone number and email address and if you’re lucky, we’ll be in touch to ask for your address.
LifeBeginsShow
To double your chances of winning, why not enter the online Facebook competition too? By liking the Life Begins Show Facebook page, you’ll be able to keep up to date with all the pre-event news and excitement. On the show facebook page you’ll find the competition to win a pair of tickets, all you need to do is ‘like’ the competition and you’ll double your chances of winning!
@lifebeginsshow
Fancy cooking with Top TV chef James Martin? Have you got what it takes to be Dorset & Hampshire’s 50+ Amateur chef of the year? Can you can rustle up a winning 3 course menu that will set our top local judges’ jaws a-drooling? The Life Begins show organisers want to hear from local food-lovers who’d like the chance to cook on stage with special guest James Martin at the Life Begins 50+ Show next March. You’ll need to send your 3 course menu to the organisers detailing the ingredients (two of which must be local to Hampshire & Dorset) and the methodology. If your menu is short-listed, you’ll be invited to our semi-finals to cook your meal for our judges with the chance to make it to the final and the oppotunity to win a weekend away, a set of chef’s knives and the cherry-on-the-cake: (excuse the pun!) be on stage with James helping him cook one of his fabulous dishes! You must be available all day on 23 March 2014. To enter, you’ll need to go to the organiser’s website at: www.lifebeginsshow.com and follow the link to download competition rules and and entry form. GOOD LUCK!
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8-9_Autumn13_Pages 26-27 19/11/2013 14:37 Page 1
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Travel
On your marks
get set
ski!
As the European ski season kicks off, Sarah Marshall looks at three top resorts, each with something different to offer...
Life Begins
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travel
For lu
For Eco fans James Tapsfield samples an alternative ski break at the St Martin Eco Chalets down areering headlong den -la a very steep, snow n’t es do e slope on a bik test move. sound like the brigh ess. dn ma al tot In fact, it’s press this I’m just about to ex rby, who He ide gu my view to a, when he has suggested the ide It’s much le enjoy the bikes. op pe tells me: “The old , if the old people s than skiing.” Well easier on the bone can do it... fangled fads like aps associate newYou wouldn’t perh age of Austria. uber-traditional im snow bikes with the ’s drive south ur ho ngau, about an But the region of Lu numbers of Brits, lling in increasing of Salzburg and pu is embracing of how the country is a prime example innovation. ster of alets, an idyllic clu are the St Martin Ch nd reck tre eie s -Sp thi ck of se c os oli Symb base of the Gr the at e lag vil a al in ide d would be 10 homes nestling from four to 14, an ep sle n ca ies en ert od op wo mountain. Pr ether. With classic ilies holidaying tog ve come ha uld co ts for a couple of fam ale ch sed larch beams, the frontages and expo el and Gretel. ns straight out of Ha re and his wife Jodi, we rementioned Herby bers afo tim the the rs, of ne st ow mo e Th eco-friendly. So ng thi me so and ild , bu ed ingly restor determined to en reclaimed and lov be ve t ha s bu , tile ge c lar sti and the ru insulation. A th sheep’s wool for wi d ffe the stu all are for lls at the wa ides the he -diesel engine prov remarkably quiet, bio electric. the th wi t ou nels help chalets, and solar pa ngau does not of its skiing, and Lu ty ali qu the for s necks, and the Austria is famou d out to avoid bottle lai ll we is a are e Th lift capacity should disappoint. mber of beds and the nu the n ee tw be io low rat um. ing is kept to a minim guarantee that queu ese y St Margarethen. Th snowbikes at nearb ter th en Br wi t the bu t cle ou cy We try per motor - almost like a chop t to are serious vehicles of skis go on your fee t se y bb stu er oth An . es tyr are ts of skis instead st couple of descen and turning. The fir stand help with balance s, the temptation to rn ite Herby’s wa ing sp I can De l. g. rfu yin we rif po ter y too prett r speed proved the ga u yo as ol . ntr ow up to regain co you enjoy eating sn only a good idea if seat, and the on d confirm that this is en r rea learn to keep your merely However, once you realise that steering g, it feels nin lea e requires gentl - no matter surprisingly natural holiday rt from how old you are. A alets in Lungau sta for ed St Martin Eco Ch nd y. Book highly recomme th no minimum sta wi t, mething gh so ni r for g pe kin 25 loo £2 someone m co ia. str au sto ay lid through www.ho a bit different. g ur lzb Sa to fly ) ww.ba.com British Airways (w rn. ick from £98 retu tw from London Ga m) ww.rhinocarhire.co Rhino Car Hire (w £20.50 per day. offers rental from
C
10 Life Begins
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s ie k n u j in l a n e r d a r Fo
Th is
As we huddle together, bodies bowed against the screaming wind and snow rolling over us in waves, I can’t help but think I’d rather be back in the warm, cosy mountain shack, devouring more delicious homemade minestrone.
bee sui lon as ha rac
Our small group is heading across the San Bernardo Pass, at the heart of the Tarentaise Valley. The ski area is shared between the Italian resort of La Thuile and the French resort of La Rosiere. These one of only a handful of cross-border resorts in the Alps and will be where I’m staying for the next two days.
Bu d’I slo
Since 1984, when the first lifts were installed to link the two resorts, there has
As bo wi su Bla At the sn ch fac Ou Re Eu ste
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travel
or luxury lovers
Tom Collins discovers St Anton, in Austria, is not just for party animals
Historically a haven for hard-partying skiers, St Anton, in the Austrian Tyrol, has had something of a reinvention as a high-end winter destination, with the stunning Hotel Montjola leading the way. This hillside hotel dates back to the 1930s, and has been given a comprehensive upgrade, breathing new life into a once tiredlooking building, to create a luxurious venue that’s a perfect base from which to explore St Anton’s challenging slopes. On arrival, I’m greeted by a warm, cosy reception and bar area, which typifies the owners’ attempts to maintain a traditional feel. But I’m pleased to discover the hotel has chosen to blend old with new, and that rooms have been kitted out with all the latest mod-cons. A luxurious spa is the perfect place to relax after a hard day on the slopes, with a sauna, steam room and massages all on hand to ease those aching muscles - not to mention the all-important outdoor hot tubs! There’s something extra special about sinking into a bubbling Jacuzzi in minus 10C air temperatures with snow falling all around you. Five minutes away from the resort centre, some guests will prefer a short walk from the hotel down into St Anton to begin their day’s skiing. But those who want to conserve energy can use the hotel’s complimentary shuttle bus. Thanks to hotels like Montjola, St Anton really does seem to be going up in the world. Anyone who loves skiing in the lap of luxury will find all they need right here.
s sy
siere
ch resort of La Ro The charming Fren r Chris Parker is a real surprise fo
been access to 90 miles of terrain, suitable for all abilities. The two-milelong Berthod run in La Thuile, regarded as one of the world’s most spectacular, has hosted European and World Cup races, and is a must for expert skiers. But unlike neighbouring Les Arcs and Val d’Isere, it’s generally quiet on the lifts and slopes, even in peak season.
se m
as
VIP SKI (www.vip-c halets.com; 0844 55 7 3119) offers seven nights at Hotel Montjola from £899 per person (two sharing), including flights from London Gatwick or Manche ster to Innsbruck, transfers and half-bo ard accommodation .
As we make our way back across the border, the clouds begins to part, the wind drops, and we ski back into brilliant sunshine with spectacular views of Mont Blanc. Our expert instructor Simon Atkinson explains the two resorts have their own micro-climates. So if it’s snowing in La Thuile, there is a good chance it will be sunny in the southfacing La Rosiere. Our accommodation is the stylish Residence Les Cimes Blanches in Les Eucherts, which has a swimming pool, steam rooms and saunas. The tastefully-
styled chalets, the largest of which can accommodate up to 12 guests, are all at the foot of the slopes, allowing you to ski in and ski out. Nearby there are restaurants, bars, a supermarket, bowling alley, ice rink, and ski schools, and the picturesque, treelined village of La Rosiere is just a 10-minute walk away. If you want more than just skiing from your winter holiday, then you’ll find plenty of alternatives. Paragliding, dog sledding and snowkiting, are just a few of the activities on offer. La Rosiere also allows you to go in search of the freshest powder, as it remains the only French resort where heli-skiing is available.
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Not wanting to miss out, the next day we swap our skis for snow shoes, and set out with our guide Xavier, from the ski and adventure school Evolution 2. As we complete our descent through the forest and into the valley, the first stars appear against a backdrop of royal blue above the silhouette of the mountains. With so few people around, this surely must be one of the best-kept secrets in the Alps. But I have a sneaking suspicion it won’t stay that way for long.
i.co.uk; ays (www.crystalsk Crystal Ski Holid y at the offers a week’s sta 0871 231 2256) person es from £475 per Les Climes Blanch Gatwick ding flights from (two sharing), inclu ts from gh fli nsfers. Direct to Geneva and tra ent. rts for £12 supplem 12 regional airpo
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health
Have you got a memory like a
Goldfish?
...What was I talking about again?
...I can’t remember... ...who are you?
Contrary to popular belief, it’s now thought that a fish has a memory span of rather more than three seconds. In fact studies suggest that fish can retain memories for up to five months if they are associated with a sound. In this article we look at the powerful human memory, why we remember some things and forget others. We’ll also be getting some powerful pointers on how to keep our memories ‘in tune’
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health
Our memories make up a large part of who we are, and as we get older often become the subject of jokes but also of concern as we struggle to recall things we previously would have had no problem remembering. Memories are part of all of our lives, whether it’s something in our early childhood or something that happened yesterday, we have an amazing capacity to remember millions of sights, sounds, smells and experiences but have you ever wondered how our memories actually work? Nel Staveley takes a trip down memory lane to quiz the experts.
Then there are those agonising moments in exams or work meetings, when facts you once learned completely vanish, or when you bump into someone at a party but, however hard you try and however much you nod along, you can’t recall their name or even where you might know them from. Everyone knows what these nostalgic and frustrating moments feel like, and everyone knows they’re related to our memory, but how, and why, do our memories actually work? “Basically, memory is very sensory,” explains Steve Tromans, of London-based Neuro-Linguistics Planning clinic, Just Be Well (www.justbewell.com). The part of the brain responsible for storing memories responds instinctively to smell, sight, noise and even touch, so if we sniff, see or hear something we might have experienced at an earlier time, we automatically link the two and remember that former experience. “Sometimes, even without realising it, you see something and your brain responds to it,” Tromans adds. “It could be a painting in a corner of a room that has the same colours as your teenage bedroom wall, prompting a memory of growing up. “Or perhaps when a child was young, his father always raised his left eyebrow before telling him off; as he gets older, he’ll instinctively link someone raising their left eyebrow with his father being angry and will re-live the same feeling of anxiety that went with it.” This link between memory and emotional state is also the reason we remember certain things in our lives, and not others. “Memory’s very dependent on your emotional state,” explains Tromans. “If you were experiencing heightened emotions at a certain point, you’ll remember that moment instead of a time you were very calm or distracted.” This explains why you recall a birthday meal from six years ago, but not what you had for dinner last Thursday - you were (hopefully) happy at your birthday, whereas on an average week-day evening you probably experienced no extreme emotions. This doesn’t mean memories can’t change over time, though this isn’t really related to the ‘rose-tinted spectacles’ people often blame. “Each time we remember something, it’ll become slightly altered by the emotional state we’re in at that specific time,” Tromans says.
“
While the smell of grass may be what prompts you to remember playing in the garden, if you smell it when you’re in a rush to get somewhere, the next time you remember playing in the garden, you’ll remember it being more active than it probably was. The fact memory is so based on your feelings is something you can use to your advantage if you’re trying to learn something new, like a language. Before you start your class, take a deep breath and make sure you’re calm. Then, when you try to recall something from the lesson at a later date, by once again ensuring you’re in a calm state, you’ll find remembering it much easier. This works for those ever-annoying moments when you’re about to say something, then you’re interrupted and the flow of thought completely crumbles. “Stress scrambles memory,” Tromans explains. “If you relax, things will come back to you.” The power of memories is not always about remembering though strange as that may seem; memories can also try to automatically forget bad experiences. It’s often referred to as a ‘coping mechanism’ whereby those memories that hurt or are unpleasant can be buried away where we can’t access them so easily and are only triggered by a certain sound, smell or feeling. Often though, we need to confront our fears and hurt so we can live with those bad memories without them having power over our lives. This may be through a support group, with the help of a trusted friend or partner, through self-help or through proper counselling depending on how painful those memories are. Acknowledging they exist and talking about bad memories is often the first step to helping live with the memories we don’t feel so comfortable with. One thing’s for certain: The human brain is a vast complex organ which is not easily understood. Essentially we’re all different but we also have a lot of things in common. It’s these shared experiences that help us understand each other. Talking and communicating with other humans helps us to retain our memories but there are also some simple, everyday exercies that can help us to keep our capacity to remember.
“
Memories can be wonderful, but they can also be very strange. Why, for example, do you find yourself walking down the street and, out of nowhere, you think of a teacher from primary school? Why do you smell freshly cut grass, and you’re suddenly transported back to being a child, playing in the garden on hazy summer nights?
Turn over for some helpful tips from the experts.
Sometimes, even without realising it, you see something and your brain responds to it www.lifebeginsmagazine.com
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Steve Tromans
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top tips
health
to improve your memory
Cognitive neuroscientist and psychologist Dr Lynda Shaw (www.drlyndashaw.com) suggests some simple tricks to help bolster your memory.
3 Do more than one thing at once 3 3 3
3
As we get older, our brains becomes less efficient at multi-tasking. Try combining activities like jogging while listening to an audiobook, or cooking while listening to the radio, and force your brain to do two things at once. Learn new words When you pick a new word to add to your vocabulary, also investigate their linguistic origins. Recalling difficult words is easier if you understand their background and context.
Don’t just look; see Next time you leave a room, try to remember the exact location of certain items in it. This trains your brain to focus on your surroundings, and instead of just glancing at things, you’ll really see what’s in front of you.
Get a map Sat-navs are unavoidable nowadays, but relying on something else to guide you means you’re losing a key brain skill. Using a map exercises the part of the brain responsible for understanding spatial relationships. Use your non-dominant hand If you’re right-handed, use your left hand (and vice versa) for everyday tasks like brushing your teeth. This stimulates interaction between the two hemispheres of the brain, creating new neural pathways.
3
Try ‘neurobics’ Getting dressed with your eyes shut or listening to music while smelling flowers means you combine your senses in a different way and make your brain work harder.
3
Mentally rotate When using tools or playing a board game, our brains ‘mentally rotate’, which means moving things around in your head. To practice, picture an arrow pointing right, then turn it around so it points left.
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Advertising Feature
Would you travel over 300 miles or to another country to see your optician? Local opticians Parley Optometrists have built a reputation for clinical expertise and advanced eye-care, but are they so special that you should make a special journey? Clearly a lot of people think so, as they boast a client database including some that travel from Cornwall, Wales, the Midlands, Teeside and even France, Cypress and Australia! They have won or been short listed for no less than nine national optician awards, and continue to invest heavily in state of the art technology for the benefit of their clients. The very experienced clinical team at Parley Optometrists includes Noreen Boyd who amongst other things has volunteered for the charity “vision aid overseas”. Director and also senior optometrist at Royal Bournemouth Hospital, Rob Jones explains that “the importance of a good team cannot be underestimated, especially if we want to continue to exceed our patients
• Diabetic eye screening • Glaucoma screening & hospital shared eye care • NHS & Private eye exams • Contact lens specialists • Orthokeratology (Eye-Dream) an alternative to laser - for those suitable • Digital imaging of the internal & external structures of the eye • Corneal topography/pachymetry (advanced scanning techniques) • Children’s examinations & coloured overlays for specific learning / reading difficulties • Hospital cataract referral centre • Dry Eye specialists • Advanced 3D OCT Screening for the most advanced eye test
expectations”. With this in mind, there is also a new addition to the team, Optometrist Claire Broadley who also works at Royal Bournemouth Hospital. She joins this month to strengthen the breadth of clinical experience on offer. The practice was one of the first in the UK to offer 3D retinal scanning or Optical Coherence Tomography, and offers a range of different services above and beyond what is usually available on the high street, whilst also offering the usual range of products to suit those with designer tastes or those on a tight budget.
F I N A L I S T
You don’t need an eye examination to see why people travel from far and wide to access this level of service....and it happens to be on your doorstep!
2013
T E C H N O LO G Y P R A C T I C E OOFF T H E Y E A R
PARLEY OPTOMETRISTS AT THE FOREFRONT OF OCULAR TECHNOLOGY Parley Optometrists believe in delivering award-winning eyecare for our patients which is why we have invested in some of the latest technology available to ensure that we are giving the best possible care available today. Now you can have advanced award winning eyecare from just 41p a day which includes spectacles/contact lenses and specialist fast-track appointments if you have any concerns
ts alis 3 Fin e 201 l h at t ationa n N ticia Op ards Aw
VIEW A DEMO VIDEO OF OUR SERVICES INCLUDING OCT SCREENING: www.parleyoptometrists.co.uk
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127 New Road, West Parley, Dorset
parleyoptometrists
Call 01202 575759 to make an appointment
www.parleyoptometrists.co.uk www.lifebeginsmagazine.com
Life Begins 15
16-17_Life_begins_Template 19/11/2013 15:15 Page 1
fashion
s t r a e h e v o L
Tap into your romantic side with the icon of the season. Lisa Haynes falls head over heels for statement heart prints The big love affair began with Harry Styles on his 19th birthday back in February. Not the One Direction heart-throb himself, but his printed shirt. Fresh off the Burberry Prorsum autumn/winter 13 runway, Harry’s designer heart print has since been worn by Victoria Beckham, Alexa Chung and even rock legend Rod Stewart. In short, it’s become the ‘It print’ of the season.
And it’s not hard to fall in love with this micro trend. The uplifting power print is an on-trend alternative to polka dots and can be worn in a subtle way, with miniature hearts, or by really showing the love with statement oversized prints. But think glossy and grown-up, rather than schoolgirl cute. Don’t wait for Valentine’s Day - wear your heart on your sleeve (or trousers, dress, skirt...) right now with these romantic finds:
Berry beautiful... Set hearts aflutter with a feminine silhouette. Closet’s Heart Print V-neck Dress nips in at the waist to accentuate an hourglass shape, £48 (www.closetclothing.co.uk)
Harry Styles famous heart printed shirt
Show your neck some love as temperatures plummet. Add some passion to your autumnal outfits with Dorothy Perkins’ Camel and Black Heart Snood, £9.50 (www.dorothyperkins.com)
Footwear infatuation... Slippers (for outdoors only) just got super-chic. Step into love territory with Dune’s Loveley Suede Embellished Heart Detail Slipper shoes, currently £37 reduced from £57, available in black or blue (www.dunelondon.com)
16 Life Begins
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fashion
Cute and cuddly... If you’re hopelessly devoted to this trend, one statement heart is all you need. Nail the monochrome trend and cosy up in Apricot’s contrast colour Big Heart Sequin Jumper, £27 (www.apricotonline.co.uk).
Subtle enchantment: Opt for a hearty accent if all-over prints don’t appeal. In versatile black and tan, Accessorize’s Heart Print Oversize Clutch is the affordable alternative to Burberry’s £875 Little Crush bag, £19 (uk.accessorize.com).
Half measures! The most wearable way to work hearts is with a block panel of print. Yumi’s Heart Print Knitted Dress is a real heart warmer for the winter months, £45, available in black or burgundy from Debenhams or direct from Yumi. (www.yumidirect.co.uk).
Lucky in love
Dotty devotion
Become the Queen of Hearts with a quirky jumper. Red Herring at Debenhams’ Cream Striped Hearts Jumper is sure to put you on a winning style streak, £30 (www.debenhams.com)
If you love pretty polka dots, experiment with mini hearts instead. Matalan’s burgundy Heart Print Skater Skirt is so subtle you’ll have to play spot the difference between this and a designer print. Just £14 (www.matalan.co.uk).
Sweetheart shirt Be the envy of the office with an eye-catching print blouse. Topshop’s navy blue Heart Print Shirt can be worn buttoned-up for an androgynous take or tucked in to a pencil skirt for a ladylike vibe, £32 (www.topshop.com).
www.lifebeginsmagazine.com
Life Begins 17
18-19_Life Begins 19/11/2013 15:20 Page 1
gardening
A lifeline for Wildlife
By Hannah Stephenson
Anyone who’s been gardening for some years may well have noticed that, as time moves on, the wildlife which once frequented British gardens is becoming a rarer sight.
18 Life Begins
www.lifebeginsmagazine.com
18-19_Life Begins 19/11/2013 15:26 Page 2
gardening Water is precious, please use it wisely
Our gardening features are sponsored by: Bees are fast becoming a rare sight in British gardens
Here’s a few suggestions on how gardeners can help our wildlife, from celebrities backing the scheme “This campaign gives you the perfect excuse to be a bit lazy and let the grass grow long research has shown that the lawn contains more native species than any other garden feature,” Diarmuid Gavin
I
n May, the State of Nature report compiled by 25 wildlife organisations found that, for a range of reasons such as loss of habitat, 60% of the 3,148 UK animal and plant species assessed have declined in the past 50 years. Hedgehog numbers have also reduced by a third since the millennium, and tortoiseshell butterflies, once common in gardens, have declined by 77%. “What’s most alarming is that many of the ‘common’ garden species - hedgehogs, house sparrows, starlings and common frogs, for example - are becoming much less common,” says Helen Bostock, Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) horticultural advisor. “Historically these species have done well in our gardens and so their decline is something we really need to sit up and take notice of. This is where gardeners can make a difference and help to halt the declines we’re seeing by making their gardens more wildlife friendly. This should be a wake-up call to all of us.” With this in mind, the RHS and The Wildlife Trusts recently launched a new initiative called Wild About Gardens Week. The event, backed by celebrity gardeners Diarmuid Gavin, Matthew Wilson and Sarah Raven, was held from October 25-31 and involved many individual gardeners, plus the RHS’s 3,300 community gardening groups, 17,250 schools and 145 partner gardens, who held wildlife gardening events during the week.
“Nature isn’t particularly tidy - the countryside is full of piles of leaves, rotting wood, dying plants, nooks and crannies. Taking a more relaxed and less tidy approach to our own gardens benefits wildlife by providing similar habitats and food sources. In turn this keeps the garden more balanced and a lot more healthy,” Matthew Wilson “Get hold of a cheap sponge and soak it in a bucket of sugary water (dilute at about one part sugar to four parts water). Pop it out in the garden for butterflies to munch on - they love it!”
rs Tip Edito “Plant Buddleia – if there’s a favourite plant David Domoney
for butterflies it has to be this one and you’ll see dozens of them congregating around it. It grows very easily and quickly and brings a real flash of colour to any garden”
Chris Baines, vice president of The Wildlife Trusts, says: “The nation’s gardens are hugely important for wildlife and as a habitat network they are second to none. Inner-city balconies and courtyards, the suburbs’ hedgerows and lawns and the orchards and allotments of market towns and villages all have the potential to be incredibly rich habitats for wildlife. “There are many simple ways in which we can make our gardens naturally richer. Nest boxes, birdfeeders, log piles, nectar plants, fruiting shrubs, wall climbers and ponds all improve the life chances for many garden creatures and, as each of us improves our garden habitat for wildlife, the plants and animals that we attract will bring more pleasure in return. It’s a win-win situation.” Owl butterfly in the RHS Butterfly Dome with Eden at the RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show 2013
www.lifebeginsmagazine.com
Life Begins 19
glitters
20-21_Life Begins 19/11/2013 15:27 Page 1
property
All that
is not gold
Silver, bronze and copper are also dazzling in decor this season... . ...and beyond.
20 Life Begins
www.lifebeginsmagazine.com
20-21_Life Begins 19/11/2013 15:28 Page 2
property
I
f you’re craving a lick of luxury for your home, look no further than metallics - glittering gold, shimmering silver and burnished bronze. Precious metal tones have sashayed and sparkled their way down the fashion catwalks recently, and now they’re making their mark on our decor. Decorators, designers and producers have all joined the gold rush, recognising that metallics can bring instant glamour and richness to settings. They’re being seen as accents on accessories, as furniture embellishment and as a brushed finish on textiles. “Gold, particularly, is so much a part of our myths and legends, with childhood stories often having pirates hunting for it,” says Frederick Wimsett, who handpaints Chinoiserie murals which feature 24-carat gold leaf, and whose clients include fashion designer Alice Temperley. “Gold is literally woven into the fabric of our society. Around half of my projects now feature it in some way. It’s warm, light reflective and never goes out of fashion.” Bringing on the bling couldn’t be better timed, as that most glittering of seasons - Christmas - is on the horizon. But investing in some decor treasure for your home won’t be a waste, as this look’s set to last long after the baubles have been packed away. Metallics are featuring significantly in next year’s home collections and the trend will forge its way on to the high street. “The metallics trend is definitely going to stick around and is being employed across the industry, from tiles to fabrics, wallpapers and furniture,” says Steve Charles, co-founder of rare stone and decorative surface specialists Decorum Est.
Set the scene with Content by Conran Accents Round Side Tables with Metallic Top, £250 for a set of 3, John Lewis.
“It’s been channelled through some of the world’s leading fashion houses and we’re beginning to see it starring in interiors. Our latest tile collection, Hollywood, has a blend of white, gold and silver hues and is a nod to the decadence and drama of the post-Gatsby era.” Whether you’re a gold-digger, silver-seeker or just burning for bronze, there’s sure to be something to appeal - and it needn’t tarnish the bank balance. Follow
The metallics trend is definitely going to stick around and is being employed across the industry
“
“
Gold is the undisputed Kng of metals, and is being celebrated in an exciting exhibition at London’s British Museum, Beyond El Dorado (running until March 23, 2014), inspired by the imagined city of gold in South America and featuring an array of ancient Colombian gold art and crafts. If you fancy giving your home a golden touch, you’ll find many stores are glistening with gold-themed items.
Add a touch of grandeur with an Elise Sofa, upholstered in a gold Sable from Linwood’s Elemental collection. It starts from £1,820 plus fabric (stockist details available from Whitehead Embrace vintage gilded style with a gold ‘St Tropez’ 3 Drawer Bedside Table, £299.99, from ChiChi Furniture Company
Sanderson Lindos fabric, from £48 a metre
“Gold accents can be seen in the wallpapers and fabrics from Aegean, the new collection from Sanderson,” says Rebecca Craig, head of design for Sanderson. “We featured gold in response to the demand for luxurious home furnishings that look glamorous yet understated, without costing the earth.” Gold, she points out, complements mineral colours, as well as warm blues, reds, pinks and greens. “Metallic gold highlights are emphasised in natural lights, creating a warm and luxe room scheme,” she says. “We’ve used the palest, most delicate gold sheens, through to gloriously rich gold for backgrounds that showcase exquisite details.”
www.lifebeginsmagazine.com
Talos wallpaper, from £49 a roll
Life Begins 21
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property
Silver has a cool, calming effect on a scheme and gives a dash of opulence to contemporary settings. “Winter’s the perfect season to introduce metallics throughout interiors and the trend ranges from warm gold and copper through to cooler chrome and stainless steel,” says Gary Chambers at Apollo Blinds. “We’re also seeing pattern coming to the fore as people feel bolder in their choices, and the blend of metallics and detail is very strong.” Silver has arguably been perceived as Gold’s poorer relation but this has changed significantly over recent years. Silver is now gaining widespread appeal as the colour of choice when it comes to interior design. It offers crisp clean contrast and is now widely available from the humblest of highstreet stores right throught to the most fancy designer outlets.
Chasseur Brushed Metal Mosaic tiles, from Original Style at £20.45 per square. These would be an easy way to add lustre to a kitchen or bathroom
Silver Metallic made to measure roller blind, from £62, Apollo Blinds French furniture specialist Sweetpea & Willow is a good source for chateau-style furniture. Its Belgravia Silver Tub Chair, £273, is a good example.
Even if you’ve never been a heavy metal fan, the new look of brass, copper, bronze and nickel might change your mind. The finishes are warm and these softer, richer-looking metals, which are joining gold and silver on the decor stage, work well in both a traditional or contemporary setting. “The high-shine metallic hues are back in full force and, after all, what’s not to like? They have a glow and aura of opulence and uber-luxury,” says Janet Morais, president and creative director at luxury interiors specialists Koket.
A Juliet Chaise, upholstered in a bronze-look Mole fabric from the Glamour collection by Linwood, is stunning, £1,585 plus fabric (stockists can be found through Whitehead Designs)
22 Life Begins
Copper Lounge Pendant, £119, Barker & Stonehouse.
Metallic paper from the impressive ‘Chic’ collection at Blendworth, which also has gold and silver papers created by Dutch company Eijffinger. Papers start from £105 per roll www.lifebeginsmagazine.com
22-23_Life Begins 21/11/2013 17:08 Page 2
showbiz
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www.lifebeginsmagazine.com
Life Begins 23
24-25_Life Begins 22/11/2013 12:11 Page 1
food
s
WhenSimon Captain Richard Phillips ambushed he50 food When Rimmer was askedwas to help compilebya pirates, list of the never expected Forrest turndie, uphe at knew his door. As Tom experiences you must tryGump beforetoyou it would be tough. Hanks brings the captain’s incredible story to life, he tells Andy Welch discovers which tasty treats made the cut. Susan Griffin how he prepared for what could be an Oscarwinning role. Suddenly bucket lists, those collections of things to do before you die - or, as the phrase goes, kick the bucket - are all the rage. The practice has spiralled in popularity following the 2007 film of the same name in which Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman starred as two terminally ill characters on an adventure to sample all those experiences they always wished they had enjoyed. Now there’s a Food Lovers’ Bucket List, dreamt up by Kenwood and a panel of experts including critic Giles Coren, Waitrose magazine editor, sometime MasterChef judge William Sitwell and Great British Bake Off finalist Miranda Gore Brown. It’s not as heavy and emotional as Nicholson and Freeman’s road trip - think death by chocolate rather than actual death - but nevertheless it was a serious business for those who helped to compile it. Simon Rimmer, best known as the cook on Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch, was among those deciding what had to appear in the top
24 Life Begins
fifty. “There are many things that play a part, aside from ego and desire of those on the panel,” he explains. “First, we had to know where to pitch it. With myself, William and Giles, the natural inclination was to think about the most amazing thing we’d ever eaten, or the most unbelievable experience, but then you think what your mum might want, what my kids would like or what I’d like them to do.” As a result, alongside visiting certain restaurants around the world, there are some simpler, yet truly rewarding experiences among the 50. Cooking a curry from scratch is one of them, for example. Not something that should trouble even the most amateur home cook, and not needlessly extravagant, but something we should all do at least once. Catching a fish and cooking it on the beach is another. OK, it’s not something you could do each day for your tea, but it does sound rather romantic and more achievable for Life Begins readers who are fortunate to live on the beautiful south coast.
www.lifebeginsmagazine.com
24-25_Life Begins 22/11/2013 12:13 Page 2
food There were three items he was particularly keen to fight for, and number one was Betty’s Tea Room in Harrogate. Rimmer loves the place - he had his wedding reception in the York branch of the tea room and says he’d recommend a visit to anyone. “It’s deliriously overpriced, but the level of service and quality of food make it worthwhile. You might pay £7 for a piece of fruitcake, but then if you were sitting opposite the Place de l’Opera in Paris, you wouldn’t moan about your nine-euro coffee, you’d just admire the view. “These aren’t about everyday experiences, I’m not suggesting going there is something you do on your way to work.” He wasn’t quite so lucky with ‘eating cold baked beans from the can’ and ‘eating a doner kebab’ - perhaps the rest of the panel don’t know what it’s like to be a hungry, drunk student but his choice of fish and chips, a British Institution, made the grade but featured way down at number 45, behind such experiences as eating a hotdog at a baseball game. “It was very tough deciding these things, and the meetings were fraught with lots of shouting,” says Rimmer. “The thing is, if we’d been asked to make a list of 500, we could’ve done it, but I’m very pleased with the 50 things we’ve chosen. I honestly think it’s a list for everyone.”
The food lovers’ top 50 bucket list
3
1. Baking chocolate cake with your kids
29. Homemade mayonnaise
2. Takeaways with posh plonk
30. Woodland glade picnic
3. Afternoon tea at Betty’s (Harrogate)
31. Learning to joint a chicken
4. Eating Beluga caviar
32. Baking your own bread
5. Dining at Chez Panisse (California)
33. Lunch at The Walnut Tree (Abergavenny)
6. Eating a hot dog at a baseball game
20
34. Cooking a perfectly-timed Sunday roast
7. Coffee and croissants in a Parisian café 8. Fresh British asparagus
35. Making your own soup
9. Collecting and cooking fresh eggs
36. Early morning breakfast at Carnegie Deli (New York)
10. Breakfast at The Wolseley (London) 11. Bread and butter pudding
35
37. Making your own marmalade
12. Cornish clotted cream 13. Catching and cooking a mackerel on a beach
38. Making homemade ice cream
14. Marinated BBQ’d lamb
39. Tapas in San Miguel market (Madrid)
15. Crispy crackling
40. Pork pies
16. Curing raw fish at home
41. Dawn fry-up at Smithfield Market (London)
17. Cooking a curry from scratch
42. International wine trail
18. Growing your own vegetables
43. British ale with a Scotch egg
19. Dining at Racine (London)
44. Sushi at Tsukiji fish market (Tokyo)
20. Chocolate fondant pudding 21. Fresh seafood by the sea
43
45. Takeaway fish ‘n’ chips
22. Fresh honeycomb 23. Chocolate eclairs 24. Set lunch menu at Le Gavroche (London) 25. Greengages
46. Guinness at the Stag’s Head, Dublin 47. Dining at The Seahorse (Devon) 48. Wild British strawberries
26. Blackberry picking
49. Toasting a haggis with whisky
27. Dining at L’Enclume (Cumbria) 28. Visiting Jamaa El Fna Square (Marrakesh)
50. Street food in Asia
:: To download the free Food Lovers Bucket List booklet visit: www.kenwoodworld.com/foodloverslist www.lifebeginsmagazine.com
Life Begins 25
26-27_Pages 26-27 21/11/2013 15:27 Page 1
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26-27_Pages 26-27 19/11/2013 15:50 Page 2
books
The Book Worm
Our regular book worm has digested another book for our readers and gives his verdict
SOLO (Bond is back to his original best!)
Reviewed by Brian Case
In this gripping new novel James Bond is taken back to the late 1960’s to the fictional war torn country of Zanzarim which is in the midst of civil war, set in the cold war Bond is at home in London enjoying, or trying to, his 45th birthday. With his flat being refurbished he treats himself to a stay at the Dorchester and it is not long before he is taken over by cigarettes, alcohol and women, this novel is bond as many will know him. In the first part Bond is sent into Zanzarim under the guise of a reporter for a French paper, using this cover Bond is expected to basically help stop a war, the story often looks back to Bond’s successful war years and it is these experiences he is asked to call upon time and time again if he is to survive.
Author: William Boyd Hardcover: 336 pages Published: Sept 2013 ISBN-10: 0224097474 ISBN-13: 978-0224097475
Not wanting to give any of the story away we are helped by the title of the book SOLO, Bond soon finds himself going solo and disobeying “M”’s orders and it is not long before he finds himself in Washington DC struggling to work out foe from friend, this is a novel which also features his trusted friend Felix Leiter and between them they set about their task which results in a thrilling end to this great story, but here again we have to ask do Bond and Felix even trust each other this time? If Sean Connery or Roger Moore were your bond then this will be your book, when reading the book I found myself reading it in the style of one of these great actors, the book really is that good. If you are looking for a good Christmas holiday read as a stocking filler then look no further than this book.
Promotional feature
Personalised sleeping bags, fleecy booties & more. Perfect gifts for the kids or Grand-kids this Christmas! It’s difficult to be short of ideas on what to buy our children or grandchildren each Christmas, when so much money is spent on advertising over the Christmas period all claiming to have the answer to helping your child learn, eat, sleep. Sometimes it’s difficult to see through the marketing spin. But we came across Slumbersac, a fast-growing local company who specialise in baby Sleeping Bags that boast improved comfort and safety for children. We wanted to investigate further and caught up with owner Karina to tell us more. Our first burning question: So why is this local company gaining national attention? Karina told us “Slumbersac baby and children sleeping bags are of exceptional quality made from 100% cotton. All of our sleep sacks are rigorously tested to meet high quality and safety standards, allowing babies and toddlers to remain at a constant temperature throughout the night. They can also remove some of the hazards associated with blankets, duvets and other forms of top bedding.”
generous sizes to fit babies from birth to children up to 10 years. For that special added touch, many of their items can be personalised by adding name embroidery which make their sleeping bags a perfect and unique Christmas Gift that combines quality, comfort and safety. Also available are their gift sets containing a baby sleeping bag and the matching SlumerTags comforter, edged with 20 assorted colourful ribbons & labels of different textures.
Slumbersac sleep bags combine quality, comfort and safety and it’s claimed you can get them at a price you won’t find anywhere else. Their winter season sleeping bags come with long sleeves, which are suitable for room temperatures below the recommended 18c degrees.
Slumbersac’s ranges are continually expanding and this year they’ve just announced the launch of their new range of SLUMBERTOES baby winter booties! Available as fleece booties or made from water-resistant nylon material they come in seven gorgeous designs/colours. All boots are lined with soft fleece for extra warmth and comfort. The baby winter booties come in a lovely FREE gift pack which makes them a great gift for Christmas as well.
New this season are their down sleeping bags, filled with 100% soft duck down, providing optimal thermal regulation at extremely cold temperatures thanks to the natural microclimatic properties of down. Slumbersac offers a wide choice of designs and colours in six
To find out more about Slumbersac you can visit their website www.slumbersac.co.uk PLUS Save 10% when ordering online, by entering the following promotion code during checkout: LB10 incl. Free UK delivery and returns.
www.lifebeginsmagazine.com
Life Begins 27
28-29_Life Begins 19/11/2013 15:52 Page 1
money
The vishing line Don’t get caught! By Vicky Shaw
F
raudsters are increasingly using a telephone con trick known as “vishing” to steal millions of pounds from unsuspecting consumers. Around one in four people is estimated to be at risk from the scam, which involves a criminal posing as somebody else to get sensitive financial information so that they can access your bank account or use your details to commit identity theft. The conman will often pretend to be someone from a bank or building society fraud investigation team, the police or another legitimate organisation such as a telephone or internet provider. A variation involves the victim being persuaded to withdraw money from a branch or ATM to pay those behind the fraud. Research by the Financial Fraud Action (FFA) UK, a body which works to prevent fraud on behalf of the financial services industry, suggests that nearly a quarter of people in the UK have received a cold call requesting personal or financial information, meaning they could go on to become a victim of the scam if the caller was not legitimate. Two-fifths of consumers admit they find it hard to work out if such calls are genuine and in one recent case seen by charity Citizens Advice, a man lost £15,000 after a “sophisticated” con mimicked his bank’s contact system.
28 Life Begins
The word vishing is a combination of “voice” and “phishing”, another scam where fraudsters obtain personal details and passwords by sending fake emails designed to look like they came from legitimate organisations such as banks. FFA UK has seen a £36 million increase over the last year in crimes involving either online and phone banking, purchases made online and over the phone, or criminals filling out fraudulent applications. At least £7 million of this has been put down to vishing.
So how can you minimise the risk of falling victim to a financial fraud?
•Do not assume a caller is genuine just because they hold some det ails about you. Criminals may already hav e some basic information about a potent ial victim. •If someone suggests that you hang up the telephone and call back to check their authenticity, try using a diff erent line to do this. It takes two people to terminate a phone call, and the fraudster could be keeping the line open by not putting the phone down at their end.
•Try to memorise as many passwords and Pin numbers as you can. If you need to write them down, keep them sep Worryingly, around one in 25 adults arately to other financial documents. may have already been duped into such a con, according to FFA UK’s findings. •If you are expecting to rec eive a document Older people are particularly at risk, containing your personal det ails such as a with more than two-fifths of victims bank statement or a utility bill and it does not thought to be over the age of fifty. turn up, contact your supplie r. Legitimate organisations will not ask •Do not give out personal information, you to reveal details like your full Pin including copies of your pas number over the phone, so it is sport or driving licence as well as bank det ails, unless you important to be wary of anyone who know who is using it and wh calls up out of the blue asking for y. •W information which could help them to hen using the internet, avo id putting your financial information in an unlock your bank account. email, even if you know the person you are em ailing. Gillian Guy, chief executive of •Only give out your name, Citizens Advice, says: “Professional address and phone number online if you con-artists can be very convincing, so are sure the website is genuine and you it’s important to be on your guard are happy to be contacted by them. even if someone sounds trustworthy. “If you’re in any doubt, then don’t be •If you believe you have bec ome the victim afraid to hang up and report any of a scam, contact the Police and your bank suspicious calls to Action Fraud, or card company immediate ly. Trading Standards or the Police.” www.lifebeginsmagazine.com
28-29_Life Begins 21/11/2013 17:35 Page 2
showbiz
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At Richmondwood in Queens Park,Bournemouth you will have the company of your own generation plus help from a highly trained team of carers 24 hours a day. We pride ourselves on our award winning gardens, our contemporary and stylish décor and the quality of our freshly cooked home cuisine. As a family run home we place great emphasis on our regular activities and enterrttainment.
www.lifebeginsmagazine.com
Life Begins 29
30-31_Life Begins 19/11/2013 15:53 Page 1
motoring
young pretender Infiniti Q50 Hybrid
Unfortunately this screen is tilted back significantly enough Infiniti have been building cars since 1989 but has only been to be prone to glare, especially since it’s not angled towards a separate company from its parent Nissan brand for a little the driver in any way. If the sun is coming through the more than a year now. Undeterred, the firm is going up against passenger side window it can be hard to see parts of the some of the toughest opposition in the car market in the When Captain Richard Phillips was ambushed by pirates, he navigation readout. mighty shapes of Audi, BMW and Mercedes, who dominate never car expected Forrest Gump to turn up at his door. As Tom Hanks the European premium market almost completely. The lower screen, mounted flush with the console and topped brings the captain’s incredible story to life,glossy he plastic tells cover, Susan Griffinthe touchwith a smooth, is effectively The Q50 is the spearhead with which Infiniti wants to give the screen control panel via which the driver adjust the big Germans a poking on their It’s sharply styled howhome heturf. prepared for what could be an Oscar-winningcan role. myriad settings and personalisation options. It is rather and certainly easy on the eye in either of the body styles. Sport vulnerable to fingerprints, but it’s quick to respond to touch trim looks surprisingly different from the front when you put it and offers a clear, crisp app-style layout that anyone with a next to a more relaxed Premium-spec car, but in isolation both smartphone should feel right at home with. look strikingly - refreshingly - different to what’s already out there. It’s sized in between BMW’s 3 Series and 5 Series, so it might just be a great catch-all compromise. The interior design is good, too, with a large centre console giving a snug, comfortable feel to a cabin that isn’t as open and spacious-seeming as some thanks to a windscreen and Apillar sitting closer to the occupants than in rival cars. The console itself is dominated by two vertically stacked large screens; the top one recessed slightly into the surface and tasked with displaying the navigation system readout and visuals from the manoeuvring cameras (front and rear).
Cabin storage is a mixed bag, with short-ish door pockets but a big central bin, which also houses two 12-volt power outlets, two USB ports, a 3.5mm jack and even a ‘video in’ socket to pipe pictures to the top screen - but not while you’re driving! Speaking of driving, you can have the Q50 as a diesel, which borrows Mercedes’s slightly clattery but potentially very economical 2,143cc four-cylinder engine, or as a petrolelectric hybrid that uses the electric motor as a ‘supercharger’. It works like a charm, too, giving the Q50S (the hybrid’s
...clever Direct Adaptive Steering, which in a world-first move isn’t connected to the front wheels by any mechanical means. 30 Life Begins
www.lifebeginsmagazine.com
30-31_Life Begins 19/11/2013 15:54 Page 2
motoring
or the real deal?
By Matt Kimberley
The Q50 is the spearhead with which Infiniti wants to give the big Germans a poking on their home turf. special designation) an instant swell of torque low down in the rev range before the 3.5-litre V6 takes over to pump the overall power output to 360bhp. In this hybrid guise the car excels in slow traffic under gentle throttle inputs, where the engine can switch off altogether until the battery is depleted. With the air conditioning on, though, the engine quite often has to keep cutting back in to power the auxiliary systems. The rear-wheel drive version of the Q50S is a very fine steer on twisty roads, too, where a genuinely adjustable and composed chassis shines through, thanks in part to the clever Direct Adaptive Steering (DAS), which in a world-first move isn’t connected to the front wheels by any mechanical means. It’s completely fly-by-wire, like a fighter jet, which means the steering responsiveness can be customised to how the driver wants it. It works brilliantly, giving an increased measure of control and a greater sense of confidence, flattering a driver but also giving them the green light to exploit the wealth of talent it has. There are some small niggles with the new Q50, like the satnav screen’s glare issue, but it’s thoroughly enjoyable to drive. It cruises effortlessly, looks arguably much more stylish than the alternatives and feels solid.
Although Infiniti have the experience of Nissan behind them, they are a relatively young company and so the UK dealer network is not as comprehensive as it’s rivals but Infiniti’s customer service is reportedly something special. The nearest dealer for Life Begins readers is in Reading which whilst not local, is not too far away if they ever need to be called upon. You do get the feeling that the youngest premium car manufacturer out there might be about to come of age. Be prepared to see an Infinti dealer springing up much closer to home in the near future!
facts at a glance
Model:
Infiniti Q50S, from £40,000 on the road
Engine:
Fully enclosed 3.5-litre V6 petrolelectric hybrid system producing 360bhp and 403lb.ft
Transmission:
Seven-speed automatic gearbox driving the rear wheels
Performance:
Top speed 155mph (limited), 0-62mph in 5.1 seconds
Fuel economy:
45.6mpg
CO2 rating:
144g/km
www.lifebeginsmagazine.com
Life Begins 31
32-33_Life_begins_Template 19/11/2013 18:33 Page 1
entertainment
Shows and Events coming soon... Here’s our pick of upcoming events happening at a venue near you soon... November 18 – 23 21 – 5 Jan 22 22 22 26 27 – 30 28 28 29 29 – 1 Dec 30 & 1 30 30 – 24 Dec
Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story Ice Rink, daily Stereophonics Barry Cryer Paul Merton – Impro Chums, Russell Brand Joseph & His technicolour Dreamcoat Ardal O’Hanlon Jethro Live!, M.R James Ghost Stories A Victorian Christmas Festival Christmas Gift Fair Watercress Line, Santa Specials Swanage Railway Santa Specials, daily
Lighthouse, Poole Winchester Cathedral, BIC, Bournemouth Tivoli, Wimborne Kings Theatre, Portsmouth Southampton Guildhall Regent Centre, Christchurch Tivoli, Wimborne Electric Palace, Bridport Highcliffe Castle, Christchurch Portsmouth Navy Base Pavilion, Bournemouth Alresford Swanage
2–7 4&5 4 4 6 – 5 Jan 7 7 – 5 Jan 8 10 11 12 12 14 14 14 – 15 13 14 – 23 Feb 14 14 – 12 Jan 17 – 18 20 20 – 24 21 31 31
Thriller LIVE! Michael Jackson Celebration Boyzone Anniversary Tour Paul Daniels, The First Farewell Tour Christmas Jazz & Swing, Swing Unlimited Jack & The Beanstalk New Forest Local Producers Market Aladdin Victorian Christmas Carol Concert, in aid of Autism Wessex Status Quo The Searchers The Nutcracker, Royal Ballet Christmas Starts Here, BSO family concert The Great Pudding Stir Watercress Line, Santa Specials Jools Holland & His Rythmn and Blues Orchestra Cool Coast ice Rink Wet wet wet Robinson Crusoe Panto Dickens Great Expectations BSO, Last Night of the Christmas Proms Christmas Spectacular That’ll be the day Christmas show New Years Eve dinner with Frank Sinatra Tribute New Years Eve Masquerade party
Mayflower, Southampton BIC, Bournemouth Tivoli, Wimborne Highcliffe Castle, Christchurch Lighthouse, Poole Farmers Walk, Lymington Pavilion, Bournemouth Tudor House, Southampton Christchurch Priory BIC, Bournemouth Tivoli, Wimborne Regent Centre Christchurch Lighthouse, Poole Priest’s House Museum, Wimborne Alresford BIC, Bournemouth BIC, Bournemouth BIC, Bournemouth Mayflower, Southampton Lighthouse, Poole Portsmouth Guildhall Regent Centre, Christchurch Pavilion, Bournemouth Pavilion, Bournemouth Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth
7 9 – 12 14 17 – 25 18 – 25 20 – 25 21 – 25 21 – 23 25 27 28 28 28 – 1 Feb 30 30 31
Michael Buble Tribute Peter Pan on Ice James Arthur X Factor winner Treasure Island Pinocchio Seven Brides for Seven Brothers The Sowman UK Dance Championship 2014 Marty Wilde & The Wildcats Giselle, Royal Ballet Forest Forge present Annie of Green Gable Johann Strauss Gala Jesus Christ Superstar Sarah Milican Del Amitri The voice of Karen Carpenter,
Mayflower Ovation Restaurant, Southampton Pavilion, Bournemouth Portsmouth Guildhall Regent Centre, Christchurch Verwood Hub, Verwood Pavilion, Bournemouth Mayflower Theatre, Southampton BIC, Bournemouth Tivoli, Wimborne Regents Centre, Christchurch Forest Arts, New Milton Pavilion, Bournemouth Nuffield Theatre, Southampton Pavilion, Bournemouth o2 Academy, Bournemouth Pavilion, Bournemouth
December
January
32 Life Begins
Dates and venues correct at time of press, but you are advised to check with venues prior to travelling
32-33_Life_begins_Template 19/11/2013 15:55 Page 2
entertainment
The Snowman flies into Southampton in January
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by Jason Harris
Celebrating 15 spellbinding years on the stage the live version of Raymond Briggs’ much-loved children’s classic, The Snowman, visits the Mayflower Theatre from 21 – 25 January 2014 to enchant audiences of all ages. Sparkling with charm and wit, The Snowman tells the magical story of a young boy’s adventures when his snowman comes miraculously to life on Christmas Eve. A glittering host of international snowmen and snowwomen are joined onstage by an array of colourful characters including dancing penguins, magical reindeer, a beautiful snow princess and her abominable beau Jack Frost and of course, Father Christmas himself. With its joyful combination of classic storytelling, music and dance, The Snowman is an enchanting treat for all the family. The Snowman first appeared as a beautifully illustrated picture book by Raymond Briggs in 1978. It has since inspired the classic Oscar Nominated, BAFTA Award winning animated film, first transmitted by Channel 4 on Christmas Eve, 1982. The film’s signature song Walking in the Air, by Howard Blake, reached number 3 in the UK charts when sung by choirboy Aled Jones in 1985, and the song was recently voted no 2 in a poll conducted by Classic FM to find out children’s favourite pieces of classical music, beating Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf and Tchaikovsky’s Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy amongst others.
“
“
This is sheer theatrical magic. Go see The Snowman and melt The Times
Since its premiere at Birmingham Repertory Theatre in 1997 the live stage show of The Snowman has thrilled audiences at The Peacock Theatre, London for 15 years. The show made it’s international debut at the Seoul Opera House, Korea in 2009. In 2012 a performance of the stage show was filmed in the auditorium of Birmingham Repertory Theatre - the show’s birthplace - with a live audience, 14 cameras and a superb narration by Joanna Lumley. It is now on major DVD release in the UK but comes to Southampton for the first time in January.
The Snowman is showing at The Mayflower, Southampton from Tuesday 21 – Saturday 25 January 2014. Suitable for children aged four and upwards, Strictly's ANTON DU BEKE returns to the Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre with special guest SUMMER STRALLEN!
The Nation’s favourite Ballroom dancer ANTON DU BEKE is back once again with a thrilling new show to wow audiences across the UK - including a date at the Bournemouth Pavilion on 23rd February. Featuring memorable dances alongside sensational new choreography, timeless tunes and strictly dazzling costumes to conjure up the elegance of Ballroom at its best and the unmissable razzle dazzle of Broadway.
Don Williams at Bournemouth International Centre on Friday 16 May as part of his UK tour Don Williams, The Legend lives on. Inducted in to Country music’s “Hall of Fame” in 2010, Nominated for a Grammy in 2013 for his last CD release on Sugar Hill Records, “And so it goes,”……Back on tour again in 2014. Don will be performing many of the Hits in his show that have made him a household name. Hits such as “I Believe In You”, “You’re My Best Friend”, “Good Ole Boys Like Me”, “Tulsa Time” and many more, plus songs from his Grammy nominated CD, also from his new CD. Don will have a brand new studio CD released on Sugar Hill Records in March 2014, titled “Reflections”.
Life Begins 33
34-35_Life_begins_Template 19/11/2013 17:42 Page 1
entertainment
Don’t cry for me
Evita brings a tear to the eye By Brian Case
C
urrently playing to packed houses throughout the UK, Evita stopped off at The Mayflower, Southampton and continues to wow audiences. The shear brilliance of this production makes you want to see it again and again, such is the gripping effect of the musical which immediately captures your attention from the openng scene to the final curtain.
This version of Evita has to be musical theatre at it’s very best. This musical really is just that, no words are spoken during the entire length of the show which comprises of 19 musical scores with iconic songs that stir the soul including: Don’t Cry for me Argentina, Another Suitcase in another hall, Rainbow high and Requiem for Evita. Telling the story of Eve Peron, the wife of the dictator Juan Peron, Evita takes you on Eve’s journey from her humble beginnings through to her iconic status. At the height of her popularity she was almost perceived as a spiritual leader by the Argentinian people. The show manages to brilliantly portray her character and impresses on one the ultimate queston: Despite having everything she wanted, was she really happy? The audience are carried through her quest for happiness which ultimately results in catastrophe. What she had hoped would be her ‘conquering’ of Europe turned out to be a humiliating retreat to her homeland, with the dictatorship of the time never-the-less attempting to put a brave face on it. This elaborate production, with great attention to detail, tells the story in a most emphatic way. The death scene is so emotionally charged you could have heard a pin drop in the packed theatre, such is the way this musical mesmerises the entire audience. The cast is outstanding with Marti Pellow playing Che and Madalena Alberto playing Eva. The costumes and sets are stunning with the dance and street scenes easily capturing the mood of post-war Argentina. The standing ovation at the end of this production was more than earned by the entire cast. The UK tour started in autumn 2013 and finishes in May 2014 in Plymouth. Local to our region, the next performances are in Oxford at the New Theatre in January and then at the Theatre Royal, Plymouth in May. If you get the chance, it is well making the effort - you’ll be unlikely to see a show of this calibre outside of London’s West End.
34 Life Begins
Paul Carrack on Tour Bournemouth Pavilion To many Paul Carrack needs no introduction and judging by the packed Pavilion he recently played to in Bournemouth his fan base is still as strong as it ever was. Paul is currently enjoying a UK/Germany tour which at the time of writing (November 2013) still has a further 42 dates to play including 6 Christmas concerts in Germany which includes the easy to get to cities of Hamburg and Stuttgart. Paul Carrack does not cut his set short. In all he played for 90 minutes and apart from a few personal short stories, it was pure live music at its best with his playlist comprising of many of his original hits both by himself and with Mike and the Mechanics including “The living Years” and “Eyes of Blue” through to his recently released new album “Rain or Shine”. Carrack engages with his audience in a unique way making them feel a valued part of the gig. The support for the Bournemouth show was Robert Vincent, a Liverpool based singer-songwriter. His set was refreshingly simple and comprised of him walking on stage with a guitar, saying hello and launching straight into a medly of songs. Robert Vincent has a unique repertoire which is a blend of Folk, Rock and Country and it works. the only thing that would of improved his set would have been another twenty minutes. If you missed Paul this time it is not too late as his UK tour does not end until April 2014. Locally you will find him in Southampton at The Brook on 29 November, Plymouth on 22 January at the Plymouth Pavilions, at the Octagon Theatre, Yeovil on 24 January and at The Anvil, Basingstoke on 5 February. By Brian Case
www.lifebeginsmagazine.com
34-35_Life_begins_Template 21/11/2013 15:45 Page 2
entertainment
Tickets: Matinees: All seats £12 Evenings: £14.50 Concessions: £13.50
We are proud to offer specialist home care support to enable independence in your own home.
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Life LifeBegins Begins 35
1-36_Life_begins_Template 19/11/2013 13:48 Page 1
RINGW OOD
where style comes naturally
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Gourmet Food & Artisan Craft Market Marke Sunday 1st December (stalls open from 10am)
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