UK Women Magazine - Summer Issue 2015 by WomenUK

SUMMER 2015 £4.95

Feature:

MINNIE DRIVER

Talks career, motherhood and Hollywood friends FASHION Sheer fabrics with glamorous results DEPRESSION One woman’s story of surviving it PREVENTATIVE SURGERY Would you take that step when faced with uncertainty? GREEN CLEAN What are ‘eco products’ all about?

SOUTH

DESSERT Luscious lemon treats

FASHION Sheer and sensuous

ECO FRIENDLY? Green and clean

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BATHROOM BLISS With Wren

OUT AND ABOUT Rutland Water has got it all

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EATING OUTDOORS Do it in style

THE PHILIPPINES Waiting to be explored

52 DEPRESSION When life feels bleak

MINNIE DRIVER Still shining

NORTON SPA And relax...

WELCOME TO

SUMMER 2015 INTRODUCTION

WHAT’S INSIDE

Welcome to UK Women Magazine South

FEATURE: The enigmatic Minnie Driver

CHARITY: One woman’s trekking challenge to raise breast cancer awareness

FASHION: Release the goddess within - wear it sheer and floaty

ACCESSORIES: Make time a statement

BEAUTY: Let your lips do the talking (and the kissing!)

HEALTH - DEALING WITH DEPRESSION: From the heart, a personal experience

CHEF'S DELIGHT: A star of a pudding

FOOD: Al fresco dining

INTERIORS: Wren Bathrooms

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Would you have preventative surgery? TAKE 3: Women, who fascinate, intrigue and inspire

CULTURE: Nicole Kidman in Photograph 51

FEATURE: The rise of middle class poverty

CAR REVIEW: 46

The VW Scirocco wows us! GREEN SCENE:

DID YOU KNOW: News from around the region

This issue we’ve got show-stopping recipes, beauty tips to make your lips glow and interviews with stars to fascinate you. We’ve also taken a long, hard look at the rise in Middle Class Poverty – something that on the outside is perhaps hard to understand. Something else to ponder on is whether you would have preventative surgery if you were presented with the possibility of an illness that you have not yet developed? Not an easy decision, after all surgery is not a light option. We hope you find this edition both a pleasure to read and a source of inspiration. See you soon.

DEBATE:

What are eco cleaning products all about?

Hello ladies, hope you’re enjoying the lovely summer. Welcome to another issue of UK Women, designed to entertain, intrigue and inspire you.

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TRAVEL: The Philippines are waiting for you

SPA REVIEW: Norton Spa and Hotel

OUT AND ABOUT: Market Harborough

Rutland Water

Carole & Felicity Partners, NFC Publishing Ltd

Viva Press 2015 Photos Featureflash l Shutterstock.com

Piers Manning talks to Hollywood actress Minnie Driver

'BEYOND THE LIGHTS'

Minnie Driver’s lost some of the sparkle on her Hollywood star over the past few years. Once the golden girl of the red carpet, she had it all – the big money offers, movie hunk boyfriends and a wellknown penchant for a diva strop. But to go from an Oscar nomination for Good Will Hunting to bit part player on Will and Grace in the space of six years, it’s clear Driver didn’t play the Tinsel Town game quite as well as she could have. And she’s the first to admit it. “It’s all down to the career choices I made,” she laughs warmly over the phone. “I look back and think ‘I should have done that movie’ but at the time I was like, ‘No, no, I’m going to stay true to my artistic integrity’. I just wish I’d taken more of the blockbuster Hollywood offers I got, made a s*** load of money and then it would have been so much easier for me to do the independent quality stuff I wanted to do.” Frank and honest, the 45 year-old Londoner has always marched to the beat of her own drum. After a breakthrough in Pat O’Connor’s Circle of Friends, she rose to Hollywood’s A-list after with roles in Sleepers with Robert De Niro and Brad Pitt, Gross Pointe Blank with John Cusack and finally, Good Will Hunting, earning her first Oscar nomination. But reputation and attitude got in the way. Driver was unfathomably branded ‘venomous’ and ‘the pushiest woman in Hollywood’ and the big movie offers cooled. A string of flops including Hard Rain, Return to Me and High Heels and Low Lifes didn’t help. Her personal life started to outshine her work. After getting famously dumped on Oprah by then boyfriend Matt Damon, she dated John Cusack and Harrison Ford and called off her engagement at the 11th hour to actor Josh Brolin. And then came the secret identify of the father of 6 year-old Henry, revealed as producer Tim Lea, which has kept the masses chattering. Yet Minnie seems non-plussed by it all. Her career, now largely focused on the small screen, with starring roles in The Riches, earning her a Golden Globe nod and About A Boy, recently axed, being her most high profile work. Though she’s not neglecting her big screen duties and in compelling melodrama, Beyond The Lights, she shines as an overbearing stage mum from hell. Opposite new rising starlet, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Driver excels as Macy Jean, mum to a despairing pop star, increasingly damaged by the pressures of the music industry.

PM: FANTASTIC FILM MINNIE, IT REALLY SPEAKS ON SO MANY LEVELS. MD: Doesn’t it! It’s a real mix of things, proper love story and a lot of drama, really intense and there’s a lot of music. So it’s hitting a lot of different notes but I think it will be really entertaining, across the board. PM: THE MESSAGE REMAINS INCREDIBLY RELEVANT MD: Well I mean, the other character in the film is music, it really is. It’s the idea of what’s driving the whole, you know the commodification of women in the music industry, you turn on the TV, you see it. And watching what my character and the record label try to make this young girl into and the music that goes with that, you know, that’s Top Forty music, it’s what we’re all listening to on the radio, makes you a lot of money and puts you right into the spotlight PM: WHAT WAS YOUR TAKE ON MACY? SHE’S TOUGH, SO TOUGH BUT THERE’S HEART THERE. SOMEWHERE. MD: Somewhere in there. I mean, she’s had a rough life. Had Noni when she was seventeen, a mixed race baby, no one wanted to help her with, and Macy’s been kicking and shoving and trying for so long, she’s pretty hard. She loves her kid but I think it‘s been overshadowed by her ambition for Noni and the perilous water you get into when your greed for recognition for your kid overcomes your moral compass on being a good parent. She’s not a bad parent, she’s just had it hard and that shows. PM: HOW SUPPORTIVE WAS YOUR OWN FAMILY IN THE EARLY STAGES OF YOUR CAREER? MD: They were all very clear that the path I was choosing was going to be fraught with unemployment [laughs]. And particularly at drama school, where I had some lovely teachers, it was also their job to gird you to the fact that you probably weren’t going to work. I just flatly refused to believe that. PM: HOW DO YOU LOOK AT YOUR OWN CAREER WHICH HAS ENJOYED COMPLEX, DIVERSE ROLES, AND SWUNG FROM TV TO FILM TO TV WITH ABOUT A BOY? ARE YOU HAPPY WITH THE TRAJECTORY? MD: I still worry actually. PM: ABOUT WHAT? MD: My career. It can be really scary. It’s never been easy for me. I’ve always had to fight for the jobs that I really wanted. Always had to audition, even to this day.

'I'm a believer in if you don't admit doubt into your philosophy at all, if you don't sit round and think 'oh god, maybe I should have gone to secretarial school', if you're literally just balls out, 'f it, this is it, I'm going to do this.' It goes in fits and starts and I’ve definitely worked consistently for the past twenty years but there have been fallow periods where I really haven’t worked that much and they’re certainly not making as many films as they used to, not making as many good films as they used to. But like I said, I like a good fight, I’ll go out and fight for stuff. But believe me, Kate Winslet’s not losing out any parts to me. PM: WHAT FILM DO YOU LOOK BACK ON AS YOUR BIG BREAK? MD: Circle of Friends, one hundred per cent, Oh my god, that movie you know, that little beautiful film, as it was patronisingly looked at, went on to make so much money in America and people were so shocked. Pat O’Connor did such a brilliant job and seriously, that is what people come up to me about, far more than Good Will Hunting.

That’s what happens though, you turn things down, there’s things that their people got and you just sit there watching going ‘I cannot f***ing believe that’s not me. And she’s c**p! PM: YOU HAVE TO TELL ME WHO THAT WAS! MD: I’m not going to tell you who that was. [Laughs] And that’s only happened once to be honest. PM: I HAVE TO TRY, RIGHT! MD: Of course. But it’s like anything’s incredibly competitive. You’re going to make mistakes, you’re going to have great successes, it’s just it’s so public and your losses are so public. PM: DID YOU TURN DOWN TITANIC?

It’s not a like a normal job where you don’t get the promotion or someone gets fired and you then get the job. That’s just between the company and your mates maybe. In my business, everybody knows about it. Particularly with the internet. I do something in 1995, they’re still talking about it today.

MD: Nope, not Titanic. I was shooting a movie at the same time, Hard Rain with Morgan Freeman and Christian Slater, and they were shooting at the same time and we were having the most miserable time anyone can ever have on a film - in water - ever and the only worse stories are what we’d hear from Titanic. What I did turn down, and what I should have done for commercial reasons was The Wedding Planner that Jennifer Lopez did. I should have done that film. I mean… Pat O’Connor is one of the great loves of my life. I owe him everything. The American producers didn’t want me, they wanted Winona Ryder and Pat fought for me. Colin Firth, who’s one of my really old friends, I’d been in a play with, and Colin and Pat were great friends and Col put in a good word for me and that’s how it went. I wanted it so badly. PM: ONLINE, THERE’S STORIES OF YOU TURNING DOWN JOBS, ONE OF THEM, SLIDING DOORS, WENT ON TO DO BIG THINGS FOR GWYNETH – DID YOU REALLY TURN IT DOWN? MD: I did and I should have done it but at the time, I’d literally just gone to America and I had just finished Big Night and was about to make Sleepers and the idea of coming back to England felt like going backwards. I felt like I was moving forward, it was completely erroneous and I’m sad I didn’t make the film, not just because it was a great film, but also because I let them down. Although clearly they were very lucky to find Gwyneth Paltrow but I think that director’s still cross with me because I think their financing fell apart because I think they’d sold it in Cannes based on me doing it. It’s really one of those awkward things. But Sleepers came along and you don’t turn down a film with Dustin Hoffman, Robert DeNiro, Brad Pitt.

PM: THAT’S WHO YOU’RE TALKING ABOUT RIGHT – THE RUBBISH ACTRESS? MD: I’m not saying a word [laughs]. PM: YOU ONLY REVEALED THE IDENTITY OF YOUR SON’S FATHER AFTER SEVERAL YEARS, WHY DID YOU KEEP IT SECRET FOR SO LONG? MD: It was to protect him and to protect him and Henry when they’re together because we’re not together but I respect him so much. He’s my child’s dad, he’s always going to have that place. PM: AND LITTLE HENRY IS NEARLY SEVEN NOW. Hen’s such a happy little person, great personality and makes me so happy. We live in Malibu by the water and exist in our own little bubble with our friends and family. PM: IS IT DIFFICULT JUGGLING WORK WITH MOTHERHOOD THOUGH? MD: Not at all! I have my support system and Henry comes with me to set, has fun travelling and meeting new people. I’m not going to say being a single mum was easy in the beginning, because it wasn’t but I got into my groove. It takes time and now I can’t imagine my life not being a mum.

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

VISIT THE NATUZZI EDITIONS GALLERY

CHARITY

HOPE AGAINST CANCER When Bostik Research and Development Director Katherine Higgins was diagnosed with breast cancer it inspired her to take on a huge personal challenge to raise funds for her local cancer research charity

I started chemotherapy treatment in December 2013, followed by an operation to remove the cancer and, finally, radiotherapy. The treatment was nowhere near as bad as I thought it would be. Apart from a couple of days after each chemotherapy session and immediately after my operation, I was able to continue working throughout. Hope Against Cancer is a charity which funds research into cancer treatments and therapies. When I was nearing the

end of my treatment I decided I needed to find a physical challenge to help me get back to fitness and raise money to fund cancer research. I was keen to support Hope Against Cancer and Mount Toubkal, the highest mountain in North Africa at 4,167m, seemed the ideal thing to tackle. I was fortunate to persuade nine people to join me on the trek. We all worked hard to train and get fit and had several training walks as a team. However, we weren’t able to do any training at high altitude and this was the ‘big unknown’ about the trek. Any activity is more demanding at altitude because of the lower levels of oxygen. It also means that altitude sickness is a possibility. We left the UK in early June and spent our first night enjoying the Moroccan food and sights in Marrakesh. The next morning, we drove into the Atlas Mountains and began our trek where the road ended at Imlil. Our camping equipment was loaded onto the mules and they set off ahead of us to set up camp next to the Netner Mountain Refuge at 3,200m.

If anyone reading this would like to support us, it’s not too late. You can make a donation via our Virgin giving page: www.virginmoneygiving.com/team/ToubkalTrekkers

We walked for about eight hours and arrived at the camp in the early evening. It was extremely windy during the night and the flapping of the tents, plus our nerves, meant we had very little sleep! The next morning, we set off just after five am and began our ascent in the dark. For the first two hours we had to watch every step as we traversed across highly treacherous snow and ice fields. As we climbed higher, the snow disappeared and was replaced by huge boulders and loose scree. The last two hours were very steep and tested our fitness to the max; finally, after five and a half hours, we reached the summit. The views were breath-taking. It was the most beautiful calm day, and we were able to see the dramatic Atlas Mountains surrounding us and the Sahara Desert in the distance. It was the most amazing experience and I feel very proud of the entire team; everyone gave an enormous effort and helped raise more than £12,000 for Hope Against Cancer.

Photo: Katherine pictured fourth from right

My diagnosis with breast cancer came as a real shock, as I had no family history of the disease. You never think it’s going to be you and I had always been fit and healthy. The time from finding the lump in my left breast to having a full diagnosis took about two weeks and I can honestly say that was the worse period. Once you know your diagnosis and the treatment plan, you can start to come to terms with it and move forwards. I was lucky that my cancer, although locally advanced, had not spread beyond the breast and lymph nodes so I knew that there was a good chance of successful treatment.

FASHION

Words Katie Farley Designers fell hopelessly in love with the overtly feminine and feathery light trend, whilst the high street hasn’t hesitated to echo its alluring appeal either, showcasing delicate, dreamy dresses and elegantly chic separates. Prevailing everywhere for summer ‘15, diaphanous designs have also dazzled on the red carpet with A-list celebrities parading gorgeously glamorous, full length gowns that arrived in chiffons, tulles, fine laces and sheers. A trend that translates a beautiful feminine magnetism - floaty fabrications made appearances among many designers’ collections including Zuhair Murad Couture, Vionnet and Balenciaga, where stunning sheers were splashed in pretty pastels and further enhanced with embellishments via exquisite detailing, resulting in dream-worthy gowns. Elie Saab dedicated almost his entire collection to this delicate trend, amalgamating contrasting prints, tie-die colours and lashings of lace on ethereal maxi dresses. Reigning supreme for their beautiful occasion wear, Phase Eight are delivering a delightful array of diaphanous dresses in varied hues with exquisite embellishments ready for summer weddings and evening celebrations. Mint Velvet and Pretty Eccentric are your go-to for cocktail hour, boasting a charming collection of sophisticatedly chic dresses with sweet statements patterns. Summer garden parties require a particularly pretty dress code, so thanks to Karen Millen and Ted Baker’s alluringly charming options, you will definitely be the guest who is best dressed!

ELIE SAAB

For dresses that possess a timeless feel with lasting lace accents, House of Fraser and Asos offer charming sheer designs in lovely silhouettes that will remain classic wardrobe staples. Juicy Couture and Comma also delved into the world of diaphanous styling via handy separates with elegant sheer tops and dotted mesh shirts – ideal for the office. Alternatively, if its beachwear you’re after, look no further then Ghost where their beautiful kaftans, beach dresses and jumpsuits in scrumptious satins, soft georgettes and crepes parade the perfect poolside look.

FASHION

OUR CHOICES

Dotted Mesh Shirt, £145, Juicy Couture. Raquel Top, £129, Ghost.

Kimono Lia, £169, Ghost.

For details of items featured here please visit: www.eliesaab.com www.juicycouture.com www.ghost.co.uk www.mintvelvet.co.uk

Andrea Dress, £149, Ghost.

Silk Cocoon Dress, £129, Mint Velvet.

GHOST

Amie Kaftan, £169, Ghost.

Dive into the divine and sultry world of diaphanous styling, where stunning sheers and fabulously floaty fabrics forecast the perfect looks for this summer

TIME CHECK

Keeping an eye on the time in style has never been easier. Enjoy wrist décor with attitude Words Katie Farley

It’s all about the arm candy for summer 2015, and what better accessory to parade than one that’s both practical and good looking? An unlikely combination in the fashion industry, yet a great watch can sport an array of different moods and styles as well as aiding one with constant time checks. Fashion’s love affair with watches presents a juxtaposition of styles that accessorise one’s wrist rather fabulously; whether you’re sporty, feminine, or love to showcase a little statement, you are guaranteed to find your ultimate time buddy this season.

Aquaracer, £950, Tag Heuer

Formula 1, £1,100, Tag Heuer

Datejust Pearlmaster, £38,700, Rolex

Datejust Lady, £4,150, Rolex It can prove tricky to find a sporty watch that’s also equally attractive but the Tag Aquaracer, which features a sporty silhouette with a sophisticated style, ticks the boxes. On the flipside, overtly feminine watches are also trending, and Rolex’s Datejust Pearlmaster in a beautiful a rose gold and diamante stone set is perfect when wanting a little girly glamour. Michael Kors is the watch master, and his alluring array of rose gold shimmering stone set styles is a must for any femme fatale fashionista.

Mini Blair watch, £171, Michael Kors

Stella watch, £425, Juicy Couture

All over sparkles scream statement-worthy, and they don’t come anymore glitzy than Juicy Couture’s Stella watch, which is a magnificent sight of sophisticatedly stunning sparkles that decorates its entire face and body.

For details of products featured on this page: Rolex and Tag Heuer, www.parkhousethejewellers.com. Michael Kors and Juicy Couture, www.watchshop.com

HEALTH

BEAUTY

LE TY O U

GET THE PERFECT POUT R

! INE H S PS I L

Luscious lips are highly desirable; follow our top tips for keeping them chap-free and looking good Perfecting the perfect pout naturally, that is the goal. Our lips are designed for lots of lovely activities including kissing, eating and talking. With all that hard work they require a little nurturing! The skin on our lips is thinner than on other parts of the body and that is one of the reasons they often dry out, particularly in cold weather. If we lick them frequently we coat them in saliva, which contains digestive enzymes; the combination of this sitting on your lips and drying means that moisture evaporates causing them to feel chapped and sore. So clearly licking our lips is the least effective way to keep them healthy and moisturised. Time to employ the services of a luscious lip balm, oil or good old Vaseline. This provides a protective coating, which seals in moisture. For an organic treat that offers sun protection try Lavera’s organic lip balm, which contains nourishing oils and plant waxes to protect and care for your lips. Lips can also benefit from a lip scrub. Sounds painful but really it isn’t. A gentle lip scrub such as Lush’s Bubblegum Lip Scrub will gently remove dead skin cells and buff your lips up ready for the application of your favourite lipstick. You can even make your own lip scrub at home with a little sugar, olive oil and honey – or though try not to lick it too much if you want your teeth to remain happy! You will find that lipstick stays on longer if you buff your lips before application.

Product information: www.soorganic.com www.smashbox.co.uk www.lush.co.uk www.nuskin.com

If you want your lips to look plump and shiny without any invasive treatments you can opt for a lip plumper product. These products contain ingredients such as cinnamon or capsicum, which essentially slightly irritate the skin just enough to give the illusion of the lips looking plumper, combined with a high gloss this gives a short term temporary boost for a night out, without any drastic side effects. For instant plump perfection why not try Smashbox’s O’Plump Intuitive Lip Plumper, which claims to react with your own body’s chemistry to create a cute, pink, plump pout! Or try SoOrganic’s Madara Sun Kissed Bronze Lip gloss which contains volume-boosting plant lipids and Northern Rose Hip. Or if you’re hoping to redefine your lips and keep them looking youthful try Nu Colour® Contouring Lip Gloss for full, shapely, youthful looking lips. The product features an oligopeptide, which Nu Skin claim is clinically proven to stimulate collagen production.

HEALTH

Can you imagine feeling empty and hopeless for days, weeks or even months on end without a break? Depression is on the increase in the West and up to 20 per cent of all adults may experience it at some point in their lives

Depression We all experience low moods and down days at times. We can feel anxious, angry, frustrated and as though the world is a very unfair place. However, what we usually experience is that this low mood is temporary and lifts within a few days and we go back to business as usual. But what if this mood didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t lift â&#x20AC;&#x201C; can you imagine endless days of feeling totally blank and hopeless, even contemplating thoughts of suicide? This can be, for some, the reality of clinical depression.

two continuous weeks. The symptoms of depression are broken down into three broad categories: Psychological, Physical and Social.

The origins of depression are not fully understood but there may be a familial link i.e. if a grandparent or parent has suffered with depression you may be more prone to it, however whether this is genetic or because we are affected by the behaviour of those closest to us has yet to be proven. Depression can also be triggered in someone who has previously never experienced it perhaps when they face a life-changing event such as a bereavement or relationship break up.

Physical symptoms include: over or under eating (it is more common to have a reduced appetite), lack of energy, sleep disturbances despite being exhausted and unexplained aches and pains.

Clinical Depression may be suspected if you suffer with continual low mood and negative thoughts for more than

Psychological symptoms include: having little or no interest in doing anything; a continual low mood; difficulty in making decisions, feeling irritable with others, feelings of guilt and failure (this list is by no means exhaustive).

Socially depression can have a huge impact as sufferers may withdraw from hobbies and social life and find difficulty in concentrating or performing tasks at work. Daily life can become a long slog and just the thought of getting through the day can be overwhelming. For example, just the thought of getting out of bed can be overwhelming.

HEALTH

Here Berni, a 37 year old married mother of two young children talks candidly about her haunting experience of Clinical Depression: “The first thing I knew about it was when I was 21 and I’d been through quite a traumatic relationship breakdown. I was feeling quite positive about it generally because I was looking to the future and what was new and on the horizon, but I think that all the emotional stress involved round that whole event just got really high and suddenly one day I started feeling really unwell. I felt quite hopeless and very unsure of myself – ‘cos I’m normally quite a confident person; I felt very unsure about the future, very unsure about everything I was doing and so, even though I knew I was heading in the right direction, I suddenly felt very insecure to the extent that I wasn’t even able to cry, which is usually a good release of emotion, but I struggled to even do that. I started feeling really panicky a lot of the time and I lost my appetite and one day it got so bad I woke up in the early hours of the morning, which is a clear sign of something being wrong, and I just felt really panicky, really on edge, but I didn’t know why and what on earth was wrong with me, cos I hadn’t done anything that I could see was bad for me, even though the break up was quite difficult I felt that I was heading in the right direction. So I didn’t relate one to the other. My mum, said ‘I think we should take you to the doctor’. I described everything that I was feeling and was going on and he said – ‘You have depression’. I just looked at him and said ‘What? Don’t be silly, of course I haven’t. It hadn’t crossed my mind’, but it had my mum’s.” Berni describes what depression feels like: “It’s like living in a parallel universe, so you’re still you and all the people around you are still the same and they’re doing all the same things, but inside you feel like a completely different human being. The biggest thing to deal with is the sense of hopelessness and that’s quite a hard thing to describe – it’s not that I would even say I feel hopeless about A, B, C or D – it’s more like a gnawing ache of waking up in the morning, usually the early hours, and just feeling like I have nothing to look forward to – even though you know you have – you know it on a rational level but the ‘feeling’ of that has gone. I definitely found that it would be greater in the morning and as the day went on it would lessen – Your Cortisol (stress hormone) levels are higher in the morning and as you go through the day, you are able to relax more. What I would often do – was not make any decision in the morning – but in the evening when I was feeling a bit more rational I would make decisions about what I needed to do the next day – like planning a shopping list or organising a play date for the children.”

"In its mildest form, depression can mean just being in low spirits. It doesn’t stop you leading your normal life, but makes everything harder to do and seem less worthwhile. At its most severe, major depression (clinical depression) can be life-threatening, because it can make you feel suicidal or simply give up the will to live" www.mind.org.uk

However, Berni has a positive message despite all the challenges she has faced from her bouts of clinical depression: “The depth of character I’ve experienced from the things I’ve been through I wouldn’t change for the world – you realise what’s important and it makes you see how strong you can be when you need to be and even though it’s hideous at the time – you look at people with mental illness and assume that they’re weaker but actually they’re stronger because of what they have to cope with and the fact they still manage to survive.” If you need help on coping with depression either for yourself or someone you know visit: www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Depression There is a free mood zone assessment quiz, which can help you to see how low you are actually feeling and whether you may need to seek further help. If you are concerned make an appointment to see your GP.

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FOOD

SHOWSTOPPER

PUDDING Former chef to the stars Rachel Muse shares one of her scrumptious dessert recipes with which to impress your friends and family Photo right corner Barbara Leatham www.barbaraleatham.co.uk

Rachel Muse is the founder of Talk Eat Laugh â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a pop up restaurant in the lovely city of Salisbury. She came up with the name on the spur of the moment one evening in September last year. 'I had just returned from cooking dinner parties in St Tropez for the summer season for a very smart French family'. She realised that in all the years she had spent in Paris and the CĂ´te d'Azur, she had rarely heard the sound of laughter in restaurants in France. 'Having fun is very important to me and from the start I knew that laughter would be a key element of the Pop Up and the business in generalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. After a few years in five star hotels, Rachel became a private chef to the rich and famous in 1995. As a private chef she has been helicoptered on to a private island to cook dinner and has cruised the Mediterranean on luxury yachts as part of her regular working day. In Rachel's little black book of clients are international sportsmen, F1 drivers, businessmen, musicians, DJs, comedians, aristocrats and actors. Never one to be star struck, the Salisbury chef treats them all the same as she asks them what they would like for dinner. Now happily settled back into Salisbury, Rachel firmly believes that we have some of the best food suppliers in the world, right here in the South of England, so the butcher and the market are regular haunts for her. Here Rachel shares one of her showstopper pudding recipes that you can create at home to delight your friends and family.

FOOD

Lemon Syllabub We are all grown up here, aren't we? I'll let you into a secret sometimes I cheat and use really nice lemon curd from the local deli or the WI (Women’s’ Institute) stand at the market for this recipe. Other times I make the lemon curd, it's super easy to make, but the problem is that when it’s still warm it's the most delicious thing ever and I just eat it with a spoon. For this recipe you need equal measures of lemon curd, yoghurt (whatever is your favourite unflavoured yoghurt) and whipping cream. For a serving of six I use: 2 cups/500ml unflavoured, ideal live, yoghurt. 2 cups/500ml whipping cream. 2 cups/500ml lemon curd (usually this is just less than a jar of bought lemon curd). 1 lemon. • Zest the lemon. • Whip the cream in a large bowl until the cream is in soft peaks. • If the bought lemon curd looks a bit solid put a fork into the jar and wriggle it about to make the lemon curd less solid. • Add two cups of lemon curd then use a hand whisk and fold the lemon curd into the cream. • Before the mixture is homogenous add the yoghurt (again if the yoghurt is a bit on the solid side in the container, stir it around before you measure it into the bowl). • Fold everything together gently with the whisk. The idea is to keep the air in the cream but to make a uniform mousse. • Taste and if you would like it to be a bit more lemony give it another squeeze of lemon. Also if it is to your taste you might like to add a tiny pinch of really nice salt. • Pour into a big serving bowl or in individual glasses. Put in the fridge to set for an hour for individual servings and two hours for a big bowl. • Top with the lemon zest as you are about to serve. It's almost like making a cake. For more information: www.TalkEatLaugh.com info@talkeatlaugh.com 07442 250 888

If you would like to make the lemon curd yourself. 250g unsalted butter (at room temperature) 2 cups/450g granulated sugar 4 eggs 2 egg yolks 1 1/3 cups/325ml lemon juice (real, not from a bottle) Zest of lemon.

• Cream the butter and the sugar with an electric mixer until pale and fluffy. • Beat the egg with the egg yolks in a separate bowl. • Add the beaten egg mixture bit by bit the mixer running. • Mix in the lemon juice the mix will curdle. • Over a low heat in a nice heavy based saucepan, heat the mixture. • Stirring with a wooden spoon you will feel the mixture slowly start to thicken. • Once the mixture can coat the back of the wooden spoon and you can draw a line in the mix on the spoon with your finger, it is done. If you over cook (over heat) the mix it will split. If you want to try to keep the lemon curd, pour it into a sterilised jam jar and close with a sterilised lid. I very much doubt it will last longer than 20 minutes before you eat it all. I like to serve this with Macerated Raspberries. Macerated Raspberries 1/2 cup/110g granulated sugar 1/2 cup/125ml water 250g raspberries 1 orange zest and juice • Zest and juice the orange. • Wash the raspberries and put into a little bowl. • Boil the water with the sugar in a small pan on a low heat for two minutes until there are little bubbles that take a moment to burst. Keep your eye on it because the sugar can get very hot and burnt if you leave it unattended. • Pour the sugar mixture quickly on to the raspberries. • Mix in the orange juice and zest, some of the raspberries will break, most won't. That's it. Enjoy!

FOOD

DELICIOUS

OUTDOORS! Nothing says summer quite like eating under the sky on a balmy British IT’S NOT JUST ABOUT THE FOOD YOU SERVE WHEN evening. Try top EATING AL FRESCO; THEthese SETTING FOR YOURtips OPENAIR FEAST IS JUST AS IMPORTANT. WITH MY EASY for al fresco excellence GUIDE YOU CAN SAY GOODBYE TO PLASTIC CHAIRS AND BURNT BANGERS AND USHER IN A NEW ERA Words Nasreen El-Mariesh OF STYLISH SUMMERTIME DINING!

CHOOSE YOUR SPOT If your garden is exposed then make sure your outdoor dining area is sheltered from the elements. Choose a spot which is as scenic as possible; garden bins or a compost heap are no-no’s. Tip: Potted plants can act as moveable walls, creating the feeling of a ‘room’ and will immediately set the scene. INVEST IN GARDEN FURNITURE If looked after properly good quality garden furniture should last years. Choose it based on your needs and the level of care you are prepared to give it. Wooden furniture looks lovely and usually folds up for winter storage but often requires treating and cannot be left out in the rain. Plastic coated Rattan on the other hand, is much more forgiving and there are some cleverly designed sets for compact gardens. Tip: Always get a parasol, they are invaluable come sunshine or rain. DECORATE

It's not just about the food you serve when eating al fresco; the setting for your open-air feast is just as important. With my easy guide you can say goodbye to plastic chairs and burnt bangers and usher in a new era of stylish summertime dining!

Whatever your taste inside the house, you can have some fun with your inner al fresco stylist. A lovely tablecloth, mismatched vintage crockery and colourful glasses will all add to the experience of dining outside. Pop some pretty flowers in a bright jug, string up fairy lights and scatter vivid cushions for a bohemian feel or stick to neutrals, navy and stripes if you prefer the nautical look. Tip: Keep everything stored together in a dry place. When it’s time, you can simply whip it out and you are ready to entertain. CANDLES As well as casting a lovely ethereal glow, candles with essential oils can help keep those annoying midges and mozzies away. Church pillar candles in storm lanterns add elegance to the table and won’t get blown out if it's a bit gusty. Tip: For a cheap and cheerful option, drop tea lights into empty jam jars

FOOD

RECIPE Barbequed marinated butterflied leg of lamb. This is the dish I most get requested whenever we have a barbeque and it is wonderfully simple. The yoghurt marinade tenderises the meat and creates a flavoursome salty crust. Leg of lamb (bone removed and butterflied) 1 small pot of plain full fat yoghurt 2 red onions sliced finely 4 gloves of garlic crushed Juice and zest of one lemon Tablespoon salt Tablespoon ground cumin Ask your butcher to butterfly a leg of lamb, mix all the other ingredients and marinate for at least four hours, overnight if possible. When you’re ready to cook, light your barbeque coals and leave for about 20 minutes until they are white-hot. NB - If you are using gas you want a medium to high heat. Grill the lamb for approximately 15 minutes on each side, turning once – this will cook it medium/pink, add an extra five minutes per side for well done.

FOOD Keep it simple and choose something which can be prepared in advance. Rather than lots of individual cuts, a marinated spatchcock chicken, butterflied leg of lamb or side of salmon will take no time at all to cook on an outdoor grill and is an easy option when feeding a group. Accompany your main with a selection of vibrant salads as well as dips and a basket of interesting breads. Then follow with a crowd-pleasing dessert such as Eton mess or seasonal fruit salad. If you really can’t be bothered to cook then you can still impress with a platter of antipasto meats, cheese and pates served with bowls of olives and sun blush tomatoes. A tub of posh ice-cream will finish it off nicely! Tip: Waitrose have a good range of authentic Italian salamis, cured meats and gelatos. BEVERAGES Don't try and cater for everyone’s tastes, instead offer one or two options, and ask people to bring a bottle of their choice. A chilled crisp rosé, gin and tonics or pitchers of fresh cocktails would be my pick. Nondrinkers will appreciate sparkling elderflower or ginger beer with squeeze of lime. Tip: Add flavour to ice cubes by putting sliced fruit, such as lemon, strawberries or cucumber, in the tray before freezing.

Remove from the grill, wrap in foil and let it rest for 10 minutes – this will allow the meat to relax and absorb all the juices. Place on a wooden chopping board, slice and serve. Goes well with a simple green salad dressed with lemon juice, olive oil and salt.

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

Would you like additional revenue?

BB UK

Yes Please!

BUSINESS BANK EXCHANGE

BBX is a complimentary currency that works in addition to core revenue, enabling businesses to sell what they haven't been able to in a less competitive marketplace

www.contempopr.co.uk

About 60 per cent of businesses experience ‘Spare Capacity’ on a regular basis in the form of vacant hotel rooms, empty restaurant tables, unsold advertising space, unfilled appointment times, slow moving or surplus stock… costing UK business owners billions of pounds a year.

their Spare Capacity to other businesses within the BBX community in exchange for BBX pounds. Accounting for this in a business is simple as one BBX pound is accounted for in the same way as one pound sterling and can be used in any of the 12 countries that the BBX community is established.

Jill at Contempo PR said: “By unlocking Spare Capacity in our business we have saved thousands of pounds. Spare Capacity for our company Contempo PR came in the form of under-utilised staff and therefore the ability to take on an extra PR client every other month."

Jill at Contempo PR has found utilising the BBX facility very simple:

BBX is an international company who work with businesses that find themselves with Spare Capacity that they would like to turn into additional revenue without discounting or eroding their core business. By adopting the BBX payment facility the business can sell

“Once I established I could handle another customer I contact my local account manager at BBX who promotes me within the community and sends me an additional client. By using BBX to sell our Spare Capacity we have seen an increase in sales, saved on costs, and improved our bottom line profitability. “We spend our BBX pounds on such things as printing, design, roller banners, business cards, accounting services,

business advice, restaurant meals and hotel stays to name but a few! But also as business owners, we can use our BBX pounds on personal purchases too, which adds value to the income from our business. “With such a large and varied database of clients using this service, it is a fantastic way to save on your cash flow and at the same time afford the extras within your business. There is such a wide variety of businesses now using BBX within the UK.”

To find out how your business can be involved in creating efficiency go to www.bbxuk.com or call 0333 400 2014.

INTERIORS

Find bliss in your bathroom with

WREN BATHROOMS Wren Kitchens has been established in the Poole area for over four years, with a tempting offering of kitchens and bedrooms for those looking to renovate their homes. However they’re now moving to a site almost three times the size in Fleetsbridge, which will be the first of Wren’s nationwide showrooms to house their exceptional new Bathrooms range. This move means Wren’s clients, old and new, will be even more spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing their next kitchen, bedroom or bathroom with a range of styles, innovative technologies and the latest in design. The expansion into Bathrooms comes from the solid belief that Wren can offer great quality products and service at an unbeatable price. Their range covers everything from toilets and basins, baths, showers and taps, to full bathroom suites and underfloor heating. Bathroom furniture manufactured by Wren in the UK, tiles and bathroom accessories are also available, meaning Wren’s expert designers can sit down with you over a hot drink in their specialist design booths, and create your dream bathroom scheme right there in front of you. Sound good? You can request a free design appointment at wrenbathrooms.com, and start your journey to bathroom bliss!

INTERIORS

For more information: wrenbathrooms.com

“I am really excited at the prospects that the new showroom in Poole will bring. This new showroom on Fleets Lane will be much larger than the previous one and will be the first to sell the new Wren Bathrooms range alongside our already very successful kitchen range. We have been lucky enough as a business to provide quality service, kitchens, bedrooms and furniture in Poole for over four years now creating long lasting relationships with our clients along the way. I am sure that our brand new showroom will allow us to maintain the high standards we set for ourselves and continue to give the area the opportunity to furnish their homes ‘The Wren Way’." Store manager Paul Denny

DEBATE

PREVENTATIVE

SURGERY

IS IT THE WAY TO GO? THE CASE FOR When given the option to prevent a life from being lost, the answer should be an easy yes. Cancer is one of the biggest killers in the UK, with 40,000 women expected to die from breast cancer in 2015 alone. If that thought isn’t terrifying enough, imagine being told you have a mutated version of the BRCA gene, BRCA1 or BRCA2, which means your chances of developing breast or ovarian cancer could be up to 65 per cent or 39 per cent likely compared with the normal 12 per cent and 1.3 per cent that everyday women face. Patients who learn they have the faulty gene have three options: surveillance (regular blood tests and sonograms), medical management (taking medication to ward off cancer) or surgery (to remove the potentially affected area). And although it’s a tough call, surgery is often the most effective way of protection. In 2013, six years after her mother lost the battle with ovarian cancer due to BRCA1, Angelina Jolie, who has inherited the gene, opted for a double mastectomy (both breasts removed) after finding out she had an 87 per cent chance of developing breast cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, prophylactic mastectomy in high-risk women may be able to reduce

THE DEBATE the risk of developing breast cancer by 90 per cent. This was a bold move considering the actress’s status and image, but Jolie took the necessary action nonetheless, becoming an inspiration to women and taking massive steps for feminism, especially in body image and security. In Jolie’s ongoing battle to prevent cancer leaving her children without a mother, she then had her ovaries and fallopian tubes removed in early 2015 to escape the fate of ovarian and fallopian cancer. Over 14,000 women in the USA alone die from fallopian cancer every year and although doctors have very good screening methods there are limited resources to catch it early enough. Instead doctors suggest that once women with the faulty gene finish childbearing, they should turn to surgery as women who have undergone the surgery say they feel a tremendous sense of relief and security afterwards. Preventative surgery may be a costly procedure but most health insurance companies cover this after finding out the client has the faulty BRCA gene. Ultimately, preventative surgery is the way to go in lifting the terrible weight of potential cancer off hundreds of women’s shoulders.

Preventative surgery is fast becoming a popular option for women at high-risk of developing cancer after actress Angelina Jolie chose to share her story with the world

DEBATE

THE CASE AGAINST Choosing surgery to prevent something that you may or may not contract in the future is no easy option. All surgery carries an element of risk and you have to balance the chances of prevention with how the surgery will affect your quality of life in the long term

The impending pressure for women to take such a massive step in securing their health can be overwhelming, as many of them have not started a family and are not yet ready to give up their reproductive capabilities. To actively choose to become infertile over concerns of ovarian cancer is a daunting and unnerving thought and with women now entering this area with new found confidence after Angelina Jolie shared her struggle, many women can rush into things which can have permanent effects on their futures. The test for the BRCA1 or BRCA2 in the first place can cost over £2000. Ovary and fallopian tube surgery also costs around £2000 and the full procedure of mastectomies (including breast reconstruction) can range from £10,000 to £35,000 depending on the type of surgery. Although some insurers cover this, they are not required to and so several don’t. Therefore it is unfair for only the financially stable to have access to a healthier, stress free life. Even after all this preventative surgery, patients with the faulty BRCA gene are still at risk from cancers like colon, pancreatic and skin cancer. There are also several side effects caused by the surgery. In surgically removing the ovaries and fallopian tubes, a women will enter early menopause, (the earlier it starts the more symptoms a woman is likely to experience) resulting in hot flashes, night sweats, skin changes and sleep issues, although there are some procedures to help lessen these. Patients having their ovaries removed before natural menopause will also have an increased chance of osteoporosis. Should we really be rushing into what seems like a last resort situation when there are already so many treatments and medications that help catch and battle cancer? Doctors have extremely sophisticated equipment ranging from mammograms and ultrasounds to MRI scans and more. In fact in 2011 over 50,000 women were diagnosed with breast cancer and in 2012 less than 12,000 women died from it. The survival rate in the UK for women living with breast cancer for 10 years is 78 per cent, and 27 per cent of cases found are preventable. Perhaps it would be more effective to use our money to donate to charities and researchers like Cancer Research UK in hope of beating cancer altogether, rather than spending it on ourselves in the hope that preventative surgery will free the burden of cancer from our minds and bodies.

WHO WAS... Helen Keller

Helen Keller lead an inspirational life, overcoming the challenges of being both deaf and blind, to campaign on causes she believed in and to help others

Keller was not born deaf or blind but became ill when just two years old with an unidentified illness. Her parents noticed after she recovered from the disease that she was failing to respond as previously and eventually it became clear that the disease had left her both blind and deaf. Helen’s mother took her to see the scientist Alexander Graham Bell who had previously worked with deaf children. He recommended they write to the Director of the Perkins Institution and Massachusetts Asylum for the Blind. This lead to Keller being assigned the assistance of a teacher Anne Sullivan, who was herself partially sighted. Sullivan began communicating with Keller by spelling words on her hand. Her biggest

breakthrough with Helen came when using a water pump. Sullivan held one of Keller’s hands under the running water and traced the word ‘water’ on her other hand. This event caused Keller to begin her rapid journey in understanding language and shortly after she began to be able to read and write using raised letters and subsequently braille. Despite the many challenges of being deaf/blind Keller was determined to use her skills and intelligence and communicate with others. She learned to speak and throughout her adult life gave speeches and lectures. In order for her to understand other people she learned to read lips with her hands – and she became extremely dextrous and subtle at this skill. In her adult life Keller was an active member of the Socialist Party and spent many years campaigning vigorously and fundraising for the rights and improved living conditions of deaf and blind people. She also wrote several books about her life, some of which were made into films. Keller was also a suffragist and pacifist and supporter of birth control. She founded Helen Keller International, an organisation focused on research into vision, health and nutrition in 1915 with the renowned city planner and landscape architect George Kessler. Helen Keller International continues the legacy of Helen Keller and is dedicated to saving the sight and lives of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged. The organisation works to tackle the causes and consequences of blindness and malnutrition by establishing programs based on evidence and research in vision, health and nutrition. Following a very successful period of life when she achieved much Keller fell victim to a stroke in 1961 and retired from public life. She died at home in her sleep on 1st June 1968 aged 87.

WHO IS... J.K. Rowling

Joanne Rowling was born in 1965 and grew up in Chepstow, Gwent. The ‘K’ in her published name stands for Kathleen, which was her grandmother’s name. It was added to her moniker at the request of her publisher’s, who felt that for a book to appeal to teenage boys the author’s name needed to be ambiguous.

She had the first spark of Harry Potter whilst on a delayed train journey from Manchester to King’s Cross Station. And she spent several years outlining the plots of the books and creating the characters. As a young adult she lived in Portugal for a period of time to teach English as a foreign language and met her first husband Jorge Arantes – a television journalist and gave birth to her first child – a daughter, Jessica. The marriage was short-lived and soon after it ended she moved to Edinburgh to be closer to her sister. However, she found life as a single mother with little money extremely tough and it was not long after this that she was diagnosed with depression. JK Rowling has since said that the soul-sucking demons called Dementors, which feature in the books, were based on her own struggle with depression. It was whilst living on the breadline as a single mother that she spent time working on her manuscript in various cafes with her young daughter in tow. On completion of the manuscript she spent a long and arduous year sending out copies of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone to literary agents and publishers. After many disappointments and rejections a small publisher called Bloomsbury recognised the book’s potential and things finally took off. Her first book was published in 1997 with just 1,000 copies. By the year 2000, the first three Harry Potter books had earned $480 million in three years, with over 35 million copies in print in 35 languages.

With a life that is a true rags to riches story, JK Rowling has proved to be one of the great philanthropists of modern times

Rowling’s books made her a multi-millionaire and the 2008 Sunday Times Rich List named her the 144th richest person in Britain. She has since used her considerable wealth and power to become a very influential philanthropist. She founded the Volant Charitable Trust in 2000, which sets aside £5.1 million a year to help women and children in need. A more recent organisation Rowling has founded is the Lumos charity (2005) which aims to protect children in institutions. Rowling was inspired to found this charity after reading a disturbing article exposing that cage beds were used to restrain and confine children in psychiatric wards. She remarried in 2001 to GP and Anaesthetist Dr Neil Murray and gave birth to two more children. She continues to use her influence and the fame of Harry Potter to raise and donate money to multiple organisations, charities and researchers, as well as remain an active member of the literary world.

WHO'S UK... Sharon White Sharon White, mixed media artist, is putting the healing power of art to great use both connecting others and by raising muchneeded funds

New Forest based mixed-media artist Sharon White’s career started nearly 20 years ago after she graduated from Southampton University. She went on to teach art at secondary schools and was accredited as an advanced skills teacher in 2011. Sharon is mother to three children and as she says: “Like so many women, I was trying to do it all but three years ago I was struck down with the debilitating disease pleurisy and I suffered with post fatigue syndrome”. Although she could not even make a cup of tea, Sharon could lift a paintbrush and this is where her passion for her art began to flow again and her unique and colourful style of artwork evolved. Sharon has transformed one of her rooms at home into an art workshop. And as a result of her enthusiasm Sharon has gone on to do more with her art than she ever dreamed of. She explains: “Last year I gathered 50 ladies together at the Captain's Club Hotel in Christchurch. They

each donated 50 lacy bras to help create a major piece of artwork for breast cancer care. It took me nearly three weeks to complete the painting, plus apply the 50 butterflies that were fashioned from the bras.” This piece of artwork is due to be donated to The Royal Bournemouth Hospital’s new women’s health unit later this year, where it will be on display for the general public to view. Sharon has also toured the UK, on behalf of Breast Cancer Care, holding workshops to further raise awareness. With the help of Jane Dean PR, who sourced autographed bras from headline names including ITV presenter Lorraine Kelly, BBC personality Tess Daly, Kirstie Allsopp, actress Denise Welch and the dancers from Strictly Come Dancing. The lace, silks, ribbons and bows from the bras were used to fashion textured butterflies which were added to a mammoth painting depicting a ‘Tree of Life’ and was exhibited at Zandra Rhodes’ Fashion and Textile Museum at Christmas. Two mornings a week Sharon teaches painting to patients at a traumatic brain injury unit and this is where she started to notice the healing values of art. She explains: “You really do have to see it to believe in it but I have witnessed firsthand how artwork can be used as a source of therapy and I can tell you now, it saved my life”.

Sharon is launching her online art studio this year - more details can be found at www.mumbojumbopaint.co.uk

Launching this September

MAY 2015

Online Fashion l Beauty l Health l Interiors l News l Business l Travel

SOUTH

and much more

MAY 2015

INTERVIEW future The Apprentice star Roisin Hogan shares her plans for the GLOBAL RISING STAR Dr Sam Collins - breathing compassion into business FASHION Valiant in Violet - the shade of the season

Reach over 200,000 women from just £40.00 per month

TRAVEL New York in a weekend! HEALTH The juicing generation – the route to longevity?

SOUTH INTERVIEW The Apprentice star Roisin Hogan shares her plans for the future GLOBAL RISING STAR Dr Sam Collins - breathing compassion into business FASHION Valiant in Violet - the shade of the season TRAVEL New York in a weekend! HEALTH The juicing generation

– the route to longevity?

For more information call 01202 618290 or email sales@nfcpublishing.co.uk

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

The Little Sewing Company in Christchurch is so much more than a haberdashery or sewing venue. It is a hub with a heart – a place where you can have fun, find support and learn to sew in a warm, welcoming environment Photos Dianna Jazwinski www.fizzphotos.com

The Little Sewing Company, 65 Bargates, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 1QE Tel: 01202 480667 www.thelittlesewingcompany.com

SEW PASSIONATE The Little Sewing Company operates under the ethos of ALICE - Achieve, Learn, Inspire, Create and Enjoy. Owner and founder Suzie Walker exudes a warmth and passion for her business that is essential to creating the welcoming environment she holds as her vision. Suzie wants to inspire people to sew and to fully enjoy their experience. • The Little Sewing Company offers sewing lessons in a patient and calm environment, which helps to build your confidence as you explore your sewing journey • The shop supplies Husqvana sewing machines suitable for all skill levels. The friendly team can help you choose the right machine and provide the support you need to get the most from your machine • The Little Sewing Company stocks over 300 inspirational cotton fabrics and a full range of haberdashery

The team teach you the skills required to master a technique so that you can continue to develop your skills at home. It is less about what you have made in the lesson and more about what you have learnt. You can choose from Calendar Workshops – where groups of no larger than four attend structured workshops that are set in advance. Buddy Workshops – offer a setting where you and up to four of your friends can choose a time and date to suit you or you can try a One to One Workshop based around your own specific needs and requirements. To find out more about what The Little Sewing Company can do to help you, give them a call or pop in for a friendly and informal chat.

CULTURE

Cultural pursuits

Photograph 51 Noel Coward Theatre, London 5th Sept - 21st Nov 2015 This September, sees Nicole Kidman make her much anticipated return to the London stage in the role of Rosalind Franklin, the woman who discovered the secret to life, in the UK première of Anna Ziegler’s award-winning play, Photograph 51.

Photo 51 was the nickname given to an X-ray diffraction image of DNA taken by Raymond Gosling in May 1952 whilst he was working as a PhD student under the supervision of Rosalind at King's College London in Sir John Randall's group. Photograph 51 tells the story of the race to unlock the secret of life. Did this photo hold the key? At the time of being taken, Gosling and Franklin were not to know that this became the crucial starting point for research that identified how DNA was structured. With rival scientists looking everywhere for the answer, the race was on – who would be first to see it and more importantly, understand it? Anna Ziegler’s extraordinary play looks at the woman who cracked DNA and asks what is sacrificed in the pursuit of science, love and a place in history. And whilst Franklin was the chemist overseeing the original discovery, her work was largely ignored. Ziegler’s play reveals the sexism and hostility that kept her out of the spotlight, and denied her the Nobel Prize.

For more information and to book tickets visit www.boxoffice.co.uk

Kidman plays Rosalind Franklin. Rosalind was an English chemist and X-ray crystallographer who made contributions to the understanding of the fine molecular structures of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid), RNA (ribonucleic acid), viruses, coal, and graphite. Although her works on coal and viruses were appreciated in her lifetime, her DNA work had a profound impact and still does to this day. DNA plays a central role in biology, as it carries the genetic information that is passed from parents to their offspring.

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

Justin Crocker of IIB Financial Services eases us through pension panic T 01530 415 276 l Fax 01530 560 156

So the challenge here is a little daunting, how do you write an article for a Ladies’ Magazine that’s fun, informative and makes Pensions exciting! Tough call but let’s see how we go. Times are changing in the Pensions market and I am sure most have heard of the new freedoms, even if it is the misconception that you can free up your Pension to buy a Lamborghini. Let’s get one thing straight first, not that I am a cynic but the Government generally does not do things at the moment without one eye on raising money. The freedoms you now have with your Pension are a great step forward, however, let’s look at the basics quickly: If you have a Pension pot of £100,000 you can (from age 55) take 25 per cent as a tax free payment - great there’s the Lamborghini deposit! Of the remaining £75,000 anything you take will be added to your income and taxed accordingly. Assuming You have an income of £42,000 in that year, everything will attract 40 per cent tax so from your £75,000 you would only get £45,000, so stop looking at the new Lamborghinis and get a copy of Auto Trader! If you get £45,000 of the £75,000 where does the rest go? Mr Osborne thanks you for your part in the recovery, don’t forget we are all in this together.

Now if you take some proper advice and draw on that Pension pot once you have stopped working, you can take payments within your basic allowances each year and potentially pay no tax; it’s an unlikely situation but one I have arranged for clients who have taken smaller amounts over a number of years and gained back that 40 per cent. More commonly you can balance things so that you only settle 20 per cent tax. Now let’s look quickly at management of your Pension, charges vary enormously, however Pension investment returns more so, the best five year performing Pension* fund would have turned your £100,000 in to £183,300 whilst the worst in the sector would have got you £94,800. Getting the right funds, particularly ones that match your expectations is key. GETTING IMPARTIAL ADVICE IS VERY IMPORTANT, MIND I WOULD SAY THAT WOULDN’T I? I’m Justin Crocker, Senior Partner at IIB Financial Services and next time, hopefully I can enlighten you on how to get the most from your Spouse’s Pension in Divorce.

Source Trustnet l Pension managed 40-85 per cent Shares sector. 5 year

Middle Class and Poor?

Is it true that the middle classes can find themselves in the poverty trap?

We tend to think of the poor as a mixed group mired in disadvantage, far removed from the relative security of the middle class. But the truth is that in economic recession, poverty has become a thoroughly middle-class issue. A middle-class couple would normally be seen as a success if they had their own large, detached home, two cars in the driveway, nice holidays, a golf course lifestyle and children lined up for private school. The trend it now turns out is that a growing number of such couples have borrowed their way to apparent prosperity.

These middle class so called successful families got as big a mortgage as they could get, and now they are fire-fighting. A lot are having pay cuts. They are cutting their pension, the life cover and cashing in the ISA [Individual Savings Account]. Some of their kids are being taken out of private school. Many are borrowing again, and they are missing payments on their credit cards. That affects their future credit card rating. Poverty is a spiral, and you get deeper and deeper into debt. Let’s face it, we all live to our means, if that means decreases due to pay cut, redundancy etc, life can throw a curve ball.

With an increase in people using food banks, these users are often in employment and struggling to make the ends meet after paying bills and loan repayments. The UK has also seen a massive increase in people applying for ‘pay day loans’ aptly named for the employed target audience. These come with huge interest rates and add to the spiralling debt problems within our ‘middle class’ population. Britain’s prosperous middle classes make more regular use of charity services than the country’s poorest, new research indicates.

Our middle class have now turned charity shop shopping into a cool and trendy frugal bargain finding hunt and gone are the stigma associated with discount shopping. Next time you are at your local discount grocery shop like Aldi or Lidl, check out the large luxury cars parked in the car park! Our middle classes pay many more visits to charityrun stately homes and art galleries, and are more likely to send their children to organisations like the Scouts and Guides. Perhaps unexpectedly, the well-heeled are also regular users of charitable debt advice services. With many families in the middle class income bracket no longer receiving child benefit and as such losing another part of their income had the effect of pushing many families lower into the poverty cycle of struggling to make ends meet. Living hand to mouth, month to month has become the norm for many UK families. Schools now report an increase in the uptake for free school meals, reports are also indicating for the first time ever, our children today will have a lower socio financial standing than their parents. So where will this all end and what can the middle class poor of today do about the predicament they find themselves in? The first step is to talk to a financial expert on managing the debt that is there. With negotiation, many loans can be reassessed to lower payments per month and a budget plan arranged. Looking at all the spending that occurs within the households can usually identify areas that can be pulled back and savings made. For many middle class families, there is a lifestyle change that can also ‘cut your cloth’ accordingly. For example, did you know that expensive family foreign holidays are so yesterday while camping within the UK is so happening for today’s well- heeled families? Or the new craze of ‘wardrobe parties’ are a fabulous way to recycle your own wardrobe with that of your friends are now a very ‘in’ girly night. Supplementary income is now a growing trend with many professional workers choosing to work a Multi -Level Marketing business on the side of their existing employment. UK Women looked at several MLM (Multi -Level Marketing) opportunities available in the UK today. Please contact us on enquiries@nfcpublishing.co.uk for more information on earning a supplementary income. Please contact www.nationaldebtline.org for more information on debt management.

Living hand to mouth, month to month has become the norm for many UK families

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

The Captain's Club Hotel and Spa in Christchurch offers everything you need for the ideal escape

In the words of Bridget Jones: ‘I am going on a full blown mini break weekend’. The beauty of a ‘mini break’ is that you don’t have to travel miles to enjoy a good weekend away!

The Captain's Club Hotel and Spa in Christchurch is the perfect ‘mini break’ venue. Situated on the River Stour with views over Christchurch Quay, The Captain's Club is a luxury boutique hotel offering fine dining, cocktails, luxury rooms and a stunning spa. As a working mum of three children, an overnight stay at the Captain's Club worked wonders as a much-needed break. Dropping the children off at 6.30pm, we arrived at the hotel just a few minutes later (in fact we could have actually walked to the hotel). After checking into our suite, we spent a lovely evening enjoying fine wine and delicious food in the restaurant whilst looking out over the river. The hotel suite was fantastic with a kitchen, lounge, two bathrooms, two bedrooms and a stunning view to match (perfect for taking the children with you if you wish). After a perfect night’s sleep, I took a prebreakfast trip to the spa to lounge around in the Hydrotherapy Pool before making my way back to the hotel restaurant for the most relaxed and delicious breakfast - this is the ideal venue to sit and while away the morning, reading the paper and drinking coffee and munching on the best waffles with fresh fruit, crème fraiche and maple syrup.

We all have busy lifestyles and creating that work/life balance is sometimes hard to achieve. Getting away for a night or a weekend where you stop and do nothing but relax and enjoy good food and wine is a fantastic tonic. Throw in a spa treatment or two and one night away can feel like a week!

If you are looking to get away and sample a little luxury, then why not book into the Captain's Club for a dinner, bed and breakfast mini break? It’s the ideal weekend escape. For more information visit: Captain's Club Wick Ferry Christchurch Dorset BH23 1HU 01202 475111

For me, a night away at the Captain's Club offered everything needed for a real tonic of a break - great food, fine wine, stunning location and best of all, we were away for 16 hours and spent less than 10 minutes travelling, which meant that we could really enjoy all of our mini break time.

The perfect

GET AWAY www.captainsclubhotel.com

CAR REVIEW

Our intrepid reporter takes a spin in the Volkswagen Scirocco GT and finds that it offers an expedient solution offering both fun and practicality Words Gareth Herincx

It's hard to believe that the VW Scirocco is more than 40 years old and the current generation has been with us since 2008.

Inside the dashboard has been updated with new-look dials, plus there's an auxiliary â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;retroâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; instrument cluster above the centre console - a nod to the 1974 original Scirocco.

Remarkably, the UK is the Scirocco's second-biggest market worldwide, behind China. Still popular, this pretty sports coupe was treated to a minor facelift - inside and out - in 2014.

Elsewhere, there are supportive sports seats, a decent amount of kit, including a touchscreen multimedia unit with sat nav, DAB radio and connectivity, plus safety features such as anti-lock brakes.

It's a while since I've driven one, so I tried out a Scirocco GT, which is warmer than hot hatch, but still offers an enticing blend of excitement and practicality. Externally the changes are subtle with new headlights, tail lights and revised bumper and cool 18-inch alloy wheels. And like its brother, the Golf, the Volkswagen badge at the rear isn't just for show, it's used to open the hatchback.

Fire up the 2.0-litre TSI petrol engine (diesels are also available) and you're greeted with an old school throaty exhaust note. My test car came with a slick six-speed DSG automatic gearbox with paddle shift behind the steering wheel if you feel so inclined, though a manual box is also available.

CAR REVIEW

Relaxed, assured and still turning heads!

The Scirocco GT is swift enough for most in 'normal' and 'comfort' driving modes - switch to 'sport' and it gets far more aggressive. That said, the power is manageable and the car rarely loses its poise, though the ride may be a little firm for some. Whether you're driving on the motorway, challenging country roads or tiddling around town, the GT is relaxed and assured – and still turns heads. In theory it's capable of 47.1mpg. However, probably due to my spirited driving, I averaged nearer 30mpg. So if you travel long distances the diesel version might be the better option, with a claimed 74.3mpg. The only areas where the Scirocco loses points are visibility

and rear space. The sloping roofline and small rear windows means that some manoeuvres can be challenging, while the rear leg and headroom is at best limited. Overall, the Scirocco is ageing well and its enduring popularity is no surprise. If you're in the market for a good looking, classy, fun, well-equipped coupe, endowed with VW's excellent build quality, the GT is definitely worth considering. Prices for the Scirocco range start at £20,455. The GT I tested costs £25,370, which was bumped up to £29,335 with optional extras.

GREEN FEATURE

Using green/ eco-friendly cleaning products is one of the small ways in which we can contribute to minimising the impact of toxic waste on the environment

What does the term ‘eco-friendly’ really mean? And if you want to be ‘ecofriendly’ can you achieve it by using so-called ‘green’ cleaning products in your home? The real meaning of the somewhat over-used term ‘eco-friendly’ is to be ‘not harmful to the environment’ i.e. the planet on which we live. ‘Green/ eco-friendly’ cleaning products are ostensibly created and designed to help keep your home clean and fresh whilst having less or ideally no impact on the environment both through their methods of production and the ingredients that they use in their products. You need to do your research when looking for green/eco-friendly cleaning products as some are not perhaps what they seem i.e. they may have a ‘green’ label but their production methods or ingredients may on closer inspection be a little suspect. To be really ‘green’ a product needs to be:

* Produced using the least toxic and harmful methods of production (so that there is little impact on the environment) * Use non-hazardous and non-toxic ingredients * Not be tested on animals or use animal ingredients * Use sustainable and recyclable materials in product packaging and delivery With an increasing concern for the impact that humans have on the planet, people the world over are beginning to think more carefully about the products they use and the lifestyles they lead. They are asking how they can make a personal contribution to reducing their carbon footprint by limiting or stopping their use of environmentally unfriendly products. Although this may seem a small way to make a change the more people that change personal habits the bigger the impact.

GREEN FEATURE

Ranges that offer green

cleaning products available in the UK include:

Ecozone www.ecozone.com

Soap Nuts, £10.99 RRP

is a British company, established in 1997, which aims to minimise its collective impact on the environment by offering an innovative range of ‘green’ cleaning products. Ecozone’s products are approved by BUAV (British Union Against Vivisection) and are vegan friendly. Ecozone’s goals include helping the consumer to reduce their carbon emissions by creating cleaning products such as laundry detergents that work at low temperatures and faster tumble dryer solutions.

Ecoleaf www.suma.coop Is a product range developed by British company Suma, which offers a range of environmentally friendly cleaning products that are non-toxic and safe for use around the house. The Ecoleaf range is made from plant extracts and is based on biodegradable and non-hazardous ingredients, instead of the chemicals found in many other brands. Ecoleaf products are made in the UK, reducing the products’ carbon footprint. The bottles and containers are recyclable. All of Ecoleaf’s range are vegan friendly, and are animal cruelty free.

Washing up liquid, £2.55 (500ml). Washing powder, £4.45 (900g). Liquid soap, £18.99 (5 litres).

Green products do tend to be a little more expensive than traditional products and this can be off-putting to some, however, looking at the bigger picture may be key to reminding yourself why you are choosing to spend more? If it matches with your ethics it may be a price worth paying.

Ecover uk.ecover.com Originated in Belgium and from its humble beginnings in 1979 is now a global organisation. As well as not testing their products on animals, Ecover pride themselves on using recycled materials for all packaging and bottles. Recently Ecover has started a project on using ocean plastic for 10 per cent of each recycled bottle they make, as plastic litter blowing into water is a big issue damaging the marine environment, harming fish and sea mammals; so Ecover strive to fish tonnes of litter out of the sea and use it for their washing liquid bottles.

Bio/Non-Bio Laundry Gel, £4.99 (630ml). Washing up Liquid, £2.40 (1 litre). Window and Glass Cleaner, £2.65 (500ml).

DID YOU KNOW? Here are a few snippets that you might find of interest... Grooves On The Green success The 15th anniversary of the family-friendly music festival Grooves on the Green saw thousands of revellers make the most of the sunshine on Saturday and defy the light rain on Sunday as bands including The Baker Brothers, Mutant Vinyl, The Mother Ukers, Klaudia and Afro Tallaweh kept everyone on their feet. “It was a great weekend, without a doubt one of the best yet,” said Mick Callaghan, one of the festival organisers. “Everyone’s always in a good mood at Grooves, it has a lovely atmosphere, the music was perfect and families with children can relax, let their hair down and because we finish at seven they can be home in time for tea.” Grooves on the Green once again raised money for Diverse Abilities Plus, which helps children and adults in Dorset who live with profound disability and smashed its target of £10,000 raised in the last three years alone. With live music on two stages, Grooves on the Green also featured its own local food and beer festival, a dedicated kids’ zone, literary interventions from the Freeway Poets and a mini film festival, while a tintype photography booth echoed the park’s Victorian roots. www.groovesonthegreen.co.uk. Photo: Stuart Walker

An abundance of awards for Hampshire Farmers' Markets producers Hampshire Farmers’ Markets (HFM) producers have won 15 top awards at the recent British Cheese Awards, two top awards in The World Cheese Awards, two awards in The British Pie Awards and a further two Watercress Festival awards. Alex Handford, Business Development Manager for the HFM commented on the recent cheese awards: “We are delighted with this huge medal haul awarded to four of our Hampshire Farmers’ Market producers at the British Cheese Awards”. “All of the awards received by our Hampshire Farmers’ Markets producers confirm that the produce we present at our markets throughout Hampshire are of the very highest quality. It is so good to know that our producers are being recognised for their exceptional products and to have received so many awards”, concluded Alex. www.hampshirefarmersmarkets.co.uk

Add S.O.U.L. to your home

Rachel of TalkEatLaugh

Fenwick of Market Street, Leicester stock a fantastic range of the innovative S.O.U.L. furniture brand, which features a collection of styles that are the result of the founder’s many years spent travelling the world. From Nordic and Lodge style furniture to accessories such as cushions, lamps and rugs, which are designed exclusively to match the S.O.U.L. furniture styles perfectly. The furniture has been inspired by the journeys he and his staff have made over the years. S.O.U.L philosophy is built around the belief that our homes are the place we always return to, a comfortable haven where we find peace. A place in which we invest our heart and S.O.U.L. www.fenwick.co.uk/stores/leicester, 0116 255 3322

Chef with sense of humour required! Since last September the Pop up restaurant side of Rachel Muse’s business TalkEatLaugh (TEL) has grown quickly. So much so that TEL will now be a regular fixture in Salisbury's social scene. “I didn't realise that within the first year of trading I would be taking on permanent staff and upgrading my house so I have a huge home office” says Rachel, who by her own admission started the unplanned business 'after having a chat with a friend'. Given this rapid expansion if you know someone who is quick witted, someone who 'can talk to anyone' and who wants to re-train to become a chef, you should contact TalkEatLaugh. www.TalkEatLaugh.com, info@TalkEatLaugh.com, 07442 250 888

The Man Called Monkhouse, Studio, Lighthouse, Poole Saturday 3rd October 2015, 8pm Second Motability Award for Westover Nissan Team The Motability team at Westover Nissan are celebrating after winning their second Motability award. Nikki Marriott and Jenny Neville, Westover Nissan’s dedicated Motability sales and service experts, won the latest quarterly award thanks to their 100 per cent score in Motability’s dealer assessments. “Our Motability customers tell us they want to feel listened to and understood and that’s exactly what Nikki and Jenny do so well. At the point of purchase, Westover Nissan’s Motability customers don’t feel pushed to purchase a particular model, they know Nikki’s considering their individual needs. The Westover team are not delivering a ‘one size fits all’ approach, plus they have near-encyclopaedic knowledge of the Motability programme and the adaptations we’re available to offer. We wish them many congratulations on this fantastic achievement.” Steve Murr, Motability Operations. Telephone Nikki Marriott on 01202 844958 or 01202 532100.

Remembering one of the most singular comedy talents this country has ever produced, The Man Called Monkhouse plays one night only at Lighthouse, Poole’s centre for the arts. Written by comedian Alex Lowe (the infamous Barry from Watford who appears on Steve Wright’s BBC Radio 2 show) and directed by Bob Golding, who was nominated for an Olivier for his portrayal of Eric Morecambe, The Man Called Monkhouse stars impressionist Simon Cartwright, who befriended Bob after appearing on Opportunity Knocks in 1989 and has become the leading expert on his life and times. Tickets and information on 0844 406 8666, www.lighthousepoole.co.uk

TRAVEL

Explore

THE PHILIPPINES Words NFC Travel

TRAVEL

The Philippines archipelago is made up of some 7101 islands favourably located in relation to many of South East Asia’s main water bodies the South China Sea, Philippines Sea, Sulu Sea, Celebes Sea and the Luzon Strait and is east of Vietnam. It may be that you have not considered or heard much about the islands as a choice of holiday destination as until recently it was really for the more adventurous traveller and seen as a “lonely planet” style destination away from the capital of Manila. The flight from the UK is from Heathrow to Manila and is flown daily by Philippine Airlines, the direct flight takes around 15 hours so if budget allows fly Premium Economy for the little bit of extra comfort, an economy flight can be as little as £500 per person. The other alternative is a stopover in Hong Kong which might break up the journey and give you the chance to experience something different enroute. The currency in the Philippines is the Peso and there are restrictions on the amount of cash you can take into the country currently 10,000 Peso (around £145) but it’s easy to change money when you get there. If you have been lucky enough to visit Palawan or Boracay you will know of the sheer natural beauty of these unique Islands. However, if you are looking for something a little more untouched and raw then I would recommend a trip to Busuanga in so far it is relatively untouched and unknown as a holiday destination. The best time of year to visit is, in my opinion, between January and May as the weather is typically around 30/32 degrees with lots of sunshine and little or no rain. Getting to the Island is an adventure all on its own and you have several options depending on budget. You can fly on a Philippines Airline flight direct from Manila bearing in mind you go via the domestic terminal and flights typically cost around £150.00 return give or take, you land at Coron airport around 45 minutes later. The airport is really a small building with very little in the way of facilities but the staff take their duties very seriously and will still do all of the security and passport checks you would expect at a larger airport. On the way back the security took my wooden ornament off me as “I might use it as a club!” So had to be checked in! The transport is then via a people carrier or car across the island via mostly dirt track and lots of partially built roads and bridges through beautiful scenery which reminded me of a jungle trek. It feels a bit like you are heading for Jurassic Park, it’s a good one hour twenty minutes to get down to the Busuanga Bay Lodge but boy is it worth it! The alternative is you can book the seaplane from Manila to bring you straight to the resort and it drops you off at the jetty of the lodge and the staff will then greet you and take your bags to your accommodation. The welcome is a very tradition greeting and you are given a fantastic cocktail and a beautiful reed necklace whilst the staff sing you into the reception. The manager was fantastic and nothing was too much trouble to make sure my

stay was perfect. One thing I will add at this point is mobile phone coverage is pretty dreadful and the internet is intermittent just for those of you that might be addicted to posting your pictures immediately on social media! THINGS YOU MUST DO This bay is renown in scuba diving circles as the best wreck diving in the world with something for everyone in terms of depth and complexity from beginner right up to expert. There are five wrecks from World War II and the marine life is just spectacular on these dives, I swam with stingrays, yellow fin tuna and the most colourful fish I have ever seen. Imagine swimming in a huge aquarium completely surrounded by colour it really is breath-taking. I would suggest hiring a jet ski or two along with a guide who will spend the day taking you to see all of the tiny islands in the bay such as Black Island with its underground lake and caves where the guide will constantly apologise to the spirits for the intrusion! The best place for lunch is Pass Island where many of the day skippers stop with their guests for a barbeque on the beach and a relax in the sunshine. Please remember to take your snorkelling gear as all of these islands have coral reefs teeming with marine life, the sun is very strong out on the jet skis so plenty of strong sunblock and the guide will keep you hydrated with a supply of bottled water. The journey out on the jet skis is like skimming over a lake in the morning however be aware that the trade winds always start to blow in the afternoon which makes for an interesting ride home but again provides for an adventure! There is also a fantastic Spa at the Lodge however you do need to book your treatments in advance as they have a limited amount of staff and if the lodge is full they may be unable to provide the treatments on demand. This isn’t your typical package holiday and needs some planning due to its bespoke nature so I recommend speaking with a travel expert to plan your perfect trip.

TRAVEL

Take your snorkelling gear as all of these islands have coral reefs teeming with marine life, the sun is very strong out on the jet skis so plenty of strong sunblock and the guide will keep you hydrated with a supply of bottled water.

For more information: www.notjusttravel.com/nfc nfc@notjusttravel.co.uk 0845 4638226

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NORTON SUTTON SCOTNEY

HOTEL & SPA Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a truly rare thing that the marriage of old and new, sleek and charm can work so well together but the Q Norton Hotel have made the difficult seamless

The Original Norton Park manor house sits amongst more than fifty acres of mature gardens and lawn and offers rooms resembling elegant living from a bygone age. Just a few steps away is the newly updated Tythe Barn, which is a real winner for events and weddings. The Norton Hotel and Spa is both an ideal conference hotel giving the widest range of modern corporate facilities and also being able to boast a fabulous spa retreat for either a welcome group of ladies or that romantic break away. Being there to review as a couple, we were delighted to sample the excellent spa with no less than eight spa treatment rooms, dedicated spa lounge, relaxation room, swimming pool, sauna steam room, heated loungers, spray tan room and experience shower that guaranteed relaxation. The warm and welcoming atmosphere of the Scene Restaurant provides the perfect setting to enjoy a romantic meal. The chefs at Norton Park have created a mouth-watering menu designed to please all tastes.

After an evening of gentle indulgence we returned to the Old Manor House across the lawns. On this occasion after being spa pampered, wined and dined we enjoyed the ambience of our graceful rooms and fell into a contented slumber on an enormous antique bed and knew nothing until the dawn chorus. This lovely hotel is of course only a few miles from historic Winchester and the naval cities of Portsmouth and Southampton and is therefore ideally positioned as a base from which to enjoy and explore the south coast and New Forest. Before we left in the morning I took the opportunity to take in our surroundings; now that I had a full belly from breakfast, I began to appreciate all this hotel had to offer. If you are looking for a break with a loved one, a business meeting or conference, a relaxing time out or somewhere to base your travels, all at a very good price, then look no further than Norton Manor.

For more information visit www.qhotels.co.uk or call 01962 763000

CAR REVIEW

ANTIQUE AND MODERN JEWELLERY 3 Coventry Road, Market Harborough, Leicestershire, LE16 9BX Tel: 01858 468858 l www.tjthornton.com

OUT AND ABOUT

MARKET HARBOROUGH Described as one of the jewels of the East Midlands, why not explore the quirky streets and picturesque surroundings of the historic town, Market Harborough? Words Esmé Boore Photo right corner Harborough District Council Leicestershire Promotions

The classic Tudor architecture, 14th century church steeple and nearby canals mean that this small but lively medieval town wouldn’t look out of place as a gothic wedding backdrop. Market Harborough was once part of Rockingham Forest, a royal hunting forest used by the medieval monarchs themselves, starting with William I, and continues to boast its medieval heritage. One of the town’s most iconic landmarks is the striking timber-framed Old Grammar School found in the square, which dates from 1614 and has recently been restored to its 400th birthday. Looming behind it is St. Dionysius Parish Church, finished in 1470, with its towering steeple overlooking the High Street and creating the picturesque heart of Market Harborough.

As a holiday destination, Market Harborough is the ideal place to fully experience the taste of England. When the retail therapy at home just doesn’t suffice, immerse yourself in the hidden treasures of Market Harborough’s High Street where you will find dozens of boutiques and independent clothing and jewellery stores offering stunning fashion and handmade trinkets at affordable prices. No 34 Boutique is a family owned fashion boutique, which sells exquisite, hand selected items of clothing and accessories which you are not likely to find anyone else sporting at the next garden party or drinks event you attend. Another hidden gem is Ada, a beautiful boutique style gallery hidden away from the hustle and bustle of the main High Street. There you will discover a unique and exclusive selection of contemporary adornments including handbags, scarves, handcrafted crockery and cutlery and gorgeous jewellery. But the shopping doesn’t stop there. As a traditional market town, Market Harborough offers bargains on every corner. At Harborough Market you’ll find a general market being held from Tuesday to Saturday, the Sunday Antiques and Collectables Market and the Vintage, Retro and Antique Market taking place each Wednesday. Available at the Farmers’ Markets are many fine cheeses, fresh fruit and veg, quality meat and fresh herbs all locally sourced and of very delicious quality.

OUT AND ABOUT

When it comes to refreshment, Market Harborough offers a splendid range of pubs, restaurants, bistros, public houses and bars on every corner, brimming with life and serving local specialties. Tucked in between the shops of the High Street and square are several quaint tearooms and quirky coffee shops, including Aldin’s Tearoom, which serves delightful homemade cakes and scones as well as offering a selection of toasties and sandwiches. At The Top Lock Coffee Stop you can enjoy a coffee and an ice-cream in what was once the Lock Keeper’s cottage. They offer a wide selection of hot and cold food and drinks plus eight flavours of locally made ice cream. Another common feature of Market Harborough are the welcoming farm shops like Manor Farm Shop and Café, which can be found in an unusual barn with a tall clock tower. The farm shops sell high quality meat produced on site and fresh fruit and veg along with a range of other locally sourced foods, all accompanied with a café or restaurant. Not far from the Market Harborough town centre are several tourist attractions that make for enjoyable days out. The area is a thriving community for horse racing and equestrian and after a ten minute drive you can experience Dingley Racecourse, a natural amphitheatre, regarded as one of the country's leading point to point race courses and an ideal picnic spot. A fifteen minute drive in the other direction will take you to Kilworth House Hotel and Theatre where you can treat yourself to afternoon tea at The Orangery, a breathtaking architectural feature. The glorious grade II star-listed Victorian Orangery is bright and airy by day, and dazzlingly romantic by night.

One of the town’s most iconic landmarks is the striking timber-framed Old Grammar School found in the square

Another short journey away is Foxton Locks, a series of 10 locks on the Grand Union Canal. Home to the vibrant Foxton Locks Festival, there is lots to explore including watching the boats, taking a ride down the canal, visiting the museum and eating in one of the pubs on site. Market Harborough is also alive with many cultural events. In the summer enjoy the Harborough Food Fest -; an August Bank Holiday celebration of the finest food and drink in the area with over 100 food and drink stalls, crafts, music and cooking demonstrations in Welland Park. In the winter explore a magical cluster of civilization dusted with white snow and threaded with glittering Christmas lights, strung over the Market Harborough Christmas Fayre in early December. At the heart of England, Market Harborough is a jewel steeped in its medieval heritage and in no short supply of unique shopping or sight-seeing experiences.

For more information www.goleicesteshire.com

OUT AND ABOUT

RUTLAND WATER Described as the ‘playground of the east Midlands’, Rutland Water is packed with things to do and places to go. Not only this, but it is an SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) and a renowned nature reserve which provides one of the most important wildfowl sanctuaries in Britain. Bikes can be hired from the two cycle shops on the north and south shores so you can enjoy over 20 miles of off track cycling courses and walking trails around the perimeter of the shore and peninsula boasting some stunning views of Rutland Water. Be sure to pop in to the ice cream shop and some of the many welcoming pubs along the way including the Horse and Jockey, a traditional country pub with low beams, stone floors and a log burner, located on the south shore in the village of Manton. Rutland Water also has a worldwide respected reputation for superb trout fishing and sailing with multiple events and competitions taking place throughout the year. In fact, it has one of the largest fishing fleets in the country of 60 fishing boats available to hire as well as fishing accessible from the bank. There are also lessons available for adults and children from the Rutland Sailing Club in the 3000 acres of sheltered water encapsulated in the picturesque surroundings.

Rutland may be the smallest county in England, but look a little closer and you’ll find a treasure trove of English culture, watersport activities and thriving wildlife all at the heart of Rutland Water Words Esmé Boore

Sink your teeth in to endless activities, perfect for all the family, such as a variety of water sports, fishing, cycling, and birdwatching, sailing and mini golf. In the summer relax on the beaches with a picnic. Dogs and BBQs are also welcome everywhere excluding the nature reserves at Egleton and Lyndon.

For the children, there is a limitless amount of things to do; play in the adventure playground, visit RockBlok – an outdoor adventure centre with climbing and a high ropes tree top trail, or explore the new attraction of Bugtopia – a small indoor zoo showcasing a variety of mammals, reptiles, fish and bugs. There are also various children’s courses that run throughout the year including raft building, power-boating, windsurfing, sailing, canoeing and kayaking, all perfect for the summer holidays and available to book for birthday parties.

OUT AND ABOUT

There are also over a dozen bird watching hides scattered around the perimeter of the water including the Anglian Water Bird Watching Centre, a superb facility for experiencing Rutland Water’s wildlife and nature at its best. You may even catch a glimpse of the distinguished Osprey bird. Rutland Water is also home to many unique sights and buildings. On a peninsula of its own on the east shore, the Normanton Church is a breath-taking, grade 2 listed building set in beautiful surroundings, now licenced for weddings and available all year round. For a good bite to eat, go to the Harbour Café Bar overlooking the pickup point for the Rutland Belle, a boat which can take you on a leisurely cruise around the water. If watersports and cycling are not your thing, take a relaxed stroll around the peninsula sticking out into Rutland Water and visit the village of Upper Hambleton that survived the flooding. Then marvel at Lower Hambleton, submerged almost completely under the water with only the church towers visible above the surface - a chilling yet remarkable sight. In terms of places to stay, the area of Rutland offers many charming B and B’s, guesthouses and four star hotels including Hambleton Hall in Upper Hambleton. This unique hotel allows you to escape from all the stress of the 21st century and instead swathes you in tranquil gardens, Michelin star cuisine

Rutland Water also has a worldwide respected reputation for superb trout fishing and sailing with multiple events and competitions taking place throughout the year

and luxuriously furnished rooms, all in the rural heart of Rutland. For a bit of retail therapy, head into the nearby market towns of Oakham, Uppingham and Stamford to find many independent and quirky boutiques along the high street and side streets. Purchase quality clothing, unique gifts, high class art and exquisite antiques you won’t find anywhere else.

For more information: www.rutlandwater.org.uk

Rutland Water park All the fun of the seaside now right on your doorstep

The latest beach opening days and times can be found at www.anglianwater.co.uk/leisure

FANTASTIC FAMILY PARKS

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Credits and Contributors NFC Publishing LLP, 9 Mulberry Court, Stour Road, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 1PS For all advertising and editorial enquiries, please contact UK Women Magazine. Telephone: 01202 618290 enquiries@ukwomenmagazine.co.uk www.ukwomenmagazine.co.uk

The next issue will be Autumn 2015

The UK Women Magazine Team Partners: Felicity Phillips | felicity@nfcpublishing.co.uk Carole Winterbourne | carole@nfcpublishing.co.uk Editor: Julie Connery | julie@nfcpublishing.co.uk Design: Ana Navarro | ana@nfcpublishing.co.uk Advertising Sales Team: Paul Jenkins | paul@nfcpublishing.co.uk Jade Prince | jade@nfcpublishing.co.uk Terri Spencer | terri@nfcpublishing.co.uk Finance: Clodagh Mackie | clodagh@nfcpublishing.co.uk Distribution: enquiries@nfcpublishing.co.uk

UK Women South Magazine is published quarterly and offers advertisers an exclusive target audience of professional, affluent women. The magazine is distributed to a readership throughout the southern region, encompassing Dorset, Hampshire, Leicestershire, Rutland and Wiltshire, to carefully selected high-end establishments that include luxury hotels, fine dining restaurants, boutiques, health clubs, beauty salons and spas, art galleries and business offices.

CONTRIBUTORS:

NASREEN EL-MARIESH KATIE FARLEY GARETH HERINCX

RACHEL MUSE ESMÄ&#x2013; BOORE

WITH SPECIAL THANKS to Simon Phillips and Richard Winterbourne for their continued support.

Our final thoughts...

Facebook Funnies

UK Women South Magazine is published by NFC Publishing LLP, trading as UK Women Magazine

The Silent Treatment A husband and his wife were having some marital problems and were giving each other the silent treatment. Suddenly, the man realised that the next day, he would need his wife to wake him at 5am for an early morning business flight, as he was a very deep sleeper and she was an early riser. Not wanting to be the first to break the silence (and lose!), he wrote on a piece of paper, 'Please wake me at 5am.' He left it where he knew she would find it. The next morning, the man woke up, only to discover it was 9am and he had missed his flight. Furious, he was about to go and see why his wife hadn't woken him, when he noticed a piece of paper by the bed. The paper said, 'It is 5am. Wake up.' Have you seen a funny story on Facebook that made you laugh? Send us your 'Facebook Funnies' to enquiries@ukwomenmagazine.co.uk

Disclaimer: Whilst every attempt has been made to ensure that the content of this magazine is accurate, UK Women Magazine cannot accept, and hereby

disclaims, any liability to any party to, loss or damage caused by errors or omissions, resulting from negligence, accident or any other cause. All Rights reserved. No part of this magazine can be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior written permission of UK Women Magazine. All information is correct at the time of going to press. Views expressed are not necessarily those of UK Women Magazine. Every effort has been made to trace and acknowledge the copyright holders of material used in this magazine. However, if any copyright holder has been overlooked, we will be happy to make any necessary arrangements at the first opportunity. UK Women Magazine does not necessarily endorse any advertisements or opinions included within this magazine.